Since the Stanford game, we are seeing the evolution this team. And this evolution will continue for the rest of the season.
As many have mentioned, there are new parts moving in and out, including two very talented freshmen - Kia and Gabby. Most surprising is Gabby. A small forward to be sure, she is very athletic, very strong and has incredible leaping ability. She as seems to have a nose for the basket. For not playing for two years because of knee surgeries, she is giving valuable minutes to a very potent lineup.
Morgan is becoming the leader of this team. You can see it on the floor, team huddles on the court and according to Geno in practice as well.
Defensively, this may not be one of Geno's great defensive teams, at least not yet. What was evident against ND and last night against DePaul was early drives by ND and DePaul into the paint for easy buckets. The solution, insert one Kiah Stokes! Her reputation as a rebounder and shot blocker is well know. Her presence changed the whole tenor of the ND game. She came in last night and you could see DePaul guards choosing not to challenge her in the paint. Her teammates know Kiah will clean up anyone coming into the paint.
And finally, we are starting to see balanced scoring from all. Like last year, name your poison when you want to double team a UCONN player. Go ahead, double Stewie. That means someone else is open. We are finding the open person and nailing the shot. I am still surprised that Kaleena gets loose outside the arc for open 3's. Teams know she's a sharpshooter! They know she can hit 50% of her 3's. Yet, there she is all alone, shooting and snapping the nets! Kia Nurse is showing she can drain the 3. Another nasty weapon teams need to respect.
After last night's game, Doug Bruno said to the effect, the national championship goes thru UCONN. And he's right.