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After a bit of reflection, this season has been a journey filled with extreme extremes in emotion. I can only imagine what it was like the players and coaching staff. While everyone would be basking In the reverie of a 12th NC, this season in a microcosm was like a Netflix series, each episode ending in a cliffhanger. We can’t say we were shortchanged in drama.
The women’s game is rapidly changing, expanding and growing in talent. For the top tier teams, it’s becoming an arms race. Both SC and Stanford will be able to floor two twin towers next year. They will be the roadblocks to overcome. Add in the transfer portal, teams have the potential to alter their prospects overnight. As much as guard play and 3-pt shooting are essential for success, the recent history of NC champions has proven that inside the paint is where championships are found. Baylor won with their version of twin towers. ND had outstanding guard play but also had Brianna Turner & Jessica Shepard in the box, doing the unsung, dirty work. SC, of course has Boston and guard play, but look at the havoc that Saxton, Beal and a host of others cause down low, not only last night, but throughout the season.
UConn has always been blessed with luminary talents. The current roster is no exception, with Azzi and Paige. After this season, no one can objectively question whether the team has heart. They responded time and time again. However, a team can have only so many stars. Grinders are as necessary as stars. Defense will always be a hallmark of Final Four teams, with the victor usually the team winning the rebounding and turnover metrics.
As Geno stated many times during the season, the half court offense was stale for majority of the season. In the Stanford & SC games, both of their bigs came out high to prevent Paige from getting clean looks. They were able to do so because UConn has no consistent downlow presence. In fact, the last effective back to basket scorer was Napheesa Collier. Of course, all of the injuries contributed to a lack of consistency. UConn has always run a fluid offense, relying on execution. In looking ahead at next season, I hope that UConn gets back to a high tempo transition offense. They have the talent to thrive in that type of offensive scheme.
My wishes for next season: first, health so that we can see the team maximize their potential. Run. UConn, without adding anyone in the transfer portal should be able to go 10 deep, allowing them to play full court pressure and play a high octane offense. A full season with Paige & Azzi as a starting back court. Next season, Paige will be the unquestioned leader. Hopefully, she’ll remain healthy, fully embrace the role, and assert herself unquestionably when needed. Like Haley Jones of Stanford, take it on her shoulders in the big, important big games. Azzi adding more of her off the drive moves to her 3-pt shooting and Paige taking more 3-pt shots to her stellar mid-range game. Adding a big from the transfer portal, someone in the Nika Muhl role.
While every fan wants their team to win the ultimate prize, you have to get their to have a chance. After everything that has happened, the season was a huge success. It’s not going to be any easier next season. The ingredients are there. The recipe has worked for a long time. Adding a little flavor here and there and the recipe is spiced up.
The women’s game is rapidly changing, expanding and growing in talent. For the top tier teams, it’s becoming an arms race. Both SC and Stanford will be able to floor two twin towers next year. They will be the roadblocks to overcome. Add in the transfer portal, teams have the potential to alter their prospects overnight. As much as guard play and 3-pt shooting are essential for success, the recent history of NC champions has proven that inside the paint is where championships are found. Baylor won with their version of twin towers. ND had outstanding guard play but also had Brianna Turner & Jessica Shepard in the box, doing the unsung, dirty work. SC, of course has Boston and guard play, but look at the havoc that Saxton, Beal and a host of others cause down low, not only last night, but throughout the season.
UConn has always been blessed with luminary talents. The current roster is no exception, with Azzi and Paige. After this season, no one can objectively question whether the team has heart. They responded time and time again. However, a team can have only so many stars. Grinders are as necessary as stars. Defense will always be a hallmark of Final Four teams, with the victor usually the team winning the rebounding and turnover metrics.
As Geno stated many times during the season, the half court offense was stale for majority of the season. In the Stanford & SC games, both of their bigs came out high to prevent Paige from getting clean looks. They were able to do so because UConn has no consistent downlow presence. In fact, the last effective back to basket scorer was Napheesa Collier. Of course, all of the injuries contributed to a lack of consistency. UConn has always run a fluid offense, relying on execution. In looking ahead at next season, I hope that UConn gets back to a high tempo transition offense. They have the talent to thrive in that type of offensive scheme.
My wishes for next season: first, health so that we can see the team maximize their potential. Run. UConn, without adding anyone in the transfer portal should be able to go 10 deep, allowing them to play full court pressure and play a high octane offense. A full season with Paige & Azzi as a starting back court. Next season, Paige will be the unquestioned leader. Hopefully, she’ll remain healthy, fully embrace the role, and assert herself unquestionably when needed. Like Haley Jones of Stanford, take it on her shoulders in the big, important big games. Azzi adding more of her off the drive moves to her 3-pt shooting and Paige taking more 3-pt shots to her stellar mid-range game. Adding a big from the transfer portal, someone in the Nika Muhl role.
While every fan wants their team to win the ultimate prize, you have to get their to have a chance. After everything that has happened, the season was a huge success. It’s not going to be any easier next season. The ingredients are there. The recipe has worked for a long time. Adding a little flavor here and there and the recipe is spiced up.