Moving in the right direction

[Tonyc]

We had a 2 headed monster in Paige and Sarah and now with the emergence of Azzi we have a 3 headed monster. Next up to transform UConn into a 4 headed monster it looks like Ice and Jana. Their development takes time. They've both come a long way. Im sure in practice they both are getting alot of attention and working on alot of drills. Taking what you learn in practice, making it reflexive so you dont have to think about it and just execute it and then executing it in a real game takes time. It will happen. Will it happen by the ND game? I dont know. I know we are hoping they will both emerge as polished post players but being realistic lets watch their progression. I do know Koval (ND post player) is a good freshman. Between Ice and Jana I think we can hold our own.

The bigger concern is ND's guards who handle most of the scoring. You can see ND TCU today on Flo Hoops @ 5pm EST. Defense is gonna play a big part in this game as is foul trouble. We must make it tuff for ND on D and avoid foul trouble especially early in the game. Foul trouble hurt us in the second qtr of the Ole Miss game. Its never easy playing at ND and always a battle. I would expect another round of the Paige Sarah and Azzi show. Who else will step up? Not sure but I have a feeling somebody will.

We have entered the toughest part of our schedule. Ole Miss which was a good test got us ready for what's coming up on our schedule. I think the 3rd qtr of that game caught us a little bit by surprise and we answered that call by holding on and turning the momentum around. The light went on for Azzi and she rose to the occasion This looked like her breakout game and was what we've been waiting for. With the big games coming up LVille ND Iowa St and USC. We will be tested and I believe we have the answers.

It comes down to patience and confidence in our execution. For those players who are playing at UConn for the first time and for those coming back from injury it will take time. At some point Kaitlyn will emerge as the scorer she was a Princeton, and we will see the emergence of Ice Jana Ashlynn and everybody else. We arent far off but for most of us it cant happen fast enough The point is we are moving in the right direction .

 

[Centerstream]

My biggest concern is how the current players not named Paige, Sarah and, hopefully, Azzi have not consistently contributed to the scoring when they are on the court. I'm specifically speaking of the current starters, Ashlynn, Ice and Kaitlyn.
I'm most concerned by Ashlynn who can start a game on fire and then seems to disappear on offense. I would like freshman Ashlynn back.

 

[Husky fanatic]

My biggest concern is how the current players not named Paige, Sarah and, hopefully, Azzi have not consistently contributed to the scoring when they are on the court. I'm specifically speaking of the current starters, Ashlynn, Ice and Kaitlyn.
I'm most concerned by Ashlynn who can start a game on fire and then seems to disappear on offense. I would like freshman Ashlynn back.

Freshman Ash got a lot more touches

 

[BobbyJ]

My biggest concern is how the current players not named Paige, Sarah and, hopefully, Azzi have not consistently contributed to the scoring when they are on the court. I'm specifically speaking of the current starters, Ashlynn, Ice and Kaitlyn.
I'm most concerned by Ashlynn who can start a game on fire and then seems to disappear on offense. I would like freshman Ashlynn back.

It's strategic. Auriemma is running his offense through his best 2-3 players. The sets are designed for the best scorers to take the bulk of the shots if open. That leaves whoever else is on the court to get their shots in transition and on the offensive boards. There's not going to be 5-6 players getting 12 shots apiece because there's not enough possessions in a game, especially if those scorers are making their shots.

 

[ERWUC65]

Freshman Ash got a lot more touches

Freshman Ash had the luxury of no competition. Sophomore Ash is still starting and has shown well in endurance, defense and desire. Problem is comfort with high motion offense against top level opponents. She is OK with open post up shooting, but struggling with taking the ball to the basket in transition. I expect she will defer to Azzi in tough games, but will get a lot of playing time in support.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

With Azzi back and playing along side the best player in the country (Paige), and the best newcomer in the country (Sarah), and with a much improved Ice, and with Jana (who by March I expect to be the best "big" in the country), and with Kaitlyn, Ash, KK, Q, Morgan, Allie and hopefully soon Aubrey, Ayanna and possibly Caroline too ... #12 should be ours!

 

[Aluminny69]

I am concerned about Strong's three point shooting. (8 for 32 25%). Has she ever driven to the basket instead of shooting? I would rather see her better positioned for rebounds, or taking shots closer to the basket.

 

[PhillyCoach]

I am concerned about Strong's three point shooting. (8 for 32 25%). Has she ever driven to the basket instead of shooting? I would rather see her better positioned for rebounds, or taking shots closer to the basket.

Personally I am very happy that UConn is shooting horrible from the three point line. Why? Because the team as a whole (but especially Azzi and Sara) are scoring 18-25 points from mid-range or from driving. Led by Paige, the team is driving to the hoop much more than in the last few years. The offense has improved since the three is not dropping. Chen, KK, Paige and now Azzi go to the hoop more often. UConn is winning by double digits without the 3. They will start falling sooner than later. UConn does have good shooters. It will happen. Until then, keep driving in and dish once in a while too.

 

[Bone Dog]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Azzi start in place of Ash from now on. Geno may delay this if he thinks she needs to be careful about her minutes. 27 minutes against Ole Miss was a jump from 20 against OSU and 12 against FDU. And Geno might also decide that Azzi is the 6th woman until Aubrey returns. He has options. So, even if we don't see Azzi on the court at the beginning of games, I am confident we'll see her at the end of close games.

Until Ole Miss, Geno played Paige and Sarah 30 minutes or less, and this is a pattern I expect he'll return to in the conference schedule. But against Louisville, ND, Iowa State, USC, Tennessee and SC, I fully expect to see them play as long as needed. Those limits won't apply. I imagine he would also like to play Azzi as long as needed. This might mean keeping her under 30 mins against Holy Cross in preparation.

I'm looking forward to the ND-TCU game this afternoon, though I don't think TCU has the guards to defend Hidalgo Miles and Citron. The Texas game will be a much better measure of that trio. For TCU to have a chance, Prince has to have a monster game against Koval. Much will be revealed about Koval's true potential once she faces a post player as big as she is and maybe a bit more mobile. If she can limit Prince to 20 pts or less, TCU has no chance I suspect. But if Koval fouls out early, which is a real possibility, TCU has a chance at an upset -- a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless.

I think having Paige Azzi Sarah at full speed makes UConn competitive with ND or any other team, especially if Sarah can become a more consistent perimeter shooter. Bringing Jana up to speed is an important addition that we will need come March, and there's no guarantee she'll have made enough progress by then, though I am, as aways, hopeful. The same thing goes for Ice. I still don't know what to expect from Kaitlyn or KK. Neither of them is ready for March, yet. Will Kaitlyn rediscover the scoring punch she had at Princeton? I'm inclined to doubt it merely because the structure of Geno's schemes makes different demands on the guards. The better question is will she develop into the guard Geno needs, and on that I am optimistic.

For those of us who want to see Azzi starting as the 3rd guard, we may well see a lineup with Paige and Azzi and the only guards, with both Kaitlyn and KK as subs. There would be some flexibility to having Paige Azzi Sarah along with two other shooters or rebounders. The main candidates for this currently in addition to Ice and Jana would be Morgan and Allie, while Aubrey and Ayanna might compete for this spot as well once they come back. I don't know who the starters would be, but a series of lineups built around the core of Paige Azzi Sarah would give Geno a lot of flexibility.

 

[BigKahuna]

Time for an infusion of ChelI and Zeibel. Cheli needs to be less passive and look to score while Zeibel needs to take every open three and drive to the hoop when closely guarded. Both have huge upsides while our sophomores are struggling.

 

[Next 12]

Last year ASHLYNN touched the ball 347 times. this year, so far, she has touched the ball 37 times. Big difference. While her scoring is down, her steals are up, her rebounds are up and her defense is greatly improved. ASHLYNN will come around and be a BIG asset for UCONN in the up coming games. She is too talented not to be. ALSO, her fouls and turnovers are low on the team, I would like her to for more lay-ups and garner more fouls. GO ASHLYNN!!!!!!!

 

[MooseJaw]

Freshman Ash got a lot more touches

Yes, she did, and further after watching last year and this it is almost never that Ash gets any passes from KK where she is in a position to shoot. Her passes received for decent shots mostly come from other players. No disrespect to KK just a fact, if there is doubt watch a few past games to check out what I have written.

 

[Majic Hands]

Understanding that my memory/recall isn’t the greatest.

I’ve been expecting UConn to be a better team when Azzi got up to speed.

I didn’t expect the level of play from her right out of the gate.

She’s bigger, stronger, quicker. I don’t remember her defense being this good.

Offensively, it doesn’t matter where she is she can drive all the way, stop & pop, or square up for the 3.

 

[DeepThreat]

I wouldn't be surprised to see Azzi start in place of Ash from now on. Geno may delay this if he thinks she needs to be careful about her minutes. 27 minutes against Ole Miss was a jump from 20 against OSU and 12 against FDU. And Geno might also decide that Azzi is the 6th woman until Aubrey returns. He has options. So, even if we don't see Azzi on the court at the beginning of games, I am confident we'll see her at the end of close games.

Until Ole Miss, Geno played Paige and Sarah 30 minutes or less, and this is a pattern I expect he'll return to in the conference schedule. But against Louisville, ND, Iowa State, USC, Tennessee and SC, I fully expect to see them play as long as needed. Those limits won't apply. I imagine he would also like to play Azzi as long as needed. This might mean keeping her under 30 mins against Holy Cross in preparation.

I'm looking forward to the ND-TCU game this afternoon, though I don't think TCU has the guards to defend Hidalgo Miles and Citron. The Texas game will be a much better measure of that trio. For TCU to have a chance, Prince has to have a monster game against Koval. Much will be revealed about Koval's true potential once she faces a post player as big as she is and maybe a bit more mobile. If she can limit Prince to 20 pts or less, TCU has no chance I suspect. But if Koval fouls out early, which is a real possibility, TCU has a chance at an upset -- a slim chance, but a chance nonetheless.

I think having Paige Azzi Sarah at full speed makes UConn competitive with ND or any other team, especially if Sarah can become a more consistent perimeter shooter. Bringing Jana up to speed is an important addition that we will need come March, and there's no guarantee she'll have made enough progress by then, though I am, as aways, hopeful. The same thing goes for Ice. I still don't know what to expect from Kaitlyn or KK. Neither of them is ready for March, yet. Will Kaitlyn rediscover the scoring punch she had at Princeton? I'm inclined to doubt it merely because the structure of Geno's schemes makes different demands on the guards. The better question is will she develop into the guard Geno needs, and on that I am optimistic.

For those of us who want to see Azzi starting as the 3rd guard, we may well see a lineup with Paige and Azzi and the only guards, with both Kaitlyn and KK as subs. There would be some flexibility to having Paige Azzi Sarah along with two other shooters or rebounders. The main candidates for this currently in addition to Ice and Jana would be Morgan and Allie, while Aubrey and Ayanna might compete for this spot as well once they come back. I don't know who the starters would be, but a series of lineups built around the core of Paige Azzi Sarah would give Geno a lot of flexibility.

UCONN has had a lot of problems in the past with aggressive, take it the basket types of guards which ND has. More than scoring, I think this is the problem they need to solve against these types of players. Fortunately UCONN now has 5 guards to run at the opposition.

 

[Zinethar]

Shade makes some very good cuts but they are almost always left to right. When Sara is on the right she sees her and Ash scores. Unfortunately oth KC and KK start on the right and more left across the top of the key and seem to never see her or can't pass that way. Not sure if it is a play design problem or a perception issue. In the last game as the beginning of the 3rd that play was specifically run for Ash to score and she did. It never happened again. For that to work something has to change.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

...I’ve been expecting UConn to be a better team when Azzi got up to speed.

I didn’t expect the level of play from her right out of the gate.

She’s bigger, stronger, quicker. I don’t remember her defense being this good.

I have noticed what appears to be a vast improvement in her defense as well.

 

[hoophuskee]

UCONN has had a lot of problems in the past with aggressive, take it the basket types of guards which ND has. More than scoring, I think this is the problem they need to solve against these types of players. Fortunately UCONN now has 5 guards to run at the opposition.

UCONN has trouble vs ND but ND also has trouble vs UCONN. Both teams are usually stacked. And they usually split. One odd thing was in Maya's sr year UCONN beat ND 3 times, then ND beat them in Final Four. Then when Stewart came, ND beat UCONN 3 times that season and then UCONN beat ND in the Final Four.

Both teams have had super offenses over the years. The only way you are going to stop the other team is if the other team has an off night. IMO the game will come down to offensive execution.

UCONN has premiere scorers that rely on and are highly efficient shooters ND has premiere scorers that rely on and are extremely effective at getting to /t line. In 5 games (not counting ND's loss vs TCU today) Nd's top 2 players have taken a total of 44 free throws while Paige and Sara have taken 22 in 6 games. Stark contrast.

Anyhow UCONN should just be concerned about playing their game and challenge ND's great offense vs UCONN's. While both teams have split there are some years one team wins both. IMO you challenge ND to stop you. UCONN has 3 #1 H/s A/.a's. They were number 1 recruits mostly for their offense. Challenge ND to worry and stop the UCONN offense.

 

[Monte]

About Notre Dame: there is one factor that not too many people have mentioned. Their best big player. Westbeld, has not played yet this year. If she is back for the UCONN game, I think it will make a huge difference.

 

[Skeets]

My biggest concern is how the current players not named Paige, Sarah and, hopefully, Azzi have not consistently contributed to the scoring when they are on the court. I'm specifically speaking of the current starters, Ashlynn, Ice and Kaitlyn.
I'm most concerned by Ashlynn who can start a game on fire and then seems to disappear on offense. I would like freshman Ashlynn back.

Freshman Ashlynn didn't have a choice.

 

[Centerstream]

Freshman Ashlynn didn't have a choice.

I disagree, she demonstrated what she is capable of doing. My concern is why hasn't she done it yet this season, she has started every game?

 

[Bone Dog]

I disagree, she demonstrated what she is capable of doing. My concern is why hasn't she done it yet this season, she has started every game?

@Skeets makes a good point. On an ad hoc roster, there were few other options. Ash began the season angsting about mistakes and quickly grew out of that as injuries shrank the roster. By mid season boldness was a necessity, mistakes or no mistakes.

This season, she’s competing for a spot that she couldn’t lose last season. I imagine it’s a little disorienting. I’m sure it didn’t help that another titanic talent like Sarah showed up and simply took over a starting spot like it was her birthright. And Azzi has loomed over Ash’s spot casting a huge shadow for the past few weeks. Well, the good news is Azzi has now landed. There’s no more anticipatory dread to distract Ash. The terrain is now settled and she may have an easier time finding her proper place.

 

[Skeets]

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...

 

[ERWUC65]

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...

Probably still too small a sample size, wish we had more Holy Cross type games before ND, but wonder if Allie or Morgan might be the point guard of the future (future being before the NCAA's)

 

[Majic Hands]

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.

Ash is nothing but upside and has 3 years to play. I swear I’ve not seen her make the same mistake twice. Did her part getting to the final four.

Azzi, to me seems to be probing the defense for her shot and passes when someone has a better shot or nothing is there. Whereas, Ash on offense seems to be interested in making assists and looks to score only when a window opens.

Ash is becoming a top notch defender and Azzi may have already arrived. I’ve never been impressed with Azzi’s defense until this year especially the last game. Perhaps she’s been nursing aches/pains ever since she’s been here.

Setting here right now & giving it some thought. I think I would tend to bring Chen & KK in to give Azzi, Paige, and bring Morgan in for Ash.

Maybe Azzi comes in until she is off minute restriction

 

[Cuango]

With Azzi back and playing along side the best player in the country (Paige), and the best newcomer in the country (Sarah), and with a much improved Ice, and with Jana (who by March I expect to be the best "big" in the country), and with Kaitlyn, Ash, KK, Q, Morgan, Allie and hopefully soon Aubrey, Ayanna and possibly Caroline too ... #12 should be ours!

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!

 

[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.