Our best starting 5 (A Game) - No bench

[Kitaman]

The best starting team does not necessarily always win Championships (we know that all too well on both sides). At UConn we've had some formidable starting teams.

I know a lot of youngun's won't know about the beginning but that 1989-90 squad was to me the best starting 5 collectively. They played defense that has never been duplicated. We had an offense to match. Perhaps no superstars outside of Smitty, (had 3 NBAers) but teamwise this 5 could have beaten any UConn team. They played so well together (chemistry) with such exciting games. They just beat every giant in their way, and was the beginning of our blood color change. Also this team set up our culture going forward.


Beat this team, you better have a minimum of 2 starting point guards. Admittingly Rod is my only concern. One game - everyone is playing A game, bench players do not count.

Nadav Henefield F
Chris Smith G
Tate George G
Scott Burrell G
Rod Sellers F

This vid is for you dinosaur collectors:

 

[AntG168]

The best starting team does not necessarily always win Championships (we know that all too well on both sides). At UConn we've had some formidable starting teams.

I know a lot of youngun's won't know about the beginning but that 1989-90 squad was to me the best starting 5 collectively. They played defense that has never been duplicated. We had an offense to match. Perhaps no superstars outside of Smitty, (had 3 NBAers) but teamwise this 5 could have beaten any UConn team. They played so well together (chemistry) with such exciting games. They just beat every giant in their way, and was the beginning of our blood color change. Also this team set up our culture going forward.


Beat this team, you better have a minimum of 2 starting point guards. Admittingly Rod is my only concern. One game - everyone is playing A game, bench players do not count.

Nadav Henefield F
Chris Smith G
Tate George G
Scott Burrell G
Rod Sellers F

This vid is for you dinosaur collectors:

Tristen Newton
Cam Spencer
Stephon Castle
Alex Karaban
Donovan Clingan

This team would like a word.

P.S. We are spoiled

 

[thekollieman]

Tristen Newton
Cam Spencer
Stephon Castle
Alex Karaban
Donovan Clingan

This team would like a word.

P.S. We are spoiled

As much as I want to agree with this, Hass and Samson off the bench were each absolutely integral to this squad’s overwhelming dominance.

 

[AntG168]

As much as I want to agree with this, Hass and Samson off the bench were each absolutely integral to this squad’s overwhelming dominance.

Wasn’t the conversation.

They were the most dominant team of the modern era

 

[thekollieman]

Wasn’t the conversation.

They were the most dominant team of the modern era

It’s exactly the conversation: best starting five without bench. I’m positing that the 2023-24 team’s crucial bench (i.e., Hass and Samson) contribution may undermine the idea of them being the best starting five.

 

[HailUConn]

As much as I want to agree with this, Hass and Samson off the bench were each absolutely integral to this squad’s overwhelming dominance.

Is this a joke? I love them both, but they have no business in that starting line up, and it’s not even close. They both have glaring holes in their respective role and position and That’s why they are bench. Exhibit A, look what happened with 24-25 team when they both starting…

 

[thekollieman]

Is this a joke? I love them both, but they have no business in that starting line up, and it’s not even close. They both have glaring holes in their respective role and position and That’s why they are bench. Exhibit A, look what happened with 24-25 team when they both starting…

I genuinely don’t mean this as an insult, but you did not comprehend my comment at all.

 

[BigErnMcCracken]

I genuinely don’t mean this as an insult, but you did not comprehend my comment at all.

I did. I love Hass. He's a tough kid and played his bag off last season but his primary value to that 23-24 team was taking some of the load off of Tristan. If Tristan could have physically and mentally played an entire 40 minutes every night he would have. And as nice as Sam was as a "change of pace" for Donovan I don't think the fact that the offense could throw a few more lobs when the defense was softened up "undermines" how good that starting 5 was. In Clingan you're talking about a kid who impacted the game as much or more than anyone we've put on the court in years.

 

[thekollieman]

I did. I love Hass. He's a tough kid and played his bag off last season but his primary value to that 23-24 team was taking some of the load off of Tristan. If Tristan could have physically and mentally played an entire 40 minutes every night he would have. And as nice as Sam was as a "change of pace" for Donovan I don't think the fact that the offense could throw a few more lobs when the defense was softened up "undermines" how good that starting 5 was. In Clingan you're talking about a kid who impacted the game as much or more than anyone we've put on the court in years.

Like for big time comprehension.

It’s true that 1-5 of that group is arguably the best. Not sure I can come up with the alternative so I leave that to those older than me with a clearer picture of ‘99 and before. I’d take the 23-24 starting 5 over 03-04 (which I do remember well). I’m just saying the legendary dominance the most recent championship squad will go down in history for was heavily impacted by players 6 and 7 in their respective roles.

 

[SubbaBub]

This is one of the easier versions of this thread as no championships are involved.

Kemba - not a better PG to be had
Ray - same for SG
Caron - this is the closest call with Rip/Rudy
Donyell - second closest with Cliffy
Emeka - the odd roster where Emeka could easily be replaced by any number of centers because scoring isn't going to be needed from this spot and still beat everyone but he's the best option.

If it's one complete year then 24 is the answer. None where the best at their position but there where zero holes and they could exploit any of the opponents five.

There will be no further discussion necessary.

 

[AntG168]

This is one of the easier versions of this thread as no championships are involved.

Kemba - not a better PG to be had
Ray - same for SG
Caron - this is the closest call with Rip/Rudy
Donyell - second closest with Cliffy
Emeka - the odd roster where Emeka could easily be replaced by any number of centers because scoring isn't going to be needed from this spot and still beat everyone but he's the best option.

If it's one complete year then 24 is the answer. None where the best at their position but there where zero holes and they could exploit any of the opponents five.

There will be no further discussion necessary.

I think it’s supposed to be actual starting 5’s