Starting five?

[SVCBeercats]

My starting five will also be, Azzi, Caroline, Dorka, Aaliyah and Nika.

I post this question because several people in Twitter discussed the possible of Ayanna in starting five because of this photo in the media day.

People are so infatuated with athleticism. Ice is the basketball player of the two freshmen.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Azzi was the #1 player in HS as a sophomore when Paige was a junior. I think (hope) that a 100% healthy Azzi blows everyone's socks off, and is on the very short list for NPOY this season. She has THAT kind of potential IMHO.

I think she could be the biggest surprise on the team this season - because I think she can be that good.

Back to the OP - it IS curious that Ayanna went to NYC and not Nika. But I still think Nika starts.

I hope you are right about Azzi. It would be amazing. Certainly Geno is being very positive relative to Azzi for reasons other than "button pushing." Not all high school players of the year or even just rated as the #1 recruit always pan out. Stewie, Maya, and Paige most recently worked out rather nicely. But others were very good but not college players of the year such as Christyn Williams, Megan Walker, Katie Lou Samuelson, and Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis. Ayanna going to NYC and not Nika is not curious nor a mystery. Ayanna was invited because she was selected the preseason freshman of the year. Nika was not selected to go because there was no preseason defensive player of the year and she was not appointed to any All Big East teams or even honorable mention.

I insist on typing Nike for Nika. It must be a "Freudian Slip." I guess Unconsciously I see her as UCONN's Goddess of Victory.

 

[Rb335]

I’d say Muhl, Fudd, Ducharme, Edwards, and Juhasz. Lou first off the bench for Nika, shifting Azzi to the pg spot. A spark of offense.

 

[Cuango]

That may be Geno's first look at the 5 he wants. I believe if Dorka hasn't picked up better under the board skills --she may not be among the 5 in January. I don't think anyone other than AZZI is a lock for starting 5, I would expect to see a lot of combinations into February in most BE games.

I would say Azzi, Caroline,& Dorka are all “locks”to start.

 

[BBallF]

I share your thoughts regarding substitutions at the 4 & 5 positions. Last season the opponents continuously attacked our bigs to let the fouls mount up. ONO and Aaliyah led the team in PFs and were often sitting on bench during the first half. I expect this to continue this season and it should open up some more PT for the bigs. Based upon the quality and quantity of the bench I also expect the team to press a lot more than they have in recent years creating the need for more substitutions to give players a breather.

Yes, the team seems perfectly suited to press. Aubrey at the point is as good as it gets. Nika, Lou, Azzi and CD at the wings with a big back under is a very energetic defense. Looking forward to seeing it to blow open games.

 

[oldhusky]

I share your thoughts regarding substitutions at the 4 & 5 positions. Last season the opponents continuously attacked our bigs to let the fouls mount up. ONO and Aaliyah led the team in PFs and were often sitting on bench during the first half. I expect this to continue this season and it should open up some more PT for the bigs. Based upon the quality and quantity of the bench I also expect the team to press a lot more than they have in recent years creating the need for more substitutions to give players a breather.

Yes we had foul issues among the bigs last year as you point out, because both Liv and Aaliyah were foul prone, but it was also a problem because we were trying to use a largely three big rotation with Dorka. Geno was reluctant to go to a fourth big like Amari and instead generally went to small ball with Evina at the 4 when any of the three had foul trouble. Of course with Dorka out with the broken wrist and Liv suffering from a groin injury, in the championship game only Aaliyah was healthy and Amari got a few minutes even though she had never played meaning-full minutes all year.

This year is much better because of three major additions vs. one major loss (Ice, Ayanna and don't forget Aubrey) and also because one of the anticipated starters (Dorka) has never been foul prone anywhere close to as much as Liv.

 

[Carnac]

My starting five will also be, Azzi, Caroline, Dorka, Aaliyah and Nika.

I post this question because several people in Twitter discussed the possible of Ayanna in starting five because of this photo in the media day.

​

Kaizen, there are others with opposing views, but I believe these five are the consensus five expected to start by the boneyard. While our incoming newbies are exceptional, (barring a last-minute injury), I don’t see any of them cracking the starting lineup to begin the season. Interestingly, not one poster has suggested that Aubrey be in the starting lineup.

 

[Inthepaint]

Kaizen, there are others with opposing views, but I believe these five are the consensus five expected to start by the boneyard. While our incoming newbies are exceptional, (barring a last-minute injury), I don’t see any of them cracking the starting lineup to begin the season. Interestingly, not one poster has suggested that Aubrey be in the starting lineup.

I can think of two reasons for Aubrey to come off the bench( at least in the first few games)
1) Really don’t know for sure if her back is 100%
2) If she is 100% she can be a game changer in critical situations
Last season, due to all the crazy injuries Geno was forced to play it by ear with what he had to work with. When people did start coming back, we would see 3 & 4 substitutions at one time at certain points in the game, usually to great effect. Hopefully, things will not be as hectic this season.
But…
Wonder if, once he can make judgements regarding which of the new faces can combine with the “veterans” most effectively, will we see the hockey style line changes at certain junctures.
Once they think they have the answers, maybe change all the questions?
As long as we don’t confuse and disrupt ourselves more than the enemy.
Since we don’t really know what’s going to happen once the opening bell rings, we’re free to speculate, propose & theorize to our hearts content.
Hope the first week in April is just as much fun

 

[Skeets]

Ines will only see the court in 20 pt. blowouts.

Do we really know Ines? Do we know how much she's matured and improved year to year? Do we know how she is practicing? I don't. Is it inconceivable that Nika picks up a couple of fouls in the warmup line and Azzi needs a breather and Ines plays minutes as the PG? A backup to the backup. Isn't that why Geno brought her in?

 

[Zarathustra]

Ines will only see the court in 20 pt. blowouts.

Reality is speaking , again.

 

[Zarathustra]

Do we really know Ines? Do we know how much she's matured and improved year to year? Do we know how she is practicing? I don't. Is it inconceivable that Nika picks up a couple of fouls in the warmup line and Azzi needs a breather and Ines plays minutes as the PG? A backup to the backup. Isn't that why Geno brought her in?

Yes.... but I really like Ines... and very happy she is there (now and when needed)!

 

[Bald Husky]

Do we really know Ines? Do we know how much she's matured and improved year to year? Do we know how she is practicing? I don't. Is it inconceivable that Nika picks up a couple of fouls in the warmup line and Azzi needs a breather and Ines plays minutes as the PG? A backup to the backup. Isn't that why Geno brought her in?

Exactly. I believe Geno learned a hard lesson last year with all of the injuries. Ines was brought in at the 11th hour to shore up our guard population, so I believe she will get some work to give her some experience. It will be tough with our early schedule, but she wasn't signed to ride the bench. We may need her if the refs are killing us, so all guards must be able to play if needed no matter what their experience.

 

[CL82]

Yes, the team seems perfectly suited to press.

…on D and spread the floor on O. Geno just might have something here.

 

[Conndog]

Same starting 5 for me as most posters- Nika, Azzi, Caroline, Aaliyah and Dorka. What I’m interested in seeing is who subs for Dorka- wondering if it will be Amari, which could happen if she has made the progress that Geno wants.

 

[Bone Dog]

…on D and spread the floor on O. Geno just might have something here.

Yup, a true spread offense. No more trying to force the ball into double teamed posts. Hoist a few 3s at the start and the bigs will have it a lot easier posting up. That’s how Brink had the year she had last season. Dorka and Aaliyah deserve the same.

 

[oldhusky]

Reality is speaking , again.

Do we really know Ines? Do we know how much she's matured and improved year to year? Do we know how she is practicing? I don't. Is it inconceivable that Nika picks up a couple of fouls in the warmup line and Azzi needs a breather and Ines plays minutes as the PG? A backup to the backup. Isn't that why Geno brought her in?

Inez probably was recruited to be a backup to a backup. But many are forgetting with only 5 true guards, she is the backup to the backup at three positions, 1-3, unless we resort to using a forward like Aubrey at the 3. Having 4 players consume all of the 120 minutes at those positions is very very difficult. To keep from having to rest some players too soon, and others way too late, most teams would use a 5th player for at least 5 or 6 minutes a game.

If all four of our main guards are healthy that 5th option is probably Inez if you want a true guard, or Aubrey if you want to use more of a big (in style) at the wing. One of those two or a combination probably gets some minutes subbing for our main guards. My guess based on Geno's comments about Aubrey's shooting, and someone saying she was seen working out with the guards, is that Aubrey has the inside track on that 5th option.

Even if that is true Inez could see meaningful minutes if any of our main four guards misses a game. That is not just possible, but very probable. If those four averaged missing a game or two each, you could easily have a half dozen games where the 5th option (Aubrey) becomes the 4th option playing close to half the game, and the 6th choice (Inez) gets the 5-6 minutes Aubrey was getting.

Another factor would be which of the four were out. Aubrey might be the better player vs. Inez, but if the missing player is either Nika or Azzi then would you rather have Lou or Caroline playing PG for part of the game or use Inez more? If Caroline or Lou is out Aubrey seems to be the more obvious choice IMO.

Regardless Inez was a necessary pickup. Having 4 guards doesn't cut it. We had to get somebody who was a guard, high school recruits and portal prospects had made their choices, and with the clock ticking we did the best we could. I don't have a good feel for how good Inez can be, but at a minimum I think there will be times this year when she has to be used, and during those times we likely will be glad Geno picked her up instead of relying on a walk-on.

 

[CL82]

Yup, a true spread offense. No more trying to force the ball into double teamed posts. Hoist a few 3s at the start and the bigs will have it a lot easier posting up. That’s how Brink had the year she had last season. Dorka and Aaliyah deserve the same.

That’s what I’m thinking too. Four out, and alot of ball movement looking for mismatches. They’ll take the threes if they’re there, but I’m also looking for people to cut to the hoop. Think our normal motion offense on steroids, the way it looked in some of our best years.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don't have a good feel for how good Inez can be, but at a minimum I think there will be times this year when she has to be used, and during those times we likely will be glad Geno picked her up instead of relying on a walk-on.

Yup, exactly. There will be times.

Kyla Irwin had to start a few games, too, same reason, and she held her own. I suspect Ines will do the same.

What little I was able to find of video of Ines she reminded me a bit of Ashlynn. She's not as big or strong, perhaps, but she has a lot of confidence, and her team seemed to rely on her. She knows how to be that person. She could create her own shot, hit from the perimeter and the mid-range, and could be a nervy passer, but it's hard to know how any of that will translate to D1 competition.

 

[Bone Dog]

That’s what I’m thinking too. Four out, and alot of ball movement looking for mismatches. They’ll take the threes if they’re there, but I’m also looking for people to cut to the hoop. Think our normal motion offense on steroids, the way it looked in some of our best years.

I'm right there with you on this one too. Once the perimeter game asserts itself, driving the lane and either scoring or dishing off will be a lot easier.

I loved watching Christyn drive the lane. But for her it had to be all muscle and ingenuity -- and she was strong and clever -- because the lane was so often packed in. How often did we see her power the ball up to finish through a forest of hands?

I may miss Christyn, but I think Azzi Caroline and Lou will be able to cut and drive really well in this offense. And the thing I'm most anticipating is how each of them have distinctively different styles on the drive. Azzi can bump and drive with the best of them, pop-up for the jumper, or power through to the rim, and Caroline has that array of floaters and flip shots, and Lou is simply a great post up player in addition to all her spin moves.

 

[The deacon]

Inez probably was recruited to be a backup to a backup. But many are forgetting with only 5 true guards, she is the backup to the backup at three positions, 1-3, unless we resort to using a forward like Aubrey at the 3. Having 4 players consume all of the 120 minutes at those positions is very very difficult. To keep from having to rest some players too soon, and others way too late, most teams would use a 5th player for at least 5 or 6 minutes a game.

If all four of our main guards are healthy that 5th option is probably Inez if you want a true guard, or Aubrey if you want to use more of a big (in style) at the wing. One of those two or a combination probably gets some minutes subbing for our main guards. My guess based on Geno's comments about Aubrey's shooting, and someone saying she was seen working out with the guards, is that Aubrey has the inside track on that 5th option.

Even if that is true Inez could see meaningful minutes if any of our main four guards misses a game. That is not just possible, but very probable. If those four averaged missing a game or two each, you could easily have a half dozen games where the 5th option (Aubrey) becomes the 4th option playing close to half the game, and the 6th choice (Inez) gets the 5-6 minutes Aubrey was getting.

Another factor would be which of the four were out. Aubrey might be the better player vs. Inez, but if the missing player is either Nika or Azzi then would you rather have Lou or Caroline playing PG for part of the game or use Inez more? If Caroline or Lou is out Aubrey seems to be the more obvious choice IMO.

Regardless Inez was a necessary pickup. Having 4 guards doesn't cut it. We had to get somebody who was a guard, high school recruits and portal prospects had made their choices, and with the clock ticking we did the best we could. I don't have a good feel for how good Inez can be, but at a minimum I think there will be times this year when she has to be used, and during those times we likely will be glad Geno picked her up instead of relying on a walk-on.

Ines

 

[CL82]

I'm right there with you on this one too. Once the perimeter game asserts itself, driving the lane and either scoring or dishing off will be a lot easier.

I loved watching Christyn drive the lane. But for her it had to be all muscle and ingenuity -- and she was strong and clever -- because the lane was so often packed in. How often did we see her power the ball up to finish through a forest of hands?

I may miss Christyn, but I think Azzi Caroline and Lou will be able to cut and drive really well in this offense. And the thing I'm most anticipating is how each of them have distinctively different styles on the drive. Azzi can bump and drive with the best of them, pop-up for the jumper, or power through to the rim, and Caroline has that array of floaters and flip shots, and Lou is simply a great post up player in addition to all her spin moves.

Agree with you regarding Christyn and that she was a deceptively strong player by her senior year. And though she and Liv and Evina were great contributors for the team, I get the sense our “flow” is going to be better this year. Call it a hunch.

 

[gold2323]

The starting lineup is not so important is who gets the big middle minutes and who finishes in close games.

 

[GEAinAustin]

gold2323, absolutely correct. Have been stating many times, but it seems many are obsessed and correlate the starting 5 with being the best players. The most talented players will play the most minutes vs. ranked and quality opponents.

 

[JellyBean]

Ines will only see the court in 20 pt. blowouts.

Yikes. How do you know this for a fact? Have you attended practice sessions? Been taking to the coaching staff? Got some inside scoop?

 

[npignatjr]

I share your thoughts regarding substitutions at the 4 & 5 positions. Last season the opponents continuously attacked our bigs to let the fouls mount up. ONO and Aaliyah led the team in PFs and were often sitting on bench during the first half. I expect this to continue this season and it should open up some more PT for the bigs. Based upon the quality and quantity of the bench I also expect the team to press a lot more than they have in recent years creating the need for more substitutions to give players a breather.

Silly fouls, AE often multiple offensive fouls.

 

[Stymie]

Agree with you regarding Christyn and that she was a deceptively strong player by her senior year. And though she and Liv and Evina were great contributors for the team, I get the sense our “flow” is going to be better this year. Call it a hunch.

One must also remember that despite her Big 10 experience, last season was Dorka’s first season in UCONN’s offense.
All agree that there is a significant learning curve.

 

[Bone Dog]

The starting lineup is not so important is who gets the big middle minutes and who finishes in close games.

The most talented players will play the most minutes vs. ranked and quality opponents.

It is theoretically true that the starters might not also be the ones who are playing the best. But pragmatically and historically speaking, the starters are exactly the players who get the big middle minutes and the ones who finish.

Who the starters are can change from game to game. But Geno’s practice seems always to have been that he doesn’t hold his best in reserve. The 5 who start plus one or two others have always tended to get the big minutes and to dominate in all categories.

This is why many here have been so interested in speculating on who the starters will be in November, as well as who might emerge as starters in January or March.

Of course, everyone knows that who starts (and gets the big minutes) in March is more important than who starts in November. Early on, there’s not a record of current achievement to go on. This is why many think the 5 veterans with starting experience will start now. They know the “system” and Geno can use them to show the new kids what they have to fit into.

 

[mudcat]

Same starting 5 for me as most posters- Nika, Azzi, Caroline, Aaliyah and Dorka. What I’m interested in seeing is who subs for Dorka- wondering if it will be Amari, which could happen if she has made the progress that Geno wants.

But it is interesting that no one is talking about Amari's progress: not Geno, her teammates or the media.

 

[CocoHusky]

The five in that photo were all the UCONN players nominated for the Big East preseason awards and was taken at Madison Square Garden at BE Media day.

 

[Bigboote]

Silly fouls, AE often multiple offensive fouls.

I noticed in one of the recent threads (Big East interviews?) something that Dan Hurley said. In the context of Paige being absent, he said something to the effect: They'll have to play cleaner -- sharper cuts, better setting screens, better using screens. . .

Screens were a problem all last year. They were just a little bit sloppy. Screeners were frequently late, leading to moving-screen fouls. Cutters often went to wide around them, allowing space for defenders to fight over them.

I hope they're doing a LOT of work on this during the preseason. UConn has exactly the team to benefit from this: strong bigs to set picks and shooters to use them. All of the players are skilled and taught the multiple options opened up by a good screen.