Just some thoughts

[Tonyc]

Just saw Jerzy Robinson is down to LSU SC and UConn. I think its fitting to say Geno is not retiring anytime soon. I think you can throw that out of the window. It aint happening with the Big O's commitment. If Jerzy commits to UConn, UConn is gonna be really scary good. Then the question becomes who else will follow???? That will make it scarier.

In todays exhibition Im really looking forward to seeing where we are as a team and individually. Im looking for more automatic outside shooters, those who can dribble drive and stop and pop. I feel that is a need especially with who we graduate at the end of this season. We going to get a good look at the newbies too. Allie and Heckel are at the top of my list for shooters who can create their own shot. I look forward to seeing them develop. Blanca and Serah I expect to amaze us with their quickness and ability to create. This is another game in which Geno will get a look at where his players are and who is ready for big games.

Girls come to UConn for many reasons and some dont come for many reasons. The biggest plus UConn has is Geno's reputation for player development. When you look at the development of his players and what theyve become it is second to none. Especially his top players like Diana Maya Breanna and Paige. They were great and become even better under Geno. To be able to take a great player and make them even better is special. For that reason I am looking forward to seeing Azzi and Sarah and their improvement this season as well as everybody else.

Geno's isn't lucky to get great players. Great players are lucky to get Geno. When you have the opportunity to play for the best and be taught by the best no player is to good for that. If you not improving your digressing because there are players who will pass by you.

So this will be an intersting season. We have the talent, and we will get better based on individual players development. Some will improve faster then others and thats ok. But month to month we will see what they become. UConn is the team to beat right now. Im not sure if they can be beaten because I believe if healthy and with their development they just wont roll over their opponents this season much like they did in the NCAAs last season. UConns defense is at a level which we saw last season that is terrifying. It only will get better with they development of Serah and Jana in the middle and with the depth we have.

Winners find a way to win, and Geno has been doing that for over 30 years. Today we get a peak at what we will be this season and a chance to Dream Big

 

[Vancat]

Just saw Jerzy Robinson is down to LSU SC and UConn. I think its fitting to say Geno is not retiring anytime soon. I think you can throw that out of the window. It aint happening with the Big O's commitment. If Jerzy commits to UConn, UConn is gonna be really scary good. Then the question becomes who else will follow???? That will make it scarier.

In todays exhibition Im really looking forward to seeing where we are as a team and individually. Im looking for more automatic outside shooters, those who can dribble drive and stop and pop. I feel that is a need especially with who we graduate at the end of this season. We going to get a good look at the newbies too. Allie and Kaitlyn are at the top of my list for shooters who can create their own shot. I look forward to seeing them develop. Blanca and Serah I expect to amaze us with their quickness and ability to create. This is another game in which Geno will get a look at where his players are and who is ready for big games.

Girls come to UConn for many reasons and some dont come for many reasons. The biggest plus UConn has is Geno's reputation for player development. When you look at the development of his players and what theyve become it is second to none. Especially his top players like Diana Maya Breanna and Paige. They were great and become even better under Geno. To be able to take a great player and make them even better is special. For that reason I am looking forward to seeing Azzi and Sarah and their improvement this season as well as everybody else.

Geno's isn't lucky to get great players. Great players are lucky to get Geno. When you have the opportunity to play for the best and be taught by the best no player is to good for that. If you not improving your digressing because there are players who will pass by you.

So this will be an intersting season. We have the talent, and we will get better based on individual players development. Some will improve faster then others and thats ok. But month to month we will see what they become. UConn is the team to beat right now. Im not sure if they can be beaten because I believe if healthy and with their development they just wont roll over their opponents this season much like they did in the NCAAs last season. UConns defense is at a level which we saw last season that is terrifying. It only will get better with they development of Serah and Jana in the middle and with the depth we have.

Winners find a way to win, and Geno has been doing that for over 30 years. Today we get a peak at what we will be this season and a chance to Dream Big

I’ll be honest I don’t usually read your posts because they’re so long. But I did read this one and it is a good summation of everything and I agree with it all. 😀Can’t wait to watch the game in a little while.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Who is Kaitlyn? Do we mean Kayleigh?

 

[MilfordHusky]

Players need to watch HOF speeches by Sue, Maya, Swin, and especially Rebecca.

 

[GoingPostal]

Tony C, a nice summation of what we would like to see from the players today and throughout the season. Geno has a coaching style that brings his players talents to heights they hadn't expected of themselves. Azzi is primed for a first team AA season. BYers would love to see her name on the wall with Paige and all the Husky greats.

 

[Bone Dog]

This is likely to be an awesome season for all the girls. But maybe for Azzi most of all. She stayed because she hadn’t accomplished everything she wanted to at Storrs. That can only mean two things: a second NC (for bragging rights over Paige) and to put her name into the NPoY conversation. And to accomplish both, she’ll need to mold the newbies into something special, and to lift up KK and Ash to the top of their games. She’ll have a partner in this work in Sarah, and it’s hard to picture a better one, except maybe Paige. She really wants to make her mark and this is her last chance to do it in college. This season I think we’ll see a more focused, more intense Azzi than ever before. I can hardly wait!

 

[cgshuskie]

I think Bone Dog is right, we will see a more intense and focused Azzi. These words are significant. We'll see what her determined effort can bring forth. I'll bet it brings an AA designation!!!!

 

[JellyBean]

@Tonyc in preseason form!! Great post.

 

[msf22b]

Tony
I am in complete agreement
This is a formidable bunch
Not much (If anything) missing
Together with masterful coaching
Should be fascinating.

 

[HopJim]

I think Bone Dog is right, we will see a more intense and focused Azzi. These words are significant. We'll see what her determined effort can bring forth. I'll bet it brings an AA designation!!!!

While we are not in any disagreement, all we need is Azzi to be Azzi. Several years ago, she started out the year unstoppable and was the early leader for player of the year. Last year, she was the MVP of the NCAA's. Not sure that much improvement is possible over the healthy Azzi we have seen multiple times in the past.

 

[Bills Fan]

This thread has quietly turned into an Azzi thread, with a few posters writing about the chance of her being named NPOY. While I think she will earn that award, I think she might be the victim of the old "one of two" problem, with Sarah also being a strong candidate for NPOY.

My pre-season picks for that award are one of Azzi, Sarah or Lauren Betts. Voters tend to look for outstanding players whose teams are also one of the best in the country. I don't see any strong candidates beyond those three with the exception of Hildago and I don't think ND is going to be any better than a Sweet Sixteen team (if even that), while UCONN's closest competitor for the NC is likely UCLA.

In a three-way race Azzi and SS will take votes away from each other giving the award to LB, the singular MOP on the loaded Bruins roster

 

[DEpup]

I wouldn't worry about that. Tina and Maya were able to win with the other being their stiffest competition

 

[ConnMotors]

Azzi and Sarah will be First Team WBCA All-Americans this year. Bank on it.

 

[Skeets]

In a three-way race Azzi and SS will take votes away from each other giving the award to LB, the singular MOP on the loaded Bruins roster

I don't think that's how the voting works. If one of them gets a first-place vote and the another gets a second-place vote that doesn't help LB.

 

[Bigboote]

I wasn't sold on the need to get Serah Williams, but she may be the difference maker this year. She gives three players who would be the #1 scoring option on just about any other team, plus she's a rim-protector.

I wasn't totally pumped that UConn got Kayleigh Heckel, but I'm glad she's in Storrs now. She still doesn't seem integrated into the system, but from what I've read from her LUHI coach, she's really smart and a really hard worker. I think in 5-10 games, we won't remember she didn't start out at UConn. I can't imagine being a coach and seeing KK go out only to have Kayleigh replace her.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that Morgan is taking full practices soon.

 

[GoUconn7961]

Players need to watch HOF speeches by Sue, Maya, Swin, and especially Rebecca.

If there’s one HOF speech I’m looking forward to its Diana’s when/if she gets in.

 

[Skeets]

If there’s one HOF speech I’m looking forward to its Diana’s when/if she gets in.

Ought to be very entertaining, almost as good as what the rebuttal will be. This is must see TV.

 

[PvP]

This is likely to be an awesome season for all the girls. But maybe for Azzi most of all. She stayed because she hadn’t accomplished everything she wanted to at Storrs. That can only mean two things: a second NC (for bragging rights over Paige) and to put her name into the NPoY conversation. And to accomplish both, she’ll need to mold the newbies into something special, and to lift up KK and Ash to the top of their games. She’ll have a partner in this work in Sarah, and it’s hard to picture a better one, except maybe Paige. She really wants to make her mark and this is her last chance to do it in college. This season I think we’ll see a more focused, more intense Azzi than ever before. I can hardly wait!

I have to believe that she also has being named to the first team All American list high on her to do list.