Geno has a Good Problem

[Tonyc]

Well, it has become very obvious to me who our top 8-10 players are for now. With that said we have a bunch of others who could be in that 8-10 but due to many things theyre not. There is only so much playtime and only so many minutes to go around. Thats how good and talented we are. We saw late in the game Geno bringing in those other players giving them time and getting them experience. The needs of the team at this point are developing chemistry and getting those 8-10 players use to playing together as well as bringing everybody else along.

Ice and Morgan are injured and very well may be out this season. Yana Kelis Gandy and Caroline are seeing minutes after our 8-10 players. That could change but for right now Yana and Caroline are coming back from injuries, Kelis is inexperienced and looking great and Gandy is not ready.

Bottom line is we are loaded with talent. We are far better than any team Ive seen so far. As good as Texas played against UCLA and SC all 3 of those teams will get better.............and so will UConn. Azzi Sarah and Blanca exceed expectations and UConns defense is overwhelming. No other team has 3 players or a defense that compare imo. UConns depth makes them even tuffer.

You can debate that this team is better than last year. They have more depth, much more balance. We are beginning to see players getting better and the team chemistry developing. Serah and Jana have improved, and as they continue to get better, their presence will change how defenses play against us. We are explosive on both sides of the ball. On defense we have players that make plays that surprise me. Our defense gets into opponents heads. This is why we are blowing out teams. Its hard to execute offense when you have to be concerned about your opponents derenz We saw last season in the NCAAs what are defense did to top teams. Well our defense has gotten better and has more depth. Now thats scary...scary good.

Looking ahead to next season we bring back a healthy Morgan a healthy Ice a healthy Yana along with the Big O and Popovic. We are still loaded and deep. Geno has a good problem and he's handling it as well as he can.

 

[Cornell Lt]

I like your reasoning, however I will say that I'm a bit hesitant about playing a really good big physical team.

 

[EricLA]

Love the enthusiasm Tony, but "far better"? I wouldn't count out Texas, SC, and even UCLA when they are fully healthy and firing on all cylinders. I do think those 4 teams seem to be heads (maybe not shoulders) above the other teams - LSU is a mystery as they've literally played no one in the top 100.

I also don't see a core 8-10 at this time - it's more a core 8. Jana seems to have been moved out of the core group and as it stands, KK, Ash, Azzi, Sarah, and Serah. Then Blanca, Allie, and Kayleigh off the bench.

I'm not sure if Jana can work herself out of the bottom group. I like what I've seen a LOT from Kelis. Would be interesting to bump her up to the core group. Even if Morgan comes back, she will have a long road IMHO to get into game shape and work her way in. Ice - not sure what's up with her, but the longer she stays out, the harder it will be.

BUT a core 8 is far better than what we've seen in the past and I'm really liking the chemistry between all of them. Geno seems to have found a good formula for grouping them. Now if they could only figure out how to work thru the lulls in offense (our Q3 seems to be a bit of an Achilles heel in several games this season).

My $.02

• Sarah - better than last year. Almost every analyst has called her the most complete player in the nation. She's just SPECIAL. We will need to more room on Mount Rushmore UConn version as there is another that's going to need to be added
• Azzi - Rebecca said the NPOY at this time is a 2-player race between Paige and Azzi. I think that for her position, Azzi is the most complete guard in the country so it's hard to argue with that (altho maybe a bit of homerism...) but... a healthy Azzi has suddenly launched herself into the discussion of #1 pick and also NPOY so wow.
• KK - she's really good. Much better with the 3, can drive whenever she sees an opening, and has really good court vision. Her A/TO ratio is 4/1. 32/8. And 22 steals to boot - 2nd on the team to Sarah.
• Ash - her scoring has been hit or miss, literally, but she's a blue collar work horse out there and a great complement to the other "stars"
• Serah - I have to be honest. Been a tad disappointed with her play. Yes she's getting better, but the positioning she carves out for herself in the post has been all over the map, and not something I expected from a player with her experience. BUT... you can see improvements almost every game so hopefully she keeps that trajectory.

The rest of the core:

• Blanca - one of the very best freshmen in the country. Geno compared her to Sveta - she's more a wing/forward version of her, if that makes sense - Sveta was a bit more guard IMHO, but I get the comparison. She's a future superstar.
• Kayleigh - sometimes plays quiet, then explodes for a steal, great pass, great drive, or shot. She's still finding her way, but she's a keeper for sure.
• Allie - SO happy for her - far and away the most improved from last season.

I'd love to see Kelis start to move up towards the core group. Every time I see her she impresses. Jana BATTLES out there. Rooting for her big time. Yanna is starting to look smooth. Carol is playing. Gandy needs work.

Our defense has been elite, even this early in the season. At times the offense looks fantastic. Every time will improve as the season progresses, but so will UConn. I like where we are and where we are headed.

 

[Centerstream]

We shouldn't have to worry about UCLA, Texas and SoCar until the Final Four and as a result, would only face two of them (if they remain the chalk teams). Same with LSU, but they would be in the Elite Eight round. So why should they be in any discussion going forward? Geno needs to focus on the Big East and the remaining OOC opponents and getting through the regular season. He will be ready for the NCAAT no matter who is left standing.
I also think that Jana should get more time on the court and hopefully having to stop looking over her shoulder. I think that she played so well last season against UCLA and SoCar (twice) because she was a little more relaxed. But unfortunately, I think her career here at UConn is going to be comparable to another of my favorite former players...Natalie Butler. As hard as she tries, she will still be sitting on the bench because there's someone in her way. This year it's Serah, next year, Olivia.

 

[Bone Dog]

I like your reasoning, however I will say that I'm a bit hesitant about playing a really good big physical team.

I’m not all that concerned about “the big physical teams.” That was OU and UCLA last season and we simply ran them off the court. Cori said it herself in a sideline interview, that her players simply weren’t prepared to run and play as hard as UConn. From what I’ve seen so far, that hasn’t changed. Big and physical is often just a nice way of saying “slowfooted.”

 

[YKCornelius]

We shouldn't have to worry about UCLA, Texas and SoCar until the Final Four and as a result, would only face two of them (if they remain the chalk teams). Same with LSU, but they would be in the Elite Eight round. So why should they be in any discussion going forward? Geno needs to focus on the Big East and the remaining OOC opponents and getting through the regular season. He will be ready for the NCAAT no matter who is left standing.
I also think that Jana should get more time on the court and hopefully having to stop looking over her shoulder. I think that she played so well last season against UCLA and SoCar (twice) because she was a little more relaxed. But unfortunately, I think her career here at UConn is going to be comparable to another of my favorite former players...Natalie Butler. As hard as she tries, she will still be sitting on the bench because there's someone in her way. This year it's Serah, next year, Olivia.

Nah. It is going to take the Big O at least a year to get up to speed playing inside UConn schemes against college opponents. This ain't high school, AAU or FIBA U18. As has been said numerous times over the years, UConn bigs require more time to develop than guards/wings. Jana is a great example of the necessary development timeline.

 

[Charliebball]

I’m not all that concerned about “the big physical teams.” That was OU and UCLA last season and we simply ran them off the court. Cori said it herself in a sideline interview, that her players simply weren’t prepared to run and play as hard as UConn. From what I’ve seen so far, that hasn’t changed. Big and physical is often just a nice way of saying “slowfooted.”

If UConn plays to their potential, they will be difficult to defeat.......I think USC and UCLA are improved over last season and along with Texas are the major threats to UConn..............UCLA looks to be a better team this season with one of the best three point shooters in the country in Kneepkens, a very smart guard in Leger-Walker and an improved shooter in Jaquez....South Carolina has added a consistent scorer in Latson along with an ever-improving Edwards and with Texas I always fear any Vic Schaefer coached team and for good reason....

 

[Centerstream]

Nah. It is going to take the Big O at least a year to get up to speed playing inside UConn schemes against college opponents. This ain't high school, AAU or FIBA U18. As has been said numerous times over the years, UConn bigs require more time to develop than guards/wings. Jana is a great example of the necessary development timeline.

I agree with you 100% but I really don't know the plan for Jana this season. If I remember correctly, when she committed to UConn, it was posted that due to her competition in Egypt, she was a can't miss big for UConn. Well as much as she has tried, she isn't getting/hasn't gotten a ton of playing time. I don't know why, could be her injuries, her attitude (she seems to get down on herself) or just the learning curve. But I hope that once the conference games start, she gets some real minutes. But at whose expense...hmm?

 

[asuwish]

Nah. It is going to take the Big O at least a year to get up to speed playing inside UConn schemes against college opponents. This ain't high school, AAU or FIBA U18. As has been said numerous times over the years, UConn bigs require more time to develop than guards/wings. Jana is a great example of the necessary development timeline.

The big O is more like Sarah Strong than any big I think ever came here. Like Sarah she has Jokic type game. Those 2 passing the ball should be fun to watch. UCLA is much improved with the Utah, Washington State, and European kid all very capable scorers. They have 6 kids averaging double figures so a better team than last year, and Texas is very strong and have a superstar to go to when needed. Michigan showed we are not a shoe in. I really think as Big East blow outs become routine, Patterson, Caroline and Fisher can all get comfortable enough to seamlessly contribute if called upon.

 

[huskyd]

Well, it has become very obvious to me who our top 8-10 players are for now. With that said we have a bunch of others who could be in that 8-10 but due to many things theyre not. There is only so much playtime and only so many minutes to go around. Thats how good and talented we are. We saw late in the game Geno bringing in those other players giving them time and getting them experience. The needs of the team at this point are developing chemistry and getting those 8-10 players use to playing together as well as bringing everybody else along.

Ice and Morgan are injured and very well may be out this season. Yana Kelis Gandy and Caroline are seeing minutes after our 8-10 players. That could change but for right now Yana and Caroline are coming back from injuries, Kelis is inexperienced and looking great and Gandy is not ready.

Bottom line is we are loaded with talent. We are far better than any team Ive seen so far. As good as Texas played against UCLA and SC all 3 of those teams will get better.............and so will UConn. Azzi Sarah and Blanca exceed expectations and UConns defense is overwhelming. No other team has 3 players or a defense that compare imo. UConns depth makes them even tuffer.

You can debate that this team is better than last year. They have more depth, much more balance. We are beginning to see players getting better and the team chemistry developing. Serah and Jana have improved, and as they continue to get better, their presence will change how defenses play against us. We are explosive on both sides of the ball. On defense we have players that make plays that surprise me. Our defense gets into opponents heads. This is why we are blowing out teams. Its hard to execute offense when you have to be concerned about your opponents derenz We saw last season in the NCAAs what are defense did to top teams. Well our defense has gotten better and has more depth. Now thats scary...scary good.

Looking ahead to next season we bring back a healthy Morgan a healthy Ice a healthy Yana along with the Big O and Popovic. We are still loaded and deep. Geno has a good problem and he's handling it as well as he can.

Just want to say early on that, while Blanca is receiving deserved accolades, please add Kelis Fisher to UConn's future. Those 2 will become established stars with great ability and creative play-making. Just saying . . .

 

[WiseWillie]

We shouldn't have to worry about UCLA, Texas and SoCar until the Final Four and as a result, would only face two of them (if they remain the chalk teams). Same with LSU, but they would be in the Elite Eight round. So why should they be in any discussion going forward? Geno needs to focus on the Big East and the remaining OOC opponents and getting through the regular season. He will be ready for the NCAAT no matter who is left standing.
I also think that Jana should get more time on the court and hopefully having to stop looking over her shoulder. I think that she played so well last season against UCLA and SoCar (twice) because she was a little more relaxed. But unfortunately, I think her career here at UConn is going to be comparable to another of my favorite former players...Natalie Butler. As hard as she tries, she will still be sitting on the bench because there's someone in her way. This year it's Serah, next year, Olivia.

Last year Paige was Jana's roommate and IMO played a huge role acting as a "big" sister in serving to inspire and motivate Jana. In a commentary by Holly Rowe during the UCLA game, she said Paige would get up at 5 AM to make breakfast for Jana so she would have enough energy during Ramadan fasting. Paige helping Jana to me definitely amped up her confidence which was clear to anyone watching her play in both the UCLA and USC games. She could use more of what she did then right now. She might need another "big" sister. Anyway, like you, I feel she needs to stop looking over her shoulder every time she hears the scorers horn and see more time on the court.

 

[uconnfan68]

Well, it has become very obvious to me who our top 8-10 players are for now. With that said we have a bunch of others who could be in that 8-10 but due to many things theyre not. There is only so much playtime and only so many minutes to go around. Thats how good and talented we are. We saw late in the game Geno bringing in those other players giving them time and getting them experience. The needs of the team at this point are developing chemistry and getting those 8-10 players use to playing together as well as bringing everybody else along.

Ice and Morgan are injured and very well may be out this season. Yana Kelis Gandy and Caroline are seeing minutes after our 8-10 players. That could change but for right now Yana and Caroline are coming back from injuries, Kelis is inexperienced and looking great and Gandy is not ready.

Bottom line is we are loaded with talent. We are far better than any team Ive seen so far. As good as Texas played against UCLA and SC all 3 of those teams will get better.............and so will UConn. Azzi Sarah and Blanca exceed expectations and UConns defense is overwhelming. No other team has 3 players or a defense that compare imo. UConns depth makes them even tuffer.

You can debate that this team is better than last year. They have more depth, much more balance. We are beginning to see players getting better and the team chemistry developing. Serah and Jana have improved, and as they continue to get better, their presence will change how defenses play against us. We are explosive on both sides of the ball. On defense we have players that make plays that surprise me. Our defense gets into opponents heads. This is why we are blowing out teams. Its hard to execute offense when you have to be concerned about your opponents derenz We saw last season in the NCAAs what are defense did to top teams. Well our defense has gotten better and has more depth. Now thats scary...scary good.

Looking ahead to next season we bring back a healthy Morgan a healthy Ice a healthy Yana along with the Big O and Popovic. We are still loaded and deep. Geno has a good problem and he's handling it as well as he can.

You're already into next season? Let's finish this one first!

 

[WiseWillie]

I agree with you 100% but I really don't know the plan for Jana this season. If I remember correctly, when she committed to UConn, it was posted that due to her competition in Egypt, she was a can't miss big for UConn. Well as much as she has tried, she isn't getting/hasn't gotten a ton of playing time. I don't know why, could be her injuries, her attitude (she seems to get down on herself) or just the learning curve. But I hope that once the conference games start, she gets some real minutes. But at whose expense...hmm?

Nothing can be assumed to be a guarantee, but IMO before she committed to come to UConn Serah must have been at least fairly sure based on whatever conversations were held that she would be the starter. In any event, Serah has been the starter since day 1 and it does not appear that will change anytime soon as she is being given Geno's obvious grace and time to become more integrated into the UConn offense. Once Serah was signed Jana's role diminished to being given time when the game is pretty much under control for a minute or two perhaps during the 3Q but mostly 4Q when the outcome is assured. Of course nothing is a given and every player must continually earn their position, but it doesn't take a basketball genius to see the direction that is being preferred right now. Despite the reduction in court time so far this year, Jana simply needs to keep working hard to improve and hopefully her role will change.

 

[Boreifs]

Well, it has become very obvious to me who our top 8-10 players are for now. With that said we have a bunch of others who could be in that 8-10 but due to many things theyre not. There is only so much playtime and only so many minutes to go around. Thats how good and talented we are. We saw late in the game Geno bringing in those other players giving them time and getting them experience. The needs of the team at this point are developing chemistry and getting those 8-10 players use to playing together as well as bringing everybody else along.

Ice and Morgan are injured and very well may be out this season. Yana Kelis Gandy and Caroline are seeing minutes after our 8-10 players. That could change but for right now Yana and Caroline are coming back from injuries, Kelis is inexperienced and looking great and Gandy is not ready.

Bottom line is we are loaded with talent. We are far better than any team Ive seen so far. As good as Texas played against UCLA and SC all 3 of those teams will get better.............and so will UConn. Azzi Sarah and Blanca exceed expectations and UConns defense is overwhelming. No other team has 3 players or a defense that compare imo. UConns depth makes them even tuffer.

You can debate that this team is better than last year. They have more depth, much more balance. We are beginning to see players getting better and the team chemistry developing. Serah and Jana have improved, and as they continue to get better, their presence will change how defenses play against us. We are explosive on both sides of the ball. On defense we have players that make plays that surprise me. Our defense gets into opponents heads. This is why we are blowing out teams. Its hard to execute offense when you have to be concerned about your opponents derenz We saw last season in the NCAAs what are defense did to top teams. Well our defense has gotten better and has more depth. Now thats scary...scary good.

Looking ahead to next season we bring back a healthy Morgan a healthy Ice a healthy Yana along with the Big O and Popovic. We are still loaded and deep. Geno has a good problem and he's handling it as well as he can.

Carol is at present the 10th player and Jana is the ninth. That could easily change once Morgan is ready to play.

 

[rugbymate]

There is a lot of enthusiasm about our prospects and a growing consensus that we may be better this year than last. However, I’ve seen a bit of Texas, UCLA and SC. While it’s easy to make the case we would win a seven game series with each of those teams, in one game any thing can happen. An off shooting night for us and a strong shooting night(particularly 3’s) for one of those teams could make a difference in outcomes. Think Michigan. Having said that, if I was a betting man I’d plunk cash on an NC and an undefeated season.

 

[GoUconn7961]

These are all nice arguments to have. We are extremely lucky (and spoiled).

 

[Centerstream]

There is a lot of enthusiasm about our prospects and a growing consensus that we may be better this year than last. However, I’ve seen a bit of Texas, UCLA and SC. While it’s easy to make the case we would win a seven game series with each of those teams, in one game any thing can happen. An off shooting night for us and a strong shooting night(particularly 3’s) for one of those teams could make a difference in outcomes. Think Michigan. Having said that, if I was a betting man I’d plunk cash on an NC and an undefeated season.

If the chalk holds, we will only have to face 2 of these 3 teams, in April.