I share your suspicion about Caroline. She can carry a team, as she showed as a freshman. We have a number of players who can carry the team offensively and defensively on any given night: Paige, Azzi, Aaliyah, Aubrey (as she showed against Princeton) and Caroline. I wonder how many of the new kids can do it too.
Well this is nice. You talk about a small sample size (only 3 years) and then go on to cherry pick games to support you point of view. Very consistent and persuasive (not).
Horse,
But we are trying to guess Geno's starting lineup.
Could be anyone. Geno doesn't necessarily substitute position for position. Have you not watched over the years? He could substitute Griffen or CFD or Ice for Muhl. (depending on who else starts). Then The Kid becomes the only PG on the floor. No problem.
Yea, but loyalty doesn't win championships !
I agree, Darrell, but are you referring the Klay Thompson who shot 4 of 19 last night in a Game 7?
I agree, Darrell, but are you referring the Klay Thompson who shot 4 of 19 last night in a Game 7?
Loyalty, No but Geno YEAH
But.... I have an INES BETTENCOURT UCONN "T" shirt!!! She's very fast, intense, makes (some) threes
I enjoyed the suggested idea of "Aaliyah and Ayanna running the floor directed by Nika". Pleasant for
Do you really think that a single poster believes Paige would be anything but the best player on the floor at any one of PG, SG, or Wing/SF? For that matter, I seriously doubt any poster on this board would trade Nika for anyone either! She is an invaluable part of this team, whether she starts or not. The question is only whether she is a part of the best starting five! Some say yes, others no, but none of those no’s are disrespecting her in any way. They simply think (assuming a fully healthy team) she would be more effective off the bench. Not because she isn’t capable of being the starting PG obviously, but rather because a better starting five, in their opinion, can be put on the floor from this roster. I just don’t get why this is such a problem?
1--- Assume Caroline doesn't start (injury). If she ls heathy what you say in bold is fine to a certain degree.
Everybody just dismisses Ines as a bench player next year, with no hope for seeing the floor. Don't forget, we are loyal fans and what she did last year to help the team is should not be forgotten. She is a pretty good ball handler, can shoot the 3, and can drive to the basket. We have a lot of talent coming in as well as the returning players, but I hope that Geno just gives the kid a chance to play some significant minutes for the team. Ines showed us competency last year, and who knows how the sophomore jump will affect her. In our eyes, she doesn't seem to fit into the picture next year, but let's not forget about her, and whether she improves or not, I hope that Geno gives her a chance to show what she can do, and I hope my fellow Boneyarders also give her a chance. We will see, maybe she will not be up for the challenge, but I believe she deserves a chance. We owe it to her.
I agree with Bone Dog and Cuango here. Remembering Caroline midway thru the 21/22 season it was looking very probable that Paige, Azzi, and Caroline were going to be a great starting combination for the foreseeable future. That was certainly my assumption at that time, but then the injuries and Nika's emergence this season changed that future view.
I can't speak for everyone, but can for myself, as someone who thinks the odds of Ines getting significant time is very small, but still is very appreciative that she agreed to come here under very unusual circumstances.. That doesn't mean I don't root for her, and I think Geno will give her a fair chance to win playing time, but suspect he too thinks there are many players ahead of her.
Yeah I agree with this. In my hunger for husky basketball, I watched a bit of Marquette game from the 20-21 season (Paige had 30 and a classic post game interview with Nika), and the team started Nika, Paige, C Williams, Evina, and Liv. I don't think starting 3 guards is an issue for Geno. On the flip side, essentially Paige would kinda be a 3 defensively next year. I know she's been in the weight room, but it's hard for me to imagine her guarding a Cotie McMahon or a Rickea Jackson. I know those matchups are few and far between but I get the idea of starting a bigger 3.
I like it, especially if Aubrey becomes a more assertive/confident shooter. I definitely could see Caroline swapping places with Aubrey too
Won 11 of them. More than all other active coaches combined.
You are so right. The game has changed, you need more toughness and size now days. Geno has to realize that if Uconn is to win another championship. What worked 10 years ago don't work now !