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Message: [QUOTE="Surly1, post: 4279781, member: 11599"] I’m hoping Geno is religiously scouring all the posts from the experts here to formulate a plan on how to prepare for next season. Maybe it’s me, but I’d think finishing runner-up is considered a successful season and not the beginning of the end. Lest we forget that Azzi is a freshman who missed 11 games, particularly important as a freshman to develop consistency in their game. Combined with Paige missing 19 games, and next season’s starting backcourt missed out on a total of 30 games, or almost the equivalent of a season. No to mention that Paige operated at best, 80-85 % of her ability. Look at the Arkansas game again and you can see difference in that game compared to the games after her return. As Husky Nan stated in another post, every coach in the country would rather have Paige and Azzi as their starters. Looking ahead, this team should/will be better than this year’s team. Caroline is primed to take over Christyn Williams’ spot. No slight against Williams or Evina, but their ceiling had been reached on the collegiate level at least. At 6’2, Caroline has size, length and prior to her missing games, had superseded Williams as a go-to player in Paige’s absence. Her potential has been barely scratched. Instead of harping on what she needs to do, let’s note the things she already does well. She runs the baseline well, posts and finishes well. Her 3-pt shooting should improve, at least as good as Williams, more likely better. There are two stud freshmen coming in. They’ll have the luxury of not being depended on to provide scoring and can concentrate on adding value by playing defense and rebounding. They bring good size. Too many harp on needing more bigs. Consider Aiyah Blackwell and Morrow are only 6’0 and 6’1 respectively, and they were near the top in rebounding this season. Add in Haley Jones at 6’1 and Saxton from SC at 6’2, and size is not the only factor. Heart, hustle and desire make the difference. Next season, Aubrey Griffin returns and it’s way to early to call the return on Amari DeBerry. Yes, she has to get physically stronger and work on her conditioning, but she is skilled and it is up to her how much she wants to contribute next year. If she makes strides, she can be a more offensively gifted Nelson-Odod. Lastly, given the influx of players in the transfer portal, it’s not unreasonable to think that UConn might add a player or two to the mix. Whether they do or not, there is plenty of talent already and the team can easily run 10 deep right now. Looking ahead, next year’s team will be more talented and in my opinion, will work more cohesively than this year’s team. I can see no reason why the 2022 team won’t be a Final Four team or more again. [/QUOTE]

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