Next season

[Boreifs]

Virtually every senior in the country who isn’t a sure fire draft pick for the next two years will stay a fifth year. This year, both Joens and Berger, who were possible first round picks, elected to take the fifth year, along with the post player from Iowa. With upwards of a thousand players who are going to enter the portal, a thread like this shouldn’t even appear until after July 1st, when all of that off season stuff has taken place. As someone so aptly put, technically every player in college basketball is a senior. Everyone of them can end their career at their present school. No one can predict what is going to happen.

 

[Bills Fan]

I imagine Aubrey might actually prefer coming off the bench -- the best 6th-woman in the land.

And since we've started down this road, let's get serious -- don't blame me for where this is going. I didn't start it.

The lineup for 23-4 would be Nika Paige Azzi Caroline Aaliyah-- with Aubrey Ayanna Ice coming off the bench. KK Ashlynn Inês Q Jana and Amari will have to fight for minutes against those 8.

The following year (24-5) Nika Paige Aubrey Aaliyah might be in the pros and it will be Azzi's team, and my forecast for the starters would be Azzi KK Caroline Ashlynn Ice -- with Inês Ayanna Amari Jana as first off the bench. Q Allie Adhel and Sarah Strong will be fighting for minutes after those 8.

The next year (25-6) it will be KK's team and the lineup will look like this: KK Ashlynn Q Ice Jana -- with Ayanna Sarah and Inês coming off the bench. Adhel Allie Sarah will be fighting for minutes with them.

I think (hope) you are underrating Jana. I see her and ICE as a 1-2 punch at the C position.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Virtually every senior in the country who isn’t a sure fire draft pick for the next two years will stay a fifth year. This year, both Joens and Berger, who were possible first round picks, elected to take the fifth year, along with the post player from Iowa. With upwards of a thousand players who are going to enter the portal, a thread like this shouldn’t even appear until after July 1st, when all of that off season stuff has taken place. As someone so aptly put, technically every player in college basketball is a senior. Everyone of them can end their career at their present school. No one can predict what is going to happen.

And even then just because you are a draft pick doesn’t mean you’ll last long in the league.

 

[Alydar]

I sense there is a growing consensus that Nika, Azzi and Paige will be the three G's or handle 1-3, and Aaliyah is in everybody's starting lineup, but the 5th starter has many candidates. Some include Aubrey if she returns, and some want four out, and would play CD at the 4 and Aaliyah at the 5.

Those could be very good, but I prefer another option, namely Ice at the 5 assuming she recovers nicely from her surgery. My reason for that is I want a two big lineup, not a four out scenario, and I want to keep Aaliyah at her best and natural position. If you play Caroline at the 4, you then must move Aaliyah to the 5, and neither player is at their best or natural position.

The other reason is we will have plenty of the traits a smaller lineup can give you with Nika, Azzi and Paige. Plenty of outside shooting, scoring off the dribble, passing and defense from that group.. Inside scoring, rebounding and interior defense to go with Aaliyah is a much bigger priority.

It doesn't have to be Ice, it could be Janna, but if someone can take that C position the rest of the starting lineup and bench will be terrific. The biggest issue with our C candidates including Amari, is a lack of proven experience and granted that is a big question mark, but if any of them come thru, it will be like a cherry on top of the sundae, with impressive prospects off the bench for everyone.

I really don't expect us to show much interest in the portal this year, but if there was a Dorka level grad transfer C type it might be worth a look, to give Ice and Jana a year to grow before we had to count on them.

If Muhl starts then Bueckers will be forced to play her senior year at wing or else push Fudd to the 3. I just don't see Bueckers anywhere (to start games) but at pg. Not as long as Fudd, Griffin and Ducharme are there for the 2/3 slots. This way UConn has 3 amazing scorers at 1-3 and UConn can still have two post players at 4/5.
Bueckers is arguably the best pg in the country, maybe anywhere in wbb. Geno moved her to the 2/3 because Williams and Westbrook weren't Fudd and Ducharme. But as good as Muhl is at the point, Bueckers is at another level entirely. So Muhl will come off the bench, and when she is in she will play pg, but she won't start there.

Remember, Muhl came to UConn knowing she was going to back up Bueckers. Nothing has changed.

 

[Bone Dog]

If Muhl starts then Bueckers will be forced to play her senior year at wing or else push Fudd to the 3. I just don't see Bueckers anywhere (to start games) but at pg. Not as long as Fudd, Griffin and Ducharme are there for the 2/3 slots. This way UConn has 3 amazing scorers at 1-3 and UConn can still have two post players at 4/5.
Bueckers is arguably the best pg in the country, maybe anywhere in wbb. Geno moved her to the 2/3 because Williams and Westbrook weren't Fudd and Ducharme. But as good as Muhl is at the point, Bueckers is at another level entirely. So Muhl will come off the bench, and when she is in she will play pg, but she won't start there.

Remember, Muhl came to UConn knowing she was going to back up Bueckers. Nothing has changed.

Geno loves having a strong pg, but he’s not afraid of point guard by committee. I think he’d definitely start Nika Paige Azzi. This is also a set up Paige is used to from her last two years at Hopkins high school, where Amaya Battle was nominally the starting pg. This trio would give Geno the intensity he likes as well as some serious scoring punch. And with Caroline and Aubrey trading at the 4, we could play small ball and run a fierce transition game, and switch to Ice Ayanna Amari or Jana next to Aaliyah for a twin big set.

 

[Boreifs]

If Muhl starts then Bueckers will be forced to play her senior year at wing or else push Fudd to the 3. I just don't see Bueckers anywhere (to start games) but at pg. Not as long as Fudd, Griffin and Ducharme are there for the 2/3 slots. This way UConn has 3 amazing scorers at 1-3 and UConn can still have two post players at 4/5.
Bueckers is arguably the best pg in the country, maybe anywhere in wbb. Geno moved her to the 2/3 because Williams and Westbrook weren't Fudd and Ducharme. But as good as Muhl is at the point, Bueckers is at another level entirely. So Muhl will come off the bench, and when she is in she will play pg, but she won't start there.

Remember, Muhl came to UConn knowing she was going to back up Bueckers. Nothing has changed.

Everything has changed. Forced to play her senior year at the wing???? My goodness gracious; even Paige has said that Nika should be the point.

 

[meyers7]

Just Paige, Azzi, CD, AE and Nika are a NC team. Geno will have tough time to distribute the minutes next year.

Yea, don't say that. That hardly ever happens.

 

[browns]

As long as Geno coaches Nika will be the point guard ..Speculating on next years team is foolish because you don't know who will be healthy..Paige had a fantastic freshman year and then missed half her games last year and all of this year..who knows if she'll be the same player as she was next year as she was 3 years before or if she can even stay healthy..Azzi hasn't been healthy since she arrived except for the first 6 games of this year..who knows how she will hold up..Caroline carried the team for 6 games last year and except for one good shooting game hasn't even come close to being that player again..will she ever be..so after todays game let's just enjoy this team and see if they can make another FF

 

[#12in21]

If Muhl starts then Bueckers will be forced to play her senior year at wing or else push Fudd to the 3. I just don't see Bueckers anywhere (to start games) but at pg. Not as long as Fudd, Griffin and Ducharme are there for the 2/3 slots. This way UConn has 3 amazing scorers at 1-3 and UConn can still have two post players at 4/5.
Bueckers is arguably the best pg in the country, maybe anywhere in wbb. Geno moved her to the 2/3 because Williams and Westbrook weren't Fudd and Ducharme. But as good as Muhl is at the point, Bueckers is at another level entirely. So Muhl will come off the bench, and when she is in she will play pg, but she won't start there.

Remember, Muhl came to UConn knowing she was going to back up Bueckers. Nothing has changed.

You may be right but I agree with those that feel that the three starting guards will be Nika, Paige and Azzi. As to your last line, 'nothing has changed', I would suggest a tremendous amount has changed in terms of Nika. When she arrived did anyone expect her to lead the nation in assists per game any given season, to set the Huskies records in assist/per game, double digit assists and (fingers crossed) most assists in a season or to become the leader of the team on and off the court?

She has matured tremendously this season, earned the trust of her teammates and coaches and raised her numbers in virtually every category this season as well. I would call that a great deal of change. Paige is a generational talent, as quite likely Azzi is as well and both have played exceptionally alongside Nika. How many times in the past has Geno moved the player that has anchored the defense, led the team in minutes, served as his floor general and served as the acknowledged team leader from a starting role to a backup position on the bench for her senior season? That's what I thought and I don't think next season will be the first time that has happened. Nika is unquestionably not a better player than Paige, but the team is a better team with both rather than one or the other on the floor.

 

[CONNCAN]

Cough…Maddy Siegrist

Wouldn't that be something to see (Maddy Siegrist as a Grad-Transfer) - WOW !!!

 

[tower1]

I imagine Aubrey might actually prefer coming off the bench -- the best 6th-woman in the land.

And since we've started down this road, let's get serious -- don't blame me for where this is going. I didn't start it.

The lineup for 23-4 would be Nika Paige Azzi Caroline Aaliyah-- with Aubrey Ayanna Ice coming off the bench. KK Ashlynn Inês Q Jana and Amari will have to fight for minutes against those 8.

The following year (24-5) Nika Paige Aubrey Aaliyah might be in the pros and it will be Azzi's team, and my forecast for the starters would be Azzi KK Caroline Ashlynn Ice -- with Inês Ayanna Amari Jana as first off the bench. Q Allie Adhel and Sarah Strong will be fighting for minutes after those 8.

The next year (25-6) it will be KK's team and the lineup will look like this: KK Ashlynn Q Ice Jana -- with Ayanna Sarah and Inês coming off the bench. Adhel Allie Sarah will be fighting for minutes with them.

We need bigs or this lineup will not go too far against the top teams with height. Uconn needs to step up their recruiting of bigs. It seems that our recruiting has dropped off some since Shea left the program.

 

[Bills Fan]

Wouldn't that be something to see (Maddy Siegrist as a Grad-Transfer) - WOW !!!

She seems to have all the "UCONN qualities, but it ain't gonna happen. A few reasons: She is good enough to be on a WNBA roster; If we take a Grad Transfer I think it would only be for a post player; and finally, I don't think Geno would accept someone from a Big East team-he doesn't want to cause that type of Conference disruption.

 

[Bills Fan]

We need bigs or this lineup will not go too far against the top teams with height. Uconn needs to step up their recruiting of bigs. It seems that our recruiting has dropped off some since Shea left the program.

You are kidding, right? ICE, Yanna (both top 5 or so ranked in the USA), Jana, KK, Ashlynn, Allie and the recent commitment for a 2 year-out guard, Kelis Fisher. Three bigs ( 4/5), 4 Guards (1/2) plus a potential Aubrey-like 3-4 player, Q.

Gosh, our years being ranked in the top 25 are about to end .
We only have ICE and Jana for the next 4 years and after we win the NC next year, I suspect we might pick up another FR or a big from the portal.

 

[jonack]

We need bigs or this lineup will not go too far against the top teams with height. Uconn needs to step up their recruiting of bigs. It seems that our recruiting has dropped off some since Shea left the program.

Agree!

 

[HuskyNan]

She seems to have all the "UCONN qualities, but it ain't gonna happen. A few reasons: She is good enough to be on a WNBA roster; If we take a Grad Transfer I think it would only be for a post player; and finally, I don't think Geno would accept someone from a Big East team-he doesn't want to cause that type of Conference disruption.

Maddy is a 6-2 forward. I agre her coming to UConn is just wishful thinking

 

[HuskyNan]

Gosh, our years being ranked in the top 25 are about to end .
We only have ICE and Jana for the next 4 years and after we win the NC next year, I suspect we might pick up another FR or a big from the portal.

And Ayanna and Amari.

Geno has offers out to some outstanding post players. The guy complaining about recruiting should read the recruiting thread for more information

 

[cgshuskie]

It's wishful thinking to believe that this is NIka's team. As good as she is playing this year, she will not supplant PB. PB is probably the best pg in the women's game today. Sorry Nika. NIka will see big time mainly for her defense. A good off guard. Also, no Caroline in the starting 5 next year. She will not supplant Aubrey, who will likely improve her overall shooting by next year. Also, CD cannot match Aubrey on defense, no way, no how, no day. CD is the perfect 6th man, so to speak. Aaliyah is a solid rock for next year. She can and will likely improve her offensive and defensive game. Azzi, is a question mark regarding whether she will be healthy. Unfortunately she has really weak knees (as a result of injuries in HS). Will she ever be 100 % healthy. ( Doubtful ) The wars for the 5 spot will commence at the end of the season. Ice v Jana v Amari. Ice and Amari likely subs.

 

[Wheeling]

Nika has earned a starting role at point guard for the rest of her time at uconn.. She is durable and reliable. Can't say that about Azzi, Paige, or Caroline. So its a mute point for next season. Nika is point guard period.

 

[Alydar]

Geno loves having a strong pg, but he’s not afraid of point guard by committee. I think he’d definitely start Nika Paige Azzi. This is also a set up Paige is used to from her last two years at Hopkins high school, where Amaya Battle was nominally the starting pg. This trio would give Geno the intensity he likes as well as some serious scoring punch. And with Caroline and Aubrey trading at the 4, we could play small ball and run a fierce transition game, and switch to Ice Ayanna Amari or Jana next to Aaliyah for a twin big set.

At Hopkins and in '21 Bueckers was moved because she was the primary scorer. Next year she won't need to be, there are several other options. The other problem with Muhl starting is the you either have a front court of 6'3 Edwards and 6'1 Griffin. That's mighty small considering that I expect next year's schedule to at least as competitive as this year's.
Muhl will get lots of time at pg as Bueckers rests and plays some 2 or 3.

Actually I'm happy to see Muhl's support. I was among the few last June who thought she would make improvements this season and be a major force off the bench. It was not a popular opinion and now the thought of her moving back to a sub role upsets some. That's improvement I like.

 

[Alydar]

You may be right but I agree with those that feel that the three starting guards will be Nika, Paige and Azzi. As to your last line, 'nothing has changed', I would suggest a tremendous amount has changed in terms of Nika. When she arrived did anyone expect her to lead the nation in assists per game any given season, to set the Huskies records in assist/per game, double digit assists and (fingers crossed) most assists in a season or to become the leader of the team on and off the court?

She has matured tremendously this season, earned the trust of her teammates and coaches and raised her numbers in virtually every category this season as well. I would call that a great deal of change. Paige is a generational talent, as quite likely Azzi is as well and both have played exceptionally alongside Nika. How many times in the past has Geno moved the player that has anchored the defense, led the team in minutes, served as his floor general and served as the acknowledged team leader from a starting role to a backup position on the bench for her senior season? That's what I thought and I don't think next season will be the first time that has happened. Nika is unquestionably not a better player than Paige, but the team is a better team with both rather than one or the other on the floor.

I'm a huge Muhl supporter. Been one since she arrived. There's no stat for energy and attitude.

But as good a pg as she is, Bueckers is far better. Shooting and scoring? But Bueckers is also a better ball handler, a better passer and has far superior court vision.

It's not a demotion for Muhl.

Also, as I stated in another post, Edwards/Griffin is a very small front court which is another huge problem starting your three guards. Griffin will be trying to go pro at wing and Edwards at the 4 and Geno won't put her at the 4 and move Edwards to the 5 when he has other options. Edwards stays at the 4, Griffin starts at wing and one of the other posts plays a 4/5 position. Edwards and Griffin are not going to be moved out of position just so Muhl can start.

 

[Bone Dog]

I was among the few last June who thought she would make improvements this season

I was glad you had my back last summer. If Paige hadn’t gotten injured we might not have seen just how great a pg Nika would become. And now that we have, Paige will return to a different team, an even better one.

The other problem with Muhl starting is the you either have a front court of 6'3 Edwards and 6'1 Griffin.

Exactly. This is our small lineup. And our big lineup will be awesome too. As I’ve suggested, a lineup of Nika Paige Azzi Caroline/Aubrey will be formidable. It’s a transition lineup, a hustle lineup, a shoot the lights out lineup. A minor adjustment — bring Ice or Ayanna in for Nika and it’s a big lineup. Bring in Amari and you have Paige Azzi Ayanna Aaliyah Amari and we’re bigger than any team we’ll face, but still unpressable.

The core lineup — the small one — is the key. The others are just variations on it. We could run it for 20 mins/game and not have to give any ground to anyone.

 

[veryolddog]

Everyone assumes that Azzi and Paige will come back along with "ICE" and will play an entire season. Considering that they both have suffered leg injuries two years in a row, the probabilities have increased for the two of them that they may suffer again an injury that may end their playing a full year for UConn.

Folks have correctly pointed out a couple of weaknesses and what would be required to solve those issues such as a couple of eperienced "Bigs" 6 foot 5 or better and another shooter who can score like Lou. If Paige and Azzi are there, there has to be another who will do the job? Caitlan Clark?

This is a good thing to hypothesize and it is fun read.

 

[Skeets]

The Nika "dislikers" (I'll try to stay away from the word "haters") are coming out of the woodwork again. Nika is leading the nation in assists (and will probably set the UConn record), on the list for the nation's best PG (although a long shot), she will once again be considered for the BE DPOY, she should be in the discussion for one of the AA teams, and Geno really likes her and says the team plays better with Nika on the floor. Did I miss anything? So of course, she should not start next year. I don't get it.

 

[Dillon77]

She seems to have all the "UCONN qualities, but it ain't gonna happen. A few reasons: She is good enough to be on a WNBA roster; If we take a Grad Transfer I think it would only be for a post player; and finally, I don't think Geno would accept someone from a Big East team-he doesn't want to cause that type of Conference disruption.

Maddy is a 6-2 forward. I agree her coming to UConn is just wishful thinking

Interesting initial brain-scratcher there, HuskyNan, and good follow-up, Bills Fan.

- Did this thought come about because Dorka Juhasz is departing? While Dorka's a mobile post/forward, I think of Aaliyah Edwards as being the heavy-duty inside force for UConn; so, yes, I could see a player like Siegrest fitting into the scheme. Besides the scoring, she also averages 9.5 rpg. And most certainly, the ethos.

- But, I think Bills Fan is right about not taking accepting someone from the Big East. Besides, you don't want Harry Perretta coming out of retirement to bust you on the side of the head.

- And Siegrest is ready for the next step. Her inside-outside combination will come in handy.

However, if she decides to further her NCAA playing time for one more year, I know a team she'd fit in with just fine with off Route 80. The one with the Golden Dome? She and Maddy Westbeld got along famously this summer ....
(not gonna happen).

 

[HuskyNan]

Interesting initial brain-scratcher there, Huskynan, and good follow-up, Bills Fan.

- Did this thought come about because Dorka Juhasz is departing? While Dorka's a mobile post/forward, I think of Aaliyah Edwards as being the heavy-duty inside force for UConn; so, yes, I could see a player like Siegrest fitting into the scheme. Besides the scoring, she also averages 9.5 rpg. And most certainly, the ethos.

- But, I think Bills Fan is right about not taking accepting someone from the Big East. Besides, you don't want Harry Perretta bustin' you on the side of the head.

- And Siegrest is ready for the next step. Her inside-outside combination will come in handy.

However, if she decides to further her NCAA playing time for one more year, I know a team she'd fit in with just fine with off Route 80. The one with the Golden Dome? She and Maddy Westbeld got along famously this summer ....
(not gonna happen).

Harry retired. Denise Dillon is the coach, and she’s a good one

 

[Dillon77]

The Nika "dislikers" (I'll try to stay away from the word "haters") are coming out of the woodwork again. Nika is leading the nation in assists (and will probably set the UConn record), on the list for the nation's best PG (although a long shot), she will once again be considered for the BE DPOY, she should be in the discussion for one of the AA teams, and Geno really likes her and says the team plays better with Nika on the floor. Did I miss anything? So of course, she should not start next year. I don't get it.

The New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu had her best stretch in the WNBA when they put Crystal Dangerfield into the starting lineup and had Sabrina play off-guard. However, Ionescu still had her chance to slice, dice and set up players from that set...to the tune of 6.0+ assists per game.

Bringing the ball up, controlling tone and guarding the other team's best ball handler takes a boatload of energy and distributing the load often works for both individuals and the collective good. Nika, knock on wood, has remarkable endurance and gets the UConn approach and system. Why not augment it by having Paige -- at least occasionally -- play off-ball?

 

[Dillon77]

Harry retired. Denise Dillon is the coach, and she’s a good one

I'm aware of that, thanks. That was my thought: Harry would come out of retirement to smack 'em in the head. I'll set up the joke better next time. (In fact, I've got my 15 minutes to react...thanks editor! )

 

[faithfulfan]

Next season, preseason #1!

 

[jabstep]

Geno used Paige as his shooting guard because she was his best shooter and scorer. Paige, when playing the point loves to pass and would defershooting as much as Geno wanted. Nika loved to pass and Geno ran plays for Paige all game long like he does for Lou right now, so the team was better as Geno said when Nika was the point guard. This year with Paige out Azzi and Lou filled the role of the shooter. They are two of the best 3 point shooters in the country. Nika again being the point guard.

Next year we will hopefully have a healthy Paige and Azzi who will be the shooters in the starting lineup. Nika again being the point guard. Geno should be happy.

Aaliyah will start in all lineups. I think if Aubrey comes back she will start as well. Why She now knows she can hit the 3 point shot and the the pullup jumper as well as the transition runouts and the steals. She is a great defender and rebounder. So that is my starting lineup if healthy. The bench will be loaded and very competitive for playing time. It should be interesting. I personally can't wait!!!!

 

[BRS24]

Everyone assumes that Azzi and Paige will come back along with "ICE" and will play an entire season. Considering that they both have suffered leg injuries two years in a row, the probabilities have increased for the two of them that they may suffer again an injury that may end their playing a full year for UConn.

Folks have correctly pointed out a couple of weaknesses and what would be required to solve those issues such as a couple of eperienced "Bigs" 6 foot 5 or better and another shooter who can score like Lou. If Paige and Azzi are there, there has to be another who will do the job? Caitlan Clark?

This is a good thing to hypothesize and it is fun read.

I'm reconsidering my post (#2). I was concerned about speculation of transfers, however after reading the thread, it got me thinking about how the team will be comprised next year. Next year's roster will provide depth and flexibility, both of which Geno has not had in a few years. Both the Jr/Sr classes next year have seen two years of crazy situations with injuries, covid, etc, that could provide the buy-in for more players to get PT. IMHO, right now, a lot of open questions:

Right now - how to replace the productivity of Dorka & Lou?

Super Seniors
Aubrey Griffin (W) - will she return for covid year? It depends on how she's received by WNBA scouts, what improvement she can make for the '24-25 W season.

Seniors
Paige Bueckers (G) - One year injury hiatus. How will the rehab year impact her playing style? Many unknowns.
Aaliyah Edwards (W) - continue growth towards potential WNBA career
Nika Muhl (G) - continue growth towards potential WNBA career. She will take whatever role the team needs.

Juniors
Amari DeBerry (F) - continue to learn, grow, progress.
Caroline Ducharme (G) - injury filled Soph year. Huge upside for Jr year.
Azzi Fudd (G) - same as Caroline.

Sophomores
Inês Bettencourt (G) - Still learning. Lots of room for growth since she didn't have the summer session acclimation. Learn from Nika & Paige.
Isuneh Brady (C/F) - Same as Paige - One year injury hiatus. How will the rehab year impact her playing style?
Ayanna Patterson (W) - A lot of growth potential. Similar to Amari, I'm ok with a more gradual learning curve.

Freshmen
Jana El Alfy (C) - understudy to AE
Kamorea Arnold (G) - understudy to Nika, Paige, Inês. Not all frosh PGs are ready for prime time
Qadence Samuels (G) - understudy to Azzi, Caroline
Ashlynn Shade (G) - understudy to Azzi, Caroline