Thoughts on Paige in the BET & the line-up come NCAA tourney time

[nastynatty]

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

 

[huskeynut]

I don't think anything changes for tonight as far as the line-up.

After tonight, there are several days off. This will be the time to work out the line-up/ rotations for the tourney. I have no idea what will happen or what Paige's status will be. Her injury was serious. The fact that she is actually playing now is amazing to me. Geno said it's a matter of Paige becoming comfortable being Paige. Who knows when that happens.

Actually bringing Paige in off the bench is be a good thing as we have seen. She changes the game dynamic by being on the court. You can't assume she is not 100%. I also like the "line change" at around the 5 minute mark of the 1st quarter. Tough to plan for and defend.

 

[Drumguy]

I've been thinking that our substitution pattern is almost hockey like. Except the second line is arguably better offensively than the first line Paige/Dorka/CD/EW. Dorka has been one of my favorites for how disruptive she can be.

There isn't a let down in talent anytime during the game anymore.

 

[Blakeon18]

We'll have 10 or 11 days after tonight's game to gear up for Dance Game #1. Rusty?
Maybe...but so will the other team. I think this lengthy break will be of great help in getting players rested and in great shape for 6 games more....specifically all the kids who have missed considerable time this year. Hope to see
Aubrey in full roar behind the bench.

 

[CB360]

I've heard this statement a few times lately (Paraphrased). It really doesn't matter who starts the game, it's who's out there when the game is close in the 4th quarter. Honestly, With our nine player rotation, I feel pretty good whoever is out there Starting or if in a close game with 2 minute's left!

 

[Monte]

You want your best players in the games that really count(and from now on, they do). From this point on, I want to see the best players, play together, as much as possible, IN A GAME, which is quite different than playing together in practice. Beginning next week, THERE IS NO TOMORROW!

 

[DEpup]

I think Geno has to be confident that Paige is Paige again before she starts in place of Nika.

The better question to ask is how did the senior day line up make it necessary for Paige to start versus Nika? That calculation may provide insights for what is to come.

 

[Blueconn]

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

I agree with your thinking regarding Paige being a half-step “off” compared to what we saw before the injury. Saying this might generate criticism but, as of right now, it appears to be the case. But, but, but…there is every reason to be optimistic. There are so many sayings to do with time…give time time, one step at a time, etc. Patience.

 

[Kat]

I'm expecting a repeat of Sunday's game as far as who starts and who comes off the bench but expect there will be a different approach in the NCAA tournament. Starting lineups will be adjusted to provide the best matchups with the opponent's stars. Ten days for the coaching staff to look at a lot of film

 

[Eagle4]

When Paige is 100% and I assume that will be at least by the Sweet 16 round she will start in place of Nika. The best lineup will be Paige, Azzi, CW, Edwards, and Ono with Westbrok and Dorka coming off the bench. Nika will be in the rotation as well but to spell a wing/point guard. Nika has improved offensively this year but they still leave her open and against the top teams in the Tournament we will need to have offense at every position. I also think Dorka will be key in games against quality bigs where ONO has yet to prove herself.

 

[nastynatty]

I've heard this statement a few times lately (Paraphrased). It really doesn't matter who starts the game, it's who's out there when the game is close in the 4th quarter. Honestly, With our nine player rotation, I feel pretty good whoever is out there Starting or if in a close game with 2 minute's left!

Who would your closing 5 be then? I’d go with Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Christyn, Liv

 

[Tonyc]

Im not real concerned about who starts and finishes. That could change depending on the game. Our depth tonite is a huge factor with 2 games in a row and this being our third. We shouldnt get to tired and if we get a big lead you may see less of Paige as not to push her and have her injury reoccur . We can press and play and I expect everybody to play with alot of intensity and energy. If we're hitting our shots this could get very ugly.

 

[LoboDays]

Who would your closing 5 be then? I’d go with Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Christyn, Liv

Assuming Paige is ready (she’s not now), she’s on the floor at crunch time. If there are 2 minutes and we’re down, I get Liv out and Dorka in. If CD gets her shot back, ok. If not Evina.

If we’re up, Liv, AE, NIKA, CW, PAIGE

 

[CB360]

Who would your closing 5 be then? I’d go with Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Christyn, Liv

The five players playing the best (until Paige is 100% back to her old self then always Paige) at that point of time. But, assuring at the least one Big is playing ONO, Dorka or AE.

 

[Bald Husky]

I wouldn't worry about the way Paige has been playing. Right now, she seems to be doing some standing around with the ball at times, but that doesn't mean anything is wrong with her, it's the others that make it look like a problem. Paige is trying to fit into a team that she is unfamiliar with right now. She knows that she isn't the only option out there now, and all she's trying to do is get them involved, even though she is passing up shots for herself. Hopefully that will be ironed out next week during practice. Tennessee had this problem when Rae Burrell came back from injury. I hope this can be taken care of, because the increase of scoring options is making her less aggressive, something that makes her the player she is.

 

[HuskylnSC]

A lot of comments regarding "the best players playing". On this point I am going to have to look to Geno. It's not the "best players", it's the best matchups that matter.

 

[ballerfan]

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

Interesting post. Thanks.

If Paige is even 75%, I think Geno will start her. She’s the best player on the team and serves as a kind of secondary coach on the court. As in previous years, it’s easy to overestimate UConn during conference play. Against tougher opponents Paige’s BB IQ is important.

Instead of wondering who Paige would replace in the lineup, I would start the lineup with Paige (assuming she’s healthy enough) and then choose the other four. Part of me would love to see Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Nika, and Aaliyah, a freshman/sophomore team, but I guess I would go with Paige, Azzi, Caroline (if she gets back to normal, otherwise Nika), CW, and Liv.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

I think anyone impatient about Paige returning to form during BET is simply unrealistic and it is not clear when she will return to form. Besides, she is not needed that much to win BET. Against Marquette, it was the second consecutive day she played, even on limited minutes. She had days off before the Georgetown game. Tonight will be her 3rd game in 3 days....her minutes will continue to be limited and it is not clear which Paige will show up because these games have been daily affairs (she will show it with her frustrations if things are not working as well as she wants).

What will work for her in the Big Dance is the spacing of the games. 11 days to the start of Rd 1 games and a day break to Rd 2; then 5 days to start of Regionals, followed by another day break for regional final. Finally, another 5 days to SF and a day break to NC game.

It may not be until the Regionals when she starts and the regional final when her minutes go up, depending on need/opponent. The likelihood of her minutes going farther could certainly happen in the FF, if they get there (which I do believe they will; in fact, I think they will win #12 as I have maintained all along ever since Paige went down because it allowed accelerated growth of others and find the different roles).

Coach will be proceeding by feel this depending on Paige being Paige and the rest/recovery between games is an important ingredient in that.

Line ups? I sense there will be no set lineup. The current starting lineup is solid defensively and the Coach knows that defense and guard play wins NCs. He has six good guards to mix and match for good balance of offense and defense, and three good post players. The starting five only opens the game and with these 9, he feels free to mix and match depending on the opponent and the flow of the game. Sending them in waves, mixed and matched depending on the flow of the game will maintain the intensity on defense with essentially no drop off on offense most of the time.

For now, it appears he prefers to emphasize defense at the start of games, likely wanting to breakdown the opponent's confidence on offense. As long as that continues to succeed as it has, he is not likely to change it soon.

If he eventually starts Paige over Nika, I believe Azzi remains in the starting lineup with the rest and may assume Nika's role of "head of the snake" in defense - she is more solid physically than Paige and better conditioned at this time. OTOH, it may be Christyn who will assume that role - she is certainly capable. When will he do this? It will be after enough practice time for Paige has passed but my guess during the start of the regionals, no later. Remember, Geno has often said that the most important game in the tournament is the regional final.

 

[Skeets]

If UConn gets themselves in the position where they really need a basket, I can't see how you don't have Paige, Azzi, and CW on the floor. Then CD, Evina or Dorka, whoever has the hot hand. And Liv in the middle.

As much as I am the president of the local Nika fan club, I would not want her in the position of taking a life or death shot. To a lesser degree, the same with Edwards.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

I understand the fascination of putting Paige, Azzi, CW on the floor at the same time. There are two things to bear in mind: they as a group are not the best defenders and CW's best "chemistry" was developed with the available ones when she was inserted into the starting lineup. Paige, Azzi certainly were not available and even Nika wasn't most of that time. So, in this now fully healthy group, as mixing and matching continues, said "chemistry" has to be modified. Fortunately, they all seem to be bright kids with high BB IQs (all of 9, with some more than others). But they need to work it out.....maybe during the interval between BET to Big Dance start.

However, Coach will always balance it with their effectiveness on defense.....yeah, he is that kind of coach.

 

[Skeets]

I understand the fascination of putting Paige, Azzi, CW on the floor at the same time. There are two things to bear in mind: they as a group are not the best defenders and CW's best "chemistry" was developed with the available ones when she was inserted into the starting lineup. Paige, Azzi certainly were not available and even Nika wasn't most of that time. So, in this now fully healthy group, as mixing and matching continues, said "chemistry" has to be modified. Fortunately, they all seem to be bright kids with high BB IQs (all of 9, with some more than others). But they need to work it out.....maybe during the interval between BET to Big Dance start.

However, Coach will always balance it with their effectiveness on defense.....yeah, he is that kind of coach.

Yeah but my post was about really needing a basket, like in an end of game situation. Then forget match ups and defense and get your best shooters on the court and get the basket.

 

[LoboDays]

Yeah but my post was about really needing a basket, like in an end of game situation. Then forget match ups and defense and get your best shooters on the court and get the basket.

I’m gonna have to go with Stef Curry.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I don't think we should base our decision on who looked good against most Big East teams. The competition we have coming up in a totally different situation. I'll grant that Vilanova is a worthy opponent. I still think the optimal lineup is Page, Azzi, CW, Dorka and Liv. Let Caroline and who ever is left carry the offensive load when they are out but these players should all get at least 25 minutes.

 

[tchalla1]

Assuming Paige is ready (she’s not now), she’s on the floor at crunch time. If there are 2 minutes and we’re down, I get Liv out and Dorka in. If CD gets her shot back, ok. If not Evina.

If we’re up, Liv, AE, NIKA, CW, PAIGE

You would leave out Azzi, UConn's best offensive weapon and a tremendous defender as well? Although her scoring is down of late, do you draw the correlation between the Azzi's presence on the floor and why the other guards are getting open and open access to the paint? Azzi is drawing out the defense and is invaluable to the team--which is affirmed by the fact she played almost the entire game in the BE championship...

 

[tchalla1]

I understand the fascination of putting Paige, Azzi, CW on the floor at the same time. There are two things to bear in mind: they as a group are not the best defenders and CW's best "chemistry" was developed with the available ones when she was inserted into the starting lineup. Paige, Azzi certainly were not available and even Nika wasn't most of that time. So, in this now fully healthy group, as mixing and matching continues, said "chemistry" has to be modified. Fortunately, they all seem to be bright kids with high BB IQs (all of 9, with some more than others). But they need to work it out.....maybe during the interval between BET to Big Dance start.

However, Coach will always balance it with their effectiveness on defense.....yeah, he is that kind of coach.

Good points, but disagree about Azzi: she is one of the best defenders UConn has--she was everywhere against Villanova and played great overall team defense and iso defense as well!

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

Good points, but disagree about Azzi: she is one of the best defenders UConn has--she was everywhere against Villanova and played great overall team defense and iso defense as well!

While that is almost true (not quite as good positionally compared to on ball), don't you think Azzi needed as much time to regain her shooting rhythm after a miserable one the game before, in order to be prepared for the Big Dance with confidence? If you were the coach and you know what she is capable of, don't you want to give her the chance to regain her footing? I think the coach is ahead of you there, don't you think?

As for defense, Evina is just as good and of course, so is Nika. But neither had offensive issues to work through ahead of the NCAAs...or he could have given the extra minutes to Christyn who definitely is the better defender.

It's OK to disagree and rest your case on her defensive capabilities.....but I rest my case on the coach wanting to sharpen one of his most reliable, long range weapons without suffering much on defense.

 

[Redux]

Azzi is drawing out the defense

That's a big deal even when she's not having a great shooting game. But so far the team really hasn't been taking as much advantage as they should of what is opening up. The failure feeds upon itself: players cutting into the middle aren't being passed to consistently enough so there's not as much motivation to cut as there should be.

But the potential for improvement right now is really exciting. There are two weeks of practice with a full squad to work on these capabilities. Plus neither Azzi nor Paige have been creating mid/long-range shots to their ability, and this can only improve.

With already one of the nation's premier defenses and now the opportunity to practice with a full squad on offense, I'm looking forward to seeing something pretty special.

 

[Boreifs]

When Paige is 100% and I assume that will be at least by the Sweet 16 round she will start in place of Nika. The best lineup will be Paige, Azzi, CW, Edwards, and Ono with Westbrok and Dorka coming off the bench. Nika will be in the rotation as well but to spell a wing/point guard. Nika has improved offensively this year but they still leave her open and against the top teams in the Tournament we will need to have offense at every position. I also think Dorka will be key in games against quality bigs where ONO has yet to prove herself.

No Caroline?! Sorry, bad idea. She was our leading scorer when Zouave and Azzi were out.

 

[Littlemin]

It is funny to me, the importance people put on who starts, who is being used where, etc., etc. Uconn is seriously clicking right now, has basically run out to significant leads by the end of the 1st quarter for a couple of weeks but the starting lineup needs to be changed? Why, exactly?
Fudd needs more shots, why exactly? Frankly, after reading about her shooting prowess for what seems like years on the board, I think she is a much better basketball player than she is a shooter and she is a very, very good but streaky shooter. And I think the minutes she is getting are well deserved and testament to that. She took 5 shots last night, had no ”Wow” stats at all but played 36 minutes,…….enough said!
It is a team game and Auriemma recognizes the importance Muhl brings at the start of games, setting the Uconn tone with her intensity. She and Edwards absolutely put their stamp on the game defensively right from the start last night and Uconn never looked back. Despite very ragged offense, they still got out to a 9-0 lead, holding Nova scoreless for the first 4 minutes. Offense comes and goes, defense never rests and that is the end you win championships on.
Muhl got 19 minutes last night, about 8 of them to start the game, and IMO, that is just about right. Anyway, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it is a rule of thumb that very much applies here IMO.

 

[BBallF]

So here’s the thing. Some people on here have pointed out that Paige hasn’t quite looked 100% in these BET games. I’d somewhat agree but I think it mostly has to do with conditioning and comfortability. What was most noticeable in the Marquette game to me was that she seemed to be half a step behind on defense (close-outs particularly) which probably looks alarming considering she was 1-2 steps ahead on defense to start the season. I think coming back from a knee injury, defense is likely gonna be the last thing to come around. It requires so much lateral movement and acceleration off of the knees so it’s gonna take some more time. But with Paige what you see in these games is how she’s slowly but surely adding back parts of her complete game. Passing against Providence, shooting against Georgetown. So I’m not worried as long as she continues to add back and refine the parts of her game that make her NPOY Paige.

Moving on to the line-up, I’m thinking that this starting lineup of Azzi, Nika, Christyn, Aaliyah & Olivia might just stay throughout at least the first few rounds of the tournament. I honestly have a hard time seeing Paige take anyone’s spot in that starting line-up unless she is able to get back to last season’s/early this season’s Paige. Even then, who does she replace? Probably Azzi or Nika. I don’t see Christyn or Olivia not starting because they’re senior leaders and consistent presences. Aaliyah has been in a solid groove lately and provides a much needed physical & rebounding presence. Thus, starting Paige would mean benching either Azzi or Nika. With Azzi not shooting well as of late, I could see it but she still provides a lot defensively and all-around. Plus, she seems to do better when she gets more time to settle into the game and then is primed for big 4th quarters. You could start the Paige-Azzi duo by having Nika come off the bench but she just sets the tone defensively so it’s hard to see that happening too.

Thoughts???

If it ain't broke don't fix it. I will say this though. I think the starting 5 gets going slowly in the half court offense and that caused turnovers for them against Nova. I don't see Geno shaking anything up however with what it took to get here.