OOC opponents

[Bald Husky]

Just read a small article from Dawn Staley asking opposition coaches to step up and schedule their team against the defending NCAA champions. Apparently, they have holes in their schedule that they cannot fill at this point. IMO, UConn may be having the same problem. We have some high-profile games at neutral sites, but aside from USF and USC, we haven't heard anything about the rest of the OOC schedule. I believe we have at least 3 openings that need to be filled, and time is running out. Has anyone heard anything recently that I may have missed? I know about the road games with Tennessee, SC, Notre Dame, and Iowa State, but what about potential home games? I am a XL ticketholder, and as far as I know the only home OOC game is USC. Are we at the point that scheduling us is becoming harder because we are so good, or is alignment giving us less options of available good teams? What do you guys think, is the current landscape of conferences killing us again?

 

[visitingcock]

Just read a small article from Dawn Staley asking opposition coaches to step up and schedule their team against the defending NCAA champions. Apparently, they have holes in their schedule that they cannot fill at this point. IMO, UConn may be having the same problem. We have some high-profile games at neutral sites, but aside from USF and USC, we haven't heard anything about the rest of the OOC schedule. I believe we have at least 3 openings that need to be filled, and time is running out. Has anyone heard anything recently that I may have missed? I know about the road games with Tennessee, SC, Notre Dame, and Iowa State, but what about potential home games? I am a XL ticketholder, and as far as I know the only home OOC game is USC. Are we at the point that scheduling us is becoming harder because we are so good, or is alignment giving us less options of available good teams? What do you guys think, is the current landscape of conferences killing us again?

I think realignment is a reason that we are not going to see as many high quality non- conference games. First, the number of conference games in the major conferences have increased as the P-5 have shrunk to P-4 and spread the defunct PAC across three of the remaining P conferences. A Maryland is now adding USC and UCLA. A NC state is adding Stanford. A Texas is adding two games vs SCar and one vs LSU.

Plus, I blame the committees a bit. Coaches Luke Geno and Dawn used to tout the idea that power losses didn’t hurt you in seeding but the committee screwed UConn in seeding them a three when their NET should have made them a 1 seed or, at worst, a 2.

It may settle down some as coaches settle into the construct of the realigned conferences

 

[visitingcock]

This article from early May made me realize that the contract between UConn and SCar expires after this season. Let’s hope it’s renewed for another at least the rest of this decade.

UConn women's basketball team's 2024-25 nonconference schedule: Here's what we know

With games against longtime rivals and the defending champion, this is what we know so far about UConn women's basketball's 2024-25 non-conference slate.

www.ctinsider.com

 

[Bald Husky]

This article from early May made me realize that the contract between UConn and SCar expires after this season. Let’s hope it’s renewed for another at least the rest of this decade.

UConn women's basketball team's 2024-25 nonconference schedule: Here's what we know

With games against longtime rivals and the defending champion, this is what we know so far about UConn women's basketball's 2024-25 non-conference slate.

www.ctinsider.com

I'm sure it will be. I think Dawn and Geno have an understanding of what this game means to the two teams, not to mention the national landscape.

 

[visitingcock]

I'm sure it will be. I think Dawn and Geno have an understanding of what this game means to the two teams, not to mention the national landscape.

I could see it being renewed through the end of Geno’s present contract. Five years? Right?

Might have an escape clause option for his successor though I can’t see a UConn quality level replacement wanting out.

Bold key stuck in my phone

 

[cancontent]

Where's the lie?

 

[cancontent]

 

[Bone Dog]

The UNC game on 11/15 was just announced. That's a good series to continue, and I think they'll be a better team without Deja than with. I'm looking forward to it.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Curious about the Bahama Tournament. NC State is there but not sure if any of the other 6 teams have been announced. It could be another 2 marquee games. Or at least one more marquee game.

 

[Centerstream]

The UNC game on 11/15 was just announced. That's a good series to continue, and I think they'll be a better team without Deja than with. I'm looking forward to it.

I am confused about the UNC game. Originally the rumor was that the game would be in Greensboro. However it now looks like it will be in Chapel Hill. Hmm.

 

[Bone Dog]

 

[jdote33]

I think 3 losses is reasonable. It's a really tough schedule and a really young team. I like the South Florida game as an early tuneup before playing nc, essentially a road game. But a lot of tough matchups .. also love they got the upperclassmen on the graphic. We've missed them.

 

[Zanzman]

I would be shocked with 3 lossses in that achedule

 

[GirlBoo1020]

I think 3 losses is reasonable. It's a really tough schedule and a really young team. I like the South Florida game as an early tuneup before playing nc, essentially a road game. But a lot of tough matchups .. also love they got the upperclassmen on the graphic. We've missed them.

Is it a really young team?
1- 6th year player
2- 5th year players
2 - 4th year player
2- 3rd year players
4 - second year players
3 - 1st year players

Thats 5 players, who should all be getting heavy rotational minutes, with 4 or more years in college. There should be some underclassman playing quite a bit too but I wouldn't say this is a young team in any way shape or form.

 

[maple]

Compared to some seasons past, I think this is one of the "easier" schedules I've seen in a while. I am not overlooking anyone, and neither will the coaches and the players, but SCar is definitely the only game I genuinely feel could be a toss-up.

Barring health issues, of course.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Compared to some seasons past, I think this is one of the "easier" schedules I've seen in a while. I am not overlooking anyone, and neither will the coaches and the players, but SCar is definitely the only game I genuinely feel could be a toss-up.

Barring health issues, of course.

@ Notre Dame doesn't ring some alarm bells for you considering we haven't beaten them since 2021 and this is one of their best teams post Muffin? USC at home is also a concern and I would expect us to go in underdogs.

We are also likely to be playing another top 5 team in the Bahamas.

I think this is wildly optimistic view of the schedule. I could see 4-5 losses with this schedule.

 

[maple]

@ Notre Dame doesn't ring some alarm bells for you

No.

 

[Bald Husky]

I guess Geno decided to schedule a few cupcakes this year. (BU, FDU, Holy Cross). This home OOC schedule has to be one of the worse that I can remember, but time to develop the new talent without putting them against some of the country's best.

 

[cancontent]

Is it a really young team?
1- 6th year player
2- 5th year players
2 - 4th year player
2- 3rd year players
4 - second year players
3 - 1st year players

Thats 5 players, who should all be getting heavy rotational minutes, with 4 or more years in college. There should be some underclassman playing quite a bit too but I wouldn't say this is a young team in any way shape or form.

Depends on when Aubrey returns as her injury happened mid-season if I recall correctly. One of the 5th year players, while experienced is still learning the system. And is Caroline being factored in the 4th year player category? Her status would be TBD until something official comes from UConn in my opinion.

 

[Geew1992]

Depends on when Aubrey returns as her injury happened mid-season if I recall correctly. One of the 5th year players, while experienced is still learning the system. And is Caroline being factored in the 4th year player category? Her status would be TBD until something official comes from UConn in my opinion.

And to piggy back, the 2 3 year players have only played 1 year.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Depends on when Aubrey returns as her injury happened mid-season if I recall correctly. One of the 5th year players, while experienced is still learning the system. And is Caroline being factored in the 4th year player category? Her status would be TBD until something official comes from UConn in my opinion.

It happened January third making her return likely somewhere between September and late December. So she will likely be available the majority of the season and potentially for all the tough OOC games.

Not sure why Caroline would be anymore TBD than any other injured UConn player tbh. Geno already said they would all return this season at some point, she was recently seen playing basketball on social media, is one of player featured on the OOC schedule graphic and recently gave an interview indicating her rehab is going well. At this point there isn't going to be anything more official from UConn because all indications are she will in fact be playing this season. I don't mean to be snippy but I find the speculation around Caroline to be over the top and crossing a line on this board at times. Yes the nature of her injury is different but unless there are real indications that the she is medically redshirting I think the assumption should be that she is playing out of respect for her.

But sure, if you take every player coming back from injury off the board, UConn is younger but I still don't think they would be a particularly young team with two 5th year seniors a junior and 3 very experienced sophomores. Chen learning a new system (though its very similar to the system she came from so not sure how much I buy that) but it doesn't make her any younger. It would have a significant depth problem.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

And to piggy back, the 2 3 year players have only played 1 year.

True but that doesn't make them any younger.

 

[Geew1992]

True but that doesn't make them any younger.

It def does in basketball years

 

[AmeriConn]

No.

Don’t sleep on Notre Dame. Shooters and great defense.

 

[maple]

Don’t sleep on Notre Dame. Shooters and great defense.

Not sleeping on them at all, just not panicking.

 

[Cuango]

I, on the other hand, would be shocked if we did have three losses out of that schedule! South Carolina of course is going to be very tough, Notre Dame as well, but I think we at least split those two and as for anyone else, I just can’t really see anything to worry about! To each his own though. Hopefully, you’d rather me be right?

 

[gymrat100]

Very weak schedule for the season ticket holders at Gampel and XL Center. Can forsee every game except Southern Cal being a blowout.

 

[cancontent]

It happened January third making her return likely somewhere between September and late December. So she will likely be available the majority of the season and potentially for all the tough OOC games.

Not sure why Caroline would be anymore TBD than any other injured UConn player tbh. Geno already said they would all return this season at some point, she was recently seen playing basketball on social media, is one of player featured on the OOC schedule graphic and recently gave an interview indicating her rehab is going well. At this point there isn't going to be anything more official from UConn because all indications are she will in fact be playing this season. I don't mean to be snippy but I find the speculation around Caroline to be over the top and crossing a line on this board at times. Yes the nature of her injury is different but unless there are real indications that the she is medically redshirting I think the assumption should be that she is playing out of respect for her.

But sure, if you take every player coming back from injury off the board, UConn is younger but I still don't think they would be a particularly young team with two 5th year seniors a junior and 3 very experienced sophomores. Chen learning a new system (though its very similar to the system she came from so not sure how much I buy that) but it doesn't make her any younger. It would have a significant depth problem.

In how I read your post, it sounded like they were factored to be playing from the start which isn't exactly accurate. With their injuries, I'm leery in putting any timelines in mind until the coaches say when they are truly expected to return.

With respect to Caroline's injury and how others feel about it, head injuries like hers are always going to be a sensitive topic. You believe she'll be ready to go sometime this year fine, but I can totally understand and empathize with others who are concerned.

From personal experience seeing both a family member and a close friend deal with severe concussions, those concerns are valid. For some, it affects their life long-term or even permanently as my friend is seeing now. Fully healthy 6 months ago and now on disability because of ongoing issues and it's unclear if it will ever get better. When you come across situations like those, it's hard not to fear for the worse because you're seeing it in real life.

 

[jdote33]

I, on the other hand, would be shocked if we did have three losses out of that schedule! South Carolina of course is going to be very tough, Notre Dame as well, but I think we at least split those two and as for anyone else, I just can’t really see anything to worry about! To each his own though. Hopefully, you’d rather me be right?

I'm a bit scarred from last season maybe. It would be great to have less than 3 losses which essentially would be a top 4, number 1 seed type team. I'm always pleased with the amount of test on the schedule. I appreciate Geno for always taking on challenges.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

In how I read your post, it sounded like they were factored to be playing from the start which isn't exactly accurate. With their injuries, I'm leery in putting any timelines in mind until the coaches say when they are truly expected to return.

With respect to Caroline's injury and how others feel about it, head injuries like hers are always going to be a sensitive topic. You believe she'll be ready to go sometime this year fine, but I can totally understand and empathize with others who are concerned.

From personal experience seeing both a family member and a close friend deal with severe concussions, those concerns are valid. For some, it affects their life long-term or even permanently as my friend is seeing now. Fully healthy 6 months ago and now on disability because of ongoing issues and it's unclear if it will ever get better. When you come across situations like those, it's hard not to fear for the worse because you're seeing it in real life.

I'm not saying concerns aren't valid. I'm not even say I don't share them. I am just saying given the coaches, programs and Carolines comments on that matter they are inappropriate at this point. If someone is saying they are planning and want people do indicate that as well, its not respectful to keep questioning that in my opinion.

Every time Caroline gets brought up there are 5-6 posts speculating whether she will or should ever play basketball again despite both her and her coach and the program saying they plan on having her available. You don't believe them? That is ok but at this point stay silent about it because its someone's health and wellbeing that you are speculating and I couldn't imagine the pain of reading those comments if I were her or her family. That is just my POV and why I spoke so strongly.