Righting the Ship

[Bigpetunia]

We have all seen this movie before: Our favorite team will be cruising along to a satisfying 20+ point lead when, inexplicably, the wheels start to come off...none of our shots, which we previously couldn't miss, are dropping,,,we've found a way to make careless turnovers...our opponent suddenly gets red hot! Our once-comfortable lead has been whittled to single digits and all-of-a-sudden things look somewhat precarious. There's no panic, but we now need a quick bucket or two to turn things back around to get us back on track. Over the past few years, our best player has reliably done just that, and, annoyingly, her teammates have tended to stand around and watch and wait for her to take on that role. Well, alas, that player, as we sat in the South, "sheain'tderenomore!" My question is, will any single player replace her in that effort, and, if so, who might that be? My instinct says SS, but what say ye?

 

[WiseWillie]

We have all seen this movie before: Our favorite team will be cruising along to a satisfying 20+ point lead when, inexplicably, the wheels start to come off...none of our shots, which we previously couldn't miss, are dropping,,,we've found a way to make careless turnovers...our opponent suddenly gets red hot! Our once-comfortable lead has been whittled to single digits and all-of-a-sudden things look somewhat precarious. There's no panic, but we now need a quick bucket or two to turn things back around to get us back on track. Over the past few years, our best player has reliably done just that, and, annoyingly, her teammates have tended to stand around and watch and wait for her to take on that role. Well, alas, that player, as we sat in the South, "sheain'tderenomore!" My question is, will any single player replace her in that effort, and, if so, who might that be? My instinct says SS, but what say ye?

Check out her play in the FF and NC and as the t-shirts worn by her parents said: "Fudd Around And You'll See".

 

[Huskee11]

It got a little uncomfortable in the Championship game at 50-39 after South Carolina showed signs of life until a three from Azzi (assist Sarah) followed by a three from Sarah (assist KK) made it 56-40. Fearless on the biggest stage.

So I think we are covered.

Actually, the t-shirt said "Fudd Around and Find Out".

 

[PvP]

I firmly believe that Sarah is unstoppable and that, as a Wonder Woman, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg of her "cape-abilities!!"

 

[oldude]

Certainly Azzi & Sarah have proven they can step up in the biggest moments. But I wouldn’t sleep on KK or Ash as well, and I would go even farther to suggest that Jana, Ice and especially Serah all have the game experience that will allow them to step up as well.

Geno develops confident players like GM builds Cadillacs. At UConn, it’s a production line…..

 

[sno-cat]

Caroline could also step in and up.

 

[WiseWillie]

Certainly Azzi & Sarah have proven they can step up in the biggest moments. But I wouldn’t sleep on KK or Ash as well, and I would go even farther to suggest that Jana, Ice and especially Serah all have the game experience that will allow them to step up as well.

Geno develops confident players like GM builds Cadillacs. At UConn, it’s a production line…..

Absolutely all spot on, OD, because there is an wealth of talent on this team we must not overlook but I'd prefer that the comparison for Geno's player development would be more appropriate "like BMW builds cars."

 

[CL82]

Check out her play in the FF and NC and as the t-shirts worn by her parents said: "Fudd Around And You'll See".

Exactly. We have the M O P of last year's final four and no one else does. Really, we're blessed with incredible depth and waves of players who can put points on the board. I suspect our big three is going to be Azzi, Sarah and Serah, but we have a lot of players who are proven scorers and seem to be overlooked in these types of discussions. Shade comes to mind. I suspect Bianca may end up being a microwave type player from the bench. She'll come in and heat things up quickly. We shall see, but right now we seem like a very dangerous offensive team.

 

[Bone Dog]

In the first game against SC last season, Geno designed the final play to get a shot for Sarah. She missed it, but this clearly showed that Geno thought he had a second bucket-getter on the team.

Once Azzi came back, she also stepped up into that role on several occasions. And in the 4th quarter of the Elite Eight game, when SC closed the gap to 5 points after holding UConn scoreless for 5 minutes, Geno drew up a play for Azzi to get an open 3-pointer. He knew the team needed a third bucket-getter to win #12 and Azzi did not disappoint.

And in the NC game Ash stepped up at the end of the 2nd quarter after SC had held UConn scoreless for 3 minutes and closed the gap to 7. In one postgame interview, Dawn said she knew they were in trouble when Ash hit that 3 to close out the half and open the lead to 10 points. It’s not a stretch to think Dawn realized all the guns were firing for Geno.

What will next season bring? At least three bucket-getters are returning and we may have a 4th in Serah, and perhaps a 5th if Carol can return to freshman year form, and maybe even a 6th if Blanca lives up to expectations. I don’t know if Geno has ever had this many guns. And this is not to discount all the other scorers who know how to get to the rim and keep defenses honest, like KK and Kayleigh. And who knows what surprises Allie may have to offer next season. And let’s not forget Morgan.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

@Bigpetunia shouldn't there be an it in that wonderful run on word. I love the way a heavy southern accent says eit.

 

[CL82]

Personally, I would be happy if Carol can be a reliable and productive player off the bench. From her recent interview, it doesn't sound like she's 100%, but she's getting better every day.

 

[topogigio]

We have all seen this movie before: Our favorite team will be cruising along to a satisfying 20+ point lead when, inexplicably, the wheels start to come off...none of our shots, which we previously couldn't miss, are dropping,,,we've found a way to make careless turnovers...our opponent suddenly gets red hot! Our once-comfortable lead has been whittled to single digits and all-of-a-sudden things look somewhat precarious. There's no panic, but we now need a quick bucket or two to turn things back around to get us back on track. Over the past few years, our best player has reliably done just that, and, annoyingly, her teammates have tended to stand around and watch and wait for her to take on that role. Well, alas, that player, as we sat in the South, "sheain'tderenomore!" My question is, will any single player replace her in that effort, and, if so, who might that be? My instinct says SS, but what say ye?

"shein'tdernomore", got my morning off with a chuckle, thanks! No worries, however: as crazy as this sounds, I don't think this upcoming year's version is going to miss Paige. Sure, they will miss her as a friend, but I believe this team will be even better than last year's championship team given all the components they have. What say y'all?

 

[Bone Dog]

I believe this team will be even better than last year's championship team given all the components they have. What say y'all?

I’m right there with you! And I already believe last year’s team was one of the best UConn teams ever. If next year’s team is even better, that could mean it’s the best ever. But it’s not just a question of talent, of which there’s plenty. It always comes down to chemistry and resilience, and I don’t think Geno and CD have lost their touch in this department.

 

[faninwisc]

I'm confused by this post. How often does UCONN blow big leads? I feel like it happens very rarely and not enough to even be talked about. In my opinion, UCONN is the best team in the country at keeping their foot on the pedal and closing out games. Geno doesn't allow his players to let up, the standard is the same for the best player on the team and the 15th player off of the bench.

 

[MooseJaw]

No, not this coming season. There will be needed buckets by committee, too many players who have the skill set to get those one or two needed baskets. Heck last year there were a number of times during games where Ash hit key threes to turn around or stop opponents runs. It may be a moot point this coming season, if most of the experts on the BY are correct our Huskies will be in front by over 20 points and may average over 90 points per game. If so, no need for a Husky assassin.

 

[DemonDeac22]

I firmly believe that Sarah is unstoppable and that, as a Wonder Woman, we have only seen the tip of the iceberg of her "cape-abilities!!"

Sarah needs a break from basketball before starting up in the fall. This non-stop year-round basketball could wear her down so hopefully she gets some time off in Jul/Aug.

 

[AmeriConn]

Check out her play in the FF and NC and as the t-shirts worn by her parents said: "Fudd Around And You'll See".

Fudd Around and Find Out

 

[Bigboote]

Toward the end of this past season there wasn't nearly as much "Paige watching" as earlier in the season. Paige sometimes took games over when they were in jeopardy, but as often someone else stepped up, Sarah, Azzi, Chen, Ashlynn, and KK all come to mind. I'm with the others that this year it will be by committee. If it winds up being one player most of the time, that means that there are some players injured or there's some mass funk going around.

 

[oldude]

Toward the end of this past season there wasn't nearly as much "Paige watching" as earlier in the season. Paige sometimes took games over when they were in jeopardy, but as often someone else stepped up, Sarah, Azzi, Chen, Ashlynn, and KK all come to mind. I'm with the others that this year it will be by committee. If it winds up being one player most of the time, that means that there are some players injured or there's some mass funk going around.

Well Paige did put up 30+ in three straight tournament games when UConn was behind and/or challenged at one time or another, including scoring 19 straight against the Sooners. So I think it’s fair to say that Paige carried the Huskies to the FF and then Azzi, Sarah and others all stepped up to push UConn over the finish line.

 

[Bills Fan]

Sarah needs a break from basketball before starting up in the fall. This non-stop year-round basketball could wear her down so hopefully she gets some time off in Jul/Aug.

Same with K9 who is on a US team. I have to admit that I have had almost zero interest in a 3 X 3 tourney in Mongolia even with SS on the USA team. Is that tournament over so she can begin getting some rest from BB or is it still in progress?

(Also, am I the only poster who couldn't ID Mongolia on a world map and once I found it I tried to come up with a sensible reason why an International tournament would ever be located there)

 

[browns]

Well Paige did put up 30+ in three straight tournament games when UConn was behind and/or challenged at one time or another, including scoring 19 straight against the Sooners. So I think it’s fair to say that Paige carried the Huskies to the FF and then Azzi, Sarah and others all stepped up to push UConn over the finish line.

Yes it's also fair to say that Azzi and Sara were the stars of the 2 FF games and didn't even need Paige

 

[MooseJaw]

Well Paige did put up 30+ in three straight tournament games when UConn was behind and/or challenged at one time or another, including scoring 19 straight against the Sooners. So I think it’s fair to say that Paige carried the Huskies to the FF and then Azzi, Sarah and others all stepped up to push UConn over the finish line.

Paige did what was needed game in game out. We need 30, Paige delivered, we need to get Sarah going, Paige feeds her time after time. We need Azzi to get going, Paige makes sure she gets the ball. The opposition on a run, Paige gets a steal, Paige gets a block. Paige was the on floor brains for our Huskies. Our floor general, the best player in WCBB since, {you pick which UCONN's legends name belongs here, just not very many qualify,}.
Will there be another Paige this coming season to lead our Huskies, no, of course not in my opinion. There will be a few who take that step up, do whatever is needed to dominate and give their all. If I and the majority here are right, number one will be Sarah, maybe Azzi if she becomes more consistent this coming season. Time will tell, the clock is ticking, I'm stoked all we have to do is get up every morning and enjoy the ride until next April.

 

[boontonbomber]

If Caroline is healthy UConn will be a shoo-in. As do Azzi and Sarah,she understands the game in a way that can't be taught. When she was healthy everything she did looked effortless. The same game that Azzi and Sarah play. The 3 of them could be the smartest trio UConn ever put on the floor at the same time. Of course, so much depends on how Caroline comes along. Hopefully, the coaches go slow with her. There is no rush.

 

[Bone Dog]

Paige did what was needed game in game out. We need 30, Paige delivered, we need to get Sarah going, Paige feeds her time after time. We need Azzi to get going, Paige makes sure she gets the ball. The opposition on a run, Paige gets a steal, Paige gets a block. Paige was the on floor brains for our Huskies. Our floor general, the best player in WCBB since, {you pick which UCONN's legends name belongs here, just not very many qualify,}.
Will there be another Paige this coming season to lead our Huskies, no, of course not in my opinion. There will be a few who take that step up, do whatever is needed to dominate and give their all. If I and the majority here are right, number one will be Sarah, maybe Azzi if she becomes more consistent this coming season. Time will tell, the clock is ticking, I'm stoked all we have to do is get up every morning and enjoy the ride until next April.

Excellent take on the situation. The operative phrase is “game in game out.” Azzi can be Paige for a few games in a row. She’s shown this numerous times. Her task this season is to be “the best player in the country every game” — that’s what Geno told her three years ago. That season started well until injury derailed her. It’s time to aim for that standard again. She needs to do this for the team and to show what she can do in the W.

And Sarah needs to show what she can do without a GOAT playing next to her. In other words, she needs to be the next GOAT. We’ve all seen the signs of it last season. Every new season will bring a new challenge and Sarah can and will rise to them.

And will one more smart, intuitive player emerge next season? Who will it be? The candidates are KK Ash Serah Kayleigh and maybe Morgan. Serah knows what it is to be the go-to player for a team. But she doesn’t have as much experience winning tough games as KK Ash and Kayleigh. I wouldn’t include Kayleigh or Morgan on this list, because their experience is limited. But something about those two kids gives me irrational optimism.

This season’s Big Three could be Azzi Sarah and Serah. But what gives me pause is the inherent dependence of bigs on littles to get them the ball. Paige got Sarah the ball in excellent position game after game. Of course, Sarah is a great passer, and Serah is a good one. So I can already imagine the hi-low offense Geno will have them run. But It’s just easier to see how the season can work if the Big Three involves two guards.

It also helps if the third member is a great perimeter shooter. Ash has that, but isn’t a great passer. KK is becoming a great passer and worked on passing into Sarah last season. But she isn’t a great perimeter shooter. Serah has a great elbow jumper, but not a great perimeter shot. Morgan is on this list only because she can hit the perimeter shot.

This speculation is an odd exercise because it doesn’t have enough independent variables. I’ve been looking to fill out the shape of the team as it existed last season. With the dependencies I see so far, what mainly stands out is that a new style of play will have to be devised, something other than a Big Three. What Geno had last season was three players who were 1) all great perimeter shooters 2) all great defenders, and 3) good to great passers. This concentration of talent may be impossible to replicate. There is tremendous talent up and down next season’s roster. But it isn’t quite as concentrated in a few key players as last season.

 

[OldSchooler]

BTSO! (Bring this season on!)