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

[EricSD]

Please note I only listed 10. No disrespect to Saylor, Amari, Mir, and Piath, but I did not add them to the list. Aubrey is the one out of that quintet that may get some votes, but if any of the other 4 start, something is seriously wrong with the team.

Geno has publicly said he expects the rotation to be 8 or 9. I hope he's wrong and it's more like 10. I really do want to see Aubrey with an expanded mid-range game to earn more minutes than just as a defensive stopper.

Also keep in mind that this is NOT who will get the most minutes.

 

[Charliebball]

well it appears that most here are set on four of the five starters any way......

 

[D J B]

Wait a minute. We are voting for the starting five, but we're limited to five votes? What kind of scam is this?

 

[rvwsleep]

Interesting.
After 29 votes, only 15 voters (I'm among them) think that Aaliyah will be in the starting lineup.

 

[Mdoggie]

Azzi and 4 others.

 

[D J B]

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

Sorry, but without limits, this is silly.

 

[eebmg]

Interesting.
After 29 votes, only 15 voters (I'm among them) think that Aaliyah will be in the starting lineup.

Nika overtaking Aaliyah now.

 

[JoePgh]

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

Sorry, but without limits, this is silly.

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.

 

[D J B]

Azzi and 4 others.

So, Paige, Christyn, Aaliyah, and Liv or Evina can sit on the bench and it will all be OK? No disrespect because I like your posts and thinking, but I assume you're looking at Ft. Hays, because Arkansas will hand you your butt in your hat.

 

[Happydad745]

Nika is a great hustler, but I see UConn starting 4 guards this year...AE showed the value of a forward in the lineup with Liv.

 

[Mdoggie]

So, Paige, Christyn, Aaliyah, and Liv or Evina can sit on the bench and it will all be OK? No disrespect because I like your posts and thinking, but I assume you're looking at Ft. Hays, because Arkansas will hand you your butt in your hat.

Ok Azzi, Paige, Christy Aaliyah and Liv.

 

[eebmg]

So, Paige, Christyn, Aaliyah, and Liv or Evina can sit on the bench and it will all be OK? No disrespect because I like your posts and thinking, but I assume you're looking at Ft. Hays, because Arkansas will hand you your butt in your hat.

I did not interpret it that way. Since the "4 others" are so obvious (see poll #s), Azzi was the "surprise" pick for the 5th starter

 

[Happydad745]

Interesting.
After 29 votes, only 15 voters (I'm among them) think that Aaliyah will be in the starting lineup.

I think you are correct.

 

[D J B]

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.

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?

 

[D J B]

Nika is a great hustler, but I see UConn starting 4 guards this year...AE showed the value of a forward in the lineup with Liv.

Maybe the wording is off in your post, but....

If AE is a starting forward, and Liv is a starting forward/center, and we are starting 4 guards, are any of the other teams and officials aware of this? If Nika isn't out there harassing them, perhaps they won't notice, but still.

 

[Drew8]

Last time UConn played without 4 guards was 2016.

 

[Happydad745]

Maybe the wording is off in your post, but....

If AE is a starting forward, and Liv is a starting forward/center, and we are starting 4 guards, are any of the other teams and officials aware of this? If Nika isn't out there harassing them, perhaps they won't notice, but still.

I meant I don't see 4 guards starting....sorry.

 

[D J B]

I meant I don't see 4 guards starting....sorry.

No problem.

Geno has started 4 guards for a long time. I can see him doing it again this year, especially with the guards he has now. I think UConn is the most conditioned team in the country. He will run you into the dirt, and substitute in two more guards to keep you gasping for air. And then just when you thought he was letting up, he'll bring in twin towers to take all the wind you have left out of your sails. And then he'll bring the guards back in. It won't work in some games, but it will in many.

 

[JordyG]

I picked Dorka over Azzi as the only change from last years starting 5, but I ain't mad at it.

 

[Boreifs]

I picked Dorka over Azzi as the only change from last years starting 5, but I ain't mad at it.

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?

 

[D J B]

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?

Well, I don't. ONO was only 2nd team in the AAC in 2020 and 2nd team BE last year. Not sure what all the dynamics of those awards are, but the results don't seem equal to me.

In big games, ONO wasn't a positive points factor. Something seems to be missing when the pressure is on.

Tennessee - 7 pts
Arkansas - 2 pts
South Carolina - 6 pts
Iowa - 4 pts
Baylor - 3 pts
Arizona - 1 pt.

One other stat that got my attention too was rebounds. Last year ONO only had 28 more defensive rebounds than Paige. By comparison, Aliyah Boston had 152 more defensive rebounds than Zia Cooke.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of ONO. She brings a lot to the team. But, on the court I think UConn can do better, and I think Geno was/is thinking the same thing with his pursuit of Dorka. He's hinted that she's going to help take the team to the next level, and we'll have to wait and see how the two of them perform and fit into his plans. Ideally, they can each force each other to be the best they can be.

 

[Childhood]

Well, I don't. ONO was only 2nd team in the AAC in 2020 and 2nd team BE last year. Not sure what all the dynamics of those awards are, but the results don't seem equal to me.

In big games, ONO wasn't a positive points factor. Something seems to be missing when the pressure is on.

Tennessee - 7 pts
Arkansas - 2 pts
South Carolina - 6 pts
Iowa - 4 pts
Baylor - 3 pts
Arizona - 1 pt.

One other stat that got my attention too was rebounds. Last year ONO only had 28 more defensive rebounds than Paige. By comparison, Aliyah Boston had 152 more defensive rebounds than Zia Cooke.

Don't get me wrong. I'm a fan of ONO. She brings a lot to the team. But, on the court I think UConn can do better, and I think Geno was/is thinking the same thing with his pursuit of Dorka. He's hinted that she's going to help take the team to the next level, and we'll have to wait and see how the two of them perform and fit into his plans. Ideally, they can each force each other to be the best they can be.

Poor performance. UConn had no better choice last year. I believe Dorka would earn big minutes in these competitive games the coming season.

 

[huskeynut]

The returning 5, Paige, Nika, Christyn, Evina and Liv, will start.

After that, Geno will play mix and match. Dorka, Aaliyah, Azzi and Caroline are going to see major floor time. With the five starters, you have the nine who play the most.

The leader of the team is Paige and she will she plenty of time. A front line combo from Liv, Dorka and Aaliyah will see major minutes working together.

Geno has plenty of options.

 

[oldude]

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.

 

[oldude]

Last time UConn played without 4 guards was 2016.

Keep in mind that UConn had 4 extraordinary starters with “guard skills” on that team: Mo, Kia, Lou & Stewie. Stewie in particular was something of a unicorn who could guard 1-5, break the press with her dribble and knock down 3’s.

 

[tjhusky]

We are used to the starters being the go-to players for the entire game. The top 6 vote getters are the people we and Geno trust to start the game.
Geno’s mantra is that you want your best players in the court, but this year that doesnt mean they will need to each play 35-40 min per game.
This year the key is rotation. Getting the right combinations of top players and really really good players on the floor to build chemistry and overwhelm teams.
We need to get to the final 4 with 10-12 healthy trusted players that do all the basketball things that Geno and staff expect.

Should be a fun year.

 

[Tonyc]

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

 

[Carnac]

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

Sorry, but without limits, this is silly.

We do this at the beginning of every season. We do it for fun to see if we can GUESS the first 5 players Geno sends out to the floor for that first game. No one takes these guesses seriously. I think it’s interesting to see who the other boneyarders think will start, and how many think like I do.

I’m assuming this poll is for the first game which is Fort Hays State. I know it’s an exhibition game, but Geno has to send 5 players out to start the game. He May start a different combination of starters for the Arkansas game. I’m betting he won’t.

I’m betting the 5 that start on Nov 7 will be the same 5 that start the Arkansas game. We know that players can be put in and removed from the starting lineup throughout the season for various reasons.

 

[MilfordHusky]

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?

 

[EricSD]

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

Sorry, but without limits, this is silly.

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!!