Heckel to UConn (merged threads)

[cferraro04]

Big Ball - Gandy Malou-Mamel - 6'6", Janah El Alfy - 6'5", Ice Brady - 6'3", Sarah Strong - 6'2", Caroline Ducharm, Morgan Cheli - 6'2'
Small Ball - Ayanna Patterson - 6'2", Sarah Strong - 6'2, Azzi Fudd - 5'11", Ashlynn Shade - 5'10", KK Arnold - 5'9"
Offensive Juggernaut - Serah Williams - 6'4", Sarah Strong - 6'2", Blanca Quinones - 6'2", Azzi Fudd - 5'11", Allie Ziebell - 6'0"
Defensive Nightmare - Sarah Williams - 6'4", Sarah Strong - 6'2", Ashlynn Shade - 5'10", Azzi Fudd - 5'11", KK Arnold - 5'9"
Fast and Furious - Ice Brady - 6'3", Sarah Strong - 6'2", Azzi Fudd - 5'11", KK Arnold - 5'9", Kelis Fisher - 5'9"

Best Five - Serah Williams - 6'4", Sarah Strong - 6'2", Blanca Quinones - 6'2", Azzi Fudd - 5'11", KK Arnold - 5'9"

 

[uh-no]

Azzi? Ash? Caroline? Allie? I see shooting guard as a strength!

I mean i'm not sure one can count chickens after azzie here, but i'm not sure you can say a positoin is a weakness when you're starting the final four's MOP.

 

[temery]

Huskies land former USC G Kayleigh Heckel in transfer portal

Connecticut grabs a former Trojan and Greenwich, CT native with 5-9 sophomore Kayleigh Heckel

storrscentral.com

 

[Zarathustra]

Felt the need to add something, so I went and found this from a Cali paper:

"However, Heckel was not a superstar-level player. She struggled in the Big Ten Tournament and endured a bumpy ride for much of the month of February. Her lack of size and physical stature was a clear limitation. It's not as though UConn will instantly be able to change or work around that.

We're not saying or implying UConn won't get full value from Kayleigh Heckel. We are saying UConn won't instantly create a big transformation or immediately turn her into a star. If Kayleigh Heckel does play at a star level in Storrs under Geno, it will probably be a two-year process."

Former Trojan Kayleigh Heckel transfers to UConn and Geno Auriemma

Kayleigh Heckel goes from USC to UConn, which will have everyone talking.

trojanswire.usatoday.com

TOO EARLY to speculate...... IMHO this sounds like "SOUR GRAPES"!
"IN GENO WE TRUST"

 

[Zarathustra]

Huskies land former USC G Kayleigh Heckel in transfer portal

Connecticut grabs a former Trojan and Greenwich, CT native with 5-9 sophomore Kayleigh Heckel

storrscentral.com

Nice clip of "HECKEL TO THE BASKET"! = Quickness and ball
handling.

 

[Zarathustra]

I love the photo in this article of Paige and Kayleigh battling it out. If things work out as we hope with Kayleigh this could become an iconic photo of two revered alumni.

The best player remaining in the women’s basketball transfer portal just made a contender even better

USC’s Kayleigh Heckel announced her commitment to UConn, further boosting the chances of repeating as national champs for Geno Auriemma’s Huskies.

www.sbnation.com

I like the quote from H.C. Gottlieb (after the USC vs Miss St game):
"She (Heckel) can get by anyone"... Nice. The full quote is rather
far down in the article.

 

[Doctor G]

TOO EARLY to speculate...... IMHO this sounds like "SOUR GRAPES"!
"IN GENO WE TRUST"

Heckel is a good player. Coaching, competitive practices, learning from and watching KK, Azzi and the other guards who have grown up in the UConn system and been forged in the fire of UCon expectation will help her learn, evolve and unlock her potential. Barring injury she isn’t a starter but she is the clear #2 PG, and provided she practices well and is fierce on D, will see plenty of playing time because Geno always has a ball handler or two on the floor.

 

[jazz]

Interesting that GA didn't recruit her out of HS. He has now righted that wrong. She may not be a superstar, and that is ok, but she is really good and hasn't scratched her ceiling to reach her potential. I think this is a real good get by GA. When she hits a big shot or two, everybody will be singing her praises.

 

[oldhusky]

I worry about this also. Particularly with Allie and Kelis.

I understand some concern, but view the recruiting over question a little differently. I don't think KK and Ashlynn were recruited over. KK was cheering on the pursuit of Heckel, and probably viewed her as solidifying backup PG, not as a threat to her presumed starting position next year.

Ashlynn remains the best backup choice behind Azzi, and the first or second best choice at the 3 with Blanca. Kayleigh might get some minutes at the 2, but if she does it is probably because Ashlynn is being used a lot or starting at the 3, not because she jumps ahead of her as Azzi's backup.

The argument of recruiting over is stronger for Allie and Kellis, but the former never cracked the rotation in her first year, and the later is an unproven freshmen that at least by Uconn standards was not a particularly high rated recruit. Maybe they could join the rotation this year, maybe not, but my point is neither had yet earned rotation status.

Morgan was barely in the rotation last year, but mostly as a small ball option at the 4 with Ayanna and Aubrey out with injuries. She might not have been if everyone was healthy, so it's not like she was firmly established in the rotation and lost her spot because of Kayleigh. Morgan will probably have more playing time opportunities at the 3 and then the 4 anyway.

So I don't think anyone who had a strong position in the rotation was affected much (KK and Ashlynn), and anyone who has not established themselves yet in the rotation, should not feel entitled to be off limits to being recruited over, particularly if they have already had a year in the program.

So I think recruiting over third stringers or presumed third stringers is fair game, and potentially even a rotation player if that player was not performing at Uconn standards. There are trade offs of course, and it is a delicate subject, but retaining your core players is the goal that Geno has largely achieved, and some turnover at the end of a big roster is the new normal with so much portal activity.

 

[browns]

Paradoxically, Kayleigh’s addition means minutes distribution will be flatter than it would have been if she didn’t come to UConn:

• UConn will now be 3-deep at every player’s natural position - taking liberties with Serah since she will play the “5” most of her minutes at UConn (for optimal play (below), hedge against contingencies, and optimal 4-year farm system (below));
• The “hole” at backup PG (which I worried about in the OOC) with Morgan’s injury is filled; there is no need for OOC backup PG triage thus giving Geno and CD more bandwidth from the start;
• Compared to this year (high on expectations, long on incomers + walking wounded + players in new roles with only Paige as the certain commodity), next year’s team has a running jump start (below);
• Thus, next year’s team’s competitive minutes against all teams from the start of the season will be less of an adventure than this year’s team up to the TN game;
• Hence more “garbage” time which is likely going to be “quality garbage” time — no need to wait for the Big East schedule to start the annual team metamorphosis to peak postseason form;
• I imagine that Geno’s mix-match experiments will be more quality fun stemming from intense quality 15-player practices, where most player development happens and the quality versatility of most players;
• Thus, over 40 minutes, the quality of game play will be less choppy, and player’s game minutes, even in garbage time, will not be “zero-calorie” minutes.

At bottom:

• Next year’s team has a running jump start compared to this year’s team;
• Geno’s large roster minutes distribution which he first deployed in the early TASSK years, and which he deployed again this year with a (5)+4 rotation will be deployed again next year with a possibly (5)+6 rotation;
• The running jump start is due to this year’s 6 peak-team-postseason-form players having offseason improvements vs this year’s players at the start of the season who would later mature together with Geno’s long experimentation with Board anguished “are we there yet” commentary — during the season;
• The running jump start is also due to having less longer runway players (incomers + walking wounded + rusty players) of which there were 9 this year (5 incomers + 4 walking wounded) vs 6 next year (5 incomers + 1 walking wounded (Morgan)); Caroline and Ayanna have the off-season to remove some rust;
• The 5 incomers next year include much shorter runway players (Serah who will start right away, Kayleigh as a quality PG backup and Blanca who will start, maybe after a very short &1 acclimation period);
• The running jump start is also due to the carryover of chemistry and playbook (small ball, half-court, running game, defense, etc.) rejiggered with the loss of Paige’s great (pantheon by UConn’s standards) versatility and efficiency, Kaitlyn’s steadiness and Aubrey’s x-factor play and the addition of Serah;
• Paige and Sarah’s versatile effectiveness coupled with Azzi’s late bloom made Geno’s large-roster-mix-matching this year very formidable;
• Next year, instead of the Big 3 (which only simultaneously performed as the Big 3 after the TN game), the team will possibly have (from the start) a Big 2+3, with Azzi rediscovering and honing her versatile game (positions (1)-(3), a la Paige sans (4) position); the “2” in Big 2+3 are Azzi and Sarah and the “3” are Ash (or Caroline, should she regain her form), Serah and Blanca (potential comparable to Jazzy Davidson);
• Serah’s arrival turbo-charges the running jump start as Geno will have early and larger bandwidth to improve on this year’s template with more, more experienced and offseason-targeted-improvementpost players playing at their (other) natural positions (e.g. Ice at the (4), Sarah also playing the (3)/(4) with Blanca / Morgan / Caroline who will also play the (3)/(4)); Ayanna will be available at the (4)/(5);
• The early and significant focus on post-play farm system (Serah and Sarah improving the other post players in practice) will also improve this year’s anemic passing into and within the post;
• The running game, which Geno didn’t fully unleash this year until his half-court schemes and defensive schemes were mastered, will be available from the start with this deep agile roster;
• Geno has the luxury for more strategic substitutions and feeding the hot hand which can vary from game to game;
• Thus, next year will possibly be even a better poster child for “position-less” pick-your-poison large-roster beautiful basketball; maybe, the board’s fevered “are we there yet” flavor next year will be less intense(?).

Geno’s large-roster template in the portal/ NIL/ Super team arms race era will be achieving a sustainable state with some of its main draws being:

• perennially vying for championships (one of Geno’s stated reasons for foregoing retirement);
• best-in-class farm system development of players with acclaimed exposure and pedigree for post-college basketball careers (at the next level or in other basketball-adjacent careers);
• this development involves stark player base assessments, mentoring on the beautiful basketball that John Wooden enjoyed, and best “basketball player” polishing trajectory within the confines of a collegiate career and heading into the next level for those who get drafted.

&1 For continuity from this year’s peak postseason team and to prioritize Serah’s acclimation into the starting lineup, Ash may be the better choice to start at the “3” than Blanca in the early OOC.

• Blanca will also will benefit from a smoother transitional glide path with a short adjustment into U.S. collegiate life (her Italian experience helps), Geno’s schemes (especially defense and 3-pt shooting), and any language barriers (Geno’s colorful Italian helps);
• With a clear team 40-minute hell mix-match template (thanks, Paige), every player has clear off-season high-reward development goals such as shooting (KK and Blanca, particularly), natural position offense (Ice, Jana, Ayanna, Caroline, Allie), passing into the post (everyone), vocal leadership (Azzi, Sarah, KK), etYh

This is like reading War and Peace

 

[Boreifs]

Paradoxically, Kayleigh’s addition means minutes distribution will be flatter than it would have been if she didn’t come to UConn:

• UConn will now be 3-deep at every player’s natural position - taking liberties with Serah since she will play the “5” most of her minutes at UConn (for optimal play (below), hedge against contingencies, and optimal 4-year farm system (below));
• The “hole” at backup PG (which I worried about in the OOC) with Morgan’s injury is filled; there is no need for OOC backup PG triage thus giving Geno and CD more bandwidth from the start;
• Compared to this year (high on expectations, long on incomers + walking wounded + players in new roles with only Paige as the certain commodity), next year’s team has a running jump start (below);
• Thus, next year’s team’s competitive minutes against all teams from the start of the season will be less of an adventure than this year’s team up to the TN game;
• Hence more “garbage” time which is likely going to be “quality garbage” time — no need to wait for the Big East schedule to start the annual team metamorphosis to peak postseason form;
• I imagine that Geno’s mix-match experiments will be more quality fun stemming from intense quality 15-player practices, where most player development happens and the quality versatility of most players;
• Thus, over 40 minutes, the quality of game play will be less choppy, and player’s game minutes, even in garbage time, will not be “zero-calorie” minutes.

At bottom:

• Next year’s team has a running jump start compared to this year’s team;
• Geno’s large roster minutes distribution which he first deployed in the early TASSK years, and which he deployed again this year with a (5)+4 rotation will be deployed again next year with a possibly (5)+6 rotation;
• The running jump start is due to this year’s 6 peak-team-postseason-form players having offseason improvements vs this year’s players at the start of the season who would later mature together with Geno’s long experimentation with Board anguished “are we there yet” commentary — during the season;
• The running jump start is also due to having less longer runway players (incomers + walking wounded + rusty players) of which there were 9 this year (5 incomers + 4 walking wounded) vs 6 next year (5 incomers + 1 walking wounded (Morgan)); Caroline and Ayanna have the off-season to remove some rust;
• The 5 incomers next year include much shorter runway players (Serah who will start right away, Kayleigh as a quality PG backup and Blanca who will start, maybe after a very short &1 acclimation period);
• The running jump start is also due to the carryover of chemistry and playbook (small ball, half-court, running game, defense, etc.) rejiggered with the loss of Paige’s great (pantheon by UConn’s standards) versatility and efficiency, Kaitlyn’s steadiness and Aubrey’s x-factor play and the addition of Serah;
• Paige and Sarah’s versatile effectiveness coupled with Azzi’s late bloom made Geno’s large-roster-mix-matching this year very formidable;
• Next year, instead of the Big 3 (which only simultaneously performed as the Big 3 after the TN game), the team will possibly have (from the start) a Big 2+3, with Azzi rediscovering and honing her versatile game (positions (1)-(3), a la Paige sans (4) position); the “2” in Big 2+3 are Azzi and Sarah and the “3” are Ash (or Caroline, should she regain her form), Serah and Blanca (potential comparable to Jazzy Davidson);
• Serah’s arrival turbo-charges the running jump start as Geno will have early and larger bandwidth to improve on this year’s template with more, more experienced and offseason-targeted-improvementpost players playing at their (other) natural positions (e.g. Ice at the (4), Sarah also playing the (3)/(4) with Blanca / Morgan / Caroline who will also play the (3)/(4)); Ayanna will be available at the (4)/(5);
• The early and significant focus on post-play farm system (Serah and Sarah improving the other post players in practice) will also improve this year’s anemic passing into and within the post;
• The running game, which Geno didn’t fully unleash this year until his half-court schemes and defensive schemes were mastered, will be available from the start with this deep agile roster;
• Geno has the luxury for more strategic substitutions and feeding the hot hand which can vary from game to game;
• Thus, next year will possibly be even a better poster child for “position-less” pick-your-poison large-roster beautiful basketball; maybe, the board’s fevered “are we there yet” flavor next year will be less intense(?).

Geno’s large-roster template in the portal/ NIL/ Super team arms race era will be achieving a sustainable state with some of its main draws being:

• perennially vying for championships (one of Geno’s stated reasons for foregoing retirement);
• best-in-class farm system development of players with acclaimed exposure and pedigree for post-college basketball careers (at the next level or in other basketball-adjacent careers);
• this development involves stark player base assessments, mentoring on the beautiful basketball that John Wooden enjoyed, and best “basketball player” polishing trajectory within the confines of a collegiate career and heading into the next level for those who get drafted.

&1 For continuity from this year’s peak postseason team and to prioritize Serah’s acclimation into the starting lineup, Ash may be the better choice to start at the “3” than Blanca in the early OOC.

• Blanca will also will benefit from a smoother transitional glide path with a short adjustment into U.S. collegiate life (her Italian experience helps), Geno’s schemes (especially defense and 3-pt shooting), and any language barriers (Geno’s colorful Italian helps);
• With a clear team 40-minute hell mix-match template (thanks, Paige), every player has clear off-season high-reward development goals such as shooting (KK and Blanca, particularly), natural position offense (Ice, Jana, Ayanna, Caroline, Allie), passing into the post (everyone), vocal leadership (Azzi, Sarah, KK), etc.

Would you repeat the question.

 

[Bone Dog]

I understand some concern, but view the recruiting over question a little differently. I don't think KK and Ashlynn were recruited over. KK was cheering on the pursuit of Heckel, and probably viewed her as solidifying backup PG, not as a threat to her presumed starting position next year.

Ashlynn remains the best backup choice behind Azzi, and the first or second best choice at the 3 with Blanca. Kayleigh might get some minutes at the 2, but if she does it is probably because Ashlynn is being used a lot or starting at the 3, not because she jumps ahead of her as Azzi's backup.

The argument of recruiting over is stronger for Allie and Kellis, but the former never cracked the rotation in her first year, and the later is an unproven freshmen that at least by Uconn standards was not a particularly high rated recruit. Maybe they could join the rotation this year, maybe not, but my point is neither had yet earned rotation status.

Morgan was barely in the rotation last year, but mostly as a small ball option at the 4 with Ayanna and Aubrey out with injuries. She might not have been if everyone was healthy, so it's not like she was firmly established in the rotation and lost her spot because of Kayleigh. Morgan will probably have more playing time opportunities at the 3 and then the 4 anyway.

So I don't think anyone who had a strong position in the rotation was affected much (KK and Ashlynn), and anyone who has not established themselves yet in the rotation, should not feel entitled to be off limits to being recruited over, particularly if they have already had a year in the program.

So I think recruiting over third stringers or presumed third stringers is fair game, and potentially even a rotation player if that player was not performing at Uconn standards. There are trade offs of course, and it is a delicate subject, but retaining your core players is the goal that Geno has largely achieved, and some turnover at the end of a big roster is the new normal with so much portal activity.

I come to similar conclusions but through a different set of reflections. An example is Ash (or Kash ) backing up Azzi. I assume she’ll start at the 3 initially, but may be overtaken by Blanca. Then she’ll end up backing up Azzi at the 2 and Blanca at the 3. She’ll get plenty of minutes between the two lineups this implies. The thing is, I can’t imagine her ever feeling aggrieved over not starting at either position. Certainly not at the 2 over Azzi — no kid in the country could imagine they’d start over the tournament MVP in her final season — and not at the 3 if Blanca proves herself in the big lineup, because that would mean she was great things at both ends and bringing a third big to the lineup. I mean, Blanca is 4 or 5 inches taller and not any slower than Ash. If she can hit perimeter shots, get out on the break, cause some disruption on defense, there’s a no way a consummate team player wouldn’t understand why Blanca got her starting spot.

Admittedly, it is not a transfer situation with K9. But a similar calculus will govern how the others think about it. She fits an obvious slot for a second PG and sets a standard for how stiff the competition for playing time will be in practice. This is what they all came to Storrs expecting: tough competition and a chance to be part of an NC contender. I can’t believe Geno promised any of them more than this.

You don’t come to Storrs because you feel entitled. You come for a chance to compete with the best. Geno has held up his end of whatever implicit bargain they made.

 

[Tonyc]

We are bringing back a nucleus that defensively was intimidating, suffocating and just controlled games. Our mentally committed defensive team is a big reason we held 20 pt leads over some of the best teams in WCBB. We have added athletic players who can do so much and will be able to showcase their skills.

We lost Paiges scoring and leadership and brought in a post player (Serah) who averaged 20 pts and 10 rebounds. Serah will demand attention and help take the pressure off Azzi and Sarah much like Paige did. This years version of the Huskies will have Azzi Sarah and Ash attacking imo much more with dribble drive pull up jumpers. Kelis KK Blanca and Serah have the athletic abilities to score in a verity of ways. IMO a key will be to get Allie involved from the outside. We will have that luxury this season as we will need another threat from the outside. I expect Allie to blossom this year.

We have a great roster coming into this season. We still have the injured reserves that will need time to reacclimate themselves and work their way back into the lineup. I am praying for Caroline to get back to where she was. I can only imagine how much better we would be if that were to happen. One important fact is we have ballhandlers and great passing.

Still we have Yana Caroline and Morgan coming off injuries and have no idea how long it will take them to get up to speed. Then we have Gandy and Kelis who need time to learn and play within UConns system. Thats 5 players leaving us 10 who should be ready to go. I am not gonna talk about starters or playtime. That will happen based on Geno's assessment. He has a full roster and the competition at practices will be intense. Our defense first mentality will carry us.. as we have the scorers. Much like last season our defense first mentality helped carry us.

Serah Kayleigh and Blanca add finesse athleticism and experience to the team. I expect as the season progresses they will put on a show. We are better then good. As we saw last season even with a small lineup that Geno put together we had a team that beat some very athletic teams and teams with dominate bigs. Genos team last season proved you dont need a dominate big to win. Speed balance and defense were key last season and this season we are even better. Its not about who starts or who scores alot of points. Its about playing as a team within a team system and committing to the system.

I expect this season to be a continuation of last season and at a higher level. We are deep athletic and bringing back a nucleus that no other team in WCBB can match. Add in at least 2 AAs and yeah we should win it all.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

I come to similar conclusions but through a different set of reflections. An example is Ash (or Kash ) backing up Azzi. I assume she’ll start at the 3 initially, but may be overtaken by Blanca. Then she’ll end up backing up Azzi at the 2 and Blanca at the 3. She’ll get plenty of minutes between the two lineups this implies. The thing is, I can’t imagine her ever feeling aggrieved over not starting at either position. Certainly not at the 2 over Azzi — no kid in the country could imagine they’d start over the tournament MVP in her final season — and not at the 3 if Blanca proves herself in the big lineup, because that would mean she was great things at both ends and bringing a third big to the lineup. I mean, Blanca is 4 or 5 inches taller and not any slower than Ash. If she can hit perimeter shots, get out on the break, cause some disruption on defense, there’s a no way a consummate team player wouldn’t understand why Blanca got her starting spot.

Admittedly, it is not a transfer situation with K9. But a similar calculus will govern how the others think about it. She fits an obvious slot for a second PG and sets a standard for how stiff the competition for playing time will be in practice. This is what they all came to Storrs expecting: tough competition and a chance to be part of an NC contender. I can’t believe Geno promised any of them more than this.

You don’t come to Storrs because you feel entitled. You come for a chance to compete with the best. Geno has held up his end of whatever implicit bargain they made.

Starting and playing time at UConn is never guaranteed. Tough practices which should be by nature tougher than games are guaranteed until "the game slows down" for players' anticipation and then intuition takes over.

The larger roster allows for "dinged up" players to rest (and rehab) for certain games to have them ready when the games truely matter (March AND April). The work ethic for all this next year's "kennel" of Huskies appears to be off the charts in a good way, and I look to KK's response as the leading indicator for the rest of the team. Definitely NOT luke-warm!!!

My advice (which you can feel free to disregard, as this is the Boneyard after all): Don't look for problems that are not there. Leave that for UCLA, Notre Dame & Tennessee, et al.

In the famous words of that great philosopher, Woody the Cowboy in the original Toy Story (voice of Tom Hanks): "Be happy Slink!"

Go Huskies!!!

 

[Bone Dog]

Paradoxically, Kayleigh’s addition means minutes distribution will be flatter than it would have been if she didn’t come to UConn:

• UConn will now be 3-deep at every player’s natural position - taking liberties with Serah since she will play the “5” most of her minutes at UConn (for optimal play (below), hedge against contingencies, and optimal 4-year farm system (below));
• The “hole” at backup PG (which I worried about in the OOC) with Morgan’s injury is filled; there is no need for OOC backup PG triage thus giving Geno and CD more bandwidth from the start;
• Compared to this year (high on expectations, long on incomers + walking wounded + players in new roles with only Paige as the certain commodity), next year’s team has a running jump start (below);
• Thus, next year’s team’s competitive minutes against all teams from the start of the season will be less of an adventure than this year’s team up to the TN game;
• Hence more “garbage” time which is likely going to be “quality garbage” time — no need to wait for the Big East schedule to start the annual team metamorphosis to peak postseason form;
• I imagine that Geno’s mix-match experiments will be more quality fun stemming from intense quality 15-player practices, where most player development happens and the quality versatility of most players;
• Thus, over 40 minutes, the quality of game play will be less choppy, and player’s game minutes, even in garbage time, will not be “zero-calorie” minutes.

At bottom:

• Next year’s team has a running jump start compared to this year’s team;
• Geno’s large roster minutes distribution which he first deployed in the early TASSK years, and which he deployed again this year with a (5)+4 rotation will be deployed again next year with a possibly (5)+6 rotation;
• The running jump start is due to this year’s 6 peak-team-postseason-form players having offseason improvements vs this year’s players at the start of the season who would later mature together with Geno’s long experimentation with Board anguished “are we there yet” commentary — during the season;
• The running jump start is also due to having less longer runway players (incomers + walking wounded + rusty players) of which there were 9 this year (5 incomers + 4 walking wounded) vs 6 next year (5 incomers + 1 walking wounded (Morgan)); Caroline and Ayanna have the off-season to remove some rust;
• The 5 incomers next year include much shorter runway players (Serah who will start right away, Kayleigh as a quality PG backup and Blanca who will start, maybe after a very short &1 acclimation period);
• The running jump start is also due to the carryover of chemistry and playbook (small ball, half-court, running game, defense, etc.) rejiggered with the loss of Paige’s great (pantheon by UConn’s standards) versatility and efficiency, Kaitlyn’s steadiness and Aubrey’s x-factor play and the addition of Serah;
• Paige and Sarah’s versatile effectiveness coupled with Azzi’s late bloom made Geno’s large-roster-mix-matching this year very formidable;
• Next year, instead of the Big 3 (which only simultaneously performed as the Big 3 after the TN game), the team will possibly have (from the start) a Big 2+3, with Azzi rediscovering and honing her versatile game (positions (1)-(3), a la Paige sans (4) position); the “2” in Big 2+3 are Azzi and Sarah and the “3” are Ash (or Caroline, should she regain her form), Serah and Blanca (potential comparable to Jazzy Davidson);
• Serah’s arrival turbo-charges the running jump start as Geno will have early and larger bandwidth to improve on this year’s template with more, more experienced and offseason-targeted-improvementpost players playing at their (other) natural positions (e.g. Ice at the (4), Sarah also playing the (3)/(4) with Blanca / Morgan / Caroline who will also play the (3)/(4)); Ayanna will be available at the (4)/(5);
• The early and significant focus on post-play farm system (Serah and Sarah improving the other post players in practice) will also improve this year’s anemic passing into and within the post;
• The running game, which Geno didn’t fully unleash this year until his half-court schemes and defensive schemes were mastered, will be available from the start with this deep agile roster;
• Geno has the luxury for more strategic substitutions and feeding the hot hand which can vary from game to game;
• Thus, next year will possibly be even a better poster child for “position-less” pick-your-poison large-roster beautiful basketball; maybe, the board’s fevered “are we there yet” flavor next year will be less intense(?).

Geno’s large-roster template in the portal/ NIL/ Super team arms race era will be achieving a sustainable state with some of its main draws being:

• perennially vying for championships (one of Geno’s stated reasons for foregoing retirement);
• best-in-class farm system development of players with acclaimed exposure and pedigree for post-college basketball careers (at the next level or in other basketball-adjacent careers);
• this development involves stark player base assessments, mentoring on the beautiful basketball that John Wooden enjoyed, and best “basketball player” polishing trajectory within the confines of a collegiate career and heading into the next level for those who get drafted.

&1 For continuity from this year’s peak postseason team and to prioritize Serah’s acclimation into the starting lineup, Ash may be the better choice to start at the “3” than Blanca in the early OOC.

• Blanca will also will benefit from a smoother transitional glide path with a short adjustment into U.S. collegiate life (her Italian experience helps), Geno’s schemes (especially defense and 3-pt shooting), and any language barriers (Geno’s colorful Italian helps);
• With a clear team 40-minute hell mix-match template (thanks, Paige), every player has clear off-season high-reward development goals such as shooting (KK and Blanca, particularly), natural position offense (Ice, Jana, Ayanna, Caroline, Allie), passing into the post (everyone), vocal leadership (Azzi, Sarah, KK), etc.

There's so much to think about in your excellent post. But I hesitate to respond to it here at the end of a long thread of posts moving in various directions for fear it would get lost. I think this merits a thread of its own.

 

[sno-cat]

Speaking of limited playing time, would any of UConn's big time WNBA stars have become big time WNBA stars if their playing time was limited to 10-15 minutes per game during college? Would KK or Ash have developed as far and fast as they did with less playing time?

 

[Inthepaint]

One can develop strategies to cope with one’s back being against the wall, or one can take steps to prevent one’s back from being against the wall.
Geno has demonstrated the latter
Welcome to UCONN , K9

 

[Geew1992]

I’m happy Heckel is coming but my happiness is in conflict with sadness for Qadence.

Why? She chose to enter the portal

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Interesting that GA didn't recruit her out of HS. He has now righted that wrong. She may not be a superstar, and that is ok, but she is really good and hasn't scratched her ceiling to reach her potential. I think this is a real good get by GA. When she hits a big shot or two, everybody will be singing her praises.

I think it would have been unusual for Geno not to have taken a hard look given her close to home and stellar credentials. An article lost in memory listed 5 schools as being her likes. So it could have been her who ended an early inquiry with I wanna get far away from home. A desire she certainly accomplished. Or maybe it was in Geno's mind to stay away from very pale guards for a while. Or maybe with a parent with St. Johns ties her mind had to be shocked awake with a drubbing at Geno's hands. Or maybe she told her coach she was leaving and Gottlieb pointed her Geno's way. Or maybe ....

 

[GabbyLee]

Why? She chose to enter the portal

Will Qadence be transferring or does she still have an opportunity to return to UConn???

 

[Geew1992]

Will Qadence be transferring or does she still have an opportunity to return to UConn???

She can return, but there aren't any scholarships left so she won't be playing ball if she does

 

[EricSD]

Will Qadence be transferring or does she still have an opportunity to return to UConn???

She can return, but there aren't any scholarships left so she won't be playing ball if she does

Technically, she could forego a scholarship and become a walk on, correct? Doubtful that happens. I'm not sure of why the delay has occurred in her decision process, and we've also not really heard about her being out and about visiting schools. My friend @MilfordHusky suggested she may enjoy staying close to home and Georgetown would be an excellent landing spot IMHO. Maryland is also closer to home, but she may end up getting DeBerry minutes should she go there...

I hope Q lands at a good place for her. I was hugely impressed at how much she was linked to the team, even after announcing her transfer. She showed up (with the rest of the team) to support Paige at the WNBA draft. I'm sure she's done other "team" activities with her (former) teammates. She seems like a great kid and rooting for her big time.

Anyway sorry to get off topic for the Kayleigh news. So I'll just add again - welcome K9! LOVE the name and wish you incredible success at UConn. Also can't wait to see the camera pan over to your parents and family when they come see you play in person (hopefully often!!!).

 

[HuskyNan]

She can return, but there aren't any scholarships left so she won't be playing ball if she does

She could be a walk on but you are correct that there are no scholarships available

 

[hoy-ah!]

She could be a walk on but you are correct that there are no scholarships available

Could NIL money fund her way?

 

[jaundicedeye]

Starting and playing time at UConn is never guaranteed. Tough practices which should be by nature tougher than games are guaranteed until "the game slows down" for players' anticipation and then intuition takes over.

The larger roster allows for "dinged up" players to rest (and rehab) for certain games to have them ready when the games truely matter (March AND April). The work ethic for all this next year's "kennel" of Huskies appears to be off the charts in a good way, and I look to KK's response as the leading indicator for the rest of the team. Definitely NOT luke-warm!!!

My advice (which you can feel free to disregard, as this is the Boneyard after all): Don't look for problems that are not there. Leave that for UCLA, Notre Dame & Tennessee, et al.

In the famous words of that great philosopher, Woody the Cowboy in the original Toy Story (voice of Tom Hanks): "Be happy Slink!"

Go Huskies!!!

...this next year's "kennel" of Huskies

I like that CDR!

Just as a team of sled dogs our young women are in harness and pulling together for the long haul!

 

[HuskyNan]

Could NIL money fund her way?

Q can use any NIL money she’s earned any way she likes but UConn’s NIL office can’t pay her way

 

[uconnfan68]

For me, and I know some will disagree, it doesn't bother me that Geno keeps recruiting good/great players. If you want to call that "recruiting over someone", so be it.

First, KK is a true PG. So is Kayleigh. I'd say she has more scoring pop than KK, but still, she's a PG.

Azzi is a shooting guard. Allie is a shooting guard. Ash is a shooting guard. Kelis is a combo guard. Morgan, Caroline, and Blanca are combo wing/forwards. Sarah, Ice, Ayanna, and possibly Serah are all forwards. Gandy and Jana are centers. Geno needed a PG, and whether he got several 1 year "rentals", or a player like Kayleigh with 3 years left, he needed one.

Having said that, Azzi and Morgan both have really good ball handling skills and both have played PG at times (probably out of necessity or lack of teammate talent in HS). Blanca and Caroline are supposed to have good outside shots and both are "tall and long" enough to play forward. Ice and especially Sarah can step out and hit 3's. Not sure about Serah.

My first point is, Geno could play with 3, or even 4 guards on the floor, He could go big with Sarah at the 3. He has almost limitless combo's to mix and match and play "positionless basketball". I suspect for much, if not most, of the season, he will play around with different lineups to see what works best.

My second point is that we have had SO many injuries over the past 5+ years, it's no surprise he wants 15 HS AA's on the roster (not all were but you get my point). PT is going to be competitive. Qadence saw the writing on the wall and decided to transfer, and as much as I loved her as a teammate and player, I have no issue with her getting "recruited over", if that's what you want to call it.

Add to that, top recruits just don't leave UConn. Players ranked outside the top 15-20 have, on occasion, but the top kids don't leave. And if they did, it likely would be for lack of PT which would probably be the result of them not improving as much as they needed to. AND not a single player has ever left UConn and gone on to have a great AA type college career and a solid pro career.

Having said that, NO issue with Q leaving. She saw no path to more PT at UConn, and over the next few years, it would not surprise me to see a few more leave. Juggling PT for 14-15 really good players ain't gonna be easy for Geno and co.

Last point, is UConn supposed to forego quality players because they don't want to "hurt someone's feelings"? WCBB is the big leagues, not T-league where everyone plays and everyone gets a trophy. If someone doesn't get as much PT as fans think she should, too bad. The player can work harder, get better, figure out how to contribute more, and discuss with the coaches.

Ayanna and Caroline are huge question marks - no one knows how good they will be even if 100% healthy after their long term injuries. Morgan is coming back from a season ending injury. Allie needs to show a lot more than she did last year. Gandy, by all accounts, is incredibly raw. Blanca has not played in the US. Ice hasn't improved as much as you'd expect from a top 5 HS recruit. Kelis was ranked outside the top 20 by most of the recruiting services.

Given that and the injuries, is it any surprise Geno has gone hog-wild with recruiting talent?!!! For me, I LOVE it!

I have to disagree a little with “Allie needs to show a lot more” sentiment. Allie was caught in a numbers crunch while Geno was trying to get his lineups in order. She wasn’t going to play ahead of Paige or Azzi. While she did show a need for more quickness, she also showed much promise as a shooter, and we know how much Geno likes to think they’ll always go in.

 

[cabbie191]

Why? She chose to enter the portal

You have posed a very short and succinct question. My answer will not be so short.

1) Having followed this team for decades, I am convinced that the players the coaching staff recruits are without exception not only good basketball players but also pretty decent human beings. They don't all live up to the hoped for basketball success but they all graduate and by and large have proven to be good teammates, and represent the team and university well.

2) Yes, she made the decision to enter the portal. We don't know the circumstances - it may well be that after the season the coaches told her that her future with the team in terms of playing time would likely be quite limited. She and the team had high expectations tha won't be realize and I can feel sadness for that.

3) We don't know yet whether or not this will be a good decision for her. She might not be playing ball next year, and for someone who had the skills and personality traits to offered a scholarship to UConn, this must be very hard.

4) Qadence is barely out of her teens. If this turns out to be a bad decision for her, it is something that comes with the territory of being a young person. Hopefully she learns well from it. Lord knows I made some really bad decisions when I was a teen but I was fortunate to have family that believed in me and got me through a rough patch.

5) I think college fans can approach the players on the teams they represent in one of two ways - either as persons who have joined a family of sorts, or as a commodity. I don't know you personally and I know there is a risk of my misinterpreting your words, but your response implies to me that you're more in the latter camp - she chose the portal so she's out of here, end of story.

Just because she'll no longer be wearing our uniform doesn't mean I won't hope the best for her future.