UConn stats...Is Caroline Ducharme the answer to 2 big BY questions..?

[DavidinNaples]

The recent "Who Will Start Day 1 Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter.
Here's my case:
1. Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms.
2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain.
3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..!
4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, 5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November.
5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating? Quite possibly it could be Caroline.
Here's that case:
1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence)
2. Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team.
3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman.
4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November...

Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of...
Go Caroline..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful.

 

[EricLA]

I hope you are right - IF Carol is ready, willing, and able to start, it would not only be an incredible story of perseverance, as no player is more deserving of good things to happen to her, but it would also be such a happy scenario for 99.99999% of the BY'ers out there, and certainly of UConn nation as well. (I suspect the .00001% who wouldn't be thrilled would be the ones who have her confused with Caroline Doty, who no longer plays for UConn)

Can you imagine if that happens - Kayleigh, Ash, Blanca, Morgan, and Jana potentially as the first 5 subs off the bench. Holy Depth Batman!! Follow that up with more smackdown from Kelis, Allie, Ice (who may be one of the 1st 5), Ayanna and Gandy...Yikes!

 

[Just.A.Fan]

The recent "Who Will Start Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter.
Here's my case:
1. Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms.
2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain.
3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..!
4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, 5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November.
5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating? Quite possibly it could be Caroline.
Here's that case:
1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence)
2. Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team.
3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman.
4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November...

Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of...
Go Caroline..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful.

Although I certainly don't dislike your push for Caroline (my favorite player), but @EricLA 's poll was "who will start day 1" and under the best conditions I doubt Caroline could be ready by then. I also do not believe Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of anything. She is her own person in every sense of the word. I don't see her as a quiet leader at all, but time will tell.

If she can reach full capacities of her talents, I too believe Caroline can be very instrumental in helping us grab another NC.

I think it's entirely possible that Geno will not use a set starting lineup this coming season. He has 15 talented players all expecting a reasonable amount of playing time. By deciding his starting lineup based on the opponent, it would allow more diversity by going big, or small, or other combinations allowing a larger number of players to taste the sweetness of being a starter from time to time. Thus keeping those players happier. Just something I've been thinking about.

@EricLA - I totally agree! And, Caroline Doty, another favorite of mine, who was terrific for us before taken down by injury. She made it back (but wasn't quite the same). Regardless, she had a piece of Geno's heart. I believe Ducharme does also.

 

[BBallF]

The recent "Who Will Start Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter.
Here's my case:
1. Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms.
2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain.
3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..!
4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, 5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November.
5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating? Quite possibly it could be Caroline.
Here's that case:
1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence)
2. Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team.
3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman.
4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November...

Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of...
Go Caroline..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful.

In one of the videos, Caroline has the play chart and the players are gathered around her. Maybe it was just because she is a senior, maybe just because she has become a mature leader in other ways, or maybe because she is healthy and a real pain to try to defend. I say she starts.

 

[Next 12]

DavidinNaples, I agree with you 100%.Caroline has enough time during practice to show GENO if she is ready for a starting spot. I believe she will,as she has ALL the required skills to return to her Freshman year way of playing. Caroline was robbed of so much opportunities with all her injuries and she deserves the best right now. With her determination and grit, I believe she will eventually start.This team is again a team of DESTINY with great things before it and they will deliver. GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Stagnant]

My two cents:

Caroline as a starter? No. Caroline as a leader? Likely. She has had that team mom gimmick for a couple of years. And maybe I am remembering wrong, but I thought she mentioned an interest in coaching…

 

[CL82]

I will be happy if Caroline can meaningly participate at a level that approximates what she could do when she was healthy. I would be surprised if she could push her way all the way into the starting lineup given that she's got very good players in front of her who have more accumulate playing time. That said, I know the video you're referring to, Dave, and in that tiny snippet, she does look good and is moving well.

Just as water finds its own level, so will Caroline. I'm looking forward to finding out what that level actually is.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

My two cents:

Caroline as a starter? No. Caroline as a leader? Likely. She has had that team mom gimmick for a couple of years. And maybe I am remembering wrong, but I thought she mentioned an interest in coaching…

Yes, she wants to coach. In fact she mentions that in a video posted by @Centerstream. And, it's hard for me to understand why so many BYers can't see Caroline as a starter. Do you not remember her as a freshman? And, she's much more than a "team mom" in terms of leadership. That's a handle players give a player who has been sidelined, but is still highly respected for her knowledge of the game and Geno's systems.

The video can be found here:
Q&A with some of the Huskies

 

[Cuango]

The recent "Who Will Start Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter.
Here's my case:
1. Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms.
2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain.
3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..!
4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, 5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November.
5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating? Quite possibly it could be Caroline.
Here's that case:
1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence)
2. Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team.
3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman.
4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November...

Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of...
Go Caroline..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful.

I would love it if Caroline were to win a starting spot! If she is fully healthy and can play without fear, it’s hard to see how anyone could beat her out for that three spot. I think some have forgotten (or are simply unaware) just how well she was beginning to play before she was injured. I am confident that if she is really recovered from the injuries and their aftereffects, she will certainly be a fixture in the rotation whether she starts or not!

 

[Blue Huskie]

Hey Caroline looks great in the early videos. But that means nothing once the rock-em sock-em games begin. Way too soon to even hope she can absorb that. I'm not even thinking about her in the equation until I hear a LOT from Geno & CD.

 

[Hoops66]

Maybe her couple of years on the bench has given her a real coaching perspective. Talk about a "coach on the floor." If not the W, or after the W, she would have a solid coaching future.

 

[Bone Dog]

Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

While I'd like to see Carol return to full participation, even as a starter, I think there's something a little off in your characterization of Ash. Whether she's "good off the bench" or starts is not an essential feature of her game. What is essential is the intensity and commitment she brings to everything she does, not just as a >40% 3 pt shooter but also as a ferocious rebounder and defender. This is what will decide who gets that 5th starting spot. If Carol, or Morgan or Blanca outperforms Ash in these categories, one of them will get the spot. If not, then Ash will start.

 

[oldude]

There is another option for the 5th starter and that would be Jana. A frontline of Jana, Serah & Sarah would give UConn the most dominant frontcourt in the nation. Play that group for 5-10 mpg and then bring in next years version of UConn’s small lineup: Sarah at 5 with Azzi, KK, Ash and pick one (Caroline, Morgan or Blanca).

 

[DavidinNaples]

While I'd like to see Carol return to full participation, even as a starter, I think there's something a little off in your characterization of Ash. Whether she's "good off the bench" or starts is not an essential feature of her game. What is essential is the intensity and commitment she brings to everything she does, not just as a >40% 3 pt shooter but also as a ferocious rebounder and defender. This is what will decide who gets that 5th starting spot. If Carol, or Morgan or Blanca outperforms Ash in these categories, one of them will get the spot. If not, then Ash will start.

Bone Dog,
I’m a huge Ashlynn fan and agree she will get “starter minutes” whether she starts or comes off the bench. Geno came up with a genius plan for her and KK last season, off the bench. My quote was that she was she was “so good off the bench” in that role. Agree her intensity and skills are fabulous. I just think Geno may pair her with Kayleigh, Jana, Blanca, Ice, Morgan or others coming off the bench. Just an opinion….
Take care..!

 

[Huskee11]

From your lips to God's ears.

I continually go back to the Louisville game on 12/19/2021 when Caroline was a first year. I was there, she had 24 points and 8 rebounds and was unquestionably the best player on the court. (Unfortunately, it was the only loss UConn has ever suffered at Mohegan Sun.)

The other players on the court were not chopped liver. By my count eight of them are playing or have played in the WNBA. Van Lith, Engstler, Kianna Smith, Liz Dixon, Dorka, Evina, ONO, and Aaliyah.

That was four years ago. She was only an inexperienced first year playing in her eighth game. She had only logged 100 minutes of court time prior to that game. If her issues have cleared up, perhaps she will even be better that she was then. We don't know. However, her ceiling is high, very high.

We know UConn will be outstanding in 2025-2026 based upon players who are known quantities. There are a whole lot of players who are not known quantities at this point. Caroline, Ayanna, Blanca, Kelis, etc. If some like Caroline surprise to the upside, it will be even more amazing to see this team in action.

 

[Next 12]

My opinion, if Carolne had not been hurt in her sophomore year, the way she played she would have been an AA in that year and in her junior year. Also, Uconn would have beaten S Carolina in the NCT. With all that experience behind her, this year the chances in winning our 13th NC would be greatly enhanced. GO CAROLINE!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!

 

[Alydar]

Ducharme needs to be able to practice full time with no restrictions to get significant minutes. If she can I think she'll start. She has pg, 2g wing & Pf skills. A 3 level scorer. Ducharme has "being in the right place at the right time" instincts.

Edit: She is also a volume scorer and would give UConn another 3-horned monster. Ducharme has never been reluctant to shoot.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

My opinion, if Carolne had not been hurt in her sophomore year, the way she played she would have been an AA in that year and in her junior year. Also, Uconn would have beaten S Carolina in the NCT. With all that experience behind her, this year the chances in winning our 13th NC would be greatly enhanced. GO CAROLINE!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!

You remember this incorrectly. Ducharme was much better as a freshman.

Caroline Ducharme College Stats | College Basketball at Sports-Reference.com

Caroline Ducharme - Stats, Game Logs, Splits, and much more

www.sports-reference.com

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Although I certainly don't dislike your push for Caroline (my favorite player), but @EricLA 's poll was "who will start day 1" and under the best conditions I doubt Caroline could be ready by then. I also do not believe Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of anything. She is her own person in every sense of the word. I don't see her as a quiet leader at all, but time will tell.

If she can reach full capacities of her talents, I too believe Caroline can be very instrumental in helping us grab another NC.

I think it's entirely possible that Geno will not use a set starting lineup this coming season. He has 15 talented players all expecting a reasonable amount of playing time. By deciding his starting lineup based on the opponent, it would allow more diversity by going big, or small, or other combinations allowing a larger number of players to taste the sweetness of being a starter from time to time. Thus keeping those players happier. Just something I've been thinking about.

@EricLA - I totally agree! And, Caroline Doty, another favorite of mine, who was terrific for us before taken down by injury. She made it back (but wasn't quite the same). Regardless, she had a piece of Geno's heart. I believe Ducharme does also.

For what it is worth, she was very much the leader on the floor in her championship team in high school. My favorite is Azzi for obvios reasons, chiefly she has the basketball skills for it and when you are a higher than high performer people tend to listen. But there is the obvious but: her temperament is retiring.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

Hey Caroline looks great in the early videos. But that means nothing once the rock-em sock-em games begin. Way too soon to even hope she can absorb that. I'm not even thinking about her in the equation until I hear a LOT from Geno & CD.

Of course, but some of us, a growing number actually, are hoping and praying (and it's never too soon for that) for something wonderful to happen for Caroline here. As a freshman she appeared destined to be on course for UConn greatest. Then, the bottom fell out. We all know that Caroline needs to be whacked in the head and continue on unfazed a few times, but until we see it or heard of it from Geno, CD, other staff members or her teammates, it is an unknown and we pray for the best. I find it hard to believe that she would be allowed to be out there participating in practices if there was a medical fear of physical contact to the head. The fear, if any presently exists, would be Caroline's to overcome and be able to deal with it. I'd also be surprised if by now she hasn't had a knock or two on the noggin. It is said that the power of prayer can move mountains, we are just hoping for the healing of her head ... inside and out.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

For what it is worth, she was very much the leader on the floor in her championship team in high school. My favorite is Azzi for obvios reasons, chiefly she has the basketball skills for it and when you are a higher than high performer people tend to listen. But there is the obvious but: her temperament is retiring.

It's not clear to me why you feel my comments about Caroline's leadership qualities versus those of Evina Westbrook have anything to do with Azzi Fudd? My concern (hope beyond hope perhaps) is that Caroline can regain all of her natural BB skills and abilities and help lead this team to another NC.

 

[browns]

My opinion, if Carolne had not been hurt in her sophomore year, the way she played she would have been an AA in that year and in her junior year. Also, Uconn would have beaten S Carolina in the NCT. With all that experience behind her, this year the chances in winning our 13th NC would be greatly enhanced. GO CAROLINE!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!!

An AA that year and the next ? She was a good payer but nowhere near an AA
SC killed Uconn 49-24 on the boards..Caroline averaged 4.1 rebounds that year..so her playing that game would have had Uconn winnng?
Please that is so far fetched it's laughable.

 

[browns]

The recent "Who Will Start Day 1 Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter.
Here's my case:
1. Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms.
2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain.
3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..!
4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, 5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November.
5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs).

The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating? Quite possibly it could be Caroline.
Here's that case:
1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence)
2. Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team.
3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman.
4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November...

Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of...
Go Caroline..!!
Go Huskies..!!

P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful.

Her starting does not give Geno another 3 pt shooter..She is a career 30.1 % beyond the arch..even her nice freshman year she only shot 28.8 % for 3's

 

[RockyMTblue2]

It's not clear to me why you feel my comments about Caroline's leadership qualities versus those of Evina Westbrook have anything to do with Azzi Fudd? My concern (hope beyond hope perhaps) is that Caroline can regain all of her natural BB skills and abilities and help lead this team to another NC.

I'm so confused now! It's your fault!

 

[Just.A.Fan]

I'm so confused now! It's your fault!

Sorry friend, it was truly not my intention!