Seems it's time... Who will start?

[EricSD]

With the season fast approaching, it seems like discussions have begun again on who will start. There's really no wrong answer. It seems like Geno has had some comments on it, and I'm sure he has his own idea, but I'm betting he won't know for sure until practices start in earnest.

We still don't know how healthy everyone will be, especially Caroline, but based on what we know now...

 

[PvP]

I seem to agree with the majority--Paige, El Alfy, Shade, Chen and Strong, I appreciate the company! I doubt our opposition will appreciate having to face such a starting five or the next five who sub in for that matter....can't wait!

 

[maple]

Here's my pick going off vibes alone. And I am probably very wrong.

• Paige (110% likely)
• Chen
• Jana
• Shade
• Sarah Strong

I think AG, Azzi, KK, and Morgan all have a good chance at starting as well. If I knew AG and Azzi were 100% healthy and looking back to their old selves, I'd say they absolutely will be starters. I remain uncertain as to whether or not Caroline will even be able to play this season, so I just don't see her as a starter right now (though again, if she was 100% healthy and good to return, she would be a starter IMO).

 

[Bills Fan]

With 22 votes in, it looks like about 1/2 of us see a 4 guard (PB, Ash,Chen, KK)/1 big (Jana) lineup with the other 1/2 going with a more traditional lineup of 2 bigs (Jana and Sarah) and 3 guards/wings PB, Ash and Chen. I concur with Maple's starting five. While ICE is certainly a possibility, I would guess that she will get starter minutes as a backup to Jana, at the 5, and Sarah at the 4.

It's interesting that there are a few voters picking both Chen and KK to start.

 

[Since1990]

Here's my pick going off vibes alone. And I am probably very wrong.

• Paige (110% likely)
• Chen
• Jana
• Shade
• Sarah Strong

I think AG, Azzi, KK, and Morgan all have a good chance at starting as well. If I knew AG and Azzi were 100% healthy and looking back to their old selves, I'd say they absolutely will be starters. I remain uncertain as to whether or not Caroline will even be able to play this season, so I just don't see her as a starter right now (though again, if she was 100% healthy and good to return, she would be a starter IMO).

I don't see Chen starting instead of KK. Off the bench she can sub for Paige, Shade or KK.

 

[Bone Dog]

Here's my pick going off vibes alone.

I love vibes! Good on you!

 

[CTtoSanDiego]

Paige

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Paige, Chen, Azzi, Ice, and Jana.

Three three level scorers in the backcourt, size and some experience in the front court. Unless Azzi isn't available for our first game (possible) i'd be shocked if this isn't the starting line up.

 

[Bone Dog]

Start on Day 1? This question has to favor whoever already knows the system. I think that leaves out Sarah, and maybe Kaitlyn, too. Yes, it’s similar to Princeton’s and she has experience in that one, but not with this level of athletes. Later in the season? Yes to both of them.

 

[jdote33]

I like the idea of Ice and Jana starting together but then who is the backup 5. I've been watching a lot of Sarah highlights from high school and she definitely looks like more of a shooter than Ice. Ice is more of a traditional post that can shoot better than what she did last year. Ice is probably an inch plus taller. Sarah seems like a better passer but of course Ice has more experience. Both are pretty physical and strong. So the Ice or Sarah discussion for starting is interesting.

 

[Majic Hands]

Paige, Chen, Azzi, Ice, and Jana.

Three three level scorers in the backcourt, size and some experience in the front court. Unless Azzi isn't available for our first game (possible) i'd be shocked if this isn't the starting line up.

Right now I have the same day lineup as you.

I’ve put this lineup option in another thread with the qualifier that if there is a different lineup on day one I’ll not be surprised in the least.

 

[dtbtbtb]

IMO Day 1 starters will be Paige, Chen, Ash, Ice, and Jana but few games into the season i can see Geno going with Paige, Azzi, Chen, Strong and Jana.
Reasons: it will take some time for Azzi to get back to 100% and i doubt Geno will want to put pressure on Strong to start from day 1.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

I like the idea of Ice and Jana starting together but then who is the backup 5. I've been watching a lot of Sarah highlights from high school and she definitely looks like more of a shooter than Ice. Ice is more of a traditional post that can shoot better than what she did last year. Ice is probably an inch plus taller. Sarah seems like a better passer but of course Ice has more experience. Both are pretty physical and strong. So the Ice or Sarah discussion for starting is interesting.

Why do you need a back up 5? The back up 5 is whatever player stays in the game when one of them comes out and plays at the 5. Ice isn't a 5 to begin with so who the back up 5 is shouldn't matter to begin with in regards to starters because we have 1 5. We had 0 fives last season and still managed to survive.

I think Ice starts because you don't want two freshman starting in the front court.

 

[Huskee11]

Paige, Shade, Chen, Strong, Jana.

Paige - yep.

Shade is a very safe pick - lots of minutes last season, reliable, good at everything.

I am guessing that Azzi will be ready to go to start the season but will be on a minutes restriction, which suggests to me that she will be utilized as the "microwave" off the bench. I think Azzi will be starting by the second half of the season though.

KK will also provide great energy off the bench but Chen has more experience and has shown herself more than capable of competing and scoring at the highest levels of WCBB. We need scoring options against the top ten teams. She gets the nod over KK, who could start for all but a handful of teams.

If Strong is anywhere near as good as advertised, she will start on day one. Number one recruit, with comparisons being tossed around to some of the best of the best.

Ice will contribute although it is preferable to have her as a size option off the bench, especially if Ayanna is still iffy. Jana and Ice should also see some time on the court together.

I may be overestimating Jana's abilities in including her as a starter, but I doubt it. She appears to be the real deal. By the time the season starts, the achilles injury will be well over a year ago.

It will be interesting for sure. How will the health issues resolve? Can the new players make an immediate impact? Will the rookies from last season make a big jump or not? As always, perhaps more so, expect the unexpected.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Wait! Did practice start? Did I miss it? Damn.

 

[Bigboote]

Wait! Did practice start? Did I miss it? Damn.

You don’t understand. Once practice starts, that’s time for the Nth “who starts” thread, where N is a large number. After the coaches say something, that’s time for N+1. Or N+2 . . . if there have been other threads in the few days between.

 

[Skeets]

I love vibes! Good on you!

Good vibrations. That would make a neat song.

Day 1; Paige, KK, Ash, Ice, and Jana. After that who knows. Where is Carnac when you need him :-(

 

[Zarathustra]

I like the idea of Ice and Jana starting together but then who is the backup 5. I've been watching a lot of Sarah highlights from high school and she definitely looks like more of a shooter than Ice. Ice is more of a traditional post that can shoot better than what she did last year. Ice is probably an inch plus taller. Sarah seems like a better passer but of course Ice has more experience. Both are pretty physical and strong. So the Ice or Sarah discussion for starting is interesting.

I was thinking "ICE" on the inside and that UCONN will be best served " STRONG" on the outside.

 

[DEpup]

I would love to see everyone get healthy and we do a professional style almost 2 starting line ups where you can have the right mix in each and can have a line change at the half way mark of a quarter to keep everyone fresh and the press on. Maybe I watched too much olympics bball....

 

[Alydar]

With 73 voters there are 7 players who are on about half of the ballots and 10 players overall named as starters. Usually that would suggest that there was a talent tail off after maybe three players. Not this year.

 

[EricSD]

So according to the BY'ers, the 3 highest are Paige, Jana, and Ashlynn. Then there are 4 who have between 50-60 (Sarah, KK, Caitlyn, and Ice. Azzi is a but further back in the 30's at this time.

Makes sense to me. Not necessarily who I voted for, but that's a core of 8, not even including a healthy Aubrey. I think it's pretty clear that a healthy UConn team will have a LOT of playing time for a lot of players!

 

[billnaples]

200 minutes 14 players on the roster, if all healthy a nice problem to have. ElAlfy, Brady, Strong, Griffin, Patterson all front line people.
Paige, Azzi, Shade, KK, Chen, and the rest back court and wings. The if factor of health and when are they ready is key. Time will resolve
it all. As UConn fans we are blessed to have that talent and Geno and Chris, Jamelle, and Tonya(?) apologies I forgot the other assistant.

 

[Husky fanatic]

200 minutes 14 players on the roster, if all healthy a nice problem to have. ElAlfy, Brady, Strong, Griffin, Patterson all front line people.
Paige, Azzi, Shade, KK, Chen, and the rest back court and wings. The if factor of health and when are they ready is key. Time will resolve
it all. As UConn fans we are blessed to have that talent and Geno and Chris, Jamelle, and Tonya(?) apologies I forgot the other assistant.

Ben

 

[Bone Dog]

200 minutes 14 players on the roster, if all healthy a nice problem to have.

It’s easily solved. Simply divide 200 by 14. That yields 14 minutes each with 4 left over. Give those to whoever wins the TikTok dance competition for that week.

 

[hoophuskee]

I've made a change and went with Jana over Ice. Just that someone on another site posted a comment Geno made about Jana. So I can't not put her in. And I believe Sarah is just better than Ice in everything - so while I hate two frosh starting in the frontcourt, we had two in the backcourt last year. And I don't think Azzi will be completetely ready so I went with Ash. When 100% healthy it's Azzi.
And I gave edge to Chen over KK.
And the 5th starter - umm what's her name . . .

 

[oldhusky]

I don't see Chen starting instead of KK. Off the bench she can sub for Paige, Shade or KK.

The versatility helps, but Paige's versatility is even more important in that regard. If Geno wants to put in a PG for a SF or visa versa it usually isn't a problem. For example if Caroline, Q, or say Morgan was at the 3, then KK or Chen could replace them if needed. The reason is if Caroline or someone else who more a natural 3, is in the game then Paige is probably playing the 1. Bring in a 1 and take out a 3, no problem because Paige just moves to the 3.

Basically as long as Paige remains in the game you can substitute any perimeter player for any other perimeter player even if their skill-set and best natural position is quite different. Paige is our best player at 1-3, and except for Sarah maybe at the 4 as well. Now when Paige is sitting (not often) the versatility of Chen and other outside players becomes more important.

Geno had a situation where his hands were largely tied last year as far as strategic or situational substitutions were concerned. He had to go with what he had, and substitutions were made more based on needed rest than game strategy. This year he can much more of a game coach, because he has great versatility, mostly because of Paige, and a much deeper bench.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm answering this as of Game 1 in November, based on what we know about injury recovery. I see that a handful of folks agree with me on all 5, though my picks are not the highest ranking.

I am pleased that all 131 voters so far see Paige as a starter. She's the likely NPOY, especially if the team record is excellent.

In addition to Paige, I see Kaitlyn starting. She was a 3-year starter at Princeton (Covid wiped out her first year) and was Conference POY as a junior. She's experienced and highly versatile, strong on both ends of the floor. I don't think Geno recruited her to play her off the bench for the single year that she will be at UConn.

I think Ashlyn also starts, in a 3-guard rotation. She's more versatile and a better shooter than KK, in my opinion. Though KK started last year, I think she comes off the bench as a spurt of energy. She has 3 years remaining and will be a starter next year. By about January, Azzi should be a starter.

I don't think Geno uses a 4-guard rotation. That was done out of necessity this past season. If she were available, Aubs could get this slot, but I think Sarah is a starter. She's THAT good. She can score, rebound, and pass. I think we need the size. Maybe Aubs will start when she's healthy.

I see Jana as the starter at center. She is the tallest and most skilled. She's also very physical. Ice will back her up and also play some power forward.

My guess is that Azzi and Aubrey will not play in Game 1, but should be back 1-2 months later.

 

[ashfan]

I'm answering this as of Game 1 in November, based on what we know about injury recovery. I see that a handful of folks agree with me on all 5, though my picks are not the highest ranking.

I am pleased that all 131 voters so far see Paige as a starter. She's the likely NPOY, especially if the team record is excellent.

In addition to Paige, I see Kaitlyn starting. She was a 3-year starter at Princeton (Covid wiped out her first year) and was Conference POY as a junior. She's experienced and highly versatile, strong on both ends of the floor. I don't think Geno recruited her to play her off the bench for the single year that she will be at UConn.

I think Ashlyn also starts, in a 3-guard rotation. She's more versatile and a better shooter than KK, in my opinion. Though KK started last year, I think she comes off the bench as a spurt of energy. She has 3 years remaining and will be a starter next year. By about January, Azzi should be a starter.

I don't think Geno uses a 4-guard rotation. That was done out of necessity this past season. If she were available, Aubs could get this slot, but I think Sarah is a starter. She's THAT good. She can score, rebound, and pass. I think we need the size. Maybe Aubs will start when she's healthy.

I see Jana as the starter at center. She is the tallest and most skilled. She's also very physical. Ice will back her up and also play some power forward.

My guess is that Azzi and Aubrey will not play in Game 1, but should be back 1-2 months later.

It's easier to solve Rubik's cube than to piece together the next UConn baclcourt!

 

[UCTitleTown]

Should probably add position to the poll. If the 5 best players all play the same position, 4 aren't starting.

 

[diggerfoot]

I'm answering this as of Game 1 in November, based on what we know about injury recovery. I see that a handful of folks agree with me on all 5, though my picks are not the highest ranking.

I am pleased that all 131 voters so far see Paige as a starter. She's the likely NPOY, especially if the team record is excellent.

In addition to Paige, I see Kaitlyn starting. She was a 3-year starter at Princeton (Covid wiped out her first year) and was Conference POY as a junior. She's experienced and highly versatile, strong on both ends of the floor. I don't think Geno recruited her to play her off the bench for the single year that she will be at UConn.

I think Ashlyn also starts, in a 3-guard rotation. She's more versatile and a better shooter than KK, in my opinion. Though KK started last year, I think she comes off the bench as a spurt of energy. She has 3 years remaining and will be a starter next year. By about January, Azzi should be a starter.

I don't think Geno uses a 4-guard rotation. That was done out of necessity this past season. If she were available, Aubs could get this slot, but I think Sarah is a starter. She's THAT good. She can score, rebound, and pass. I think we need the size. Maybe Aubs will start when she's healthy.

I see Jana as the starter at center. She is the tallest and most skilled. She's also very physical. Ice will back her up and also play some power forward.

My guess is that Azzi and Aubrey will not play in Game 1, but should be back 1-2 months later.

What you outlined comes closest to my view, though I will equivocate that neither Sales, nor Ralph, Taurasi or M. Moore started at first, despite being a cut above all the others in their class. It could be that Brady starts at first instead of Strong. That’s not something I would bet on, but possible given past history of how Auriemma has employed #1 talent.