Pressing Daniel Connolly [merged thread]

[oldhusky]

As mbr33ct indicates this process is more like end of year minutes per game, when you allocate something to everybody. IMO Geno allocates minutes in three different ways. First is how he would allocate minutes in a game against a top ranked team. Since most of our games can be put in the win column before they start, this is the most important rotation of all. In some years that number has been about 7 and if that continued this year would mean half the roster would be DNP coaches decision in the big games. Now with this depth I'm sure this list expands but not sure by how much. I'm hoping it is closer to 10.

The second category includes players that are part of the rotation against our normal Big East level competition, where the outcome is not in doubt. Against those opponents, Geno can give regular but limited minutes to some players to help them develop and improve, but he may not be willing to use them in a big game.

The third category is players that never get into the game until it is the last few minutes of a blowout, or there is an injury giving them more of an opportunity. With 14 talented players, even assuming Geno expands his Big East rotation to 10, that still leaves about 4 players in this category, all of which would be playing big minutes at most schools. In many ways picking say 4 players for irrelevant minutes is even harder than trying to pick starters, but I fully expect at least four from this roster to be in that category.

I want Geno to use as much of the roster as possible, press and fast break often, reduce the starters minutes for both us and opponents as a result, and make more of the game a battle between benches than normal. Since our bench differential compared to opponents is probably even greater that our starters edge, that could result in more playing time for more players and be running up the score at the same time.

 

[PvP]

As @jazz suggested in big games minutes will be prioritized to perhaps 7-10 players. This exercise of who gets the minutes, is more how the season final stats will look like than anything else.

I keep updating the chart below as "more" threads of this nature are created. Comparison between the final 2020-21 stats to what I believe the final 2021-22 stats will be. My starting 5 at this time (May 31, 2021 - Memorial Day) are in blue...but next months new thread on "who gets the minutes" lotto could change this chart again.

View attachment 67708

When I started this thread I was really hoping to reach Daniel Connoly with the hope that he and Megan would provide a minutes projection as you and I have done. I think you might agree that this really forces you to focus on the role each player is likely (at least in your opinion) to play in Geno's thinking, which is both challenging and rewarding even though we all understand that no one (even Geno) is going to get it right. In fact, I already would take exception to my own allocation after more reflection. I think now that there will be so many blowouts that I should have given Piath, Saylor and Amari more minutes.

I am a bit surprised that more BYers haven't actually taken the time to put their expectations to the test of minutes allocation. Doing so is IMHO it's own reward.

 

[Eagle4]

A personal observation, the recruiting threads here are filled with videos of highlights of American players, which is GREAT for those interested in watching them; personally they don’t interest me because of the nature of highlight tape, but certainly to each their own.
So a player like Muhl comes to the US, her bona fides not in highlight tapes with the same context of US players, but the schools that recruited her, including obviously Uconn and the basketball minds who endorsed her, including Greg Popovich.
Yet after an impressive freshman year, even after public statements of her importance to the team by the greatest college coach of all time, one not prone to hyperbolic comments about players, especially ones who play for him, there are those who “hope she can earn minutes”.
I am an unabashed fan of this player and while I may certainly be wrong, there is little doubt in my mind, she will start, play major minutes and be one of the absolute keys to Uconn‘s chances to winning a national championship. I think her injury derailed the chances last year, because I don’t see her ever stepping on the court in ANY game, never mind a FF game, taking a team lightly. She is a legitimately talented player, a true point guard, and brings the intensity and intangibles that are as important a factor in any sport as all the physical skills showcased in highlight videos.

Sorry, I don't agree. Just my opinion based on what my eyes told me. She has her limitations at the present time. Don't get me wrong, Muhl is a great kid, very hard nosed and she works very hard. Her coach loves those qualities and rightly praised her for them. I am a fan of all of the players on the team. I hope she improves and contributes but to say that she had an "impressive" freshman year is quite a stretch. She was a role player (and likeable ) who got to play because the team was so young that there was really no other option. There will be many more options this coming year. Playing time will be hard earned. What I think the team needs to get where they want to be given the calibre of competition they will face in the tournament, is players that have BOTH the intangibles as well as a high level of skill and talent. After looking at her freshman year I would say she has the former but needs to work on the latter. I will be there cheering for her if it happens for her but I'm not ready to anoint her as a super talented player yet.

All this Boneyard Talk about who is going to start (starting means little, it's who plays at the end of close games against top teams that matters) and how many minutes people will get is kind of amusing. We should all relax and enjoy the coming season and let the coaches and players sort out these matters.

 

[HuskyNan]

When I started this thread I was really hoping to reach Daniel Connoly with the hope that he and Megan would provide a minutes projection as you and I have done. I think you might agree that this really forces you to focus on the role each player is likely (at least in your opinion) to play in Geno's thinking, which is both challenging and rewarding even though we all understand that no one (even Geno) is going to get it right. In fact, I already would take exception to my own allocation after more reflection. I think now that there will be so many blowouts that I should have given Piath, Saylor and Amari more minutes.

I am a bit surprised that more BYers haven't actually taken the time to put their expectations to the test of minutes allocation. Doing so is IMHO it's own reward.

Probably because this is thread #374 on the same topic

 

[Littlemin]

Sorry, I don't agree. Just my opinion based on what my eyes told me. She has her limitations at the present time. Don't get me wrong, Muhl is a great kid, very hard nosed and she works very hard. Her coach loves those qualities and rightly praised her for them. I am a fan of all of the players on the team. I hope she improves and contributes but to say that she had an "impressive" freshman year is quite a stretch. She was a role player (and likeable ) who got to play because the team was so young that there was really no other option. There will be many more options this coming year. Playing time will be hard earned. What I think the team needs to get where they want to be given the calibre of competition they will face in the tournament, is players that have BOTH the intangibles as well as a high level of skill and talent. After looking at her freshman year I would say she has the former but needs to work on the latter. I will be there cheering for her if it happens for her but I'm not ready to anoint her as a super talented player yet.

All this Boneyard Talk about who is going to start (starting means little, it's who plays at the end of close games against top teams that matters) and how many minutes people will get is kind of amusing. We should all relax and enjoy the coming season and let the coaches and players sort out these matters.

I don’t think it is a stretch at all but certainly you are entitled to your view. So with three other guards on the roster who had good to great years, Muhl only played because there were no other options? Not hardly, but again, we all are entitled to our opinions.
As for Auriemma, I think his comments went well beyond praising her for her being hard nosed or did you choose to ignore the ones about her importance to and the difference she made to team performance?

 

[dtbtbtb]

Muhl is a great player and brings defense, hustle, energy and toughness. Her 3 point shot became a weapon towards the end of the season and she was doing well on lay-ups (which she missed early in the season). She needs to work on her mid range shots to be a more complete player and her obstacles to start are that Paige, Evina and CW are more skilled at this point and AE makes the starting 5 a better balanced team against top 15 teams (Evina at the 4 works in the Big East but not against top teams).

 

[Drew8]

I think Nika has a bright future at UConn, just might be the odd one out of the rotation next year due to seniors in draft years and generational talents.

A personal observation, the recruiting threads here are filled with videos of highlights of American players, which is GREAT for those interested in watching them; personally they don’t interest me because of the nature of highlight tape, but certainly to each their own.
So a player like Muhl comes to the US, her bona fides not in highlight tapes with the same context of US players, but the schools that recruited her, including obviously Uconn and the basketball minds who endorsed her, including Greg Popovich.
Yet after an impressive freshman year, even after public statements of her importance to the team by the greatest college coach of all time, one not prone to hyperbolic comments about players, especially ones who play for him, there are those who “hope she can earn minutes”.
I am an unabashed fan of this player and while I may certainly be wrong, there is little doubt in my mind, she will start, play major minutes and be one of the absolute keys to Uconn‘s chances to winning a national championship. I think her injury derailed the chances last year, because I don’t see her ever stepping on the court in ANY game, never mind a FF game, taking a team lightly. She is a legitimately talented player, a true point guard, and brings the intensity and intangibles that are as important a factor in any sport as all the physical skills showcased in highlight videos.

I think Nika has a bright future at UConn, just might be the odd one out of the rotation next year due to seniors in draft years and generational talents.

 

[Eagle4]

Muhl is a great player and brings defense, hustle, energy and toughness. Her 3 point shot became a weapon towards the end of the season and she was doing well on lay-ups (which she missed early in the season). She needs to work on her mid range shots to be a more complete player and her obstacles to start are that Paige, Evina and CW are more skilled at this point and AE makes the starting 5 a better balanced team against top 15 teams (Evina at the 4 works in the Big East but not against top teams).

Agree that last year's version of Nika will face PT obstacles due to more skilled players that are ahead of her (Paige, CW, and E) plus the addition of Azzi who is reported to be as good if not better than Paige. Also, totally agree that Edwards (who DID have an impressive freshman season ) and Dorka will need to play more against top teams because they do give the team better balance. This is not Nika bashing. She had and has a role to play. Every player on the team is very talented and I'm rooting for them all. I just don't see her as a GREAT player or someone who had an IMPRESSIVE freshman season (38.1% FG, 34.3% 3pt FG %, 4.9 PPG, 4th on the team in assists). I would expect her to improve because she is a determined person and a hard worker. The talent and the depth of this years team is going to be much better than last year.

 

[Eagle4]

I don’t think it is a stretch at all but certainly you are entitled to your view. So with three other guards on the roster who had good to great years, Muhl only played because there were no other options? Not hardly, but again, we all are entitled to our opinions.
As for Auriemma, I think his comments went well beyond praising her for her being hard nosed or did you choose to ignore the ones about her importance to and the difference she made to team performance?

Edwards didn't start because they had to keep their only big sub in reserve for when ONO got in foul trouble. Evina had a minutes limit because of her knees. Ana M. got hurt and when she played she couln't make a shot or defend well. Who else last year could have played on the perimeter?? There were no other viable options. That being said, Nika did an adequate job but I would not call her year impressive or great.

 

[hoophuskee]

A personal observation, the recruiting threads here are filled with videos of highlights of American players, which is GREAT for those interested in watching them; personally they don’t interest me because of the nature of highlight tape, but certainly to each their own.
So a player like Muhl comes to the US, her bona fides not in highlight tapes with the same context of US players, but the schools that recruited her, including obviously Uconn and the basketball minds who endorsed her, including Greg Popovich.
Yet after an impressive freshman year, even after public statements of her importance to the team by the greatest college coach of all time, one not prone to hyperbolic comments about players, especially ones who play for him, there are those who “hope she can earn minutes”.
I am an unabashed fan of this player and while I may certainly be wrong, there is little doubt in my mind, she will start, play major minutes and be one of the absolute keys to Uconn‘s chances to winning a national championship. I think her injury derailed the chances last year, because I don’t see her ever stepping on the court in ANY game, never mind a FF game, taking a team lightly. She is a legitimately talented player, a true point guard, and brings the intensity and intangibles that are as important a factor in any sport as all the physical skills showcased in highlight videos.

I agree with your tone. I with ya on Nika big time. I don't know about starters - who starts etc- but imo no doubt she was impressive in my view as well. Not saying others are wrong who don't feel she was impressive - they just have a different definition. She definitely earned her playing time and to do that for the number 3 team in America is terrific with the minutes she played in tight big games (when healthy).

But I will say next year - UCONN is a complete beast at the 1-3 positions. We have 5 legit players (All-around players) (Nika is an all-around player because she can both defend and hit shots and pass) to fill these spots.
We have 4 quality pg's-- Paige, Nika, Evina, and Azzi.
We have 4 quality sg's-- Paige, Evina, CWill and Azzi.
We have 3 quality sf's: at least. ((For example Griffin (and others)could be considered a 3.)) - Paige, Evina, and CWill.

There's a lot of "quality" on this team. With that said there are potentially multiple superstars too. And more than one are potentially at a much higher level than 95%- 99% of all other superstars. As a result, the idea should be that you want our superstars in the batter's box, wearing down the opposing team's starters, and then to a greater degree- exposing the other team by getting to their weaker bullpen vs the starters. If Nika is going to enhance the level of play from those higher level superstars - then just like this past year- she is gonna play- and wind up having another impressive season.

 

[#12in21]

I agree with the observations Littlemin expressed in his posts in regards to Nika. I am also an unabashed believer in her value to the team. I understand that many folks feel the seniors will/should get the starting minutes but I don't see Geno going with Paige next season being limited in the role of point guard. Yes, she is obviously quite capable and would most certainly excel at it but, as Geno seems to believe as well, she has more value to the team off the ball. That doesn't suggest she wouldn't have the ball in her hand a good deal of the time. I haven't seen nearly all her high school games but I did watch quite a number of them and it seemed to me that she played mostly with a point guard rather than as the point guard for her team.

Geno wasn't forced into going with Nika at point this past season because he didn't have options, he could have stayed with Paige or used Evina in that role, in the end he didn't though, he went with Nika. Nika is an excellent ball handler and passer with great court vision and at least in part can and did energize the defense. He indicated that they were a different ( in a positive sense) team on both ends of the floor with Nika out there. I think with Nika at point, being able to plug in Azzi or Caroline as a second high efficiency outside scoring option along side Paige would have been a difference maker in some of our tougher game this past season. I also think we will now have an excellent mix of players inside to assure we can increase offensive rebounds and put backs. I don't envy Geno's and the rest of the coaching staffs' challenges in how to best utilize all the talent we will have on the team this year but there are none better in WCBB in finding that right mix. I will be shocked though if Nika isn't a key part of it. I just can't see, as several have suggested, that her role this upcoming season will be disproportionately reduced.

 

[Alydar]

bravo!

i don't understand why this is missed, overlooked, ignored by so many. it's puzzling.

Hard to quantify. No stat, no credibility. I also think that many people formed their opinion when she was fouling once every 3 minutes and couldn't make a 3.
There is a definite divide in her freshman year. There's Müle BT (before the tears) and Müle AT. Her energy at the start of games spreads through the team. She makes things happen by being aggressive. Most fights are won in the first seconds. She's proven that teams can't sag off her. And she is an outstanding passer.
But she and Edwards will not both start and Edwards has unique skills.

I'm looking forward to seeing this team live at the XL. I really don't care about who starts. But it's June.

 

[Cuango]

Bama has cast a death knell on the BY. Take away speculation and you take away our only reason for opening our mouths here. We like, nay, LOVE to express our opinions. If Geno chooses to distain them, that's his call (and the risk he takes when ignoring some of the best advice out there).
So: in the best tradition of addressing something arcane and unknowable, I would say that PvP has the starting 5 exactly right: Paige, Azzi, Aaliyah, CW, and (probably) Dorka. The bench will be very strong, and in many of our Big Least games we'll see a lot of sub-ins. We should, though, keep in mind that Coach feels obliged to give his stars ample time on the court because they're the women fans come/pay to see.
And a closing jab to those who still doubt Azzi's greatness: she is better than Paige (who is a better dancer).

I doubt it, but accept that it is possible. However, I just don’t understand the reasoning that would lead you to make such a categorical statement. Paige has just produced one of the best freshman seasons in recent memory (some would say ever) after an equally impressive high school career yet you insist that Azzi, who has yet to play a single minute in college, is better than her? I hope you are right, of course, but as I said, I doubt it. What I really wanted to say is this. I cannot for the life of me understand why people get so bent out of shape over these posts that speculate on playing time for our players! What possible harm is there in discussions among fellow fans about this team that has brought so much joy to all of us? It just seems petty and somewhat tyrannical to try to stop people from enjoying this forum. If you don’t want to participate, there is a very simple solution. Don’t!

 

[Heytherego]

I’m going to give a guess at minutes but not in the specific way

leading the team: Paige, CW, Azzi
middle of the pack: AE, Nika, Evina, Liv
less: Dorka, AG, Caroline
garbage: Mir, Saylor, Amari, Piath

(In order from most to least)
I just don’t think there’s enough minutes to go around and GA is going to want his top players to get a lot of time together because they need to develop chemistry and prepare for critical game moments.

 

[Eagle4]

I’m going to give a guess at minutes but not in the specific way

leading the team: Paige, CW, Azzi
middle of the pack: AE, Nika, Evina, Liv
less: Dorka, AG, Caroline
garbage: Mir, Saylor, Amari, Piath

(In order from most to least)
I just don’t think there’s enough minutes to go around and GA is going to want his top players to get a lot of time together because they need to develop chemistry and prepare for critical game moments.

I like this breakdown except that I would move Dorka up to middle of the pack. I think she, AE, and Liv will all be about equal. Two bigs on the floor for most of the time rotating in and out. Of course, it will depend on the competition and the composition on the opponent's lineup. I'd love to see them press the whole game, play fast, and rotate players. Don't know if that is the plan but time will tell.

 

[PvP]

Nika has many supporters and some critics here. I personally felt that she contributed a good deal this past season but in allocating minutes for the coming season, I had her with only 12 minutes on average. I certainly agreed with Geno when he pointed out that she contributed both offensively and defensively last year but I feel that her primary contribution was allowing Paige to move to shooting guard when Geno was desperate to get her to shoot more.

This year I think will be a great deal different. While last year Paige was our only real threat from beyond the arc, shooting over 50% until she turned her ankle against Tennessee, this year the team will have far more 3 point shooting options, from Azzi, Caroline, Saylor even to Dorka in addition to Christyn. This will allow Paige to return to what she feels is her best game, i.e. "pass first" setting up "shoot first" teammates. I don't think many here would suggest that Nika is a better PG than Paige and that is really her only position. And because I think most would agree with me that Paige will lead the team in minutes, Nika's minutes will have to be reduced. We just won't have the same need as last year.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

You may be right about Liv, though I wouldn't mind seeing her along with Aaliyah and Dorka on the court at the same time (replacing CW). That depends upon whether Dorka can get you the same 14 points/night she did last year, which covers CW's production. Both Dorka and CW, however, labor on the FT line. No 4th qtr. for either?
As for playing his stars, Geno his own true self made the comment I cited when he was asked a while back about why he played Stewie so long in a game that was already won. "She's who the fans come to see," said Coach. Makes sense.

It could also be his [Geno's] push to help them [by more minutes = better stats] earn the NPOY, as Stewie earned 3 of them, and 12 NPOY for UCONN women of the 27 awarded from 1995. Rebecca Lobo was the first in the inaugural year [1995]. 2nd place? Tennessee with 5 [Holesclaw (2), Catchings (1), Parker (2)]; T-3rd: Baylor (2 - both Griner) & LSU (2 - both Augustus); six other universities tied for 5th with one.

I thought it was a little strange that Alana Beard of Duke [one of the universities with one NPOY] was the NPOY over Diana Taurasi in DT's senior year, until I looked up the season, and Duke beat UCONN by one at the XL Center on the 3rd of January, 2004 [UCONN ranked #1 at the time] causing UCONN to begin the NCAA tourney with a #2 seed (4 losses: to Duke, Notre Dame, Villanova, and Boston College (in Big East semi-finals - lost by 3 @ XL Ctr)]. Meanwhile, Duke had the #1 ranking in the final regular season AP Poll, and a #1 seed into the NCAA tourney.

However, I am pretty sure DT enjoyed the NC more than Alana enjoyed the NPOY award combined with a Regional Final loss less than five days before her NPOY was awarded... Proving once again, it matters more of how you finish than what the rankings are (voted upon by those who are NOT playing)...

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Interesting tidbits on DT's senior year NC: 1) tallest player was 6'3" Jessica Moore, then 2 @ 6'2": Sophomores Ann Strother & Willnett Crockett, five @ 6'0" (includes DT, Barbara Turner, Ashley Battle, Morgan Valley & Nicole Wolff), and three at 5'9" (including Maria Conlon);
2) Penn State (23-4 in regular season) was declared the #1 seed for the Hartford Regional, with UCONN being the #2 seed after being ranked #3 in the last AP poll of the season (Tennessee was #2 and DT & company's opponent in the National Championship game);
3) Mark Emmert was not at NCAA headquarters until November, 2010, so that does not explain #2 above.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Added a few columns to the 2020-2021 stats sheet (left players in same order as previous spreadsheet, but shifted the starter projection and those coming off the bench by minutes projected) to make better statistical comparisons, keeping in mind Dorka missed three games in early January [Penn State, Illionis, & Iowa] due to CoViD and may have had lingering issues with endurance, etc....
If Dorka is fully recovered, I believe she will be the 5th starter, ahead of ONO. Azzi Fudd may break into the starting line-up versus Louisville, but who she replaces will be determined in the earlier games, much like when Maya Moore showed her skills on the court - both in practice & early games....
Two other key pieces of information: 1) Muhl did not start in losses to Arkansas & Arizona; whereas ONO started & went 0 for 7 in FG & 1 for 4 in FT vs. AZ and 1 for 2 FG and 0 for 0 FT vs. Arkansas...

	2020-2021 Season		2021-2022 projections
				Games	Starts	Mins	3 pt shot %​	Reb avg​	Assists​	ppg	Scoring rank on team​						Starter/# off the bench​	Mins Proj'd
1	Bueckers	Paige	Soph	29	29	36.2	46.4	4.9	168	20.0	#1		1	Bueckers	Paige	Soph	YES	28.8
2	Williams	Christyn	Sr	29	29	34.5	34.3	4.3	64	16.3	#2		2	Williams	Christyn	Sr	YES	28.7
3	Fudd	Azzi	Fr										3	Westbrook	Evina	R/S Sr	YES	20.5
4	Westbrook	Evina	R/S Sr	30	30	30.6	33.9	5.3	128	9.4	#5		4	Muhl	Nika	Soph	YES	20.5
5	Edwards	Aaliyah	Soph	29	6	21.8	NA	5.7	26	10.7	#4		5	Juhasz	Dorka	Grad	YES	19.2
6	Nelson-Ododa	Olivia	Sr	30	30	25.9	26.7	7.8	87	12.0	#3		6	Fudd	Azzi	Fr	#1	26.8
7	Muhl	Nika	Soph	23	15	24.5	34.3	2.4	62	4.9	#7		7	Edwards	Aaliyah	Soph	#2	18.0
8	Griffin	Aubrey	Jr	29	5	16.7	15	4.8	24	6.2	#6		8	Nelson-Ododa	Olivia	Sr	#3	10.5
9	Juhasz	Dorka	Grad	17	17	30.2	20.3	11.1	19	14.6	2nd	Ohio State w/ CoViD	9	Ducharme	Caroline	Fr	#4	9.5
10	Poffenbarger	Saylor	Fr	12	0	2.7	9.1	0.3	0	0.5	#12		10	DeBerry	Amari	Fr	#6	7.5
11	Ducharme	Caroline	Fr										11	Griffin	Aubrey	Jr	#5	4.5
12	McLean	Mir	Soph	24	0	7.4	33.3	2.1	11	2.8	#9		12	Poffenbarger	Saylor	Fr	#8	2.1
13	DeBerry	Amari	Fr										13	McLean	Mir	Soph	#7	2.1
14	Piath	Gabriel	Soph	22	0	2.5	NA	0.5	2	0.7	#11		14	Piath	Gabriel	Soph	#9	1.3
																		200.0

 

[Carnac]

I don’t know about that. I’m not saying you’re wrong, I’m just not convinced one way or the other. Normally I have a healthy skepticism about what a freshman can contribute to the team in their first year, but Paige’s experience has led me to reevaluate that.

For what it’s worth, I believe that the influx of talent benefits Christyn dramatically. Having a lot of capable shooters opens up the floor and she excels at taking it to the hoop.

Right now, even though I’m a seer, I have no idea who is going to start, or how many minutes each player can expect to get. Today is June 4. It’s way too early to make those types of projections.

Some of you raise some very interesting and salient points and concerns. We must wait until EVERYONE is back and has participated in at least 3 weeks of official practice. I’m assuming Geno is going to put his 5 best players on the floor to begin the game.

Can we assume that all 3 seniors will start this year? Are any of the reserves ready to make their respective “leaps” this season? Are Mir and Aubrey ready to play and make “significant “ contributions beginning with the first game?

Geno loves players that can play defense. Remember he pulled Saniya Chong from the starting lineup after the Stanford loss in 2014. Even though she scored 20 points, he was not happy with her inability to stay in front of her man (Lili Thompson) who had 24. Kia Nurse replaced her the next game and for the remainder of the season. Chong did not start again until her senior year.

The freshmen and Juhasz must learn enough of the system to earn time on the floor. How long will that take? It can be done!! Paige proved that last year. Until we begin to get reports from the beat writers in October, we’re really not going to know the “current” state of the team, or if any of the newbies have begun to separate themselves from the pack.

Paige is the only player that could come back without any improvement (of course she will) and be OK. Everyone else needs to be better than they were last year on both ends of the court.

I remember last fall, Geno said that Aubrey was 100 times better than last year. I love Aubrey, and I’m one of her biggest fans, but I didn’t see it. I’m hoping to see it this year. Geno would not have said it if he didn’t believe it to be so. I’m just saying I didn’t see it. I’m NOT trying to throw Aubrey under the bus. Merely saying that I want to see any perceived improvement(s) for myself.

I think this 2021-2022 UConn women’s team will be fun to watch and follow all season. I’m not predicting an undefeated season, but one very close to it.

 

[Carnac]

No attack here @huskyd but have to somewhat disagree. Off season banter is good but Olivia loses her starting spot? I don't think so. Again no attack but to say Geno gives his stars ample time on the court because they're the women fans come / pay to see is simply not real. That's Geno and one who does not depend on a deep bench. He could care less about what fans think.
Fans screaming and hollering for the bench players in 40 / 50 point blow outs are not just at the game to see the starters. I do understand he keeps many in the game as it is their best competition other than themselves, but they have a men's practice team for that. The starting line up or minutes will depend on two things, how they perform in practice / work ethic / attitude etc and any possible injuries. Geno's MO has nothing to do with what we think or want to see.
Personally not always happy but 11 NC's tells me to accept it and who he puts on the floor.

I too doubt ONO loses her starting spot, at least at the outset. Perhaps during the season if someone consistently plays better in the paint that she does, then maybe. UConn was a different team when Liv went to the bench last year. I expect it to be so THIS year as well. At 21 years of age, and a 4 year starter, few opponents will have players in a game older or more experienced than her. Time will tell.

That’s a call no one can make in June. Liv is a 3 year starter. She is grown and mature as she is going to be here. She’s not an inexperienced immature freshman. Liv won’t lose her starting spot. Someone will have to take it. I’m with Woof 101, I’ll accept whoever Geno puts out there. I have no preference. I just want us to win as many games as possible.

 

[Zarathustra]

My vote is for GENO's choice!!! That said: ONO and Dorka share the POST ( as well as
high/ low with able help from Aaliyah). The other positions will be the SENIOR/CAPTAINs
with CW and EW starting. Not mentioned is the obvious trend setter of " the one who
need not be named" . Point Guard is an interesting issue. In my opinion it has been
a functional blend of Paige, " E " and Nika.
But I am most interested in discussing Nika Muhl. I think she comes back better and stronger.
IMO next year we will see the Nika of the second half of her Freshman year , not the first half ( the tears
being part of the turning point ). My primary reasons are that she "matured" a lot last
year but still " enjoys" the: " you make two people happy with an assist ". Watch again her
highlight film from last year= how often she gave that final pass to Aaliyah, Aubrey,
"E" and a host of others. Also, if you watch her Croatia highlights, she could EASILY
make her 3 point shooting skill ( see Creighton game ) a significant "second option"
when the opposition chooses not to cover her.
So, in summary, with all the scorers on this UCONN team by having her
get her "minutes" she will be the facilitator that makes the CHEMISTRY WORK. I don't
look to her for "points". She will be very valuable part of the rotation and "flow".
P.S. Don't underestimate Caroline Ducharme's skill set, i.e. beyond her three point
skill. See the OMNI tri-state all star game (full game and highlights): note her defense, blocks,
passes, running of the floor, and overall TEAM play. There is not " I" in "TEAM".
WELL DONE CAROLINE!

 

[Alydar]

Nika has many supporters and some critics here. I personally felt that she contributed a good deal this past season but in allocating minutes for the coming season, I had her with only 12 minutes on average. I certainly agreed with Geno when he pointed out that she contributed both offensively and defensively last year but I feel that her primary contribution was allowing Paige to move to shooting guard when Geno was desperate to get her to shoot more.

This year I think will be a great deal different. While last year Paige was our only real threat from beyond the arc, shooting over 50% until she turned her ankle against Tennessee, this year the team will have far more 3 point shooting options, from Azzi, Caroline, Saylor even to Dorka in addition to Christyn. This will allow Paige to return to what she feels is her best game, i.e. "pass first" setting up "shoot first" teammates. I don't think many here would suggest that Nika is a better PG than Paige and that is really her only position. And because I think most would agree with me that Paige will lead the team in minutes, Nika's minutes will have to be reduced. We just won't have the same need as last year.

Last season the best 1-2 combination (after the tears) was Mühl(1) - Bueckers(2). Bueckers(1) - anyone(2) isn't as good.
I'm not sold on the idea of UConn's scoring options next season allowing Bueckers to return to being the distributor. When Fudd is on the bench Bueckers becomes the best scoring option.
My guess? Bueckers and Mühl split the pg minutes and Bueckers plays some 2, especially when Fudd sits. But no matter how it's done you run out of minutes before you run out of talent. If nothing else this topic could set a post record.

 

[PvP]

I certainly agree that LAST YEAR the best (1) (2) combination was Nika (post tears) and Paige but that was primarily because Paige was so clearly the team's best scorer from beyond the arc and from mid-range. No one else shot even 35% from 3 point land while Paige was over 50% until she turned her ankle.
Unless people like Stephen Curry don't know great shooting when they see it, THIS YEAR will be vastly different even if you only consider Azzi joining the team. Add in Caroline, Saylor and maybe even Dorka who has had a 40%+ season in the Big 10, and the need to have Paige as a (2) has been considerably diminished. Nika will still likely be Paige's backup at (1), but with much lower minutes. I figure around 12 unless she is able to greatly improve her outside shooting.

 

[hoophuskee]

I certainly agree that LAST YEAR the best (1) (2) combination was Nika (post tears) and Paige but that was primarily because Paige was so clearly the team's best scorer from beyond the arc and from mid-range. No one else shot even 35% from 3 point land while Paige was over 50% until she turned her ankle.
Unless people like Stephen Curry don't know great shooting when they see it, THIS YEAR will be vastly different even if you only consider Azzi joining the team. Add in Caroline, Saylor and maybe even Dorka who has had a 40%+ season in the Big 10, and the need to have Paige as a (2) has been considerably diminished. Nika will still likely be Paige's backup at (1), but with much lower minutes. I figure around 12 unless she is able to greatly improve her outside shooting.

In regards to Nika vs the others not named Azzi or Paige-

What makes you think CWill and Evina are going to be better from 3 pt range by any significant amount? They moved back the 3pt line. I'm not saying they won't be - but it's possible they won't, right? I'm skeptical moving back a 3pt line won't affect some shooters that aren't really that great of "shooters." Maybe they don't get worse- but maybe they don't get much better, either.

When we heard Saylor was coming last year, were you reading posts back then from this site about her being a sharpshooter? She may be one eventually but she didn't show it early. That's typical of freshmen though, isn't it? Unless you are very, very super? And initially my guess would be Caroline falls under the same boat. I'll believe she is a sharpshooter as a frosh when I see it. There are players like Paige and Azzi that are super elite then others just somewhat behind. And as for Nika - when she got healthy and acclimated she was 24-60 from 3. An impressive 40%.

I don't expect Nika to get same minutes as last year - but I expect more than 12. But I wouldn't be using your 200 minute barometer either. Last year - because of injures and benching etc - it was 224. A 4 year average is 217. Unless you are then going to recalculate the 224/217 and prorate it into 200?

I'm not saying you are wrong. No way no how you are. Please don't take it that way. Just offering a different pov of wild, wild guessing of what might happen. Pure tea laves.

 

[Heytherego]

It’s CAROLINE not Carolyn

 

[PvP]

In regards to Nika vs the others not named Azzi or Paige-

What makes you think CWill and Evina are going to be better from 3 pt range by any significant amount? They moved back the 3pt line. I'm not saying they won't be - but it's possible they won't, right? I'm skeptical moving back a 3pt line won't affect some shooters that aren't really that great of "shooters." Maybe they don't get worse- but maybe they don't get much better, either.

When we heard Saylor was coming last year, were you reading posts back then from this site about her being a sharpshooter? She may be one eventually but she didn't show it early. That's typical of freshmen though, isn't it? Unless you are very, very super? And initially my guess would be Carolyn falls under the same boat. I'll believe she is a sharpshooter as a frosh when I see it. There are players like Paige and Azzi that are super elite then others just somewhat behind. And as for Nika - when she got healthy and acclimated she was 24-60 from 3. An impressive 40%.

I don't expect Nika to get same minutes as last year - but I expect more than 12. But I wouldn't be using your 200 minute barometer either. Last year - because of injures and benching etc - it was 224. A 4 year average is 217. Unless you are then going to recalculate the 224/217 and prorate it into 200?

I'm not saying you are wrong. No way no how you are. Please don't take it that way. Just offering a different pov of wild, wild guessing of what might happen. Pure tea laves.

Huskee,

I certainly didn't take any offense from the fact that you had your own take on what I completely agree are wild guesses.

As I mentioned in an earlier post, I think of the 200 minute exercise as a means of firming up rather vague thoughts about an unknowable but fascinating future. By so doing and by getting others, particularly Daniel Connolly and Megan Gaurer, to likewise reduce words to numbers, each of us will have benchmarks to look back on and to alter periodically at the start of the regular season as well as during and after the season as well.

I have done this before and have been forced to face wildly off target expectations as well as some predictions which were highly satisfyingly spot on. From both results I got deeper insights into my own thinking as well as into Geno's.

I also found that, by resorting to numbers, I in effect had skin in the game which always makes following a team all the more involving.

With regard to a few of your comments, I don't believe I mentioned either E or Christyn or what results either might have from 3 point shooting this season. I did highlight Azzi and how her presence and her acknowledged shooting skills would impact Paige's role and Nika's minutes. I also mentioned some new comers with histories of 3 point success elsewhere who might also improve UConn's long range scoring. Except for Dorka, all of their previous successes were in high school and thus far from assured at the next level. But I tried to say that just Azzi's impact would be sufficient to change Paige's role and Nika's minutes. Lastly, I believe that I said an improvement in Nika's long range shooting would result in more minutes for her than I currently envision.

In sum, I just encourage others to crystallize their thinking by this exercise and I believe they will get even more enjoyment from following the team and greater insight into their own foresight as well.

 

[PvP]

It’s CAROLINE not Carolyn

Quite right

 

[hoophuskee]

It’s CAROLINE not Carolyn

Sorry.

 

[Heytherego]

Sorry.

No worries. I’ve seen the mistake quite a few times so just wanted to point out for all