Evina Finishes Rehab Thread morphed into another Who Starts Next Year Thread

[HuskylnSC]

I have to agree with @MilfordHusky. I believe we will get the 3 starters from last year plus Evina at a wing and Aaliyah in the front court as our early season starting lineup. If Paige becomes the impact at point like most of think, it's my opinion she take minutes from Aaliyah and/or Anna. I imagine we will see the minutes sprinkled around liberally in the early goings and then locked down to a key 8 players by the time conference play starts.

Aubrey is a ball to watch. She's super athletic. I hope some of you remember that last year Geno gave her orders to not shoot. Told her she was to play defense and rebound. She didn't have a good handle and a few adventures catching the ball. Also got confused on defense and had to be told where to go on offense several times. I believe it was only a severe case of Freshman nerves as she tried to go too fast. But I think she is going to have to make a super sophomore leap to be considered a starter. As a 6th man super disruptor, that definitely. I have a hard time seeing her as a starter.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I like AG coming off the bench...she adds so much energy when she comes in and changes the flow of the game...

Geno has always said he likes the player that can make positive changes the minute they step foot onto the court! That's AG in a nutshell!

 

[Ex Nutmegger]

Hope your thoughts on positive play turn to reality. That being said, when Anna (one of my favorite players) lost her starting job last year by being "0 for America," what would you call her performance?

I would have to agree with you that her initial shot results were not “super”; however, her rebounding and passing showed the kind of skill and effort Geno was looking for. And Geno’s “0 for America“ comment and sitting her for a while and working in practice did hone her shot trajectory pretty well.

When her shooting numbers skyrocketed her overall performance got a lot better. I don’t believe her effort increased even one percent during that time. So I am uncomfortable with the term underperforming for her, or for Paige or Evina should another teammate be performing at a super, super level. This is a “glass half full -glass half empty” discussion. When talking about these players I prefer to see “glass half full and better/super” a lot more than “glass half empty and bad/under- performing. That’s my feeling; I hope you’re OK with it.

 

[DEpup]

Hope your thoughts on positive play turn to reality. That being said, when Anna (one of my favorite players) lost her starting job last year by being "0 for America," what would you call her performance?

Full of nerves and over thinking until she started breathing and letting her body do what it knows how to do.....

 

[Dokey]

You make some excellent points. NO ONE knows for sure, and Geno was quoted as saying he has no idea who will start. He hasn't seen any of the freshmen in person on campus and those decisions won't be made until November probably.

My $.02... I think Evina and Paige are starters #4 and 5. Paige because she's a natural PG, has the moxie and temperament to lead the team as a freshman, and will likely be the best PG on the team from day 1.

Evina because she may be the best player on the team (will be close between her and Chrystyn IMHO).

I don't disagree that Aubrey will get lots of minutes. IF she has worked on her mid-range game and passing from the top of the key, I could see her vying for a starting role, but I don't think she's quite there yet.

Best player on the team? We do have her Tennessee performance which promises but does not guarantee good things. For Christyn to be best player she needs help and that help comes from the team’s most important player, currently sheltering at home in Poland. Anna had a knack for finding CW. As the season drew to a close last year Anna increasingly could be heard taking charge on the floor. Her bb IQ will drive the team. Then there’s Liv. She made great strides last year. With her frame, she’ll never be a bruiser but she is developing other skills. If not the best, she is perhaps most needed. Then there’s Aubrey, our Bambi, a ferocious defender who needs to bring that intensity to her offensive game. If she does, watch out. Then there are the incoming frosh, one of whom has been called the second coming of (fill in the blank) without ever setting foot in a D-1 game. Who’s the best in this abundance of riches? Just enjoy.

 

[veryolddog]

I am very pleased that she is certified to be healthy. No matter how she contributes to this team, the fact that she can play as a whole person and not have any physical limitations that will impede her play is a good thing. Stay that way and I hope she enjoys her team experience with UConn.

 

[HopJim]

I have to agree with @MilfordHusky. I believe we will get the 3 starters from last year plus Evina at a wing and Aaliyah in the front court as our early season starting lineup. If Paige becomes the impact at point like most of think, it's my opinion she take minutes from Aaliyah and/or Anna. I imagine we will see the minutes sprinkled around liberally in the early goings and then locked down to a key 8 players by the time conference play starts.

Aubrey is a ball to watch. She's super athletic. I hope some of you remember that last year Geno gave her orders to not shoot. Told her she was to play defense and rebound. She didn't have a good handle and a few adventures catching the ball. Also got confused on defense and had to be told where to go on offense several times. I believe it was only a severe case of Freshman nerves as she tried to go too fast. But I think she is going to have to make a super sophomore leap to be considered a starter. As a 6th man super disruptor, that definitely. I have a hard time seeing her as a starter.

One of the more factual, balanced assessments of Aubrey and team. Suspect we will see minutes change as the year evolves. Love the debate - unlike past years, means we have several potential starters and stronger bench.

 

[HuskylnSC]

One of the more factual, balanced assessments of Aubrey and team. Suspect we will see minutes change as the year evolves. Love the debate - unlike past years, means we have several potential starters and stronger bench.

Thank you!

 

[AmeriConn]

So happy for Evina. It was a long road and she handled it like a pro.

 

[CL82]

I'm sure she's happy to be done with it. I wonder what her reaction would be if Geno wanted her to continue with it anyway? Probably this:

 

[bob neal]

I am very pleased that she is certified to be healthy. No matter how she contributes to this team, the fact that she can play as a whole person and not have any physical limitations that will impede her play is a good thing. Stay that way and I hope she enjoys her team experience with UConn.

Amen !!

 

[donalddoowop]

I believe Evina not getting a waiver was actually a blessing to her and to UConn. Her physical condition would probably have hindered her performance. She now may have a chance to win two NC if she plays her extra year.

 

[AmeriConn]

 

[Carnac]

My prediction is:

PG-Westbrook-bring the ball up
SG-Williams
SF-Makurat-run the offense in the half court
PF-Griffin
C-Nelson-Ododa

Paige comes off the bench first and totally changes up the game by playing traditional PG. Aliyah becomes the new Aubrey as the energy off the bench in thevfront court.

DEpup, great minds think alike!!

 

[Urshurak]

My prediction is:

PG-Westbrook-bring the ball up
SG-Williams
SF-Makurat-run the offense in the half court
PF-Griffin
C-Nelson-Ododa

Paige comes off the bench first and totally changes up the game by playing traditional PG. Aliyah becomes the new Aubrey as the energy off the bench in thevfront court.

This is exactly what I think. It could slightly change from time to time though depending on who they are playing.

 

[BBallF]

My prediction is:

PG-Westbrook-bring the ball up
SG-Williams
SF-Makurat-run the offense in the half court
PF-Griffin
C-Nelson-Ododa

Paige comes off the bench first and totally changes up the game by playing traditional PG. Aliyah becomes the new Aubrey as the energy off the bench in thevfront court.

I agree. If Paige starts over Aubrey, there is no second rebounder. I always thought Evina would start even before Meg bolted. She is that good and a very tough kid by all indications. I also think that against certain teams Geno may be able to run what will be a four guard offense at times. I can't wait to see their press either way but a great pressing team would be Evina, Paige, CW, Aubrey and Liv with all the bench capable of coming in too. We always overlook Nika because we have Paige but you can see in film that she is very, very good.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I agree. If Paige starts over Aubrey, there is no second rebounder. I always thought Evina would start even before Meg bolted. She is that good and a very tough kid by all indications. I also think that against certain teams Geno may be able to run what will be a four guard offense at times. I can't wait to see their press either way but a great pressing team would be Evina, Paige, CW, Aubrey and Liv with all the bench capable of coming in too. We always overlook Nika because we have Paige but you can see in film that she is very, very good.

The second rebounder could be Aaliyah.

Does Evina start at the 1 or the 3/4? Maybe she and Anna are the 2nd rebounders.

 

[RoadWarrior]

I am less concerned with who starts though I think that Evina will be among the starters. I am really looking for really strong play from the bench. I believe that there will be an opportunity to extend leads and defend more aggressively without the substantial drop off that they have experienced over the last several years.

 

[Geew1992]

I am less concerned with who starts though I think that Evina will be among the starters. I am really looking for really strong play from the bench. I believe that there will be an opportunity to extend leads and defend more aggressively without the substantial drop off that they have experienced over the last several years.

agreed. And looking forward to a fun season

 

[MilfordHusky]

I am less concerned with who starts though I think that Evina will be among the starters. I am really looking for really strong play from the bench. I believe that there will be an opportunity to extend leads and defend more aggressively without the substantial drop off that they have experienced over the last several years.

I too am not that concerned about who starts. The important things are playing time and minutes in crunch time. The most important thing is effectiveness. I'm hoping that Geno has confidence in at least 8 players. I have not seen much video of Piath, but I've seen enough of Mir, Nika, and Aaliyah to know they look like contributors. I've seen more of Paige than I have of Michael Jordan, and she looks like a true alpha.

 

[eebmg]

View attachment 54564

Any idea what the banner Evina is holding says? I make out ?AAS Knee

 

[tchalla1]

I know Geno is reticent to plug freshmen into the mix prematurely, and there is a learning curve for her, but c'mon guys, do you honestly think that the greatest HS phenom since, well since ever, is going to be sitting the bench for long?

 

[bluedevil]

That Jesus guy must be a hell of a surgeon..Good job Dr. J.

 

[Carnac]

Some of y’all need to watch the IG with Geno and Chloe

I was thinking about who the new assistant coach will be, and if anyone had any insight or preference on who it might be. I’m sure there is a lot of interest from up and coming coaches for this position.

 

[Carnac]

That Jesus guy must be a hell of a surgeon..Good job Dr. J.

There’s none better!

 

[Argonaut]

And now that rehab is finished, she’s finally back home in Oregon with the family.

Enjoy your time at home, Evina! You’ve earned it!

 

[soxfan23]

So people have 4 guards starting with ONO? Paige, Evina, Christyn, Anna, and ONO? Seems...unlikely.

Yeah, that's not happening! The starting lineup next year will be Bueckers(1), Williams(2), Westbrook(3), Edwards/Griffin(4), Nelson-Ododa(5). Griffin may start the season at the 4, but come tournament time Edwards will be starting. She is just too good and plays too hard, she reminds me a lot of Napheesa Collier.

 

[Go/huskies]

Yeah, that's not happening! The starting lineup next year will be Bueckers(1), Williams(2), Westbrook(3), Edwards/Griffin(4), Nelson-Ododa(5). Griffin may start the season at the 4, but come tournament time Edwards will be starting. She is just too good and plays too hard, she reminds me a lot of Napheesa Collier.

I disagree, I can’t see Anna losing her starting job, I think Griffin will be a starter at the begging of the year, but I expect Pagie to move into the starting spot similar to Lou and Gabby.
Paige
Westbrook
Williams
Anna
ONO Would be my starting five with Griffin, Edwards, and Mir the first 3 subs off the bench.

 

[HopJim]

I disagree, I can’t see Anna losing her starting job, I think Griffin will be a starter at the begging of the year, but I expect Pagie to move into the starting spot similar to Lou and Gabby.
Paige
Westbrook
Williams
Anna
ONO Would be my starting five with Griffin, Edwards, and Mir the first 3 subs off the bench.

A thought related to Westbrook's work out results is Anna's conditioning. While I believe Anna has proven the necessary skills to start, we may see a new and improved version. Conditioning never appeared to be an issue but suspect that an Anna who followed Walker's regime (15 pounds lighter, stronger frame, etc.) would be quicker and better defender. No issue whoever starts - should be interesting since due to this year's competition, they will have earned it.

 

[DEpup]

Yeah, that's not happening! The starting lineup next year will be Bueckers(1), Williams(2), Westbrook(3), Edwards/Griffin(4), Nelson-Ododa(5). Griffin may start the season at the 4, but come tournament time Edwards will be starting. She is just too good and plays too hard, she reminds me a lot of Napheesa Collier.

I COMPLETELY disagree. A starting line up without Makurat is just not in the cards...