In her last year, Paige says: NO MORE PASSIVE PAIGE

[BlueSkyGLW]

Martina? Svetlana.

Perhaps, Tina Charles? I don't remember a Martina.....except in tennis (two of them)

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I would rather 6 or 7 players had double figure games than 2 with double figures and Paige having 35 or 40!
Against the toughest opponents the more scorers UConn has the harder it will be to beat them!
UConn traditionally through the years have had the most success when "everyone eats!"

 

[Skeets]

Geno had the you don't shoot enough problem with Martina and Diana. You might remember his famous scold to Martina: "I didn't bring you 8000 miles to pass the ball." He was quieter with Diana but in her last 2 years he pressed for more. Diana was trying to school her much younger team and give them confidence. I hope Paige doesn't get that bug. Let it be the player with the best shot takes it.

Who is Martina? Do you mean Svetlana?

 

[DEpup]

To follow up on my message, it's not always how many points but when they come... If Paige could get it going from the start like Maya did then they can be up by 20-25 by half and it just breaks an opponent. Then by midway through the 3rd, the starters are sitting and cheering the newbies. What frustrates me is when Paige waits until the 4th to get it going. For me, that is maturity. A business woman goes and gets it done and then rests for the next game. Body efficiency. Too many times the last couple years, we get up by 10-12 and then just lose focus and give it back. That gives hope to the opponent.

 

[REB1094]

I think the secret here is everyone else. Paige can drop an inefficient 30 every game if she wants, but she's a natural distributor. When an entire defense can focus on Paige without being punished, she can't score. That happened a lot last year.

With (HOPEFULLY!!!) everyone back and healthy next year, defenses will be punished for selling out on Paige. Either they'll do it anyway and get burned by everyone else, or they'll play normal defense and Paige will be more free to do her thing

I'm SO excited to see her feast on that

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Martina? Svetlana.

Of course, Sveta. Where did I put those brain vitamins! Thanks @uconnfan68.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Who is Martina? Do you mean Svetlana?

Yup, bizzare. Thanks.

 

[Alydar]

I'm with you, Alydar, on your entire post except that Paige's career scoring average in her four Final Four games is 15.8. That's just not what a truly great player produces.

I believe it's big-game, Maya-type killer scoring that we Paige fans have so long wanted. She's done it all, except that, so far... big games by her might well have helped the Huskies defeat Arizona in '21, SC in '22 and Iowa in April.

Maya didn't lead her team to a title in her freshman year either.

Big game? Go re-watch the 2022 and 2023 E8 games. Her OT performance vs NCSt is unmatched in UConn "big game" history.

 

[The deacon]

Maya didn't lead her team to a title in her freshman year either.

Big game? Go re-watch the 2022 and 2023 E8 games. Her OT performance vs NCSt is unmatched in UConn "big game" history.

Agreed, Alydar. Coming from a big-time Paige fan, I was thrilled watching her take down NC State in that Elite 8 game. Still, Maya did play a big role in back-to-back title runs.

Comparing Paige's credentials vs. Maya's is not a winning battle, Alydar, at least at the moment.

I was simply stating that, in her four most important games, Paige has not played big-time basketball. I believe the point of this thread is that we all hope she will do that in '24-25.

 

[Alydar]

Agreed, Alydar. Coming from a big-time Paige fan, I was thrilled watching her take down NC State in that Elite 8 game. Still, Maya did play a big role in back-to-back title runs.

Comparing Paige's credentials vs. Maya's is not a winning battle, Alydar, at least at the moment.

I was simply stating that, in her four most important games, Paige has not played big-time basketball. I believe the point of this thread is that we all hope she will do that in '24-25.

Maya had Charles on both her title teams. Bueckers has yet to play a season with a player of Charles' level.

Titles are won by teams. All the FF teams can defend and they all can slow down their opponent's star. Often, the big player in the big game is someone other than the star who rises to the occasion. In 2016 Stewart was named the MOP but even she said that the star of the game was Jefferson. Morris was the reason LSU beat Iowa. When SCar knocked off UConn their guard made more 3's than she had all season.

Clark lost both of her biggest games. It wasn't her fault though.

 

[kidfrom360]

No more Passive Paige, indeed.

 

[hoophuskee]

Agreed, Alydar. Coming from a big-time Paige fan, I was thrilled watching her take down NC State in that Elite 8 game. Still, Maya did play a big role in back-to-back title runs.

Comparing Paige's credentials vs. Maya's is not a winning battle, Alydar, at least at the moment.

I was simply stating that, in her four most important games, Paige has not played big-time basketball. I believe the point of this thread is that we all hope she will do that in '24-25.

I don't agree with the context of your post at all. While agree with you Maya is ahead but your comment of Paige not playing "big time" basketball in the 4 most important games imo is over-the-top. First off she has been to only 3 Final Fours. So you are including the game they beat Stanford, the Defending champ?

Also, as a Paige fan that you say you are, you feel it an appropriate comparison that during Maya's 2 Title years she had in one title with 1st team a/a Reeve (when Maya was a soph) and had Tina who was top ten that year - Tina's jr year. Then in Maya's jr year, she played alongside the NPOY, Tina Charles. So, as a Paige fan, you feel it unnecessary to point this out but rather make a point that Paige hasn't been big time in the most important games (whatever the definition of "big time means in your pov)?

So, for example, as a Paige fan that you are, when Paige leads her team in points and assists in the game in which as the leader she knocks off the defending champ from the prior year in which thta team changes their defense a lot to account for her; but yet in your view that’s isn't big time?

 

[CL82]

I can't believe Paige will become much more aggressive than what we have seen in the past. To me, the more compelling change is that she will not have to play power forward this year. Paige more than held her own against taller players but she has the strength and skills to dominate against most guards. With more height this year at most positions, this could be a very special Huskie team.

If Geno decides He wants to maximize the teams offensive firepower, that probably means that Paige is still technically playing the four. We are a guard heavy team, so Paige at power forward creates an another guard slot effectively. Of course, if Strong is as good as advertised and adapts quickly to high major basketball, she could take the four position, and Paige could move to swingman.

This is a guess at this point, but I think the game plan for this year is going to emphasize offense, rather than defense. That doesn't mean that Geno will abandon his trademark aggressive defense, but it acknowledges the fact that defense takes longer for players to develop than offense, and we are a very young team. I think the game plan may be to force opponents into a track meet and try to keep up with us. Look for us to play Geno's preferred four out style in the half court, but to emphasize fast breaks and quick baskets, at least initially.

As the team develops, we have the depth to play aggressive defense because we will have a lot of fouls to give but, initially I expect our games to be up and down the court quickly, almost like an All-Star game. That's just my guess based purely upon player personnel. We will see how accurate it turns out to be.

 

[Zarathustra]

No more Passive Paige, indeed.

These ladies are GOOD! Love that behind the back pass by Flau Jae!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

If Geno decides He wants to maximize the teams offensive firepower, that probably means that Paige is still technically playing the four. We are a guard heavy team, so Paige at power forward creates an another guard slot effectively. Of course, if Strong is as good as advertised and adapts quickly to high major basketball, she could take the four position, and Paige could move to swingman.

This is a guess at this point, but I think the game plan for this year is going to emphasize offense, rather than defense. That doesn't mean that Geno will abandon his trademark aggressive defense, but it acknowledges the fact that defense takes longer for players to develop than offense, and we are a very young team. I think the game plan may be to force opponents into a track meet and try to keep up with us. Look for us to play Geno's preferred four out style in the half court, but to emphasize fast breaks and quick baskets, at least initially.

As the team develops, we have the depth to play aggressive defense because we will have a lot of fouls to give but, initially I expect our games to be up and down the court quickly, almost like an All-Star game. That's just my guess based purely upon player personnel. We will see how accurate it turns out to be.

Paige is the most talented guard in the NCAA and playing her at the 4 out of necessity sort of worked because she is who she is. However, she should get the heck out of there just as quick as she can. Imagine if we could have actually recruited a talented big during Gabby Williams tenure and she had developed her guard game. Paige has got the game. Let her play it.

 

[MilfordHusky]

It would be really great to see Paige display an inner Maya Moore and score some points right out the gate. I long for the days when UConn teams had true killer instincts and their opponents were just broken before half time.

In interviews, Maya liked to say that her job was to get her team an early lead. There were many games in which she outscored the opponent at the first TV timeout.

In the 2014 World Cup championship game in Istanbul, Maya had a huge scoring spurt early on. After that, Spain played us even, but Maya had given us a big enough lead that we maintained a comfortable lead. Of course, Maya was the MOP/MVP.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Just a fun reminder:

 

[yhun89]

This is a guess at this point, but I think the game plan for this year is going to emphasize offense, rather than defense. That doesn't mean that Geno will abandon his trademark aggressive defense, but it acknowledges the fact that defense takes longer for players to develop than offense, and we are a very young team. I think the game plan may be to force opponents into a track meet and try to keep up with us. Look for us to play Geno's preferred four out style in the half court, but to emphasize fast breaks and quick baskets, at least initially.

From what I've seen, we've still got agressive defense despite being young.

KK is fast, although foul prone, but gives most players a hard time with her ability to keep up with them on the court.

Ash is excellent at man to man defense, and hardly fouls. Good, clean defense.

Paige is leading UCONN in blocks, and her wingspan and IQ when it comes to anticipating passes and shots allows her to steal and block the ball multiple times a game.

Reportedly, Mo and Allie were some of their team's best defenders. However, the highlights mainly showed their offensive skills so it's hard to tell. During the Jordan Classic though, I did notice Morgan's defense seemed to be giving perimeter shooters a hard time, especially because of her length.

Kaitlyn is also a good defender, similar to KK in terms of speed, but without fouls. I watched her at Princeton and she gave 5-star players like Harmoni Turner (Harvard) absolute hell.

Sarah's highlights and recent games show her ability to block the ball and anticipate shots under the basket.

Aubrey is a great defender as well, stole the ball often and was always on her opponents' heels. Great on the fast break steal.

 

[WiseWillie]

Paige is both a player and a coach. It is very hard for her to not assist her teammates whenever possible. She is the player every teammate would like on their team because simply by her talent and floor generalship she, like all the GOAT's, inspires others to play their best. Like DT, I hope PB stays in basketball for at least another 20 years serving as an ambassador of elite level basketball.

 

[Alydar]

From what I've seen, we've still got agressive defense despite being young.

KK is fast, although foul prone, but gives most players a hard time with her ability to keep up with them on the court.

Ash is excellent at man to man defense, and hardly fouls. Good, clean defense.

Paige is leading UCONN in blocks, and her wingspan and IQ when it comes to anticipating passes and shots allows her to steal and block the ball multiple times a game.

Reportedly, Mo and Allie were some of their team's best defenders. However, the highlights mainly showed their offensive skills so it's hard to tell. During the Jordan Classic though, I did notice Morgan's defense seemed to be giving perimeter shooters a hard time, especially because of her length.

Kaitlyn is also a good defender, similar to KK in terms of speed, but without fouls. I watched her at Princeton and she gave 5-star players like Harmoni Turner (Harvard) absolute hell.

Sarah's highlights and recent games show her ability to block the ball and anticipate shots under the basket.

Aubrey is a great defender as well, stole the ball often and was always on her opponents' heels. Great on the fast break steal.

+1
If a team has a lot of strong quick and athletic players then great defense is largely a matter of effort. Last season UConn developed into a very good but under-manned defensive team. The depth of the roster right now tells me that Geno is going to play very aggressive defense. Not necessarily a press but putting pressure on the ball to force the offense to react to the defense. That requires a lot of subbing out players, something UConn hasn't had for the last 2 years.
If the 1st year players can get into the rotation then UConn could have one of their best scoring teams ever. They would have at least 5 elite 3pt shooters and several inside scorers. Scoring will not be a problem, however players who are defensive liabilities will not see a lot of floor time. (I don't think they will have any defensive liabilities)

 

[DEpup]

I say this a lot but it is my opinion. I'd like to see Paige at the 3 so she can be point forward and facilitate in the half court without being forced to bring the ball up all the time. She can still use the front court skills from last year in the paint but not be forced to guard and bang the big trees.

The more I see Strong, I'd like to see her at the 4. She has the skill and muscle to really play out and bang down low. That to me is the perfect 4 in a motion offense.

And then as far as Chen, Kk, Ash, and Azzi. I'd say, whoever is healthy and looks the best in practice starts the next game... that instills a need to perform in order to start.... Geno would also have the luxury of deciding based on opponent and keep the pressure on defense since that represents 20 fouls to give in the backcourt without a dip in skill. Knowing Azzi is still coming back off injury.

 

[Rowdy831]

When you play with a whole roster of players that were HS All Americans it's hard not to give the ball to the person with the best look. Paige plays exceptional team ball and I would hate to see that change since she could have many more seasoned targets on her team this year. Her biggest contribution will be her leadership but she can be counted on in the clutch too. Should be a great year for UConn and Paige.

 

[Alydar]

When you play with a whole roster of players that were HS All Americans it's hard not to give the ball to the person with the best look. Paige plays exceptional team ball and I would hate to see that change since she could have many more seasoned targets on her team this year. Her biggest contribution will be her leadership but she can be counted on in the clutch too. Should be a great year for UConn and Paige.

In HS those AA's knew that even when they had an iffy shot it was still a better chance than any of their teammates. I see a lot of very skilled freshmen who miss seeing wide open team mates because all they knew in HS was to score. Not Bueckers. Even in HS she would see any team mate who got open. Fortunately she played on a team with lots of talented players. They were undefeated in her last 2 years. Geno and her HS coach both urged her to shoot more and for all the fans who say the same thing she has averaged 20/game so she is shooting.

 

[hoophuskee]

In HS those AA's knew that even when they had an iffy shot it was still a better chance than any of their teammates. I see a lot of very skilled freshmen who miss seeing wide open team mates because all they knew in HS was to score. Not Bueckers. Even in HS she would see any team mate who got open. Fortunately she played on a team with lots of talented players. They were undefeated in her last 2 years. Geno and her HS coach both urged her to shoot more and for all the fans who say the same thing she has averaged 20/game so she is shooting.

And we've a;lso seen many H/S games that there are players open for a reason because the opposing team would rather have the superstar pass the ball out on the permieter to an open player rather than the superstar taking the shot.

 

[Cuango]

I wonder if we will see a lineup with Paige, Azzi/Ash, Sarah, Ice, Jana? That would be a tough matchup for most teams but of course would possibly be vulnerable to speed.