Sarah strong hype

[HopJim]

I agree that Maya was the best freshman and then Paige. Sarah has a great overall game and I think she will start at the 4 because she is comfortable playing high and setting screens rolling off the high screens shooting the 3 from there. Also, her passing is smart because she sees the court so well. She also rebounds well and gets the ball on the break quickly. Geno usually starts a number 1 recruit in the country for most of the season.

Good call on noting Sarah's value on screens. How would opposing coaches defend her coming off a screen against a smaller guard? Geno would call this play every time down the floor.

 

[oldude]

Good call on noting Sarah's value on screens. How would opposing coaches defend her coming off a screen against a smaller guard? Geno would call this play every time down the floor.

Paige got really comfortable executing the screen and roll with Aaliyah. I suspect that she will get very comfortable with Sarah in short order, not to mention Ice & Jana as well. When you have a player with Paige's ability to read the defense and execute flawlessly, along with several Bigs who can both finish at the rim and step out and bury a jump shot, it is virtually impossible to defend the high screen and roll.

 

[meyers7]

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.

I think you're way off on some of the numbers here.

For one, 320 rebounds as a FR would put her above Charles, Moore, Dolson, Stewart, Lobo.....by a large margin. If she came in around 250-275, that would be tremendous. (and hopefully we won't need her with more than 6-7 a game....assuming El Alfy and Ice can contribute there)

120 steals? No freaking way. Only 9 times in UCONN history has a player got 100+ steals in a season. Once by a FR (Sales - the UCONN record holder for steals) 50-60 would be tremendous.

160 Assists. Again, no way. Bueckers has the record for a FR at 168. I would expect Bueckers, Chen and Arnold to take a huge portion of the assists (60%?). And then you're dividing up the remainder between Fudd, Shade, Cheli and Strong for the most part (maybe Ziebell picks up 30-40). If Strong were to get 100 that would be tremendous (and a bit worrying as to what was happening/happened with the rest of the players)

Don't think you're gonna get 80 block not playing (hopefully or something's wrong) in the 5 spot.

And 31 minutes a game? Hopefully not. Hopefully we can divide the minutes up between 9-10 players. With #11-12 getting a few themselves (7-10). I don't expect much more than 12 players at any one time. But that would be a nice rotation if you could use 9-10 of them for most the game.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think you're way off on some of the numbers here.

For one, 320 rebounds as a FR would put her above Charles, Moore, Dolson, Stewart, Lobo.....by a large margin. If she came in around 250-275, that would be tremendous. (and hopefully we won't need her with more than 6-7 a game....assuming El Alfy and Ice can contribute there)

120 steals? No freaking way. Only 9 times in UCONN history has a player got 100+ steals in a season. Once by a FR (Sales - the UCONN record holder for steals) 50-60 would be tremendous.

160 Assists. Again, no way. Bueckers has the record for a FR at 168. I would expect Bueckers, Chen and Arnold to take a huge portion of the assists (60%?). And then you're dividing up the remainder between Fudd, Shade, Cheli and Strong for the most part (maybe Ziebell picks up 30-40). If Strong were to get 100 that would be tremendous (and a bit worrying as to what was happening/happened with the rest of the players)

Don't think you're gonna get 80 block not playing (hopefully or something's wrong) in the 5 spot.

And 31 minutes a game? Hopefully not. Hopefully we can divide the minutes up between 9-10 players. With #11-12 getting a few themselves (7-10). I don't expect much more than 12 players at any one time. But that would be a nice rotation if you could use 9-10 of them for most the game.

I know. They're absurdly optimistic numbers. I'm glad someone finally picked up on this. I got them merely by making a guess abut her averages and multiplying by 35 games and then scaling down a little bit. But you're right that she won't have 35 straight games like that, and she won't average 30 mins/g, even though she might get that many in March.

My absurdly optimistic stat line for Sarah is 15 pts, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, 2 blocks.

Your more reasonable stat line for her is ? pts, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1.7 steals, ? blocks. I've rounded a little, and there's still a couple of blanks. Still, I'm good with this stat line.

I might offer a few quibbles though.

• 2 blocks a game doesn't mean there's something wrong at the 5 spot. I suspect it will mean the exact opposite, namely that opposing players are trying to avoid Jana in the lane and running into Sarah. Also, bear in mind that Paige averaged 1.4 blocks last season. If she can do that next to Aaliyah and Ice, I think Sarah can do just a smidge better next to Jana. Finally, I watched a few of her HS games, and she was a block machine.
• She was also a steal machine, so 1.7 doesn't look out of line and maybe a tiny bit low. Sarah may be able to set a record in this area, or come close to Nykesha's record. A lot will depend on whether Geno uses her in the press. It's also worth noting that Morgan played the tip of the press in HS and got or forced lots of steals that way. If she gets significant minutes, Sarah might have competition.
• I don't know what to expect from assists. I think you're mistaken about Allie getting that many assists from the W or SG spot. Geno will want her to shoot every time she touches the ball, not pass it. Same for Azzi. He isn't looking for passes from them, or even from Ash. One thing a lot of people in the BY have noticed about Sarah is that she's a brilliant passer from the high post. This is a motif Geno likes to use -- Liv averaged 3.5 assists from there 3 years ago and Dorka got 3.2 assists 2 years ago. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Sarah, who is a much better perimeter shooter than either of them, will put up similar or better assist numbers as a result. If opponents have to cover her out there, Jana or Ice will have an easy time in the paint, which means lots of assists for Sarah and the other passers.

The real question mark for me is points. She's a brilliant perimeter shooter, but also has great post moves, and the threat of her passing can work the other way, too, and open up the lane for her drives. If she's nearly as efficient as Paige and shoots ~50/40/90, 15 points/g may be a low estimate. It really depends on whether she passes more than she shoots. If she takes as many shots as Paige, who shot 53/42/83 and took ~20 shots/g [and still got 3,8 assists], we should expect similar numbers, namely ~20 pts/g. But Paige played 32 mins, and if Sarah only gets some fraction of this, then 15 pts looks more realistic. Geno could have a tough decision. He will want to get the most out of Sarah, but he'll also want to create a feasible learning curve for her. 30+ mins is what I expect in the second half of the season, and certainly by tournament time. But in the earlier part of the season, 15-20 mins may be more typical.

 

[meyers7]

[*]2 blocks a game doesn't mean there's something wrong at the 5 spot. I suspect it will mean the exact opposite, namely that opposing players are trying to avoid Jana in the lane and running into Sarah. Also, bear in mind that Paige averaged 1.4 blocks last season. If she can do that next to Aaliyah and Ice, I think Sarah can do just a smidge better next to Jana. Finally, I watched a few of her HS games, and she was a block machine.

Yes, it does mean there's problem. Bueckers last year having to play the 4 was a problem. I don't want her there. I don't want my 6-0 G/PG/W being the team leader in blocks. That means were not getting defensive production from the 5. I want more production from El Alfy and Ice in the post (offensively and defensively). If Strong is having to carry the rebounding and blocks load, that's not good. Just like last year with Bueckers.

[*]She was also a steal machine, so 1.7 doesn't look out of line and maybe a tiny bit low. Sarah may be able to set a record in this area, or come close to Nykesha's record. A lot will depend on whether Geno uses her in the press. It's also worth noting that Morgan played the tip of the press in HS and got or forced lots of steals that way. If she gets significant minutes, Sarah might have competition.

Well hopefully Cheli doesn't get "significant" minutes, or something is wrong again. I don't think Strong will have the minutes (hopefully) to get that up in the Sales air for steals.

I don't know what to expect from assists. I think you're mistaken about Allie getting that many assists from the W or SG spot. Geno will want her to shoot every time she touches the ball, not pass it. Same for Azzi. He isn't looking for passes from them, or even from Ash. One thing a lot of people in the BY have noticed about Sarah is that she's a brilliant passer from the high post. This is a motif Geno likes to use -- Liv averaged 3.5 assists from there 3 years ago and Dorka got 3.2 assists 2 years ago. I don't think it's a stretch to think that Sarah, who is a much better perimeter shooter than either of them, will put up similar or better assist numbers as a result. If opponents have to cover her out there, Jana or Ice will have an easy time in the paint, which means lots of assists for Sarah and the other passers.

If they let Strong play a lot of high post and El Alfy/Ice can do well in the post, then maybe Strong could get to 100, like Gabby did. But I still don't think she'll play that much to rack up huge numbers. Look if she's at 100 that' s awesome. ONO and Juhasz were also playing with a small team. 6-7 players. They played a lot and ranked up a lot of stats. Hopefully, Strong doesn't have to do that.


As for Points. If Strong was 3rd option, I could see that. And I'd be ok with that. If we had 5 (maybe 6) 10+ scorers, that would be great. Bueckers is gonna get hers this year. Hopefully Fudd can too. They should be in the 15-20 range. Then your 3/4 option 13-16, awesome. 5/6 option in around 9-12. We'd be a really good team. IF, IF we still had some players in the 5-8 range.

 

[Bone Dog]

I always enjoy it when people engage, even disagree with my posts. I often learn from disagreement, and I make a point of “liking” their replies. But it surprises me how few others do this. Do they think this is a competition or a battle, or that folks who see things in interestingly different ways are somehow enemies? Is there nothing to learn from hearing other views?

Sigh

 

[DefenseBB]

I always enjoy it when people engage, even disagree with my posts. I often learn from disagreement, and I make a point of “liking” their replies. But it surprises me how few others do this. Do they think this is a competition or a battle, or that folks who see things in interestingly different ways are somehow enemies? Is there nothing to learn from hearing other views?

Sigh

Boy, you MUST LEARN A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT!

 

[Skeets]

I always enjoy it when people engage, even disagree with my posts. I often learn from disagreement, and I make a point of “liking” their replies. But it surprises me how few others do this. Do they think this is a competition or a battle, or that folks who see things in interestingly different ways are somehow enemies? Is there nothing to learn from hearing other views?

Sigh

LOL, fishing for likes? Approaching 38K you're not exactly hurting for likes. My opinion? If strong has 80% of the productivity that Paige had in her freshman year, we will all be in a happy place.

 

[DEpup]

In my opinion, Strong has many great incoming skills. For this particular team, I think she will need to lean into rebounding, setting screens with that frame for our established shooters, and scoring down low to open up space by pulling in the defense again for our established shooters. And taking an open three when it's there.

 

[Rb335]

My hope is that her shooting prowess translates to the college game seamlessly. I believe Paige, Azzi, and potentially Sarah are all players capable of shooting 40% from deep for a full season. That type of shooting really opens the floor. And for the first time in a while we have a true 6-5 center. Depending on how Sarah and Jana transition to college, I won’t be surprised to see them play the 4/5 together, where Sarah plays more offensively as a wing.

We have to wait and see what her impact will be. But preseason, of the unknowns, has the greatest potential in my opinion.

 

[Bone Dog]

Depending on how Sarah and Jana transition to college, I won’t be surprised to see them play the 4/5 together, where Sarah plays more offensively as a wing.

Now that you put it this way, I guess Ice could find herself in an interesting position. She came in as a highly ranked recruit, then suffered a major injury, and has had to rebuild her game. It was still a work in progress last season to get back to where she started. Now an even more highly touted big arrives and she may have to battle for minutes at the 4/5 with Sarah and Jana, and potentially Ayanna, all season long. Practices will demand a lot from her, which could prove to be the best possible challenge. If she succeeds and earns major minutes in the rotation, that would be fantastic for the team and for her own draft stock down the road. Can you imagine getting to hone your skills against that trio? And the following season, she’ll be the seasoned veteran setting the example for Gandy and maybe Lara.

And it may all be due to Sarah. If she hadn’t come, Ice would have had a clear path to be the 4 next to Jana and the occasional 5.

 

[DEpup]

I think there will be plenty of minutes for Ice. Jana like Dolson will be a foul machine in her first year on the court. If Ice is looking good, I could see Ice starting at the 4 and then move to the 5 when Jana gets a foul and then Strong comes in at the 4. I think Ice is the player that is under the radar right now... BE tournament Ice is a starter.... IMO.

 

[Alydar]

So, she's better than Stewie, Paige, or Napheesa?

We can only hope it's true.

 

[darrell]

 

[Cuango]

Now that you put it this way, I guess Ice could find herself in an interesting position. She came in as a highly ranked recruit, then suffered a major injury, and has had to rebuild her game. It was still a work in progress last season to get back to where she started. Now an even more highly touted big arrives and she may have to battle for minutes at the 4/5 with Sarah and Jana, and potentially Ayanna, all season long. Practices will demand a lot from her, which could prove to be the best possible challenge. If she succeeds and earns major minutes in the rotation, that would be fantastic for the team and for her own draft stock down the road. Can you imagine getting to hone your skills against that trio? And the following season, she’ll be the seasoned veteran setting the example for Gandy and maybe Lara.

And it may all be due to Sarah. If she hadn’t come, Ice would have had a clear path to be the 4 next to Jana and the occasional 5.

Ice looks to be in outstanding condition and I believe we’re in for a real treat from her. She looks lean & mean and I think she’s going to remind all of us that she was a #5 recruit and second best post player in her class! What little film I’ve seen of her shows a player (I believe) who is fully (and finally) healthy and raring to go! She, Jana, and Sarah must be having some awesome battles in practice! I love that she’s a lefty too!

 

[RoadMaster]

 

[Bills Fan]

Looking at the list makes me think Sarah has a reasonable shot at winning this. Also, I found it interesting that Saylor P is on the list. It's just so hard to keep up with what school she is playing for-I guess they needed a Maryland player.

 

[reelfan]

We have Sarah and you don't.

 

[mauconnfan]

I am not saying Sarah is not good, she's very good but Geno has a history of pumping up the players before the season. She needs to be everything that you and others have hyped if we want to win a title as we are not as deep in the front court and her skills will most definitely be needed but NO WAY do I think she's "best freshman in a very long time" as just 3 years ago we had the first freshman who was the only freshman to win POY....that's my point.

Now all that said, I did look back over the last 7 #1 ranked players who have come to UConn and the rather interesting stat is of the 242 games played in their freshman season at UConn, the prior year #1 HoopGurlz prospect only started 124 games or 51% of the time! This speaks to the volume of talent the team already possessed.

To wit:
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis started only 1 game her Freshman year of 38. The team had Hayes, Hartley, Dolson, Faris, Doty
Stewie only started 17 of 39 and the team had KML, Dolson, Doty, Faris and Hartley
Katie Lou Samuelson started 22 of 37 on a team with Stewie, Tuck, Mo, Kia, Gabby and Saniya
Megan Walker did not start any games of her 36 on a team with KLS, Phee, Kia, Gabby, Crystal Dangerfield and Azura
Christyn Williams started all 38
Paige started all 29
Azzi started 17 of 25

I disagree on Geno hyping up his freshman consistently. He’s normally the opposite from what I recall no?

 

[Bone Dog]

Geno on Media Day recalling Sarah as a junior in high school: “If we get her to come to our program, she’s going to change the trajectory of our program.”

 

[CONN78SEJ]

Geno on Media Day recalling Sarah as a junior in high school: “If we get her to come to our program, she’s going to change the trajectory of our program.”

Didn’t he famously say “we have Diana and you don’t”?

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I disagree on Geno hyping up his freshman consistently. He’s normally the opposite from what I recall no?

He didn’t do it a lot, but he did for 3 or 4 of them. Shea Ralph and Diana as freshman were two that I remember.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

If this was posted in another thread, I missed it. Seems to fit here though.



UConn coach Geno Auriemma told reporters that Strong is shy, introverted and studious off the court. Auriemma said Strong had that same cautious approach on the floor in September and early October but has become more assertive lately while showcasing the skills that made her such a prized recruit.

He can’t wait to see what’s next from her.

“I can honestly say that she’s probably as impressive as any freshman that we’ve had in a long, long time with all the things that she’s capable of doing on the court,” Auriemma said. “I’m excited because every day she does something I haven’t seen before from her. I’m anxious every day to go to practice to see what’s the next step that she can take – a little baby step, but the next step.”

From Strong to Justice, meet some of the top freshmen in women's basketball

UConn’s Sarah Strong doesn’t need to look far to find inspiration as she gets ready to begin her college career.

ca.sports.yahoo.com

 

[Steelerone]

From everything I’ve seen, folks indicate that when she is off of the court, she is demure, quiet, almost bashful in personality. In essence, she is not banging on reporter’s doors, nor out on social media with “look at me” stuff. Probably something that she is going to have to learn to do more of frankly.

Geno indicated earlier this week, paraphrasing, “Every single day, she shows me something new that I didn't know she could do. She is the best freshman that we have had here at UConn in a very long time”. He did not include the statement “with the exception of…”. No idea of what his definition of very long time is, but four years ago he had a freshman who was National Player of the Year; it was the only time in history in which that award was given to a freshman!

Why should she have to learn to be something she's not?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

NBC Got Next:

 

[Cuango]

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.

While I do believe Azzi has the best shot I remain unconvinced that she is the “best overall shooter“. I believe that title belongs to Paige. Admittedly, it is certainly possible that Azzi could potentially earn that title if she can stay healthy. I am doubtful though, simply because Paige plays at a level that I’ve never seen before. Certainly however, Azzi has otherworldly potential herself if she can stay healthy.

It is difficult to put into words just how lethal a (fully healthy) Paige & Azzi combination could be! Imagine Paige shooting 53% overall and 43% from three (clearly possible) joined by Azzi shooting 50%+- and 40+-. Now throw in Ash at 49% & 38%, KK at 48% & 35%, Allie at 47% & 40%, and Sarah at 50% & 37%! Obviously, everyone but Paige would be an educated guess ( an easily defensible one though, imo) but even if all shoot 2% lower than my guess, that s as much firepower as I’ve ever seen on one roster! This team, healthy, has the ability to post some staggering numbers and that’s not even counting the posts, who also have some serious scoring potential! Then, on top of all that, we have Q & Aubrey, with hopefully, Caroline perhaps joining in later on in the season!

 

[Bone Dog]

It is difficult to put into words just how lethal a (fully healthy) Paige & Azzi combination could be

Excellent post. I’ve been in the habit of imagining a duo, the Paige & Azzi show. But I have a feeling we ought to start thinking of a trio: Paige Azzi & Sarah, Inc. They may turn out to be the constants around whom the rest of the team revolves. They may be the only ones who regularly get 25+ minutes per game.

Paige plays at a level that I’ve never seen before.

This is also my sentiment on most days. But then it hits me that I’ve seen someone playing at this level before, with the smarts, the swagger, the killer instinct and the transcendent trash talking: Diana. I’m not saying they’re identical, but they share some traits. It’s just that the way they each carry themselves and then carry a team is distinctive. Neither of them is an isolation-type scorer or a ball-hog. They each move well without the ball and are deadly passers as well as shooters. Diana’s career traced a path worth emulating and so far Paige has been thwarted by injury, hers and those of others. But perhaps this season we’ll finally get to see what her career could look like.

From the beginning of her recruitment, Geno has thought of Sarah as someone who could “change the trajectory of the program.” This season we may get to see what an overlap of three transcendent talents will look like again. What a lucky star Sarah arrives in Storrs under. If all goes well, she gets to play with one or two of the greats, players eager to prove themselves and leave a mark on the wall. And then Sarah will inherit the program and make her own mark. These are heady times and I hope the malign fate that’s haunted Storrs for the past few years gets out of their way.

 

[oldude]

Excellent post. I’ve been in the habit of imagining a duo, the Paige & Azzi show. But I have a feeling we ought to start thinking of a trio: Paige Azzi & Sarah, Inc. They may turn out to be the constants around whom the rest of the team revolves. They may be the only ones who regularly get 25+ minutes per game.


This is also my sentiment on most days. But then it hits me that I’ve seen someone playing at this level before, with the smarts, the swagger, the killer instinct and the transcendent trash talking: Diana. I’m not saying they’re identical, but they share some traits. It’s just that the way they each carry themselves and then carry a team is distinctive. Neither of them is an isolation-type scorer or a ball-hog. They each move well without the ball and are deadly passers as well as shooters. Diana’s career traced a path worth emulating and so far Paige has been thwarted by injury, hers and those of others. But perhaps this season we’ll finally get to see what her career could look like.

From the beginning of her recruitment, Geno has thought of Sarah as someone who could “change the trajectory of the program.” This season we may get to see what an overlap of three transcendent talents will look like again. What a lucky star Sarah arrives in Storrs under. If all goes well, she gets to play with one or two of the greats, players eager to prove themselves and leave a mark on the wall. And then Sarah will inherit the program and make her own mark. These are heady times and I hope the malign fate that’s haunted Storrs for the past few years gets out of their way.

Agree on the Paige, Azzi, Sarah combination, a potentially lethal trio of 3 #1 recruits on the court at the same time. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, because that combination will require everyone to be healthy and playing to form. But the vision of 3 UConn superstars carving up opponents is a beautiful thing.

 

[Bone Dog]

Agree on the Paige, Azzi, Sarah combination, a potentially lethal trio of 3 #1 recruits on the court at the same time. I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself, because that combination will require everyone to be healthy and playing to form. But the vision of 3 UConn superstars carving up opponents is a beautiful thing.

Now you’ve done it. You poked my turban and a crystal ball rolled out. It’s absurd prediction time.

The trio of Paige Azzi and Sarah will average ~60 points per game. The future is always hazy and I can’t see exactly how it will play out yet, but signs point to only Paige averaging over 20, perhaps as much as 25 points. Of course any of the three is capable of dropping 30 on a given night. The rest of the roster merely has to come up with another 25 to bring the total up to 85 or so.

 

[oldude]

Now you’ve done it. You poked my turban and a crystal ball rolled out. It’s absurd prediction time.

The trio of Paige Azzi and Sarah will average ~60 points per game. The future is always hazy and I can’t see exactly how it will play out yet, but signs point to only Paige averaging over 20, perhaps as much as 25 points. Of course any of the three is capable of dropping 30 on a given night. The rest of the roster merely has to come up with another 25 to bring the total up to 85 or so.

As info, there was one other year when UConn WBB fielded a team with 3 #1 HS players. That was the 2018-19 season with Lou, Megan # Christyn. That team lost a tough one to ND in the national semifinals. Hopefully this year’s version goes 1 game farther and ends the season with a win.