UConn stats... 10 reasons Ashlynn may start...(again) | Page 2 | The Boneyard

UConn stats... 10 reasons Ashlynn may start...(again)

This is a very interesting thread. Assuming all players are healthy and able to play in November... I could easily see the starting five having four set players and one position that might be open.
Again if everyone was healthy and able to play at the start. Azzi, Paige, Sarah, and Jana would be the four set in my opinion. I would have think that KK would get a nod over the other guards to lead the group. Ash did a remarkable job as a freshman... and she, Aubrey, and Ice will be among the first to come off the bench.

But then again... what do I know... Geno is the one who will figure all this out...
 
mordecai said:
Outside of Paige, Ashlynn is the only other sure starter.. certainly just my opinion.. outside of all the stats listed.. her durability, attitude, and stamina matches Paige.. she has shown.. she won’t beat you with her play..
Expand ...
+1. At least at the start of the season, I would be that Paige, Ash and KK are starters. Even if Caroline is cleared to play, it makes more sense to bring her off the bench and manage her minutes.

The two front court starters are going to be interesting. If Beers signs then she's a starter for sure, but she timeshare with Jana might be close to 50/50. The power forward spot is likely a committee approach with Strong, Ice and Ayanna.

Azzi and Aubrey (spelled correctly so that I don't get flogged) will not be ready to start the season, but will immediately soak up minutes once they are ready. Azzi could push Ash into a "super sub" 6th man role similar to Aubrey.
 
DavidinNaples said:
Full disclosure, I have no idea who will be 100% healthy or how well the new additions to the team will perform prior to the season opener. But, Ash made a strong case to stay in the starting lineup with her performance last season. Consider:

1. Shade scored 419 points in 38 games, 10th highest ever for a UConn freshman. 3rd highest on the team last season.
2. Geno started Ashlynn for the last 33 games of the season and played her 1,194 total minutes. (31.4 per game)
3. She doesn't foul. Only 52 fouls in 1,200 minutes.
4. Shot 48.1% overall, better than KK, Q, Ice, and Nika.
5. Shade grabbed 133 rebounds, better than Ice's 127 or KK's 121. (minutes were different)
6. Fewest turnovers of any player with 500 minutes on the court. She had only 39.
7. Ash hit 64 threes, 2nd only to Paige (84). Her 35.6% accuracy was behind only Paige and Nika.
8. Shoots free throws at 91.3%. (Just needs to get more attempts.)
9. Fitness level is off the charts and she will return a better player after 1,200 minutes of experience.
10. Most importantly, IMO Azzi will not be 100% in November. Geno may start Ash and sub in Azzi at the shooting guard spot.

Two starters graduated. That leaves room for Geno & staff to move Paige out of the PF role and start 2 returning players (from injury) or new players (freshman or transfers). Paige, KK and Ash gives Geno three starters from last season to build upon...

Thoughts?
Go Huskies..!!
Expand ...
It depends on player health, if Azzi is fully healthy, no way either Ash or KK starts ahead of her.
 
.-.
People have noted a couple of weaknesses, but they can be addressed. If we didn't have her this year would have been very different. If she doesn't start we will have to have a freshman imitate her. She can put up 20 a night and she defends and moves like the Energizer Bunny. She starts.
 
hoopsfan22 said:
In November I'm thinking the two starting spots go to Ice and Caroline. That's the easiest option and gives you an experienced starting five.
Expand ...
Unfortunately, Caroline is not experienced.
I hope she can come off the bench next year and just play again. Ash never stops moving and plays really good defense.
 
hoophuskee said:
IMO it is a very slim chance Ash doesn't start. Her shot you'd think will only get better. There is no way imo UCONN should be starting Azzi. Since the summer of her soph year she has played such little basketball. Therefore you don't want to tax her knee. Additionally, you don't want to be messing with some games she can't play because her knee is bothering her. Continuity should be very important. It's something you can't rely on from Azzi, Caroline (or Ayanna). So-- they shouldn't be starting at least at the beginning.

In regard to your starting 5 playing along with the poster that felt UCONN should be ranked 15th., we should agree that the poster that told you this is probably very inexperienced, or has to some degree a negative view of UCONN. I say this because - let’s face it-- who knows more about #1 recruits than UCONN? Over the last 20 years UCONN has had the vast majority of #1's. and since when has any not been at least "pretty good?" The person you were replying with either doesn't understand #1 recruits or just wants to minimize UCONN in their own personal way.

So, for that stating 5 you mention, g ahead and put Sarah at PF and move Paige to SF and this lineup is among the best - we're ranked about 4th, correct?
Expand ...
Agree with your thoughts on Caroline and just pray she can play basketball again. Azzi without injury could hold her own with Caitlin Clark and is a generational player.
If healthy - she starts and plays and also think Ash can start. I may have KK rotate for ash and sub for Paige - who I hope plays point.
 
da60 said:
It appears to me that. Raegan Beers would be a ‘no brainer’ fit at center, giving Jana a comfortable way to blend in. She is a freshman breaking in off a severe injury. My primary question is whether she will is a Geno kind of kid. We have a beautifullly blended group and the staff probably is doing much vetting.
If they get Beers and Chen from Carla, the Husky’s could be a #1 at the start.
Chemistry Chemistry’’. What do you all think?
Expand ...
Hate to say it but I don’t see any chance that we will be ranked #1 at the beginning of the season. That will have to wait until South Carolina loses. However, I’m fairly confident we will be top five! Even if we were to get both of the players you mentioned SC will still start out at #1 and rightfully so. They just went wire to wire for the title and landed the #2 player as well. We will be lurking somewhere very close though!;)
 
While Ashlynn's stats are impressive as DavidinNaples points out I'm not completely sold on Ashlynn. Shei is a very good player but may be too short and too conventional to be a consistent starter on a Uconn national championship team. I think she will be an excellent come off the bench player and maybe a great spot up shooter. But, for example, the Iowa game was a problem. If her shot is not falling, she seems not to have the ability (maybe size matters here) to create her own shot if she is closely guarded. If she is not on or hot she is almost a liability. Also, bigger guards can post her up under the boards. Martin did a job on her at the end of the Iowa game. I think Iowa took advantage of Ashlynn because of her lack of size and lack of speed. That may be a problem! Against lesser talent, she is awesome. Don't know if she can go against the bigger, more talented, more athletic D1 opponents? IMO she will be great off the bench or second team.........
 
.-.
Cuango said:
Hate to say it but I don’t see any chance that we will be ranked #1 at the beginning of the season. That will have to wait until South Carolina loses. However, I’m fairly confident we will be top five! Even if we were to get both of the players you mentioned SC will still start out at #1 and rightfully so. They just went wire to wire for the title and landed the #2 player as well. We will be lurking somewhere very close though!;)
Expand ...
Yup, I agree with you. They are king of the hill until someone knocks them off the hill. But it doesn't really matter. Winning the last game of the year is what matters.
 
Next 12 said:
This year Geno brought in Ashlynn, KK, Q and Ice ( from freshman injury) and how did that work out. I have been high on Ashlynn ALL year and stated she will start for FOUR years. There has been NO-ONE previous to come to Uconn in better shape and ready to play from day one. Ashlynn is born to play Uconn BB and is a future AA, and will earn a NC. ring. GO ASHLYNN!!! GO SOPHPOMORES!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!.
Expand ...
Ash is one of my favorites, wait a second, they are all one of my favorites. Ash came in in extraordinary shape, but so have others. Probably the best was some kid named Svet. So "NO-ONE" is not quite correct in my opinion.

FWIW, I've been to Noblesville, a very nice suburb of Indianapolis. I feel like I have a little bit of a connection with Ash.
 
hoopsfan22 said:
In November I'm thinking the two starting spots go to Ice and Caroline. That's the easiest option and gives you an experienced starting five.
Expand ...
A lot depends on the health status of Caroline. I do hope that she is medically cleared and can go without any type of restrictions. I am a huge Ice fan and hoping that she just flips the script and realize that she can play at the college level. I love the way she grabs rebounds! Her hands are like magnets. I love the 2-man game she had, especially when Paige had the ball, with whoever had the ball. On those screen and rolls/fades/pops....she could have that Lauren Jackson type game. A lot of times, the guards missed her on those looks. But we will see what develops as the summer moves along.
 
What I love about Ashlynn is she, is a quick study. I think in the first few games of her starting, folks were critical of her defense. What did she do? She improved. She is going to be an even better force to deal with over the next three years. I can't wait to see what skills she adds to her game this season and over the next few years.
 
David - exceptional post!!!

I see the starters as Paige (no brainer), KK (she's earned it), Ash (she's earned it), Ice and Jana right now.

Not counting on Beers being a Husky. Big question if Caroline will play again. Azzi, we have seen flashes of domination, but too often injured. Aubrey will probably not be available until January at the earliest. Q, if she improves on the off season will be minutes.

The freshamn class - I have no idea. Watching film clips is one thing, but moving up to D1 is another story. Sarah Strong maybe the most likely to get major minutes early. I leave than to Geno and the staff.
 
JBK said:
Unfortunately, Caroline is not experienced.
I hope she can come off the bench next year and just play again. Ash never stops moving and plays really good defense.
Expand ...
She's played in 54 games or half of all UConn games over the last three years. The only players on this team with more experience are Paige and Aubrey.
 
.-.
DavidinNaples said:
Full disclosure, I have no idea who will be 100% healthy or how well the new additions to the team will perform prior to the season opener. But, Ash made a strong case to stay in the starting lineup with her performance last season. Consider:

1. Shade scored 419 points in 38 games, 10th highest ever for a UConn freshman. 3rd highest on the team last season.
2. Geno started Ashlynn for the last 33 games of the season and played her 1,194 total minutes. (31.4 per game)
3. She doesn't foul. Only 52 fouls in 1,200 minutes.
4. Shot 48.1% overall, better than KK, Q, Ice, and Nika.
5. Shade grabbed 133 rebounds, better than Ice's 127 or KK's 121. (minutes were different)
6. Fewest turnovers of any player with 500 minutes on the court. She had only 39.
7. Ash hit 64 threes, 2nd only to Paige (84). Her 35.6% accuracy was behind only Paige and Nika.
8. Shoots free throws at 91.3%. (Just needs to get more attempts.)
9. Fitness level is off the charts and she will return a better player after 1,200 minutes of experience.
10. Most importantly, IMO Azzi will not be 100% in November. Geno may start Ash and sub in Azzi at the shooting guard spot.

Two starters graduated. That leaves room for Geno & staff to move Paige out of the PF role and start 2 returning players (from injury) or new players (freshman or transfers). Paige, KK and Ash gives Geno three starters from last season to build upon...

Thoughts?
Go Huskies..!!
Expand ...
Swiss Army knife. Incredibly rare when she makes a poor decision or has a lapse on the court. Gritty. Will take a lot to get her off the floor.
 
da60 said:
It appears to me that. Raegan Beers would be a ‘no brainer’ fit at center, giving Jana a comfortable way to blend in. She is a freshman breaking in off a severe injury. My primary question is whether she will is a Geno kind of kid. We have a beautifullly blended group and the staff probably is doing much vetting.
If they get Beers and Chen from Carla, the Husky’s could be a #1 at the start.
Chemistry Chemistry’’. What do you all think?
Expand ...
Live by the portal, die by the portal. UConn doesn't need any players from the portal which means if they go into the portal for players someone they recruited will sit. UConn has a great thing going and the portal is one sure way to destroy it. Of all people I think Geno knows this and because of that I think they will be very cautious. And why would they want another guard?
 
Paige and Azzi at 1 and 2. Jana at 4 or 5. Sarah at 3 which leaves a spot at 4 or 5 and I don't see KK or Ash playing that spot. I think KK will get a lot of minutes because of her ability to defend the quicker guards but after her I think it is a toss up for who will get minutes. If they try to do what they did this year they won't win anything meaningful and Geno knows he owes Paige more than playing to make a final four.

The reality is players that played this year could be the players furthest down the bench next year. It all depends on what the players coming in can do and how fast they can do it.
 
Ash's role next year needs to expand from setting up in the corner and waiting for a pass to shoot a three.
She should get the ball more and make moves to the basket, where she can pull up, pass or go to the rim and finish or be fouled. She only took 23 foul shots (made 21!).
I see her game only getting better.
 
Rowdy831 said:
Paige and Azzi at 1 and 2. Jana at 4 or 5. Sarah at 3 which leaves a spot at 4 or 5 and I don't see KK or Ash playing that spot. I think KK will get a lot of minutes because of her ability to defend the quicker guards but after her I think it is a toss up for who will get minutes. If they try to do what they did this year they won't win anything meaningful and Geno knows he owes Paige more than playing to make a final four.

The reality is players that played this year could be the players furthest down the bench next year. It all depends on what the players coming in can do and how fast they can do it.
Expand ...
I disagree, though you make some good points.

You’re right that minutes are all up for grabs. Last season doesn’t “earn” anyone minutes for next season. However, the primary quality in practices that earns minutes is knowing the system, especially the defensive schemes, and the kids who played almost all of last season will have a huge leg up in that department. That’s the primary reality.

KK and Ash know Geno’s system well, better than any of the healthy kids other than Paige. This is why they’ll start and get major minutes in November. Of course, by January, all bets are off, so to speak. I suspect the freshmen will learn quickly, especially Morgan who was a fierce defender at Mitty HS. Ash may give up minutes to Azzi Allie Morgan Aubrey, though I doubt she’ll be at the end of the bench.

KK is the only true PG as well as being a true gnat and will probably have major minutes all season. Yes, Paige and Azzi can play PG too, but I suspect that’s not where Geno will want them. Watch the replay of the Indiana sweet sixteen game from two years ago to see how good Paige can be at PG. Also the ND game from earlier that same season. Still, I think Geno will want her and Azzi off the ball for at least part of each game. This leaves only KK, or Morgan eventually.

There’s the rub for Ash. If Paige and Azzi take up most of the minutes at the 2 and 3 spots, she will mainly get time in special sets like a 4-out or a 5-out. I suspect Geno will use these quite a bit, so Ash will see plenty of court time, especially given her defensive smarts. But not as much as last season to be sure.
 
Bone Dog said:
Don't forget Jana!!!
Expand ...
Jana looks like she will be ready to start in the 5 position. For the 4 there will be several mix and match options that Geno will have: Sarah, and Ice, (and again assuming healthy) Aubrey and Caroline and one (both?)) of the new recruits Morgan or Allie. Then if Beers is added that creates even more options. Then there's the backcourt with Paige, ( and let's not forget her production this year at the 4) Azzi, (again assuming ready to go by Nov) KK and Ash plus one or both Morgan and Allie at the 3 instead of at the 4 Both recruits have the ability to be slotted in wherever. Both are fantastic additions to the roster. Here's hoping that the injury bug stays dormant because this has all the makings of a NC team.
 
.-.
cgshuskie said:
While Ashlynn's stats are impressive as DavidinNaples points out I'm not completely sold on Ashlynn. Shei is a very good player but may be too short and too conventional to be a consistent starter on a Uconn national championship team. I think she will be an excellent come off the bench player and maybe a great spot up shooter. But, for example, the Iowa game was a problem. If her shot is not falling, she seems not to have the ability (maybe size matters here) to create her own shot if she is closely guarded. If she is not on or hot she is almost a liability. Also, bigger guards can post her up under the boards. Martin did a job on her at the end of the Iowa game. I think Iowa took advantage of Ashlynn because of her lack of size and lack of speed. That may be a problem! Against lesser talent, she is awesome. Don't know if she can go against the bigger, more talented, more athletic D1 opponents? IMO she will be great off the bench or second team.........
Expand ...
While I don't disagree with your point about how Kate Martin was able to exploit some of Ashlynn's defensive weaknesses, it's worth noting that Martin was a 5th-year college player who had two inches and four years of experience on Ashlynn—and who herself improved tremendously over her career. There's no reason to believe that Ashlynn, with her dedication, determination, and high basketball IQ, won't continue to improve as well.
 
Jonathan14 I totally agree with you. I wish Ashlynn was 6'2". She would be likely AA. At her currrent height she'll have to learn and struggle against bigger, faster, more athletic opponents. However, in Geno and Chris Daily we trust.....
 
cgshuskie said:
While Ashlynn's stats are impressive as DavidinNaples points out I'm not completely sold on Ashlynn. Shei is a very good player but may be too short and too conventional to be a consistent starter on a Uconn national championship team. I think she will be an excellent come off the bench player and maybe a great spot up shooter. But, for example, the Iowa game was a problem. If her shot is not falling, she seems not to have the ability (maybe size matters here) to create her own shot if she is closely guarded. If she is not on or hot she is almost a liability. Also, bigger guards can post her up under the boards. Martin did a job on her at the end of the Iowa game. I think Iowa took advantage of Ashlynn because of her lack of size and lack of speed. That may be a problem! Against lesser talent, she is awesome. Don't know if she can go against the bigger, more talented, more athletic D1 opponents? IMO she will be great off the bench or second team.........
Expand ...
She’s a freshman. Kate Martin was a graduate student that was just drafted into the WNBA
 
Ashlyn is and was incredible this last season. First glance, early season I didn't see it. But she really came into her own once she got a chance. I don't see her as a starter, but I definitely see her coming off the bench because she's a detailed type of player, Especially on defense. Her energy and tenacity is the make up of a great bench player. She could make a starter uncomfortable knowing that Ash is very capable of taking away a players minutes. March Madness exposed some of her limitations on offense which could keep her from starting. I see 12 to 15 minutes off the bench.
 
Rowdy831 said:
Paige and Azzi at 1 and 2. Jana at 4 or 5. Sarah at 3 which leaves a spot at 4 or 5 and I don't see KK or Ash playing that spot. I think KK will get a lot of minutes because of her ability to defend the quicker guards but after her I think it is a toss up for who will get minutes. If they try to do what they did this year they won't win anything meaningful and Geno knows he owes Paige more than playing to make a final four.

The reality is players that played this year could be the players furthest down the bench next year. It all depends on what the players coming in can do and how fast they can do it.
Expand ...
To think that Azzi at the start of practice 10 months removed from a second acl surgery will be cleared
For full activity let alone be at the level she was before surgery does not seem realistic (hope I’m wrong) the timing of ja el efy surgery ()June)gives her a realistic chance to contribute at the start
Of the season
Penciling her in as a starter as a freshman coming
Off Achilles surgery seem more like a hope
Than a certainty

On opening night barring any transfers or injuries
Paige kk and Ashlyn will be starters with the other
2 being from ice SS or J el efy
 
Husky Nan, but she was a starter and was presented as Uconn's best as a freshman. Yes, she is a freshman and Kate Martin is a graduate student but you know what, IME, if you are on the court, you rise or fall with what happens. You get no extra credit because of your age or grade. If you are first team, you are first team. Take the good with the bad. A graduate student should wear out a freshman; and she did....
 
.-.
You must log in or register to reply here.

Forum statistics

Threads
168,123
Messages
4,553,910
Members
10,437
Latest member
poppopwow


Top Bottom