Moving in the right direction

[Crossover]

I find it interesting that it seems most posters think Azzi's return threatens Shade's starting role, but not Chen's. If Azzi starts one of them will need to start the game on the bench. Geno seems high on both. Hmmm, what to do...

What to do? Keep the point guard, Chen, in the starting lineup. Azzi and Ash are best suited at SG, and Geno clearly does not want Paige playing the point, perhaps because doing so would exacerbate her tendency to feed others rather than look for her own shot.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

I’m as high on Jana as anyone but I think the “best big in the country” might be a bridge too far. I do think she has the potential to be that eventually, or at least “among“ the best bigs, but I think next year or the next is a more likely timeline. However, I do think she is certainly capable of becoming a difference maker for our team this year!

I have to say, one of the things I’m most excited about with Jana and Sarah, are their hands! Both ( especially Sarah) have great hands! I can’t remember when we’ve had two bigs with sterling hands. Sarah, as I’ve said before, might have the best hands I’ve ever seen! Jana, though not quite at that level is provng to have very good hands as well! She is already snaring rebounds that in the recent past, would certainly have been lost, or at the very least, contested for by the other team! Some of her offensive boards have been astounding!

Ah, now I understand your "Wow" to my previous post. We all have opinions and most certainly disagree among them, but I'm glad you found my positive assessment of Jana's potential by season's end to be among them. I can't totally disagree with your opinion of her, I just believe that as she gains confidence in her ability to compete (actually dominant) at this level she is going to "own" the area around the basket at both ends of the court. It will happen, but by the end of this season could be wishful thinking on my part.

 

[Skeets]

What to do? Keep the point guard, Chen, in the starting lineup. Azzi and Ash are best suited at SG, and Geno clearly does not want Paige playing the point, perhaps because doing so would exacerbate her tendency to feed others rather than look for her own shot.

Assuming Azzi starts, then if Chen sits, Paige will probably have to move to the point. I agree with you. Geno wants Paige receiving the first pass, not making the first pass. Ash may be the one sitting simply because Chen is a more natural PG.

If, as it has been said many times, it's earned in practice, nobody out-practices Ash. So, there's that...

 

[Just.A.Fan]

Assuming Azzi starts, then if Chen sits, Paige will probably have to move to the point. I agree with you. Geno wants Paige receiving the first pass, not making the first pass. Ash may be the one sitting simply because Chen is a more natural PG.

If, as it has been said many times, it's earned in practice, nobody out-practices Ash. So, there's that...

The rotation will now begin to get very interesting. Geno (and staff) will have a big job in trying to keep everyone as happy as possible and contributing in an effort to truly make this UConn squad the very best in the country.

 

[PhillyCoach]

I think the rotation is starting to jell. Jana & Ice split the 5, Chen & KK cover the point, Azzi and Ash are in the 2 slot. Now we have 2 players/slots left that will be difficult to maneuver. Geno has been saying that he wants to see how the team runs without Paige on the floor. He is still experimenting. Go small and have Azzi come in for Paige and Ash has the SG spot. The same would work for Sara. Ice comes in to cover the 4 and Jana has the post. Geno has the talent and bodies to go big or small. It looks like a tight 8 man rotation at this point. Looks very smooth and lots of quality. I see Aubrey as a possible force later in the season and Morgan seems to be next in line for playing time.

 

[Bigboote]

I find it interesting that it seems most posters think Azzi's return threatens Shade's starting role, but not Chen's. If Azzi starts one of them will need to start the game on the bench. Geno seems high on both. Hmmm, what to do...

Honestly, I’ve never asked myself what my decision would be, between Chen & Ash.

Shoot! Now my brain hurts.

You mean you weren’t expecting a “Who will start?” thread in December?

 

[PacoSwede]

The rotation will now begin to get very interesting. Geno (and staff) will have a big job in trying to keep everyone as happy as possible and contributing in an effort to truly make this UConn squad the very best in the country.

keeping everyone happy is a major issue but i think uconn -- wisely (and luckily) -- has mostly found a way to address it. the key is the kind of kids it tries to bring in. this season's group appears to be great in this regard, though since we're not in the locker rooms or apartments we don't know if our perception is the reality. i hope works out for everyone.

 

[Bone Dog]

8 is a good number for a rotation, but 9 is a little unwieldy? And 10 just looks weird? Hmmm.

I suspect we’re about to see a new phase of the season in which Geno tries even more different lineups — big lineups, small lineups, pressure lineups. Maybe not against ND or USC. Those two games may have a shorter rotation. But especially by the time conference play starts, I think the experimentation does too. Then Geno will get everyone on the court in one way or another.

It may be that in the tournament the rotation contracts to 8 or even 7. But there’s plenty of time before that for everyone to have gotten their moment in the spotlight. By next March, they’ll all understand what they’ve earned and how to achieve even more the following season. Managing expectations is an important part of Geno’s job and I think he does it very well.