Midseason thoughts and observations

[victor64]

We are about halfway through the season. Things I am thinking about as we enjoy a great team.

1. Azzi, Sarah and KK could be named on the Big East first team defensive team. One of these three should be the defensive player of the year but I could not pick. Williams and Ash will make second or third team if there is such a thing. Maybe even K9.
2. A decision has to made soon about whether Morgan plays this year or not. Geno has said that he does not plan to redshirt her. But now, this late in the year, is it worth it? The staff will probably leave it up to her.
3. I have more than 100 posts explaining why Gandy is not playing. Reliable, informed posters have indicated that she can’t redshirt. I understand nearly 100% of how this staff runs their program. If Gandy can’t redshirt, the decision to not play her a couple of minutes in blowouts baffles me. i read posts defending the move but I respectfully don’t see it.
4. Geno, in recent years, has not pressed against good teams during the NCAA. He makes the other team beat him in the half court. I wonder if he changes his philosophy this year.
5. Geno’s rotation shrinks during the tournament. Typically he goes to 7. Allie is number 8. She has played really well but will it earn her quality minutes in the tournament? I would guess it depends on the matchup.
6. I think Geno has a small lineup that he likes. I think he would like to have a “big” lineup. He has experimented with some but I don’t he has settled on one yet.
7. Various teams have tried to zone the Huskies but did not have the success Michigan did. I think zone offense will be a big part of tournament game prep.
8. In both games that I have listened to Renee, she mentioned the pressure of being undefeated heading into the tournament. I don’t see a loss on the remaining schedule. I remember after the Tennessee loss last year, the team played with a freed up sense of urgency. Geno has had multiple undefeated seasons and knows how to handle it, of course, but I thought Renee’s comment was interesting.
9. Chris Dailey’s off court value has been documented. I love watching her dynamics on the bench during the games. Geno rarely sits on the bench anymore to talk to players about mistakes. The subbed player always sits next to CD and she takes care of it. I know this has been the case for years. Geno and CD tease each other but the respect and trust he has for her is obvious.
10. When was the last time Geno got a technical? Maybe he has mellowed because the quality of the officiating has certainly not gotten better.

Like many, I enjoy every second I get to watch this team play. Even when they struggle.

 

[Bigboote]

Best substantive post (this side of TonyC) for a long time.

2) I absolutely agree -- if Morgan isn't ready for a couple of minutes now, I can't see her being ready to contribute a lot in a month or two.

5) I don't pretend that I have any insight into Geno's head. But from the eye test, I think Allie will be part of a 9-player rotation. Blanca and Kayleigh are givens, every game. I think that, when healthy, Jana will appear in almost all the tourney games. Serah doesn't tend to play much more than 20 minutes. Allie has been playing about the same minutes as Shade, KK, and Heckel. Like just about any other player, she sometimes doesn't have her A game, but most games she does. If UConn doesn't go 9 deep, it'll be either they're going big and Jana plays or they're going small and Allie plays.

6) We've seen flashes of Serah and Jana on the court together. I think big could be the two of them plus Sarah or one of them plus Sarah and Blanca, both of whom can play bigger than their height.

9) Well said. There's not a player who's come through UConn who hasn't sung her praises.

 

[oldude]

While Serah is doing a solid job and will likely get better by tournament time, and UConn can always go small for a change up, there are 3 important reasons why getting Jana back healthy and part of the rotation is critical: Oldacre, Okot & Betts.

There is not another Big in the country that I am particularly worried about, including Crooks or Beers. But I think it’s necessary to matchup with the Bigs from TX, SC & UCLA with someone every bit as physical as they are.

 

[FanSince17]

While Serah is doing a solid job and will likely get better by tournament time, and UConn can always go small for a change up, there are 3 important reasons why getting Jana back healthy and part of the rotation is critical: Oldacre, Okot & Betts.

There is not another Big in the country that I am particularly worried about, including Crooks or Beers. But I think it’s necessary to matchup with the Bigs from TX, SC & UCLA with someone every bit as physical as they are.

We need a big body on the block. rebounding, screening, making layups, let Sarah play centerfield, not manned up on the bigs you mentioned.
Remember these names: Luc Longley, Bill Cartwright, Bill Wennington- Bulls Dynasty. It's all we need!

 

[Huskee11]

Very interesting post, covers a lot of ground. Some quick reactions, corresponding number referenced:

1. You mention six players deserving of post season recognition, and I agree that they are deserving. But a seventh not mentioned, Blanca, may actually be the most disruptive and intimidating presence on defense. This is not to disagree with your point, but rather to emphasize just how deep and talented UConn is on the defensive end. I am looking forward to seeing how Geno matches up with Notre Dame, would love to see what a Blanca versus Hidalgo matchup might look like. They run a lot of high picks for Hidalgo, so Blanca may end up on her in that instance also.

2. I predict Morgan will redshirt - not enough runway left to ramp up, and while at full strength she would help, not like there is a dire need at the wing position.

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

4 and 5. Geno hasn't really had the numbers to press for long stretches in recent years. And even in the Stewie era, as you note he would rarely play more than seven in the Final Four. My prediction is that he will play in the tournament like he is playing now and will go at least nine deep. That defensive pressure is the calling card of this team, they are really good at it, and it would be a gift to the opposition to go soft on it. But it does require playing the bench more than he typically does at that stage.

6. The "small" lineup was capable of winning the game against South Carolina in the Finals and, notwithstanding Okot, should be able to handle South Carolina this year should that matchup occur. (Remember South Carolina had Kitts.) A bigger lineup will be needed for stretches against UCLA and/or Texas - hopefully not both - but a "smaller" lineup against those teams could also work very well. Who is Oldacre going to cover if we go "small"? Make them adjust to you.

7. I am surprised that more teams have not tried a zone against UConn.

9 and 10. CD also does a good job of dragging Geno off the court and from the brink when he is about to lose it. But, to your point, it is easier to take a bad call when you are up 40 than when you are down two! And for the most part, this has been the season of 40 point leads.

 

[Jim R]

Very interesting post, covers a lot of ground. Some quick reactions, corresponding number referenced:

1. You mention six players deserving of post season recognition, and I agree that they are deserving. But a seventh not mentioned, Blanca, may actually be the most disruptive and intimidating presence on defense. This is not to disagree with your point, but rather to emphasize just how deep and talented UConn is on the defensive end. I am looking forward to seeing how Geno matches up with Notre Dame, would love to see what a Blanca versus Hidalgo matchup might look like. They run a lot of high picks for Hidalgo, so Blanca may end up on her in that instance also.

2. I predict Morgan will redshirt - not enough runway left to ramp up, and while at full strength she would help, not like there is a dire need at the wing position.

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

4 and 5. Geno hasn't really had the numbers to press for long stretches in recent years. And even in the Stewie era, as you note he would rarely play more than seven in the Final Four. My prediction is that he will play in the tournament like he is playing now and will go at least nine deep. That defensive pressure is the calling card of this team, they are really good at it, and it would be a gift to the opposition to go soft on it. But it does require playing the bench more than he typically does at that stage.

6. The "small" lineup was capable of winning the game against South Carolina in the Finals and, notwithstanding Okot, should be able to handle South Carolina this year should that matchup occur. (Remember South Carolina had Kitts.) A bigger lineup will be needed for stretches against UCLA and/or Texas - hopefully not both - but a "smaller" lineup against those teams could also work very well. Who is Oldacre going to cover if we go "small"? Make them adjust to you.

7. I am surprised that more teams have not tried a zone against UConn.

9 and 10. CD also does a good job of dragging Geno off the court and from the brink when he is about to lose it. But, to your point, it is easier to take a bad call when you are up 40 than when you are down two! And for the most part, this has been the season of 40 point leads.

Thought about a separate thread for Blanca, but, since you mentioned it….think she’s certainly the sixth man of the year in the Big East, if not nationally. Mentioned this during last games chat….is there a “big” or front court player you’ve seen in WCBB with a handle better than hers? How about finishing around the basket? How about the use of her left hand? Know its early, but, I think Geno knows exactly what’s he has with a her - an All American in the making. For my money, she’s not quite there yet (a Freshman, really? Oh, wait a minute, she was playing Pro ball in Italy), but, I wouldn’t put her too far behind Madison Booker with her skill set already. I remember Geno’s words about Ash in her Freshman season, and her presence on the court. He simply said, “I TRUST her”….believe he’s almost at that point with Blanca!

 

[bballnut90]

We are about halfway through the season. Things I am thinking about as we enjoy a great team.

1. Azzi, Sarah and KK could be named on the Big East first team defensive team. One of these three should be the defensive player of the year but I could not pick. Williams and Ash will make second or third team if there is such a thing. Maybe even K9.
2. A decision has to made soon about whether Morgan plays this year or not. Geno has said that he does not plan to redshirt her. But now, this late in the year, is it worth it? The staff will probably leave it up to her.
3. I have more than 100 posts explaining why Gandy is not playing. Reliable, informed posters have indicated that she can’t redshirt. I understand nearly 100% of how this staff runs their program. If Gandy can’t redshirt, the decision to not play her a couple of minutes in blowouts baffles me. i read posts defending the move but I respectfully don’t see it.
4. Geno, in recent years, has not pressed against good teams during the NCAA. He makes the other team beat him in the half court. I wonder if he changes his philosophy this year.
5. Geno’s rotation shrinks during the tournament. Typically he goes to 7. Allie is number 8. She has played really well but will it earn her quality minutes in the tournament? I would guess it depends on the matchup.
6. I think Geno has a small lineup that he likes. I think he would like to have a “big” lineup. He has experimented with some but I don’t he has settled on one yet.
7. Various teams have tried to zone the Huskies but did not have the success Michigan did. I think zone offense will be a big part of tournament game prep.
8. In both games that I have listened to Renee, she mentioned the pressure of being undefeated heading into the tournament. I don’t see a loss on the remaining schedule. I remember after the Tennessee loss last year, the team played with a freed up sense of urgency. Geno has had multiple undefeated seasons and knows how to handle it, of course, but I thought Renee’s comment was interesting.
9. Chris Dailey’s off court value has been documented. I love watching her dynamics on the bench during the games. Geno rarely sits on the bench anymore to talk to players about mistakes. The subbed player always sits next to CD and she takes care of it. I know this has been the case for years. Geno and CD tease each other but the respect and trust he has for her is obvious.
10. When was the last time Geno got a technical? Maybe he has mellowed because the quality of the officiating has certainly not gotten better.

Like many, I enjoy every second I get to watch this team play. Even when they struggle.

Thoughts from a non-UCONN fan:
1. I'd probably go with Strong or Arnold for DPOY. Fudd has become an elite defender too though. I guess I can't pick either.

2. If he wants 4 years out of Cheli I think he'd be smart to redshirt her. UCONN has the deepest roster it's had in a long time, I don't think Cheli would crack the rotation or bring a lot of value to this year's team. If I'm her, I'd rather bank this year and play 3 full seasons where playing time should be more abundant.

5. Realistically there'll be 3, 4 games max where UCONN is challenged in the tournament. I think Ziebell probably gets 5-10 minutes per game in the 'higher risk' games unless Shade is struggling. We've seen that so far this year with less minutes against Louisville, Michigan, USC and Iowa even though several of those games were blowouts. He did the same for Gabby Williams when she was a freshman and usually like to ride his starters in bigger games.

8. I'll be surprised if UCONN doesn't enter the tournament undefeated. In terms of pressure, Sarah Strong doesn't strike me as someone who would get rattled by the pressure, neither does Fudd with how well she's played this year. That said, UCONN isn't going to be nearly as battle tested as other #1 seeds though. If UCONN has an off shooting night and squads like Texas, LSU or South Carolina smell blood in the water, an upset could happen.

 

[Vowelguy]

I think Allies tournament usage will be as a 3point specialist. If there’s a zone or Azzi needs a break, then we will see AZ.

Similarly Jana will be for physical post play. If the opponent is guard oriented, I wouldn’t expect to see a lot of Jana.

 

[Cornell Lt]

I'll be very interested in Morgan's situation moving forward and the decision to play her or redshirt. If she is healthy and can contribute 8-10 minutes per game then it might be worth burning a year of eligibility. Only her, her advisors (parents) and the coaching staff know the answer to how it will play out. As much as I'd like to see her on the court, I don't think her availability (one way or the other) will have much of an impact on the success of the current team. From a selfish perspective I'd like to see her play this year.

 

[Bone Dog]

Perimeter shooting is the most direct way to defeat a zone. But it’s not the only way (or is it?). Sarah has already disrupted zones with her drives and interior passing. Blanca has also driven through them. Of course, not everyone can do this. The perimeter threat combined with their size and strength is how these two do it. If it’s just guards on the edge of a zone, these two just shoot over them. If a big comes out to the edge of the zone, they drive and pass or go to the rim. So, I guess I have to take it back: perimeter shooting is at the heart of how you break a zone.

 

[huskeynut]

You are forgetting the other weak point of a zone - the foul line area.

With UConn's motion you can have Azzi, Sarah, KK, Sade, K9, Blanca flash through the middle for a jumper.

 

[Gael]

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

Indeed. The issue is so blindingly obvious that the failure to inquire borders on journalistic malpractice. Lobbing the same softballs game after game, year after year, is not journalism or even interesting.

 

[victor64]

Some additional comments:

1. I thought about Blanca on the defensive team. A case could also be made for K9. I just figured no way would 6 or 7 make the team.
2. Jana held her own against Betts in the semis. There is never a good time for a concussion but prior to the injury she had put back to back good games. Hopefully the trend continues when she returns.
3. In what little zone they have seen since Michigan, Sarah seemed to hang out at the high post. It seems like a simple solution because she can do, well, everything.
4. I live in Ohio and follow OSU football closely. Ryan Day gets the same softball questions as Geno. I think there is a trade-off (that the media would deny) that the school will provide access to the coach and players but difficult topics (or any second guessing) will result in lack of access. I think Geno's interviews are interesting but any details are clearly revealed on his terms.

 

[Bone Dog]

You are forgetting the other weak point of a zone - the foul line area.

With UConn's motion you can have Azzi, Sarah, KK, Sade, K9, Blanca flash through the middle for a jumper.

Sade is indeed a 'smooth operator.'

 

[victor64]

Sade is indeed a 'smooth operator.'

This is why I try to read all your posts. Well done.

 

[Cuango]

You mentioned Rene’s comments about the pressure of being undefeated. Geno has described that season as one of his most pressure filled due not only to being undefeated but also because of his desperate desire that Rene should go out with a title. I remember after that final, him describing the intense pressure he put on himself to win the championship for her! I don’t know if that affected the players but he felt it for sure.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Undefeated and nitpicking but would like to see the team a little more efficient around the basket, and little more from Williams with a less right-side dominant mentality. Her field goal % is better now than at Wisky. I think Azzi seems to shoot better when she just catches and shoots rather than catch, set and shoot which is just amazzing to me. Sarah and Ash just the opposite. TOs are creeping up.

 

[victor64]

Undefeated and nitpicking but would like to see the team a little more efficient around the basket, and little more from Williams with a less right-side dominant mentality. Her field goal % is better now than at Wisky. I think Azzi seems to shoot better when she just catches and shoots rather than catch, set and shoot which is just amazzing to me. Sarah and Ash just the opposite. TOs are creeping up.

No doubt the team is flawed but so are the other chasers. Texas sat Rori Harmon the whole fourth quarter yesterday.

 

[rugbymate]

Good original post….just a comment on points 4 and 5 because I think they are related. The issue of whether to press or not against the better teams in the post season will be impacted by how many minutes Geno wants Azzi and Sarah on the floor. It’s one thing to press in Big East games when they are getting 25 minutes but entirely a different thing when asking them to play for 35-40 minutes against a top ranked team. It’s a good problem to have but I’d like to see the team hone their half court defense before tournament time.

 

[BobbyJ]

No doubt the team is flawed but so are the other chasers. Texas sat Rori Harmon the whole fourth quarter yesterday.

And when was the last time you saw a supposed top 10 coach in the country do that with his/her supposed best PG in the country in a game he/she was losing if she wasn't injured? And then complain about having to play that opponent.

 

[BBallF]

Just a few comments to button down some points:

1) I think it very unfair if Morgan does not redshirt. Even if she comes back, what shape will she be in, what will her timing be, will she play much?

2) Jana is critical. First, she was playing her best basketball before she got hurt. Second, she is a big body who is not afraid to mix it up with other big bodies. Third, small ball works better as a surprise tactic, not as a full game plan.

3) If Geno goes to 7, he leaves who out exactly? I count K9, Blanca, Jana and Allie as playing, so I have 9. Don't be surprised if you see a little Carol as well. Senior leadership.

4) Blanca is second team All BE at least. It's not the numbers, it's how she changes the flow of games. She broke open several games this year. She is 6'2", Sarah's height, with as long a wing span, and is like the Terminator since she never stops. Oldude called her the X factor. He was wrong. She is the X,Y,Z factor.

5) We have a wonderful team on our hands this year. See them live. They are really fun.

 

[oldude]

And when was the last time you saw a supposed top 10 coach in the country do that with his/her supposed best PG in the country in a game he/she was losing if she wasn't injured? And then complain about having to play that opponent.

I was stunned by that decision. Yes, Harmon was not playing particularly well. But considering that she was leading the nation in A/TO ratio, maybe you sit her for a minute or so to clear her head, then you get her back in to finish the game.

 

[Gael]

I was stunned by that decision. Yes, Harmon was not playing particularly well. But considering that she was leading the nation in A/TO ratio, maybe you sit her for a minute or so to clear her head, then you get her back in to finish the game.

The decision to bench Harmon in Q4 worked out very well. Texas scored 26 in Q4 after scoring 11, 11 and 14 in the previous three. Vic said in the presser that Harmon was neither shooting well (1-7) nor getting the ball to Booker and Oldacre, and that he was very pleased with his decision notwithstanding the loss.

I, too, was surprised at the boldness of that decision, given that Vic appears to be a very conservative coach. Booker is so talented, and she was essentially running the point for much of Q4 (totaling 6 assists in the game).

 

[Bone Dog]

Thinking about Morgan, someone else mentioned this already and it rings true to me: not all kids want to spend five years in school. As a college professor I see this all the time. Some kids love campus life and don’t want to leave, and others can’t wait to finish. It is possible that Morgan doesn’t want to spend an extra year in college. We usually assume that all athletes want to maximize their time there. But this may not always be true.

 

[BobbyJ]

The decision to bench Harmon in Q4 worked out very well. Texas scored 26 in Q4 after scoring 11, 11 and 14 in the previous three. Vic said in the presser that Harmon was neither shooting well (1-7) nor getting the ball to Booker and Oldacre, and that he was very pleased with his decision notwithstanding the loss.

I, too, was surprised at the boldness of that decision, given that Vic appears to be a very conservative coach. Booker is so talented, and she was essentially running the point for much of Q4 (totaling 6 assists in the game).

A very interesting move. I wonder if the Lieberman PG award voters will notice how indispensable Vic thought she was in a key and tight conference game. 😉

 

[Dogstar]

Sade is indeed a 'smooth operator.'

I see what you did there...Nice!

 

[oldhusky]

Regarding rotations in the tournament, I believe Allie is a permanent member of a usual rotation of 9, with Jana being the only variable. Yes Geno has gone smaller rotations but largely because he had to. Those shorter rotations also took away his ability to press which is part of this team's identity.

He needs to have more in the rotation to press, and if he goes small and doesn't use Jana, he needs to press. We are a good but not great rebounding team. Against the top contenders it could be considered a weakness. We compensate somewhat for it by getting more possessions from turnovers to make up for fewer from rebounds, but if we go small ball and don't press that would be a bad combination resulting in too few possessions.

Another factor in Jana's usage is her fasting due to her religious beliefs. If I remember right that affected her for a couple of games in the tournament last year, but that period was over by the Final Four when she performed well. When that period hits this year, the rotation could be 8 instead of 9.

Regarding Morgan I obviously don't know her details, but I could see the logic in not committing to her playing or not playing until the season plays out far more. She could be rotation injury insurance, but unlikely to make a difference if we remain healthy. If she was ready to play and a current rotation player was injured, would Geno just shrink the rotation by one, or would someone from the next tier be added.

If Ice was healthy then, I suspect he would add her, if his choice was say Caroline or Ayanna, I think he would shorten the rotation, but Morgan due to ability and versatility might be the #10 player in rank, and the best option to keep the rotation size the same if a player goes down.

So if Morgan was healthy right now, that doesn't mean the decision to activate or red-shirt has to be made now. If the team doesn't lose anyone else from the rotation, why activate her? She would likely be out of the rotation, so save a year of eligibility. If we do have an injury to a rotation player, then maybe she does play because she might be in the rotation and allow us to continue to press with the bigger rotation.

May not be the case, but I'm saying even If Geno and Morgan were leaning toward red-shirt, why not wait until much later in the season to commit to it, saying if we remain healthy you red-shirt, but if you would be in the rotation due to injury you play now?

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

I’ll try to add to the great points above via a different framework: TY’s team vs LY’s team.

LY’s team had a stratospheric Big 3 that could outscore most teams by themselves and stupendous small ball winning time rotations which were equally good in full court and half court.

• The traditional lineups with Jana/ Ice were adequate to battle the contender teams to a standstill, but it was the small ball rotations that put the game away;
• There were only 3 small ball winning time rotations LY (the combinations where a function of getting two guards to complete the Big 3);
• In terms of giving breathers, one can give a breather to Azzi and Paige much more readily than to Sarah as Aubrey was the only one who can spell Sarah in small ball, and Aubrey was just cleared to play; Aubrey also played a critical role in the USC game as USC was attacking the (4) position in small ball.

TY’s team has a more solid Top 8/9/10 &1 /11 &2

• Geno has used 19 (out of the possible 20) Winning Time Rotations (Azzi+Sarah+ 3 others of the Top 8);
• The Winning Time Rotations (with max spurtability) encompasses traditional and small ball, which means TY’s team distances itself from other teams potentially from the jump;
• Giving pocket breathers to any one player while keeping the offensive and defensive onslaught is far easier this year in Pocket Bridge Rotations; or Geno and CD could use another Winning Time Rotation;
• When Geno “shrinks” the rotation this year, he can still use his Top 9/ 10&1 / 11&2 where he will give Azzi and Sarah a lot of minutes but give them pocket breathers, say with Allie and Blanca (who will also play big minutes)/ Ice &2;
• Because this team is advanced in so many respects from other UConn teams at this point in time, Geno and CD have a lot of bandwidth to use to maximize the team’s potential by March/ April, not all of it will be apparent during Big East games;
• And there’s so much untapped potential in Blanca, Serah, Kayleigh, Allie, Jana and Caroline; yes there are some obvious work-in-progress moments in there (which prior UConn team didn’t have those at this time? and those growing-pains minutes (a window into Geno’s stress-test practices) pays dividends in March/April and in future years) but this team is already super entertaining to watch.

I am 50/50 on who would win.

As for other quick points:

• Yes, most teams with certain centers are formidable playing iterations of basically the same game. I like UConn’s chances with our varied games (and yes, Jana is a key part of that);
• I am far less concerned about UConn’s usual Achilles Heels this year (as does JellyBean with this post);
• Geno and CD likes to pound teams with the same things until they can prove that they can counter them (see zone press); so much of the metamorphosis of this team will remain a mystery (and hard to scout) until deep into the NCAAT;
• Bonedog raised the important feature of punch something orange mindset à la Diana, Nika and flex Paige; while this team’s cool hand Luke (à la Stewie teams) may work, Geno is sure to test them in practice so they can be mad at him in order to come out blazes firing;
• Morgan should probably redshirt if she is thinking about being prepared the most for the next level and if the team doesn’t really need her; There is enough recent history on trying to come back too soon;
• &1 I know it is a small sample, but there are some flashes of the old Caroline; that’s great to see and if she keeps it up, it further obviates the need to have Morgan this year;
• &2 Ice would be another rotation player if she is cleared to play; I know there are more capable players at each of the positions she can play, but there are certain things she does very well.

 

[hoophuskee]

I’ll try to add to the great points above via a different framework: TY’s team vs LY’s team.

LY’s team had a stratospheric Big 3 that could outscore most teams by themselves and stupendous small ball winning time rotations which were equally good in full court and half court.

• The traditional lineups with Jana/ Ice were adequate to battle the contender teams to a standstill, but it was the small ball rotations that put the game away;
• There were only 3 small ball winning time rotations LY (the combinations where a function of getting two guards to complete the Big 3);
• In terms of giving breathers, one can give a breather to Azzi and Paige much more readily than to Sarah as Aubrey was the only one who can spell Sarah in small ball, and Aubrey was just cleared to play; Aubrey also played a critical role in the USC game as USC was attacking the (4) position in small ball.

TY’s team has a more solid Top 8/9/10 &1 /11 &2

• Geno has used 19 (out of the possible 20) Winning Time Rotations (Azzi+Sarah+ 3 others of the Top 8);
• The Winning Time Rotations (with max spurtability) encompasses traditional and small ball, which means TY’s team distances itself from other teams potentially from the jump;
• Giving pocket breathers to any one player while keeping the offensive and defensive onslaught is far easier this year in Pocket Bridge Rotations; or Geno and CD could use another Winning Time Rotation;
• When Geno “shrinks” the rotation this year, he can still use his Top 9/ 10&1 / 11&2 where he will give Azzi and Sarah a lot of minutes but give them pocket breathers, say with Allie and Blanca (who will also play big minutes)/ Ice &2;
• Because this team is advanced in so many respects from other UConn teams at this point in time, Geno and CD have a lot of bandwidth to use to maximize the team’s potential by March/ April, not all of it will be apparent during Big East games;
• And there’s so much untapped potential in Blanca, Serah, Kayleigh, Allie, Jana and Caroline; yes there are some obvious work-in-progress moments in there (which prior UConn team didn’t have those at this time? and those growing-pains minutes (a window into Geno’s stress-test practices) pays dividends in March/April and in future years) but this team is already super entertaining to watch.

I am 50/50 on who would win.

As for other quick points:

• Yes, most teams with certain centers are formidable playing iterations of basically the same game. I like UConn’s chances with our varied games (and yes, Jana is a key part of that);
• I am far less concerned about UConn’s usual Achilles Heels this year (as does JellyBean with this post);
• Geno and CD likes to pound teams with the same things until they can prove that they can counter them (see zone press); so much of the metamorphosis of this team will remain a mystery (and hard to scout) until deep into the NCAAT;
• Bonedog raised the important feature of punch something orange mindset à la Diana, Nika and flex Paige; while this team’s cool hand Luke (à la Stewie teams) may work, Geno is sure to test them in practice so they can be mad at him in order to come out blazes firing;
• Morgan should probably redshirt if she is thinking about being prepared the most for the next level and if the team doesn’t really need her; There is enough recent history on trying to come back too soon;
• &1 I know it is a small sample, but there are some flashes of the old Caroline; that’s great to see and if she keeps it up, it further obviates the need to have Morgan this year;
• &2 Ice would be another rotation player if she is cleared to play; I know there are more capable players at each of the positions she can play, but there are certain things she does very well.

I brought this up in another post---- YES! Not saying it will happen but YES.

• &1 I know it is a small sample, but there are some flashes of the old Caroline; that’s great to see and if she keeps it up, it further obviates the need to have Morgan this year;

 

[WiseWillie]

While Serah is doing a solid job and will likely get better by tournament time, and UConn can always go small for a change up, there are 3 important reasons why getting Jana back healthy and part of the rotation is critical: Oldacre, Okot & Betts.

There is not another Big in the country that I am particularly worried about, including Crooks or Beers. But I think it’s necessary to matchup with the Bigs from TX, SC & UCLA with someone every bit as physical as they are.

Agree 100%. Replaying last year's FF games definitely highlights Jana's value in the post. I hope the concussion protocol is successfully concluded because getting more playing time to work out some of the kinks and to get into an offensive and defensive flow from now to March is important.