Strong to UConn [merged thread]

[hoophuskee]

without KK and Ashlynn stepping up big-time there is no season............Geno has never had an affinity to play freshmen unless they are so incredibly talented that he'd be insane not to........how much court time would the freshmen have gotten without the multiple injuries? The point is those two freshmen and to a lesser extent, Ice and Q have proven that freshmen can sometimes be trusted to play well above their experience level........

But if they had a healthy Azzi and Caroline, there would have probably been a superior season.

Because he would have had more blowouts meaning minues the bench still would have gotten.
He wouldn’t have played his top 5 players as much.
His team probably not blowing double digit leads like they did throughout the entire tournament.
And while we saw as an example Q not playing a lot of minutes late that she stepped up in a tight NCAA game. The same with Ice to a degree. She didn't play a lot before AE gets hurt- but yet she stepped up fine.. So there should not be a reason for KK or Ashlynn or both to not step up if they had less minutes because of Azzi and Caroline as well. (Off-topic: Next year imo KK and Ashlynn start over Azzi and Caroline at least in the beginning.)

But what we saw most importantly was that the move from the coach to put Paige at the 4 and not be so fixated with size. How many posts did we read stating "you have to pay Amari some" because we are so small? The bigs will wear down . . .

Heck I recall how so many were against Paige being SF because she'll get "beat up."

Geno does what he always has done. He wants to play fastbreak basketball and run a beautiful motion offense. And usually Geno has the more experienced number 1 recruit Azzi and number 4 Caroline as jr/sr's in which the freshmen can learn from.

 

[pacific 44]

After a full court press to every media outlet possible to announce that she is the Duke coach next year, would someone please tell Ms. Lawson that she can go ahead and take the tennessee job now as Sarah has committed elsewhere.

 

[Blacketh’D]

Somehow we’ll still mess it up

 

[Sifaka]

From all appearances, Sarah indeed was for a long time destined for Uconn.

Now I would like to be told the story behind the drama. Some will surely respond that this is none of our biz. OK. But it is a good story that deserves to be revealed. I hope we get it.

Why the long hold-out? Why the delay in making the reveal?

Could be it involves NIL, marketing factors etc. That makes sense, and there's nothing wrong with it. But why hide that if it was the motive?

There are multiple other explanations that may be more personal and perhaps more revealing. So, none of our business?

Bull. She's just a high school kid but also a public figure, and some loss of privacy comes with that (sadly) along with some benefits (such as fame and NIL).

If we don't have some explanation from her, we're left guessing. What difficulties were involved in her decision? Location? Lack of belief in her capabilities; fear that she couldn't make it at UConn? Concern that she would be overshadowed or fail there? What was the input from her parents and others? The recuiting tactics -- plus and minus -- of the various programs. Etc.

We're bound to wonder. I am, anyway, and I doubt I'm alone. That's not ideal -- getting this human interest story should be great for everyone.

Your want to know ≠ need to know. The young lady is now a public figure. That entitles people to wonder about stuff. It most certainly does not obligate her to satisfy your curiosity.

 

[bballnut90]

Here’s a good picture of Morgan, cute girl, if I may say so.

View attachment 99062

……honest question, where does this recruiting class rank with Geno’s past great classes? IMO it’s definitely one of his best. Two Naismith All-Americans and and Allie Ziebell (ranked #4) right behind Sarah.

1998 has TASSK which had #1 recruit Tamika Williams, Swin Cash and Asjha Jones who were top 5, Keirstan Walters was top 10-15 IIRC, and their lowest ranked recruit was Sue Bird in the 20s.

2002 class had 5 of the top 13 recruits including #1 overall Ann Strother.

2012 class had #1, #2 and #6 in Stewart/Jefferson/Tuck. That class panned out pretty well for Geno.

2017 class landed #1, #13, #16, #29 and the #2 player (Westbrook) transferred in

2021 class landed #1, #5, #15, #30



In terms of numbers only rankings, I think it's on par with 2021 and 2017. Not all rankings are created equal though. Where a player is ranked doesn't always correlate with comparative collegiate success, but it can often be a good indicator. The best players are usually highly ranked coming out of high school, but being highly ranked out of high school doesn't automatically mean you'll become one of the best players.

 

[bballnut90]

UConn should be #1.

2026 SportsCenter NEXT 100 - ESPN

Get the inside scoop on the top ranked high school girls' basketball players. In-depth player briefings, film and more on ESPNHS.com.

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I'd agree. These rankings often seem to favor quantity over quality. I'd personally rather have UCONN or South Carolina's class over USC's. USC landed 6 kids, but classes with more than 3-4 players rarely stay together for more than a year or 2 in today's age.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

1998 has TASSK which had #1 recruit Tamika Williams, Swin Cash and Asjha Jones who were top 5, Keirstan Walters was top 10-15 IIRC, and their lowest ranked recruit was Sue Bird in the 20s.

2002 class had 5 of the top 13 recruits including #1 overall Ann Strother.

2012 class had #1, #2 and #6 in Stewart/Jefferson/Tuck. That class panned out pretty well for Geno.

2017 class landed #1, #13, #16, #29 and the #2 player (Westbrook) transferred in

2021 class landed #1, #5, #15, #30



In terms of numbers only rankings, I think it's on par with 2021 and 2017. Not all rankings are created equal though. Where a player is ranked doesn't always correlate with comparative collegiate success, but it can often be a good indicator. The best players are usually highly ranked coming out of high school, but being highly ranked out of high school doesn't automatically mean you'll become one of the best players.

I think Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck and Williams, Cash, Jones, and Bird were his two best, but Sarah, Ziebell, and Chelli aren’t far behind. JMO.

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

Congratulations on landing Strong. The Huskies and Gamecocks are going to have some epic battles in the coming years.

 

[HuskyNan]

We have ONE true potential starting post player next year - a redshirt freshman who hasn't played a second of college ball - in Jana. There is a long history of hyping up talent only to see that talent underwhelm. Let's be optimistic but realistic.

C = Jana (cross our fingers) backed up by Ice (who hopefully finds confidence and consistency)
PF = Sarah probably starts eventually, but its like to be some mix of Ayanna, Sarah, and Caroline (hopefully)
G = Ashlynn, backed up by the 2 incoming freshmen Morgan/Allie
G = Paige, backed up by KK
G = KK to start the season, Azzi once she's cleared

Once she is cleared and healthy, Audrey will be the first front court sub off the bench.. She and Sarah eventually own the PF spot next to Jana, Ayanna and Ice. Sarah is not playing the post.

Assuming a 3 guard lineup, I see Paige, Ash, KK and eventually Azzi taking the lion's share of the minutes.

Q, Allie and Morgan (barring injury) will see minutes early in the year with Audrey/Azzi still out.... but then mostly in blow-outs.

Ines, Amari might not see much PT unless there's another rash of injuries. Unfortunate, but realistic.

AuBrey

And, I disagree with about half of what you said

 

[RoadMaster]

Congratulations on landing Strong. The Huskies and Gamecocks are going to have some epic battles in the coming years.

Agree... Let's hope that all of these kids get/stay healthy!

 

[Bone Dog]

Sarah will not play the 5. But with Jana at 6’5” and Ice at 6’3” and Ayanna Sarah Morgan and Caroline all at 6’2” we may finally be big enough. If Amari could find a way onto the floor at 6’6” we’d be practically the biggest lineup in D1.

 

[ABCDFE]

Amari DeBerry - 6'6"
Jana El Alfy - 6'5"
Ice Brady - 6'3"
Ayanna Patterson - 6'2"/6'3" (?)
Carolyn Ducharme - 6'2"
Sarah Strong - 6'2"
Morgan Chelli - 6'2"
Aubrey Griffin - 6'1"
Paige Bueckers - 6'0
Qadence Samuels - 6'0"
Allie Ziebell - 6'0"
Azzi Fudd - 5'11"
Ashlynn Shade - 5'10"
KK Arnold - 5'9"
Ines Bettencourt - 5'9"

Are you kidding me?

South Carolina's roster is loaded and all but one are coming back AND they have a great recruiting class coming in. The real question is can anyone be close

South Carolina's roster is loaded and all but one are coming back AND they have a great recruiting class coming in. The real question is can anyone be close to them next year.

The loss of cardoso is a very big loss. But yes SC will be formidable and probably the favorite.

 

[bballnut90]

Sarah will not play the 5. But with Jana at 6’5” and Ice at 6’3” and Ayanna Sarah Morgan and Caroline all at 6’2” we may finally be big enough. If Amari could find a way onto the floor at 6’6” we’d be practically the biggest lineup in D1.

Question, who do people think will be the starting 5 next year? I feel like aside from Paige, every other starting spot seems up for grabs.

 

[Kaizen]

1998 has TASSK which had #1 recruit Tamika Williams, Swin Cash and Asjha Jones who were top 5, Keirstan Walters was top 10-15 IIRC, and their lowest ranked recruit was Sue Bird in the 20s.

2002 class had 5 of the top 13 recruits including #1 overall Ann Strother.

2012 class had #1, #2 and #6 in Stewart/Jefferson/Tuck. That class panned out pretty well for Geno.

2017 class landed #1, #13, #16, #29 and the #2 player (Westbrook) transferred in

2021 class landed #1, #5, #15, #30

2012 class lands 4 NCs, from 2013 - 2016 under Stewart/Jefferson/Tuck.

 

[DEpup]

Starting 5 will probably be fluid as injured players come back and newbies get going.

My day 1 starting line up is Jana, Ice, Paige, Shade, and KK.

I don't think this will be the end of season starting line up.

 

[Kaizen]

Question, who do people think will be the starting 5 next year? I feel like aside from Paige, every other starting spot seems up for grabs.

I think,
Paige, Azzi, Aubrey and Caroline are UConn starters but not sure who is #5? Possible KK or Shade.

 

[PJCLaw]

Uhhh seems like you don’t watch this team that much…Amari at the 5 isn’t happening much next season. It’ll probably be Jana (starting) and Ice at the 5 with Ayanna spelling minutes there and at the 4. Sarah (starting) and Aubrey along with Ayanna at the 4. Caroline (starting if healthy), Morgan, and Q at the 3. Azzi (starting if healthy), Allie, and Ashlyn at the 2. Paige (starting) and KK at the 1. Amari and Innes won’t be getting much playing time next season…

So assuming good health…
Paige
Azzi
Caroline
Sarah
Jana

No way Geno gets KK out of the starting lineup! She is the quickest guard we have and isn't afraid to take it to the hoop. Caroline will come off the bench along with Ashlynn.

 

[ABCDFE]

I think Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck and Williams, Cash, Jones, and Bird were his two best, but Sarah, Ziebell, and Chelli aren’t far behind. JMO.

Don’t think you can make that distinction yet until we seem this class play.

 

[JSB60]

When everyone is back from injury, the lineup might be Paige, Azzi, Strong, Aubrey, and Ice. I have no idea whether Jana is good enough to beat out Ice, having never seen her play. Then KK and Shade off the bench for major minutes. If it’s 3 true guards, I’d say KK starts over Shade.

 

[HuskyNan]

Has this been posted?

 

[hoophuskee]

Question, who do people think will be the starting 5 next year? I feel like aside from Paige, every other starting spot seems up for grabs.

I don't beleive you can count on Azzi, Caroline, Aubrey early. I highly doubt AUbrey will be back before ealry December. And both Azzi and Caroline have missed over 2 years of basketball. This one season KK and Ashlynn played more with Paige than Azzi or Caroline.
And Brady came on at the end - and will be better than Jana imo playing with Paige early.

So I go with Paige, KK, Ashlynn, Sarah and Ice. Four of the 5 got us to FF.

 

[uconnfan68]

Sarah will not play the 5. But with Jana at 6’5” and Ice at 6’3” and Ayanna Sarah Morgan and Caroline all at 6’2” we may finally be big enough. If Amari could find a way onto the floor at 6’6” we’d be practically the biggest lineup in D1.

It’s not how big you are, it’s how big you play. Cash, Jones, and Williams never gave in, even when giving up 3-4 inches.

 

[bayern7]

Question, who do people think will be the starting 5 next year? I feel like aside from Paige, every other starting spot seems up for grabs.

By the time we reach December. IF we have a healthy team. I expect it to be….

Paige
Azzi
Caroline
Sarah
Jana

I don’t think that’s the best starting lineup for every game but I think that’s the best overall combination of players we’ll have next year and based off past performances as well. Maybe you could say Ice should be starting over Jana but i sure think it’d be nice to start the game with a 6’5” type player for the first time since Olivia graduated…

 

[bayern7]

I don't beleive you can count on Azzi, Caroline, Aubrey early. I highly doubt AUbrey will be back before ealry December. And both Azzi and Caroline have missed over 2 years of basketball. This one season KK and Ashlynn played more with Paige than Azzi or Caroline.
And Brady came on at the end - and will be better than Jana imo playing with Paige early.

So I go with Paige, KK, Ashlynn, Sarah and Ice. Four of the 5 got us to FF.

I had a different take in my response but I think this is pretty sound logic. And I think you may very well be right. I just don’t know if that’s the kind of lineup that will beat teams like SC.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

I think,
Paige, Azzi, Aubrey and Caroline are UConn starters but not sure who is #5? Possible KK or Shade.

If Jana is as good as Geno is claiming, then she has to be a starter.

 

[ABCDFE]

We have the depth now where we can play all out without worrying too much that refs will get in the way. This ultimately came to bite us in the end because I could tell Shade and Paige didn’t want to be ultra aggressive defensively knowing the fouls from Nika and KK were accumulating.

With depth at each position (hopefully full health mid way through the season), this allows Geno and the team to really press and do what Geno loves which is have a top defense, which has always been a hallmark of the great teams.

My guess is that at some point the solidified staring five will be Jana, Strong, Azzi, Paige, and Kk. Geno loves Aubrey off the bench and I think Shade will do well with a second unit at the 2 where she doesn’t feel she needs to defer, which is when she’s at her best. Caroline will get limited minutes at the 2 or 3, same for Allie. Morgan will play 1-3. Yanna will play the 4. . Ice will fill in at the 4/5. Q will play the 2/3 backup.

Amari and Ines last to come off bench in limited garbage time.

 

[Kaizen]

Has this been posted?

Yes, and 21 is Ines' number.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don’t think starting is as distinctive in November as it will be in January.

I think the November lineup will start Paige KK Ash Ice and Sarah. But Jana Ayanna Morgan Allie and Q will probably come in as a second unit. Then the mix-n-match can begin.

And when Azzi and Aubrey and Caroline return even more fun will commence.

By the end of January, who knows how the first and second units will sort themselves out? I have a feeling we could see something like Paige Azzi Ash Ayanna and Jana starting at that point.

Will Geno play 10 deep or more? He’s played deep lineups in the past, but in some seasons it’s also coalesced around 5+2. I have a feeling this bench is too strong to go with less than 5+4.

This looks like a super competitive group, which makes me think Geno may need to play a deep bench just to keep everyone happy. And this could also mean we’ll see a high energy defense for much longer in the season than has been usual recently. How else to keep Morgan Ash KK Sarah Allie Ayanna Aubrey and Azzi busy?

Also, for those wondering, I think we’ll all be really pleasantly surprised by what Jana can do. She’s a player!

 

[hoophuskee]

Congratulations on landing Strong. The Huskies and Gamecocks are going to have some epic battles in the coming years.

Looking forward to if UCONN could "penetrate" (not by guard play) what has been an inside wall scoring against them from the post with UCONN. I want to see if at times Sarah can impact the South Carolina Defense in the paint and also if she can negate to a degree what has been a serveral year big time Offensive rebounding advantages SC would get. (Not saying "win" the Boards battle.).

If there are random times Sarah can get the ball on the inside and score vs one-on-one or vs quick blindside help. That would be step 1. Then able to make good passes from it-- not saying "dominate" - but just be a good threat-- as a UCONN fan that might be fun to see.

 

[mrmojack]

The pick up games will be worth the trip to Gampel.