Is UConn's Roster A Forward Short?

[vtcwbuff]

She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced.

I'll risk being chastized for foul grammer (sic) twice in one day, but you gotta' be ****g (is that enough asterisks?) me. Did you actually watch her play? Just a guess but I thought that she had put on several pounds and non of it was fat. One of her biggest improvements was that she got so much stronger that opponents could no longer push her around.

 

[UcMiami]

I know you felt that should be said but I also know you've been around long enough to realize the real kvetching hasn't even gotten traction yet. Going to be a long off season. And, to ice the cake, the in-season kvetching next winter could be world class.

Hey - you got to admire our ambitions! World class or bust!

 

[Charliebball]

Hey - you got to admire our ambitions! World class or bust!

That first loss is going to be brutal..............just hope it's not to a team that we all really dislike!!!!!!!

 

[easttexastrash]

Thanks...I knew I wasn't imagining that..the fact that two quality bigs went to Louisville in the same class is confusing to me, Cox going to Baylor with 3-4 other 6'4"+ bigs on the roster is also a bit weird but I guess she's just a homebody.......

Next season Davis and Cave will be seniors. Once those two are gone that will mean that Cox is going to get a LOT of playing time, along with Brown and Mompremier. Brown is a true center and will most likely never play any position other than the 5, but Mompremier and Cox will be able to play the 4 or the 5 so there are going to be a lot of minutes for all three in the following season.

I expect a big improvement from freshman to sophomore seasons for Brown and Mompremier. They were really solid players this past season but with a year of college ball under their belts I anticipate that they will be pretty dominant.

 

[Charliebball]

Next season Davis and Cave will be seniors. Once those two are gone that will mean that Cox is going to get a LOT of playing time, along with Brown and Mompremier. Brown is a true center and will most likely never play any position other than the 5, but Mompremier and Cox will be able to play the 4 or the 5 so there are going to be a lot of minutes for all three in the following season.

I expect a big improvement from freshman to sophomore seasons for Brown and Mompremier. They were really solid players this past season but with a year of college ball under their belts I anticipate that they will be pretty dominant.

Yes they both are pretty athletic for their size...........not sure exactly how UConn is going to handle them.........perhaps Geno will put Crystal Dangerfield on Brown for a few moments just for the comic effect.............................................

 

[hoophuskee]

Let's declare that all of this is speculation: no one knows how the future will play out. But, among points not made, consider these. Stewart as a freshman was bounced around pretty hard, sometimes into the cheap seats. She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. Recent studies of the physical Bre indicate that she has an extremely FLEXIBLE body, which enables her to contort herself in ways not available to every player. She became adept at avoiding unnecessary contact, as a bullfighter avoids the bull (and Bre avoided fouling). Her long arms and jumping ability along with superb coordination and anticipation contributed immeasurably to her success. I am not saying that Lou has all of Bre's assets or particular experiences coming in, but I am saying that she should experience a growth trajectory if she is, indeed, a superior player. The bodies of the two are similar; why not anticipate similar upsides?

I have been a HUGE fan of KLS this year. I even loved it early as she continued to bomb three's and missed (I didn't LOVE the "missing" but loved the aggressiveness.) . I made a comment once she that a bit of Larry Bird in her only to find out later she's grown up watching tapes of him- trying to emulate. She is an absolute joy to watch. With that said - even as a fan- no way she becomes superior to Stewie. This type of comment you made - sets up next year for trolls to pop in and unduly criticize KLS for NOT BEING Stewie. I know that is not your intent -- but even this year we win a game by over 20 points and the game was never close vs Texas and someone posts that the UCONN team "was exposed." Arguably the greatest team ever - wins by over 20 with a lead comfortable throughout - yet "they were exposed?" Next year could be worse. A few losses next year and you'll have some "new posters" looking to blame.

IMO your post is WAY off with last two sentences. KLS is not as quick, not as fast, not as athletic laterally or leaping and not as explosive leaping and is a little shorter but also doesn't have Stewie's freakish wingspan. The wingspan and athleticism and quickness lead to soooo much more than just blocking shots and defense. Bottom line is that they are soooo different. Stewie's. Stewie's 1st three years she was only a 33% three point shooter. KLS's this season was 39.4%. Which is superior to KML's three point FG%. To put it in perspective; a .394 3pt % from KLS is like a fg% of over 65%!!! SO I hope when I read that some want KLS "to be more like Stewie" they mean "defense." Sure she can learn to take more 2's. But her bread and butter has to be shooting the long ball. I do find it interesting to see if/how much she can defend inside.

KLS is NOT Stewie. She CAN'T BE. Stewie's height but more importantly laong with her wingspan to catch the ball ALONG WITH her quickness around the basket ALONG with getting off her feet- along with THAT wingspan in which she could get off her shots quicker inside -- KLS can't BE THAT. It's not just ONE FACTOR it is teh accumulation of them. But what she can be is an amazing 3 point shooter and over time gradually learn how to use her size inside when guards try to guard her by denying her the ball from the perimeter.


'

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Each preseason the ONLY hopes I have is that the whole team stays 100% healthy, no illnesses or injuries! Then let the chips fall where they may. if they wind-up in the FF and/or win the Championship that's a bonus!
I am quite willing to "go into battle" with the roster UCONN has now knowing that with the best coaching staff in the country the team will perform above and beyond their level!
As I stated before I'm excessive compulsive, so to me there are NO shades of grey, just black & white, meaning if a HS girl says she wants to be the best player she can possibly be, she has 1 choice to go to college, UCONN! If she chooses any other college she wasn't telling the truth as things now stand in WCBB! As things now stand in Div. I WCBB no one demands more from their players than UCONN!

 

[DaddyChoc]

Let's declare that all of this is speculation: no one knows how the future will play out. But, among points not made, consider these. Stewart as a freshman was bounced around pretty hard, sometimes into the cheap seats. She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. Recent studies of the physical Bre indicate that she has an extremely FLEXIBLE body, which enables her to contort herself in ways not available to every player. She became adept at avoiding unnecessary contact, as a bullfighter avoids the bull (and Bre avoided fouling). Her long arms and jumping ability along with superb coordination and anticipation contributed immeasurably to her success. I am not saying that Lou has all of Bre's assets or particular experiences coming in, but I am saying that she should experience a growth trajectory if she is, indeed, a superior player. The bodies of the two are similar; why not anticipate similar upsides?

 

[DaddyChoc]

That first loss is going to be brutal....just hope it's not to a team that we all really dislike!!!!!!!

is Syracuse on the schedule?

 

[Zorro]

Well, there is no denying that Gabby IS a relatively short forward.

 

[nd2tty]

I have been a HUGE fan of KLS this year. I even loved it early as she continued to bomb three's and missed (I didn't LOVE the "missing" but loved the aggressiveness.) . I made a comment once she that a bit of Larry Bird in her only to find out later she's grown up watching tapes of him- trying to emulate. She is an absolute joy to watch. With that said - even as a fan- no way she becomes superior to Stewie. This type of comment you made - sets up next year for trolls to pop in and unduly criticize KLS for NOT BEING Stewie. I know that is not your intent -- but even this year we win a game by over 20 points and the game was never close vs Texas and someone posts that the UCONN team "was exposed." Arguably the greatest team ever - wins by over 20 with a lead comfortable throughout - yet "they were exposed?" Next year could be worse. A few losses next year and you'll have some "new posters" looking to blame.

IMO your post is WAY off with last two sentences. KLS is not as quick, not as fast, not as athletic laterally or leaping and not as explosive leaping and is a little shorter but also doesn't have Stewie's freakish wingspan. The wingspan and athleticism and quickness lead to soooo much more than just blocking shots and defense. Bottom line is that they are soooo different. Stewie's. Stewie's 1st three years she was only a 33% three point shooter. KLS's this season was 39.4%. Which is superior to KML's three point FG%. To put it in perspective; a .394 3pt % from KLS is like a fg% of over 65%!!! SO I hope when I read that some want KLS "to be more like Stewie" they mean "defense." Sure she can learn to take more 2's. But her bread and butter has to be shooting the long ball. I do find it interesting to see if/how much she can defend inside.

KLS is NOT Stewie. She CAN'T BE. Stewie's height but more importantly laong with her wingspan to catch the ball ALONG WITH her quickness around the basket ALONG with getting off her feet- along with THAT wingspan in which she could get off her shots quicker inside -- KLS can't BE THAT. It's not just ONE FACTOR it is teh accumulation of them. But what she can be is an amazing 3 point shooter and over time gradually learn how to use her size inside when guards try to guard her by denying her the ball from the perimeter.


'

Agreed on KLS. I think where UConn potentially gets a bit of the freakish wingspan blocking ability of a Stewart or a Stokes is in - with the right amount of weight room work and timing work in the off season - Collier. She has the build, not quite the height, but has the wingspan longer than her height attribute (do we have a measurement of her wingspan? my guess is 6'6''-ish?), and while she can't jump out of the gym like Williams, she is quite athletic. Collier was the only player other than Stewart that made blocks out of nowhere last year, and probably would have made more if she featured in the defensive role that Stewart occupied. She could be a Stewart/Stokes Jr. as a rim protector, floating 4/5 next year.

 

[Charliebball]

is Syracuse on the schedule?

I don't think so but all of a sudden that blue/white scheduling phone is ringing non-stop...................................................

 

[Mdoggie]

I like Cuse

 

[Charliebball]

I like Cuse

What's Your exCUSE!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mdoggie]

What's Your exCUSE!!!!!!!!!

My daughter is a junior at Syracuse.

 

[Charliebball]

My daughter is a junior at Syracuse.

OK then ...................your liking Syracuse is excused...................

 

[easttexastrash]

I think that comparison between Lou and Gabby doesn't take account of the difference in their roles on the team this year. Gabby thought she was going to be a guard when she came to UConn, and was basically told to play in the front court -- and she has learned to like it. Lou thought of herself as a guard and would certainly be more comfortable there -- and that role was available to her while Stewie and Morgan were on the roster. But next year Geno won't have that luxury, and (absent roster surprises or amazing development by Natalie or Kyla) Lou will have to recognize that on defense, the team needs her in the paint. I think she will embrace that as an opportunity to become a more versatile and useful player than she already is.

In next year's Baylor game, how will Geno defend Brown or Mompremier? I predict it will basically be the same story as it was with Griner, or as it was this year with Boyette and Hamblin. He will have his biggest player behind her in a blocking position, and bring a double by a smaller forward or a guard to make the entry pass difficult and make a dribble impossible once the opposing big gets the ball. That won't shut down Brown or Mompremier if they are playing well, but it should hold them below their average.

I predict that the player in back of the opposing big will be Lou, and the player in front will be either Gabby or Kia.

Brown and Mompremier will often play together next season. Brown will be the one that Geno can use that strategy on but he will have to deal with the other big, also.

 

[BroadwayVa]

It is not a "potential shortage of forwards" it is the reality of the roster for next year. Many of us have been saying this for a while now and don't assume this is a 1 year problem either. UCONN needs to sign a contributing PF/C soon.

Geno had hopes probably some expectations and lots of desires on a few bigs these past two years--he did a full court press and kept his hat in the rings but he can't make kids want Uconn who don't want Uconn.
Geno didn't fail!! I'm typically a worrier, cup half full but if this coaching group couldn't bring home a big--bigs didn't want to come.
So--Coco--if Juco isn't it and transfers apparently are out--is there anything in Europe that speaks Geno's language (basketball)??? Stipends, is that the issue???

 

[BroadwayVa]

I realize I'm confused most of the time, but I've become MORE confused than usual.
UCONN has just lost 2 bigs, both AA's Stewart at 6'4" Forward and Tuck at 6'2" Foward/Center. Not only are there openings at Forward/Center but it's with the best team in WCBB with the best coaching staff in Div. I. Lauren Cox #1 HS player at /C signs with Baylor who has 3 very talented bigs that are 2 freshmen , and a sophomore that are all 6'4" or taller! Limiting Cox's PT to about 12 to 18 minutes a game.
Now A. Stevens a 6'6" very talented sophomore is transferring from Duke and rumor has it she might be interested in SoCar where they have 3 very talented freshmen and sophomores, all 6'4" or taller. An her playing time will be cut also.
What are these and other big girls afraid of, and I know some say they want to stay close to home, but when a kid goes to college he/she is making the break and they basically won't go home again to stay, they'll graduate get a regular job or go on to play pro BB either in the WNBA or for a Foreign team. They've become an adult and cut the strings.
IMHO this is an easy out, they'll still have individual glory, their WCBB team might have a slim chance to win a National Title, and they can coast through 4 years but they don't have to give everything they've got every second of every practice and every game!
I also know I'll be condemned here on the BONEYARD because I'm being nasty to 18 & 19 year old girls, but it's an easy choice really, there are openings at UCONN for talented Forwards & Centers and there's not many players with guts to sign on for the hardest but best experience they'll have in WBB!

I am SHOCKED some (unnamed ) personages on the BONEYARD actually condemned you?? Wasn't any one cutting and pasting your postings to make them sound as something other than you said? Was anyone picking Nits in your posting? I'm shocked. J. T. C. (join the crowd). BTW--some nit picker will tell you 18-19 year old females are WOMEN (yep it's a different politically correct world). In my opinion (yes some are allowed) --it is widely known that Uconn isn't for everyone--only the dedicated should apply. (I'll be nit picked over that (again))

 

[BroadwayVa]

Most Uconn recruits can play multiple positions. And if they can't when they are recruited.. they learn by the time they leave. Ekmark and Nurse could potentially move over to the Fowards... Gabby wasn't a forward when she was recruited... Nothing to worry about... Geno knows what he's doing

Nurse "could" play forward/guard. I'm not going to bury Ekmark or Chong here and now--but from the last 7 games of the season these two will have to have VAST improvements in many area's to fill one of the "starting' / first off the bench positions.
My beliefs are in Dangerfield and Erwin (Irwin?) and hopefully Bent will live up to the expectation put on her my the media. Irwin/Erwin is 6ft 2 and good size, good enough to fill Tucks role at some level. But who fills the role of 6 ft 4 inch with 7ft 6 wing span?? Two 3 ft 2in with 3ft 9in wing spans??

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

In Geno's/UCONN's offense there are no set plays, just reactions to what the defense does. so in reality there are no set positions, as everyone runs routes and players pick out the best situation and gets the ball to them. That is why UCONN is so hard to defend opponents don't know where the ball winds up.
In reverse, Geno's defense knows opponent's set plays and covers accordingly. NoCar, Duke, MD, SoCar, have a tough time defensing UCONN but UCONN can stop their offenses.
That is why ND gives us a tougher time they run the same style offense. But their weakness has recently been having only one good big makes it easier to beat ND inside.
Geno is also a master at devising a game plan to shut down the most valuable player on the opponents roster and making adjustments at 1/2 time!

 

[BroadwayVa]

In Geno's/UCONN's offense there are no set plays, just reactions to what the defense does. so in reality there are no set positions, as everyone runs routes and players pick out the best situation and gets the ball to them. That is why UCONN is so hard to defend opponents don't know where the ball winds up.
In reverse, Geno's defense knows opponent's set plays and covers accordingly. NoCar, Duke, MD, SoCar, have a tough time defensing UCONN but UCONN can stop their offenses.
That is why ND gives us a tougher time they run the same style offense. But their weakness has recently been having only one good big makes it easier to beat ND inside.
Geno is also a master at devising a game plan to shut down the most valuable player on the opponents roster and making adjustments at 1/2 time!

I know this is the general belief that Geno does not RUN Plays--but by his own admissions over the last 15 or so years he admits that he does run plays AND he further stated that he is not above seeing a play run against his team that he will modify to use as his own.
He DOES prefer his players to be intelligent BB players and TAKE what the opposition will give. He has run many "plays" to get KML open and at times he has for other players.. Stewie because she is always moving is impossible for anyone to nail down what she will do next..
But if you watch all the NCAA games you will see actions (plays??) repeated over and over in each game played. Oregon tried to defend against them but because Uconn was so quick the Beavers failed..
Next time Geno is on a TIC or other talk show with call in's---ask him!!!
We shall find out this coming season if ND's offense or Uconn's defense wins the day.. Muffie has so many players on her teams and she is not shy of using freshmen that at times you are playing whole new teams (plus or minus 1).

 

[JoePgh]

Brown and Mompremier will often play together next season. Brown will be the one that Geno can use that strategy on but he will have to deal with the other big, also.

I assume that when they play together, they will play a zone defense? If they don't, defense could be ugly -- I can just imagine them trying to defend any two UConn players on the perimeter (and the same would be true for several other opponents). They would spend much of the evening with their necks turned to watch smaller, quicker players fly past them to the basket. (See, for example, the South Carolina - UConn game this year.)

If they play together and play a zone, then they would probably take away any low-post offense that their opponent might have. But if the opponent is hitting jump shots (mid-range or 3-point range), the opponent could score a lot of points. And they had better be sure that their opponent doesn't get many runouts -- I can imagine Napheesa and Lou rushing down the floor while they are both sucking wind at center court.

 

[Charliebball]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery..........since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year............... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill............even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season...................hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

 

[BroadwayVa]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery.....since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year..... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill..even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season....hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.
But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?
Repeat that question and replace big with forward.
Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done??
We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?
Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master..
Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

 

[BroadwayVa]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery.....since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year..... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill..even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season....hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

Is it mandatory that everyone in North Carolina have hip surgery?? I'm not going there!!

 

[Charliebball]

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.
But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?
Repeat that question and replace big with forward.
Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done??
We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?
Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master..
Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

What can he do now...................pretty much nothing unless he can find a fifth year senior with some ability at this late date..................was it two or three years ago where the team had to advertise for walk-ons due to injuries to core players. One would have thought that might have taught the coaches a lesson that perhaps "carrying"an additional player or two might not be such a bad idea. While not every four and five star recruit is the right fit UConn or visa versa, I find it hard to believe that they could not carry at least one "serviceable" player to cover under circumstances such as these...............injuries happen............last season was remarkable in that so few players missed time.................11 players is just cutting it a bit close for comfort..........I said it when I started this thread.............I sure hope I'm wrong.........................

 

[CocoHusky]

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.


But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?


Repeat that question and replace big with forward.

Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done?? We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?

Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master. Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

IMO Geno and staff should have cast a wider net over the last 3 years with the intent of securing a contributing post player. The approach over the last 3 years has been to go after post thatwere at the top of the class with 3 consecutive misses on Turner/Wilson, Brown, & Cox. To be fair it is quite possible (likely) that the staff did look at the second tier post and decided that none could make a contribution at UCONN. This would be a perfectly good answer. Another answer could be that none of the second tier post were interested in playing at UCONN. The roster has included 2 walkons (guards) for three consecutive years now and for all the apprehension about Natalie, she was not recruited by UCONN coming out of High School. Hard for me to believe that given 3 years that UCONN staff could not convince a second tier post to join the defending national Champion. Someone will inevitable ask for names so I will just give one example. Haley Lorenzen-from Iowa playing at Florida-All SEC freshmen Team in 2015. Her brother played quarter back at UCONN. It is probably too late to do anything about 2016 class but a wider net in ’17 might be the way to go.

 

[Charliebball]

Another post player would be great but we know the good one's are kind of in short supply so I can see why that hasn't happened to some degree...............how about a 6'2+ forward who can rebound and play defense? I would think those players are more readily available.

Just for fun, I went back to do a 2015/16 roster count of some of the teams we all know and..................( next season's are not all finalized)....................in the future, just 1-2 more players.......................please!!!!!!!!!!


UConn - 12
ND - 13
Baylor - 14
South Carolina - 14
Texas - 15
Maryland - 12
Stanford - 14
Tenn - 12
Syracuse - 18 ????
UCLA - 13
Washngton - 13
USF - 15

 

[BroadwayVa]

IMO Geno and staff should have cast a wider net over the last 3 years with the intent of securing a contributing post player. The approach over the last 3 years has been to go after post thatwere at the top of the class with 3 consecutive misses on Turner/Wilson, Brown, & Cox. To be fair it is quite possible (likely) that the staff did look at the second tier post and decided that none could make a contribution at UCONN. This would be a perfectly good answer. Another answer could be that none of the second tier post were interested in playing at UCONN. The roster has included 2 walkons (guards) for three consecutive years now and for all the apprehension about Natalie, she was not recruited by UCONN coming out of High School. Hard for me to believe that given 3 years that UCONN staff could not convince a second tier post to join the defending national Champion. Someone will inevitable ask for names so I will just give one example. Haley Lorenzen-from Iowa playing at Florida-All SEC freshmen Team in 2015. Her brother played quarter back at UCONN. It is probably too late to do anything about 2016 class but a wider net in ’17 might be the way to go.

I always respect your opinions and hypothesis's--your insight is always more in depth than mine!
If you had cut further in your pasting you would have also seen where I said--don't go back 2 years--that's old history and only in flash backs on TV can one go back and recreate the past.
All of what you say was probable. Geno coulda, shoulda, woulda but he didn't.
The most significant QUESTION is : What does Uconn/Geno do now ? Who is available today to fill the bill of a big this fall? Or a big to be available in 17/18 that Geno can get?