The Long Road to the NC

[Tonyc]

This depleted UConn team hasnt played all season with a healthy roster. It almost seems we are spiraling down and thats not because of anything other then not having a full roster. So if and when we get healthy this season its still gonna take time for everybody who has been out to get up to speed. Its also gonna take time for them to get back to playing ability and then the question is how effective will they be. We dont know how long it will take for either to happen. I can tell from posts on the board that there is alot of doubt if UConn can put it back together this season and what effect the injuries will have moving forward this season as well as next season. There is also alot of hope for the end of the season. Again we have no idea. For me I try to remain positive and dream big. At some point it will all come together. When I think about what this UConn team could be and see where we are right now well thats tuff. Im holding on to the thought of we will be healthy soon.

So what will it take for UConn to make a run at the NC? We all need to get healthy and up to speed. I had mentioned in another post last week that I thought Azzi and Christyn would be back around February. I have no idea what day but is is encouraging to hear Geno say that they wont be back this weekend. Encouraging in that there seems to be a short time line and not weeks. When they get back I would think their minutes would be limited at first and hopefully they respond and then a few weeks later to being able to increase their minutes and play effectively. Paige again imo will be back mid to late February and with that said she too should see limited minutes at first.

So the road ahead will take time moving forward. Its been frustrating for all of us because we dont know what to expect. The only thing we have to hang onto is hope. Hope that we can get back to somewhat where we expected to be. What would Paige and Azzi bring when they came back? More outside shooting and less turnovers. Hey those of you who disagree with that, thats fine but I think we can agree it will be/get better. Another thing they will bring back is team confidence. Just them being on the floor will make things easier for everybody. We've got a long way to go even when everybody comes back and we will still have a long way to go so see healthy. Our team chemistry isnt there right now. When everybody gets back that will not happen over night it will take time too. I think we will have it back by the NCAA's. I base that on approx 15 games left including make up games and then the BE tourney. That will give us over a month of practice and playing together in games.

So the next question is can we beat the top ranked teams we will face if Paige Azzi and Christyn arent 100% playing condition. I think when Christyn gets back it will take less time to get back into playing condition just because of the Covid protocol . I think we will be really good if Paige and Azzi are at at least 80%. Both can create their own shot and both are really good shooters and right now thats what we need to start turning things around. It will take some time for them to have a breakout game but just their presence on the floor will open things up for everybody else and with Liv playing the way she is well I think she could become even better. With the way Caroline has come along I also believe the middle will open up for her for more dribble drives and with her height at 6'2 she can create alot of mismatches.

I dont think anything at this point is automatic for UConn. Hey Paige and Azzi at 80% are much better then most. I know we havent seen enough of Azzi to crown her a superstar however I believe when she gets back with Paige and Christyn and as the team chemistry improves she will prove herself to be very special.

We will be short players for the SC and Tenn games. However after those games including makeups we will have 11 games left on our schedule before the BE tourney. We win all of those along with the BE tourney and we will be riding a something like a 15 game winning streak. How many teams ranked above us will be able to do that? How far can we move up the polls and get a better ranking in the NCAA's How many teams will want to see us in their bracket? This is why I remain confident. This is why I refuse to give up on the opportunity that we can still win the NC.

The road remains long, and the future is not guaranteed but I will remain believing that UConn can do it.

 

[CocoHusky]

I'm right with you @Tonyc and...


I would not count on UCONN making up any games at this point of the season the cancellations across the college landscape is too complex to repair. I think the season proceeds with the hope of no additional cancellations and the hope that COVID will be manageable enough to conduct a tournament.

 

[Charliebball]

I appreciate your positivity Tonyc. I'd consider the season an amazing success if UConn can somehow make it into the quarterfinals of the NC Tournament...........

 

[Tonyc]

I appreciate your positivity Tonyc. I'd consider the season an amazing success if UConn can somehow make it into the quarterfinals of the NC Tournament...........

Thank you Coco and Charlieball. All I try to do is turn negatives into Positives, hate into Love, and disappointment into Hope

 

[Centerstream]

If we have Paige and either Christyn or Azzi back, I think we have a good chance...
In memoriam:

 

[LoboDays]

We will be short players for the SC and Tenn games. However after those games including makeups we will have 11 games left on our schedule before the BE tourney. We win all of those along with the BE tourney and we will be riding a something like a 15 game winning streak. How many teams ranked above us will be able to do that? How far can we move up the polls and get a better ranking in the NCAA's How many teams will want to see us in their bracket? This is why I remain confident. This is why I refuse to give up on the opportunity that we can still win the NC.

Tony Tony Tony —- I was standing up, waving the flag with thoughts of Winston Churchill motivating the citizenry until you ended with this. How many teams will be able to end with a 15 Game winning streak? Not many if any. But if any of the other top 20 teams were in the BE and UCONN was elsewhere, the same dubious distinction would apply to them. Let’s remember that UCONN’s end of season winning streak is a annual occurrence. The NC isn’t. Other than that p, I continue to be inspired by your dissertations.

 

[and one]

It really all comes down to when Paige and Azzi start playing again. If they both get a decent number of games in before the NCAAs. I'm assuming Paige will be Paige within a few games and given her talent level and mental toughness that is highly probable. Azzi has yet to prove she is the scorer we so desperately need; if it were me I'd have her get starting minutes as soon as she is in game shape. We know AW and CW haven't provided the scoring needed so to go deep in the NCAAs we need to change and that means giving Azzi lots of playing time to shoot, shoot, shoot. Obviously EW and CW will get good minutes on the floor but Azzi is the future.

Going into the NCAAs we have Paige, ONO, CD, Azzi, and Nika starting, with CW, EW and AE rotating in. That is a damn good team! If Paige and Azzi are doing well, we make the final four.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I don't think Nika starts in the NCAA's unless someone is hurt again. Dorka would start in your scenario above probably and E as well.

 

[veryolddog]

Every team just like UConn will probably face injuries, covid and disorientation before entering and during the tournament. The healthiest team with very good players who can play together as a team will compete and win. If UConn has a string of luck in these categories it too could win.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I think Paige and Azzi are EXACTLY what this team needs so I am hopeful as well TonyC. Both can shoot and both are efficient players who don't make a lot of mistakes. There is a reason why they both were #1 recruits. I think we PROBABLY make final 4 again and this year that will not be easy.

 

[and one]

I don't think Nika starts in the NCAA's unless someone is hurt again. Dorka would start in your scenario above probably and E as well.

I forgot Dorka in the bench rotation crew. And a valuable addition she is. I include Nika as a starter because her other than scoring abilities are good enough to offset her not being a scorer. This is premised on the other starters scoring enough that Nika wouldn't have to shoot much. This isn't all that unlikely.

 

[boontonbomber]

It really all comes down to when Paige and Azzi start playing again. If they both get a decent number of games in before the NCAAs. I'm assuming Paige will be Paige within a few games and given her talent level and mental toughness that is highly probable. Azzi has yet to prove she is the scorer we so desperately need; if it were me I'd have her get starting minutes as soon as she is in game shape. We know AW and CW haven't provided the scoring needed so to go deep in the NCAAs we need to change and that means giving Azzi lots of playing time to shoot, shoot, shoot. Obviously EW and CW will get good minutes on the floor but Azzi is the future.

Going into the NCAAs we have Paige, ONO, CD, Azzi, and Nika starting, with CW, EW and AE rotating in. That is a damn good team! If Paige and Azzi are doing well, we make the final four.

When watching tonight's game and Sunday's game, take notice of Christyn not starting, because you won't see it any other time this season. Unless she is sick or injured. There is no other scenario where she won't be starting. And she will rarely come out of games.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Christin is probably back before South Carolina. Hopefully she will have her wind because she and we will need it. Maybe Azzi back by then also at least some.

 

[TeamFirst!]

When everyone was healthy Nika was 8th or 9th in the rotation. Chances are that resumes at some point. Hopefully Nika channels her inner Sue Bird and forces her way into the lineup.

 

[TCC Kid]

This depleted UConn team hasnt played all season with a healthy roster. It almost seems we are spiraling down and thats not because of anything other then not having a full roster. So if and when we get healthy this season its still gonna take time for everybody who has been out to get up to speed. Its also gonna take time for them to get back to playing ability and then the question is how effective will they be. We dont know how long it will take for either to happen. I can tell from posts on the board that there is alot of doubt if UConn can put it back together this season and what effect the injuries will have moving forward this season as well as next season. There is also alot of hope for the end of the season. Again we have no idea. For me I try to remain positive and dream big. At some point it will all come together. When I think about what this UConn team could be and see where we are right now well thats tuff. Im holding on to the thought of we will be healthy soon.

So what will it take for UConn to make a run at the NC? We all need to get healthy and up to speed. I had mentioned in another post last week that I thought Azzi and Christyn would be back around February. I have no idea what day but is is encouraging to hear Geno say that they wont be back this weekend. Encouraging in that there seems to be a short time line and not weeks. When they get back I would think their minutes would be limited at first and hopefully they respond and then a few weeks later to being able to increase their minutes and play effectively. Paige again imo will be back mid to late February and with that said she too should see limited minutes at first.

So the road ahead will take time moving forward. Its been frustrating for all of us because we dont know what to expect. The only thing we have to hang onto is hope. Hope that we can get back to somewhat where we expected to be. What would Paige and Azzi bring when they came back? More outside shooting and less turnovers. Hey those of you who disagree with that, thats fine but I think we can agree it will be/get better. Another thing they will bring back is team confidence. Just them being on the floor will make things easier for everybody. We've got a long way to go even when everybody comes back and we will still have a long way to go so see healthy. Our team chemistry isnt there right now. When everybody gets back that will not happen over night it will take time too. I think we will have it back by the NCAA's. I base that on approx 15 games left including make up games and then the BE tourney. That will give us over a month of practice and playing together in games.

So the next question is can we beat the top ranked teams we will face if Paige Azzi and Christyn arent 100% playing condition. I think when Christyn gets back it will take less time to get back into playing condition just because of the Covid protocol . I think we will be really good if Paige and Azzi are at at least 80%. Both can create their own shot and both are really good shooters and right now thats what we need to start turning things around. It will take some time for them to have a breakout game but just their presence on the floor will open things up for everybody else and with Liv playing the way she is well I think she could become even better. With the way Caroline has come along I also believe the middle will open up for her for more dribble drives and with her height at 6'2 she can create alot of mismatches.

I dont think anything at this point is automatic for UConn. Hey Paige and Azzi at 80% are much better then most. I know we havent seen enough of Azzi to crown her a superstar however I believe when she gets back with Paige and Christyn and as the team chemistry improves she will prove herself to be very special.

We will be short players for the SC and Tenn games. However after those games including makeups we will have 11 games left on our schedule before the BE tourney. We win all of those along with the BE tourney and we will be riding a something like a 15 game winning streak. How many teams ranked above us will be able to do that? How far can we move up the polls and get a better ranking in the NCAA's How many teams will want to see us in their bracket? This is why I remain confident. This is why I refuse to give up on the opportunity that we can still win the NC.

The road remains long, and the future is not guaranteed but I will remain believing that UConn can do it.

TonyC--thanks for the positive, it is needed. Unfortunately, I have a realism gene. Geno, I'm sure sees the truth. If every brick on the road to the NC is properly laid, maybe Uconn will get there. But that rarely happens. I don't have a clue what the odd of UConn getting to the NC are right now, I assume they are very high against.
At this point Uconn has nothing to lose and everything to gain by playing as if the NC was in sight, i.e. living a TonyC-ism. IF's: Fudd, Caroline, Nika, Dorka, ONO leads, along with a near healthy Paige play up to their abilities, yes Tony C they MAY do it. Hot dang, TonyC, you are getting even ME to be a believer.

 

[TCC Kid]

I think Paige and Azzi are EXACTLY what this team needs so I am hopeful as well TonyC. Both can shoot and both are efficient players who don't make a lot of mistakes. There is a reason why they both were #1 recruits. I think we PROBABLY make final 4 again and this year that will not be easy.

Uconn needs a minimum of 3 50 percent 3 ball shooters, to kill any zone thrown at them. Without a zone Paige and Caroline, some Nika (if she slows a bit) and Edwards (if she shakes the cobwebs) can then lay it in. Scoring is the big hole for Uconn. Their press works pretty good. ONO, Dorka, Edwards (cobwebs) will do ok on the boards. OK, is all Uconn needs with at least 3 hitting at an above 40 percent rate from 3. Uconn winning teams of the past, that won NC's, did just that.

 

[Cornell Lt]

The long road to the NC will run through 2022-2023 season. This years team has too many flaws to compete for a NC. I wish it wasn't so but it is what it is.

 

[Cuango]

It really all comes down to when Paige and Azzi start playing again. If they both get a decent number of games in before the NCAAs. I'm assuming Paige will be Paige within a few games and given her talent level and mental toughness that is highly probable. Azzi has yet to prove she is the scorer we so desperately need; if it were me I'd have her get starting minutes as soon as she is in game shape. We know AW and CW haven't provided the scoring needed so to go deep in the NCAAs we need to change and that means giving Azzi lots of playing time to shoot, shoot, shoot. Obviously EW and CW will get good minutes on the floor but Azzi is the future.

Going into the NCAAs we have Paige, ONO, CD, Azzi, and Nika starting, with CW, EW and AE rotating in. That is a damn good team! If Paige and Azzi are doing well, we make the final four.

Yeah, I was with you til you got to Nika. CW will be starting in that slot. Nika will play relief for Paige and spot duty as needed.

 

[Bald Husky]

If we can get everyone back it won't matter who starts. Geno will play the ones that are playing well or if a particular scenario comes up where a specialist is needed. Enter Nika Muhl, where she will probably back up Paige at the point unless the team becomes stagnant or a tough defensive player is needed. No matter what happens, she will be an important cog in our UConn machine. If everyone is available, she will still play 15 minutes, and if everything clicks, she may be right when she said that she doesn't have to shoot. I disagree with that statement that she made, but I recall Baylor did very well playing with only 4 kids that could score. Does anyone remember DiDi Richards?

 

[BigU]

CW will start and will play major minutes. She is second leading scorer on the team, she gets major minutes in every game when she comes back! Her presence on the floor is definitely missed! I am sure was a strong player but she hasn't had an opportunity to shine yet due to injury.

 

[JellyBean]

I ain't trying to add anymore pressure on this team. I am just happy to see them play, players staying healthy, and the ones that are injured, getting healthy. As for a National Championship run. If it happens, especially with all that has happened to this team, it would be magical. But I will not put that type of expectation on this team for a NC. Just seeing the players and coaching staff being there for each other, supporting each other, working together and engaging in elevating the whole group is imperative. Just take it one day at a time and control what they can control and not worry about the other stuff.

 

[jdb50]

You can not reach your potential being afraid to fail or make mistakes. Tonight the team is playing unafraid and with determination. Maybe the home court helps or they just decided to say screw it lets go. Like what I am seeing.

 

[Bigboote]

This is why I remain confident. This is why I refuse to give up on the opportunity that we can still win the NC.

Tony, it's nice to see you with a positive outlook for once.

 

[Jackcatscal]

If we have Paige and either Christyn or Azzi back, I think we have a good chance...
In memoriam:

“I'm crying icicles instead of tears… “

 

[Bill In Georgia]

This depleted UConn team hasnt played all season with a healthy roster. It almost seems we are spiraling down and thats not because of anything other then not having a full roster. So if and when we get healthy this season its still gonna take time for everybody who has been out to get up to speed. Its also gonna take time for them to get back to playing ability and then the question is how effective will they be. We dont know how long it will take for either to happen. I can tell from posts on the board that there is alot of doubt if UConn can put it back together this season and what effect the injuries will have moving forward this season as well as next season. There is also alot of hope for the end of the season. Again we have no idea. For me I try to remain positive and dream big. At some point it will all come together. When I think about what this UConn team could be and see where we are right now well thats tuff. Im holding on to the thought of we will be healthy soon.

So what will it take for UConn to make a run at the NC? We all need to get healthy and up to speed. I had mentioned in another post last week that I thought Azzi and Christyn would be back around February. I have no idea what day but is is encouraging to hear Geno say that they wont be back this weekend. Encouraging in that there seems to be a short time line and not weeks. When they get back I would think their minutes would be limited at first and hopefully they respond and then a few weeks later to being able to increase their minutes and play effectively. Paige again imo will be back mid to late February and with that said she too should see limited minutes at first.

So the road ahead will take time moving forward. Its been frustrating for all of us because we dont know what to expect. The only thing we have to hang onto is hope. Hope that we can get back to somewhat where we expected to be. What would Paige and Azzi bring when they came back? More outside shooting and less turnovers. Hey those of you who disagree with that, thats fine but I think we can agree it will be/get better. Another thing they will bring back is team confidence. Just them being on the floor will make things easier for everybody. We've got a long way to go even when everybody comes back and we will still have a long way to go so see healthy. Our team chemistry isnt there right now. When everybody gets back that will not happen over night it will take time too. I think we will have it back by the NCAA's. I base that on approx 15 games left including make up games and then the BE tourney. That will give us over a month of practice and playing together in games.

So the next question is can we beat the top ranked teams we will face if Paige Azzi and Christyn arent 100% playing condition. I think when Christyn gets back it will take less time to get back into playing condition just because of the Covid protocol . I think we will be really good if Paige and Azzi are at at least 80%. Both can create their own shot and both are really good shooters and right now thats what we need to start turning things around. It will take some time for them to have a breakout game but just their presence on the floor will open things up for everybody else and with Liv playing the way she is well I think she could become even better. With the way Caroline has come along I also believe the middle will open up for her for more dribble drives and with her height at 6'2 she can create alot of mismatches.

I dont think anything at this point is automatic for UConn. Hey Paige and Azzi at 80% are much better then most. I know we havent seen enough of Azzi to crown her a superstar however I believe when she gets back with Paige and Christyn and as the team chemistry improves she will prove herself to be very special.

We will be short players for the SC and Tenn games. However after those games including makeups we will have 11 games left on our schedule before the BE tourney. We win all of those along with the BE tourney and we will be riding a something like a 15 game winning streak. How many teams ranked above us will be able to do that? How far can we move up the polls and get a better ranking in the NCAA's How many teams will want to see us in their bracket? This is why I remain confident. This is why I refuse to give up on the opportunity that we can still win the NC.

The road remains long, and the future is not guaranteed but I will remain believing that UConn can do it.

Tony, it will be the biggest sport story of the year.
UConn, decimated by the virus, injury after injury, negative and moral shocks one right after another.
Coaches redo the play script every day, and what do we teach next?
But back in August we looked at the roster and "WOW" The NC will be too easy...
As Tony said, the only thing that can stop this edition of UConn basketball is:
-Injuries
-Virus
-Playing Time leading to Transfers..
And before the sun set, UConn had every negative flowing from the woodwork.
But the end of the tunnel is near and back to August 1, and the remarkable climb from the bottom to a National Championship.
Coach and the kids know this and have it under control, thus we fans can forget the three "C's" don't Criticize, condemn or complain"
Now sit back and enjoy the ride!!