Huskies, NO ONE could have seen the circumstances that have manifested within the program a month ago.
During the summer, it was good fodder to try and predict who would be the 5th starter this season. When Natalie injured her thumb requiring her to sit out until after Christmas, then the focus turned elsewhere.
I was guessing like everyone else. Even Geno doesn't know who's going to be the fifth starter start the next game until the day before. We're still trying to figure out why / how Gabby lost her starting spot. KLS started a game, then Collier started a game. How were we suppose to see that coming?
Right now, the 5th starting position appears to be a revolving door. Whoever is doing well in practice, and impresses Geno the most, gets the start.
I read somewhere recently that Gabby was having some minor confidence issues. I don't know if it's true or not. She's also having trouble staying on the floor (foul prone). Her last start, she got 2 fouls in the 1st quarter. Don't think I'm hating on Gabby. Nay I say.she's one of my favorites.
She said in a recent article that
this season, she knows the plays, and she now knows what she is doing. If Gabby can stop fouling, and stay in the game, she CAN produce a "double-double"
every night.
We've yet to see Butler take the floor. She was the cat's meow at Georgetown during her freshman year. She's a year older now. She has worked out with the team for a year, and she has learned how to play basketball the UConn way. We can't wait to see her. If she produces as expected, she just may become the 5th starter. Geno is still looking for one.
To answer your question of who starts Gabby or Napheesa, I'd say Collier. BUT, things could change during this 9 day break. Whatever issues Gabby may have been having may have been corrected. Gabby does bring a certain dynamic to the floor that Napheesa does not. I like them both, but they are two different players with different skill sets.
Gabby is a better rebounder, and she's much better at finishing under the basket, while Collier is a better "mid-range" shooter, and does not foul as much, thus she can stay on the floor longer
right now.
All of these dynamics are fluid, and are subject to change.
