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[oldhusky]

What about Azzi at the 3. We could have 2 bigs. Paige and Nika. That would be my first inclination. I love the dynamics with Paige and Nika. Nika provides on-ball pressure, she does an outstanding job pushing the ball, she hits the floor, she rebounds, she gets in passing lanes. How about Azzi, especially next year, as a KLS or KML like shooter.

Personally I like this combo the best, but of course no matter who you pick, much of the boneyard will say their choice can't possibly be delegated to the bench. One reason I think Azzi "might" come off the bench is the debate between Nika, Christyn and Azzi (Evina too if she returns) becomes mute in the second year. Geno can pretty much reassure Azzi that after being a super-sub and learning the ropes for a year, she could start with Paige and Nika the next year when Christyn and Evina are gone and the starter debate isn't as much of an issue.

 

[#12in21]

There were reasons why Geno moved Paige to the 2 and brought Nika in as the point. To adapt Geno's quote preseason about Nika's comment to him "getting an assist makes two people happy whereas getting a basket just makes one person happy", I would suggest his move to insert Nika allowed Paige to play to her strengths, added Nika's strengths and added a cohesion to the flow on both offense and defense. Nika being on the floor has not diminished Paige's game and her addition to the starting lineup has been a catalyst for a continuing up curve at both ends of the floor. On offense other players have stepped up and carried the team at times, so it doesn't have to all fall on Paige's shoulders game in and game out, and the team defense has been exceptional. Nika isn't the only reason for all of this but I would argue she is a critical piece of why there is better flow and movement on offense and stifling pressure and clocklike switching on defense. Geno anticipated her importance and role she could play for this particular team, she has played into that vision and the team as a whole is better with her on the floor. IMO, when she is out for extended periods the rhythm and flow on both ends is noticeably less cohesive.

I think Aailyah incredibly impacts the game when she comes in as well. Whether she is starting or subbing in, when she is on the floor both the offense and defense can and does adapt to a different, equally effective, style of play. Having that ability makes us a much more difficult opponent, this squad is not an one trick pony. Unlike Nika's presence on the floor, which as I stated, is critical to the cohesive flow on both ends, Aailyah's allows us to exploit her and her teammates strengths and force opponents to shift how they have to play us.

I would expect to see the same starting five at the beginning of next season as we have seen for the last half of this season, with the possible exception of Evina if she decides to move on to the WNBA. If she does the fifth starter may be Anna, Aailyah or Azzi I would guess and may vary depending on the opponent. I think along with those three Aubrey will remain a critical game changer to come in and impact games all season.

I think, despite Paige's desire to be on the floor all forty minutes she will play closer to thirty a game next year as will the other starters. Azzi will get plenty of minutes and I believe she will benefit and be accepting of not be forced to push her body as much as Paige has this season. Azzi knows she is not infalliable, she has had a devastating injury and fought back and is in it for the long game.

 

[MooseJaw]

How would you feel if you started on a team that went to the FF, came back the next year improved, and practiced as well as anyone else and still lost your position? That would not do anything negative to your confidence?

Do you doubt for a moment that players don't know who the best players are, on their team as well as on other teams? If all things are equal in talent and team play Nika should start next year, if Azzi is better in the team concept she should start. If they are team first players they will adjust to what Geno decides. If they are not team first then they are not in the right program, that said I know that almost every WCBB player wants to start, the reality is that there are more nonstarters than starters, life in sports as in life in general.

 

[Alydar]

AE changes the equation quite a bit. It means 10 fouls in the post while having quality play in case we play a big team like SC. Didnt have that in recent years.

Exactly. For the last 2 years anyway UConn has played softer defense due to a lack of depth. This year I've seen the guards play much more aggressive defense. Part of that is that Bueckers and Müle are by nature aggressive. But Edwards/Griffin can not only rebound but can defend the paint and the perimeter. The guards know they have players behind them who can cover for them so more chances can be taken to steal or play the passing lanes.

 

[donalddoowop]

Do you doubt for a moment that players don't know who the best players are, on their team as well as on other teams? If all things are equal in talent and team play Nika should start next year, if Azzi is better in the team concept she should start. If they are team first players they will adjust to what Geno decides. If they are not team first then they are not in the right program, that said I know that almost every WCBB player wants to start, the reality is that there are more nonstarters than starters, life in sports as in life in general.

Nika may well adjust but that does not mean it will not hurt her confidence. Players do have feelings. However, if Nika has to come off the bench I believe she will adjust just as Anna did.