Through the years, UConn has fielded some terrific backcourt combinations: Shea & Sveta, Sue & DT, Mo & Kia and many others. But in all my years watching UConn WBB, I have never seen a UConn team that started 3 outstanding pg’s, Paige, Nika & KK, all of whom could start at pg for over 90% of the D1 teams in the country.
Starting 3 talented pg’s as part of a 4-guard lineup, presents several challenges. Obviously rebounding and defending the paint against bigger teams is one of those challenges. But as Geno has said,
“While we may be challenged on defense, you’re going to have to guard us on offense.” The other issue that Geno notes is that his 3 pg’s are all used to having the ball in their hands all the time, so 70% of UConn’s practice time is currently devoted to integrating his 3 pg’s into an effective offense.
With that said, when Geno decided on a small, 4-guard lineup 10 games ago, thereby creating a
3-pg lineup it resulted in a radical transformation of this year’s team:
- Ball movement & floor spacing – UConn’s 4 guards can all break down defenders off the dribble, and they can all shoot it, thanks in large part to Nika “working her ass off” to become a much better 3-pt shooter. Last year and earlier this year there were times when the ball “got stuck” and UConn’s offense bogged down. But over the last 10 games, UConn’s offense has become a symphony of outstanding ball and player movement, characterized by cutting, screening, great passing and lots of open shots. There was one play at Creighton that was shown from an overhead camera angle where Paige ran through a series of 4 screens set by 3 different teammates until she got an open look at the top of the arc, hitting nothing but net. It was a thing of beauty.
- Lockdown defense – By their nature, pg’s are smart, quick and athletic. They understand ball movement and passing lanes. In Paige, Nika & KK, UConn has a trio of lockdown defenders who play suffocating defense and jump passing lanes like a pack of thieves. Over the past 10 games the Huskies have forced their opponents into 194 turnovers (121 steals). As Geno points out turning over your opponent gives you an extra possession as well as denying your opponent a possession, creating the potential for a 4-6 point turnaround.
- Transition scoring – UConn is running at every opportunity. Last season, the ball had to find Nika first to lead the break or set up the offense. Not so this year. Following turnovers, rebounds or made baskets, the ball goes to whichever pg is closest while the other 2 pg’s, along with the other Husky players, take off down the court. You can see Geno exhorting his team on like a cavalry charge. UConn is getting a bunch of layups or wide-open jumpers before opponents set up their defense.
- More player rest – With all the injuries last year, UConn’s starters played an exorbitant number of minutes. 5 players averaged over 30 mpg with Nika playing a ridiculous 36.6 mpg. While UConn doesn’t have a lot of depth this season, Geno is doing a nice job of running players in and out. Only Nika currently averages over 30 mpg at 30.5 mpg, and her average has been steadily dropping. With UConn blowing out opponents, as well as Ines solid play of late, I expect that no UConn player will average 30+ minutes per game by the end of the regular season, hopefully leading to a well-rested and healthy team for the Big Dance.
- Ashlynn, the happiest player in WBB – As many BY’ers know, Ashlynn was also a pg in HS. But moving Ashlynn to shooting guard where she has thrived as Azzi’s replacement has been a godsend for the Huskies. Ashlynn is the Energizer Bunny, constantly moving to get open, confident in the knowledge that if she gets open one of the 3 pg’s will drop a perfect dime on her where she can then use her remarkable ability to quickly square up to the basket and knock down a shot. Considering who’s on the court with her, every game is like Christmas for Ashlynn, who appears to suffer from uncontrollable happiness.
- Aaliyah, the 2nd happiest player in WBB – Aaliyah was an AA power forward last season. She’s now playing out of position at center. Last year opponents would frequently double down on Aaliyah in the post, by rotating off Nika, Aubrey or Dorka. This year, opposing defenses are far less likely to double Aaliyah in the post. In addition, Aaliyah has gotten a lot quicker with her post moves and she has developed a strong left hand. There was one play vs Marquette that really stands out. Aaliyah received an entry pass in the low blocks and spun to her left, putting the ball on the floor. There was a Marquette guard a few feet away that could have dived down to double Aaliyah, but she was so concerned with Aaliyah kicking the ball out to a teammate at the arc that she jumped outside giving Aaliyah an easy layup.
- Incredible A/TO Ratio – Last season, Nika set the UConn single season record for assists, but as a team the Huskies generated a pedestrian 1.14 A/TO Ratio. This season UConn is currently 6th in the nation with a 1.54 A/TO Ratio. But when you look at the last 10 games, after Geno rolled out the 4-guard lineup, UConn is leading the nation with an incredible 1.87 A/TO Ratio that, along with their suffocating defense, equates to an average MOV of 37 ppg!!!
There is a lot of basketball left to play this season and we don’t know exactly how far UConn’s small, 4-guard, 3 pg lineup will take this Husky team. But two things are clear.
UConn is playing spectacular basketball right now and the Huskies are an absolute pleasure to watch!!!