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Message: [QUOTE="jdote33, post: 5180168, member: 11252"] It's definitely hard to pick against Geno with Paige and Sarah. I just think for one game, they could be the two best players on the court against anyone. Nevertheless, I do have pretty big concerns, and really think there are some complete teams other than UConn. UCLA, USC, ND and SC are all great teams. I've been high on UCLA since pre-season, and I still don't think it has really clicked for them yet. I think it's clicked for Betts and Rice which is refreshing, in that their now juniors, and had a lot of hype behind them. They are playing at a high level. But I feel like their role players who, I think are great, have been sort of hit and miss. I think if Uconn has the right strategy in terms of guarding Betts, and then players like Dugalic and Londyn Jones are off, I could definitely see UConn beating them. I do think Kiki Rice and Betts are not going to be scared of the moment or anything, and are as talented as anyone. Ultimately I do trust our role players more than any other teams (I'm bias). USC has been really good this season, but they have had some clunky offensive performances. I do think they present a big challenge to UConn in that you can always have athletic, smart players on our two best players. Juju and Kennedy Smith are taller, and physically bigger than Paige. Marshall and Iriafen are taller and just as athletic as Sarah. They are another team with role players who have stepped up all year. Juju can definitely shoot them out of a game, and Iriafen can as well for that matter. I would be fairly confident if we rematched. ND- To me they are the scariest team in the field. We've lost to them 3 straight times. They are 8 deep but the starting 5 is so talented and know how to play. Citron sometimes can be off as far as shooting. They don't have the 3 pt weapons UConn has. Still it would be my least favorite matchup. SC- I'm about to watch the Tenn game as a treat after a long day. They obviously play as a complete team, with several players that can step up. They are probably the best team defensively, and have the most experience. I'm pretty sure we've lost to them like 5 straight, which brings me pain to even type. Unlike ND and USC who I feel have perfect defensive matchups for our stars, I actually don't think they have the best matchups for Paige and Sarah. I guess we will see in February. Even though they are not my favorite team to watch, Staley is one of the few coaches that really finds a way to let everybody eat. I mean of course with reason, but everyone just kinda plays there game. I'm sure they each want a bigger role, but they all look comfortable playing their own game. Which kinda brings me back to UConn and my biggest fear with the team. I don't think everyone is playing their game. Ashlynn had an amazing freshman year, and stepped up against Iowa State. I know Azzi's back, but she is still getting significant minutes. When she's on the floor, sometimes you don't notice her, unless she flies to grab a rebound. But she doesn't seem to be looked for as a scorer anymore. Ice and Jana... Very similar. They are both in and out of the rotation. And when they do get in, they do not get post feeds consistently. So in my opinion, players who are truly playing their game - Sarah, Paige, KK. Players who are close to playing their game but still a little bit unsure of there spots - KC and Azzi. [/QUOTE]

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