Point Guard Duty Next Year?

[hoophuskee]

Saniya Chong will start the season at PG and Courtney Ekmark will back her up, Crystal Dangerfield is extremely talented but will still be a freshman. I remember the same conversation at this time last year about Lou and we see how that turned out.

No way CE backs up the starting pg. CE is not a pg. CE is a sg that sometimes gets forced to play .

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Crystal starts the regular season at point. No question.

 

[Zorro]

By all means, lets all get on the record as having no confidence in Chong and damned little in Butler or Ekmark. These things are VERY important to post on the Boneyard. I am not sure why that is so, but it must be, because so many UConn fans believe it is. However; I think that both Chong and Butler will start in the early season and that both will play very well. If I remember correctly, the one game that Saniya started this season (when MoJet was hurt) she played VERY well; around 20 points, some assists and few turnovers. Played more than decent D too. Both she and Butler will be playing with a very different mind set next year when they are starters. Dangerfield is going to be a super player, but not first jump out of the box. She will, I think, get significant playing time, but I will be surprised if she starts, even by season's end. Now I will shut up and let the deploring continue.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

By all means, lets all get on the record as having no confidence in Chong and damned little in Butler or Ekmark. These things are VERY important to post on the Boneyard. I am not sure why that is so, but it must be, because so many UConn fans believe it is. However; I think that both Chong and Butler will start in the early season and that both will play very well. If I remember correctly, the one game that Saniya started this season (when MoJet was hurt) she played VERY well; around 20 points, some assists and few turnovers. Played more than decent D too. Both she and Butler will be playing with a very different mind set next year when they are starters. Dangerfield is going to be a super player, but not first jump out of the box. She will, I think, get significant playing time, but I will be surprised if she starts, even by season's end. Now I will shut up and let the deploring continue.

This is tournament time, and two years ago, when Brianna Banks was relegated to the bench, she decided to transfer. I think that both Saniya and Natalie will have to do some serious workouts in the off-season. But at this point, I would put money (I won't, but figuratively speaking) on Crystal's starting. And given how dependable and talented Gabby and Napheesa are, I can't see either coming in after Natalie.

 

[JoePgh]

By all means, lets all get on the record as having no confidence in Chong and damned little in Butler or Ekmark. These things are VERY important to post on the Boneyard. I am not sure why that is so, but it must be, because so many UConn fans believe it is. However; I think that both Chong and Butler will start in the early season and that both will play very well. If I remember correctly, the one game that Saniya started this season (when MoJet was hurt) she played VERY well; around 20 points, some assists and few turnovers. Played more than decent D too. Both she and Butler will be playing with a very different mind set next year when they are starters. Dangerfield is going to be a super player, but not first jump out of the box. She will, I think, get significant playing time, but I will be surprised if she starts, even by season's end. Now I will shut up and let the deploring continue.

Actually, I was planning to post anyway that the only significant negative that I saw in today's Robert Morris win is that those three players (Butler, Chong, and Ekmark) all looked significantly worse than I have seen any of them look in quite a while. I don't know what the cause is, but I can imagine that the others are getting the lion's share of the reps in practice, and maybe it is obvious that they are not in the rotation for anything other than garbage time for the remainder of the tournament.

I don't think that necessarily carries over to next year. Not only will they have the summer to improve, but I think their previous performances this year give a better indication of what they can offer next year.

The Duquesne game on Monday evening will be their last chance to change Geno's mind. It will probably be a very lopsided game, so they should get a lot of minutes. If they play MUCH better than they did today, they might earn some non-garbage time in the last four games. Otherwise, I think we will see a 7-player rotation for the last four games of the tournament, since I don't think any of those games will be so one-sided that there will be a significant amount of garbage time available.

I realize that is slightly off the intended topic of this thread, but it seems pertinent to your comments as quoted above.

 

[HoopsFan21]

KLS is not a guard so let's stop with that delusion. Unless Chong has some kind of epiphany this summer, I say throw Crystal in there and let her learn on the job alongside Kia. That was an idea I was against 3 months ago, but I've come to terms that an inexperienced Crystal is probably going to give us the same as the inconsistent guards that we have coming off the bench now. I'd rather watch Crystal struggle while learning her position for the next few years than get an equally struggling Chong for her last year. Same goes for Bent and Irwin. I don't want to say I've lost hope in some players, but for Butler, Chong, and Ekmark, what they are might just be what they are. They've shown little growth no matter how much PT they get. I'm still holding out hope for Butler because she still has 2 more years and a unique quality (height), and I want to believe that her hand is still bothering her even though deep down I know she's had almost two full years in the UConn system and shouldn't look lost against a team like RMU.

 

[Geno-ista]

To chime in on your comment......which is why Geno may decide to give Crystal as much floor time (OJT) as possible during the OOC and conference games so that she'll be ready for post season play.

I would add to that - geno/we need her ready to run the team to a possible NC her soph year which is much more likely than next year- IMO

 

[Geno-ista]

The PG position is one which is probably the easiest to replace at UCONN just due to the system and the fact that the offense doesn't really run through the PG with the ball moving so much. As long as UCONN can get the ball into the front court and get the offense in motion I don't see that it matters if Chong, Nurse or Dangerfield is the one out front. What will be the deciding factor will be which player has the ability to provide some pressure defense on the opposing PG.

And that is definitely not Chong - unfortunately.

 

[Geno-ista]

I remember Renee Montgomery. When she came aboard, she acted like she owned the team and began giving orders and controlling the actions of the team. Does anyone remember the same. Did she come in and take over and become the floor manager? Crystal Dangerfield might do the same.

Renee did that immediately is correct!!! That would be sweet if she has that type of hutzpa!!!! We will need it!

 

[Carnac]

I would add to that - geno/we need her ready to run the team to a possible NC her soph year which is much more likely than next year- IMO

I think Sanaiya Chong will determine how much time Dangerfield gets next year based on well she performs during practice and the early part of the season (the first 10 games). I personally don't care who starts at the point. I'm going to root for whoever earns it. I know it sounds like I'm stumping for Dangerfield. I'm not.

Saniya has been here 3 years. I think its her job to lose. If she does lose it, Dangerfield may get a shot at it. If Chong steps up and takes over the position as she is expected to, then we'll see Crystal at the point her sophomore year.

If Chong falters, and Crystal is not ready, then one would assume that Kia Nurse will assume the point. There will be an opening at the point guard position next season. Who fills it then is anybody's guess. Even ol' Carnac can't see that far ahead. We'll all just have to wait and see. Right now, we have the best PG in the country running things for us.

 

[hoophuskee]

Actually, I was planning to post anyway that the only significant negative that I saw in today's Robert Morris win is that those three players (Butler, Chong, and Ekmark) all looked significantly worse than I have seen any of them look in quite a while. I don't know what the cause is, but I can imagine that the others are getting the lion's share of the reps in practice, and maybe it is obvious that they are not in the rotation for anything other than garbage time for the remainder of the tournament.

I don't think that necessarily carries over to next year. Not only will they have the summer to improve, but I think their previous performances this year give a better indication of what they can offer next year.

The Duquesne game on Monday evening will be their last chance to change Geno's mind. It will probably be a very lopsided game, so they should get a lot of minutes. If they play MUCH better than they did today, they might earn some non-garbage time in the last four games. Otherwise, I think we will see a 7-player rotation for the last four games of the tournament, since I don't think any of those games will be so one-sided that there will be a significant amount of garbage time available.

I realize that is slightly off the intended topic of this thread, but it seems pertinent to your comments as quoted above.

I thought Chong looked okay.

 

[bags27]

KLS is not a guard so let's stop with that delusion. .

Then I think someone needs to change their website:
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/mtt/conn-w-baskbl-mtt.html

 

[bags27]

Actually, I was planning to post anyway that the only significant negative that I saw in today's Robert Morris win is that those three players (Butler, Chong, and Ekmark) all looked significantly worse than I have seen any of them look in quite a while.

I don't disagree, and admittedly I didn't watch closely after the romp. But did they come in individually, integrated with a substantially first team, or did they play mostly with each other? If the latter, there could be a general break-down and perhaps we should go more lightly on them as individuals. I mean--and I say this with enormous respect for her as a person--if they're playing with Polly, there's already a bit of a breakdown in the general flow and intensity.

 

[j66kicker]

I would have no problem at all trusting the point to Kia next year. But, if Crystal really is a stud, then I really think Geno should just throw her into the fire (with proper support) against the killer OOC schedule and make sure she's almost "seasoned sophomore" ready for the tournament come March.

 

[hoophuskee]

KLS is not a guard so let's stop with that delusion. Unless Chong has some kind of epiphany this summer, I say throw Crystal in there and let her learn on the job alongside Kia. That was an idea I was against 3 months ago, but I've come to terms that an inexperienced Crystal is probably going to give us the same as the inconsistent guards that we have coming off the bench now. I'd rather watch Crystal struggle while learning her position for the next few years than get an equally struggling Chong for her last year. Same goes for Bent and Irwin. I don't want to say I've lost hope in some players, but for Butler, Chong, and Ekmark, what they are might just be what they are. They've shown little growth no matter how much PT they get. I'm still holding out hope for Butler because she still has 2 more years and a unique quality (height), and I want to believe that her hand is still bothering her even though deep down I know she's had almost two full years in the UConn system and shouldn't look lost against a team like RMU.

I disagree with most of this post if not a total disagreement in player's but a disagreement in tone.

1-- KLS plays like a guard offensively. Unless you were arguing about her being the pg (she is no pg), but offensively you want KLS on the outside taking 3's as often as possible within the offensive flow. For example, if Irwin is a good basketball player, at sometimes (not all 40 minutes)during big games why not have at pg Nurse or Danger, KLS, GW, NC and Irwin?

2-- This year Chong has played pretty good "when needed" vs a couple of teams when UCONN needed her. One game hit a big 3. Another game a big steal. Two years prior she was "0-fer" in big games.

3-- Whenever Butler or Ekmark enter the game (maybe NB starts), their opponent will not be an Olympic/WNBA Superstar. And they'll be the 5th option within the offense. That's not the case when they enter. They look for Butler now quite a bit. She will have to learn to pass. However Butler should be a terrific pick-setter.

As for Ekmark- offensively she would be handling the ball a ton less if she was playing important minutes. Many of her minutes is now in which she is forced to handle the ball more. That's not what she is. Put her in a more suitable role in big games as a shooter and not a pg, she can be fine.

 

[hoophuskee]

I would have no problem at all trusting the point to Kia next year. But, if Crystal really is a stud, then I really think Geno should just throw her into the fire (with proper support) against the killer OOC schedule and make sure she's almost "seasoned sophomore" ready for the tournament come March.

What does "thrown into the fire" mean pertaining to Danger? She is going to play.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I really believe that in the off season Saniya will work her butt off to regain the feelings of her HS years that made her a national name! I think the reality of her senior year is that emphasis needed to push her to the starting PG position. Please don't give up on Saniya before she even starts her senior year!

Remember people this past preseason where everyone, coaches, & players were going crazy with their praise of Natalie Butler's work ethic and skill set. Then the thumb injury right before the season happened and she went backwards big-time! When she was finally cleared to play she was having problems with the support bandage. So she had to start back at square one literally and relearn skills, and regain conditioning! Give her a healthy off season and the REAL Natalie will reappear!
I think that the season will start with this lineup:
Saniya PG
Kia SG
KLS SF
Naphessa PF
Natalie C
As I stated before, Geno loves a GAME CHANGER and that's Gabby off the bench! CD2 (Crystal D) also works here! I also think Ekmark will be reborn an become a + not a -!
Geno will coach this team as an orchestra conductor/chess master/Yoda, moving pieces around to come up with all sorts of lineups, presenting different problems for the opposition. Nothing will be out of bounds as combinations that will work in certain situations will be Geno's rule!
Bent & Irwin will rotate in as they grow more comfortable in the UCONN system.
This coming year will be one of Geno's best and most enjoyable coaching experiences as he and the staff will be "brain storming" whole bunches of NEW stuff!

 

[j66kicker]

What does "thrown into the fire" mean pertaining to Danger? She is going to play.

Have her start and run the team from the git go. (My qualifier was, "...if Crystal really is a stud...")

 

[hoophuskee]

Have her start and run the team from the git go. (My qualifier was, "...if Crystal really is a stud...")

Nah. IMO she doesn't "need" to start in order to be a stud. Starting isn't important for a frosh. IMO she'll be a stud whether she starts or doesn't. Nor does she need to run the team when she is in all the time. Kia Nurse is a good pg.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I remember Renee Montgomery. When she came aboard, she acted like she owned the team and began giving orders and controlling the actions of the team. Does anyone remember the same. Did she come in and take over and become the floor manager? Crystal Dangerfield might do the same.

The General

 

[j66kicker]

Nah. IMO she doesn't "need" to start in order to be a stud. Starting isn't important for a frosh. IMO she'll be a stud whether she starts or doesn't. Nor does she need to run the team when she is in all the time. Kia Nurse is a good pg.

Can't argue with that. Kia IS a stud. Should be a great partnership for a couple years.

 

[SCGamecock]

I think Kia Nurse would do great at PG next year. I know Dangerfield is great, but I really don't think her acclimation to the college game will be so easy that she starts on day one.. Moriah Jefferson, as great as she is, wasn't even capable of that. But I don't think PG will be your biggest problem next year.. UCONN has multiple players with the skills necessary to carry out that role. You guys have flexibility because you have so many players that can play multiple positions. I think you can comfortably place Katie Lou anywhere between 2-4 for most teams. She would struggle at 4 against the bigger, more elite teams. To me, she's your prototypical 3, except with more size which makes her a matchup problem.. and we all know Geno is the master of exploiting matchup problems. Nurse at PG, Chong at 2, KLS at 3, Williams at 4, and Butler eek at C.

Allow me to segue here.. I know this is a PG thread and I'm a visiting fan so my opinion is probably of very little value.. but I watch UCONN more than probably most fans of opposing teams and just let me say, I really don't think Butler is the Center you guys need. I understand that you work with what you have but still.. she needs A LOT of work. I was skeptical of her early when she was receiving so much praise and figured she would struggle to get up to UCONN's speed of play. Unless she has a completely amazing offseason and just revamps her game.. I don't see her being the post you guys will need. With Butler in, you all lose so much versatility because not only is she a static player but she also lacks the weapons you guys are so used to getting from your post players lately... and that's the thing I've always admired about UCONN.. the ability of the starting five to play all over the floor.

Unless Geno moves to a more traditional offense then I don't see Butler being the player you guys really need in the paint. But that's just me.. I'm sure many of you disagree.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Allow me to segue here.. I know this is a PG thread and I'm a visiting fan so my opinion is probably of very little value.. but I watch UCONN more than probably most fans of opposing teams and just let me say, I really don't think Butler is the Center you guys need. I understand that you work with what you have but still.. she needs A LOT of work. I was skeptical of her early when she was receiving so much praise and figured she would struggle to get up to UCONN's speed of play. Unless she has a completely amazing offseason and just revamps her game.. I don't see her being the post you guys will need. With Butler in, you all lose so much versatility because not only is she a static player but she also lacks the weapons you guys are so used to getting from your post players lately... and that's the thing I've always admired about UCONN.. the ability of the starting five to play all over the floor.

Unless Geno moves to a more traditional offense then I don't see Butler being the player you guys really need in the paint. But that's just me.. I'm sure many of you disagree.

well said

Bulter also has a year of practice under her belt while sitting out, going up against Stokes every day

 

[hoophuskee]

I think Kia Nurse would do great at PG next year. I know Dangerfield is great, but I really don't think her acclimation to the college game will be so easy that she starts on day one.. Moriah Jefferson, as great as she is, wasn't even capable of that. But I don't think PG will be your biggest problem next year.. UCONN has multiple players with the skills necessary to carry out that role. You guys have flexibility because you have so many players that can play multiple positions. I think you can comfortably place Katie Lou anywhere between 2-4 for most teams. She would struggle at 4 against the bigger, more elite teams. To me, she's your prototypical 3, except with more size which makes her a matchup problem.. and we all know Geno is the master of exploiting matchup problems. Nurse at PG, Chong at 2, KLS at 3, Williams at 4, and Butler eek at C.

Allow me to segue here.. I know this is a PG thread and I'm a visiting fan so my opinion is probably of very little value.. but I watch UCONN more than probably most fans of opposing teams and just let me say, I really don't think Butler is the Center you guys need. I understand that you work with what you have but still.. she needs A LOT of work. I was skeptical of her early when she was receiving so much praise and figured she would struggle to get up to UCONN's speed of play. Unless she has a completely amazing offseason and just revamps her game.. I don't see her being the post you guys will need. With Butler in, you all lose so much versatility because not only is she a static player but she also lacks the weapons you guys are so used to getting from your post players lately... and that's the thing I've always admired about UCONN.. the ability of the starting five to play all over the floor.

Unless Geno moves to a more traditional offense then I don't see Butler being the player you guys really need in the paint. But that's just me.. I'm sure many of you disagree.

These questions aren't meant to "argue" -- yet. Just asking "why?"

1-- If you don't see Butler as that good at all, then why would UCONN move to a more traditional offense as you suggest and not one that is more versatile? UCONN is going to deliberately "play down?" I guess I don't fully understand what you mean by "traditional." Because as of next year - UCONN has FIVE basketball players that most likely will excel in playing fast pace. GW/NC/KLS/KN/CD.

2-- How important is starting when it comes to Danger? Regarding her acclimation into the college game, why use MoJeff as the comparison and not Bria Hartley?

3-- Do you think by the end of next year, Danger as a pg will be superior to any one of South Carolina's point guards?

 

[SCGamecock]

These questions aren't meant to "argue" -- yet. Just asking "why?"

1-- If you don't see Butler as that good at all, then why would UCONN move to a more traditional offense as you suggest and not one that is more versatile? UCONN is going to deliberately "play down?" I guess I don't fully understand what you mean by "traditional." Because as of next year - UCONN has FIVE basketball players that most likely will excel in playing fast pace. GW/NC/KLS/KN/CD.

2-- How important is starting when it comes to Danger? Regarding her acclimation into the college game, why use MoJeff as the comparison and not Bria Hartley?

3-- Do you think by the end of next year, Danger as a pg will be superior to any one of South Carolina's point guards?

1. I think language is important here. I never said Butler is "not that good"... what I said was that she's not the post player that UCONN needs and is accustomed to this year offensively. Because she's so static, it may lead to Geno changing his offense if she's to start at Center. I'm not a coach, so maybe Geno sees something in Butler that I don't see when I watch her at game speed. He's the one with her at practice not me, so if he decided to play Butler at Center next year then that doesn't necessarily mean he's "playing down"., it could mean he really sees potential in Butler that I'm currently not aware of. Butler is a traditional center, much like our own Alaina Coates. When I speak of offense in this case, pretend that I'm talking about the player positions. If Butler starts for UCONN next year then that offense is PROBABLY going to look more traditional than the one that currently starts for UCONN. We start a very traditional roster.. Baylor is another elite team that starts a very traditional roster. Maryland does as well. To me, a traditional offensive roster is PG, SG, SF, PF, C... currently, correct me if I'm wrong, but UCONN starts a PG (Jefferson), SG (nurse), SF (Samuelson, who's also a Wing and better ball handler than her height would suggest), W/PF (Stewart, who can really play anywhere) and Tuck (PF/C, who can also play outside at times). You see what I'm saying? That versatility in the 3-5 positions allows so much offensive creativity, you have players that can play all over the floor... they can literally switch positions within a play and it would still work flawlessly. If that starting lineup for next year comes from the group you gave me then you have CD (pg), KN (sg), KLS (sf), GW (an undersized but good PF in my eyes), and NC (I guess a W/PF?). So I guess that's still versatile... But my entire point in my original post was how you'd lose a lot of versatility at PF/C if you have Butler starting at Center next year because she's a traditional center. I also said, "unless she revamps her game"... for what it's worth..

2. I used Moriah Jefferson because she was also very highly ranked within her class. While Hartley was highly ranked as well, I don't recall her being a consensus top 5 player. Moriah Jefferson was (I think?). Crystal Dangerfield is. So that comparison made much more sense.

3. No... but then again, who knows. I could be wrong, it won't be the first time. It's really difficult to determine how quickly a player, even a highly ranked player, is going to acclimate to college.

Wilson was a top recruit and while she did have a pretty good freshmen year, in my eyes the game didn't really come to her until this year. That doesn't take anything away from Wilson, she's still great, there's just obviously an adjustment period coming from high school/AAU and going to high level D1 college ball. Same for Dangerfield, she's very highly praised and if she comes in and doesn't win the starting spot it won't be because she's not good, it'll be because she's adjusting..

 

[hoophuskee]

1. I think language is important here. I never said Butler is "not that good"... what I said was that she's not the post player that UCONN needs and is accustomed to this year offensively. Because she's so static, it may lead to Geno changing his offense if she's to start at Center. I'm not a coach, so maybe Geno sees something in Butler that I don't see when I watch her at game speed. He's the one with her at practice not me, so if he decided to play Butler at Center next year then that doesn't necessarily mean he's "playing down"., it could mean he really sees potential in Butler that I'm currently not aware of. Butler is a traditional center, much like our own Alaina Coates. When I speak of offense in this case, pretend that I'm talking about the player positions. If Butler starts for UCONN next year then that offense is PROBABLY going to look more traditional than the one that currently starts for UCONN. We start a very traditional roster.. Baylor is another elite team that starts a very traditional roster. Maryland does as well. To me, a traditional offensive roster is PG, SG, SF, PF, C... currently, correct me if I'm wrong, but UCONN starts a PG (Jefferson), SG (nurse), SF (Samuelson, who's also a Wing and better ball handler than her height would suggest), W/PF (Stewart, who can really play anywhere) and Tuck (PF/C, who can also play outside at times). You see what I'm saying? That versatility in the 3-5 positions allows so much offensive creativity, you have players that can play all over the floor... they can literally switch positions within a play and it would still work flawlessly. If that starting lineup for next year comes from the group you gave me then you have CD (pg), KN (sg), KLS (sf), GW (an undersized but good PF in my eyes), and NC (I guess a W/PF?). So I guess that's still versatile... But my entire point in my original post was how you'd lose a lot of versatility at PF/C if you have Butler starting at Center next year because she's a traditional center. I also said, "unless she revamps her game"... for what it's worth..

2. I used Moriah Jefferson because she was also very highly ranked within her class. While Hartley was highly ranked as well, I don't recall her being a consensus top 5 player. Moriah Jefferson was (I think?). Crystal Dangerfield is. So that comparison made much more sense.

3. No... but then again, who knows. I could be wrong, it won't be the first time. It's really difficult to determine how quickly a player, even a highly ranked player, is going to acclimate to college.

Wilson was a top recruit and while she did have a pretty good freshmen year, in my eyes the game didn't really come to her until this year. That doesn't take anything away from Wilson, she's still great, there's just obviously an adjustment period coming from high school/AAU and going to high level D1 college ball. Same for Dangerfield, she's very highly praised and if she comes in and doesn't win the starting spot it won't be because she's not good, it'll be because she's adjusting..

I have to go - can't read the whole thing right now- but as I said I wasn't arguing with you-- yet. I will add if Butler can't play at a fast pace- then she isn't that good. I don't mean she needs to be "running fast." But I mean making quick decisions with the ball or movement without the ball and set picks to free up KLS without committing fouls and slowing own the game. Same on the defense. If she is foul prone she will slow down the pace of the game.

Thanks for the reply will read when I come back.

Good luck to your team.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

In preseason before the thumb injury UCONN coaches and players raved about Natalie Butler, her weight loss, her touch, quick feet, etc. and they compared her to Stef Dolson's style of play! So if they saw that much talent she can play UCONN's usual style of up the court, hustle and out-work the opposition.
Give her an injury free off season & pre season and Natalie will shine and be a valuable piece to the UCONN puzzle!

 

[SCGamecock]

I have to go - can't read the whole thing right now- but as I said I wasn't arguing with you-- yet. I will add if Butler can't play at a fast pace- then she isn't that good. I don't mean she needs to be "running fast." But I mean making quick decisions with the ball or movement without the ball and set picks to free up KLS without committing fouls and slowing own the game. Same on the defense. If she is foul prone she will slow down the pace of the game.

Thanks for the reply will read when I come back.

Good luck to your team.

Of course. No problem, I'm not being snarky or anything at all, that's just an unbiased opinion of Butler from a non-UCONN fans perspective.

 

[Jonathan Husky]

I'm a broken record on this. Lou will run the offense, perhaps from point or from #2 guard (depending on where Geno wants Kia) for the first half the season or until Crystal's ready.

You really are a broken record. There is absolutely no chance Lou will run the offense. She will play mostly at the 4 and the 3. She doesn't have point guard or 2 guard skills--her handle isn't nearly good enough. The guards will be Nurse and either Chong or Dangerfield. Chong should be recovered from the I Band injury and should be able to play without pain. Dangerfield is
going to be the point guard for most of her 4 years. She might have to wait a dozen games before taking over in her freshman year.

 

[PhillyCoach]

This is a great thread. Lots of real insight and nuance. After reading all the solid posts I have some humble opinions:
*Chong would be a better two guard than a point (playing with Nurse) because her number one skill is shooting. However, Nurse and Chong could switch back and forth throughout the game.
*Why Chong might not start? As mentioned above Geno loves versatility and multi-skilled players. Chong still hesitates on passing, unsure of driving and makes some poor decisions on defense. Her handle is also average. She has quickness and a good shot. Ekmark is similar to Chong. Her strength is her shot. The other skills are undeveloped. Crystal seems to have more all around PG skills. Remember, Crystal played the U-19 Worlds with Wilson, Collier, etc. and did very well. (For comparison with young players, Cox sat on the bench!)
*If Tuck is back I don't see Crystal playing as early. No Tuck, I see Crystal playing more. Details later.
*I see a relationship with Stokes and Butler in a different perspective. Stokes was one of the best "limited role players" in UConn history (IMHO.) She was limited because she couldn't(?) or didn't expand her skill set. UConn demands that every player do 5 or 6 things well. But as we know, many are called and few are chosen. Stokes knew she could rebound and block shots and was relaxed and confident. She did not have to learn the fast-switch defense since she was the "stopper" ready to pounce. When other skills were expected of her - any kind of scoring or passing--she was unsure and hesitant. I see Butler in the middle of that same dilemma. She has 5 or 6 demands rushing through her head and she can't function. If she only had to work the high post, set picks and look to pass, then she could function. The scoring would eventually come because she can shoot. Her defense is totally discombobulated since she is out of sinc and slow to react. Where do I go? Who do I pick up? When do I double? Where is the passing lane? Her role as to be defined more clearly so she can function. Maybe working with the first team next year in every practice will smooth out all the wrinkles. If not, then if Irwin is as smart as she looks on some tape---she could get more time than Butler. (Irwin plays All-state level volleyball, so she can jump.)