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

[DavidinNaples]

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..!!

 

[Big Fan]

She also played better defense than anyone except Paige of the returning players

 

[Bone Dog]

You are preaching to the choir here. I’m totally with you on this.

 

[gandydancer]

Beat me BF. Don't forget her on and off ball defense. She was a major disruptive force. When she shoots more and gets increased confidence in her 3 pt shot she will be a terror to deal with.

 

[Topdawg]

I believe the five remaining players on the team that ended this season will be the ones starting next season. Others will get subbed in and start playing more minutes as the season goes on. I am hopeful there will be no off-season injuries!

 

[Bigboote]

11) She plays most of the time with a smile on her face.

I'd be shocked if she doesn't start at the beginning of the year, mildly surprised if she doesn't start all year. As Geno has been known to say, what we saw this past season is the worst she'll play. She's a sponge.

 

[and one]

The only way Ash isn't a starter is if she players her way out of that role and I don't see that happening. She is a steady consistent player, rarely makes dopey mistakes, is willing to shoot and hits at a good percentage, plays hard defense and has a strong motor. Not the tallest, fastest, or quickest but plays above her weight. She's a high caliber role player that any coach would want on the floor.

She will get fewer minutes next year because there will, hopefully, actually be subs on the bench.

 

[Bone Dog]

Three years ago Geno brought in a top ranked recruiting class — Azzi Caroline Amari — and a great transfer. None of them started in November. Who started were the players who already knew the system. The previous year, freshman Paige started from day one. But she was an exception.

 

[victor64]

i love all of your posts David. Thanks.

 

[JellyBean]

Ashlynn may start because players coming back from injury may or may not be at 100% and they may be on some serious minutes per game restrictions, which should give Ashlynn, along with KK and Paige the starting three. Now the other two spots will be interesting to see who gets the nod.

 

[Blond D.]

Ashleys only weakness is her ability to get open when shes being guarded close.
In the national tournament they kept someone on her because they had noted she was a good shooter. No one really had done that before and she almost disappeared offense-wise.
I'm sure Geno noticed that and its something they will work on this summer.
So, yeah, she'll start.

 

[Bills Fan]

I think for any "who's going to start" discussion you need to assume all are healthy. Then i pity Geno. Obviously Paige takes one spot. If Geno doesn't want her playing the point, then KK is probably the only other option. For all the reasons above in this thread, Ash deserves to stay a starter. How do you keep a healthy Azzi off the starting court? She was only the #1 recruit 2 years ago. Jana-have you watched her video's and read GA's comments? Sarah-watching her and listening/reading her mature comments make this fan see no way she doesn't start. I think she has the same type of skills as Maya, if not quite at the same level. In my view, those 6 will have the best shot and maybe who sits will be dependent on the opponent.

The remaining 7 could win a NC. I think CD and Aubrey are perfect early subs to continue, or add to, momentum. Ice, at her BE tournament level can push Jana. Yanna is a big question mark as she needs to show more than she has. Given her recruiting ranking, I am hopeful she returns from injury and plays at that level. Q, would be a starter on 90-95% of D 1 teams, just not this one this year, and the remaining two, Allie and Morgan, are just too unknown at this point to be considered in any "starter discussion."

 

[Nolefan]

Ashleys only weakness is her ability to get open when shes being guarded close.
In the national tournament they kept someone on her because they had noted she was a good shooter. No one really had done that before and she almost disappeared offense-wise.
I'm sure Geno noticed that and its something they will work on this summer.
So, yeah, she'll start.

In fairness she had to create her own shot where Paige was able to get off ball screens . But her being out there helped Paige not get doubled all the time

 

[hoopsfan22]

Ashlynn may start because players coming back from injury may or may not be at 100% and they may be on some serious minutes per game restrictions, which should give Ashlynn, along with KK and Paige the starting three. Now the other two spots will be interesting to see who gets the nod.

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.

 

[Bone Dog]

In fairness she had to create her own shot where Paige was able to get off ball screens . But her being out there helped Paige not get doubled all the time

Exactly. When Paige was the main other perimeter option, it was a lot easier for opponents to cover her. Next season, I doubt there will many moments when Geno only has 2 perimeter threats on the floor. Ash will be a handful for any opposing teams.

 

[packwrap]

Nice post.

I'm response to a different thread, where a poster said UConn should be ranked 15th in pre season due injury history, can't count on incoming freshmen, and not sure if injured players will come back, I posted that just rolling back last year's team is already good.

I view Ash and KK as a pair. They are both complete players. If we didn't have Paige and Azzi, and the incoming pair of Allie and Morgan, we'd be raving about 3 more years of a unique outstanding guard duo.

If we rolled out Kk at 1, Ash at 2, Q at 3, Paige at 4 and Ice at 5, that's not our optimal team, but it could be a very good one. Paige would still be out of position at power forward, but everyone else would be in their best spot. Q and Ice were definitely not as solid as the guard pair, but with a full season of 30 minutes a game would improve dramatically.

Now if everything works out great and our starting group is really Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Sarah and Raegan, I am thrilled.

It just gives me a lot of confidence how much I believe in the Ash & KK combo, and their sidekicks Q and Ice. If they are the backups, we will be tough to beat.

 

[Bone Dog]

Now if everything works out great and our starting group is really Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Sarah and Raegan, I am thrilled.

Don't forget Jana!!!

 

[LwrcasefaN]

If everyone comes back healthy, I don't see it. Everything is relative. Don't get me wrong... she's good, but she doesn't draw the best or second best defender in most matchups. She got a ton of wide open shots and to her credit shot a decent clip. Against the right defender she can get her own shot, especially in the midrange which is her strength in my opinion. Her rebounding is really good too for her size. She plays good position defense, but I don't see her as above average. I don't expect this genie to go back in the bottle, but I do expect a role change.

 

[Zarathustra]

11) She plays most of the time with a smile on her face.

I'd be shocked if she doesn't start at the beginning of the year, mildly surprised if she doesn't start all year. As Geno has been known to say, what we saw this past season is the worst she'll play. She's a sponge.

Also, as we all know, Ash was the BIG EAST FRESHMAN "Player of the Year" (is that the correct phrasing?).

 

[Blakeon18]

Given what Geno has said about Jana...hard to keep her out of the starting lineup.

 

[Zarathustra]

Nice post.

I'm response to a different thread, where a poster said UConn should be ranked 15th in pre season due injury history, can't count on incoming freshmen, and not sure if injured players will come back, I posted that just rolling back last year's team is already good.

I view Ash and KK as a pair. They are both complete players. If we didn't have Paige and Azzi, and the incoming pair of Allie and Morgan, we'd be raving about 3 more years of a unique outstanding guard duo.

If we rolled out Kk at 1, Ash at 2, Q at 3, Paige at 4 and Ice at 5, that's not our optimal team, but it could be a very good one. Paige would still be out of position at power forward, but everyone else would be in their best spot. Q and Ice were definitely not as solid as the guard pair, but with a full season of 30 minutes a game would improve dramatically.

Now if everything works out great and our starting group is really Paige, Azzi, Caroline, Sarah and Raegan, I am thrilled.

It just gives me a lot of confidence how much I believe in the Ash & KK combo, and their sidekicks Q and Ice. If they are the backups, we will be tough to beat.

UCONN will have a GLORIOUS rotation of WONDERFUL players. I don't worry about who will be
the " starting five". The in rotation of the next 4- 5 players will be absolutely KILLING to opponents.
Imagine having so many "fresh legs" with unique skill sets coming off the bench. Aubrey coming off
the bench as #6 is my first consideration... Many variables!! NICE!

 

[ERWUC65]

Ashleys only weakness is her ability to get open when shes being guarded close.
In the national tournament they kept someone on her because they had noted she was a good shooter. No one really had done that before and she almost disappeared offense-wise.
I'm sure Geno noticed that and its something they will work on this summer.
So, yeah, she'll start.

Ash did well when she had time to plant and shoot, something easy against the BE competition, not so easy against the better more well coached teams as shown by her lack of scoring in the NCAA's. She needs to learn to shoot off the dribble with a variety of jump shots and floaters, also driving the basket, leading to more versatility. I expect she knows this and with help from her dad, she will put in a ton of work over the summer, putting her in the mix for playing time next year.

 

[Next 12]

Three years ago Geno brought in a top ranked recruiting class — Azzi Caroline Amari — and a great transfer. None of them started in November. Who started were the players who already knew the system. The previous year, freshman Paige started from day one. But she was an exception.

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!!!!.

 

[Bone Dog]

Ashlynn is born to play Uconn BB and is a future AA, and will earn a NC ring.

Only one?

 

[Bone Dog]

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..!!

What an excellent thread topic. It has brought out all the joy of the boneyard! We just lost in the final four, bid farewell to two beloved seniors, and somehow we couldn’t be happier! It’s a heady feeling. This is what UConn WBB is all about.

 

[Next 12]

Given what Geno has said about Jana...hard to keep her out of the starting lineup.

JANA will not be kept out of the line-up( baring the dreaded In---y bug) Uconn is blessed with two top notch starting fives, proficient in 1 through 5 in both. This team will truly be blessed and visions of multiple NC. trophies possible in the future. JANA has been trained or coached by her Father, the coach of EGYPT'S National team and from what I have seen, he has done a remarkable job. GO JANA!!!!! GO SOPHPOMORES!!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[Next 12]

Only one?

That was JUST the start! See above post.

 

[hoophuskee]

Nice post.

I'm response to a different thread, where a poster said UConn should be ranked 15th in pre season due injury history, can't count on incoming freshmen, and not sure if injured players will come back, I posted that just rolling back last year's team is already good.

I view Ash and KK as a pair. They are both complete players. If we didn't have Paige and Azzi, and the incoming pair of Allie and Morgan, we'd be raving about 3 more years of a unique outstanding guard duo.

If we rolled out Kk at 1, Ash at 2, Q at 3, Paige at 4 and Ice at 5, that's not our optimal team, but it could be a very good one. Paige would still be out of position at power forward, but everyone else would be in their best spot. Q and Ice were definitely not as solid as the guard pair, but with a full season of 30 minutes a game would improve dramatically.

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?

 

[hoophuskee]

Given what Geno has said about Jana...hard to keep her out of the starting lineup.

I lean toward Ice until I see Jana play in games. Geno also had praised Ice before she got hurt her frosh year, and Ice played decent enough vs USC and Iowa.

 

[da60]

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?