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Welcome to UConn Azura Stevens (merged threads)

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Quick thoughts on the year 2017-18 when Stevens is eligible--

Barring injuries/further transfers, Connecticut should have the strongest team in the nation once again. One through 5 they can play:
1-Crystal Dangerfield, SO
2-Kia Nurse, SR
3-KLS, JR
4. Napheesa Collier, JR
5. Azura Stevens, JR
With Gabby Williams, Natalie Butler and 2017 recruits earning time off the bench. In that starting 5, you have the top point guard from 2016, one of the better players from the class of 2014, the #1 recruit from 2015, a uniquely talented All-American forward transferring in, and a top 10 recruit from 2015 in Collier. They also lose just Chong from 2013 and will have a full roster back and potentially a loaded 2017 class. Simply put, UCONN will be stacked.

If you look at some of the other top teams projected for 2017-18, you have:
Notre Dame-Turner will be a senior alongside their great 2015 and 2016 classes. Muffett will need to replace Lindsey Allen, but she'll be their only major loss to make up for. With her program's success and recent recruiting, I would expect Notre Dame to have a great shot to land a couple of top 5-10 kids for 2017.

South Carolina-Senior A'ja Wilson will have a great chance at a title. The lineup also likely includes Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray assuming they play their 5th year.

Ohio State-Kelsey Mitchell will be a senior and will have a potent supporting cast to help burden the load.

Baylor-Lauren Cox, Brown and Mompremier will lead this group. Kim will keep Baylor a Final Four threat.

Louisville-they'll be loaded with all of their recruits, Asia Durr, Mariya Moore and Myisha Hines-Allen as a senior.

Texas-tons of talent coming to Austin. Between Atkins, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, and McCarty, Texas should have their best team in over a decade.



Obviously, a lot will depend on how the 2016 performs as freshmen and where the 2017 class shakes out, but this transfer puts UCONN back in 1st or 2nd looking 2 years ahead.
 
bballnut90 said:
Quick thoughts on the year 2017-18 when Stevens is eligible--

Barring injuries/further transfers, Connecticut should have the strongest team in the nation once again. One through 5 they can play:
1-Crystal Dangerfield, SO
2-Kia Nurse, SR
3-KLS, JR
4. Napheesa Collier, JR
5. Azura Stevens, JR
With Gabby Williams, Natalie Butler and 2017 recruits earning time off the bench. In that starting 5, you have the top point guard from 2016, one of the better players from the class of 2014, the #1 recruit from 2015, a uniquely talented All-American forward transferring in, and a top 10 recruit from 2015 in Collier. They also lose just Chong from 2013 and will have a full roster back and potentially a loaded 2017 class. Simply put, UCONN will be stacked.

If you look at some of the other top teams projected for 2017-18, you have:
Notre Dame-Turner will be a senior alongside their great 2015 and 2016 classes. Muffett will need to replace Lindsey Allen, but she'll be their only major loss to make up for. With her program's success and recent recruiting, I would expect Notre Dame to have a great shot to land a couple of top 5-10 kids for 2017.

South Carolina-Senior A'ja Wilson will have a great chance at a title. The lineup also likely includes Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray assuming they play their 5th year.

Ohio State-Kelsey Mitchell will be a senior and will have a potent supporting cast to help burden the load.

Baylor-Lauren Cox, Brown and Mompremier will lead this group. Kim will keep Baylor a Final Four threat.

Louisville-they'll be loaded with all of their recruits, Asia Durr, Mariya Moore and Myisha Hines-Allen as a senior.

Texas-tons of talent coming to Austin. Between Atkins, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, and McCarty, Texas should have their best team in over a decade.



Obviously, a lot will depend on how the 2016 performs as freshmen and where the 2017 class shakes out, but this transfer puts UCONN back in 1st or 2nd looking 2 years ahead.
Expand ...
I agree on all but Baylor. I think the PLAYERS SHE RECRUITS will keep them a FF threat. Kim will find a way to undercut their success.
 
I usually check the Boneyard twice a day and in the off-season most days are uneventful. But, very rarely, there is a day like this. What a get. I couldn't be more thrilled. What a great program.
 
BISweet said:
More like the Marines---they get to do the Job the army and seals aren't trusted with---taking the enemies head on!!
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Some of those Marines get to be Seals.
 
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JoePgh said:
I don't know what the rules are, but I really don't think Geno would ever expect a player to stay at UConn if it were not in her best long-term interest to do so. We've just seen that with Morgan. In April 2018, if the landscape looks like it would be best for Azura to enter the WNBA draft, and she has completed her degree, I am sure that he would advise her to do just that.
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He never has.
 
Sluconn Husky said:
Our esteemed guest Coach Bill indicated it's likely UConn isn't recruiting Jade Williams at this point.

Stevens makes three new players in 2017 so my guess is just one more.
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Thanks. I had missed that. I thought Jade was unlikely but still possible.
 
Carnac said:
This board is smoking tonight. Isn't it interesting how a single commit or transfer can cause this much excitement? I hope this is just the tip of the iceberg. Christmas came early this year. :D
Expand ...
A while ago I was wondering how to break the addiction to this board during the off season and get a life. Now I see this is not possible!
 
great news

smart girl :)

welcome
 
This is HUGE...literally and figuratively! Welcome Azura (beautiful name)!
 
vowelguy said:
Wow!
Expand ...

Nice roster shaping up for 2017-18.
Sr: nurse, gabby, butler, Courtney Ekmark
Jr: kls, collier, Stevens
So: crystal, Molly Bent, Kyla Irwin
Fr: Andra Espinoza-Hunter, Lexi Gordon
 
.-.
bballnut90 said:
Quick thoughts on the year 2017-18 when Stevens is eligible--

Barring injuries/further transfers, Connecticut should have the strongest team in the nation once again. One through 5 they can play:
1-Crystal Dangerfield, SO
2-Kia Nurse, SR
3-KLS, JR
4. Napheesa Collier, JR
5. Azura Stevens, JR
With Gabby Williams, Natalie Butler and 2017 recruits earning time off the bench. In that starting 5, you have the top point guard from 2016, one of the better players from the class of 2014, the #1 recruit from 2015, a uniquely talented All-American forward transferring in, and a top 10 recruit from 2015 in Collier. They also lose just Chong from 2013 and will have a full roster back and potentially a loaded 2017 class. Simply put, UCONN will be stacked.

If you look at some of the other top teams projected for 2017-18, you have:
Notre Dame-Turner will be a senior alongside their great 2015 and 2016 classes. Muffett will need to replace Lindsey Allen, but she'll be their only major loss to make up for. With her program's success and recent recruiting, I would expect Notre Dame to have a great shot to land a couple of top 5-10 kids for 2017.

South Carolina-Senior A'ja Wilson will have a great chance at a title. The lineup also likely includes Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray assuming they play their 5th year.

Ohio State-Kelsey Mitchell will be a senior and will have a potent supporting cast to help burden the load.

Baylor-Lauren Cox, Brown and Mompremier will lead this group. Kim will keep Baylor a Final Four threat.

Louisville-they'll be loaded with all of their recruits, Asia Durr, Mariya Moore and Myisha Hines-Allen as a senior.

Texas-tons of talent coming to Austin. Between Atkins, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, and McCarty, Texas should have their best team in over a decade.



Obviously, a lot will depend on how the 2016 performs as freshmen and where the 2017 class shakes out, but this transfer puts UCONN back in 1st or 2nd looking 2 years ahead.
Expand ...

That will be something to watch. That means it won't be a given for no one. Parity has arrived. That there is dog fight...Walker to the rescue would icing this cake.
 
You see now that those who want it all can have it all. There are reasons why some kids choose not to come to UConn and there are reasons why UConn chooses not to have certain kids. We all have heard the reasons. However for those who want it, and are willing to make a total commitment its here for the taking. This is more proof that Geno attracts top players. Butler and Stevens are going to be huge. Add in Lou and you've got a front court that is so big and athletic that it will be unfair to the rest of WCBB. Because AS and KLS are so athletic and good ball handlers it will be very difficult to defend them and very difficult to shoot over them.

This is going to be a big year for Butler. IMO she needs to slow down and play her game which is rebound and score. She does that and UConn will surprise a lot of teams. Yes there are some question marks this up coming season because of so many under classman who need to blossom into the players we are expecting and under Geno most will. Having Stevens commit has just taken UConn from a very good team to and overwhelming team much like we saw this past season. Its a great time to be a UConn Husky fan.

How fast things can change. A couple of days ago fans were asking why cant Geno get any bigs and I thought Geno can get bigs why aren't there any bigs worth getting. Then I thought about Mogan Tuck at 6'2 moving around bigger post players underneath and scoring and I thought to myself you really don't have to be 6'5 if you can handle the ball and have good moves. Now here we are today and all those fans who were concerned about bigs and bingo Stevens commits. I can tell you there are a couple of girls out there that are 6'3 who are coming up in high school who will commit to UConn now that they see that UConn is still the team to beat ... again .
 
Carnac said:
The staff has 19 months (from now to next October) to get her where they want her to be. The staff could get her there in half that time. There's not that much tweaking they have to do to her.

She could roll out of bed and play tomorrow with her new teammates...and pick up where she left off.18/9. :cool:
Expand ...

She COULD roll out of bed and play, even at Duke---just think what she will be when she rolls out of bed in a Uconn uniform to player her first game to play the game the Christine and Geno way??? I think you will see a transformation in her intensity and style of play. Her assest will be enhanced and her liabilities will be mininized. She will learn to play "help defense" like she never knew she could and her offense will be better than she has ever been---with 19 months WOW!!! She has superb talent and I was one stating how much I'd love her at Uconn.
Tweeking? Learning!
 
bballnut90 said:
Quick thoughts on the year 2017-18 when Stevens is eligible--

Barring injuries/further transfers, Connecticut should have the strongest team in the nation once again. One through 5 they can play:
1-Crystal Dangerfield, SO
2-Kia Nurse, SR
3-KLS, JR
4. Napheesa Collier, JR
5. Azura Stevens, JR
With Gabby Williams, Natalie Butler and 2017 recruits earning time off the bench. In that starting 5, you have the top point guard from 2016, one of the better players from the class of 2014, the #1 recruit from 2015, a uniquely talented All-American forward transferring in, and a top 10 recruit from 2015 in Collier. They also lose just Chong from 2013 and will have a full roster back and potentially a loaded 2017 class. Simply put, UCONN will be stacked.

If you look at some of the other top teams projected for 2017-18, you have:
Notre Dame-Turner will be a senior alongside their great 2015 and 2016 classes. Muffett will need to replace Lindsey Allen, but she'll be their only major loss to make up for. With her program's success and recent recruiting, I would expect Notre Dame to have a great shot to land a couple of top 5-10 kids for 2017.

South Carolina-Senior A'ja Wilson will have a great chance at a title. The lineup also likely includes Kaela Davis and Allisha Gray assuming they play their 5th year.

Ohio State-Kelsey Mitchell will be a senior and will have a potent supporting cast to help burden the load.

Baylor-Lauren Cox, Brown and Mompremier will lead this group. Kim will keep Baylor a Final Four threat.

Louisville-they'll be loaded with all of their recruits, Asia Durr, Mariya Moore and Myisha Hines-Allen as a senior.

Texas-tons of talent coming to Austin. Between Atkins, Higgs, Holmes, Sutton, and McCarty, Texas should have their best team in over a decade.



Obviously, a lot will depend on how the 2016 performs as freshmen and where the 2017 class shakes out, but this transfer puts UCONN back in 1st or 2nd looking 2 years ahead.
Expand ...
Can't see Gabby spending her Senior (or Junior) year coming off the Bench.
 
Tonyc said:
You see now that those who want it all can have it all. There are reasons why some kids choose not to come to UConn and there are reasons why UConn chooses not to have certain kids. We all have heard the reasons. However for those who want it, and are willing to make a total commitment its here for the taking. This is more proof that Geno attracts top players. Butler and Stevens are going to be huge. Add in Lou and you've got a front court that is so big and athletic that it will be unfair to the rest of WCBB. Because AS and KLS are so athletic and good ball handlers it will be very difficult to defend them and very difficult to shoot over them.

This is going to be a big year for Butler. IMO she needs to slow down and play her game which is rebound and score. She does that and UConn will surprise a lot of teams. Yes there are some question marks this up coming season because of so many under classman who need to blossom into the players we are expecting and under Geno most will. Having Stevens commit has just taken UConn from a very good team to and overwhelming team much like we saw this past season. Its a great time to be a UConn Husky fan.

How fast things can change. A couple of days ago fans were asking why cant Geno get any bigs and I thought Geno can get bigs why aren't there any bigs worth getting. Then I thought about Mogan Tuck at 6'2 moving around bigger post players underneath and scoring and I thought to myself you really don't have to be 6'5 if you can handle the ball and have good moves. Now here we are today and all those fans who were concerned about bigs and bingo Stevens commits. I can tell you there are a couple of girls out there that are 6'3 who are coming up in high school who will commit to UConn now that they see that UConn is still the team to beat ... again .
Expand ...

Butler isn't fleet of foot or great lateral movement. She rebounds better than good. She shoots exceptionally well. All the training in the world won't make her a leaper, she is what she is. Can she replace Tuck? Not completely but I think, with the focus now on her by the coaching staff--you will see a new and improved Natalie next fall. Playing against Stevens will only help both of them--I look to Natalie to become a new/different version of Steff.
 
CocoHusky said:
Can't see Gabby spending her Senior (or Junior) year coming off the Bench.
Expand ...


I look to Gabby and Napheesa to be starters these next 2 years. Certainly this coming year Natalie will be more comfortable with their presence on the floor. Gabby and Napheesa both can and will shoot the three, both can and will attack the basket and both can and will rebound. Question is who will do the most sitting? Kia, Gabby, Napheesa, Crystal, KLS, Butler??
 
.-.
HuskyNan said:
Nice roster shaping up for 2017-18.
Sr: nurse, gabby, butler, Courtney Ekmark
Jr: kls, collier, Stevens
So: crystal, Molly Bent, Kyla Irwin
Fr: Andra Espinoza-Hunter, Lexi Gordon
Expand ...
My question on another threat: does this mean we shouldn't be expecting any additional commitments from the current high school juniors, because we've already maxed out the number of scholarshps for 17/18? Is 12 the maximum?
 
bags27 said:
My question on another threat: does this mean we shouldn't be expecting any additional commitments from the current high school juniors, because we've already maxed out the number of scholarshps for 17/18? Is 12 the maximum?
Expand ...
15
 
vowelguy said:
15
Expand ...
Thanks, VG. Not to put a damper on all the speculation about continuing to recruit 5 star athletes, Geno has talked about how difficult it is to manage that sort of team (like 2001) when everyone wants and deserves playing time. CocoHusky a bit earlier pointed out that somehow Gabby needs to start, and that's the challenge: how to give each player her due. Otherwise, there can be serious tensions and the team can vastly underperform or at least lack that magnificently elegant cohesion that makes UConn worth watching.
 
Last edited:
bags27 said:
My question on another threat: does this mean we shouldn't be expecting any additional commitments from the current high school juniors, because we've already maxed out the number of scholarshps for 17/18? Is 12 the maximum?
Expand ...
Blasphemy! The limit is 15 UCONN never get close. If we stop now that would mean no Megan in 2017! No Charli in 2018.
 
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CocoHusky said:
Blasphemy! The limit is 15 UCONN never get close. If we stop now that would mean no Megan in 2017! No Charli in 2018.
Expand ...
:-) But at 12 on scholarship already for 2017, and virtually everyone of them expecting serious playing time (unlike this year's team which went at most 9 deep with those expectations), the management issue gets tough. Better to have a shorter bench that is fully cohesive and where everyone gets quality playing time than a talent-laden bench of unmet expectations, IMHO. But I yield to your far greater expertise.
 
In the past, I too have worried about having too many good players leading to problems with playing time and eventual transfers. But then I thought about the US Olympic team, which has 12 outstanding players, and how Geno seems to manage to give everyone adequate playing time. If you haven't recently watched the final two games of the 2012 Olympics, they are available on YouTube:




Well worth watching, especially in light of the Candace Parker controversy.
 
ericsandiego said:
I'm with Tony. It's often been said "UCONN doesn't rebuild - they reload". Never more true than the next 3-4 years.

We lost the Trinity. NEXT year is THE year to get UCONN. The coaches know it, the fans know it, and opposing teams know it. Geno will use it as motivation for the team - if anyone doesn't think the 2016-2017 UCONN team ISN'T ultra competitive and has a tremendous will to win, then they don't know Kia and KLS very well. Having said that, most fans would agree on paper, our upside is the final 4 for next season. But after that...

We will lose Saniya to graduation and gain Azura Stevens, Lexi Gordon, Andra Espinosa-Hunter and very possibly Megan Walker. Another dynasty in the making...

SR: Williams, Nurse, Butler, Ekmark
JR: Collier, Samuelson, Stevens
SO: Dangerfield, Irwin, Bent
FR: Espinosa, Gordon, (Walker)

That's a pretty large team but when you look at how many players who are probably top 10 in their classes - Williams, Nurse, Collier, Samuelson, Stevens, Dangerfield, and Walker - it is starting to look like one of the deepest pool of talented UCONN players in a very long time.
Expand ...
 
bags27 said:
:) But at 12 on scholarship already for 2017, and virtually everyone of them expecting serious playing time (unlike this year's team which went at most 9 deep with those expectations), the management issue gets tough. Better to have a shorter bench that is fully cohesive and where everyone gets quality playing time than a talent-laden bench of unmet expectations, IMHO. But I yield to your far greater expertise.
Expand ...
This is an arms race we are in! Playing time will take care of itself- It always does-think injuries, transfers and the cream rising to the top. What does not take care of itself is not having enough talent to win NC. Megan is an alpha. That alpha will earn her playing time.
 
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