KK Brings More Than Basketball

[Cuango]

I definitely agree with some of what you said but there are too many caveats in play here. Is Paige going to be fully recovered? Will Azzi continue to be susceptible to the injury bug. Also, forger the assist record, Nika is not a point guard. She is great at defense, brings a tough mindset to the game and is a great teammate but she is just about an average ball handler and that is not what you want in a point guard. And you can pretty much forget about Inez. She will be the player who runs up and down the line slapping hands when a three is made. Finally, unless we are playing a team with no player taller than six feet you are always going to have a wing and center on the floor.

Oh boy!

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

Oh boy!

?? "An average ball player"?? Nika?? You and I are not seeing the same person play. Finishing open players with a high degree of making their shots is an essential skill. Nika is an excellent player. A defensive minded Pont guard who distributes is as much valuable as one who can score 30 a game.

 

[JBK]

Paige Azzi Nika Caroline Aaliyah — they’ve waited a long time for this group to be reunited.

But they’re a generous group. They’ll make room for KK, and the others — Ashlynn Inês Jana Ayanna Q Ice Amari and Aubrey

Just listing the names out like this has me shaking. So much possibility here.

Do you have Caroline starting over Aubrey ? I know it does not matter and they can all get time - but we need to also dominate on the boards.
I am rooting for Caroline to have a big NCAA tourney and hope her body allows that.

 

[Bone Dog]

Do you have Caroline starting over Aubrey ? I know it does not matter and they can all get time - but we need to also dominate on the boards.
I am rooting for Caroline to have a big NCAA tourney and hope her body allows that.

Yes, for next year. That’s why Paige is also in that list, since it’s about how KK might fit in when she gets here.

Aubrey started for most of this year, it’s true. But I suspect if Caroline had been healthy from the beginning of the year, Geno would have started her in every game even ahead of Lou. Injuries shook things up quite a bit and Lou emerged as an indispensable player so that now it looks like the starting lineup for this year’s tournament will be Nika Azzi Lou Aaliyah Dorka with Aubrey and Caroline first off the bench. I expect we’ll see a little more of Ayanna and Inês too, at least in the first few rounds.

It’s really gratifying how we’ve gone from a threadbare rotation to an embarrassment of riches again. Next year, this ought to be our problem once again with the deepest backcourt in D1. The frontcourt will be deep too, by the time of next year’s tournament, as it gains experience. KK Ashlynn Q and Jana will find spots in the best lineup anywhere. I expect it will be exhilarating for them.

And a side note on Inês: by the time she’s a junior, she’ll have found a regular spot in the rotation with KK Ashlynn Allie and Azzi. She may not start at UConn , though she’d probably start in many teams in D. She’ll be a seasoned veteran and other teams will be scratching their heads over how Geno pulled another star seemingly out of nowhere. And by the time she’s a senior, once Azzi and Caroline have graduated, she may platoon at the 1 with KK, while Ashlynn and Allie platoon at the 2. That’s what I think the future looks like for Inês.

 

[Surly1]

So much speculation going on here about playing time for players who haven't arrived yet. No matter how good the incoming players are, you have to consider who returns and the coach's preferred philosophy.

First, if Paige is 100% healthy, she plays. If next year is her last as a collegiate, I can guarantee that she will want to play every available minute she can with her bestie.

If Aubrey returns, she will be part of an 8-player rotation of Paige, , AE, Caroline, Nika, Ice and Jana. The biggest hole for next year will be replacing the size and rebounding of Dorka. As the women's game is changing, size is essential when playing the elite programs. Shooting and ball handling should not be a concern next season, given everyone remains healthy.

Unless UConn is in a blowout, starters and key subs play. I don't imagine Geno dramatically altering his coaching style. Lest we forget, AE, Nika, Paige & Azzi don't like to come out of games. The 3 seniors will have some pull.

The incoming freshmen will get their turn, especially if they are good. I feel that it will be at a minimum, particularly in close games. Too many stars in front.

However, before we turn attention to next season, there's plenty ahead to keep us occupied.

 

[Steelerone]

In terms of who plays at the guard position next yearC, come on, do you think that if Paige and Azzi are healthy that anyone else on the roster is going to start ahead of them? Caroline will see some time as a reserve wing but Nikki will be the first one off the bench at guard. And with the transition of the game Geno is going to have to start to go bigger. That means Williams, Aubry, and one other big will be on the floor unless we are playing a team that starts three guards. The teams we had the most trouble with the past few years have been the ones who are getting bigger. It's a new day in women's basketball and we are going to have to adjust to it.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

In terms of who plays at the guard position next yearC, come on, do you think that if Paige and Azzi are healthy that anyone else on the roster is going to start ahead of them? Caroline will see some time as a reserve wing but Nikki will be the first one off the bench at guard. And with the transition of the game Geno is going to have to start to go bigger. That means Williams, Aubry, and one other big will be on the floor unless we are playing a team that starts three guards. The teams we had the most trouble with the past few years have been the ones who are getting bigger. It's a new day in women's basketball and we are going to have to adjust to it.

Nika, Paige and Azzi will all start next year.

 

[Bone Dog]

Nika, Paige and Azzi will all start next year.

That's my guess, too. The only question is who plays next to Aaliyah. It could be Ayanna, or Ice, or Jana, or Amari. Will we see Caroline and Aubrey doing time at the 3 and the 4? Probably, as well as Q. KK Ashlynn and Inês will find minutes at the 1 and 2, but only behind the big 3 we've all been waiting for.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

That's my guess, too. The only question is who plays next to Aaliyah. It could be Ayanna, or Ice, or Jana, or Amari. Will we see Caroline and Aubrey doing time at the 3 and the 4? Probably, as well as Q. KK Ashlynn and Inês will find minutes at the 1 and 2, but only behind the big 3 we've all been waiting for.

We could also bring in a transfer for center as we have an extra scholarship available for insurance. I think Amari is the most ideal center in the country for us that I’ve seen with her height plus shooting and passing ability. She just needs to put enough pieces together in the off season to play well enough to stay on the floor.lots of options though for the frontcourt do it might be center my committee next year.

 

[oldhusky]

Do you have Caroline starting over Aubrey ? I know it does not matter and they can all get time - but we need to also dominate on the boards.
I am rooting for Caroline to have a big NCAA tourney and hope her body allows that.

I am in the camp that thinks neither Caroline nor Aubrey starts next year. I think everyone expects Paige, Azzi and Aaliyah to be in the starting lineup. That means two things to me, First if Caroline or Aubrey start, it will have to be at the 3 position, Aaliyah is a given at the 4, and although some prefer it, I don't see or like the idea of moving Aaliyah from her best position to the 5. We don't have proven players there but two high level prospects.

If you accept that, then the main debate for the third small is between Nika, Caroline, and Aubrey even though their skillsets are completely different. If you start Nika, and I thinks it's hard to sit someone who is a two time defensive player of the year in the Big East, plus second in the nation in assists, then Caroline and Aubrey will begin games on the bench and Paige probably plays the 3.

If you start Caroline or Aubrey at the 3, then Nika sits and Paige starts at the point. Paige can be very good at 1-3 and she rebounds well for a guard so I think she would be fine at the 3, and is long enough to defend the position effectively as well.

 

[Bone Dog]

I am in the camp that thinks neither Caroline nor Aubrey starts next year. I think everyone expects Paige, Azzi and Aaliyah to be in the starting lineup. That means two things to me, First if Caroline or Aubrey start, it will have to be at the 3 position, Aaliyah is a given at the 4, and although some prefer it, I don't see or like the idea of moving Aaliyah from her best position to the 5. We don't have proven players there but two high level prospects.

If you accept that, then the main debate for the third small is between Nika, Caroline, and Aubrey even though their skillsets are completely different. If you start Nika, and I thinks it's hard to sit someone who is a two time defensive player of the year in the Big East, plus second in the nation in assists, then Caroline and Aubrey will begin games on the bench and Paige probably plays the 3.

If you start Caroline or Aubrey at the 3, then Nika sits and Paige starts at the point. Paige can be very good at 1-3 and she rebounds well for a guard so I think she would be fine at the 3, and is long enough to defend the position effectively as well.

Excellent analysis. In the end we can play the best small-ball in D1 or really great big-ball. Our big lineup is not as experienced, but a pair of lights out perimeter shooters will help clear the lane for them. I suspect we’ll start the small lineup unless an opponent has a pair of excellent bigs.

Just picture this big lineup: Paige and Azzi with Aaliyah Ayanna Caroline. That’s some firepower and some muscle. Insert Aubrey Jana Amari and Q as needed.

 

[cgshuskie]

Next season its Paige, Azzi, Aaliyah, Aubrey and Jana or Ice or Ayanna. Caroline is first coming off the bench with Nika a close second. First, Big backups will be the so called seconds in the post or Jana or Ice or Ayanna. I think the starter will be Jana but time will tell how well she acclimates to US playing style. I think, however, whoever starts; the others will have plenty of playing time depending on the opponent. The other freshman, i.e., KK, Ashlyn, Q along with Ines will be available for special situations and will be worked in to give them PT. Go Huskies

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I am in the camp that thinks neither Caroline nor Aubrey starts next year. I think everyone expects Paige, Azzi and Aaliyah to be in the starting lineup. That means two things to me, First if Caroline or Aubrey start, it will have to be at the 3 position, Aaliyah is a given at the 4, and although some prefer it, I don't see or like the idea of moving Aaliyah from her best position to the 5. We don't have proven players there but two high level prospects.

If you accept that, then the main debate for the third small is between Nika, Caroline, and Aubrey even though their skillsets are completely different. If you start Nika, and I thinks it's hard to sit someone who is a two time defensive player of the year in the Big East, plus second in the nation in assists, then Caroline and Aubrey will begin games on the bench and Paige probably plays the 3.

If you start Caroline or Aubrey at the 3, then Nika sits and Paige starts at the point. Paige can be very good at 1-3 and she rebounds well for a guard so I think she would be fine at the 3, and is long enough to defend the position effectively as well.

This sounds right to me. I also thinks as Paige is coming back from injury taking the pressure off of her to run point could be helpful to ease her back into playing.

 

[MSGRET]

I just love it when everyone thinks that Paige is going to be the PG, Geno has stated many times that Nika is the PG and she is the energy bunny on this team, both for the offense and defense. Yes, Paige will play some PG to give Nika some rest, but she will not be the PG, she will be the SG or the 3 when Paige, Azzi, and Nika are all on the floor.

 

[Scud49]

So how did someone who is not a point guard pulverize the season assist record? Your response is, in a word, astonishing.

Yea, I had to read that 2 or 3 times to make sure I was absorbing it correctly. That had to be the biggest WTF? statement I have seen in quite a while.

 

[Carnac]

The Huskies Dance Company also gets a strong recruit.

I looked at this video a second time. I noticed how badly she beat some of her defenders. She blew right past some of them as though their feet were glued to the floor. She'll see much better defense at the next level, but I'm sure she have some of her defenders icing their ankles after the game. She won't have any trouble getting/making her shot once she adjusts to to speed of the game at this level.

 

[Dogstar]

She's got "quick twich" moves and reactions.

 

[The deacon]

I just love it when everyone thinks that Paige is going to be the PG, Geno has stated many times that Nika is the PG and she is the energy bunny on this team, both for the offense and defense. Yes, Paige will play some PG to give Nika some rest, but she will not be the PG, she will be the SG or the 3 when Paige, Azzi, and Nika are all on the floor.

If both are healthy, which of Nika or Paige would be the better point guard, MSGRET? If you answer that, you'll understand why some say Paige would be the starting point guard. You certainly don't need Paige to be the shooting guard when you have Azzi on board, right?

 

[MSGRET]

If both are healthy, which of Nika or Paige would be the better point guard, MSGRET? If you answer that, you'll understand why some say Paige would be the starting point guard. You certainly don't need Paige to be the shooting guard when you have Azzi on board, right?

Wrong in so many ways, DON"T you listen to what Geno says or just ignore it.

 

[Skeets]

If both are healthy, which of Nika or Paige would be the better point guard, MSGRET? If you answer that, you'll understand why some say Paige would be the starting point guard. You certainly don't need Paige to be the shooting guard when you have Azzi on board, right?

Thumbs down

 

[HopJim]

I would be perfectly fine with Muhl/Bueckers/Fudd/Griffin/Edwards as the starting five.

As I have always said, I am less concerned with who starts the year than who the starters are going into the Playoffs. The above lineup would be one of the fastest ever and fun to watch until several of the Top-10 teams with 2 or more strong bigs had their way with us. This was exactly what UConn did this year to most teams. Suggest the guard question will work itself out - my question is who is going to be there next to Aaliyah down in the blocks when the other team's multiple 6'4"+ bigs start banging.

 

[Bald Husky]

Of course Nika will be starting at PG next season. Even when Paige was healthy, she didn't push the ball up the court like Nika does, and with Azzi and Paige running up the floor, those are the best two players in WBB setting up for a transition 3. The point guard's duty is to set up her teammates for the best scoring opportunities. This season Nika has increased her scoring chances which we all wanted, and along with her ability to get assists, she will be the best option for that position. Seeing Azzi and Paige each running around trying to get open for a good scoring opportunity will give UConn what we have envisioned: The best 1,2 punch in the country, and with the second-best assist leader feeding them, 3's will be ringing through our games like they were FTs. Nika, Paige, Azzi, starting guards. No question!

 

[HopJim]

I am in the camp that thinks neither Caroline nor Aubrey starts next year. I think everyone expects Paige, Azzi and Aaliyah to be in the starting lineup. That means two things to me, First if Caroline or Aubrey start, it will have to be at the 3 position, Aaliyah is a given at the 4, and although some prefer it, I don't see or like the idea of moving Aaliyah from her best position to the 5. We don't have proven players there but two high level prospects.

If you accept that, then the main debate for the third small is between Nika, Caroline, and Aubrey even though their skillsets are completely different. If you start Nika, and I thinks it's hard to sit someone who is a two time defensive player of the year in the Big East, plus second in the nation in assists, then Caroline and Aubrey will begin games on the bench and Paige probably plays the 3.

If you start Caroline or Aubrey at the 3, then Nika sits and Paige starts at the point. Paige can be very good at 1-3 and she rebounds well for a guard so I think she would be fine at the 3, and is long enough to defend the position effectively as well.

I like the way you are thinking with the exception of one vital point. Many of the games UConn just barely won this year have been when our defensive leaders, Aubrey and Nika both played maximum minutes. Most teams now have at least one high scoring guard and wing. Preseason next year will sort this out but I like having two shut down defenders. Suspect over time, Slade and KK will add to this list.

 

[HopJim]

If both are healthy, which of Nika or Paige would be the better point guard, MSGRET? If you answer that, you'll understand why some say Paige would be the starting point guard. You certainly don't need Paige to be the shooting guard when you have Azzi on board, right?

Suspect guard lineup will be based on in game matchups. Nika is the best option if UConn is able to run, Geno wants full court pressure, or a competitive guard needs to be shut down. In a slow half-court game, Paige and Azzi are better ball handlers and can create their own shots, drawing the defense and opening up the court. These are the types of issues Geno discussed having last year and I suspect he smiles every time he thinks about having these many great players to coach.

 

[Littlemin]

I definitely agree with some of what you said but there are too many caveats in play here. Is Paige going to be fully recovered? Will Azzi continue to be susceptible to the injury bug. Also, forger the assist record, Nika is not a point guard. She is great at defense, brings a tough mindset to the game and is a great teammate but she is just about an average ball handler and that is not what you want in a point guard.

Amazing the record this team amassed playing short handed, against the hardest rated schedule in the country and playing without a point guard. Smoke and mirrors I guess.
Not sure why we should ignore Muhl’s assists, although I will react to your ball handling critique; Muhl dribbles the ball pretty much “old school”, not cupping and palming the ball every other dribble, but with her hand on top of the ball. I understand that is no longer a violation in American basketball, but she learned her fundamentals in Europe. That makes breaking down a defender significantly harder which is why the majority of her drives are with a speed dribble rather than change of direction.

 

[Steelerone]

Nika, Paige and Azzi will all start next year.

We won't really know until the opening lineup is announced.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

We won't really know until the opening lineup is announced.

I don't think Geno will commit malpractice. He may start Paige's year with limited minutes, but that will depend on when she can start heavy work off season.

 

[Bone Dog]

As I have always said, I am less concerned with who starts the year than who the starters are going into the Playoffs. The above lineup would be one of the fastest ever and fun to watch until several of the Top-10 teams with 2 or more strong bigs had their way with us. This was exactly what UConn did this year to most teams. Suggest the guard question will work itself out - my question is who is going to be there next to Aaliyah down in the blocks when the other team's multiple 6'4"+ bigs start banging.

This sounds about right to me. Facing a team with a two-big lineup, we have to be able to respond. We could do that with Ice or Jana or Amari or even Ayanna, who plays big, next to Aaliyah. But there aren’t that many teams who can play two-bigs for long. Maybe SC, Stanford, Texas, ND, Oregon, Oregon St. And even against them a speed lineup might cause problems that would force them to go small. I’m intrigued by our being able to shift between a big and a small lineup effectively. I think we’ll be able to do that better than anyone. And since the 4 in our small lineup would be Caroline/Aubrey/Q we won’t be giving up much rebounding and will still have excellent transition speed.

 

[Bone Dog]

This sounds about right to me. Facing a team with a two-big lineup, we have to be able to respond. We could do that with Ice or Jana or Amari or even Ayanna, who plays big, next to Aaliyah. But there aren’t that many teams who can play two-bigs for long. Maybe SC, Stanford, Texas, ND, Oregon, Oregon St. And even against them a speed lineup might cause problems that would force them to go small. I’m intrigued by our being able to shift between a big and a small lineup effectively. I think we’ll be able to do that better than anyone. And since the 4 in our small lineup would be Caroline/Aubrey/Q we won’t be giving up much rebounding and will still have excellent transition speed.

Just consider Stanford as an example. Next year, if Jones Jump Belibi Prechtel all move on, Tara will have Betts Brink Iriafen and maybe Demetre (who’s more a perimeter player) as posts. She’ll want to play Betts and Brink together part of the time, and Betts has improved her game a lot this year. But she’s still a lumbering presence with weak handles. She can be formidable as a pure post presence as long as she can just turn and shoot. This all tells me Tara’s primary lineup will be Brink and Iriafen with Lepolo Emma-Nnopu and Nivar or Demetre. Still good height, but not so imposing that are small lineup couldn’t manage them.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

6 returning guards??? I count four. Ines, Azzi, Paige, and Nika. Where are the other two?

Any guard who can play the [top Div I] tenacious D that Geno requires will get time on the court, particularly in light of the past two years of injuries. The Other TWO [not returning, but Freshman incoming] are KK & Ashlynn Shade....