Time for the final starting 5 poll before Geno tells us who it will be...

[FairView]

I believe Liv starts and Dorka comes in at first stoppage. Geno has shown loyalty in situations like this in the past - think Caroline Doty. Liv has been with the program and paid her dues and Geno will respect that. She may end up playing among the fewer total minutes in the post, but I think he will start her.

 

[Carnac]

I'm going with the lineup that was used for the bulk of the season: Paige, Nika, Evina, Christyn, and Liv. Assuming everyone is healthy, this is what I see in Game 1 vs. Arkansas. Of course, it could evolve over the season based on injuries, needs for size or shooting, etc.

My usual statement about this topic: What is more important than who starts is who finishes or, maybe more accurately, who plays most in crunch time. A proxy for this would be total minutes played. Though I think Nika starts, I could see Liya, Azzi, or Dorka getting more minutes than Nika. As a freshman, Kaleena didn't start, but she played more minutes than most. Geno was reluctant to take her out. Do you think that your starting 5 will also be the top 5 in minutes played?

Someone should start a poll asking who will average the most minutes over the entire season. Which 5 players will average the most minutes this year? Right now I’m guessing that Paige, Dorka and Aaliyah/Christyn will be in that group.

 

[Carnac]

Why is it silly? Have you been around at all this summer? This is the 3rd time I've posted this poll. It's an opinion for people to register who they think will start at the beginning of the season. Injuries, poor play, etc. could change the starting lineup during the season.

I always say this to people who complain - if you aren't interested in a thread, SKIP IT. I don't mean to sound overly critical, but I don't get the "this is silly" comment. Given that 137 people to date have voted, I'd say there is at least a modicum of interest in the topic.

BTW I meant final starting 5 poll in the sense of the final poll before the season starts, not the final starting 5 for the final 4.

Side note - last poll had Azzi with more votes than Liya. seems like that has changed this time around. In fact, Dorka has almost as many votes as Azzi. Can't wait for Geno to put all the speculation to rest!!

As of this post, Azzi has 33 votes. One of them is mine. I remembered something Geno said recently. He said that Azzi and Caroline look like they’ve been around for awhile. I take that to mean they’re plug n play right now. That they can go in and play (and be productive). That’s good enough for me. I’m pretty sure about 4 of the starters. We’ll find out who guessed right in 2 weeks from today.

 

[Centerstream]

With 2 weeks to go until the exhibition game and 3 weeks until the Arkansas game, there's plenty of time to have at least 4 or 5 "Who’s the Starting 5?" threads and/or polls. So maybe this won't be the "final" one.
Maybe it's time for a poll on how many there will be...

 

[Carnac]

Just thinkin lookin at the poll. Does Dorka and Liv start???? It has been said Dorka has a pretty good outside shot.

We don’t know to what degree she‘s “killing it” in practice. I have her as one of the first two off the bench to begin the season, but it would not shock me to see her start. Be assured she WILL get starter’s minutes over the course of the season one way or another.

 

[hoophuskee]

Dorka was all Big 10 twice. Is there anybody here who honestly believes that ONO would have been all Big 10 the last two years if she were in that conference?

I don't. But I chose Liv instead. Geno showed several years ago that he won't necessarily start his best when he had Dangerfield start rather than Stevens. He goes with fit too. IMO he didn't think Nurse should be the starting pg. She was a backup pg but not the player he wanted to start as a pg. My wild guess is that he felt comfortable with Danger from the prior year, and I think he'll start season feeling comfortable with Liv's superior overall defense this year, and see what Dorka brings before putting her ahead of Liv.

 

[Bills Fan]

Indeed. I cast my vote on the assumption that the answer applies only to Game 1 (Arkansas -- exhibitions don't count), and not to any adjustments that may be made later in the year based on unexpectedly good or bad performances in the early part of the season.

I am also in the Aaliyah-over-Nika camp. I think this is the year that Geno decides to go to the "twin towers" approach to both offense and defense, and that he keeps that configuration throughout most games. In other words, I think 2 of [Liv, Dorka, Aaliyah, Piath, Amari] and 3 of [Paige, Christyn, Nika, Azzi, Evina, Caroline, Aubrey, Mir] will be on the court at almost all times as long as the game is competitive.

Keeping a single configuration (either 3 guards and 2 bigs, or 4 guards and one big -- and I vote for the former) as a constant irrespective of individual substitutions simplifies both offensive and defensive planning. It avoids the situation that occurred during Azura's year when the offensive concept had to change when she was in the game. Geno said at the beginning of that season was that a big reason why he decided not to start Azura was to avoid having to overhaul the offense that was used during the previous season and allow Gabby and Pheesa to have the same roles that they had in the prior year.

Joe, you forgot Saylor, who I think will be able to get some minutes at either the 3 or the 4 spots

 

[Rb335]

I’ve been saying it since the season ended last year and my opinion hasn’t changed. Paige, Christyn, Evina, Aaliyah, and Olivia. It balances the positions, has existing chemistry, and allows for a balanced subbing rotation off the bench. Azzi, Nika, and Dorka are first off the bench. Followed by Caroline and Aubrey.

 

[hoophuskee]

I’ve been saying it since the season ended last year and my opinion hasn’t changed. Paige, Christyn, Evina, Aaliyah, and Olivia. It balances the positions, has existing chemistry, and allows for a balanced subbing rotation off the bench. Azzi, Nika, and Dorka are first off the bench. Followed by Caroline and Aubrey.

Just a wild guess- I went with slightly different, Liv, Edwards, CWill, Paige, and Nika. Nika is passing pg, Evina not-so-much. IMO Evina will get more minutes than Nika however; Evina is also a 2/3/4. More versatility (and experience and talent) means more time.

 

[oldhusky]

Last time UConn played without 4 guards was 2016.

The was the last time we won a championship too! We played 4 guards because our alternative was someone like Kyla Irwin, now we have a very good natural PF in Aaliyah, and an all conference C in Dorka who could play there as well. The decision to play four guards previously and now are totally different. We are stacked everywhere, we don't have to squeeze a square peg in a round hole anymore.

 

[D J B]

Why is it silly? Have you been around at all this summer? This is the 3rd time I've posted this poll. It's an opinion for people to register who they think will start at the beginning of the season. Injuries, poor play, etc. could change the starting lineup during the season.

I always say this to people who complain - if you aren't interested in a thread, SKIP IT. I don't mean to sound overly critical, but I don't get the "this is silly" comment. Given that 137 people to date have voted, I'd say there is at least a modicum of interest in the topic.

BTW I meant final starting 5 poll in the sense of the final poll before the season starts, not the final starting 5 for the final 4.

Side note - last poll had Azzi with more votes than Liya. seems like that has changed this time around. In fact, Dorka has almost as many votes as Azzi. Can't wait for Geno to put all the speculation to rest!!

Please accept my apology. I suppose what I really meant was "makes no sense to me". The word "silly" was in fact a bit harsh and now that I know how it can be a burr under a saddle I'll be more mindful in the future. Thank you.

By the way, this thread, which I did vote in, has led to some very good discussion.

 

[jabstep]

The foam is starting to come from the mouth of the Husky faithful!! Who will start and who will perform? We have many who favor different camps. I for one think who starts against Fort Hays won't be who starts by the Big dance comes around. Seniority will affects who starts in the beginning of the year and talent who factor in who starts at the dance. With no injury's her are my first game starting 5 and my Big dance sarting five.
Fort Hays
1. Paige
2. CW
3. Evina
4. LIv
5. Aaliyah

Big Dance
1. Paige
2. Azzi
3.Dorka
4. Aaliyah
5. CW

 

[Gus Mahler]

Just thinkin lookin at the poll. Does Dorka and Liv start???? It has been said Dorka has a pretty good outside shot.

I can definitely see this happening.

 

[EasyEd]

I think that Evina, Olivia and Christyn will start all their games. You can look back to 1995 when he started Webber over Sales. Geno does show loyalty to senior players who he has relied on in prior seasons. But, as others have pointed out, the ones starting may not get the most minutes. And, of course, Paige will start. As shown last year the team performed best when she was on the floor. The other starter may be more dependent on the team we are facing. Either Dorka or Aaliyah against big teams, and either Azzi, Nika, or maybe Caroline (probably who is the best perimeter defender) against smaller teams.

 

[Majic Hands]

Haven't seen or heard anything to cause me to think that the starting lineup from last year won't be the starting lineup to begin this year.

Having said that. I won't be surprised if there's a different lineup for the following 5-6 games or the same lineup.

I'm being to think this teams starters may not be as big a deal as most teams with the number of potential impact players coming in and out of the game from tip to the end.

 

[JellyBean]

I got 4/5 That 5th player is going to be tough. I like the addition of Dorka. That High Post Offense that Coach Geno likes to run with some Pistol action thrown in as a wrinkle, Dorka at the High Post or in a Pistol set.....Nice! Same with Aaliyah. Can't go wrong either way.

 

[HuskyPhan]

I assumed we are talking about the Arkansas game. The first 4 are easy imo, Paige, Christyn, Evina & Liv. I wrestled with who the 5th starter will be: Nika, Aaliyah & Azzi.

Ultimately, I went with Aaliyah because that’s the way last season ended and I expect that while the competition for PT at UConn’s practices is fierce, nothing has changed……yet.

Old Dude-I'm 100% with you on these picks!

 

[CL82]

Final starting 5 against who? Fort Hays? Arkansas? The Atlantis Tournament?

Sorry, but without limits, this is silly.

You could limited out the wazoo and it would still be silly, but call it opening day. None of us are watching practice, and none of us knows the scheme that Geno wants to use this year, so inherently this poll is something for us to talk about it until the start of the season, and nothing more.

I went with Paige, Aliyah, Christyn, Olivia, and Azzi, but it wouldn’t surprise me if Evina was the starter instead of Azzi.

 

[jchusky]

no idea how it's 33 for Dorka, so that would mean that either Edwards or Olivia would hit the bench. Don't see what they have done to lose their starting job.

 

[Carnac]

Joe, you forgot Saylor, who I think will be able to get some minutes at either the 3 or the 4 spots

We’re trying to guess the 5 starters. The last report we got about Saylor was that she was still having challenges with her back similar to those she had last season. Until we hear otherwise, it’s questionable if she’ll be able to even suit up to begin the season. Being considered a potential starter right now appears to be a bridge too far. Once Saylor recovers, she will be expected to vie for minutes at the 3 and 4.

 

[Stymie]

I don't. But I chose Liv instead. Geno showed several years ago that he won't necessarily start his best when he had Dangerfield start rather than Stevens. He goes with fit too. IMO he didn't think Nurse should be the starting pg. She was a backup pg but not the player he wanted to start as a pg. My wild guess is that he felt comfortable with Danger from the prior year, and I think he'll start season feeling comfortable with Liv's superior overall defense this year, and see what Dorka brings before putting her ahead of Liv.

I chose both Liv and Dorka.
Time for the big front line era to begin.

 

[Carnac]

I assumed we are talking about the Arkansas game. The first 4 are easy imo, Paige, Christyn, Evina & Liv. I wrestled with who the 5th starter will be: Nika, Aaliyah & Azzi.

Ultimately, I went with Aaliyah because that’s the way last season ended and I expect that while the competition for PT at UConn’s practices is fierce, nothing has changed……yet.

That’s the dilemma Geno will have. I have the same 4 as locks. I’m guessing Azzi gets the nod here because Geno probably wants her to get some rhythm and confidence early in their games. Aaliyah needs no time to warm up. She and Aubrey are our version of “Vennie Johnson” they are instant energy coming off the bench. They both start making plays on both ends of the court as soon as they step onto the floor.

 

[oldhusky]

no idea how it's 33 for Dorka, so that would mean that either Edwards or Olivia would hit the bench. Don't see what they have done to lose their starting job.

I think the point is you don't have to do anything to lose your starting position. If you come back a little better and more experienced than the prior year, you can still lose your starting position if someone else is better. It is not an entitlement. There are probably many players on this year's team that will be better than last year and play less.

I'm sure Geno will consider the burden of proof to be on the challenger. If it is close the incumbent still starts, but if the newcomer is clearly better he should make the move. I think we might be too loyal to the senior starters. If Liv, Evina or Christyn winds up coming off the bench then we will have an exceptional team, because it means somebody from Azzi, Dorka, Caroline etc was clearly better.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I swung for the fences - Dorka and Azzi. But I may change my mind tomorrow, when the Last Last poll comes out.

 

[D J B]

I swung for the fences - Dorka and Azzi. But I may change my mind tomorrow, when the Last Last poll comes out.

Wait... the Last Last poll comes out tomorrow? Why didn't someone point this out a couple of pages ago? All this time wasted.

I, like you, also took a swing for the exact same fence.

 

[Skeets]

I am a huge Nika fan. We need the gnat. My prediction: Azzi is going to start if she proves to be 80% of her in coming hype. So, who doesn't start? It pains me to think that it's Nika. But it cannot be Azzi.

 

[D J B]

I am a huge Nika fan. We need the gnat. My prediction: Azzi is going to start if she proves to be 80% of her in coming hype. So, who doesn't start? It pains me to think that it's Nika. But it cannot be Azzi.

I'm a huge Nika fan, too. No matter who gets the starting job, Nika will have her role on the team. There will be times in almost every game when Geno will need someone to go out there and totally disrupt the other team's offense and game plan. Nika is that someone. Let her get in someone's face, earn a few fouls, wreak a little havoc. Take her out, put her back in, let her do it again. That's what I love about her. She holds her own in a street fight.

 

[Centerstream]

Wait... the Last Last poll comes out tomorrow? Why didn't someone point this out a couple of pages ago? All this time wasted.

I, like you, also took a swing for the exact same fence.

I swung for the fences - Dorka and Azzi. But I may change my mind tomorrow, when the Last Last poll comes out.

It's a fact, the poll coming out tomorrow will be the "Last Last poll"...that is until the next "Last Starting Five Poll" comes out...and on and on.
The off season is so much fun.

 

[JoePgh]

So, as long as the game is competitive any of 13 players can carry the team? Really? Say we are tied with SC with 1:30 to go, and you are comfortable with Piath, Amari, Caroline, Aubrey and Mir on the court? Geno, are you listening to this?

I also guess Saylor can go back to the dorm for the season and watch her team on TV?

You misunderstood what I was trying to convey in my post (maybe I didn't make it clear). I was NOT saying, by any means, that all the players in each of the two groups that I listed (within square brackets) are equal to each other or will get equal minutes. The point of my post was that there will almost always be two forwards and three guards on the floor, and they will be drawn from the groups as I listed them. I didn't say anything about how the minutes will be apportioned within each group.

I did forget about Saylor -- sorry. I would group her with the forwards.

 

[Skeets]

I'm a huge Nika fan, too. No matter who gets the starting job, Nika will have her role on the team. There will be times in almost every game when Geno will need someone to go out there and totally disrupt the other team's offense and game plan. Nika is that someone. Let her get in someone's face, earn a few fouls, wreak a little havoc. Take her out, put her back in, let her do it again. That's what I love about her. She holds her own in a street fight.

Street fight? I'm 6'2" and 200 pounds (give or take, hopefully more take than give) and I would not want Nika mad at me in a dark alley... I would have my eyeballs scratched out. UCONN needs this kind of person. Has UCONN have this kind of player since the GOAT DT?