We have a few days before UConn's next game on their march to NC #12. First, great news on Azzi returning. Unfortunate news about JuJu - those damn ACL injuries. I, and the rest of the country was looking for to a rematch of last year's Elite Eight matchup, featuring a plethora of stars. Yes, I know UConn has a difficult game first against Oklahoma.
This is one man's opinions and I hope others contribute with their thoughts and other categories. Here goes:
Favorite foreign born player - Svetlana (I considered Aaliyah and Kia Nurse)
Best fast break pull-up jumper - Sue Bird (She was dynamite on a fast break, pulling up from the foul line area; if KK develops 1/4 of Sue's pull-up ability, she'll be virtually unstoppable)
Least favorite player to have guarding you - KK (I think opposing players have nightmares for a few nights afterwards; Kia Nurse a close second; although if Caitlin Clark had a vote, it would be Nika)
Best mid-range jumper - Paige (I noticed in recent games, the height on her pull-ups has elevated; it's a thing of beauty)
Best athlete - Gabby Williams (Gabby was like a Swiss army knife; could just as easily go with Aubrey who runs the court like a gazelle)
Best smile - Azzi (Might be a case of recency bias, but since she's returning for another year, I'm sticking with it)
Best Dr Jekyll/Mr Hyde - Diana Taurasi (On the court, she was Villanelle, a stone cold assassin - off the court, the embodiment of girls just wanna have fun)
Best hands - Sarah Strong - (I realize she's only played one year, but that is enough to convince me)
Best 3-pt shooter - KML (A number of players could challenge, but her numbers speak for itself)
Quickest release - Azzi (I think most will agree)
Most hard-nosed player - Kelly Farris (She squeezed out every ounce of her ability; one thing you could count on with Kelly is that she always gave 100%; also Nika comes to mind)
Most regal - Maya (She always reminded me of Secretariat; she stood shoulders above every other player on the court and carried herself that way)
Most hard-nosed player with talent - Shea Ralph (Injuries took a bite out of her game, but she still was a phenomenal player)
Favorite transfer - Evina (Honestly, you could make a case for a number of players; Geno seems to mine the right vein)
Fastest from baseline to baseline - Mo Jeff (At least this is how memory serves)
Best unicorn - Breanna (She pretty much was one of a kind)
Energizer bunny - Ash (Has anyone ever seen her tired on the court?)
Favorite player - Paige (It was always Sue Bird until Paige showed up; hopefully, we have 4 more games to see her play in a UConn uniform)
That's all I could come up. Thoughts?
