The Freshmen

[donalddoowop]

Because defenses will sag off Aubrey and double team Crystal or Meg. Christyn must be guarded.

Since that is the case why doesn't Geno turn her loose and tell her to start shooting her jumper when she is open? She said she was told to play defense, rebound, and set screens. If she played on another team, she would show everyone her outside shot. However, her overall game would probably not be as complete as it will be after playing for UConn. She said she is doing what her coaches told her to do.

 

[UcMiami]

Crystal didn't start as a freshmen. Saniya started that year.

Thanks - don't know what I was thinking!
I got curious about Evina because until she got to TN I had not thought she was considered a PG and the make up of the TN team and the coach was sort of miscasting her. Went back and looked at the Hoopgurlz listing for 2017 and they listed her as a guard not a PG. Here is some of the evalution:

Boo Williams Invitational-April 2016: Smooth back court performer handles and distributes in transition game with court awareness; consistent mid-range game producer; defends, anticipates; poised guard with size on perimeter; an elite prospect in the class of 2017. (Olson)

Nike Nationals-July 2015: Athletic off-guard with size in the back court, manufactures to the arc, delivers with consistency in transition; versatile defender, rebounds, handles and passes in transition; superb guard skills and the elite scoring guard in the 2017 class. (Olson)

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Because defenses will sag off Aubrey and double team Crystal or Meg. Christyn must be guarded.

This year, yes. But I was responding to the talk of next year's lineup. With Bueckers and Westbrook coming in, and Makurat looking like a future star, Christyn needs to improve.

 

[Cuango]

Ok now I hit my tolerance. No, Just NO it would not be a sin of epic proportions! Seriously, people need to be realistic. Evina was a 2-year starter at one of the most storied top 3 programs in the History of WCBB who averaged 15 points per game against top D1 competition. She was #2 ranked player in her class. She has PROVEN HER SKILLS against collegians. Paige for all her accolades and potential will get significant playing time early and often BUT IT IS NOT A FOREGONE conclusion she will start.
We will be deep and talented and time and a talent will price who will be starters by the time the Big East Tournament starts. Maybe it could be Paige but my guess is Geno does not want to put that burden on her so soon with correct perspective.
While I love all the Paige enthusiasm, let’s be fair and see how it plays out and BE PLEASANTLY SURPRISED. Stop with the excessive hyperbole. And yes Charlie that especially includes you!
I do believe Paige is the best recruit since Breanna but she will not be THE PLAYER day 1. Day 110 maybe...

Westbrook’s former program is indeed one of the most “storied” programs ever but has not been that for many years now! It has instead, been one of the most dysfunctional programs in the country since Pat had to step down. To be fair, it wasn’t the same even before she stepped down, but it was never that while Holly was in charge. So your implication that Westbrook is somehow the repository of some great body of knowledge, skill, and experience that she obtained from this “legendary” program just doesn’t fly. Admittedly, she was a top-ranked recruit but the two years she spent in that program (as dysfunctional as it was then) is not a big plus on her resume imo. More important, again imo, is the current year that she has spent in a functional program that is the clear top program in women’s basketball history. Let’s just wait and see. I’m betting on Paige to be a truly great player who will help us return, not to the top, as we have never left there, but to domination once again! I have hope that Westbrook will be a big part of that but I think there is only going to be one “generational” player on next year’s team and her initials are PB!

 

[Charliebball]

Thanks - don't know what I was thinking!
I got curious about Evina because until she got to TN I had not thought she was considered a PG and the make up of the TN team and the coach was sort of miscasting her. Went back and looked at the Hoopgurlz listing for 2017 and they listed her as a guard not a PG. Here is some of the evalution:

Boo Williams Invitational-April 2016: Smooth back court performer handles and distributes in transition game with court awareness; consistent mid-range game producer; defends, anticipates; poised guard with size on perimeter; an elite prospect in the class of 2017. (Olson)

Nike Nationals-July 2015: Athletic off-guard with size in the back court, manufactures to the arc, delivers with consistency in transition; versatile defender, rebounds, handles and passes in transition; superb guard skills and the elite scoring guard in the 2017 class. (Olson)

I think the consensus has been she's not really a natural point guard but is talented enough to play the position.........Tennessee fans were constantly on her for her turnovers, something Geno will certainly not tolerate..............there's only going to be one natural point guard (I'd almost call her supernatural) on the team next year.........

 

[DefenseBB]

I really like the enthusiasm and the context that many have given-it helps evolve the dialogue and understanding. Some additional facts to support of refute assertions already made:
Diana started 14 of 33 games. Sven started 19/19 before the injury. Agreed this was as loaded a team as any in UConn history.
Maya started 30 of 38 games her freshman year. We also had a 3 year lull of S16, Elite 8, Elite 8 before Maya arrived.
Breanna started 14/36
Kia Nurse started 36/39 games and that is impressive given Mo was the point and Soniya played in 38 games that year.
Crystal Dangerfield started 6/31
Megan did not start any games- 0/32
Christyn started all 38/38 and as noted, we did not have any talent depth.
Next year, we will have depth. Evina brings an edge that this team is lacking. Paige also brings an attitude that may bump heads with Geno at times. Her talent should win out in the end but there will be growing pains.
My guess is she could be starting by mid-late January given our understanding and expectations of her maturation.
Either way, the team should be very good at ball movement with Anna, Evina, Paige, Nika, Liv, Meg, CW and Aubrey. Add in the newbies of Aaliyah, Piath and Mir to learn and understand the offense and that’s pretty impressive.

 

[cbraarj]

Thanks - don't know what I was thinking!
I got curious about Evina because until she got to TN I had not thought she was considered a PG and the make up of the TN team and the coach was sort of miscasting her. Went back and looked at the Hoopgurlz listing for 2017 and they listed her as a guard not a PG. Here is some of the evalution:

Boo Williams Invitational-April 2016: Smooth back court performer handles and distributes in transition game with court awareness; consistent mid-range game producer; defends, anticipates; poised guard with size on perimeter; an elite prospect in the class of 2017. (Olson)

Nike Nationals-July 2015: Athletic off-guard with size in the back court, manufactures to the arc, delivers with consistency in transition; versatile defender, rebounds, handles and passes in transition; superb guard skills and the elite scoring guard in the 2017 class. (Olson)

I knew you knew lol!

 

[meyers7]

I think the consensus has been she's not really a natural point guard but is talented enough to play the position.........Tennessee fans were constantly on her for her turnovers, something Geno will certainly not tolerate..............there's only going to be one natural point guard (I'd almost call her supernatural) on the team next year.........

Ummm I assume you are thinking Bueckers, however I believe Muhl is probably a more pure PG. Bueckers I believe can play some 2 also. IIRC she did some with Van Lith. Muhl though I think is pretty much a 1.

 

[Charliebball]

Ummm I assume you are thinking Bueckers, however I believe Muhl is probably a more pure PG. Bueckers I believe can play some 2 also. IIRC she did some with Van Lith. Muhl though I think is pretty much a 1.

absolutely my bad............forgot about the next flashy European import............she is most assuredly a pass first point guard..............her lack of a consistent outside shot leaves me wondering what impact she will have on the team next year........