Next year's starting lineup

[hjoerring]

J66 I agree.

So - hjoerring, you'd rather have Batouly Camara start than KLS ??? You do know she was benched at one point at Kentucky for lack of effort on the defensive end, right ?? And not the equal of KLS on offense either. I think I'll let Geno figure this out. He MAY have a bit more insight and pyschological motives behind his commentaries than you and I can comprehend. Remember when Rebecca was the "worst post player in the country" ?

I'm not for having any of this year's starters coming off the bench- in principle. Nor I have said anything about Batouly starting. I am perplexed about Stevens place on the team next year. If we leave out the incoming Freshmen it is really about Stevens and Dangerfield. Starting Stevens means putting Nurse at pt, KLS or Gabby as sg. While they have effectively advanced the ball many times this year I would not say they are ideal ball-handlers. This of course give Dangerfield the opportunity to sub for either plus Nurse. The downside? Probably not a lot of long and continuous playing time for Dangerfield. Nevertheless, we are thinking in the box. Who starts might be irrelevant, something to get beyond. Let us blame it on Stevens for transfering, had she not done so we wouldn't be in this parlour game or moving chairs. Lastly, KLS is not having the tournament we and her expected (she could save her best for the next game(s), but I suspect she will reach for even higher grounds come summer. So I am expecting she and the others to even more dominant.

 

[Scotter]

Crystal had the chance to seize the starting point guard position this season and it didn't happen. That's not surprising considering UConn is a difficult environment for small guards that are used to playing with the ball in their hands. The best situation for her is to be the backup point guard where the coaches can put pressure on her to take ownership and be the leader of the second unit with her classmates and the incoming players. She'll still get the opportunity to play with the starts in competitive situations as part of the core rotation, but she will also get plenty of minutes quarterbacking the second unit.

The best thing for the future of the players and UConn is if Stevens slides into the starting lineup. Gabby, Pheesa, and Lou are all going to be wing players as professionals so the more ball handling ability and perimeter defense skills they can develop in college the better. Kia's greatest value as a professional will be if she can effectively play and defend both guard positions so the more she handles the point guard responsibilities in college the better. Point guard at UConn has always been mostly about leadership, organizing, and initiating the offense. That's what Kia has been doing this season as evidenced by when she was missing, but next season we wouldn't have to debate which guard Kia gets labeled as. Kia can bring the ball up in dead ball situations, but in live ball situations Gabby can also serve as second outlet. I don't necessarily want Gabby bringing up the ball and trying to initiate offense against a set defense, but I do want the ball in Gabby's hands as much as possible in transition.

 

[CocoHusky]

Is she the new golden child. Yes. Is she the next B.Stewart 6'4 dribble drive, post, 3pt threat with great defensive skills..eh..
Is she a better all around player than KML...A fair critique on her skills is not diminishing what she has accomplished nor what she will accomplish.

They are all golden children and princesses not just KLS. An unfair critique is diminishing her skills and BTW you don't get to pronounce your critique "fair" because it's not. The part of your critique that is most unfair is the part that says KLS only hits wide open shots-nothing could be further from the truth. Go and watch the FSU or Baylor or MD game and you will see KLS hitting very closely contested shots that was the difference in those games. This is a significant improvement in her game from last year and what has propelled her to AA status.

 

[Earls & Kings]

Gabby won't play the point; Kia will play the point. Gabby will do what she's done this year; she will position herself at the foul line and make amazing pass after amazing pass.

Who did you pencil in at the point and center before this season?

How can you be absolute about the future decisions of the most creative coach in basketball.

...We never know what coach is thinking (until he tells us)...but we do know that Chong and Dangerfield fought it out for the point this year but ...Kia wasn't auditioned.

You still may be right... but I don't see her being as quick or agile as Gabby.... I do see her as one of our best shooting guards ever... I admire her calmness, leadership, and shot selection.

I see Gabby as the most flexible and multifaceted player on the team. if we can keep everyone else at or near their expertise by challenging one player to morph, I' choose Gabby...she's already done it at this level.

 

[Longtime fan]

I know this is w-a-a-a-y premature, but I can't help thinking about it. Does anyone have any insight as to what Geno plans for next year's starting lineup?

I have heard him tout Azura as possibly the best player in the country, so it's hard to imagine her coming off the bench. And the only starting senior is our point guard. Is he going to shift each other player a position? Ie, make KLS the point guard, Kia the SG...etc? Can Katie even run the point? I know just about everyone on the team is a good passer, but how about ball handling and setting up and running the offense? If he starts Crystal at the point, which would seem logical, either he takes Azura off the bench, or kicks one of the other starters out of the starting lineup, which seems incomprehensible to me.

Out here in WV I don't get the Geno show that you get up there (if you still get them - I haven't even been back to Conn. since 2014). Has anyone on the coaching staff talked about this? Of course, it wouldn't be real politic to talk about moving someone to the bench in the middle of the tournament.

With Azura and Camera and Walker coming in, it certainly will be a nice problem to have. As long as he can keep everyone happy about playing time, that is.

I will give you coach Auriemma's answer to your question: "It is far too early to even think about that. We have work to do here that is, for the moment, far more important. And if we are fortunate enough to win this championship, we all need to take some time to enjoy the accomplishment, bask in the glow, learn from it, and take a deep breath. Personally, I'm going to take some time off and have some fun. I will play some golf, enjoy a glass of wine, and spend time with family and friends. When this season has been fully digested, when there is nothing more to re-hash, and when I am clear-headed and well-rested, I will call in the staff and we will begin thinking about it. Until then, do it by yourself, if you enjoy such a diversion. But you aren't going to hear anything about it from me until it is time. Have a great day."

 

[BroadwayVa]

I know this is w-a-a-a-y premature, but I can't help thinking about it. Does anyone have any insight as to what Geno plans for next year's starting lineup?

I have heard him tout Azura as possibly the best player in the country, so it's hard to imagine her coming off the bench. And the only starting senior is our point guard. Is he going to shift each other player a position? Ie, make KLS the point guard, Kia the SG...etc? Can Katie even run the point? I know just about everyone on the team is a good passer, but how about ball handling and setting up and running the offense? If he starts Crystal at the point, which would seem logical, either he takes Azura off the bench, or kicks one of the other starters out of the starting lineup, which seems incomprehensible to me.

Out here in WV I don't get the Geno show that you get up there (if you still get them - I haven't even been back to Conn. since 2014). Has anyone on the coaching staff talked about this? Of course, it wouldn't be real politic to talk about moving someone to the bench in the middle of the tournament.

With Azura and Camera and Walker coming in, it certainly will be a nice problem to have. As long as he can keep everyone happy about playing time, that is.

I doubt Geno is thinking of STARTERS for next year yet. His starters will depend practices, participation, talent, needs in certain positions.
With a great problem to have---October, Nov is a long way --away.

 

[Coach]

No one said anything about trading her or benching her. I stand by what I said. I gave a fair critique of her game.She is a deadly shooter if she has space and time. She is not the most complete player on the team. She is adding pieces to her game. She is working on defense, dribbling, post play, driving through the lane. If you go by percentages, she is not the most clutch shooter on the team.




So..Let me get this straight. You were a basketball star in college and thus your opinion carries more weight than mine. Okay.
Why has KLS, GW, NC, KN played so many minutes. The team needs scorers, defenders and players. Geno doesn't have the luxury of sitting anyone. The scoring production drops significantly when KI, MB, NB are in the game. No one said she is horrible.
KLS is a work in progress. My original post merely stated that she has work to do on her game. I gave kudos and highlighted the areas that she is working on. It also states that any criticism of her game more or less would be attacked. This is has been true. I also stated that KLS is the most hyped.
KLS makes a drive to the basket there is extra attention and emphasis. Good heavens if she makes a steal or a block. Does she driver better than SC, KN,GW,NC or CD? Does she pass, block shots, rebound, defend better than any of them? KLS is the shooter who is adding other facets to her game. Gabby is the guardpost who is adding the midrange-three ball to her game.

There is nothing wrong with calling a tree a tree.



Is she the new golden child. Yes. Is she the next B.Stewart 6'4 dribble drive, post, 3pt threat with great defensive skills..eh..
Is she a better all around player than KML...

KLS is a good basketball player getting better. A fair critique on her skills is not diminishing what she has accomplished nor what she will accomplish.

Perhaps I mis-understoood what was being stated earlier.

When it was said that she "does well against smaller or less athletic defenders." I thought it implied that she could not do these things against athletic defenders. IMO, this is not the case as more often or not the "lock down" defender is on her.

and it was said that "There are some stating that she is a good ball handler." IMO, this is not true. I think she is one of the better ball handlers for a shooting guard or small forward.

There is nothing wrong with calling a tree a tree, just don't call it a dandelion.

 

[FfldCountyC]

I mean I am all for open debate and conversation, that's great!

But I just don't think there is any rational thought process on this that doesn't end with:

C Stevens
F Collier
G/F Samuelson
G/F Williams
G Nurse

Three are returning first team AAs: Williams, Samuelson, Collier
One was a starter with KML, Stewie, MoJeff, and Tuck, is the starting PG for a national team, and is our best perimeter defender: Nurse
One may be the preseason favorite for NPOY: Stevens

I mean...come on folks.

And again, Geno will try so many different combos that include Dangerfield, Walker, Coombs, Camara, and Gordon in them with the other five, that I wouldn't even worry too too much about who is starting, but rather who is our best in-game 5 based on the opponent.

I trust Geno....

 

[hoophuskee]

Dangerfield came to uconn to be mojos replacement there's no way she isn't starting next year. As i said earlier in this thread geno will have the lineup set by the time they get back from Italy in August.

There is no way Dangerfield starts next year unless injury or spot starts. The "name" and "mojo" of Dangerfield mean nothing to Auriemma.

 

[hoophuskee]

Gabby came in as a guard, Geno saw much more in her. I'm betting he still sees the flexibility, intelligence and athleticism that allows her to excel anywhere on the floor.

She will also be our shortest starter, at the point, so let the other teams match her up with a big defender, creating bigger mismatches elsewhere, and taking them away from their norm, which will make them uncomfortable. I look forward to watching Gabby hdrive around, through, or over them before they get set. And I believe with her pin point passing she will find a way to deliver the ball to the wings as well as the posts, along the way.

About zones, From what I've seen we've got lots of zone busters, we move the ball quickly and we drive and kick very well. The zone may not be our opponents comfort zone and when it's shredded they may come unglued: advantage us.

Another reason I see Gabby at the point is that Geno likes to put his best five on the floor, then figure out how the roles will work. Stevens is one of his best five, Dangerfield isn't, not yet.

I also think that Geno prepares his players for the next level, especially those he holds in the high esteem. He holds Gabby in the highest esteem, so it's time to move her out of the post into a position she can thrive in as a post grad.

I expect Geno to be thinking outside the box, where he does his best work...he may do something we will never dream up, and I'm sure it will work.

I don't agree overall. Gabby was pushed to the forward spot in which she is excelling now because she lacked the ability to shoot the ball consistently and has an obscene strength to offensive rebound. To take away her ability to offensive by sticking her outside in a zone is not helpful to Gabby or the team.

As far as her being the shortest player, imo not relevant. Heck, Charles Barkley was actually 6-5 1/2. If he were to play with Magic Johnson would that mean one would want Magic to be in the post while Barkley outside because Magic is taller? Even if UCONN loses next game or two, haven't we put the "height" justification to rest as being irrelevant? We have been the best team in America with 5'11 and 6'1.
Secondly players like Kia and Lou are taller than Gabby yet Gabby is a far superior player inside. Why take away the superiority Gabby has and put players who are tremendous shooters inside where the are less effective? Overall height will usually lose out over fundamentals. Not all the time ofc. But this year and what the Golden State Warriors have shown - height isn't the "be-all." Remember how many people were saying how much "Nat" was needed this year and that she should start. She definitely was needed this year and UCONN is not number 1 without her and maybe if she played sub-par we would have had 2-3 losses and not been the overall 1 seed. Nat has been huge this year vs certain teams but not the need that many claimed she needed to be - in order to be as good as what UCONN has been. I really do believe we'll need her though.

As far as zone defense/ zone offense- imo you attack the zone with fundamentals. And the more fundamentals each player has - you make it harder for the opposing team to defend you. A basic offensive fundamental for all players is "the triple threat." That is when you face the basket you can pass, shoot, dribble. Because Gabby is not a three point shooter and range is suspect, by only focusing on "she can make pinpoint passes" minimizes her impact because she no longer si a triple threat. IMO there is no way Geno is going to go away from certain fundamentals to start a game if he doesn't have to. If she isn't much of a shooter and you have to rely on Gabby ot be a pinpoint passer from the outside while she already is a tremendous passer and terrific scorer on the inside, you have effectively taken a strength of her scoring away from the game along with her offensive rebounding.

 

[hoophuskee]

Perhaps I mis-understoood what was being stated earlier.

When it was said that she "does well against smaller or less athletic defenders." I thought it implied that she could not do these things against athletic defenders. IMO, this is not the case as more often or not the "lock down" defender is on her.

and it was said that "There are some stating that she is a good ball handler." IMO, this is not true. I think she is one of the better ball handlers for a shooting guard or small forward.

There is nothing wrong with calling a tree a tree, just don't call it a dandelion.

I felt the same way. Great post!!! The thing is -- if you don't agree with a couple of them you get demeaned. The funny thing is you get demeaned while their counterpoints have you shake your head - those points you brought up.

I mean the poster named bags had some legit issues with Lou in the past on other threads. No arguments there. But some of the others points on this thread from others. And when you call a tree a tree you also get labeled in some manner that you are being unfair?

 

[mntncougar]

Naw, I think it's Collier, Williams, Nurse and Samuelson off the bench and Dangerfield leading some transfers and newbies to start.

That'll work against Ashland.

 

[hoophuskee]

They are all golden children and princesses not just KLS. An unfair critique is diminishing her skills and BTW you don't get to pronounce your critique "fair" because it's not. The part of your critique that is most unfair is the part that says KLS only hits wide open shots-nothing could be further from the truth. Go and watch the FSU or Baylor or MD game and you will see KLS hitting very closely contested shots that was the difference in those games. This is a significant improvement in her game from last year and what has propelled her to AA status.

Great post!!!

 

[augustaTC]

That'll work against Ashland.

Mmmmm.....you have something there. Better let Crystal come off the bench too.

 

[YellwJcket999]

They are all golden children and princesses not just KLS. An unfair critique is diminishing her skills and BTW you don't get to pronounce your critique "fair" because it's not. The part of your critique that is most unfair is the part that says KLS only hits wide open shots-nothing could be further from the truth. Go and watch the FSU or Baylor or MD game and you will see KLS hitting very closely contested shots that was the difference in those games. This is a significant improvement in her game from last year and what has propelled her to AA status.

That's your opinion. You don't get to dictate what is fair and what is not. My assessment is fair. I commented on her short comings. Her skills are what they are. I am not diminishing anyone's ability by stating where improvement can be made. I've watched every game. I stand by my statement. Samuelson does not shoot well under contested shots. Yes. She is AA. She had doubled her points production and have added driving to the hole and some post scoring to her game.

 

[YellwJcket999]

Great post!!!

We will agree to disagree. The games are online. I've seen them. Contested vs Uncontested shots chart them..