Starting Lineup Redux

[RockyMTblue2]

"By the end of next year, ‘I am going to be saying we wouldn’t have won the national championship without her’thinking about who is starting " Gives us some little insight into Geno's line up objectives this season.

 

[hoophuskee]

"By the end of next year, ‘I am going to be saying we wouldn’t have won the national championship without her’thinking about who is starting " Gives us some little insight into Geno's line up objectives this season.

I have no idea what this means in terms of predicting who might start. He has started the worst low post players in America and still went undefeated.

 

[JonathanXIV]

I have no idea what this means in terms of predicting who might start. He has started the worst low post players in America and still went undefeated.

“Worst low post players in America?” I think even you would admit this is a little bit of hyperbole.

 

[hoophuskee]

“Worst low post players in America?” I think even you would admit this is a little bit of hyperbole.

Tell me, after one loss you think he is gong to stand by the comment that's been quoted if "she" plays well and they don't play as well without her? How many coaches can make any commit as to who will start and who won't at season's end with as much change as UCONN has had? The quotes are similar in their absurdity.

 

[MSSportsGuy]

I think this is going to be a very good UConn team as always. What has been challenging for the Huskies the last few seasons, and trust me that's a relative term since the last four years the team has been at worst top 5, is the lack of size and depth. On paper these have been addressed but they are still very young. This team could win the national championship and will likely be towards or at the top if they are all healthy and play up to expectations. I've never seen PB play but I trust those on this board when I read them post about how legit she is. I look forward to watching her.

This is honestly going to be a bit of a transition year for some teams. Oregon also brings in a talented class but lost a ton experience and skill. South Carolina returns their stacked rookie class but will have to replace two strong leaders. Baylor also returns a lot but lost its leader.

All my statements are based on the course of everyone staying healthy and able to play. Yes, I'm ready for basketball to tip off already.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Tell me, after one loss you think he is gong to stand by the comment that's been quoted if "she" plays well and they don't play as well without her? How many coaches can make any commit as to who will start and who won't at season's end with as much change as UCONN has had? The quotes are similar in their absurdity.

Agreed, but I didn’t write that quote. And don’t feel it’s my responsibility to comment on every absurd statement. (That’s a 24/7 job).

 

[Fossil]

I don’t think there’s anyway UConn will be able to keep Anna out of the starting lineup. By the end of the year she was a stabilizing force and a go to on offense. If she picks up there she will be more valuable than Williams. For Griffin to get major playing time she will need to shoot better or she will be first or second off the bench. As for Westbrook there was an article about the 10 best players for the season last year that she would have been on had she not been injured. If Westbrook is healthy she could easily be in all American. ONO Will be better than last year and Edwards looks to be the real deal. From watching the clips of Paige I think she will have A banner on the wall at Gampel,as for the other incoming freshmen time will tell how quickly they pick up the system and create playing time for themselves.

 

[oldhusky]

I think, and this is definitely my own opinion, that Geno would like to start a lineup with two strong rebounders. That would be Ono and Edwards. If Paige is all she is fantasized to be she will be a third starter. That would leave the fourth and fifth spot for Williams, Westbrook, Griffin or McLain. Much will be determined by Geno and the staff during what is probably going to be a restricted practice time. I think that there is such a wealth of talent that right now Ono is the only player who can be pretty much assured of starting.

Agree completely on Ono being the only player assured of starting. Most seem to think others are a lock because they started last year, or was the nation's number 1 recruit. While I personally would like her to be the first off the bench, Westbrook is clearly a potential threat to start instead of Paige at PG, CW at SG, or instead of Anna at SF. Probably half the posters think she or Anna is also a threat to start at PF instead of Griffin or Edwards, and the posters in that camp generally think CW is safe because they can find another way to get Westbrook into the starting lineup.

If Geno goes with more of a true PF, then CW is vulnerable if Anna is looking good, Paige looks like the real deal and CW isn't any better than last year. You could make a case that CW and EV had sophomore seasons that were roughly equal, and SG is probably the best position for both, although Evina appears to be more versatile.

 

[mbr33ct]

I nominate the above post for utilizing the most initials in one post, not only for players but also for positions. @veryolddog may have trouble with the above post as well.

 

[BBallF]

I nominate the above post for utilizing the most initials in one post, not only for players but also for positions. @veryolddog may have trouble with the above post as well.

In that vein, GA wil start EW, CW, ONO, AM, and AG with PB being the first guard in and AE being the first inside player in. GA will play the same defense he installed at the end of last season which is a FCP with a HCT. That way he can play all 10 players who can learn the defense sooner than the offense and get them game experience and also rest his starters at times to make them more effective while they are in and ensure that they are not worn down by the end of the regular season. You really need a dependable bench to run that defense GI and GO. He has to bring along all of these players not only for the BD and FF this year but also for the future and that means PT. What better way to do it than to press with the depth he will have next year for the FT in a LT?

 

[DEpup]

I think your assumptions are right on for the first 3-5 games of the season. It is my off the wall assumption that after that period, AE will replace Anna. Paige will run the point with CW and EW as the wings. This is the most balanced team. Anna could be first off the bench replacing either wing or Paige by moving EW to the point. AG is the first interior player of the bench. My biggest hope is that Aubrey becomes the 'Aubreylicious' lock down defender like 'The Gabulous One' and be a stopper on any of the opponents 1 through 4.

Y'all who continue to think Anna isn't starting all season are so mistaken in my opinion. By the end of the year, she was the most dynamic playmaker on the floor.....

 

[Go/huskies]

Y'all who continue to think Anna isn't starting all season are so mistaken in my opinion. By the end of the year, she was the most dynamic playmaker on the floor.....

But who will she replace, the only way I see her starting is if can defend some power forwards, we’ll never know what would have been, but Anna isn’t a starter last season if Westbrook plays.

 

[DEpup]

But who will she replace, the only way I see her starting is if can defend some power forwards, we’ll never know what would have been, but Anna isn’t a starter last season if Westbrook plays.

But she was a starter and Geno is loyal and consistent about those things.

Westbrook, Williams, Makurat, Griffin, and ONO start with Bueckers and Edwards first off the bench. Muhl gets in at the beginning of the 4th with McClean and Piath coming in during the 4th.

 

[BBallF]

But she was a starter and Geno is loyal and consistent about those things.

Westbrook, Williams, Makurat, Griffin, and ONO start with Bueckers and Edwards first off the bench. Muhl gets in at the beginning of the 4th with McClean and Piath coming in during the 4th.

I agree except that I see Nika, Mir and Piath being in the rotation earlier than the 4th quarter due to the defensive pressing and trapping. If you have the depth, use it.

 

[Monte]

Nice post. It is refreshing to not have to read about Covid-19 or protesrs!

 

[Dokey]

Just for fun—and it won’t happen—but it would be fun to see this starting five: Anna, Paige, Edwards (because I can never spell her first name), Mir, and Olivia. I almost pit Aubrey in instead of Olivia. I know, I know, I know...I said just for fun.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Y'all who continue to think Anna isn't starting all season are so mistaken in my opinion. By the end of the year, she was the most dynamic playmaker on the floor.....

Agree that in spurts she can make heady plays. I think we may have a difference of opinion on what constitutes a dynamic playmaker. The two most dynamic players on this years team , IMHO, didn’t play last year, Paige and Evina. I believe Anna and Aubrey will share the sixth man role depending on the needs at that time. Of the two Aubrey could have a spectacular sophomore spurt as she gains confidence, shots with more authority, and becomes a lock down defender

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Agree that in spurts she can make heady plays. I think we may have a difference of opinion on what constitutes a dynamic playmaker. The two most dynamic players on this years team , IMHO, didn’t play last year, Paige and Evina. I believe Anna and Aubrey will share the sixth man role depending on the needs at that time. Of the two Aubrey could have a spectacular sophomore spurt as she gains confidence, shots with more authority, and becomes a lock down defender

We do need many more Husky fans in South Carolina as well!!!

 

[Rb335]

If you look at Geno's tendencies. 1. He prefers to start experience over freshman & 2. He is pretty loyal about starting returning starters. (The three we return already have existing chemistry.) I go by position first and three are easy to pick.

SG- Christyn Williams- I don't think you can undervalue that she has the most experience in a UCONN Uniform out of any player on the team. Only player with significant NCAAT experience.

W- Ana Makurat-UCONN teams tend to have a taller player, with good handles, the ability to pass, and excellent three point shooting at this spot. Ana fits the mold of the player Geno recruits for this position. (Strother, KML, KLS).

Center- ONO is the only experience here, a returning starter, and a reliable safety net. Lock to start.

Next, its about looking at who is left for the open positions.

PG- Westbrook, Bueckers, or Muhl. Going back to Geno's tendencies, he would start Westbrook over Bueckers since she has more D1 basketball experience with proven success. Even Maya, KML, & DT didn't start until injuries opened the door, and they were top options on the team. That is why I would expect Westbrook to start.

PF- This is the hardest for me. Griffin or Edwards. If Griffin's offensive game hasn't expanded, Edwards could simply be more talented than her. In the past, Geno has shown he will start a freshman if they are more talented than a returning non-starter. (Example: KLS over Gabby Williams). Somehow, I think Edwards beats Griffin and takes the last spot. Its hard to use this rationale here but bench Bueckers above. I think the difference is that at PG, Westbrook has proven success, where Griffin at the 4 is less proven. A lot hinges on her offensive development.

Final - Westbrook, Williams, Makurat, Edwards, ONO

Bueckers is going to end up playing starter minutes & Griffin will be a major defensive spark plug off the bench.

We have a lot of players who can mix and match in the lineup, so I would expect a year where the starters are consistent, but the combination of 5 players that proves most effective changes often.

 

[DEpup]

If you look at Geno's tendencies. 1. He prefers to start experience over freshman & 2. He is pretty loyal about starting returning starters. (The three we return already have existing chemistry.) I go by position first and three are easy to pick.

SG- Christyn Williams- I don't think you can undervalue that she has the most experience in a UCONN Uniform out of any player on the team. Only player with significant NCAAT experience.

W- Ana Makurat-UCONN teams tend to have a taller player, with good handles, the ability to pass, and excellent three point shooting at this spot. Ana fits the mold of the player Geno recruits for this position. (Strother, KML, KLS).

Center- ONO is the only experience here, a returning starter, and a reliable safety net. Lock to start.

Next, its about looking at who is left for the open positions.

PG- Westbrook, Bueckers, or Muhl. Going back to Geno's tendencies, he would start Westbrook over Bueckers since she has more D1 basketball experience with proven success. Even Maya, KML, & DT didn't start until injuries opened the door, and they were top options on the team. That is why I would expect Westbrook to start.

PF- This is the hardest for me. Griffin or Edwards. If Griffin's offensive game hasn't expanded, Edwards could simply be more talented than her. In the past, Geno has shown he will start a freshman if they are more talented than a returning non-starter. (Example: KLS over Gabby Williams). Somehow, I think Edwards beats Griffin and takes the last spot. Its hard to use this rationale here but bench Bueckers above. I think the difference is that at PG, Westbrook has proven success, where Griffin at the 4 is less proven. A lot hinges on her offensive development.

Final - Westbrook, Williams, Makurat, Edwards, ONO

Bueckers is going to end up playing starter minutes & Griffin will be a major defensive spark plug off the bench.

We have a lot of players who can mix and match in the lineup, so I would expect a year where the starters are consistent, but the combination of 5 players that proves most effective changes often.

Totally plausible. I'm with you on 4 of the 5. I agree with your logic completely except I believe Aubrey will unveil the rest of her game and be the starting PF in a SF body....

 

[Steelerone]

While most of the posts focus on offense, nice to see some comments on defense and rebounding. Other than ONO, don't see any consistent rebounding and interior defense until the frosh step up. Griffin can sky and play great defense on a guard or small forward but is still thin and gets overpowered by the stronger bigs. I like this year's team but there are several risks.

Hopefully the incoming Freshmen will have a couple of skywalkers. One of them who we have not heard too much about is Mir McLean. Also, Edwards is supposedly a beast under the boards. This is going to be one of the most interesting seasons in many moons with the mix, match and mystery.

 

[BBallF]

If you look at Geno's tendencies. 1. He prefers to start experience over freshman & 2. He is pretty loyal about starting returning starters. (The three we return already have existing chemistry.) I go by position first and three are easy to pick.

SG- Christyn Williams- I don't think you can undervalue that she has the most experience in a UCONN Uniform out of any player on the team. Only player with significant NCAAT experience.

W- Ana Makurat-UCONN teams tend to have a taller player, with good handles, the ability to pass, and excellent three point shooting at this spot. Ana fits the mold of the player Geno recruits for this position. (Strother, KML, KLS).

Center- ONO is the only experience here, a returning starter, and a reliable safety net. Lock to start.

Next, its about looking at who is left for the open positions.

PG- Westbrook, Bueckers, or Muhl. Going back to Geno's tendencies, he would start Westbrook over Bueckers since she has more D1 basketball experience with proven success. Even Maya, KML, & DT didn't start until injuries opened the door, and they were top options on the team. That is why I would expect Westbrook to start.

PF- This is the hardest for me. Griffin or Edwards. If Griffin's offensive game hasn't expanded, Edwards could simply be more talented than her. In the past, Geno has shown he will start a freshman if they are more talented than a returning non-starter. (Example: KLS over Gabby Williams). Somehow, I think Edwards beats Griffin and takes the last spot. Its hard to use this rationale here but bench Bueckers above. I think the difference is that at PG, Westbrook has proven success, where Griffin at the 4 is less proven. A lot hinges on her offensive development.

Final - Westbrook, Williams, Makurat, Edwards, ONO

Bueckers is going to end up playing starter minutes & Griffin will be a major defensive spark plug off the bench.

We have a lot of players who can mix and match in the lineup, so I would expect a year where the starters are consistent, but the combination of 5 players that proves most effective changes often.

I don't agree on the 4 position. Aubrey got tremendous experience last year playing against the best teams in the country and is a naturally gifted defender, rebounder and floor player. The KLS over Gabby analogy doesn't apply here because that team got a knock down 3 point shooter on the wing with her ( Kia did not have the same shot that she had as a senior) to keep the defense honest and there was none better. Also, she was 6'3" and could get her shot off when needed. Gabby could not fill that role. I don't see that same overriding need or lack of capability here. You have an experienced player, well beyond one average freshman year in playing time, with an end of the year pressure defense that will probably start this season that suits Aubrey more than anyone else on the team. Edwards will spell her and maybe even move to the 5 at times, but the "New Griff" is going to have a summer of working out with her brothers and the best training there is under her father's auspices. I think she starts.

 

[Alydar]

Griffin is the type of receiver that qb's dream about, fast, tall, elevation and soft hands. Bueckers is going to set a new record for TD passes in wcbb.

 

[oldhusky]

Griffin is the type of receiver that qb's dream about, fast, tall, elevation and soft hands. Bueckers is going to set a new record for TD passes in wcbb.

In terms of a get up and go fast-breaking unit, the one I think would be most exciting would be Nika, Paige and Anna, on the perimeter with Aubrey and Aaliyah filling the lanes. Three truly great ballhandler's and passers, any one of which could lead the break, two good spot up 3 pt trailer possibilities (Paige and Anna, maybe not Nika) and two bigs that can slash to the hoop and probably outrun most other teams bigs.

 

[Alydar]

Edwards has a fine future ahead but I see Griffin ahead of her. Remember, Griffin was just as prolific a scorer in high school as Edwards. And it's wrong to just see her as a "Gabby" type and just assume she will never be a major scoring threat. Early last season Geno said he gave her a green light to take 3's so she must have some outside ability.
Edwards will be best in transition as Griffin was last season. They make a nice set of long and athletic front court players.

 

[DEpup]

I don't agree on the 4 position. Aubrey got tremendous experience last year playing against the best teams in the country and is a naturally gifted defender, rebounder and floor player. The KLS over Gabby analogy doesn't apply here because that team got a knock down 3 point shooter on the wing with her ( Kia did not have the same shot that she had as a senior) to keep the defense honest and there was none better. Also, she was 6'3" and could get her shot off when needed. Gabby could not fill that role. I don't see that same overriding need or lack of capability here. You have an experienced player, well beyond one average freshman year in playing time, with an end of the year pressure defense that will probably start this season that suits Aubrey more than anyone else on the team. Edwards will spell her and maybe even move to the 5 at times, but the "New Griff" is going to have a summer of working out with her brothers and the best training there is under her father's auspices. I think she starts.

So agree. I think Edwards between coming in for Liv and Aubrey will get plenty of minutes and they will probably all three avaerage about the same.

 

[DEpup]

Edwards has a fine future ahead but I see Griffin ahead of her. Remember, Griffin was just as prolific a scorer in high school as Edwards. And it's wrong to just see her as a "Gabby" type and just assume she will never be a major scoring threat. Early last season Geno said he gave her a green light to take 3's so she must have some outside ability.
Edwards will be best in transition as Griffin was last season. They make a nice set of long and athletic front court players.

I think the Aubrey we saw in the Seton Hall game is going to break out of that shell for good this year.

 

[lebronfan23]

Liv
Williams
Westbrook
Ana or Griffin
Paige

 

[lebronfan23]

Paige is going to be the Zion Williamson of women basketball coverage and Dawn is going to hate.

 

[tkaes]

I've been reading these "who starts" threads for a couple of months. As I do, I keep wondering how Geno would react if he were forced to read them as well. I think he would just laugh and shake his head because we, especially me, are just fans and not coaches. If I were 53 instead of 73 I would still be the last person on the earth ever to be selected to coach a college team let alone the UCONN Women's team. I have never coached a basketball team at any level. Yet I have an opinion too..

As Yogi once said, "You can see a lot by just observing". Here's some things that I've observed Geno do and/or listened to him say over the years:

• He hasn't played with an announced Center maybe since Stef graduated.
• He never (or seldom) uses terms like PF, SG, SF, W, and PG.
• He never (or seldom) uses identifiers such as 1. 2. 3. 4. or 5.
• He expects his players to move constantly and pass, and pass and move, and find the open man.
• He expects his players to play tenacious defense and to rebound at both ends.
• He expects his team to play his way (imagine that).

The players he TRUSTS the most to do it his way are going to start and get the most minutes. I don't believe he will select his starters based on our notions of positions, but rather which 5 execute his vision of basketball the best (read trust).

If it were me, I'd start Liv, Anna, Aubrey, Evina, and Paige. Notice the glaring absence of Williams. IMO, she hasn't consistently played like the HS NPOY, she sometimes plays with an absence of energy, she misses too many layups, and she is too selfish. Far too often she has driven a long distance and instead of feeding a far more open teammate, she has taken the ball all the way to under the backboard and then slammed one off the bottom. Fast breaks should be virtually automatic and too often her selfishness has turned the ball over. Having said all that I'm resigned to the fact that Geno will start her.

Bottom line: who knows?