no what won them the game was Evina Westbrook hitting 3's, she had gone a span of 0-15 from 3 and I think Stanford said if she beats us from 3 so be it, and it happened.
I think you're right about Azzi at point guard. The time will probably be split between Nika and Azzi. But Azzi can contribute from either guard position, and Nika can't really. This means Azzi is likely to be on the floor for 35 mins/game, with 10-15 of that at point guard.
Great post.
This is a good take on the possibilities. The comparison to Harmon is an interesting one -- she's at least a half-step quicker than Azzi, though she's not the shooter (or rim finisher) Azzi is. But speed counts for a lot, as does chutzpah, which Harmon has by the truckload. Azzi could learn something from her example.
Yes, Evina was awesome from 3, wasn’t she? That’s what being outplayed in a pressure game looks like. Paige was also awesome, as was Azzi. And Nika outrebounded Brink!!!
Agree with the need for Nika to score more, as does Geno, but I think too many of us are overstating Nika’s fouling problem. One reason why Nika earned the BE DPOY as a sophomore was her ability to play tough defense without fouling.
Yet, last season before Paige came back from injury, the team was gelling (sp?) and playing great- looked like they had adjusted and had found their way. I’m hoping for same again, and I think we have more weapons. Yes, this year we lose Liv, Christyn and Evina, but I like having the improved & healthier Azzi and Caroline, Aubrey back in the line-up, Ice and Ayanna joining the team, and Lou also. I think Aaliyah and Dorka will be better too, Nika will be better, and what might we get from Deberry? Of course it hurts losing Paige, but any team in the country should still worry facing UConn even without Paige.
I don't think so. I think it will be Azzi. IMO she'll be too efficient. Just wasn't worth arguing. I want them both to do great and don't care who will be though.
Jelling.
That "playing great" was in the Big East and the team faced close games in the early rounds of the NCAA Tournament. I'm all for this team doing great things this year, but I think people are being cavalier about how challenging it will be.
That’s my hope too! They’ll show Paige what they can do, and what she’ll have to work with next year!
Just watch the Fairfield vs Texas from last year and even though Lou was in foul trouble she still held her team in the game. Similar to Paige vs South Carolina. Lou can get her shot off against anybody. She will be a better option then Evina or Christyn. Azzi can score against anybody if we set her up thru picks. Caroline can score against anybody. She led us for almost half a season. This year hopefully healthy and a sophmore jump she will become one of our main scorers. Our bigs will be servicable unless other teams give our bigs the outside shot and Amari starts to light it up. Don't forget Aubrey who can be a dominate force and if healthy can be a big contributor. The freshmen will at some point contribute because they are really good. I lioke others are hopeful and can't wait to pull up a chair and watch Geno fire up the engine.
I agree with your reading of the possibilities, especially with regard to Lou. She can get her shot off against top level competition. At UConn, it will be less challenging since she won’t be the main offensive threat and we’re better at setting screens. The only question is will her D be good enough to keep her on the floor.
