Needed next year: one transfer guard

[Gus Mahler]

Piath seems to be ahead of Amari right now. I can see Piath being a good backup next year. I am still rooting for Amari, to be sure.

 

[Stymie]

What do her teammates call her. That's what I'll go with.

“SNEAKY”

 

[Vowelguy]

Yanna is what Ayanna Patterson's Dad calls her, works for me....

Ahhhh. I was thinking “did we get another Eastern European?”

 

[Vowelguy]

Piath seems to be ahead of Amari right now. I can see Piath being a good backup next year. I am still rooting for Amari, to be sure.

Is piath ahead in terms of skill or effort? I’m guessing more so the latter. In which case Geno is just waiting for the light bulb to click on for Amari.

 

[Carnac]

Can we come up with a better nickname than Charmer for Caroline?

What do her teammates call her? Let's go with that.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Is piath ahead in terms of skill or effort? I’m guessing more so the latter. In which case Geno is just waiting for the light bulb to click on for Amari.

Oh, for sure effort. Piath is ahead in the pecking order now, but she might well not be next year. I'm expecting Amari to blossom next year.

 

[Veteran]

Can we come up with a better nickname than Charmer for Caroline?

She already has one - Caroline Ducharme.

 

[Carnac]

Piath seems to be ahead of Amari right now. I can see Piath being a good backup next year. I am still rooting for Amari, to be sure.

I don't know what the issues are with Amari, and why she can’t get off the bench. She needs to figure things out, and be ready to play come November. She’ll get all the minutes she wants next year.

 

[HopJim]

Why do so many refer to Nika as a back-up? She is a starter. Even if she doesn’t start, do you see Geno not giving her significant play time? Barring injury, UConn is loaded at guard for years to come.

We will have two point guards on the team next year, one of which, Paige, has often played shooting guard. While there may have been exceptions, I have watched UConn for 20+ years and each year, one guard gets injured for a few games or an entire season.

 

[Vowelguy]

Can we come up with a better nickname than Charmer for Caroline?

Ducat is old Venetian currency. And since she is ‘money.’

 

[HopJim]

My first reaction is: DeBerry isn't ready for prime time, will she be next season?? Someone to fill ONO's shoes is a deep hole to fill. Just when she is doing all things she needs to do , she's on the verge of leaving. I'd take another Dorka!!

Love Dorka but against the top teams, we need a big that can get very physical down low. That is not Dorka.

 

[HopJim]

I don't know what the issues are with Amari, and why she can’t get off the bench. She needs to figure things out, and be ready to play come November. She’ll get all the minutes she wants next year.

I think Amari's issues are in part UConn's - there aren't many blow outs this year. It seems that if there isn't an injury, the subs 7/8-12 don't get playing time. Hopefully this lack of opportunity for the bench players will not hurt their development.

 

[cohenzone]

Is piath ahead in terms of skill or effort? I’m guessing more so the latter. In which case Geno is just waiting for the light bulb to click on for Amari.

Or physical maturity.

 

[nomdoux]

A few points germane to next year’s bigs discussion:

1. Recruits often grow from their listed prep profile measurements early/mid HS. So now, almost certain that Ayanna is 6’3” & Ice 6’4”. And on top of their length (& AP hops), both have rugged builds so should be able to readily handle D1 physicality in paint as frosh;

2. It’s been clear from Amari’s slender build & finesse style of play that she has not been physically ready yet to bang with similarly-sized D1 bigs. However, I expect her to take a considerable step forward in strengthening her physique & adjusting her mentality to begin earning consistent mins as a sophomore. Piath should continue her own development to become another viable rotation big. Whoever of the 2 plays better will earn the greater PT share b/w them;

3. I anticipate Dorka staying true to her word & returning next season as our starting 5, which I would relish. Counter to several opinions here, I think Dorka HAS shown that she can be physical in paint & be an impact piece for this team. Once acclimated to UConn, her strong run of games in Dec/Jan proved that. She has a rugged, mature frame & doesn’t shy away from contact, & her ability to play inside/outside stretching the floor is a huge asset & dovetails with Geno’s preferred halfcourt high-low approach;

4. Given all factors, I project next year’s Starting 5 to be Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Ice, & Dorka. Aubrey, Nika, & Ayanna will play consistent rotation min. The better practice performer b/w Piath & Amari will also get regular time, with the other playing in blowouts. If Aubrey returns strong from her back surgery & impresses in summer/fall practices, she may push Caroline to the bench, with both playing often. I can see Geno adding a grad transfer guard for depth, considering positional importance & injury string that has befallen this year’s team.

 

[Alydar]

Love Dorka but against the top teams, we need a big that can get very physical down low. That is not Dorka.

Her name is Brady.

 

[DEpup]

how small would you like her to be?.......

5' 6" - 5' 8" with lightning speed and a motor will do.

 

[Alydar]

I think Amari's issues are in part UConn's - there aren't many blow outs this year. It seems that if there isn't an injury, the subs 7/8-12 don't get playing time. Hopefully this lack of opportunity for the bench players will not hurt their development.

I think one of her issues is that she is weak relative to what she needs to be to play down low. On a recent video interview a practice player said she had the best jump shot form he ever saw on any player. And he added that "she makes them". Maybe like Patterson/Edwards or SCar's Wilson she dreamt of being a perimeter player and spent her time developing an outside shot?

Everyone seems to want a guard as added insurance in case of injury. Try and find one that can learn the system and integrate herself into the team after one summer. Those that have the skills necessary will have multiple other options which will include possibly starting, something that will not be available in Storrs.
I say find a defensive standout that wants to go pro, lacks offensive skills and will use a year in Storrs like it's the G League.

Finding Juhasz at the right time was a stroke of good fortune. Finding an equally talented guard willing to sit most of the time won't be easy. I'd rather Geno use his energy on '23/'24/'25 HS talent.

 

[HuskyPhan]

Brady will be physical down low in the post but Yanna will be very physical down low, at the key, you name it!!!! When she starts getting serious playing time, Uconn rebounding records will be up for grabs

 

[hoopsdiva]

Her name is Brady.

Let's not forget Edwards.

 

[JordyG]

Can we come up with a better nickname than Charmer for Caroline?

Yeah. Killer. If Brady wasn't already "Ice", Caroline Ducharme would qualify.

 

[NU2BY]

They call her Carol. Haaaaaaa.

Well at least Evina does, do the others? Personally, I like the name Caroline and don't understand why she needs a nickname other than CD or Caroline Ducharme.

 

[Alydar]

Brady will be physical down low in the post but Yanna will be very physical down low, at the key, you name it!!!! When she starts getting serious playing time, Uconn rebounding records will be up for grabs

It will be Edwards and Brady banging with Boston next season. Brady's game extends out to the arc but reports here have said that she is very much at home down in the paint exchanged hip checks.

Patterson's ceiling is unlimited. She could be wcbb's version of Dr J before she leaves. I see her as a stretch 4 who can guard 2-5. She has especially quick feet for a tall player. A lot of posts need one step to get up to speed but Patterson's quickness allows her to guard all but the quickest guards outside.

It's going to be interesting to see her and Brady after a summer of conditioning and strength training.

 

[Stymie]

I think one of her issues is that she is weak relative to what she needs to be to play down low. On a recent video interview a practice player said she had the best jump shot form he ever saw on any player. And he added that "she makes them". Maybe like Patterson/Edwards or SCar's Wilson she dreamt of being a perimeter player and spent her time developing an outside shot?

Everyone seems to want a guard as added insurance in case of injury. Try and find one that can learn the system and integrate herself into the team after one summer. Those that have the skills necessary will have multiple other options which will include possibly starting, something that will not be available in Storrs.
I say find a defensive standout that wants to go pro, lacks offensive skills and will use a year in Storrs like it's the G League.

Finding Juhasz at the right time was a stroke of good fortune. Finding an equally talented guard willing to sit most of the time won't be easy. I'd rather Geno use his energy on '23/'24/'25 HS talent.

I’m hoping that, while finishing off the BE regular season, some time will be dedicated to Amari’s development.
Would really like to see what she’s got.
Imagine being able to harness that physically?
Atomic screens; brick wall box outs?
One can dream, no?

 

[Stymie]

Well at least Evina does, do the others? Personally, I like the name Caroline and don't understand why she needs a nickname other than CD or Caroline Ducharme.

HATE Caroline Ducharme

 

[Bills Fan]

A few points germane to next year’s bigs discussion:

1. Recruits often grow from their listed prep profile measurements early/mid HS. So now, almost certain that Ayanna is 6’3” & Ice 6’4”. And on top of their length (& AP hops), both have rugged builds so should be able to readily handle D1 physicality in paint as frosh;

2. It’s been clear from Amari’s slender build & finesse style of play that she has not been physically ready yet to bang with similarly-sized D1 bigs. However, I expect her to take a considerable step forward in strengthening her physique & adjusting her mentality to begin earning consistent mins as a sophomore. Piath should continue her own development to become another viable rotation big. Whoever of the 2 plays better will earn the greater PT share b/w them;

3. I anticipate Dorka staying true to her word & returning next season as our starting 5, which I would relish. Counter to several opinions here, I think Dorka HAS shown that she can be physical in paint & be an impact piece for this team. Once acclimated to UConn, her strong run of games in Dec/Jan proved that. She has a rugged, mature frame & doesn’t shy away from contact, & her ability to play inside/outside stretching the floor is a huge asset & dovetails with Geno’s preferred halfcourt high-low approach;

4. Given all factors, I project next year’s Starting 5 to be Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Ice, & Dorka. Aubrey, Nika, & Ayanna will play consistent rotation min. The better practice performer b/w Piath & Amari will also get regular time, with the other playing in blowouts. If Aubrey returns strong from her back surgery & impresses in summer/fall practices, she may push Caroline to the bench, with both playing often. I can see Geno adding a grad transfer guard for depth, considering positional importance & injury string that has befallen this year’s team.

You clearly had a momentary brain freeze when writing your point 4 . You omitted A. Edwards-I think she will play, and play a lot!

 

[cferraro04]

Thinking way too far ahead, all this year's injuries and illness have me looking at how exposed we will be next year at the guard position when E and CW move on.

While the quality of a back court of Paige, Charmer and Azzi is dazzling, the only backup would be Nika.

I think Geno was hoping to lure Kiki Rice as a 22-23 commit, but she is UCLA-bound and we will have to look to the transfer portal for much needed help for one year until Shade and KK come to fill the gap the following year.

But for a potential transfer, the very greatness of our "Big Three" could be a significant hindrance. How much time could she expect? On the other hand, our need for insurance against injury has to be a great concern.

I keep thinking Moriah Jefferson and Lorin Dixon...luckily that was all we needed.

 

[NU2BY]

@Stymie - Yep, I agree but at times referring to her as CD can be a bit confusing.

 

[Vowelguy]

4. Given all factors, I project next year’s Starting 5 to be Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Ice, & Dorka. Aubrey, Nika, & Ayanna will play consistent rotation min. The better practice performer b/w Piath & Amari will also get regular time, with the other playing in blowouts. If Aubrey returns strong from her back surgery & impresses in summer/fall practices, she may push Caroline to the bench, with both playing often. I can see Geno adding a grad transfer guard for depth, considering positional importance & injury string that has befallen this year’s team.

Ice is not starting over Aaliyah.

 

[CocoHusky]

I’m hoping that, while finishing off the BE regular season, some time will be dedicated to Amari’s development.
Would really like to see what she’s got.
Imagine being able to harness that physically?
Atomic screens; brick wall box outs?
One can dream, no?

You can certainly dream but the chances of this happening are zero. The time remaining in the season will be utilized to integrate returning players into the lineup, namely Paige and Caroline in order to make a decent tournament run.
Amari is also largely a very skilled finesse player, the thought turning her into an overly physical player is ill conceived. Any improvement in Amari's game will have to come in the off season. Make no mistake Amari needs to improve significantly to get to contributor level. Last season at this time there were many similar dreams for Piath to develop and become a UCONN contributor. While I personally believe that Amari has much more potential than Piath the reality is that Amari will likely complete her freshman year appearing in fewer games and playing fewer minutes than Piath did as a freshman.

 

[Charliebball]

5' 6" - 5' 8" with lightning speed and a motor will do.

I think anyone under 5'8" can become a defensive liability at times with all of the 5'9"-6'1" guards out there.........now if they can play defense like Moriah or Crystal I'll be fine with it......