IMO…Really the only way Strong would not start at UConn would be (possibly) if Aaliyah Edwards decided to return. She is just that good! Aubrey, should she stay, is not likely to be ready, and is likely better suited off the bench anyway. It seems to me that, assuming Paige and Aubrey return, which is imo, the most likely scenario, the starters would most likely (barring some huge improvement on someone else’s part) be Jana, Strong, Azzi, Ash/KK, and Paige!. Then you would have (once she’s healthy, perhaps January?) Ash/KK, Aubrey, (two major game changers) Ice, Q/Morgan, and Allie as a second unit.
This of course, assumes sadly, that Caroline is still unable to play. I don’t want to think that, but unfortunately, I think it more likely than not. It also leaves Yanna’s status a bit muddled. Were she to be fully healthy of course, she would be involved in that rather large second unit. Practice next season is going to be ultimately competitive! Of course, my starting five is just my best guess and clearly there is enough talent to where Geno could probably come up with five different lineups that could be an effective starting unit!
For example, if somehow Caroline were to suddenly be fully healthy, I think she would likely replace Ash/KK as a starter. However, unless AE stays, it’s difficult for me to see any starting unit that did not include Strong, were she to commit! Geno is gonna have a lot of choices to make next season!
Finally, contrary to those who say he will never play more than 7 or 8, I believe he will find a way to play everybody that earns PT in practice! What exactly that looks like and how he manages it, is going to be fun to watch But I don’t believe for a second that he will not find a way to play those who deserve it!
