Starters are unknown

[Zonepress]

A few thoughts
GA has not moved starters to the bench to start the season at any time I can remember especially
A team that went to the final four
Kk Arnold based on her play in the elite eight game and the final four imho is the best player on the team not name Paige Bueckers
GA did not bring in Ms Chen to sit on the bench

It would be remarkable if Azzi has returned to her former self 10 months after her second ACL surgery

I will be shocked if Sarah strong is not playing Major minutes in the BIG games early in the season

And lastly I think there’s a very good possibility that
GA will use a lot of 4 guard lineup this year
He seemed very very comfortable coaching this that way this past year

 

[Steelerone]

The starting lineup is going to vary depending on the competition. If you attempt to start a four-guard lineup against teams like South Carolina or Texas you are going to end up on the loser's side of the scoreboard. I think that Paige is the only player assured of starting no matter who the opponent is but from what I've seen of Sarah Strong's ability if I had to name a second player to start it would be her.

 

[Alydar]

A few thoughts
GA has not moved starters to the bench to start the season at any time I can remember especially
A team that went to the final four
Kk Arnold based on her play in the elite eight game and the final four imho is the best player on the team not name Paige Bueckers
GA did not bring in Ms Chen to sit on the bench

It would be remarkable if Azzi has returned to her former self 10 months after her second ACL surgery

I will be shocked if Sarah strong is not playing Major minutes in the BIG games early in the season

And lastly I think there’s a very good possibility that
GA will use a lot of 4 guard lineup this year
He seemed very very comfortable coaching this that way this past year

I crossed out the ideas I do not share. You are spot on about Strong. She just does so many things at a high level. The only question I have is about her conditioning and even that is just worry rather than fact.

I don't think we will see much 4 guard. In a big game the guards will be playing with 2 or 3 bigs and maybe a wing. Geno will want to give them game time with each other during the season. Lots of guards. Lots of front court players. Lots of combinations. Little time for 4 guards.

Geno has always liked a lot of guards on the floor but last year it was 100% necessity, especially when using Brady and Edwards together flopped.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think that Paige is the only player assured of starting no matter who the opponent is

You’re probably right. Still, I think Jana will get as many minutes as Geno can get her to bring her up to speed as soon as possible. If this means starting, then I think a starting spot is hers to lose.

 

[Woof 101]

OMG, does it seem to the rest of you like November is taking forever to get here???

No, no, no. July went by like a blink of an eye.

 

[Skeets]

OK, everyone has their favorite players and starters. But here is an undisputable fact, until the next game the current starters are Ash and KK. That's how the season ended. To change this, one or more players will need to demonstrate in practice that they are more deserving to be a starter. Ash is a practice animal. Good luck out-practicing her.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

The big lineup question for me is, what is the physical condition of Azzi and Caroline? If they are less than 100% and must be brought along slowly, then Ash starts and plays thirty to thirty-two minutes a game. If they are 100%, Ash still starts and gets most of the minutes. Before the season is over, the team will be hers and Paige's. Nest year, UConn is Ash12's team.

But in a few months all of us futurologists sill be silenced.

If this team is as good as most think it will be (providing everyone is healthy), then there is no way Ashlynn plays 32 minutes per game. Did you even think about that before making such a statement? We should be blowing teams off the court and if that is true, no one will be playing 32 minutes per game! I see that you have now changed to this will be Paige and Ashlynn's team. You don't give up easily, but it will be only Paige's team as long as she's on it. You don't seem to get that Paige is a generational, world class player. Ash had a very good freshman year winning the Big East freshman of the year award. There is a world of difference between the two. As for next year, if Azzi and Caroline return, this will still not be Ashlynn's team. Jana and Sarah, if as good as expected, will be coming on strong as sophomores and could also have a lot to say as to whose team this will be next year.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

OK, everyone has their favorite players and starters. But here is an undisputable fact, until the next game the current starters are Ash and KK. That's how the season ended. To change this, one or more players will need to demonstrate in practice that they are more deserving to be a starter. Ash is a practice animal. Good luck out-practicing her.

This is true, but you also have three (3) others on this team that were starters here when Ash & KK were still in high school. If Azzi, Caroline and Aubrey are all healthy this season, Geno is going have some problems dealing with hurt feelings. Kaitlyn didn't transfer here to sit on the bench. Jana, Sarah and Ice will most likely be battling for two (2) inside positions on the team (assuming for the moment that Geno goes with a big lineup, over small).

I just want them all healthy and playing their hearts out, beating our opponents to death (that's an expression, not a wish).

 

[Majic Hands]

Walking Wounded​

Due to suffering injuries “during” last season I have no expectations for Caroline, Ayanna, Azzi, Aubrey. I’m trusting that their treatment was as successful as possible and that they are on track with their rehab. I can’t remember if Caroline was concussed last year or the year before. I’m understanding that “time” without being concussed again is critical for recovery.

Jana. Goodness. Sat on the bench and attended practices for almost a full season in order to keep a full yeah of eligibility and suffered the injury the following summer. Sat out the following season. It’s my understanding that she has been practicing & working out for quite a while and the last I heard was she operating at 80-90% of what she was capable of.

Let’s be realistic. It seems to take about half a season for players coming off injury to really get their mojo back. So again, if a player isn’t getting minutes by December. I have no expectations. Keeping in mind we’re expecting these kids to be competing at the UConn level against the best players in the country.

Freshman​

Allie, Sara, Morgan our freshman. It seems most seem to think playing time beginning this fall would be Sara, Morgan, and then Allie. I’ve not seen any games or player activity that would cause me to have a different opinion.

5th Year Player ​

Kaitlyn. I’m thinking this young lady is very intelligent and has a very high basketball IQ. Competed at a high level in a system very similar to UConn’s for 4 years.

I remember a comment from GA while watching another 5th year player who came in to play for UConn from a little college called Fairfield. It was something to the effect that someone who thought they would be a starter was going to be disappointed. The 5th year player was simply operating at a higher level. It’s my thought that this may very well be a similar situation this year. Just a different 5th year player. Everything being equal someone playing in their 5th year is going to be better than their counterparts playing their 1st or 2nd year.​

Who’s Left?​

KK, Paige, Q, Ice, Ash.

Hum. I guess one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to suggest we can expect to see Paige in the starting lineup this fall.

I think it’s very possible that KK will get to spend time learning. My expectations is that
Kaitlyn will be starting. Can’t believe I’m saying this but she “might” be bringing more to the PG position than Nika. This is going to be an entirely different team. The personality of Nika is gone and the leadership vacuum must be filled, quickly. Sorry for you Nika haters but this team “was” Nika’s. With the players she had around her she done a yeoman’s job. Personally, I think it would have still been Nikas even if we didn’t have so many damn injuries. We would have just won more game and perhaps a a Championship or two.

At the end of last season KK was still driving into a crowd around the basket with no where to go and turning th ball over. I’m sure her game improved over the season but I can’t recall or point to an area of her game that was noticeably better than when the season started. Having said that, I’m looking forward to watching KK grow for 3 more years.

Q. I see a “very” competitive kid. It seemed to me that her game was suffering towards the end of last year. Not because of her skills or talents but because she recognized that she needed to be a more complete player. I saw her spending more time working on her defensive contributions and contributing offensively in ways other than just jacking up 3’s. I’m high on Q and looking forward to seeing what her growth over the summer looks like.

Ice… Perplexing. The only time I really remember her performing at a high level was when Aaliyah wasn’t available to play. Again, she was coming in off an injury. Out of shape. I’m looking forward to see how she looks early this fall.

Ash. Okay, before I go any further it needs to be understood that The Ash is currently my favorite player. I was leaning towards Jana in anticipation but she was out with injuries and I got to watch The Ash for a year. My wife went to Planet Fitness and participated in Ashlynn’s NIL promotion to support her and get us improving our fitness level.

What I really liked was how she allowed the game to come to her. A consummate “tea” player. I saw so many mistakes & errors…. Once. When she screwed up she demonstrated the ability to recognize what and how it happened and corrected her game. That is an amazing ability. Additionally, NO one. Absolutely No one is going to out work, out hustle, out practice, out compete, The Ash… well maybe Jana, yet to be seen.

Starters Before We Know Diddley​

Paige, Kaitlyn, Ash, Ice, Jana.

Currently I see this as the core of this team today before the fall term has even stared.

I can see every other player subbing in without the team losing any level of competitiveness. Actually, I see any substitution as causing complications for the opponent because the new player on the floor will be bringing a different set of talents.

Due to the number of past key players having been out with injuries combined with the number of talented players available GA should be able to bring our walking wounded in gradually and build their confidence along with recollecting their skills and integrating themselves back into the flow with the team.

Yep. My opinion. Unchangable. Won’t be surprised if this is the first lineup. Won’t be surprised if it’s not.

Just looking forward to watching the season unfold for the team I love to watch.

I’m thankful that it’s looking like I might be here for another season.

I admire and appreciate how the kids are tough to play and conduct themselves at UConn. It a joy to watch, win or lose. These kids learn to be successful.

 

[Zonepress]

This is true, but you also have three (3) others on this team that were starters here when Ash & KK were still in high school. If Azzi, Caroline and Aubrey are all healthy this season, Geno is going have some problems dealing with hurt feelings. Kaitlyn didn't transfer here to sit on the bench. Jana, Sarah and Ice will most likely be battling for two (2) inside positions on the team (assuming for the moment that Geno goes with a big lineup, over small).

I just want them all healthy and playing their hearts out, beating our opponents to death (that's an expression, not a wish

As much as I wish, it would be true, the possibility of a Azzi Caroline and Aubrey all being healthy
And at their past level of performance is very small
Aubrey will not be a year post surgery until the middle of January
Caroline missed most of the year and have not seen any reports that she’s back to practicing are playing yet
Azzi is coming off a second ACL surgery on the same knee
GA how do you said that all of the injured players will be back at some point
My sincere hope is that they can at least have recovered enough to play some meaningful minutes

 

[Bone Dog]

Paige, Kaitlyn, Ash, Ice, Jana.

Currently I see this as the core of this team today before the fall term has even stared.

I can see every other player subbing in without the team losing any level of competitiveness. Actually, I see any substitution as causing complications for the opponent because the new player on the floor will be bringing a different set of talents.

Due to the number of past key players having been out with injuries combined with the number of talented players available GA should be able to bring our walking wounded in gradually and build their confidence along with recollecting their skills and integrating themselves back into the flow with the team.

Excellent post, and I like your reasoning about the opening starters. I might have KK before Katilyn, at least in the beginning of the season, and Azzi for Ash later. But you make good points here.

As for the question of subbing and competitiveness, this looks like a permutation of the "deep rotation" dream so many of us share. I tend to think that Geno can let the starting lineup evolve as players return in December, January, February. But others have suggested that this may be counter-productive... and they may be right.

I'm thinking of Paige's freshman year when the only constants in the starting lineup were her, Olivia and Christyn (except for one or two games mid-season). Aaliyah and Anna and Evina and even Nika were in and out of the starting lineup until pretty late in the season. Christyn was uneven for much of the season but Geno stuck with her, even preferring her over Evina who could be steadier. But Christyn came on strong in March, especially against Iowa. Still, that squad floundered against Arizona in the Final Four. I don't know if this proves anything but it gives me pause. This was a season in which Geno experimented with the starting lineup more than usual and the result was disappointing in the end.

This season, it seems like the overall talent level is higher and deeper than the team in Paige's freshman season. That year, the front court was essentially

Olivia and Aaliyah and no one else.​

This year, it will be​

Jana, Ice, Sarah, Ayanna, Aubrey ​

[with Caroline and Morgan possibly ready to cover the 4 if needed].​

The backcourt back then was

Paige, Christyn, Evina, Anna and Nika,​

and while there was a lot of talent there, I don't think it quite equals what Geno has this season in​

Paige, Azzi, Ash, KK, Kaitlyn, Allie, Morgan.​

This just looks like a much more balanced squad. But they won't all be ready at the beginning. Players Geno would really like to rely on (Azzi, Caroline, Aubrey, Ayanna) may not be up to speed until January or February. If a core of starters gels before all of them return, should he disrupt that for returning greats? My inclination has been to say 'Yes,' but that could be the wrong answer. Though, really, it would likely only apply to Azzi and Caroline. All the others might make just as much sense as rotation players... though this brings us back to the "deep rotation" dream.

IF Geno reverts to form and settles on a core of players by March (and probably much sooner) that is simply 5+3 (and reserving the low pressure moments for the rest of the roster), who would you expect to see in this core? Assuming everyone's healthy and playing up to form, I think it would have to be

Paige, Kaitlyn, Azzi, Sarah, Jana + Ice, Aubrey, Ash.​

This is a really tough call, obviously, but that's what having such a talented roster means.

 

[MooseJaw]

A few thoughts
GA has not moved starters to the bench to start the season at any time I can remember especially
A team that went to the final four
Kk Arnold based on her play in the elite eight game and the final four imho is the best player on the team not name Paige Bueckers
GA did not bring in Ms Chen to sit on the bench

It would be remarkable if Azzi has returned to her former self 10 months after her second ACL surgery

I will be shocked if Sarah strong is not playing Major minutes in the BIG games early in the season

And lastly I think there’s a very good possibility that
GA will use a lot of 4 guard lineup this year
He seemed very very comfortable coaching this that way this past year

With all due respect, the thought that KK is the best player not Paige is your opinion and is not shared by many others including me. She may become that player, however if so she must learn to shot, pass the ball or drive to the hoop, all else is nonsense, so says GA and Ashlyn. She must develop her shot, she must stop driving under the bucket covered by 3 defenders, she must keep her head up when driving anywhere on the court. As it stands now, with all the options at the 1 I believe the KK is the most replaceable 1's on the court. Yes, she has a lot of talent and is a very good player who has a long way to go to become the 2nd best player for our Huskies.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

Excellent post, and I like your reasoning about the opening starters. I might have KK before Katilyn, at least in the beginning of the season, and Azzi for Ash later. But you make good points here.

As for the question of subbing and competitiveness, this looks like a permutation of the "deep rotation" dream so many of us share. I tend to think that Geno can let the starting lineup evolve as players return in December, January, February. But others have suggested that this may be counter-productive... and they may be right.

I'm thinking of Paige's freshman year when the only constants in the starting lineup were her, Olivia and Christyn (except for one or two games mid-season). Aaliyah and Anna and Evina and even Nika were in and out of the starting lineup until pretty late in the season. Christyn was uneven for much of the season but Geno stuck with her, even preferring her over Evina who could be steadier. But Christyn came on strong in March, especially against Iowa. Still, that squad floundered against Arizona in the Final Four. I don't know if this proves anything but it gives me pause. This was a season in which Geno experimented with the starting lineup more than usual and the result was disappointing in the end.

This season, it seems like the overall talent level is higher and deeper than the team in Paige's freshman season. That year, the front court was essentially

Olivia and Aaliyah and no one else.​

This year, it will be​

Jana, Ice, Sarah, Ayanna, Aubrey ​

[with Caroline and Morgan possibly ready to cover the 4 if needed].​

The backcourt back then was

Paige, Christyn, Evina, Anna and Nika,​

and while there was a lot of talent there, I don't think it quite equals what Geno has this season in​

Paige, Azzi, Ash, KK, Kaitlyn, Allie, Morgan.​

This just looks like a much more balanced squad. But they won't all be ready at the beginning. Players Geno would really like to rely on (Azzi, Caroline, Aubrey, Ayanna) may not be up to speed until January or February. If a core of starters gels before all of them return, should he disrupt that for returning greats? My inclination has been to say 'Yes,' but that could be the wrong answer. Though, really, it would likely only apply to Azzi and Caroline. All the others might make just as much sense as rotation players... though this brings us back to the "deep rotation" dream.

IF Geno reverts to form and settles on a core of players by March (and probably much sooner) that is simply 5+3 (and reserving the low pressure moments for the rest of the roster), who would you expect to see in this core? Assuming everyone's healthy and playing up to form, I think it would have to be

Paige, Kaitlyn, Azzi, Sarah, Jana + Ice, Aubrey, Ash.​

This is a really tough call, obviously, but that's what having such a talented roster means.

Hmmm the core group of 8 is a much more interesting and intriguing question. I can't argue with your top 8 but I can't see KK not making the core top 8 given how she performed under pressure last year in March and Ashlyn disappeared after the first weekend. Ice performed well in big pressure moments for this team too and I think that will matter a lot next season as well. Ashlyn is also a defensive liability so if we were going top 8 only I'd have to slot KK in that last slot and drop Ash out of the rotation.

However, even healthy last season the plan was to keep Aubrey's minutes under 20 per game (until the insanity hit) so I think a rotation of 8.5-9 is more likely than a 5 starters core + 3. I could also see those 8-9 players changing each game with some players barely getting time in one game and playing starter minutes the next due to match ups.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I crossed out the ideas I do not share. You are spot on about Strong. She just does so many things at a high level. The only question I have is about her conditioning and even that is just worry rather than fact.

I don't think we will see much 4 guard. In a big game the guards will be playing with 2 or 3 bigs and maybe a wing. Geno will want to give them game time with each other during the season. Lots of guards. Lots of front court players. Lots of combinations. Little time for 4 guards.

Geno has always liked a lot of guards on the floor but last year it was 100% necessity, especially when using Brady and Edwards together flopped.

Conditioning was about the first thing out of Sarah's mouth after committing to UConn in the Spring. She pretty much said I know I'm not in DI condition. I suspect she's been working very hard on it.

 

[temery]

With all due respect, the thought that KK is the best player not Paige is your opinion and is not shared by many others including me. She may become that player, however if so she must learn to shot, pass the ball or drive to the hoop, all else is nonsense, so says GA and Ashlyn. She must develop her shot, she must stop driving under the bucket covered by 3 defenders, she must keep her head up when driving anywhere on the court. As it stands now, with all the options at the 1 I believe the KK is the most replaceable 1's on the court. Yes, she has a lot of talent and is a very good player who has a long way to go to become the 2nd best player for our Huskies.

S/he said "not named Paige."

 

[ashfan]

As I said somewhere above, we futurologists will all be silenced by Time. What is the "Future"? An image we have in our heads in the Present--an image that is continually shifting, fluctuating, dissolving, disappearing. and being replaced by a new image doing the same thing. That's the future we are all trying to nail down. . . . I'm starting to bore myself. Ta-ta for now.

 

[sun]

I'd like to focus on Allie & Morgan for 1 minute because they seem to be getting left out of the equation regarding core players.
IMO Geno adores sharpshooters & Allie has oodles of talent. If Azzi isn't available, Allie could probably shooter the lights out over Ash. Plus she knows how to effectively attack the basket inside the paint. I could see her possibly becoming an early replacement for Azzi if she's not available early in the season.
All she needs to do is to sink her shots & earn the trust of Geno.

The same applies to Morgan. She's a taller aggressive player with a full set of tools that can serve as a replacement for Catol if she's not up to speed. Morgan may even be a better ball handler than Carol, and better than Ash in more than one department.

I think it boils down to which players are the better complements to Paige early in the season.
That's why I don't believe that starting matters as much as performing when given a chance.
Morgan may also have some pluses over Aubrey as far as ball handling & shooting prowess goes.
There's bound to be a gem or three among the true freshmen,
They're coming in with chips on their shoulders, have something to prove & want to win a NC as much as Geno does, especially so they can establish their brand & build a loyal following.

I'm not going to be surprised if some of the freshmen become indispensable contributors before the end of the year.
Someone needs to come in off the bench & become the alpha player when Paige is off the court.
UConn just may have some superstar frosh this year that can outperform the veterans on the team in some respects.
People need to keep an open mind because winning a NC may depend on it.
Let's remember that these frosh were never badly injured as much as Azzi & some of the others.

 

[Bone Dog]

… and Ashlyn disappeared after the first weekend...

I would temper this judgment. I think once opposing teams saw what Ash is capable of she got a lot more defensive attention. She didn’t disappear. They saw that to contain Paige required containing Ash. This was discussed extensively in the game threads last season. I doubt it will be so easy to contain her this season.

Ashlyn is also a defensive liability so if we were going top 8 only I'd have to slot KK in that last slot and drop Ash out of the rotation.

Here, too, I would temper this assessment. By February, Ash played good defense in the sense that she was not often out of position, switched crisply, and kept her player in front of her. This was one thing Q still needed to work on at that point. But Ash was also often matched up against taller players. I’ll wait to see how she does this fall before I criticize her defense. With a deeper, much larger roster behind her, I doubt she’ll be stuck in so many mismatches.

… I could also see those 8-9 players changing each game with some players barely getting time in one game and playing starter minutes the next due to match ups.

If the lineup changes each game, continuity and teamwork is bound to suffer. The reason Geno tends to 5+2 or 5+3 by tournament time with a stable core 5 from early on is to build that continuity. Geno’s great teams succeeded by executing crisply rather than merely by being bigger.

This is why it’s a fascinating question whether Geno will play a traditional 3-2 featuring Jana and Ice or Sarah, or small ball with only one big and 4 guards. A 3-2 is slower, but stronger and the speed problem can be mitigated with quicker guards. Who would they be? Paige, of course, and I’d expect to see KK and Azzi. This lineup would give Geno three perimeter shooters to discourage packing the paint around Jana.

A small ball lineup is quicker and this favors a lineup like Sarah along with Paige Azzi Allie and Ash. This lineup isn’t super speedy but it packs a heckuva punch offensively. And Aubrey or Ayanna could take Sarah’s spot for even more speed.

 

[GirlBoo1020]

I would temper this judgment. I think once opposing teams saw what Ash is capable of she got a lot more defensive attention. She didn’t disappear. They saw that to contain Paige required containing Ash. This was discussed extensively in the game threads last season. I doubt it will be so easy to contain her this season.

To me you are just giving an explanation for why she disappeared. And that is part of it but part of was also her legs were gone by the second weekend and the final four. Either way the freshman that stepped up when the lights were the brightest were KK and Ice and I think that will go a long way for them next year confidence wise.

Here, too, I would temper this assessment. By February, Ash played good defense in the sense that she was not often out of position, switched crisply, and kept her player in front of her. This was one thing Q still needed to work on at that point. But Ash was also often matched up against taller players. I’ll wait to see how she does this fall before I criticize her defense. With a deeper, much larger roster behind her, I doubt she’ll be stuck in so many mismatches.

I simply disagree with this. She was less bad defensively by February but still a liability. A big issue was the playing of position of course and being too small to defend bigger players. I think that will still be an issue this coming season because she's not quick enough to defend the smaller players she'll be more likely to match up with playing in position. KK has more speed to make up for her vertical deficiencies.

If the lineup changes each game, continuity and teamwork is bound to suffer. The reason Geno tends to 5+2 or 5+3 by tournament time with a stable core 5 from early on is to build that continuity. Geno’s great teams succeeded by executing crisply rather than merely by being bigger.

I think South Carolina proved that theory wrong this season. They changed starters and minutes varied pretty significantly match up to match up with 10 people and they still went undefeated.

This is why it’s a fascinating question whether Geno will play a traditional 3-2 featuring Jana and Ice or Sarah, or small ball with only one big and 4 guards. A 3-2 is slower, but stronger and the speed problem can be mitigated with quicker guards. Who would they be? Paige, of course, and I’d expect to see KK and Azzi. This lineup would give Geno three perimeter shooters to discourage packing the paint around Jana.

A small ball lineup is quicker and this favors a lineup like Sarah along with Paige Azzi Allie and Ash. This lineup isn’t super speedy but it packs a heckuva punch offensively. And Aubrey or Ayanna could take Sarah’s spot for even more speed.

A 3-2 isn't slower when you have players like Aubrey and Ayana as one of the bigs, faster than some of our guards. I don't see Geno going with a 4 guard line up for most games or for a significant chunk of minutes most games. I'm fairly confident we'll have two bigs (at least) on the floor at all times and players like Morgan and Carol are the only "guards" I see playing any significant minutes at the 4, and that will be the extent of us "going small" imo.

 

[hoophuskee]

Walking Wounded​

Due to suffering injuries “during” last season I have no expectations for Caroline, Ayanna, Azzi, Aubrey. I’m trusting that their treatment was as successful as possible and that they are on track with their rehab. I can’t remember if Caroline was concussed last year or the year before. I’m understanding that “time” without being concussed again is critical for recovery.

Jana. Goodness. Sat on the bench and attended practices for almost a full season in order to keep a full yeah of eligibility and suffered the injury the following summer. Sat out the following season. It’s my understanding that she has been practicing & working out for quite a while and the last I heard was she operating at 80-90% of what she was capable of.

Let’s be realistic. It seems to take about half a season for players coming off injury to really get their mojo back. So again, if a player isn’t getting minutes by December. I have no expectations. Keeping in mind we’re expecting these kids to be competing at the UConn level against the best players in the country.

Freshman​

Allie, Sara, Morgan our freshman. It seems most seem to think playing time beginning this fall would be Sara, Morgan, and then Allie. I’ve not seen any games or player activity that would cause me to have a different opinion.

5th Year Player ​

Kaitlyn. I’m thinking this young lady is very intelligent and has a very high basketball IQ. Competed at a high level in a system very similar to UConn’s for 4 years.

I remember a comment from GA while watching another 5th year player who came in to play for UConn from a little college called Fairfield. It was something to the effect that someone who thought they would be a starter was going to be disappointed. The 5th year player was simply operating at a higher level. It’s my thought that this may very well be a similar situation this year. Just a different 5th year player. Everything being equal someone playing in their 5th year is going to be better than their counterparts playing their 1st or 2nd year.​

Who’s Left?​

KK, Paige, Q, Ice, Ash.

Hum. I guess one doesn’t have to be a rocket scientist to suggest we can expect to see Paige in the starting lineup this fall.

I think it’s very possible that KK will get to spend time learning. My expectations is that
Kaitlyn will be starting. Can’t believe I’m saying this but she “might” be bringing more to the PG position than Nika. This is going to be an entirely different team. The personality of Nika is gone and the leadership vacuum must be filled, quickly. Sorry for you Nika haters but this team “was” Nika’s. With the players she had around her she done a yeoman’s job. Personally, I think it would have still been Nikas even if we didn’t have so many damn injuries. We would have just won more game and perhaps a a Championship or two.

At the end of last season KK was still driving into a crowd around the basket with no where to go and turning th ball over. I’m sure her game improved over the season but I can’t recall or point to an area of her game that was noticeably better than when the season started. Having said that, I’m looking forward to watching KK grow for 3 more years.

Q. I see a “very” competitive kid. It seemed to me that her game was suffering towards the end of last year. Not because of her skills or talents but because she recognized that she needed to be a more complete player. I saw her spending more time working on her defensive contributions and contributing offensively in ways other than just jacking up 3’s. I’m high on Q and looking forward to seeing what her growth over the summer looks like.

Ice… Perplexing. The only time I really remember her performing at a high level was when Aaliyah wasn’t available to play. Again, she was coming in off an injury. Out of shape. I’m looking forward to see how she looks early this fall.

Ash. Okay, before I go any further it needs to be understood that The Ash is currently my favorite player. I was leaning towards Jana in anticipation but she was out with injuries and I got to watch The Ash for a year. My wife went to Planet Fitness and participated in Ashlynn’s NIL promotion to support her and get us improving our fitness level.

What I really liked was how she allowed the game to come to her. A consummate “tea” player. I saw so many mistakes & errors…. Once. When she screwed up she demonstrated the ability to recognize what and how it happened and corrected her game. That is an amazing ability. Additionally, NO one. Absolutely No one is going to out work, out hustle, out practice, out compete, The Ash… well maybe Jana, yet to be seen.

Starters Before We Know Diddley​

Paige, Kaitlyn, Ash, Ice, Jana.

Currently I see this as the core of this team today before the fall term has even stared.

I can see every other player subbing in without the team losing any level of competitiveness. Actually, I see any substitution as causing complications for the opponent because the new player on the floor will be bringing a different set of talents.

Due to the number of past key players having been out with injuries combined with the number of talented players available GA should be able to bring our walking wounded in gradually and build their confidence along with recollecting their skills and integrating themselves back into the flow with the team.

Yep. My opinion. Unchangable. Won’t be surprised if this is the first lineup. Won’t be surprised if it’s not.

Just looking forward to watching the season unfold for the team I love to watch.

I’m thankful that it’s looking like I might be here for another season.

I admire and appreciate how the kids are tough to play and conduct themselves at UConn. It a joy to watch, win or lose. These kids learn to be successful.

IMO the expectation of watching KK or Ash grow from a statistical standpoint was not realistic. And, I’m not sure if you are either being too harsh on them as frosh or you make realistic points that are applicable to nearly all freshmen which then it’s not harsh what you’re saying at all– just realistic. As a freshman, both these players get better scouted as sreason goes on so then they won’t show significant improvement. IMO the same this year. IMO their strength will be if they aren’t playing well that particular game, then more than likely another player will, so they won’t be making as many mistakes.

And, if Azzi returns to near her capability, both KK and Ash are going to be much more open thus much less likley to force their respetcive games. For example, KK will have more space to drive.

And in regard to comparison between KK vs Kaitlyn, Kaitlyn’s 3 point shooting has been worse than what KK shot this past year. And KK’s 3pt shot is probably her biggest weakness. And if you look at some advanced stats (ORating and DRating), Kaitlyn is about 8 points higher offensively while KK is about 8 points better defensively. I expect both to play important minutes and be among the core regardless.

 

[hoophuskee]

IF Geno reverts to form and settles on a core of players by March (and probably much sooner) that is simply 5+3 (and reserving the low pressure moments for the rest of the roster), who would you expect to see in this core? Assuming everyone's healthy and playing up to form, I think it would have to be

Paige, Kaitlyn, Azzi, Sarah, Jana + Ice, Aubrey, Ash.​

This is a really tough call, obviously, but that's what having such a talented roster means.

This a fun thought which 8. While I'm completely unsure about Caroline, but if if if if she were healthy and had a full season of playing time, within that season, not just sporadic game-here-or-there, then I’d have her definitely have her in top 6 (in case Geno wants firepower at 6 otherwise she starts.). There was about a 7 game stretch she went from barely playing to eventually taking over the scoring lead role by averaging over 16ppg and an EFG% of over 52%. And her 1st game after Paige was hurt she only scored two points and shooting poorly. And the ND game she only played 14 minutes scoring 14 points.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

As much as I wish, it would be true, the possibility of a Azzi Caroline and Aubrey all being healthy
And at their past level of performance is very small
Aubrey will not be a year post surgery until the middle of January
Caroline missed most of the year and have not seen any reports that she’s back to practicing are playing yet
Azzi is coming off a second ACL surgery on the same knee
GA how do you said that all of the injured players will be back at some point
My sincere hope is that they can at least have recovered enough to play some meaningful minutes

In attacking what I said with your option, you apparently didn't read or understand what I said, which was, "If Azzi, Caroline and Aubrey are all healthy this season, Geno is going have some problems dealing with hurt feelings." The key word in that sentence is the first, "If". Have a nice day.

 

[ashfan]

OK, everyone has their favorite players and starters. But here is an undisputable fact, until the next game the current starters are Ash and KK. That's how the season ended. To change this, one or more players will need to demonstrate in practice that they are more deserving to be a starter. Ash is a practice animal. Good luck out-practicing her.

Go to the UConn WBB Weekly and see the recent profile Daniel C. did on Ash. Notice what her earlier coaches said. It's hard to imagine any UConn player with more strength of character than Ashlynn. Also, photographs reveal a girl built for durability.