Next Year's Roster

[Golden Husky]

You guys have it all wrong. Starters will be Ono, Aaliyah, Gabriel, DeBerry and Paige. Ono, Aaliyah, Gabriel and DeBerry will be instructed to never shoot, just set screens for Paige in Geno's new "Screen-and-One" attack. Paige will play the first five minutes of every quarter and Azzi will play the second five minutes of every quarter. Both Paige and Azzi will average 40 PPG shooting threes behind four-person screens.

 

[oldhusky]

I may be wrong, but who emerged as the defender to matchup with the opposing teams best player? Christyn. Who is a better offensive player, Christyn or Nika? I think the answer to that is clearly Christyn. There is no world in my head where CW loses her spot to NM. CW is a three year starter. Either Geno goes small with NM/ or big with AE. I’d personally prefer PB, , CW, AE, ONO. With EW as first off the bench. But it will likely be PB, CW, EW, AE, and ONO with first off the bench.

I believe your's is the majority opinion not mine, but of course I said Christyn is the better overall player and my case for Nika is based on fit. I think Paige is a better player with Nika on the floor instead of Christyn, and the same will probably be true with Azzi, and to a certain extent the bigs underneath because Nika is a very good passer. Christyn's contribution is mostly what she does directly, Nika's is more how she makes others better. Regardless Geno has a nice problem with so many good choices.

 

[LouS]

Unless they improve at least 20%, I say Liv and Christyn better get ready to come off the bench. In three years, they’ve plainly demonstrated they’re not “ready for prime time” players.

The starters will be Paige, Nika, Aaliyah, Azzi, and Aubrey/Mir/Caroline/Evina.

Geno has ALWAYS has given respect to upperclass players. Saying that Liv and Christyn will be benched is foolish. Geno is a master and he will never bench them because they had a couple bad games at the end of a season. Also, consider that they both know they need to work on their game and will be ready next year. LET'S NOT GET AHEAD OF OURSELVES.. My prediction, we are going to fabulous for the next four years. Thank you very much....

 

[Centerstream]

Just think, only 7 more months of "who will be the starters?" until we find out, followed by 5 months of "why isn't (fill in the blank) getting more minutes and/or starting?". Gotta love being here!!!!

 

[Stymie]

Assuming no roster changes:

Starters: Muhl, Paige, CW, Evina, Ono
First off bench: AE, Azzi
Next group: Ducharme, Makurat, Aubrey
Also: Mir, Piath, DeBerry, Saylor

Devils advocate.
Didn’t work this year.
Next year will be different?

 

[Vowelguy]

Devils advocate.
Didn’t work this year.
Next year will be different?

Starting is kinda irrelevant. Minutes matter and Geno will adjust those to meet needs.

 

[Centerstream]

Devils advocate.
Didn’t work this year.
Next year will be different?

I'm confused...28-2 and it didn't work out?
Only 2 of the starting 5 had ever been to the FF and I believe all were not expecting adversity in that game, so yes, next year will be different (I truly hope).

 

[Go/huskies]

Azzi is not a point guard, never played point guard in high school or internationally. The problem is your root definition of a point guard(i.e., a scorer) is far rom the role and responsibility of the point guard. A point guard's responsibilities are to quarterback the team by knowing the game plan for every player and execute it, to know where, when and how each player wants the ball and to deliver the ball appropriately, in the half court to understand each players responsibilities and to make sure they are all in position, to be able to score from long range sufficiently to prevent the defense from dropping off and have sufficient quickness to penetrate, anticipate and pass to the open player. Azzi is a 6 foot 2/3 wing whose greatest skill is deadly shooting from 12 feet out. She has a great handle and is reliable in breaking the press and penetrating for a mid-range shot. If pressed into service she could handle point for a period of time but no coach wants their scorers wasting energy by bringing the ball up court.

Azzi did play point with USAB.

 

[Bald Husky]

I wouldn’t start Nika. Paige or Westbrook needs to be PG and I wouldn’t bring Nika off the bench first. I don’t understand the hype. One mistake last night was not letting Aubrey come off the bench first.

Azzi will replace Nika in the starting line up. Paige will return to being point guard which is her natural position. Nika will be the first guard off the bench and will spell Azzi and Paige. My only question does Liv deserve to start. I think she will, but her minutes will be limited if she doesn't perform. Cw deserves to start, and if EW returns, she will start but more minutes will be given to the freshman wing players.

 

[browns]

As Geno said, more than once - we’re a different team with Nike in there.

Absolutely right..Geno not only loves her defense but the way she runs the offense..when she gets the ball she's like shot out of a cannon racing it upcourt

 

[browns]

This combo is interesting and might work well, but it is continuing small ball, and I think Aaliyah deserves a starting position. Christyn is a better player overall than Nika in my opinion, but Nika might be a better fit, and Azzi is probably a much better shooter than Christyn which might make her a better fit as well.

So I'm not sure it would be the best lineup but certainly think it could be if you substitute Aaliyah for Christyn. So if you hear me out, this is why I think that lineup might be exceptional. It gives you at least two very good options for many skills. Two great passers (Nika and Paige), two great long range shooters (Paige and Azzi), two low post scoring options (Aaliyah and Liv at least against weaker opposition) and two players that can create their own shot (Paige and Azzi), two good rebounders (Liv and Aaliyah) and a defender at the point of attack (Nika) and a protector of the rim (Liv).

It is very hard to game-plan against a team with a great option B for just about any skill you can think of. I presume in this scenario Christyn for Nika would be the first, and a pretty early substitution with Paige going back to the point, and Christyn still getting plenty of minutes overall.

CW is the best defender on the team and the 2nd best overall player..she proved it in the dance 2 years ago and again this year..she'll keep her starting position as well as Nika

 

[cferraro04]

Let me just say that next year there simply isn't enough basketballs to go around. If we go with a traditional 1-5 classification and we all know that Geno doesn't really like to do that...he likes players playing multiple positions. He does have players who can play multiple position but that would only muddy the substitution patterns even more. So, what will Geno do...probably something completely different than all us prognosticators are speculating here. But, really what to do with all this talent. I think we have to consider approaching it from a 1-5 traditional position strategy.

5: Olivia Nelson-Odoto; Amari DeBerry, Paith Gabriel
4: Aaliyah Edwards, Aubrey Griffin, Mir McLean
3. Evina Westbrook, Anne Mukurat, Saylor Poffenbarger
2. Chistyn Williams, Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme,
1. Paige Bueckers, Nika Muhl, Autumn Chaisson

The first thing that changes is Paige, Christyn, Evina do not get 30 plus minutes per game. They will be looking at 25 to 28 minutes per game...sort of like what TASS got when they played.

At the 5...Unless Olivia Nelson-Ododa does some serious soul searching over the summer she will be splitting time with Amari DeBerry and Paith will be gobbling up the scraps when UConn has put the game out of reach.

At the 4...it is Aaliyah Edwards to lose...she proved herself this past season as a strong body, who can catch and finish around the basket. Her improvement over the summer will only help to cement her in as the starter at that position. She will get 20 to 25 minutes...depending on the score. Aubrey Griffin and Mir McLean will split the time remaining...about 1-10 minutes each.

At the 3...I was actually surprised that Evina decided to stay. I thought she would have declared for the draft. Here decision to stay does help to create a log-jam at the three with 3 very capable, talented players all capable of starting. Evina will want to establish her value for the next level...but she will have to do it with 20 (blowouts) to 25 (close games) minutes per game. Anna Mukurat is a smart, talented player who, when she is in shape can be counted on to start...I see her getting 10 (close games) -12 (blowouts) minutes and Poffenbarger getting 5 (close games) - 8 (blow-outs) minutes.

At the 2...talk about a log jam...here are three players who would start for any team. Of course Christyn Williams will get the start...she will play about 20 -25 minutes. Azzi and Ducharme will electrify crowds with about 10 minutes of play each. The problem will come when Geno realizes that he cannot keep Azzi off the floor. Somebody from the starting five will have to give up minutes....my guess is it will be Westbrook. This will put Paige and Azzi on the floor at the same time...and that is when the magic will happen. Meanwhile Ducharme will make the best of her time on the floor as well...she will prove to be the hidden gem in this incoming class.

At the 1...Well we know that Paige will get the start..she will not be playing 35 minutes per game except in close games of magnitude. She will pout but she will have to live with about 25 minutes per game. Nika will get the other 12-13 minutes and Autumn will get the 2 minutes of garbage time during blow-outs.

Geno is going to have some difficult decisions...to make...his difficulty unfortunately, may cause of couple of players to consider the transfer portal the following year...as they pursue the desire to play more minutes.

Maybe Geno goes to a wholesale style of substituting next season? He creates 3 teams and rotates them every 5 minutes....so everyone gets playing time. I have seen teams do this in the past but admittedly not Geno's style...but, he is going to find himself in a position where he need to get the players on the floor or run the risk of losing some to the transfer portal. It is going to be interesting to see what he will do...I don't see him shortening his rotation to 7-8 players as he has done in the past.

Finally, Geno likes to keep the score from running up...but how do you keep this team under 100 per game?

 

[Jibariqua]

Azzi did play point with USAB.

And also for her high school team.

 

[Rudy1927]

Azzi will be starting just like Paige did. I’m not saying who won’t be just that you can count on the #1 player in the country starting. She is not coming here to sit on the bench.

 

[Cecil9]

Might see her in the fall.

HahahahaHaaaaaa!!
(sorry couldn't control myself)

 

[temery]

No transfer speculation. None.

Let each player decide on their own, after speaking with people they trust. Any player who considers the boneyard part of their trusted inner circle, needs to find a better inner circle to trust.

No transfer speculation. None.

 

[amishboy]

Let me just say that next year there simply isn't enough basketballs to go around. If we go with a traditional 1-5 classification and we all know that Geno doesn't really like to do that...he likes players playing multiple positions. He does have players who can play multiple position but that would only muddy the substitution patterns even more. So, what will Geno do...probably something completely different than all us prognosticators are speculating here. But, really what to do with all this talent. I think we have to consider approaching it from a 1-5 traditional position strategy.

5: Olivia Nelson-Odoto; Amari DeBerry, Paith Gabriel
4: Aaliyah Edwards, Aubrey Griffin, Mir McLean
3. Evina Westbrook, Anne Mukurat, Saylor Poffenbarger
2. Chistyn Williams, Azzi Fudd, Caroline Ducharme,
1. Paige Bueckers, Nika Muhl, Autumn Chaisson

The first thing that changes is Paige, Christyn, Evina do not get 30 plus minutes per game. They will be looking at 25 to 28 minutes per game...sort of like what TASS got when they played.

At the 5...Unless Olivia Nelson-Ododa does some serious soul searching over the summer she will be splitting time with Amari DeBerry and Paith will be gobbling up the scraps when UConn has put the game out of reach.

Ding-ding-ding, we have a winner, folks! After the disappointing results of the last 3 years, next year’s starting lineup cannot afford both Williams and ONO. Move on, minimize the seniors’ PT, and give minutes to the underclass players. It may seem cold, but this is how you need to coach at the top levels of D-1.

 

[chrissaran]

Unless they improve at least 20%, I say Liv and Christyn better get ready to come off the bench. In three years, they’ve plainly demonstrated they’re not “ready for prime time” players.

The starters will be Paige, Nika, Aaliyah, Azzi, and Aubrey/Mir/Caroline/Evina.

Christyn had the most points in the Final Four game. Not her fault she was disqualified on a phantom foul.

 

[Gus Mahler]

In hockey speak, we'll have 3 solid lines, nearly interchangeable. Don't sleep on Amari and Caroline Ducharme. Also, Piath runs the floor very well. She's a big body, with decent low post moves. A true 5.

I'd been mulling a post saying don't sleep on Piath. Glad you did. She could profit from the free year if it comes to that. But I'm expecting her to be a player to contend with this time two years from now.

 

[Gus Mahler]

If you second unit is as good as your first unit, you have two second units.

Top Ten list of posts on a busy posting day.

 

[Kaizen]

This year UConn's problem is depth. After Anna and Nika were hurt the only benches can play are AE and Aubrey. Geno needs to develop the non-starters having them more time to play and more confident to play.

I see Mia, Piath and Saylor all have talent and height but they seem very scary or not aggressive enough to enter the court. Look at Stanford they can have 11 players to play in the NC game. While vs. Azorina we have 8 players but ONO + Anna + Nika + Aubrey four of them only score 3 pts.

This coming year we have 3 more talent freshmen join the team. I expect the benches should be much more better.

 

[amishboy]

Christyn had the most points in the Final Four game. Not her fault she was disqualified on a phantom foul.

Yes, she was the high scorer against Arizona, and it wasn’t her fault she fouled out. Wasn’t it her fault, though, that she was called for 4 legitimate fouls before then? More importantly, I don’t support her continuing prominence because after 3 years she’s demonstrated her ceiling: 16 points per game overall and general inconsistency. Maybe others, e.g., Azzi Fudd, will struggle, but at least, as a freshman, her “future” is still ahead of her.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Unless they improve at least 20%, I say Liv and Christyn better get ready to come off the bench. In three years, they’ve plainly demonstrated they’re not “ready for prime time” players.

The starters will be Paige, Nika, Aaliyah, Azzi, and Aubrey/Mir/Caroline/Evina.

Liv and Christyn will be starters, especially Christyn as she is so tough to guard. Along with Paige, Aaliyah, and Evina. Major minutes and or some starts for Nika, Azzi, Aubrey as we get to midseason. Saylor, Amari and Caroline, will see increasing minutes into midsession and will be valuable coming off the bench when someone is in foul trouble. The big question mark is Anna with her health issues, if she comes back 100% someone needs to make room for her in the rotation. I’m not selling Mir short either, she will be fighting for minutes as well. Practice will sort things out fairly quickly IMHO, and Geno will have a rotation in mind before December. Having players of a caliber like Caroline and Amari coming off the bench will be a luxury Geno and Chris have not had in a while.

 

[mmeade258]

I am really excited about next years Roster

Uconn WILL win the championship
2022
2023
2024
And 2025

remember this post.

Hopeful starters
Liv
Evina
Squeaks
Paige
Fudd

bench
Deberry
Edwards
Griffin
Ducharme (Caroline Ducharme)
Nika Muhl

then Mir & Anna

I feel like if coach runs this set
One or 2 starters should have a triple double every night
(Liv, E or Paige)

then the second set is so good defensively
Aubrey, nika & Edwards..
We all saw Caroline Ducharme beat Fudd in the 3 point shootout and Aubrey will be turning defense into offense
Meanwhile Nika is dishing it to Caroline for 3’s and Edwards downlow.

I really think Uconn will be unstoppable!
#GOHUSKIES! #BLEEDBLUE💙💙💙💙

 

[jabstep]

The competition for quality players has seemed to come down to UConn, South Carolina, Stanford, Baylor, and Maryland. Texas has started to get some with its change in coaching. Tenn hasn't gotten many highly recruited players. This will create parity in the top teams and a continued log jam of players at certain teams. We are at that point right now. Most if not all of our players could start at other colleges but have chosen to come to UConn to learn and improve and hope to gain a starting position. Those that put in the work and dedicate themselves to get better will end up with the most minutes. We have seen players come to UConn and improve dramatically over their 4 years. Who will improve the most over the summer. Liv, Nika, Aubrey, Caroline, Saylor, Azzi, Paige, Anna, Evina, Aaliyah, Christyn, Mir, Paith, Amari. Who wants it more? That's who will start.

 

[Go/huskies]

 

[Centerstream]

I am really excited about next years Roster

Uconn WILL win the championship
2022
2023
2024
And 2025

remember this post.

Hopeful starters
Liv
Evina
Squeaks
Paige
Fudd

bench
Deberry
Edwards
Griffin
Ducharme (Caroline Ducharme)
Nika Muhl

then Mir & Anna

I feel like if coach runs this set
One or 2 starters should have a triple double every night
(Liv, E or Paige)

then the second set is so good defensively
Aubrey, nika & Edwards..
We all saw Caroline Ducharme beat Fudd in the 3 point shootout and Aubrey will be turning defense into offense
Meanwhile Nika is dishing it to Caroline for 3’s and Edwards downlow.

I really think Uconn will be unstoppable!
#GOHUSKIES! #BLEEDBLUE💙💙💙💙

And don't forget Saylor, Piath or Autumn. If they make a good sophomore jump, there will be quite the battle for minutes and situational substitutions.

 

[Vowelguy]

edit :

Starters: Muhl, Paige, CW, Evina, Ono
First off bench: AE, Azzi
Next group: Ducharme, Makurat, Aubrey
Also: Mir, Piath, DeBerry, Saylor

 

[Vowelguy]

And don't forget Saylor, Piath or Autumn. If they make a good sophomore jump, there will be quite the battle for minutes and situational substitutions.

Oh stop. Autumn is not battling for minutes.

 

[Centerstream]

Oh stop. Autumn is not battling for minutes.

I didn't want to leave her out...I am hoping that next season and beyond that she becomes our next Kyla...our cheerleader and teammate coach on the bench.