Sarah strong hype

[hoophuskee]

The fascination with Sarah involves where exactly does she fit in the Huskies lineup? I think most folks expect a 3 player rotation with Ice, Sarah & Jana at the 4/5 spots, eventually supplemented by Aubrey when healthy. But what about Sarah starting at the wing, in a lineup with, oh, say Jana, Ice, Paige & Kaitlyn?

Just sayin….

Why this lineup? Weren't KK and Ashlynn considered "better" than Ice? So, why not play the better players?
And UCONN has built their teams and recruiting utilizing fastbreak basketball. This lineup goes away from that. So why do it if you aren't playing your best players?
What's the tactical advantage of not playing your best and/or the style that has made UCONN as suuccessul as it always has been?

 

[Bone Dog]

Last season Ash was Big East Freshman player of the year. Ash scored 419 points on the season; do you believe Strong will have more or less than that total this year?

Last season, KK played about the same amount of minutes as Ash (more or less 30 per game). KK had 123 assists during the season; do you believe that Strong will have more or less than that total this year?

KK had 90 Steals; Strong gonna have more or less?

KK had 121 and Ash had 133 rebounds; Strong gonna have more or less than those numbers?

Excellent questions! Very trenchant. Here’s my guesses/predictions.

Ash: 419 points in 38 games and 32 mins/g or 11pts/g

Sarah may not get 31 mins/g initially, but I expect she’ll be there by mid season. But even at 20 mins/g I will not be surprised if she averages 15 pts/g which would amount to ~600 pts.

KK: 123 assists and 90 steals in 39 games or 3.2 assists and 2.3 steals per game.

Sarah is an excellent defender and passer and I suspect she’ll exceed both numbers, maybe 4 assists and 3 steals per game, or 160 assists and 120 steals.

As for rebounds, I am very confident that Sarah will exceed both Ash and KK combined in rebounds. Together they accounted for 6.6 rebounds /g and I suspect Sarah will average at least 8 rebounds/g or 320 rebounds.

Finally, I expect Sarah will average 2 blocks/g or a total of 80. Last season the team averaged 3.8 blocks/g and I suspect between Sarah, Jana, Ice, Paige and Caroline healthy they’ll average between 6 and 8 blocks.

This means I predict Sarah’s season stat line will be 15 points/g, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks. These are All American numbers. But I doubt she’ll be in the running for NPoY since Paige is likely the front runner for this award.

 

[donalddoowop]

Sarah Strong is going to be UConn's next superstar! Take that to the bank folks!

I believe there are two other players who may beat Sarah to that next superstar status.

 

[Cuango]

Sarah is the total package! She imo will start and star on this team for the next four years and will earn a spot on the wall. The only potential worry I had when she committed was that she did not appear to be in “UConn” shape. That appears to have been taken care of and I expect her to be a dominant part of this team from day one. Geno was very circumspect with his comments regarding Strong early on but he is now beginning to open up about her multitude of skills and his expectations for her. As far as I can tell, this young woman really has no weaknesses on the court. She is very strong, has super soft hands that engulf the ball, her shot is beautiful, she is a gifted passer, she is big, she has a very high IQ, and she snares rebounds as if she has super glue on her hands! On top of that, she is a high character, nice, humble yet extremely self confident student athlete who will represent this university with class! She’s going to make a lot of UConn fans very happy!

 

[yhun89]

Tea leaves reading time:

• Sarah is head and shoulders above the rest of the recruiting class except for Joyce, who was a relatively close second. Just watch the replay of their one HS game against each other to understand why Sarah is better.

People have mega downplayed Sarah in favor of Joyce. Using the excuse of “Joyce was the MVP in all these tournaments (3/4 of which Sarah didn’t even play).

Looking back in high school, Sarah is a much better rebounder (I think she outdid Joyce 18-9 last they met?) . She has more range. Better passing. Where Joyce exceeds her is athleticism, agility, and speed. Sarah is a strong (no pun intended) bully ball type of post player. Joyce is a a less bully ball type of physical post, mainly relying on her footwork and athleticism to do her thing from what I can tell.

 

[oldude]

Why this lineup? Weren't KK and Ashlynn considered "better" than Ice? So, why not play the better players?
And UCONN has built their teams and recruiting utilizing fastbreak basketball. This lineup goes away from that. So why do it if you aren't playing your best players?
What's the tactical advantage of not playing your best and/or the style that has made UCONN as suuccessul as it always has been?

My suggested lineup is purely speculative to be sure, the implication being that Jana, Ice, Sarah & Katelyn all step up to a level of play that forces Geno to start them over KK, Ashlyn and others. The lineup I suggest would be UConn’s biggest frontcourt and most experienced backcourt. It would only happen if Jana, Ice & Sarah could shoot, pass, move and play defense together at a level we haven’t seen before.

 

[yhun89]

My suggested lineup is purely speculative to be sure, the implication being that Jana, Ice, Sarah & Katelyn all step up to a level of play that forces Geno to start them over KK, Ashlyn and others. The lineup I suggest would be UConn’s biggest frontcourt and most experienced backcourt. It would only happen if Jana, Ice & Sarah could shoot, pass, move and play defense together at a level we haven’t seen before.

KK and Aubrey off the bench would be an ultimate pace changer. I like the idea of KK coming off and pushing the tempo up, then have Aubrey come in and cause some chaos for the other teams as well.

 

[Bone Dog]

My suggested lineup is purely speculative to be sure, the implication being that Jana, Ice, Sarah & Katelyn all step up to a level of play that forces Geno to start them over KK, Ashlyn and others. The lineup I suggest would be UConn’s biggest frontcourt and most experienced backcourt. It would only happen if Jana, Ice & Sarah could shoot, pass, move and play defense together at a level we haven’t seen before.

I think you’re right that we’ll often see bigger lineups than last season as part of a longer rotation. Sarah will be central to this rotation, though she may not see 30 mins until March. But even averaging 20 mins/g, I think she’ll still put up an AA stat line.

And just generally, not counting Azzi, Geno played 5 players for ~30 min/g last season. Once Azzi returns this season, we might see only 2 players average that much playing time. As a result, Ash and KK are likely only to get 20 mins, as are Kaitlyn Jana Sarah and Ice.

This would be in keeping with a 5+3 rotation, which is what you get with this much talent in the roster. Imagine an AA candidate who only averages 20 mins/g. You can’t have 3 first team AAs from one team, and that’s the logjam Geno may be facing.

 

[Stagnant]

I agree with the notion that Sarah could be the next superstar at the program. There are other good players at UConn; but Sarah is the one with national all American potential.

 

[JellyBean]

I was trying to get caught up on the upcoming season just now and searched the internet for some articles on the upcoming season. In reading up I am really surprised at the lack of coverage of Strong. She was the number 1 player in her class, she is exactly what this team was missing and yet I can’t seem to find much info on how she is looking. Does anyone have the inside scoop on how she is doing so far in preseason?

Surprised at the lack of coverage on Sarah? I think it just depends on what part of the season we were in. Over the summer, there was plenty. During the early phases of fall workouts, there was some coverage. Now that school is back in session and media days were over the last few weeks, the media attention is picking back up. And if you are a frequent flyer here in the Yard, you know sombody, somewhere, got the news on how a player is doing.

 

[JellyBean]

You know, there were a lot of very happy UConn fans, ecstatic with the way Arnold and Shade stepped up and performed last season as freshmen, and for good reason! Interested in making some predictions?

Last season Ash was Big East Freshman player of the year. Ash scored 419 points on the season; do you believe Strong will have more or less than that total this year?

Last season, KK played about the same amount of minutes as Ash (more or less 30 per game). KK had 123 assists during the season; do you believe that Strong will have more or less than that total this year?

KK had 90 Steals; Strong gonna have more or less?

KK had 121 and Ash had 133 rebounds; Strong gonna have more or less than those numbers?

I really don’t know that Sarah will get to play 30 mins per game. Never the less, some (if not all) of those statistics may very well be within her reach.

If all goes well, I could see Sarah having a fantastic freshmen season, but it all depends on how confident Sarah feels out there, where she is playing in relation to the ball, and how aggressive she is playing out there.

 

[hoophuskee]

My suggested lineup is purely speculative to be sure, the implication being that Jana, Ice, Sarah & Katelyn all step up to a level of play that forces Geno to start them over KK, Ashlyn and others. The lineup I suggest would be UConn’s biggest frontcourt and most experienced backcourt. It would only happen if Jana, Ice & Sarah could shoot, pass, move and play defense together at a level we haven’t seen before.

Yes. Okay just fun speculation I can see. A few things I hate about this lineup but for sure fun to discuss alternatives.

 

[hoophuskee]

Sarah is the total package! She imo will start and star on this team for the next four years and will earn a spot on the wall. The only potential worry I had when she committed was that she did not appear to be in “UConn” shape. That appears to have been taken care of and I expect her to be a dominant part of this team from day one. Geno was very circumspect with his comments regarding Strong early on but he is now beginning to open up about her multitude of skills and his expectations for her. As far as I can tell, this young woman really has no weaknesses on the court. She is very strong, has super soft hands that engulf the ball, her shot is beautiful, she is a gifted passer, she is big, she has a very high IQ, and she snares rebounds as if she has super glue on her hands! On top of that, she is a high character, nice, humble yet extremely self confident student athlete who will represent this university with class! She’s going to make a lot of UConn fans very happy!

IMO her limitation this year will be determined by specifically a few of her teammates; Paige, Azzi, and Jana, and Kaitlyn. I believe Chen's best chance for pro ball on Offense and best chance for UCONN utilizing her is that she also works on her ability to set up players and become a more efficient shooter. So, it comes down to how much is she going to shoot. I don't expect her to be shooting 2nd or 3rd in terms of attempts and maybe not even 4th. This then paves the way for when Azzi is healthy, we also have Paige, Jana and Sarah. Paige is going to be the shot leader. But she is a natural scorer,. So, what's the expression "You can take the dog out of the fight, but you can’t take the fight out of the dog?" At some level Chen is going to at least be a scorer to a degree especially when that lane is open.

We also have Paige, Azzi, Jana and Sarah as potential big scorers. Paige is going to be the shot leader. And Azzi is the best overall shooter. and if we hear Geno right that Jana is a beast (and more than likely that a big strength is her inside play), and we know that an amazing passer Sarah is/going to be, then she won't accumulate as many points. While she still would be "super" it would be / could be very, very "understated." And in a way she seems to prefer in personality to be "understated."

Though you know- I think she is tremendous. But I can see if the other "pieces connect” she would be spectacular but not be showmanship prolific year 1. This would result high team efficiency in which she would be utilizing her gifted passing skills/abilities.

 

[JoePgh]

If Sarah mostly plays the 4 position as I expect, foul trouble will be an issue, as it always is for inexperienced UConn front court players. Just for that reason alone, I don't think she will play 30 minutes per game. I do think she will be quite productive, at least on offense, for the minutes that she does play.

That is why the fourth front court rotation player (after Jana, Sarah, and Ice) is such a crucial position. If Ayanna had had a normal preseason, she would certainly have the inside track, but since she is missing practice reps day by day while her shoulder recovers, she probably is not going to be that 4th player anytime soon. If Aubrey or Caroline become available, it could be either of them (with their experience, they don't need the same number of preseason reps). But at the beginning of the season, Qadence and Morgan seem to me to be the most plausible candidates.

 

[hoophuskee]

Interesting,

Whoever he is, he is wrong a lot. Even on past links provided here. Let's take a step back and try to grasp one of his comments-- to paraphrase- "Let's not expect much from a #1 h/s recruit?" For a non-title UCONN has had in mnay years in which inside play was a currnet weakness, - let's not expect much from a #1 ranked recruit? huh?

 

[yhun89]

Whoever he is, he is wrong a lot. Even on past links provided here. Let's take a step back and try to grasp one of his comments-- to paraphrase- "Let's not expect much from a #1 h/s recruit?" For a non-title UCONN has had in mnay years in which inside play was a currnet weakness, - let's not expect much from a #1 ranked recruit? huh?

He's not reliable. Every time his videos are posted here, they get clowned on or ignored.

 

[Cornell Lt]

I believe there are two other players who may beat Sarah to that next superstar status.

Who might they be ?

 

[Cuango]

The reason I believe she (Strong) is the clear frontrunner for National Freshman of the Year is not merely because I see her as the most skilled and college ready freshman in this class (which I do) but also because she appears (to me) to be the absolute perfect player for this team! Now that we have Jana at the five, and of course Paige to run the show, I don’t think you could create a more perfect fit in Geno’s system than Sarah Strong! She is an exceptional rebounder, great passer, high IQ, and extremely physical big player with the ability to score from anywhere! I too would like to hear the two players that you think will surpass her?

 

[Stagnant]

Who might they be ?

I would like to know too. I assume El Alfy is someone people think might be great.

If we are just talking about pure potential. I probably think KK, El Alfy, and Strong possess the most.

 

[Bald Husky]

I'm pretty sure that Sarah will start alongside Jana. By them playing together, Sarah is free to do all that she can do, high post passing, 3-point shooting, mid-range shooting, while Jana guards the low post. There is no way Geno would waste that talent on the bench, and I am referring to both players. If Jana is eligible, she and Sarah could have the same ROY battle that KK and Ash had last year. That is, if Allie doesn't end up going crazy with her 3-point shooting. Lots of young talent on this team, and I will leave it at that.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don’t think you could create a more perfect fit in Geno’s system than Sarah Strong! She is an exceptional rebounder, great passer, high IQ, and extremely physical big player with the ability to score from anywhere!

In other words, she is rather like her mom, but bigger. Alison Feaster, with her great heart, could carry a team to victory even against the powerhouse of her day.

A few great-hearted women, like Paige Jana Ash and Sarah, will carry this team far. This is the quality Geno searches for in recruits and he’s found it in this group.

 

[oldude]

Who might they be ?

Looking ahead 1 year, Blanca might be the next Big Thing…

 

[donalddoowop]

Looking ahead 1 year, Blanca might be the next Big Thing…

Along with Jana.

 

[Bills Fan]

I'm pretty sure that Sarah will start alongside Jana. By them playing together, Sarah is free to do all that she can do, high post passing, 3-point shooting, mid-range shooting, while Jana guards the low post. There is no way Geno would waste that talent on the bench, and I am referring to both players. If Jana is eligible, she and Sarah could have the same ROY battle that KK and Ash had last year. That is, if Allie doesn't end up going crazy with her 3-point shooting. Lots of young talent on this team, and I will leave it at that.

And you didn't even mention the Naismith 1st team AA/McDonalds All Star game standout, Morgan Cheli, who besides her BB skills seems to have an abundance of leadership qualities

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I was trying to get caught up on the upcoming season just now and searched the internet for some articles on the upcoming season. In reading up I am really surprised at the lack of coverage of Strong. She was the number 1 player in her class, she is exactly what this team was missing and yet I can’t seem to find much info on how she is looking. Does anyone have the inside scoop on how she is doing so far in preseason

She’s the best freshman Geno has had since Maya Moore. UConn would’ve been tough to beat this upcoming season with the team Geno has put together, without Sarah. With her, it’s lights out.