Providence Postgame Thread

[HopJim]

I was at the game today, I remarked to my buddy how hard Serah was hustling out there today, and he agreed, she was really getting out defensively to double. Didn't get a lot of offensive looks, as Uconn offense today was largely from the perimeter or passes to cutters to basket. Seems like she should have gotten some more rebounds. Jana has a different style, she is relatively slow to get down court on both offense and defense, but once she sets up defensively around the basket, she gets her hands on a lot of rebounds. On offense, Jana has gained some consistency with right handed bank hook from the right side, but both Jana and Serah have shown inconsistency on finishing other opportunities. Jana often passes the ball backout when she is in position to score underneath.. Even though Jana is only supposed to be one inch taller than Williams, she has much more physical presence than Williams (more of a banger). Nobody that I attend games with has concluded that Jana is better (i.e. more talented) than Williams - they have both been disappointing to some degree. We'll let Geno figure it, but I don't expect you'll see Jana displace Serah from the starting line up any time soon (maybe for UCLA).

Good assessment. Both Jana and Serah have shown recent, but not consistent, improvement. One game, one quarter, either Jana or Serah is excellent and then Geno benches them. Doesn't seem to be a reason other than the normal sub pattern. Would be interesting to see one or both play most of a half. Not sure what I would do if I was Geno.

 

[amishboy]

This might sound nuts, but is there a chance of Ayanna, Ice, and Caroline returning next year? I mean they do receive NIL money, right? None is likely to be drafted by the WNBA. Finally, Azzi is definitely gone, but Sarah returns, and I don't recall any huge recruits coming in next year.

So if they're actually continuing to recuperate, why wouldn't any (or all) of them roll the dice and return, trying for another NC alongside Sarah, Jana, Blanca, KK, etc.?

 

[amishboy]

This might sound nuts, but is there a chance of Ayanna, Ice, and Caroline returning next year? I mean they do receive NIL money, right? None is likely to be drafted by the WNBA. Finally, Azzi is definitely gone, but Sarah returns, and I don't recall any huge recruits coming in next year.

So if they're actually continuing to recuperate, why wouldn't any (or all) of them roll the dice and return, trying for another NC alongside Sarah, Jana, Blanca, KK, etc.?

My bad: I totally forgot about Olivia Vukosa!

She is described as a "modern" center, i.e., she makes a lot of 3s, so, IMO, thinking of her playing alongside Sarah Strong, she makes all the more reason for these players with eligibility remaining to consider returning.

 

[Bone Dog]

My bad: I totally forgot about Olivia Vukosa!

… and Jovana! The team will be tough next season. Of course, a lot depends on Blanca stepping up big time to become Sarah’s partner. Last season it was Paige. This season it’s Azzi. How lucky is Sarah? She picked the program that would give her a steady supply of great teammates. Great front court teammates and great backcourt teammates.