Ranking the Huskies Non-Conference Opponents

[CTtoSanDiego]

UConnwbbweekly has ranked the non-conference opponents in terms of interest. Here they are:
8. Minnesota
7. Georgia Tech
6. Notre Dame
5. Oregon
4. UCLA
3. Arkansas
2. Louisville
1. South Carolina

Here is the end of the article, talking about UConn/SC
Neither program lost much from last season and both can make an argument for having the best incoming class in the nation. They’re scheduled to play once in Columbia, will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis and might even see each other a third time in the Final Four. With Notre Dame out of the picture, this could be the year that UConn-South Carolina becomes the premier rivalry in college basketball. At the very least, each matchup between them will be must-see television.

I'm more interested in ND than OR or UCLA, just because it's always fun to give them a thrashing.

What say you?

 

[JonathanXIV]

I think the UCONN-SC matchup is super interesting for a variety of reasons. Both teams have a really talented Final Four core coming back; both have a deep and talented freshman class; and the teams present a contrast in styles. It's not just which team is better, but how do their different approaches - front court vs. back court, inside vs. outside - match up. It will be an athletic and strategic showcase. And with the strong possibility of multiple match ups (alas, none at home), it has the potential to be epic.

 

[Geew1992]

UConnwbbweekly has ranked the non-conference opponents in terms of interest. Here they are:
8. Minnesota
7. Georgia Tech
6. Notre Dame
5. Oregon
4. UCLA
3. Arkansas
2. Louisville
1. South Carolina

Here is the end of the article, talking about UConn/SC
Neither program lost much from last season and both can make an argument for having the best incoming class in the nation. They’re scheduled to play once in Columbia, will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis and might even see each other a third time in the Final Four. With Notre Dame out of the picture, this could be the year that UConn-South Carolina becomes the premier rivalry in college basketball. At the very least, each matchup between them will be must-see television.

I'm more interested in ND than OR or UCLA, just because it's always fun to give them a thrashing.

What say you?

Interesting Tenn didn't make the cut. I'd put them either 3 or 4.

 

[Carnac]

UConnwbbweekly has ranked the non-conference opponents in terms of interest. Here they are:
8. Minnesota
7. Georgia Tech
6. Notre Dame
5. Oregon
4. UCLA
3. Arkansas
2. Louisville
1. South Carolina

Here is the end of the article, talking about UConn/SC
Neither program lost much from last season and both can make an argument for having the best incoming class in the nation. They’re scheduled to play once in Columbia, will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis and might even see each other a third time in the Final Four. With Notre Dame out of the picture, this could be the year that UConn-South Carolina becomes the premier rivalry in college basketball. At the very least, each matchup between them will be must-see television.

I'm more interested in ND than OR or UCLA, just because it's always fun to give them a thrashing.

What say you?

The theme of the article is the interest UConn fans are perceived to have for each opponent on this year's schedule. So I will confine my thoughts to THAT premise. I agree with South Carolina being number one. They are the BIGGEST threat to UConn. I believe they more than any other team have the capability of defeating the Huskies. They signed the number 2,3 and 4 ranked recruits from the 2021 class this year. They also added 6'7" sophomore Kamila Cardoso who transferred in from Syracuse, and will be eligible to play immediately. South Carolina is as good as advertised!! There is talent up and down their roster. I don't think they'll lose MORE than two games this season.

They still have junior Aliyah Boston who remains formidable and is still one of the best post players in the country. We are the biggest opponent on each other's schedule, and will be until replaced by another program. Games between these two schools are good for each team, and WCBB, and are usually broadcast on national television.

I think Notre Dame is number two even though they are rebuilding, and will be for the next couple of years. They have enough cachet in reserve to demand our interest. The two fans bases hate each other, and revel whenever they secure a win. I vividly remember ND head coach Muffet McGraw dancing a jig on the court recently after defeating UConn in a final four game (Ogunbowale's buzzer beater). I don't recall her dancing after any win prior to that. The only fanbase that hates UConn more is Tennessee. I didn't say "dislike", I said hate.

If both of these programs could only win one game all year, they would choose to beat UConn. It's possible that Tennessee will never be supplanted for the top spot in that category. They've hated UConn much longer than ND fans, and go back in time much further with UConn than ND does. Their fanbase hates Geno and all things UConn, often blaming him for things he has nothing to do with. Who on our schedule would you rather beat than South Carolina and Notre Dame? If we have to lose a game, I would rather it not be to either of those two.

 

[eebmg]

I think the UCONN-SC matchup is super interesting for a variety of reasons. Both teams have a really talented Final Four core coming back; both have a deep and talented freshman class; and the teams present a contrast in styles. It's not just which team is better, but how do their different approaches - front court vs. back court, inside vs. outside - match up. It will be an athletic and strategic showcase. And with the strong possibility of multiple match ups (alas, none at home), it has the potential to be epic.

Starting with which ball they are using.

 

[BostonBay]

We'll see what UConn has against SC - probably the only team (maybe Stanford as well) that has more raw talent from 1 to 8. Contrasting styles to say the least. Will UConn be able to match up against them physically & inside, that is the big question. Tenn & ND will also draw a lot of interest, especially after last year's Tenn game - an instant classic.

 

[Kaizen]

Must be a good game with South Carolina.
Incoming freshmen, UConn has #1. 5, 15 and 30, South Carolina has # 2, 3, 4 and 14 form ESPNHoopz.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Starting with which ball they are using.

Good point. How did I miss that!

 

[fireford]

The theme of the article is the interest UConn fans are perceived to have for each opponent on this year's schedule. So I will confine my thoughts to THAT premise. I agree with South Carolina being number one. They are the BIGGEST threat to UConn. I believe they more than any other team have the capability of defeating the Huskies. They signed the number 2,3 and 4 ranked recruits from the 2021 class this year. They also added 6'7" sophomore Kamila Cardoso who transferred in from Syracuse, and will be eligible to play immediately. South Carolina is as good as advertised!! There is talent up and down their roster. I don't think they'll lose MORE than two games this season.

They still have junior Aliyah Boston who remains formidable and is still one of the best post players in the country. We are the biggest opponent on each other's schedule, and will be until replaced by another program. Games between these two schools are good for each team, and WCBB, and are usually broadcast on national television.

I think Notre Dame is number two even though they are rebuilding, and will be for the next couple of years. They have enough cachet in reserve to demand our interest. The two fans bases hate each other, and revel whenever they secure a win. I vividly remember ND head coach Muffet McGraw dancing a jig on the court recently after defeating UConn in a final four game (Ogunbowale's buzzer beater). I don't recall her dancing after any win prior to that. The only fanbase that hates UConn more is Tennessee. I didn't say "dislike", I said hate.

If both of these programs could only win one game all year, they would choose to beat UConn. It's possible that Tennessee will never be supplanted for the top spot in that category. They've hated UConn much longer than ND fans, and go back in time much further with UConn than ND does. Their fanbase hates Geno and all things UConn, often blaming him for things he has nothing to do with. Who on our schedule would you rather beat than South Carolina and Notre Dame? If we have to lose a game, I would rather it not be to either of those two.

Great analysis but it needs to be noted that the infamous Muffet jig was after the 2019 FF game when Uconn blew a late 9 point lead, which was painful in its own way compared the 2018 buzzer beater loss. They show it here at the 1:47 mark if you care to get your blood boiling.

 

[Aluminny69]

"(SC) will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis"

I was led to believe that this is not possible. Am I wrong?

 

[MSGRET]

"(SC) will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis"

I was led to believe that this is not possible. Am I wrong?

You're wrong, they can meet since it is a tournament and they are in two different brackets. They aren't scheduled to meet so it's allowed.

 

[huskeynut]

A very good list we play.

The bottom line will be with all these teams - will UConn be able to impose its will on them? I say yes. The most difficult match-up will be SC on their court.

 

[MooseJaw]

From my perspective, yes SC will be the most anticipated game of the regular season, not just for UCONN and SC but for all of WCBB. #2 will be Ark. reason-revenge, I know you all get it. #3 UCLA reason East vs West a new dog chasing the leader of the pack. UCLA wants some of the same recruits that we want now and in the future. It's important that we show dominance, a close loss for UCLA is a win for them therefore a big win for us helps keep them well behind the Big Dog. OK now you have my top three and why, interested in other opinions and ideas.

 

[Kaizen]

Great analysis but it needs to be noted that the infamous Muffet jig was after the 2019 FF game when Uconn blew a late 9 point lead, which was painful in its own way compared the 2018 buzzer beater loss. They show it here at the 1:47 mark if you care to get your blood boiling.

And this year Baylor beat ND 82 - 81 for the NC.

 

[fireford]

And this year Baylor beat ND 82 - 81 for the NC.

Karma is a beautiful thing.

 

[eebmg]

don't forget TN next year. Still keep rewinding Paige's dagger 3 on a bum ankle.

 

[thatguyed]

You're wrong, they can meet since it is a tournament and they are in two different brackets. They aren't scheduled to meet so it's allowed.

I am so looking forward to Paradise Island! Apparently, at the start, they could not meet and it was going to be a round robin across both groups of four. Something changed contractually to allow it to go to bracket and open up the probability.

 

[Aluminny69]

I am so looking forward to Paradise Island! Apparently, at the start, they could not meet and it was going to be a round robin across both groups of four. Something changed contractually to allow it to go to bracket and open up the probability.

So that means they will most likely play South Carolina on November 22, the third game of the season. That ought to be interesting. I would expect a somewhat sloppy game as two titans match up early.

 

[thatguyed]

So that means they will most likely play South Carolina on November 22, the third game of the season. That ought to be interesting. I would expect a somewhat sloppy game as two titans match up early.

That's the type of game where coaching has the advantage - and I like those odds!

 

[Aluminny69]

That's the type of game where coaching has the advantage - and I like those odds!

It will be interesting to see how Geno coaches that game. Will he use a short bench, only playing 6 or 7 players, or will he give more players the opportunity to show what they can do against a top quality team. If I had to guess, I would guess that Dawn will distribute playing time more than Geno will, based on past experience. But this could be a whole new thread - what will be playing times for the third game of the year.

 

[MSGRET]

It will be interesting to see how Geno coaches that game. Will he use a short bench, only playing 6 or 7 players, or will he give more players the opportunity to show what they can do against a top quality team. If I had to guess, I would guess that Dawn will distribute playing time more than Geno will, based on past experience. But this could be a whole new thread - what will be playing times for the third game of the year.

Actually it would be the 4th game of the year.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Wow that's one heck of an out of conference schedule.

 

[Aluminny69]

Actually it would be the 4th game of the year.

Thanks, I forgot the Arkansas game. Nov 14th.

73 Days until the first game of the season!

 

[Blueconn]

UConnwbbweekly has ranked the non-conference opponents in terms of interest. Here they are:
8. Minnesota
7. Georgia Tech
6. Notre Dame
5. Oregon
4. UCLA
3. Arkansas
2. Louisville
1. South Carolina

Here is the end of the article, talking about UConn/SC
Neither program lost much from last season and both can make an argument for having the best incoming class in the nation. They’re scheduled to play once in Columbia, will likely meet again in the final at the Battle 4 Atlantis and might even see each other a third time in the Final Four. With Notre Dame out of the picture, this could be the year that UConn-South Carolina becomes the premier rivalry in college basketball. At the very least, each matchup between them will be must-see television.

I'm more interested in ND than OR or UCLA, just because it's always fun to give them a thrashing.

What say you?

 

[Blueconn]

They forgot Tennessee ? Not like the old days Is it ? But we do love these “new” days.

 

[ConwayGmck]

So that means they will most likely play South Carolina on November 22, the third game of the season. That ought to be interesting. I would expect a somewhat sloppy game as two titans match up early.

It would be the 6th game of the season for South Carolina if it plays out that way: with games against top 10 NC State on their court, in-state rival Clemson, a top 25 opponent in South Dakota State on their quasi court, and a likely match-up against top 10 Oregon in the Battle 4 Atlantis Semifinals - all before facing CT if it happens - it's doubtful (certainly hopeful) that the Gamecocks won't be playing sloppy basketball by that point. If anything, they may be sloppy just by being worn out....

 

[ConwayGmck]

I would hazard that the Stanford game will be viewed as on equal terms with the CT game for Gamecock fans: that Stanford is the defending champs, and they won it going through the Gamecocks, that it came down to a missed Gamecock layup at the end of a 1-point loss, that there were some "intriguing" circumstances that happened during play of the game that Gamecock Nation will forever be a bit "miffed" over, that favored the Cardinal Conifers.

Of course this topic is a listing based on fanbase noise - and Huskie fanbase noise at that - so what Gamecock fans were talking about had little to do with it. Also while there was speculation and rumor about a game versus Stanford being added to the USC schedule for quite some time, it hadn't been official until just this week, so there was little cause for Gamecock Nation to consider it yet, even if we WERE taken into the account for this listing. But I feel the Stanford game will apply as much "redemption" for the Gamecock program - at least for this season alone - as the Connecticut game will......

 

[mbr33ct]

I was led to believe The Battle for Atlantis all teams play 3 games and go home. To my knowledge South Car and Oregon are in different bracket than UConn. Winners of each group/bracket do not play each other therefore a possible meeting between South Car/Oregon vs UConn will never happen...has this format changed?

 

[JellyBean]

South Carolina, if all of the pieces can blend, this is going to be a pretty exciting season for all. It is really going to come down to program skill development, players staying healthy, player Buy-In, and players blending their talents for the betterment of the TEAM. Just a few months away!!

 

[Inthepaint]

Of course, S.Carolina for the display of talent on both sides.Will Dawn play Boston and Cordozo together?
If so, we can counter with ONO & Dorka/Edwards. Hit em from the high and low posts.
Louisville because we got cheated out of the traditional meeting last year.
Razorbacks because it will be the 1st game, at Gempel with the crowd back, want to see if we let them score 90 again.
Doubtful, but great incentive for teachable defensive moments right off the bat. If AK gets easy baskets or the coverage breaks down early, look for Geno to send in whoever is on the bench ( like he did VS Providence last year). Would rather see the ladies jell from the get go, but it would be a glimpse of how the new depth would play out.
Especially interested in UCLA and Oregon this year due to the PAC-12 upping it's collective game last season.
If they both have to play Stanford and Arizona twice, they can't afford a let down against ANYBODY.
We had better not look past either of them.
Always enjoy a ND-UCONN game, even without Muffet to dislike.
Yeah, what's up with the Lady Vols not on the list?