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

[lilbm2001]

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 line up makes the most sense to me to start the season. This was my prediction after Megan decided to go pro.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Frankly, if Evina can't defend a bit like Walker then I don't think they can go 4 guards. So I am also with you or anyone who says start others in that I understand the pov. BUT - the little I've seen of her though- I think she can play like Walker on defense- but not sure ofc.

I must be miss-remembering. When was Walker a stout defensive player? Her strengths were hitting threes and defensive rebounds, plus the ability to create her own shot pretty well.

 

[hoophuskee]

I must be miss-remembering. When was Walker a stout defensive player? Her strengths were hitting threes and defensive rebounds, plus the ability to create her own shot pretty well.

Who said she was "stout?" She was good enough for being a 1st team all-american while leading her team to number 5 in the country. That's pretty good, isn't it?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Who said she was "stout?" She was good enough for being a 1st team all-american while leading her team to number 5 in the country. That's pretty good, isn't it?

I don't think she got that recognition for her defense. She wasn't very quick or active defensively though she got better over the years.

 

[hoophuskee]

I don't think she got that recognition for her defense. She wasn't very quick or active defensively though she got better over the years.

I am not arguing that point. I didn't say anything about stout before nor did I say anything about recognition. Not a big deal at all - just want to point out that you're misinterpreting the point of my comment that you 1st quoted. Nor am I saying anything about her freshman year and even her soph year -- I preferred the slim down jr year. Not abig deal at all but you're reading more into my post than what I said about Evina vs Walker.

If Evina is ever to be a PF - she doesn't need to be "stout" nor does she need to get "defensive recognition." Walker didn't need to be either as well. Walker was "good enough" to be the leader on the number 5 team despite her shortcomings defensively at the PF. UCONN "survived" being number 5 in the country with this shortcoming. A similar shortcoming from Evina but not a lot worse -- UCONN "can survive" again and still possibly be better as a team as long as Evina is very close to Walker defensively.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I am not arguing that point. I didn't say anything about stout before nor did I say anything about recognition. Not a big deal at all - just want to point out that you're misinterpreting the point of my comment that you 1st quoted. Nor am I saying anything about her freshman year and even her soph year -- I preferred the slim down jr year. Not abig deal at all but you're reading more into my post than what I said about Evina vs Walker.

If Evina is ever to be a PF - she doesn't need to be "stout" nor does she need to get "defensive recognition." Walker didn't need to be either as well. Walker was "good enough" to be the leader on the number 5 team despite her shortcomings defensively at the PF. UCONN "survived" being number 5 in the country with this shortcoming. A similar shortcoming from Evina but not a lot worse -- UCONN "can survive" again and still possibly be better as a team as long as Evina is very close to Walker defensively.

Walker and Westbrook wouldn't guard many of the same types of players anyway. Walker was strong and not overly quick, better suited to using her size and strength down low. Westbrook should be fleeter of foot and better off defending quicker players on the perimeter.

 

[hoophuskee]

Walker and Westbrook wouldn't guard many of the same types of players anyway. Walker was strong and not overly quick, better suited to using her size and strength down low. Westbrook should be fleeter of foot and better off defending quicker players on the perimeter.

That was my point. If Westbrook can't guard the pf's in a similar manner then the 4guard may not work. She doesn't have to be "as strong" but if she could be "near as strong."

 

[oldhusky]

The reason why some of us believe "the 3 Must start" (though I'm not sold Anna must start. I can also see her coming off the bench for Griffin - or maybe Edwards.) is that we aren't sure if Griffin or Edwards or Mir can be be better. Just because they are taller or more physical doesn't mean they are better. Frankly, if Evina can't defend a bit like Walker then I don't think they can go 4 guards. So I am also with you or anyone who says start others in that I understand the pov. BUT - the little I've seen of her though- I think she can play like Walker on defense- but not sure ofc. I am less sure of Edwards and Mir. Slightly less sure with Griffin. Though I understand starting the others. Though would be shocked if it is Mir.

Anyhow, off the top of your head wouldn't you agree that Evina, Paige and Anna are the better players than Griff and Edwards? I agree if Edwards or Griffin for example are better - sure. But if they aren't -- we played small last year - why can't we play small again? This team might be better than last years team playing small, right? UCONN was 5th in the country last year and UCONN might be much, much better this upcoming year even if they play small. So why fight it?

I expect that Evina and Paige are very likely to be better players this year than Griff and Edwards if they are playing their natural positions. Anna and Griff in my opinion might be close, as might be Edwards vs. Anna, and there is much uncertainty but I expect Edwards in time to be better than Griff and a future WNBA player.

You could grade every player by what position they play. In my opinion Westbrook's best position is SG, so maybe on a scale of 1-10 she might be a 9 at that position, a 7 or 8 at the point or small forward, but only say a 5 at PF. Maybe a better player but not necessarily at the PF position. If Westbrook or Anna come off the bench either could reasonably backup 1-3, and be number 6 on minutes played overall.

Or look at the bench with four guards starting. In that case your two best bench players would both have PF as their best natural position in my opinion, although a good argument could be made for Nika. The entire pattern of rotation has to be taken into account.

We have pretty good versatility with this roster for 1-3 with a couple of exceptions. Nika is a pure point with probably a mediocre shot, and I feel her effectiveness as a 2 would drop off substantially. I think CW is much better at 2 than any other position. If CW is in with Westbrook it is better to keep her at the 2 and have Westbrook be the 1 or 3. Same thing with CW and Anna. If Nika is in with Paige who could be very good at 1 or 2, Nika should take the point with Paige as the 2.

Up front I would play a better player out of position to cover minutes behind Liv. Griff and Edwards might be close for their abilities this year at the 4, but Edwards is bigger and more suited to play against bigger players. I think Edwards playing her 2nd or third best position is very likely to be better than Piath playing her natural spot. So there unless Piath shows a-lot maybe Liv, Griff and Edwards share the 4/5 minutes with Liv getting all of hers at C, Griff getting all of hers at PF (maybe a few at SF), and Edwards splitting hers between both positions.

 

[Go/huskies]

I can’t see Westbrook going from point guard, to power forward. Williams at 5’11 is the better rebounder, and looks a little more physical then Westbrook. If UConn runs with a 4 guard line up, I expect Williams or Anna to play the 4 on defense, the good thing only teams like Baylor, and South Carolina should give the huskies fits since they both go with size at both the front court positions.
Also Westbrook has 3 double digit assist games in her college career and 2 games with at least 9, clearly setting up her teammates is one of the strongest parts of her game.

 

[Centerstream]

No wonder Auriemma laughs at the BY.

I think that you have picked up on the true intent of my original post...even though in a small way, I am actually in favor of "my" dual team concept.

 

[winlots]

We like Makurat as player and person, BUT not so sure she will be in the starting five in new season.

 

[soxfan23]

I remember a person that was started at the 4 and had no size......Gabby, how did that turn out? She also moved to the 5 to make room for Pheesa to play the 4 spot.

You are seriously comparing a once in a generation athlete/jumper like Gabby Williams to Makurat? Come on, let's be a little realistic here!

 

[diggerfoot]

For those who cannot see Makurat at the four I wonder if you realize the following:

She is at least 6'1", probably taller (as EricLA mentioned)
She is built solid
From day one Auriemma praised Griffin's athleticism ... but he praised Makurat's strength
She has an advanced understanding of the fundamentals from pro ball, including boxing out

In other words, she is maybe an inch short of fitting the prototypical PF if it were not for two little details, last year she became the best passer on the team and she is a good (though streaky) shooter. I have no idea if that is how Auriemma will use her, but she is probably more physically suited for PF than any other player except Edwards. (Griffin could defend all five positions, but her athleticism would lend itself best towards becoming DPOY at the 3). On the other hand, speaking of Edwards, I am not one to bet against Canadians that make it on the National Team in high school and win DPOY awards. We have a good track record with that.

 

[hoophuskee]

I can’t see Westbrook going from point guard, to power forward. Williams at 5’11 is the better rebounder, and looks a little more physical then Westbrook. If UConn runs with a 4 guard line up, I expect Williams or Anna to play the 4 on defense, the good thing only teams like Baylor, and South Carolina should give the huskies fits since they both go with size at both the front court positions.
Also Westbrook has 3 double digit assist games in her college career and 2 games with at least 9, clearly setting up her teammates is one of the strongest parts of her game.

Westbrook doesn't need to be a better rebounder. She has more size and longer arms though to potentially keep balls away form the opposing PF. IMO Anna isn't athletic enough and CWill is just too small.

Further imo if Westbrook was the PF she wouldn't need to play at all on offense inside. So she would still be handling the ball on the perimeter and I think she'll have more opportunity for assists throwing to Olivia, Anna, CWill and Paige combo than throwing to either Edwards or Griff.

 

[soxfan23]

There are posters on here who state in a matter of fact way who the starters will be. Why would they do that when Geno does not know who the starters will be? soxfan23, you say you can't just play a kid at the four who has never done so in her life. Using that logic, how can you start a player who has never played a minute of college ball in her life? I believe Makurat is going to be hard to keep out of the starting rotation. How can Westbrook be a lock until she has proven she is healthy and knows the UConn system?

To put things in perspective, Makurat averaged virtually the same number of rebounds per game playing the 3 as 5'7 Dangerfield did running the point! Westbrook averaged 15pts and 5ast as sophomore playing in arguably the best conference in the country, there is no way she just doesn't start! Her injury history is blown out of proportion on this board, her latest surgery was elective and she chose to have it only after being ruled ineligible last season. She has also had a year and a half learning the UConn system.

 

[soxfan23]

For those who cannot see Makurat at the four I wonder if you realize the following:

She is at least 6'1", probably taller (as EricLA mentioned)
She is built solid
From day one Auriemma praised Griffin's athleticism ... but he praised Makurat's strength
She has an advanced understanding of the fundamentals from pro ball, including boxing out

In other words, she is maybe an inch short of fitting the prototypical PF if it were not for two little details, last year she became the best passer on the team and she is a good (though streaky) shooter. I have no idea if that is how Auriemma will use her, but she is probably more physically suited for PF than any other player except Edwards. (Griffin could defend all five positions, but her athleticism would lend itself best towards becoming DPOY at the 3). On the other hand, speaking of Edwards, I am not one to bet against Canadians that make it on the National Team in high school and win DPOY awards. We have a good track record with that.

She averaged less than 4 rebounds a game last year while playing the 3!

 

[soxfan23]

This is your 4 next year!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

To put things in perspective, Makurat averaged virtually the same number of rebounds per game playing the 3 as 5'7 Dangerfield did running the point!

Yes, but in 9 fewer minutes per game. Prorated she'd average 1.5 more boards than Crystal Dangerfield.

To be clear, Makurat's not a 4, but she's actually a good rebounder for a guard/wing.

 

[diggerfoot]

She averaged less than 4 rebounds a game last year while playing the 3!

Chasing rebounds from the perimeter is different than fighting for rebounds in the post. If Auriemma wanted her to fight for rebounds in the post she has the physical tools for accomplishing that. Makurat would have trouble beating Dangerfield in chasing a rebound; Dangerfield would have trouble fighting Makurat for a rebound in the post. Last year Makurat would have had to mainly chase rebounds, not box out and fight for them.

Not making predictions about who will start or how they would be used, outside of pointing out that Makurat is the most physically suited for the four out Westbrook, Bueckers or Williams.

On edit: Once again, not predicting Makurat will be used this way, but imagine our transition offense if Makurat became responsible for defensive rebounding. You would have Dolson/Walton-esque outlet passes to Bueckers or Westbrook, who then would find one of many great athletes running the floor.

 

[AmeriConn]

I agree that other freshmen will play later in the year. Anna will not be starter.

All opinion here. I believe Anna will again be a starter. She made tremendous improvement throughout the season. She was in the drivers seat and I don't believe Geno will now make her sit in the back seat to a freshman. If it doesn't work out, he will make a change.

 

[hoophuskee]

She averaged less than 4 rebounds a game last year while playing the 3!

Not making predictions about who will start or how they would be used, outside of pointing out that Makurat is the most physically suited for the four out Westbrook, Bueckers or Williams.

On edit: Once again, not predicting Makurat will be used this way, but imagine our transition offense if Makurat became responsible for defensive rebounding. You would have Dolson/Walton-esque outlet passes to Bueckers or Westbrook, who then would find one of many great athletes running the floor.

Don't think she is athletically suited. Don't see her as 4. But if you're right would be terrific.

Secondly, Walton did over the head passes. He was 6'11. Anna can't do any of that.

 

[hart2hart]

I’m cool with whoever starts......just can’t wait until the season starts! 5-1/2 months and counting down......Fingers Crossed! I’m hopeful!

 

[DEpup]

We like Makurat as player and person, BUT not so sure she will be in the starting five in new season.

I'm not sure what you are smoking or sniffing but she is a starter!

 

[Dooooooomed]

Nice to have so many options.

 

[Dokey]

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.

Anna really didn’t do a lot of sitting. For a while she technically wasn’t starting but she was getting the minutes.

 

[Dokey]

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.

Anna makes this team her team. Her skills plus her bb iq puts her in charge on the floor. She doesn’t bring ball up court but once past midpoint she controls the game.

 

[Dokey]

For me the wild card in this debate is just how good Aaliyah Edwards might be at the wing. Don't really know anything about her ball handling/passing skills, but I hope they are good and improving.

I agree. She’s the wildcard.

 

[winlots]

I'm not sure what you are smoking or sniffing but she is a starter!

NOW you can be sure: I don't smoke. And I'm no sniffer. (Am not putting big bucks on this on either outcome, but time will tell who starts)

 

[hoophuskee]

Nobody knows. It's just great fun to speculate.

If Edwards is the real deal she would fit easily in a conventional manner. I'd like to see how quick she is as compared to Griffin and Mir. Also could be fine - very fine in pressng/trapping too.

If Griffin improves her shot- why can't UCONN have trapping halfcourt zone defenses? How many teams have 1.) good enough guards to handle the trap, 2.) not only handle it but get into an offense quick enough, 3.) while having TWO bigs that are very good in combination of passing and scoring (you just can't have one big that is good inside and the other good passing. You need at least one that is good at both while able to shoot pretty well at 15+ feet) to wipe you out inside 4.) while having good enough shooters to blast the zone? Keep in mind Griffin will get stronger.

I have no idea - none - what to expect from Mir. Same with Piath.

We lose our best scorer and best passer. We have 6 new players. The crazy thing is UCONN could be better. Could be "much" better too. Though to start the season I suspect Geno will tell all that he expects to finish worst than last place in the Big East this year. After the 1st week of practice he'll make quips like Evina and Paige are the worst passers he has ever seen,.

Just exciting to think what will evolve.

 

[soxfan23]

Nobody knows. It's just great fun to speculate.

If Edwards is the real deal she would fit easily in a conventional manner. I'd like to see how quick she is as compared to Griffin and Mir. Also could be fine - very fine in pressng/trapping too.

If Griffin improves her shot- why can't UCONN have trapping halfcourt zone defenses? How many teams have 1.) good enough guards to handle the trap, 2.) not only handle it but get into an offense quick enough, 3.) while having TWO bigs that are very good in combination of passing and scoring (you just can't have one big that is good inside and the other good passing. You need at least one that is good at both while able to shoot pretty well at 15+ feet) to wipe you out inside 4.) while having good enough shooters to blast the zone? Keep in mind Griffin will get stronger.

I have no idea - none - what to expect from Mir. Same with Piath.

We lose our best scorer and best passer. We have 6 new players. The crazy thing is UCONN could be better. Could be "much" better too. Though to start the season I suspect Geno will tell all that he expects to finish worst than last place in the Big East this year. After the 1st week of practice he'll make quips like Evina and Paige are the worst passers he has ever seen,.

Just exciting to think what will evolve.

I think you will see UConn be a lot more aggressive on defense next year! They simply have not had the numbers or talent to do so over the past couple of years, but all that changes with this class.