Looking into Next Season

[Cuango]

In addition to Vukosa for 2026 I expect us to get Jersey Robinson, as well.

I surely hope you are right!

 

[Skeets]

why is there so much talk of ayanna and morgan being on 'injured reserve,' as tony puts it. i don't get any vibe that either suffered long-term, career-threatening injuries. i suspect that they both have had setbacks that they'll have to respond to -- they have missed out on opportunities to develop as expected and that is a downer -- but physically i assume they will be 100% ready to go when the new season starts. where does this pessimism come from? is there something i don't know?

Well, you know Tony, he's a regular Debbie Downer.

 

[TCC Kid]

UConn truly has an embarrassment of riches this coming season. Geno and his staff have their work cut out for them. The Huskies could well start practice in October with 15 healthy players. As much as finding PT for everyone in games will be difficult, even finding sufficient practice time for various 5-player combinations will be a challenge. But that’s why Geno gets paid the big bucks.

Geno/CD have seen this "problem" before. CD and Geno had some determined PT demands and solved them, with a few National Title teams. Having the talent is a gift, using it properly is a talent, keeping everyone happy -- is CD (without mega bucks).

 

[TCC Kid]

Knowing what’s coming and then stopping it are two very different things!

Yes, but, knowing is the first step to stopping. I believe that's what happened to 2 maybe 3 Tourney teams---they knew a determined, dedicated defense was coming at them. Little did they expect the 3 or 4 prong offense that hit them. You know what they say about --PAYBACK!!

 

[TCC Kid]

Maybe AI can tell us at the end of the season how many were actually used!

A.I. Can tell you at the beginning of the season. Could possible build 5 Bots to warm up the team.

I think Ice is going to surprise a lot of people next season. I believe we will finally see her become a consistent shooter and provide Geno with that reliable front court player who is a threat to score from all three levels. Geno loves big girls with a reliable shot and I think/hope that is what we will see from Ice next season. As for her passing, while she is not Paige or Sarah, I do think she has shown significant improvement in that aspect of her game. I am convinced that the stars are finally aligning for Ice and we will see a different player in terms of play and self-confidence this coming season.

I usually cringe when a Freshman comes in with the supposed talent of ICE. For a season or 2 she proved my cringe was true. This past season, I saw what I hoped for. She's not there yet. She is, however, light years from her lack luster days. If any one has a young crow--I'll start nibbling.

 

[Samoo]

...
Now next season is likely to be a very different story, since every coach has plenty of reason to take Geno’s small lineup seriously and plenty of time to plan for it.

And that will be their error; preparing for the last war, instead of the next one ..

 

[Tonyc]

UConn had shooters that forced defenses to come out and guard them. When Sarah came outside and her defender didnt and when the defender did she could take them one on one. Alot of that had to do with Paige and Azzi and even Ash being on the floor with her. UConns outside shooting and ability to create off the dribble opened up the middle forcing defenses to protect the middle and when they didnt UConn got them from the outside.

Not having Paige this season makes me think we need another shooter or two. That will create havoc for opponents knowing Azzi and Sarah need to be defended and with Serah in the middle one more shooter would really make life easier for the Big 3.

One other point. Having a rebounder like Sarah and adding Serah makes UConn so much better defensively. What Geno did with his small lineup last season was brilliant. He proved you dont need a big to dominate.

 

[Bone Dog]

Paige (whom I will refer to from now on as The Most Prolific Scorer in UConn History, or TMPSUH) has moved on. But others will step into her spot. Maybe not right away, maybe not casting the same huge shadow, maybe not with the same impossible combination of charisma and swagger.... When the previous TMPSUH (Maya) moved on, someone came to take up the reins. It took a down-season before Stewie showed up, and then we were off to the races. Well, it may not take that long this time, since the next TMPSUH may already be in Storrs. Geno builds his program as if he were building the Roman Coliseum, lots of stones well-fitted together making lots of arches. In each archway there will be a keystone. Only occasionally is there a stone that towers over the others like a campanile. One such stone just left and another has arrived in Sarah.

And what about Azzi? She can't replicate Paige's career accomplishments. Her own years have been too much hindered by injury. But she can leave her mark next season by leading the charge to the next NC. She will set few records, but she can leave this one indelible mark, and it's called #13. Geno says he asked her if she'd accomplished all she wanted to at UConn, and she said, "No." The only thing left for her to do is win another ring. This is why she's staying. So she can have two rings and lord it over Paige until the end of time.

 

[meyers7]

And what about Azzi? She can't replicate Paige's career accomplishments. Her own years have been too much hindered by injury. But she can leave her mark next season by leading the charge to the next NC. She will set few records, but she can leave this one indelible mark, and it's called #13. Geno says he asked her if she'd accomplished all she wanted to at UConn, and she said, "No." The only thing left for her to do is win another ring. This is why she's staying. So she can have two rings and lord it over Paige until the end of time.

That and get herself on the wall (AA). And make a run at a NPOY award.

 

[CL82]

With this roster I have previously posted Uconn will be undefeated in the BIG EAST and another trophy. Then undefeated for the season, then only 6 more wins and No13. When we sign up Olivia Vulcosa and the remaining players for the year 26/27 , I see No 14. I watched a recent video of Olivia scoring 32 points and 20 rebounds. With my view on possibility it's Possible. GO HUSKIES!!!!! GO GENO!!!!!!

We're doomed.

 

[MHD789]

You say our transfers did not come to sit. Name me one freshman who came to sit. I don't believe any player comes to a school to sit. Have you seen the rosters of some of the other teams? There are other teams with as much talent as UConn has. SC and UCLA are just two.

Totally agree. We have not retained our nucleus (lost a couple pretty important contributors named Paige & Chen) and other teams have loaded up with the highest rated freshman plus impactful transfers. Love our roster but there's a lot of heavy lifting and team building to be done.

 

[MHD789]

I think Ice is going to surprise a lot of people next season. I believe we will finally see her become a consistent shooter and provide Geno with that reliable front court player who is a threat to score from all three levels. Geno loves big girls with a reliable shot and I think/hope that is what we will see from Ice next season. As for her passing, while she is not Paige or Sarah, I do think she has shown significant improvement in that aspect of her game. I am convinced that the stars are finally aligning for Ice and we will see a different player in terms of play and self-confidence this coming season.

Different view here. She's in a very difficult spot trying to get meaningful minutes, assuming no injuries, behind at least Serah, Sarah and Jana. She has had a lot of chances to be a major contributor but I believe her window of opportunity has most likely passed.

 

[BBallF]

UConn truly has an embarrassment of riches this coming season. Geno and his staff have their work cut out for them. The Huskies could well start practice in October with 15 healthy players. As much as finding PT for everyone in games will be difficult, even finding sufficient practice time for various 5-player combinations will be a challenge. But that’s why Geno gets paid the big bucks.

And do not, I repeat do not, be surprised if Caroline starts at the 3.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

And do not, I repeat do not, be surprised if Caroline starts at the 3.

Not sure if anything would surprise me more.

 

[uconnfan68]

Different view here. She's in a very difficult spot trying to get meaningful minutes, assuming no injuries, behind at least Serah, Sarah and Jana. She has had a lot of chances to be a major contributor but I believe her window of opportunity has most likely passed.

She’s been hurt both years. Let’s see what she does healthy.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Tony Caroline is not on injured reserve. She played in the UCLA and SC games.

Want to give a big shout out to the participants in this thread. So much basketball mental power on display and it didn't combust! True, I was exhausted by the time I got here, but I think we are a pretty unique bunch of fans.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think we are a pretty unique bunch of fans.

I completely agree. And I suspect Serah and Kayleigh are going to be pleasantly surprised by how much love they get from the fans in Storrs.