Stokes should start

[Kibitzer]

It's funny that not including Morgan as a starter is marked as a "slight".

I looked at the core 4 and thought the team needed another quality ball handler. Thus MoJeff. Simple as that. No slight to Tuck.

I consider it a slight to automatically relegate a player with her outstanding ability to the bench. I don't think Geno has yet decided who will start Game 1, let alone the remainder of the schedule, and I believe Morgan deserves to be among about six Huskies who are in the mix.

Put another way, it seems that most Boneyarders have decided that she won't start but I see no evidence that Geno has made any such decision.

Let's see how this plays out. Could be interesting.

 

[Vowelguy]

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[Icebear]

I consider it a slight to automatically relegate a player with her outstanding ability to the bench. I don't think Geno has yet decided who will start Game 1, let alone the remainder of the schedule, and I believe Morgan deserves to be among about six Huskies who are in the mix.

Put another way, it seems that most Boneyarders have decided that she won't start but I see no evidence that Geno has made any such decision.

Let's see how this plays out. Could be interesting.

Kib, same as last year with Caroline. Geno doesn't quickly take away opportunities earned in the past. KML, Stewart and Dolson are all people he will be loyal to. Morgan will have huge minutes I just do not expect her to start given Geno's history with returning players. The number of times he has made changes like that have been few and far between.

 

[Bestiarius]

Actually I like the idea of starting Stokes, Chung, the two walk-ons and Morgan … think of the demoralizing effect that would have on the opponent when they looked at Uconn's bench!!! Three AAs and maybe the most unique talent in CBB and they can't even make it into the starting line-up! We're Doomed!

Even more demoralizing, when they looked at the bench and realized they were already behind by 20 points.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Who does Tuck replace in the starting lineup?

 

[Kibitzer]

Who does Tuck replace in the starting lineup?

Your question seems to be aimed at me, which is fair since I believe strongly that she is sowonderfully talented (and, most important, injury free) that she is certainly one of six (Stef, KML, Stewie, Moriah, and Bria obviously being the others) from which Geno will likely select five.

I don't believe it is an automatic call for Geno that the other five are certain starters or that Morgan is therefore destined to be seated at every opening tipoff. And I have often said so.

Now, to answer your question. Barring unforeseen circumstances (illness, injury, etc.) it is hard for me to imagine Geno not starting Stef, KML and Stewie. So, should Geno decide that Morgan should or must start, he will likely have either Bria or Moriah come off the bench.

This may never happen, I concede that. It may happen occasionally. And we all know that several players will average 20-35 minutes per game.

My belief is simple. I just think Morgan is too good not to start.

 

[Zorro]

We all know that the same five will NOT start every game. A non-starter who has a very impressive practice will be rewarded with a start. A "starter" who has a BAD practice will be rewarded with a little rest and relaxation. That is the way Geno has always done it and always will. Seems to work pretty well. Carrots motivate and so does the occasional stick.

 

[Vowelguy]

We all know that the same five will NOT start every game. A non-starter who has a very impressive practice will be rewarded with a start. A "starter" who has a BAD practice will be rewarded with a little rest and relaxation. That is the way Geno has always done it and always will. Seems to work pretty well. Carrots motivate and so does the occasional stick.

What?
Geno very rarely changes the starting lineup. Last year was a big anomaly.

 

[UConnLen]

While I agree starting the "best" five talent wise is not always what you want, despite BudFrog getting a heart attack every time Shea Ralph did not start, you do want to start the game with best chemistry, the best cohesion, the five that can best work together in producing team offense and team defense to set the tone of the game.

This year it may not matter much who UConn starts, but you don't sacrifice what's best for the team for what's best for any single individual. Stokes does not have to be one of the best five, but if she can't be one of the five that plays best together the loss for the team is greater than the gain for the individual.

I'll add that I've noted there are times you like to start discussions. I'm guessing that's your real motive here, rather than a committed belief that Stokes should start.

Digger-yeah that Budfrog guy is long gone-thank goodness! His obsession with Marci Glenney is legendary too. I have to listen to him weekly tell me "I was a college coach you know". Yeah, a year at Avery Point women. He's trying to get me to sign him back on here so he can "correct you". Coin flip?

 

[HuskeySlim]

Does Kiah start ? Does Morgan start ?
I think not at first, but as the season moves forward who knows. Geno, as we all know makes a lot of his decisions based on practice play.

How many times have I heard the folks on the BY say our 2nd 5 would be a top 10 team. IMHO that is more true this year than any other.

What an opportunity we have this year. We have such a diverse mix of talent that will be very tough to defend for 40 minutes. Our defense is going to be awesome ! I see no weaknesses on D. I think the one thing that sets us apart is our shot - blocking ability. I started seeing it last year. How many times did I see an opposing player on a break-a-way, and here comes Stewie out of nowhere to swat it back. (There were a couple of times when she just caught it with 2 hands) Now add Kiah to the mix ! Unbeatable !

As far as starting or playing 4 forwards, I'm not too sure about that. I remember when Gary Blair brought his Texas A&M ladies to UCONN. (Was it last year or the year before?) He said that his team was not ready for that kind of competition. He said we just had too many BALL HANDLERS. He said it was tough to double us because every lady passed the ball so well.

4 forwards, I doubt it. 4 guards, perhaps. Personally, I like a mixture of 8, 9, or 10 mystifying, and confusing the opposition !

 

[diggerfoot]

Digger-yeah that Budfrog guy is long gone-thank goodness! His obsession with Marci Glenney is legendary too. I have to listen to him weekly tell me "I was a college coach you know". Yeah, a year at Avery Point women. He's trying to get me to sign him back on here so he can "correct you". Coin flip?

I'm actually fond of BudFrog, despite disagreeing with his mantra that the most talented five should always start. If you are with him frequently last year must have been a long season with Doty often starting and some of the stars we had on the bench.

 

[Vowelguy]

Does Kiah start ? Does Morgan start ?
I think not at first, but as the season moves forward who knows. Geno, as we all know makes a lot of his decisions based on practice play.

Geno parcels minutes based on practice play, not starting positions.

 

[UcMiami]

Your question seems to be aimed at me, which is fair since I believe strongly that she is sowonderfully talented (and, most important, injury free) that she is certainly one of six (Stef, KML, Stewie, Moriah, and Bria obviously being the others) from which Geno will likely select five.

I don't believe it is an automatic call for Geno that the other five are certain starters or that Morgan is therefore destined to be seated at every opening tipoff. And I have often said so.

Now, to answer your question. Barring unforeseen circumstances (illness, injury, etc.) it is hard for me to imagine Geno not starting Stef, KML and Stewie. So, should Geno decide that Morgan should or must start, he will likely have either Bria or Moriah come off the bench.

This may never happen, I concede that. It may happen occasionally. And we all know that several players will average 20-35 minutes per game.

My belief is simple. I just think Morgan is too good not to start.

I agree with your conclusion that Geno is not likely to sit Stef, Stew, or KML. But I would add that Geno loves his guards - (you can never have enough good guards) - and therefore if he were to sit either MoJef or Bria it would be for BB or Chong and not for Morgan. I agree that Morgan is a fabulous player, but just not more fabulous than Stew or KML and not able to play Stef's role.

 

[Phil]

Who does Tuck replace in the starting lineup?

NCAA passes a special rule to allow her to play without taking someone else out. We'll call it the ...Tuck Rule

 

[Aj]

If she played up to her potential she could be the best center to play for uconn, but for some reason she hasn't so far. She has shown bits of her talent like against Kentucky in the elite eight 2 years ago when she dominated the boards and got uconn to the final4.

 

[Kibitzer]

I agree with your conclusion that Geno is not likely to sit Stef, Stew, or KML. But I would add that Geno loves his guards - (you can never have enough good guards) - and therefore if he were to sit either MoJef or Bria it would be for BB or Chong and not for Morgan. I agree that Morgan is a fabulous player, but just not more fabulous than Stew or KML and not able to play Stef's role.

You are certainly persuasive. Time to move on.

 

[msf22b]

. I agree that Morgan is a fabulous player, but just not more fabulous than Stew or KML and not able to play Stef's role.

Not 100% sure about that.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Geno parcels minutes based on practice play, not starting positions.

and if Stokes is... does she replace someone who isn't practicing well

 

[Zorro]

Geno parcels minutes based on practice play, not starting positions.

Well, yeah, but not always. I can recall several occasions when a "starter" started on the bench to get her attention. Even D, at least once.

 

[Vowelguy]

Even D, at least once.

D didn't start because she got in trouble with Geno -- either talking back or getting a technical.

 

[Vowelguy]

Well, yeah, but not always. I can recall several occasions when a "starter" started on the bench to get her attention. Even D, at least once.

Name 3 examples not involving frosh.

 

[vtcwbuff]

Shea Ralph?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I agree with your conclusion that Geno is not likely to sit Stef, Stew, or KML. But I would add that Geno loves his guards - (you can never have enough good guards) - and therefore if he were to sit either MoJef or Bria it would be for BB or Chong and not for Morgan. I agree that Morgan is a fabulous player, but just not more fabulous than Stew or KML and not able to play Stef's role.

Quite right. But Morgan will get tons of minutes. Seems to me that she was the designated "speller" for Stewie and Stef at the end of last season and I expect this season to start the same way. Could she start...sure. But, alas, we have an embarrassment of riches.

 

[Vowelguy]

Shea Ralph?

As a frosh, Shea Ralph did not play in the first half of the URI game. She was not a starter though.

 

[UcMiami]

Quite right. But Morgan will get tons of minutes. Seems to me that she was the designated "speller" for Stewie and Stef at the end of last season and I expect this season to start the same way. Could she start...sure. But, alas, we have an embarrassment of riches.

People do get overly concerned with 'Starter' and it is generally more important to be a 'finisher' - someone in a competitive game at the end. And absolutely agree that Morgan as well as BB, KS, and SC will be getting plenty of minutes.

 

[Geno-ista]

Actually I like the idea of starting Stokes, Chung, the two walk-ons and Morgan … think of the demoralizing effect that would have on the opponent when they looked at Uconn's bench!!! Three AAs and maybe the most unique talent in CBB and they can't even make it into the starting line-up! We're Doomed!

Classic!!! Really!

 

[Geno-ista]

I agree 100% --

The value I see with Kiah improving this season (if present trends continue) is two-fold:

1. She spells Stef for a much larger # of meaningful minutes (first half and early second half) in 2013-14, in addition to mop-up time. While we really don't have any evidence that Stef's stress injuries are *likely* to recur, if Stokes is performing there is really no reason to have Stef averaging heavy minutes. Last season, Stef averaged about 27 min / game. We could get that closer to 20 mins and really save Stef some wear and tear, keeping her fresh for those occasions and match-ups where Geno really does need her on the floor for big minutes.
Spot on VA- great analysis!

2. She prepares for her senior campaign where she could (should) be the starting center on a team that will still have NC aspirations. This is a much different mental role than she has played thus far, excepting a few games like her freshman-year visit to Duke. She has not been the go-to player and any experience she can gain toward that end in 2013-14 will make next year a more natural transition.

In watching the Huskies with Kiah on the floor, she still seems (to me) to be a better back-up 5 than a complementary 4 alongside Stef. Yes , they have had Stef and Kiah on the floor at the same time for brief stretches here and there. And yes, she has been improving her face-up game per Geno. This combo may be called for in certain situations. But I really the combos with Kiah at the 5 much better - with either Stewie or Morgan on the floor, or even both. I don't see Kiah + Stef as a combo that we need to have on the floor for any real length of time.

 

[Geno-ista]

Morgan does not fit into either of the two openings for starters and I do not expect Geno to change any of the other 3.

Having Morgan as a back up is so comforting- it's euphoric! To me anyway!

 

[DaddyChoc]

As a frosh, Shea Ralph did not play in the first half of the URI game. She was not a starter though.

how do you remember such a thing... you're amazing, or Shea Ralph!

 

[jsloanjr]

Maybe, the NCAA will let UCONN play with 6 players on the floor at 1 time.....then, Kiah can start............Geno will play everybody a ton of minutes and November and December are the seasons toughest games.........Who likes game pressure more than UCONN? They are on a mission to seek and destroy every team early and offen. This team's goal is to not give up 45 points or less this season to any team. That is how Geno keeps their attention..........