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

[ashfan]

I wasn't joking. Of course Bueckers will start but if she were to give half-hearted effort in preseason practice she wouldn't. I give that an almost zero probability of happening. I've followed Bueckers' development since her 2nd year of HS and not giving 100% just isn't in her makeup however I don't think Geno has been blowing smoke about this for 40 years. Players are told that practice performance is directly proportional to minutes. Recruits who ask about minutes are quickly removed from UConn's recruiting list.

I think it's amazing that fans don't believe Geno on this point.

If practice performance is directly proportional to game minutes, then, from everything that is common knowledge, I see Ashlynn getting many, many minutes out there.

 

[Bone Dog]

I wasn't joking. Of course Bueckers will start but if she were to give half-hearted effort in preseason practice she wouldn't. I give that an almost zero probability of happening.

Sorry I misunderstood you. Of course, your point is the same as Geno’s joke. He says with a grin they she’ll have to earn playing time and everyone there roared. That’s because they knew he meant there’s no way she wouldn’t give a billion percent every moment she’s on the court in practice or in game play.

 

[Bald Husky]

Of course, it was a joke since anyone in their right mind would not leave her off the starting line-up. But to reinforce this, Paige has always said that basketball is her first priority, and any NIL stuff would have to be worked around her basketball stuff. Paige is committed and that will never change.

 

[mainerhuski]

Sorry, I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but Paige does NOT have to earn her starting position. It's her to lose and that isn't going to happen (meaning there is no other player on the team going to beat her out). Please don't take things to extreme and make up things that aren't going to happen. We all know that Paige, nor any of the players I mentioned, wouldn't do anything contrary than what is appropriate. They would, of course, set a perfect example and get permission from Geno and his staff before doing anything as you suggest.

I thought Alydar was joking in that post! 100% agree with you!

 

[EricSD]

To even discuss Paige not starting is just silly, especially citing possible "lack of effort". Why even discuss the possibility of her "giving a half hearted effort"? Goodness. Of all the potential issues to discuss with this team this season, that's so far out of the realm of possibility that I can't even believe someone actually said it.

Of course PT is earned in practice, but come on.

There's about as much a chance of that happening as Paige declaring for the 2025 WNBA draft now, and foregoing her last season.

 

[Alydar]

Sorry, I don't want to beat a dead horse here, but Paige does NOT have to earn her starting position. It's her to lose and that isn't going to happen (meaning there is no other player on the team going to beat her out). Please don't take things to extreme and make up things that aren't going to happen. We all know that Paige, nor any of the players I mentioned, wouldn't do anything contrary than what is appropriate. They would, of course, set a perfect example and get permission from Geno and his staff before doing anything as you suggest.

This discussion was about how Geno picks his starting team, by past performance or by pre-season performance. I have a video of him telling last year's team in September that the next 6 weeks (mid-Sept-Oct) would determine starters and minutes. Those who think last years starters have an edge due strictly to incumbency provided no supporting evidence yet. So unless you have a quote from him about a player owning their spot you are mistaken. A healthy Bueckers will start, but not because she owns her spot but because she will earn it in every practice. That's one reason I love her.

 

[oldhusky]

The more I see of Sarah in the 3x3 tournament, the more sure I am she will start at the 4, and the more I factor in what other players would most compliment her skill set. I think that bodes well for Azzi as soon as she is healthy, and Jana as even more likely to be the starter at the 5.

Obviously Sarah has both a nice three point shot and great passing instincts. She can play inside, but certainly can play on the perimeter as well. That makes a go to low post scorer at the 5 much more valuable, because Sarah can stretch the defense with her shot and be effective feeding the post as well. Jana is aggressive around the basket, Ice so far has not been, or shown much ability to score down low, even though I think she has that ability. Jana appears to pair better with Sarah IMO.

As for , playing with two other floor spacers and great passers (Paige and Sarah) should help her game tremendously also. Once she is healthy I think the starter debate boils down to who is the 5th player to go with Paige, Azzi, Sarah and Jana. That doesn't have to be the next best player necessarily, but could be what traits you need most and/or who fits best with the other 4. With so many good candidates, we can hope one of them truly breaks out from the pack. Whoever gets that spot will probably have to be significantly better than they have been, if a returnee, or greatly exceed expectations if they are a newcomer.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

This discussion was about how Geno picks his starting team, by past performance or by pre-season performance. I have a video of him telling last year's team in September that the next 6 weeks (mid-Sept-Oct) would determine starters and minutes. Those who think last years starters have an edge due strictly to incumbency provided no supporting evidence yet. So unless you have a quote from him about a player owning their spot you are mistaken. A healthy Bueckers will start, but not because she owns her spot but because she will earn it in every practice. That's one reason I love her.

I'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but come on ... common sense dictates that Paige OWNS her starting position. What would you expect Geno to say, he's a coach who wants every member of his team to fight for a starter spot.

 

[DEpup]

Strong also is a good big line up choice too. She could easily move to the 3 if you wanted to go big with 2 bangers like some combination of Jana, Ice, and Yanna at the 4 and 5. Then put like Paige and Azzi at the guard positions. We haven't been able to do something like that since 2015.

 

[hoophuskee]

Strong also is a good big line up choice too. She could easily move to the 3 if you wanted to go big with 2 bangers like some combination of Jana, Ice, and Yanna at the 4 and 5. Then put like Paige and Azzi at the guard positions. We haven't been able to do something like that since 2015.

Wouldn't have been great if Ayanna healthy? I don't think what we saw in her frosh year was anything near what she was in H/S in terms of athleticism.

When Aubrey comes back, once healthy, she is a terrfic/tremndous fit for Sarah too.

 

[Vowelguy]

Strong also is a good big line up choice too. She could easily move to the 3 if you wanted to go big with 2 bangers like some combination of Jana, Ice, and Yanna at the 4 and 5. Then put like Paige and Azzi at the guard positions. We haven't been able to do something like that since 2015.

I will bet heavily against Strong ever playing the 3 this year.
The experience and depth is with the guards.

 

[Cuango]

I predict that Sarah will show up on campus in the best shape of her life and that we are going to be shocked at how she looks! Obviously, I have no inside info but that is my prediction based on what I have seen of her. She clearly is a special talent, has had an exceptional upbringing, is a high character individual, and desperately wants to be great! That, in my opinion, suggests that she is working nonstop to prepare for the next four years! She is also clearly very intelligent and will likely want to fully take advantage of the presence of Paige this season! Ipso facto, Sarah will show up in top shape!

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I predict that Sarah will show up on campus in the best shape of her life and that we are going to be shocked at how she looks! Obviously, I have no inside info but that is my prediction based on what I have seen of her. She clearly is a special talent, has had an exceptional upbringing, is a high character individual, and desperately wants to be great! That, in my opinion, suggests that she is working nonstop to prepare for the next four years! She is also clearly very intelligent and will likely want to fully take advantage of the presence of Paige this season! Ipso facto, Sarah will show up in top shape!

I would imagine she’ll be on campus tomorrow or Sunday and I imagine she’ll look exactly how she did today which is perfectly fine for me. She looked to be in great shape, especially considering they played 5 games with no sub. we just need Sarah to show up and be Sarah.

 

[Skeets]

I'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but come on ... common sense dictates that Paige OWNS her starting position. What would you expect Geno to say, he's a coach who wants every member of his team to fight for a starter spot.

Can you imagine the explosion on the BY, and elsewhere, if Geno doesn't start a healthy Paige? Kaboom!

 

[Bone Dog]

I would imagine she’ll be on campus tomorrow or Sunday and I imagine she’ll look exactly how she did today which is perfectly fine for me. She looked to be in great shape, especially considering they played 5 games with no sub. we just need Sarah to show up and be Sarah.

Sarah looks lean and very fit. I think Geno’s staff will be very pleased.

 

[ashfan]

Regardless of Azzi's physical condition on Day 1, she should be brought along very gradually for two reasons: (1) ACL issues can recur, and (2) the near-term and long-term future of the backcourt is Ash 12--along with KK. Let the two sophomores bloom and blossom.

 

[HuskyNan]

I would imagine she’ll be on campus tomorrow or Sunday and I imagine she’ll look exactly how she did today which is perfectly fine for me. She looked to be in great shape, especially considering they played 5 games with no sub. we just need Sarah to show up and be Sarah.

I think she’ll go home for the holiday weekend then head to campus

 

[hoopsnloops32]

I think she’ll go home for the holiday weekend then head to campus

Possible though not pragmatic imo. Either way my point remains the same, she’s going to look exactly how she looked this week and that’s something to celebrate!

 

[EasyEd]

If I knew how, I would change my Brady vote to Strong, based on her performance in the 3X3. I originally had Ice starting because Geno usually gives the edge to the experience that Brady has had last year, but I think Strong might be just too good to start on the bench.

 

[oldhusky]

I will bet heavily against Strong ever playing the 3 this year.
The experience and depth is with the guards.

I will mostly agree with this, but not use the word "ever". I think there could be some circumstances where she might be used there. In many ways Paige, Azzi, and Sarah might be the best 1-3 combination possible, but it doesn't matter, because we would likely have at least one much weaker player at the 4 or 5.

When Aubrey returns and/or Ayanna or Ice makes a major leap from their first year performance, this would be more possible but right now Sarah is needed more at the 4, even if in future years she could find more time at the 3, particularly if we land Somfai for example.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

This roster doesn't really matter who starts, it is more important who should be on court at the most crucial moments but that depends on the opponent, whether more offense is needed or more defense. The players certainly understand this. But since Coach will look at everything knowing that this is Paige's last year, Aubrey's too, Caroline's still iffy health and uncertainty about what Azzi will eventually decide re: staying or leaving for the WNBA, there are lots to find out about which combinations offers the best floor and ceiling potential and then how to develop capabilities and chemistry of the rest with NC in mind as the forever goal. Right now, taking everything into account, the combination that, to me, offers the best potential (everything taken into account) is:

Paige, Azzi, Sarah, Jana and Kaitlyn.

Though Paige and Azzi haven't played together much at UConn, they have long practiced together at UConn and on their own, so their chemistry is not in question and when healthy their scoring potential is unmatched. They are both healthy now. Azzi has shown to be a fairly good defender and Paige has improved a lot, even against forwards. Coach would want to find out early what they can finally do together plus, he knows that Paige recruited Azzi so they can play together. This is their last chance as two top-ranked recruits to play together.

Incoming, Sarah does everything you want a point forward to do, very well indeed: pass, shoot, defend and rebound, albeit against players her age both at home and internationally. Given this, Coach would want to find out whether she can translate those skills against older, many more skilled competition. If she succeeds, it maximizes that position's effective contributions to go along with her 3 level offense.

Jana offers the size with a well-rounded skill set to go along with an aggressive and focused approach to the game on both sides of the ball, that no one else in the team can. Similarly, Coach would want to find out quickly with an eye to accelerate her development and integration with the team. She, too, has a 3 level offense.

I was thinking of KK as the primary ballhandler but I decided that Kaitlyn's experience and IQ are important elements to develop chemistry with the rest for another stabilizing hand in the most crucial moments against tough opponents, especially during tournament time. This would allow KK to grow at a better pace than last year while coming off the bench. As the year progresses, if her play shows she is able to contribute more or something than Kaitlyn, nothing will stop the Coach from giving her more time.

All 5 can shoot from long and mid range and can also drive. They are all fast enough to play with the pace UConn wants.

After that, Coach can do what he wants: use a hockey substitution pattern, mix and match to give everyone minutes against weaker opponents, etc. But he can also change the mix depending on whether he wants a pressing defense. For this, Aubrey's and likely KK's numbers will be called.

If hockey subbing, the next five can also be good on offense and defense, and able to shoot from distance. If Caroline is cleared, that next five could be Ice, Caroline, Aubrey, KK, and Ashlynn.

Good luck Coach in trying to give everyone minutes, mostly during the regular season to develop them just in case they will be needed come tournament time.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

We are all fascinated with size and want it fully represented on the court, so much so that we scan the recruits for 6'7" post players. However, we should not forget one important fact about Coach G's preference: to play fast. Bigs who are slow both in running the floor and reaction time will be more hindrances than assets. The ideal positionless team that Coach G sometimes talks about might be at least 3 6'2" - 6'3" players with enough heft and strength to hold their own in the post (if you could have a Gabby Williams type athlete or two among them, so much the better) and another two in the 6'0" range.....all can handle the ball, have 3 level offense, pass well, fast afoot and rebound well, high BB IQs.

If lucky enough to have such a team, I would put them against any team with traditional big girls who move as normal big girls do.

Come to think of it, the 2002 starting 5 came closest to that combination.....and they did fairly well, didn't they?

Aside from Jana - who is a luxury (big, can run, good on both sides of the ball) - there are enough players on this roster who would fit the specifications.....but Paige, Azzi and Sarah are constants along with Jana for potentially the best combination. You could choose to have Ice for them to match any big team they will face or you could choose to have Aubrey to have a pressure defense to go along with the firepower, or you could choose Kaitlyn or KK as primary ballhandlers while also be able to press.

The biggest learning for this team is the read and react defenses they shift from one to another, depending on the opponent.....because it is a new combination.

 

[Alydar]

I'm not disagreeing with what you're saying, but come on ... common sense dictates that Paige OWNS her starting position. What would you expect Geno to say, he's a coach who wants every member of his team to fight for a starter spot.

If we were using common sense we wouldn't be naming a starting team weeks before the 1st official practice. It's as we are telling players not to try too hard because the boneyard knows who will play and who will sit.
I think practices this preseason will decide things. I don't think Geno says these things for PR reasons alone or to motivate players.
I also think Bueckers will start. But then I also believe she is a demi-goddess and above the judgement of ordinary humans. Luckily for UConn Geno doesn't share my opinion.

 

[Skeets]

If we were using common sense we wouldn't be naming a starting team weeks before the 1st official practice. It's as we are telling players not to try too hard because the boneyard knows who will play and who will sit.
I think practices this preseason will decide things. I don't think Geno says these things for PR reasons alone or to motivate players.
I also think Bueckers will start. But then I also believe she is a demi-goddess and above the judgement of ordinary humans. Luckily for UConn Geno doesn't share my opinion.

OK, those 2 quips made me laugh. Very good Mr. Horse (of course).

 

[Stagnant]

Day 1 imo.

El Alfy, Strong, Bueckers, Chen, KK. Azzi, I believe will eventually start. No one is a better practice shooter than Azzi. And Geno has revealed as much in previous seasons.