So, is this 2015-16 team the best ever?

[alexrgct]

There are always knee-jerk reactions to things that just happened, and there is sometimes false nostalgia as well. Ideally, we meet somewhere in the middle in terms of how we approach this discussion and decide.

Some would say 2002 was the best ever. Others make an argument for 2014. What about the team we just witnessed? They're certainly comparable:

• Total victories: 38 for 2016, 39 for 2002, 40 for 2014
• Lowest single-game MOV: nine for 2002, 10 for 2016, 11 for 2014
• Season-wide MOV: almost identical for 2002 and 2014 (between 35 and 36 points), just about 40 for 2016
• WNBA draft picks: Immediately after the 2002 season, four of the top six picks were in that 2002 UConn team, with DT being a #1 pick in 2004 as well. In 2014, the core rotation of six players either have been or will be drafted in the first round, 2016's team has overlap with 2014, but there's a likelihood the WNBA draft will feature the top two picks from Uconn's 2016 squad, and possibly the top three.

What do you think, and what other criteria might you be using other than what I've suggested above?

 

[Carnac]

2016 - If they are not, then who is? What team accomplished more than this team (undefeated - winning every game by 10+ points - blowing through the entire NCAA tourny) given the added pressure they endured by having to try and win a 4th straight title? No other UConn team had the opportunity to do that, and succeeded. This team had no control of the number of games they played. Bottom line: this team was dominant!!! Don't forget the 3 All-Americans on this team also. This is a no brainer.

 

[HuskyPhan]

Wow, are we spoiled to be able to debate such questions!! I'm casting my vote for the 2016 team based on their suffocating defense!! Now I know it's been 14 years since I watched the incredible 2002 team play, but I just don't remember them having that level of lockdown defense. I can honestly say that never before this year have I so thoroughly enjoyed watching the defensive end of the floor-it was absolutely incredible!

Not to take away from the amazing O, but my goodness, the defense was sick!!!!

 

[sarals24]

I rewatched the 2014 final the other day. That team has my vote. KML was so freaking good. And she wasn't even the go-to player!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Strange Stanford loss aside, the '15 team can make a strong case too.

 

[Huskylove3]

I mean 2002 could win this every time, but i voted for 2014.

All 5 starters were all-americans. They had stewie and mo. KML was recovering from her injury but still amazing in tournament. Stefanie was so unbelievably consistent. and Bria was Bria.

 

[Jimbo]

I haven't decided for sure what I think yet, but I'll say one thing in favor of this year's team. None of UConn's other five undefeated teams demolished all six of its NCAA Tournament opponents quite as ridiculously as this team did. One could argue the level of competition played a role in that because the '16 Huskies never had to play another #1 seed (not that that's their fault, of course). But still, that was one impressive tournament run we all just witnessed.

I do think the 2009 team needs to be somewhere in the conversation. That team had the nation's best point guard playing alongside two future #1 overall draft picks, and they were the first group to win every game of the season by double digits.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

None of UConn's other five undefeated teams demolished all six of its NCAA Tournament opponents quite as ridiculously as this team did. One could argue the level of competition played a role in that because the '16 Huskies never had to play another #1 seed (not that that's their fault, of course). But still, that was one impressive tournament run we all just witnessed.

The 2013 team came close with only a relatively "tight" game against an excellent Notre Dame team being the exception. And in that tourney Dolson was hobbled and Hartley was still not in particularly good form.

The '14 team didn't have Tuck for most of the year, another point in their favor.

 

[BroadwayVa]

2016 - If they are not, then who is? What team accomplished more than this team (undefeated - winning every game by 10+ points - blowing through the entire NCAA tourny) given the added pressure they endured by having to try and win a 4th straight title? No other UConn team had the opportunity to do that, and succeeded. This team had no control of the number of games they played. Bottom line: this team was dominant!!! Don't forget the 3 All-Americans on this team also. This is a no brainer.

Tarot cards? Xtal Ball? Or just intellect common sense??? Dominant isn't always a measure of a great team, nor is total number of wins, or the number of wins with Zero losses. The greatest team is usually how people feel about it. Sue and company is an emotional group with strong (albeit faulty ) memories for me, and remains so.
But with the ability to measure everything, count everything, the TWO and only TWO STATS that fully defines the greatest is 4 national championships in their Fresh to Senior years and to top it off giving Uconn/Geno 11 National championships (it matters not that he exceeded Wooden or anyone else) this IS A UCONN ACHIEVEMENT..
2 0 1 6 is the greatest in terms of accomplishments.

 

[Carnac]

Tarot cards? Xtal Ball? Or just intellect common sense??? Dominant isn't always a measure of a great team, nor is total number of wins, or the number of wins with Zero losses. The greatest team is usually how people feel about it. Sue and company is an emotional group with strong (albeit faulty ) memories for me, and remains so.
But with the ability to measure everything, count everything, the TWO and only TWO STATS that fully defines the greatest is 4 national championships in their Fresh to Senior years and to top it off giving Uconn/Geno 11 National championships (it matters not that he exceeded Wooden or anyone else) this IS A UCONN ACHIEVEMENT..
2 0 1 6 is the greatest in terms of accomplishments.

Hey Broadway, You'll get no argument from me. This is a topic that the bone yard will never agree on, regardless of a particular team's individual stats or accomplishments. A high five to ya.

 

[Carnac]

I mean 2002 could win this every time, but i voted for 2014.

All 5 starters were all-americans. They had stewie and mo. KML was recovering from her injury but still amazing in tournament. Stefanie was so unbelievably consistent. and Bria was Bria.

THAT'S a great point. 5 ALL -AMERICANS. Most teams only have 1-2.

 

[Jimbo]

The 2013 team came close with only a relatively "tight" game against an excellent Notre Dame team being the exception. And in that tourney Dolson was hobbled and Hartley was still not in particularly good form.

The '14 team didn't have Tuck for most of the year, another point in their favor.

Agreed, the 2013 team's tournament run was definitely comparable to what this year's team did. I actually thought of that while I was typing my post, and it's the reason why I modified that sentence to say "UConn's five other undefeated teams."

The 2014 team was also without Kaleena for a good portion of the year. That team wasn't the deepest group after they lost Tuck for the season, but holy cow, what a starting five they had. Not only was that the first team to start five future Huskies of Honor members, but each of the five eventually made the WBCA All-America team in at least two seasons.

 

[StarMan]

Some pertinent data here from the statistician folks at FiveThirtyEight.com:

This UConn Team Was Better Than Last Year’s Team -- and possibly the best ever.

 

[AdamOwe]

What do you think, and what other criteria might you be using other than what I've suggested above?

Senior leadership was assertive at the onset and then idled in advance of the tournament. They played a man down in the final yet still won by 30. The 2002 team had a special motivation from the prior years semi final loss, also seniors, but this group, its' four-year mission: to explore a strange new precision, to seek out and destroy teams, to boldly go where no squad has gone before. And they did. Cumulative FF MOV: 60.

 

[ndmb]

I'd actually put the 2009 team over this one. And 2002 above both.

 

[hoophuskee]

1--- I'd put 2010 ahead of 2014.
2--I think it comes down to 01-02 vs 15-16. For me it's pick 'em. Team 01-02 had one game that was just 9 points. So the ten point margin by 15-16 means nothing. The 01-02 team would give this team a hard time on the glass unless this team uses Gabby along with Stewie and Tuck then outside shooting suffers while Stewie is taken away from the perimeter.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I'd actually put the 2009 team over this one. And 2002 above both.

Not me. Less depth overall and not as great defensively. The '10 team was quite a bit better on the defensive end too.

Than the '09 team that is.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

If I ate 11 terrific meals at 11 Michelin 5 stars and had to rate them! This is a similar exercise to me. I understand it is what we do, but ....

 

[MilfordHusky]

Agreed, the 2013 team's tournament run was definitely comparable to what this year's team did. I actually thought of that while I was typing my post, and it's the reason why I modified that sentence to say "UConn's five other undefeated teams."

The 2014 team was also without Kaleena for a good portion of the year. That team wasn't the deepest group after they lost Tuck for the season, but holy cow, what a starting five they had. Not only was that the first team to start five future Huskies of Honor members, but each of the five eventually made the WBCA All-America team in at least two seasons.

11 All-American seasons accomplished by that starting lineup: 3 for Stewie, 2 each for Bria, Stef, Kaleena, and Mo. 3 NPOY selections. 2 Liebermans. 2 DIFFERENT DPOY winners. And the best 3-point shooter in history.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I rewatched the 2014 final the other day. That team has my vote. KML was so freaking good. And she wasn't even the go-to player!

thanks, took the words out of my mouth... Dolson and Hartley as well

 

[MilfordHusky]

The 2002 team and 2009 and 2010 team both had 2 players who went on to win NPOY awards.

The 1995 team had 3 of them.

The 2016 team may have had 2 of them.

 

[alexrgct]

Well, 2016 has the early lead in the poll, and I understand why. There are good arguments to be made in favor of either 2002 or 2014, but here's what stood out to me as unique about 2016: this year's squad really did make it look so damn easy. Opening game on the road against a top 5-7 team? How about hanging 100 on 'em and winning by 44? How about posting modest final MOVs against South Carolina and Notre Dame while having led by 20+ at one point in the second half...and basically kicking their asses? How about clean sweeps over Florida State, USF, DePaul, and Maryland?

Beyond that, the run through the NCAA tournament was amazing. Of all tourney opponents, Texas may have put up the best fight. Certainly, the MOV was the lowest in that game...a game Uconn won by 21.

Uconn just seemed to take control of games slowly, like a vice grip that would tighten all the more. And even though Uconn's team worked its collective tail off, they made it all seem effortless. And if this fact weren't so salient, 2016 would probably get fewer votes.

Of course, we are a blessed fanbase to make these kinds of arguments in favor of 2016, 2014, or 2002...and even an honorable mention or two thrown at 2009. Seriously, we become stuffed and still get fed gourmet food.

 

[MilfordHusky]

This team had only a handful of bad quarters, with senior day being the worst. They often grabbed an early lead. They also came out strong after the half in most games. They kept the pedal to the metal quote well. They set MOV records in the regional semis, national semis, and the tourney as a whole.

I agree that Alex's alma mater gave us the best game in the tourney. After a 60-point win, the 21-point game against Texas was practically a nail biter.

 

[alexrgct]

One last note: each time, someone says to savor these NCs because we may never see a greater team again...and then there is. There's a continuum here, and it ain't done, folks. There may not be another NC next year or so, certainly not another Stewie, but those next all-time great players and teams are out there somewhere, just waiting to jo add to the program's lore.

 

[DaddyChoc]

there were NO good teams in 2015-16 besides UConn... I'd give USF and Courtney Williams the most credit.

playing against Diggins, McBride and Lloyd was more competitive and "dramatic"... Duke was good on paper but never showed up