It's an either-or situation? Can't have both?
My answer is “both.” I would also point out that just a few posts ago, you cautioned the BY against “speculation on injuries.” I agree. So suggesting that the decision to play Azzi is a binary choice, implies a level of knowledge about injuries that neither you or I possess. Ultimately, the decision to play or not play Azzi will be up to Azzi, Geno and the medical staff.
I hate to disagree with my esteemed colleague but “a tough USF team”? The only real interesting thing about this years edition is the fact Jose has upped his Euro Diversity to Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Ivory Coast, Finland, France, Congo, Israel and Latvia. This team was not close to a NCAA bid last year and the quality of Jose’s Euro players has diminished as other more noted achools are now recruiting in Europe. This is not a team to really worry about.
Why does it have to be one or the other? Playing in 2 early conference games in no way means that we won't have Azzi back for the entire season any more than not playing her guarantees a healthy season. We can't know what her future holds, health wise one way or another.
By “tough” I mean that Jose’s teams always come to play. The last time UConn faced the Bulls was in 2021 in the Bahamas. The game was tied after 3 quarters with the Huskies eventually pulling out a tough 60-53 win. That USF team was fair at best, finishing 24-9.I hate to disagree with my esteemed colleague but “a tough USF team”? The only real interesting thing about this years edition is the fact Jose has upped his Euro Diversity to Bulgaria, Spain, Italy, Ivory Coast, Finland, France, Congo, Israel and Latvia. This team was not close to a NCAA bid last year and the quality of Jose’s Euro players has diminished as other more noted achools are now recruiting in Europe. This is not a team to really worry about.
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In watching the reply, I saw her and Azzi wearing the shorts on the bench which indicated to me that they participated in the warm-ups. I will be there early tomorrow night so I will see for myself and with seats right behind the bench, maybe I can get some intel....
I can confirm from in-person observation that both Azzi and KK were dressed to play in Sunday's game, and that they did both participate in the warm-ups.In watching the reply, I saw her and Azzi wearing the shorts on the bench which indicated to me that they participated in the warm-ups. I will be there early tomorrow night so I will see for myself and with seats right behind the bench, maybe I can get some intel....
Agreed KK is quicker. 3pt % same, FG%, 49 for Chen, 46 for KK. Let's just sit back and let the games decide.
And right on cue, someone comes in without knowing the actual facts or distorting them.
Ease up there... I thought we were comparing 5th year Chen with 2nd year KK and we really have nothing to go this year except conjecture since KK hasn't played yet. Let's talk again after the BU game.
In terms of efficiency as a scorer Chen was also pedestrian. In terms of efficiency as a scorer right now I'd rather have Paige, Azzi and Sarah set up to score. Therefore I wouldnt want Kaitlyn to think "score first" like she has in the past. Its crucial she work to get better setting players up rather than think score first because her team is built around a combo of super players and/also super shooters. And I can't find the link but I believe Geno also spoke about how he would like Kaitlyn to become more of a passer.
Wait a minute, talk about distorting. You're putting TN in with those teams? Maybe in a TN fan's dream world.
I’ve watched a lot of Kaitlyn Chen. She is absolutely at her best in crunch time, when her team needed her most. I would also point out that she is a relentless defender, capable of blanketing opposing guards.
Geno sees potential , so he tends to have a very optimistic view of what players couid do. And I think this optimism is highest at the start because the slate is basically blank.I love the quotes and appreciate you posting the twitter feed, but after hearing Geno's recent comments to the tune of "Jana is one of the most skilled players ever... blah blah", I'm going go take his glowing reports with a grain of salt at this time.
Why I said she will be 4th (or maybe lower):
Don’t underestimate Tennessee and their new coach/style of play. Obviously, they’ve got some work ahead of them before they rejoin the “elite” group but I’d advise people not to sleep on them! I’ve read several write-ups on their new coach and imo, they’ve found someone who will restore Tennessee back to, if not the very top, at least to a contender! I do not think it will be long (perhaps even this year) until Thompson-Boling Arena is once again a graveyard for visiting teams!
If there’s anything we’ve learned over the past few seasons it’s that you can never have enough depth. Mark my word. Kaitlyn will come up big for the Huskies this season.