The Girls finding out they can play

[Alydar]

What about the guards they have who already know the system? She will have to beat them out and they have a head start.

True. But Bueckers' skills are unique. She will create good shots for her team mates who will want her on the floor.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Aubrey is coming off the bench... #spark

 

[Tonyc]

First things first. Our Sophs need to be developed. They came along way last season but they still arent where they need to be. So Griff and Anna need more time on the floor. Evina needs time on the floor in a real UConn game too. It will take time for cohesiveness continunity and confidence to prevail. Paige will see alot of playtime and be devloped Everybody else we will have to wait and see how they come along in practice. The most important thing is to get the starting 5 up to speed mentally playing with each other in a real college game. As great as Paige was in HS she will need experience and be developed in college. In college you have all really good players. Its another level and Paige will learn and be taught how to adjust to it in the half court game. Once Paiges confidence is there and she believes she can compete with more experienced players shes gonna excel. On the break Paige will be better then in the half court. The half court game in college with defenses switching off and covering for each other will make it tuff for her to operate like she did in HS. HS has kids that dont play defense like they do in college There is more quickness and experience at the college level and better players then HS. Paige will be fine but we as fans will need patience as she develops. It will be fun to watch her develop. We've watched the great ones at UConn have their ups and downs as freshman. Alot will have to do on how they handle Genos riff and their mistakes. Remember this....with out making mistakes its tuff to get better. Your going to fail much more then you will have success's but it those failures that lead to success. Babe Ruth struck out over 2,000 times but everybody remembers his 714 home runs. Ben Franklin took 999 experiments that all failed but his 1,000 experiment he discovered electricity. Paige will be one of the all time greats.

 

[soxfan23]

Agreed, it’s not a veteran unit, but that’s the hand Geno was dealt, and it's the hand he'll have to play. This is the most "veteran" line up he can start. The other 6 players are all freshmen. I’m confident playing any other team, (especially the 3 they lost to a season ago) with these five..........home or away.

Even though she’s not a marquee player (yet), I think the player other teams should be most concerned about is Griffin. I think she has the most potential for “going off” at any time than the other four.

[/QUOTE]

Griffin has a very long way to go before she is considered a great college basketball player, let alone a "marquee player"! She is extremely athletic and fun to watch play, but she is also very one dimensional right now. She scored the majority of her points last year on layups and put backs. She has yet to show a consistent 3 point jump shot, a consistent mid-range game, or the ability to create her own shot.

 

[donalddoowop]

Griffin has a very long way to go before she is considered a great college basketball player, let alone a "marquee player"! She is extremely athletic and fun to watch play, but she is also very one dimensional right now. She scored the majority of her points last year on layups and put backs. She has yet to show a consistent 3 point jump shot, a consistent mid-range game, or the ability to create her own shot.
[/QUOTE]
That was last season. According to Geno, she is not the same player. You should expect growth in her game.

 

[oldude]

Having watched Aubrey play 4 times in HS, scoring over 30 pts in each game, there is no doubt in my mind that she has the ability to create her own shot, and knock down 3 pointers. Aubrey is not another Mikayla Coombs, a great athlete who never was a particularly effective shooter in HS or college.

While there have been a handful of players at UConn that could shoot the moment they first arrived in Storrs, far more took part or all of their freshman year to adjust to the college game, playing against more athletic defenders, where they had to speed up their release and gain some confidence in their ability at the next level. Mo, Kia, Saniya, Lou, Megan & Anna all struggled to knock down shots at first. But they all developed into excellent shooters at UConn. I expect the same from Aubrey, particularly if she gets more PT as one of the 5 starters this season.

 

[Carnac]

Griffin has a very long way to go before she is considered a great college basketball player, let alone a "marquee player"! She is extremely athletic and fun to watch play, but she is also very one dimensional right now. She scored the majority of her points last year on layups and put backs. She has yet to show a consistent 3 point jump shot, a consistent mid-range game, or the ability to create her own shot.

That was last season. According to Geno, she is not the same player. You should to expect growth in her game.
[/QUOTE]

Don, I could not agree with you more!! Even before Geno made the observation that in his opinion, "Aubrey is a hundred times better", I was assuming that she would make a notable sophomore leap. Last year she was a freshman and played like one. I expect more this year, we all should.

Soxfan, I said she WAS NOT a marquee player, so we have no argument there. She had a 25 point breakout game against Seton Hall last year. That game simply exposed her "potential". Some players play 4 years and never score 25 points in a game. I expect more 20+ point games from her this year.

She was limited to layups and put backs because of the more experienced upperclassmen she had on the floor with her. She deferred to them most of the time, as she was on a short leash offensively. She was not the first, second, third or fourth option. She was the 6th man because of her ability to be a spark plug off the bench, and make plays on defense.

I recall a poster saying that Geno told her to just play. Do what you do. Not knowing the offense, or their floor spacing concepts, plays were not run for her. I recall seeing her teammates telling her where to go on defense because she was out of position. As you know, players have responsibilities on BOTH ends of the floor, and MUST know their assignments on both ends. If a player is out of position, someone is either wide open for an uncontested shot, or drives the lane (which is wide open) for an uncontested layup.

I expect that to not be the case this year. At the beginning of her sophomore year in an interview, Gabby Williams said “I’m ready this year. I know what I’m supposed to do“, and she was. She learned the system and the plays on both ends of the floor. She was not ready as a freshman, she (and Geno) knew it. If you recall, Williams did not play in the Stanford loss in 2014. She wasn't ready. I’m accepting Geno’s representation that Aubrey is in that same space now.

If in fact she is, she’s going to have more opportunities to score, which is why I made the ”potential to go off” comment. She’s a cutter and a slasher. She should be hard to guard, and get to the line often. Remember what Geno said about her last year. "She can do things no one else on the team can do."Aubrey is in a good place. Her coaches and teammates will make sure she stays aggressive and hungry to keep getting better everyday. I'd wager that she has a lot more confidence going into THIS year than she did last year.

 

[Carnac]

Having watched Aubrey play 4 times in HS, scoring over 30 pts in each game, there is no doubt in my mind that she has the ability to create her own shot, and knock down 3 pointers. Aubrey is not another Mikayla Coombs, a great athlete who never was a particularly effective shooter in HS or college.

While there have been a handful of players at UConn that could shoot the moment they first arrived in Storrs, far more took part or all of their freshman year to adjust to the college game, playing against more athletic defenders, where they had to speed up their release and gain some confidence in their ability at the next level. Mo, Kia, Saniya, Lou, Megan & Anna all struggled to knock down shots at first. But they all developed into excellent shooters at UConn. I expect the same from Aubrey, particularly if she gets more PT as one of the 5 starters this season.

Amen OD, amen!!

 

[chrissaran]

What about the guards they have who already know the system? She will have to beat them out and they have a head start.

None of the guards are point guards. RockyMTblue2 said Paige sees herself as a combo guard. Did he actually ask her or was she quoted in an article stating that fact? Paige loves to score, but she also loves to pass. She will be a starter.

 

[Geew1992]

None of the guards are point guards. RockyMTblue2 said Paige sees herself as a combo guard. Did he actually ask her or was she quoted in an article stating that fact? Paige loves to score, but she also loves to pass. She will be a starter.

I think Muhl is a point guard

 

[Steelerone]

We talked about a lot of things over the summer. Yesterday (9/22) was the first day of Autumn, the summer season is officially gone. The season begins in 63 days. We never did arrive at a consensus on who the starting 5 will be. Those that posted comments had their favorites, and gave chapter and verse why their 5 should start. We'll never ALL agree on a starting lineup. Now that we know for sure there will be a season this year (thank goodness), that is one matter we need to clean up and finish.

I took a wait and see approach on whether or not Paige would start, because she is a freshman, and does not know the system or plays yet. As point guard and floor general, you've got to know the plays and the system, as you are directing the flow of the offense. As we get closer to November 25, and the team gets more practice time (together) under their belts, I may have to revise my position. We all know that at some point, she will become a starter. "When" is the question. There is a lot of talent and experience in front of her.

Right now, I like Christyn Williams, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Evina Westbrook, Aubrey Griffin and Anna Makurat to begin the season as starters. Williams, ONO and Westbrook are the most experienced players on the roster, Makurat is a returning starter and Griffin was the 6th man last year. Usually, Geno's 6th man starts the next year. Geno recently said that Griffin is now a "hundred times better" than last year. I would have started her anyway, but after hearing that, she definitely starts.

Most of the freshmen will see lots of time on the floor, especially Bueckers and Edwards, who I expect to be the first two players off the bench. Both may move into the starting lineup before season's end (if they do, who sits?). Who is willing to make the poll?

Carnac, I sort of agree with you on your choices. I also think that Geno will not hesitate, after about one minute, to make a substitution from some of the younger players, especially one that has gotten a little publicity ever since she was recruited. And while we are at it keep your eye on Mir. I think she is going to be the surprise player of the year.

 

[Steelerone]

And the great thing is that those

I enjoy the "who starts" discussions but at this point without knowing what is going on in workouts and scrimmages it is a fool's errand making a prediction. There are 8 freshmen and sophomores and 3 upperclassmen. One upperclassman has 2 years experience but with another program. Given all this the starters are a crap shot. I would guess that the coaches may have a clue but with so many players 5'11" - 6'1" it will be a month at least before even they know.

And the great thing is that those 5'11" and 6'1" players can jump out of the gym/

 

[RockyMTblue2]

None of the guards are point guards. RockyMTblue2 said Paige sees herself as a combo guard. Did he actually ask her or was she quoted in an article stating that fact? Paige loves to score, but she also loves to pass. She will be a starter.

Yes, she IDes herself as a combo guard.

For example for much of her senior year Paige did not play point guard and the point guard was a freshman, first name Amaya. Here is an excerpt from an article on her describing her as a combo guard.

"If one were to be curious to know what is going on with women’s hoops, one of the top news would revolve around Paige Bueckers and her dominance in High School. Paige is an exceptional combo guard with a huge amount of talent. With being ranked the number 1 player in her class, Paige is leading the pact for female players and putting the world on notice with her efficient play throughout her high school career. "

When Paige was asked about the recruitment of Nika Muhl she said: "I consider myself a combo guard," Bueckers said. "And from what I've heard, [Muhl] is unselfish and a pass-first point guard who will put the team first. I'm looking forward to getting to know her." . When UConn called, it was game on for Croatian recruit Nika Muhl

Olson's description in January 2020: " Poised combo-guard manufactures shots; smooth off the dribble, yields consistent offensive results; knocks downs mid-range jumpers to the arc; a facilitator with court awareness; makes plays on both ends of the floor; a difference maker and the top prospect in the class of 2020 ." paige-bueckers

 

[Steelerone]

Don't think I am not optimistic despite the lack of experience. Griffin, ONO and Makurat were different players at the end of last season than at the start. I am also very high on Bueckers who I expect to share minutes with the starters (assuming she starts on the bench).

I don't think Geno is interested in exchanging cards with anyone.
[/QUOTE]
Right on target, Alydar. Geno seems to be happier and more content and patient with this group than any recent ones I can think of. I think the blend is almost perfect. The older players appear to have completely bought into the program and have the talent to play at the top level. And, just as importantly, the younger players, both freshmen and sophomores, seem to be following the older players lead. Can't wait for the season to start and watch them jell. I think we've got a veritable feast for our table.

 

[Steelerone]

What about the guards they have who already know the system? She will have to beat them out and they have a head start.

Donald, I think, or rather I hope, that Paige has the ability to play point, shooting, or off guard. This will give Geno so many more options. We should know by the fifth or sixth game how much is hype and how much is the real deal. I'm not a pessimist but before I make a judgement on any player, especially a freshman, I sort of go by my Grandfathers old adage, "Ok, you're here. Start weeding."

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I think Muhl is a point guard

Yes, she is a point guard. For years.

 

[BostonBay]

Bueckers over Westbrook in the starting lineup. With all her recent injuries, Geno will probably be very careful with limited minutes in the 1st half of the season.

 

[oldude]

Bueckers over Westbrook in the starting lineup. With all her recent injuries, Geno will probably be very careful with limited minutes in the 1st half of the season.

Geno loves the effort Evina put in, as well as the support she’s given to the team over the past year. Paige will absolutely have to earn the starting spot, which is certainly possible, but not a given. The competition between the two will make each better as well as the team.

 

[Carnac]

I think the most exciting thing about this upcoming season is that none of us what Geno is going to do. There is so much potential on this team, individually and as a whole. WE KNOW what we want to happen, and we can speculate and suggest what should be, but in reality, we don't have a clue. We can say what WE would do if WE were the head coach, and it makes interesting reading until the season actually starts. We are not in the presence of the players day to day. We don't know what the freshmen are doing against the returning players in practice. The coaches know the strengths and weaknesses of each player. We don't.

We know what the freshmen did against their peers in high school. Each one of them were "All Everything" at that level. They come to UConn leaving all those trophies, records, accolades and confidence behind. Can they do the same thing, and have the same amount of success at THIS level against players bigger, stronger, faster, more talented, more mature and in some cases 3 years older than they are?

THAT is the $64,000 question (I'm dating myself). We've talked about Bueckers and Edwards ad nauseam this summer. We talked very little about Mir, Nika and Piath. Many here think that Paige and Aaliyah will either start, or be the first ones off the bench. Piath is deemed to be a project this year. Little has been written or mentioned about these three. Could they be "dark horses" that turn out to be the biggest surprises of the year? I'd be OK with that.

I can't wait to get regular reports out of practice this year from beat reporters. In addition to hearing from Geno, I'd also like to hear from the assistants as well. I think we're all interested in finding out how much each player has improved over the summer, and who is separating themselves from the others in practice. How quickly can this team "jell", and play the type of UConn basketball we're use to seeing?

The spotlight is on Paige Bueckers, coming in as the number one recruit in her class, winner of every basketball related award she was eligible for. Will she or won't she........be ready to begin the season as a starter? Can't wait to see our team in a non-exhibition game against "competent" top 40 competition. It's difficult to evaluate players (the team) against lower tier (mid-major) teams.

November 25 can't come soon enough. I wonder how the teams on UConn's schedule feels. Most coaches like to begin the season with teams they know they can beat. They want to establish a winning culture at the outset, and build on each win going forward, and play better teams as the season progresses. How would you like to begin the season with UConn as your first opponent?

Counting down the daze..................... Full practices can begin in 19 days on Oct. 14.

 

[soxfan23]

Bueckers over Westbrook in the starting lineup. With all her recent injuries, Geno will probably be very careful with limited minutes in the 1st half of the season.

There is ZERO chance that Westbrook doesn't start this year!

 

[Carnac]

There is ZERO chance that Westbrook doesn't start this year!

Westbrook has been in MY starting 5 since March. She'll remain there until Geno says otherwise!!!

 

[Steelerone]

There is ZERO chance that Westbrook doesn't start this year!

As there has not been an organized practice to evaluate anyone I'm not sure I would apply the term "zero chance" at this stage of the game.

 

[jabstep]

None of the guards are point guards. RockyMTblue2 said Paige sees herself as a combo guard. Did he actually ask her or was she quoted in an article stating that fact? Paige loves to score, but she also loves to pass. She will be a starter.

Paige Loves to win and will do what it takes to get there. Score, pass, steal, rebound get Geno to laugh.

 

[Go/huskies]

Liv seems like more of a specialist at this point in her career, last season Williams seemed to defer to teammates in big games, I think Westbrook will probably emerge as the go to scorer on this team, that’s one reason I think she will be a starter for sure.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Christyn Williams, Olivia Nelson-Ododa, Evina Westbrook, Aubrey Griffin and Anna Makurat

It's a logical list, all the upperclassmen. But among the 5 of them there is a total of 6 years of UConn experience. That isn't what I would call a veteran starting unit.

Also less than 4 years of being starters with two years going to Williams. [ONO getting 4 starts while Lou was hurt in ONO's freshman year, and Anna getting 14 starts last year (of 32 games)..]; The season will start with the five mentioned (my choices in the original thread - why argue....), but I believe it will be about 4 games before Paige gets to start as an experiment the game before taking on a top ten ranked team to see how the rest of the team responds, and the one who sits will be the one who is having problems on defense - anyone other than ONO - as she will NOT be sitting to start any games this year!