UConn will be fine

[Bone Dog]

Ice and Yanna were ranked in the top 5 players out of HS.

By my ranking, they were #1 and #2

Geno will certainly stress rebounding but no matter how many weights are lifted or how much boxing out is taught, its unlikely any team can match SC's size and strength.

I think the rebounding question is a little more complicated. We don't send 4 to the boards at either end because we play for the transition game. This is a gamble, but over the years it's paid off. This means we're not going to win the rebounding battle every night. But the fact is last year SC averaged 71 pts and 48 rebounds while we averaged 75 points and 39 rebounds -- and we did that without Paige most of the year, of course, but also with an injury riddled team.

This year, I think we could be even stronger than SC across the front court, though not taller, depending on how quickly Ice and Ayanna can contribute. Obviously we have no winning matchup for Boston -- Dorka and Amari just have to keep her from dominating the floor. But Saxton struggled against Aaliyah two years ago, and barely held her own last year. Much as I admire Victaria's game, the fact is Aaliyah is too strong and quick for her and that difference is likely to be even more pronounced this year. Two years ago, she barely held her own against Aubrey. I wonder how she'll do against Aaliyah with Aubrey and Ice spelling her. It might not be pretty. Dawn could go to the twin towers with Cardoso for more of the game, but then they become a quite slow team, or Amihere but she can't outmuscle Aaliyah on the boards.

After the front court starters, I think we could have the advantage if Ice and Ayanna develop well. I don't think SC would have anyone who could matchup with them -- certainly not Saxton or Amihere -- and having to try could prove exhausting. This is just a guess, but I'm pretty confident in this one.

As for the 3 position, I don't think that's even close. Beal is an excellent wing on D, only so-so on O. But she's going to be stuck trying to contain Azzi, just as she pulled Paige duty the last two years, and that's bound to be a losing battle for her, just as it is for us with Boston. But who's going to contain Caroline and Lou? I don't think Cooke is up to that battle, and I think she'll get a lot of Nika attention.

Of course the season may not turn out this way -- Amari and the freshmen may not develop, Aubrey may not recover her strength and speed, Nika might struggle on O, someone else might get injured. All sorts of things could go wrong. But if things go as I predict...

 

[GoUconn7961]

We have a team of studs who will step up. We showed everyone last season that our team that was full of injuries, with a very tuff bracket in the NCAAs, found the resilience to beat some very tuff teams and make it to the finals. We're a year older and healthier and once again Paigeless. Geno has a few months to get his team up to speed without Paige. After reading the threads there was a question and comments about another point guard. I do remember someone mentioning Azzi can play the point. However she is UConns shooting guard so that most likely wont be an option. With Nika foul prone we will need somebody else who can play the point. We can not imo go into the season without another point guard. Nika plays aggressive defense and we need that however playing aggressive leads to fouls and that could spell trouble for UConn at the point if shes on the bench. With that said we need someone with experience. Our early season schedule is really tuff so experience at the point is essential. Im sure Geno and his coaching staff are looking at their options and Azzi Caroline and Lou will be mentored and if thats not an option then UConn will be looking for someone who is formattable.

We will miss Paige's leadership on the court. Her positive attitude, her ability to make plays, and take over games may not be replaceable. We do have the studs to pick up the scoring and we do have the height and depth underneath to dominate. It will take time for Ice and Yanna to get up to speed in their new environment. They have the skills to be great. It wont be throw them in a microwave and they come out ready to compete at the college level right away. It will take time and it will happen as the season progresses.

I expect Amari to surprise alot of people this season. She has the skills and she has a good shot. Her height will be a plus this season along with her ability to pass the ball inside. Azzi Caroline and Lou are great scorers. We've heard all about Lou and we saw what Azzi and Caroline can due when they were asked to step up. There are gonna be some bumps in the road as we set out for our quest to win another NC and those bumps will become learning experiences and make us better as we move forward.

The things that need to happen to make up for Paige not in the lineup will happen over the next few months which means we have time to get ready. I am very confident that this team even without Paige is a great team. I just read that ESPN has now UConn ranked 6th in their poll. They are in for a big surprise.

I think what really helps is the time Geno, the coaches, and the team have to prepare before the first game. There is time to make adjustments. Time that they didn't have last season. I'm still hopeful for the season and quite frankly, can't wait for it to start.

 

[Kat]

Trust in Geno, always, but I am concerned with how this NIL thing is going to change college sports. I'm concerned that having a big-time TV package will be as important in recruiting players as coaches or programs.

 

[Longtime fan]

We have a team of studs who will step up. We showed everyone last season that our team that was full of injuries, with a very tuff bracket in the NCAAs, found the resilience to beat some very tuff teams and make it to the finals. We're a year older and healthier and once again Paigeless. Geno has a few months to get his team up to speed without Paige. After reading the threads there was a question and comments about another point guard. I do remember someone mentioning Azzi can play the point. However she is UConns shooting guard so that most likely wont be an option. With Nika foul prone we will need somebody else who can play the point. We can not imo go into the season without another point guard. Nika plays aggressive defense and we need that however playing aggressive leads to fouls and that could spell trouble for UConn at the point if shes on the bench. With that said we need someone with experience. Our early season schedule is really tuff so experience at the point is essential. Im sure Geno and his coaching staff are looking at their options and Azzi Caroline and Lou will be mentored and if thats not an option then UConn will be looking for someone who is formattable.

We will miss Paige's leadership on the court. Her positive attitude, her ability to make plays, and take over games may not be replaceable. We do have the studs to pick up the scoring and we do have the height and depth underneath to dominate. It will take time for Ice and Yanna to get up to speed in their new environment. They have the skills to be great. It wont be throw them in a microwave and they come out ready to compete at the college level right away. It will take time and it will happen as the season progresses.

I expect Amari to surprise alot of people this season. She has the skills and she has a good shot. Her height will be a plus this season along with her ability to pass the ball inside. Azzi Caroline and Lou are great scorers. We've heard all about Lou and we saw what Azzi and Caroline can due when they were asked to step up. There are gonna be some bumps in the road as we set out for our quest to win another NC and those bumps will become learning experiences and make us better as we move forward.

The things that need to happen to make up for Paige not in the lineup will happen over the next few months which means we have time to get ready. I am very confident that this team even without Paige is a great team. I just read that ESPN has now UConn ranked 6th in their poll. They are in for a big surprise.

 

[Longtime fan]

We have a team of studs who will step up. We showed everyone last season that our team that was full of injuries, with a very tuff bracket in the NCAAs, found the resilience to beat some very tuff teams and make it to the finals. We're a year older and healthier and once again Paigeless. Geno has a few months to get his team up to speed without Paige. After reading the threads there was a question and comments about another point guard. I do remember someone mentioning Azzi can play the point. However she is UConns shooting guard so that most likely wont be an option. With Nika foul prone we will need somebody else who can play the point. We can not imo go into the season without another point guard. Nika plays aggressive defense and we need that however playing aggressive leads to fouls and that could spell trouble for UConn at the point if shes on the bench. With that said we need someone with experience. Our early season schedule is really tuff so experience at the point is essential. Im sure Geno and his coaching staff are looking at their options and Azzi Caroline and Lou will be mentored and if thats not an option then UConn will be looking for someone who is formattable.

We will miss Paige's leadership on the court. Her positive attitude, her ability to make plays, and take over games may not be replaceable. We do have the studs to pick up the scoring and we do have the height and depth underneath to dominate. It will take time for Ice and Yanna to get up to speed in their new environment. They have the skills to be great. It wont be throw them in a microwave and they come out ready to compete at the college level right away. It will take time and it will happen as the season progresses.

I expect Amari to surprise alot of people this season. She has the skills and she has a good shot. Her height will be a plus this season along with her ability to pass the ball inside. Azzi Caroline and Lou are great scorers. We've heard all about Lou and we saw what Azzi and Caroline can due when they were asked to step up. There are gonna be some bumps in the road as we set out for our quest to win another NC and those bumps will become learning experiences and make us better as we move forward.

The things that need to happen to make up for Paige not in the lineup will happen over the next few months which means we have time to get ready. I am very confident that this team even without Paige is a great team. I just read that ESPN has now UConn ranked 6th in their poll. They are in for a big surprise.

Totally agree. The team will be fine. If everyone starts the year off 100% healthy, the team will be fine.

You have to define " fine." In my view, there is no magic point guard out there who will arrive to back-up Nika. Is there a quality back-up BIG if Boston of South Carolina gets injured and is , suddenly, out for the season? I mean; can there be a player not a single major team has noticed was available? I think not. We are what we are. Talented and hopeful. But we have lost our starting quarterback. You want to pretend UCONN will be great, go right ahead. We all want that. But I, for one, say we took a huge hit to our ambitions for this season. And there is no way around it. No matter how much optimism abounds, I just can't get the loss of Paige out of my mind. She is ( arguably ) the most dependable and exciting talent in the women's college game. We had her and now we don't. It will show.

 

[Bone Dog]

You want to pretend UCONN will be great, go right ahead. We all want that. But I, for one, say we took a huge hit to our ambitions for this season. And there is no way around it. No matter how much optimism abounds, I just can't get the loss of Paige out of my mind. She is ( arguably ) the most dependable and exciting talent in the women's colle

Yes, that’s exactly what I intend to do. Pretending is all there is to do in the summer. This is no time for worrying about pesky reality. Also, we’re not on the coaching staff, so it’s not like our unrealistic dreams can hurt anything.

But, yes, I can’t get Paige’s injury out of my mind either. I share your pain. Thank goodness I don’t actually have to feel her pain.

 

[Urshurak]

To be honest, my mind is all over the place about this season. Geno's vision, surely, had Paige as the foundation, so the house just fell down.

So, time to rebuild. I'm sure they're going over plans for the new building now. Will it be as nice? Nope. Will it still be livable? Sure.

Have trust in Geno always and again I say rejoice. HA HA!

My Take, UConn will lose a couple during the non-conference schedule. Probably still win the Big East easily. What happens in tournament? Not sure yet. We shall see.

 

[Inthepaint]

Too many variables and unknowns at this point to advance any predictions
1) Aubrey?
2) Dorka?
3) Azzi?
4) Caroline?
5) Lou2
6) Nika?
7) Amari?
8) Ayana?
9) Ice?
10) Aayleah?
See what I mean?
Not only will Geno & Company have to assemble a rotation and be prepared to evaluate and adjust as needed, but who knows what will go on at Creighton, DePaul, Villanova, and Marquette.
You should be right about winning the BE, but let’s not assume any gimmees.
Seems like everybody gives a little extra against the Huskies.
The OOC schedule will be tough as nails. A couple of losses are probable but which games will produce them?
The only given will be that nobody in Storrs will quit.

 

[Bigboote]

I'm thinking rebounding will be more important for us this year. We are going to miss more shots for one thing. Another is Ayanna, who might be one of the top rebounders in college basketball for all we know. She has potential to be a force.

I doubt Ayanna will be one of the top rebounders in college basketball. Not because she's not capable, but because of her teammates. Dorka averaged >10 for two years in the B1G, Edwards and Griffin who will likely both be around 6 rpg, Ice is an unknown, and a few guards who will likely be around 4, and it would be really tough for anyone to be much above 10 rpg.

 

[Bone Dog]

Who will they lose to in the early OOC schedule? Texas? NC St? Duke? Iowa? Other than Iowa, the whole list is teams who have had more roster change than us. Maryland, too. Notre Dame is the only game before New Year’s with a mainly returning roster. That’s the game I worry about.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Texas, Notre Dame and Iowa should all be great games. NC State is probably stronger than lots of people will anticipate.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Who knows what Ice and Ayanna will be but I really do think Ayanna can be potentially a great rebounder if she gets PT. The problem is she probably will not get more than 15 minutes PT unless we have major injuries in the front court. We are going to have to be patient with Ayanna but the payoff could be well worth it. This team has a much better chance in the PO if Ice and Ayanna are fully integrated and performing.

 

[Longtime fan]

The most important thing for this season is for everybody to get healthy. There is a thread about Caroline being ready to start the season. For me we need her healthy along with Azzi Dorka and Nika. They need to be able to go full strength against top teams especially early on. Ice and Yanna were ranked in the top 5 players out of HS. I believe that with our height we can handle any team down low. I also believe with our shooters we can keep defenses honest. Lets face it Azzi is going to draw alot of attention from defenses. That should open things up for everybody else. Everything should fall into place so long as we are healthy. Azzi Caroline and Dorka are at the top of the list. One other point all 3 will need rest and not to be pushed to hard and that includes practice. They may be healed and that would be great but we can not take the chance of reinjuring any player. With that said I expect to see more players play and a deeper lineup.

Let's face it. Everything everyone is suggesting is true. The team has talent and they will play hard. With luck, they will do very well. If you can imagine the Kansas City Chiefs losing Patrick Mahomes in pre-season to an ACL tear, you can better see the position UCONN is in. The games will be played. The team will compete. But when that unique talent is needed, it won't be there. This is a huge oss. And no amount of effort or hope can make up for it. Sorry.

 

[Bone Dog]

Let's face it. Everything everyone is suggesting is true. The team has talent and they will play hard. With luck, they will do very well. If you can imagine the Kansas City Chiefs losing Patrick Mahomes in pre-season to an ACL tear, you can better see the position UCONN is in. The games will be played. The team will compete. But when that unique talent is needed, it won't be there. This is a huge oss. And no amount of effort or hope can make up for it. Sorry.

I don't think your analogy is entirely apt. This is more like if Tampa Bay lost Brady and Mahomes was his backup.

 

[ballerfan]

I don't think your analogy is entirely apt. This is more like if Tampa Bay lost Brady and Mahomes was his backup.

If Azzi steps up and becomes « Mahomes, » which I hope happens, then I’ll go with your analogy.

 

[TCC Kid]

We have a team of studs who will step up. We showed everyone last season that our team that was full of injuries, with a very tuff bracket in the NCAAs, found the resilience to beat some very tuff teams and make it to the finals. We're a year older and healthier and once again Paigeless. Geno has a few months to get his team up to speed without Paige. After reading the threads there was a question and comments about another point guard. I do remember someone mentioning Azzi can play the point. However she is UConns shooting guard so that most likely wont be an option. With Nika foul prone we will need somebody else who can play the point. We can not imo go into the season without another point guard. Nika plays aggressive defense and we need that however playing aggressive leads to fouls and that could spell trouble for UConn at the point if shes on the bench. With that said we need someone with experience. Our early season schedule is really tuff so experience at the point is essential. Im sure Geno and his coaching staff are looking at their options and Azzi Caroline and Lou will be mentored and if thats not an option then UConn will be looking for someone who is formattable.

We will miss Paige's leadership on the court. Her positive attitude, her ability to make plays, and take over games may not be replaceable. We do have the studs to pick up the scoring and we do have the height and depth underneath to dominate. It will take time for Ice and Yanna to get up to speed in their new environment. They have the skills to be great. It wont be throw them in a microwave and they come out ready to compete at the college level right away. It will take time and it will happen as the season progresses.

I expect Amari to surprise alot of people this season. She has the skills and she has a good shot. Her height will be a plus this season along with her ability to pass the ball inside. Azzi Caroline and Lou are great scorers. We've heard all about Lou and we saw what Azzi and Caroline can due when they were asked to step up. There are gonna be some bumps in the road as we set out for our quest to win another NC and those bumps will become learning experiences and make us better as we move forward.

The things that need to happen to make up for Paige not in the lineup will happen over the next few months which means we have time to get ready. I am very confident that this team even without Paige is a great team. I just read that ESPN has now UConn ranked 6th in their poll. They are in for a big surprise.

@Tonyc you ARE the Uconn Women's Cheerleader--SO, how can you say they shall be FINE! They shall be GREAT.
Your Second Paragraph. I agree that is your best paragraph. I do to believe Paige is not replaceable. However, others may be as good or better. Your question about the 2 new guys is a good question. I personally believe Good basketball players, with experience in many games, can play at nearly every level--plays are different, your role is different, but the game is only putting the ball in a basket. The problem is getting there and stopping the other team---SIMPLE.

The Freshmen from last season and the new freshmen are in a word--exceptional, outstanding (ok, 2 words).

I'm a glutton, even acknowledging it is a sin, sinful me wants another Championship. Not for Me but for the Kids that work their tails off to give ME a championship. For me, if God grants me one more season to see them play--I'll drop my sinful ways and accept anything they give me.

 

[TCC Kid]

I agree with most of what you say, but would add that if someone is pressed into action, she most definitely needs to practice at PG before she's pressed into action. And I think the odds are low that Nika and Azzi will both be available all game every game in the upcoming season. So someone, probably Caroline, will need to spend some time practicing at point absent a late addition.

I'll also add that I'm encouraged by what I've read in a couple of other threads about possible European options for additional point guards. Of course, Geno (a native European himself) will probably be pulling his hair out if he has ANOTHER European on his team. : )

The odds if we use the past 2 or 3 years as our model shall be for the odd to be in the negative direction. Caroline, I'm her greatest champion/cheerleader has shown in times of stress, when pulled into an established line up, she is capable in ALL aspects of the game. She has ice in her veins. Some say she shoots too much--wrong she doesn't shoot too much--anything Too Much will come from Geno and he likes what he sees. The odds become greater for UConn when the Freshmen get up to speed. Like Caroline, they come with experience and know how to play basketball for anyone--even Geno.

 

[TCC Kid]

Losing Paige also means losing a great defender. Paige is very quick & moved easily to stay in good defensive position.

I wonder how UConn will be defensively, especially getting rebounds against tall and aggressive teams. South Carolina killed us on the boards, but Liv was limited, Dorka couldn’t play, no Aubrey, etc. also, playing Aaliyah up at high post was a frequently occurring mistake throughout the year in my opinion.

This year, even without Paige, we can and need to be stronger defensively. Nika will play more minutes, which helps defensively, Caroline will be healthy again with her length, Azzi is an excellent defender, Aubrey is fantastic defender. I like Aaliyah’s defense too, and when Brady and Patterson are in the game, I think they will grab rebounds without problems. How will Deberry fare on defense, and is Lou going to be a good defender? Dorka needs to hold her position and hopefully her wrist won’t affect her rebounding.

We will sorely miss Paige’s offense and her defense too, but playing minutes this season may depend on being able to play good defense and getting rebounds, more than ever.

Agree! Paige is near great at everything basketball because of her psychological make up, that usually come from Moms. She knows how good she is and rarely thinks too deeply, reacts to situation properly, confidence or ego, is a quality Geno looks for. Don't over think, do what you instinctively know is right. I think Caroline and even Nika have that natural ability. That's not to say the entire team isn't so endowed

 

[Bigboote]

Who knows what Ice and Ayanna will be but I really do think Ayanna can be potentially a great rebounder if she gets PT. The problem is she probably will not get more than 15 minutes PT unless we have major injuries in the front court. We are going to have to be patient with Ayanna but the payoff could be well worth it. This team has a much better chance in the PO if Ice and Ayanna are fully integrated and performing.

I absolutely agree with you that Ayanna will be a great rebounder, and Ice too. Ice is SO strong and Ayanna, as Paige said, "jumps out of the gym."

I think the only potential thing that can keep either one from being a significant contributor this year is not buying into Geno's method 100%. My gut says they'll both have good seasons.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Paige is not replaceable but Lou does fit her role pretty well at least on offense. I'm not projecting a championship but it is still possible that we get to the FF again. If that happens and we have great 3 point shooters anything can happen. The hot team often wins.

 

[Carnac]

Paige is not replaceable but Lou does fit her role pretty well at least on offense. I'm not projecting a championship but it is still possible that we get to the FF again. If that happens and we have great 3 point shooters anything can happen. The hot team often wins.

Come March, everyone should have found have found their "niche", and settled in their comfort zone. You don't have to be great all year, just the last 6 games. Any of the top 15 teams is capable of doing it. That's one of the things that make following the tournament so much fun. Watching the elite teams in WCBB fight for survival and advance to the next round. Watching a wild card dark horse team emerge and muck things up the the real contenders. Remember Oregon and Washington with Chantel Osahor several years ago? I love it.

 

[Bone Dog]

Paige is totally replaceable. The team will not be the same. But someone can fill her spot. We’ll miss out on her scoring, her passing, her D and above all her heart. But we know the rest of the team can step up. They proved it last year.

 

[TCC Kid]

Come March, everyone should have found have found their "niche", and settled in their comfort zone. You don't have to be great all year, just the last 6 games. Any of the top 15 teams is capable of doing it. That's one of the things that make following the tournament so much fun. Watching the elite teams in WCBB fight for survival and advance to the next round. Watching a wild card dark horse team emerge and muck things up the the real contenders. Remember Oregon and Washington with Chantel Osahor several years ago? I love it.

Who was it that said: In March there are no Freshmen! ??

 

[TCC Kid]

Paige is totally replaceable. The team will not be the same. But someone can fill her spot. We’ll miss out on her scoring, her passing, her D and above all her heart. But we know the rest of the team can step up. They proved it last year.

Logically, I once thought, everyone is replaceable. However, the truth is not everyone--some very very special ones are NOT replaceable. I suggest to you that Paige is in that category.
Who on this team has displayed the unique characteristic of---being able to score, time after time, in MUST DO circumstance as Paige has shown? To whom has Geno, said--go get them--Score? Paige, DT, Sue, Maya, Stewie--the best of the best. All except Paige are gone--none, in my opinion, have been replaced.

Normally, I'm the naysayer, the critic, the curmudgeon. I like to think: I'm not a Cynic but a truth see-er. Honestly, I know I am none. Two players, among many I hold dear, stand out in my brain---Paige and Caroline. My emotions tell me they can do ANYTHING--and both have proven me correct, in basketball. Both have proven, with injuries, they are human.

 

[Carnac]

I absolutely agree with you that Ayanna will be a great rebounder, and Ice too. Ice is SO strong and Ayanna, as Paige said, "jumps out of the gym."

I think the only potential thing that can keep either one from being a significant contributor this year is not buying into Geno's method 100%. My gut says they'll both have good seasons.

We need BOTH of them to find their "sea legs" within the first 5-6 games. They need to forget they are freshmen, and play like experienced sophomores. It CAN be done. Both of them have greatness within them. I just hope they can bring that greatness to the surface sooner rather than later........like in the first quarter of the Kutztown State game.......and keep it going. I still think Geno is going to add a player prior to classes resuming on a little more than 2 weeks. #NODAYSOFF.

 

[Bone Dog]

Logically, I once thought, everyone is replaceable. However, the truth is not everyone--some very very special ones are NOT replaceable. I suggest to you that Paige is in that category.
Who on this team has displayed the unique characteristic of---being able to score, time after time, in MUST DO circumstance as Paige has shown? To whom has Geno, said--go get them--Score? Paige, DT, Sue, Maya, Stewie--the best of the best. All except Paige are gone--none, in my opinion, have been replaced.

Normally, I'm the naysayer, the critic, the curmudgeon. I like to think: I'm not a Cynic but a truth see-er. Honestly, I know I am none. Two players, among many I hold dear, stand out in my brain---Paige and Caroline. My emotions tell me they can do ANYTHING--and both have proven me correct, in basketball. Both have proven, with injuries, they are human.

That’s fair. By replaceable I meant someone would take her place. And this will happen soon. We definitely lose something. But we still have a lot. Azzi can do a lot of what Paige can do, and some of it even better, like 3 pt shooting. She hasn’t shown quite the heart Paige has. But she can be bold when she has to be, like in the first Villanova game, or the first Marquette game.

Caroline can do things Paige can’t, like block shots with aplomb. She also knows how to carry a team that has lost its way. She showed us that last year.

So, Paige will be replaced by Azzi and Caroline. It comes at a cost. But they will be fierce and the team will rally around them.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Paige made everyone better. She was our most efficient player. Most steals per minute. Highest shooting percentage. The offense revolved around her. You don't replace Paige this year. You just don't. The probability of that happening is less than 1%. Does that mean it's hopeless? No. It does cut our possibility of winning it all by at least 50% though. She's the straw that stirs the drink.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Don't get me wrong. I think we can still win it. I'm thinking Lou is under rated as heck and going to really help us. I'm thinking Ayanna and Ice are starters on most college teams right now, even major teams. Azzi and Caroline can score with anyone in WCBB. Our defense will still be solid. We are going to be an exciting team to watch. I'm just hopeful we can keep the rest of the team healthy because we can't lose another guard.

 

[oldhusky]

Paige is totally replaceable. The team will not be the same. But someone can fill her spot. We’ll miss out on her scoring, her passing, her D and above all her heart. But we know the rest of the team can step up. They proved it last year.

I think a better way to look at it is we have certain players who can approach some of Paige's skills, but nowhere close to all of them. Looking at Nika and Lou is interesting from that standpoint. Lou appears to be a shooter comparable to Paige and she has some of Paige's ability to create her own shot and be scorer not just shooter. That's the good news, but she is nowhere close as a passer, defender, rebounder etc.

Nika can cover some of those traits because she is a great passer, defender and pretty good rebounder. That is the good news from her standpoint, but of course she is miles away from Paige as a shooter or scorer. So you can get passing and defense from Nika, or shooting and scoring from Lou, but you can't get all of those traits in one player like you can with Paige.

We can be pretty darn good at most statistical categories, and fill her spot with a good player, but nowhere close to Paige. That is "if" we don't get more bad news at the wrong position. Last year we had six guards and yet for several games had no backup guards with three of them out. We were terrible by Uconn standards during those games and clearly did not have a good answer as to how to compensate for that rash of injuries.

This offseason it looked like we would head into this season with five guards, hardly excessive, but at least it meant if one was injured we could use a carefully structured substitution pattern and milk the minutes at the 1-3 between mostly the four remaining players, with maybe just a few spot minutes by someone who was not a guard. We had a cushion for one injury, but that is gone with Paige's injury. If Nika, Azzi, Caroline or Lou miss "any" games we will be without a true guard backup for the three guard positions. Having Aubrey back could solve the issue on the defensive end, but we will be an entirely different team on the offensive end, and the guards that are available will often be out of position (anybody other than Nika at the point) and overworked and tired.

So many of us look at the loss of Paige and figure we have plenty of good players on the roster, and while we won't be the same, we can still see us being a very good team. I see that too as long as nothing else happens at the guard position, but isn't it pretty unrealistic to assume our four guards don't miss any games. If there was an over and under on the number of games those four would miss in total, I would guess it would be at least a half dozen or so (1.5 each).

Lord knows we are due for some good luck on the injury front, but I feel many of our fans are looking at the difference between Paige and our other available options, and forgetting that reducing our available guards from 5 to 4 leaves no insurance. In some ways an injury to any of our four healthy guards could be more devastating than the injury to Paige. We had one spare quality backup for Paige (with 5 guards), our backup plan for another guard injury is our best choice among players best suited for PF. For that reason I still hope Geno comes up with something from the Foreign Under 18 Tournament prospects that at least could provide some insurance at the guard position.

 

[Stymie]

Wherever this team is ranked ( before any games are played) will just give these athletes more, drive, focus and motivation.
None of these players come to UCONN to be anything less than National Champions.
Will be very interesting to watch them climb rung by rung to the top, knocking off those above them.