I have to agree to disagree since Geno is always clear that the player is in complete control of their playing time so the next logical step is Kia earned/took the spot from Soniya through her skill and determination. I think it diminishes Kia by saying it was just Geno's decision. Kia forced that decision.
Your looks and slants on this team is always fun to read. I want CW to get mega PT, she is talented. But so was Megan last year. Geno over the years has been a BIT pragmatic on his demands of serious practicing but insists on the new guys learning his system and being part of the team "chemistry". So, unless both ONO and CW are unique freshman (ala DT, Maya, Rene) it may be some time before they start.This is really a question of whether UConn decides to go small or go big. At the very start of the season I don’t expect either freshman to start, but they certainly could surprise. Pheesa starts in the front court, Crystal in the backcourt and Megan on the wing.
Lou is a variable. She can start up front or in the backcourt. I like the idea of Lou at guard, where she is a mismatch in the post for smaller defenders. That would mean Batouly and perhaps eventually Liv as the 5th starter. Adding that size to the lineup also moves Pheesa from the 5 to the 4 where she will dominate and gives the Huskies the ability to pound the boards and play tough physical defense.
The other variable is CW. She may be too talented to keep out of the starting lineup. If so, UConn goes small, spreads the floor and passes and shoots opposing teams to death.
So which way do I believe this will play out. I see Batouly as the 5th starter to begin the season and then at some point, Geno goes small inserting CW in the starting lineup.
How’s that for hedging my bet?
I don't disagree with your assessment. KLS has had leg and feet and knee problems from the many years of beating them into the floor. I'd like to see KLS play in the post because of her size and Geno last season pushed her more and more into rebounding and scoring under the boards. Yet, I wonder can her poor used body handled long minutes of PT.
I watched the game and I feel you are continuing to mischaracterize what I was trying to say. I gave you an out by saying I agree to disagree so take it please. Kia still played defense better than Chong in that game and from that point on she did what needed to be done to take and hold that starting position. As a supervisor myself I on the surface make the decisions like Geno but actually I feel as though the effort and performance of my employees dictate their fate and who gets better projects and promotions. The leader in my opinion follows through. The player has just as much control through their effort and taking advantage of the moment as much as the coach who calls the number after receiving that "message" from the player on who plays.
Your proposed starting lineup is going to be a nightmare to guard. 5 players that can beat you from behind the arc, with a pass, from mid range, or at the rim. Still think the season comes down to defense and getting a few key stops when we come up against a team that can score with us.
I guess you are quoting Mr. Anthony, but is he quoting a team source or just making what he believes is an informed speculation?
I don't know. It sounds authoritative.
Said with conviction, eh? In truth, I do not doubt it
While I’ve always believed that there was a good chance that CW would eventually break into the starting lineup as a freshman, I’m actually a bit concerned if she’s already done so in Geno’s mind. I was hoping that one or more of the returning players would at least give her a battle for a few games into the season.
Thank you for pointing that out.
