What's Next

[Carnac]

I am hoping the reason Geno feels comfortable going into next year with what we have is that Aubrey is going to be 100%. I just have a hard time believing he has that much faith in a sophomore that didn’t really show much last year and two freshmen who have yet to see any playing time. I also don’t see Geno getting someone battle tested against inferior big east competition if they didn’t show up in practice which has been his standard procedure. If that had taken place last year maybe Amari would have been able to replace some of Dorka’s playing time In the tournament. Amari saw some early playing time out of necessity but really didn’t do anything substantial. Even with Aubrey at 100% playing the four or possibly the five she is still undersized and playing out of position. I still say we could’ve used an experienced big grad transfer as insurance.One year would not have hurt anyone’s development and the prospect of two openings at the center / forward positions would not entice
transfers out at that position. Major playing time the next season.

It's quite possible that neither Piath Gabriel nor Mir McLean would have transferred had they received more playing time. They got almost zero playing time last year. There were games when the only time they saw the floor was during warm-ups. Neither player was ever close to being in the rotation. I don't blame them one bit for leaving. Players want to play, not cheerlead. Both players knew that ALL of the new players coming in this summer would be AHEAD of them on the depth chart.

 

[MSGRET]

So much emphasis is placed on the need for DeBerry to grow her talent over the summer.
That's true but the reality is that all of the players have room for growth too.
Some more than others but every single one of the UConn players needs to improve their game.
Some of the players have now been beaten in the Final Four twice.
In pro sports, it's often said that the game slows down for players as they gain more experience, which helps them to make great plays and decisions.
That can takes several years for some, whereas others are more pro ready as rookies.
Some of the growth that's needed is mental in addition to the physical.
Some things can be taught but not everything is teachable, they can only learn it through experience if at all.
Every year is probably a new learning experience for Geno too as he tries to figure things out.

Actually there is only one player that has been beaten in the Final Four twice and that one didn't even play last year. Aubrey is the only one to lose twice, while all the other players except for Dorka and the incoming players have lost once in the Final Four and once in the Championship game.

 

[hoophuskee]

UCONN will be preseason top 3 in the nation for a reason. The reason is they have enough positives/least number of negatives than 99% of the other teams have. There is no such thing as a 100% perfect college team.

We should be able to expect that Paige, Azzi, Nika, CD, and Dorka will be very healthy to start the season. Modern medicine sort of backs ups this.

We should be able to expect that CD can play some PF. Because we saw Evina do it, and she is/will be more physical than the Jr. Evina was. We should be able to expect that between Patterson, Brady, and DeBerry that one should be able to be decent enough to be a bench player behind Dorka and AE. All the talk how we hear that younger players are getting better and better yet we throw this out the window with both of the new recruits? Since when was it written in stone that you can't rely on number 4 and number 5 rated recruits in which you just need 1 (or a combo of the 2) to give you some competent backup minutes?

For all those that have preached bench bench bench- now all of a sudden before the season even started that if bench bench bench was used for any or all of these 3 players, then none of these top recruits will perform as the season progresses? So DeBerry can’t improve too? She could only improve throughout her soph year if she played more her freshman year? Seriously?

 

[hoophuskee]

It's quite possible that neither Piath Gabriel nor Mir McLean would have transferred had they received more playing time. They got almost zero playing time last year. There were games when the only time they saw the floor was during warm-ups. Neither player was ever close to being in the rotation. I don't blame them one bit for leaving. Players want to play, not cheerlead. Both players knew that ALL of the new players coming in this summer would be AHEAD of them on the depth chart.

And it's quite possible that the extra minutes that UCONN gave to the other core players were the reason that UCONN got as far as they did. And giving lesser players more minutes can also be a reason why they would lose a close game.

 

[Bone Dog]

I totally understand folks wanting to see more bench players get PT. Of course, Geno and CD know a whole lot more about every player than we do, so our opinions are not really relevant. But I always loved the waning minutes of games when Piath and Amari would get in the game. You could see their excitement, as well as their rough edges. It’s easy to mistake this pleasure for a reason to complain that Geno didn’t use them enough.

 

[Carnac]

And it's quite possible that the extra minutes that UCONN gave to the other core players were the reason that UCONN got as far as they did. And giving lesser players more minutes can also be a reason why they would lose a close game.

HH, I'm not suggesting that should have given Gabriel and McLean more playing time during close game. I'm suggesting that they could have been given more time in games that UConn was winning by 20-30 points late in the game. Games against some teams you knew the outcome BEFORE the tip. I'm not championing the plight of the players on the end of the bench, just suggesting that they might have stayed had they gotten more minutes. As I said.....players want to play, not observe.

I fully and completely understand that there is a method to Geno's madness. I'm questioning that. I just looked at the scores of games from this past season. Some of them where won by 20+ points.

 

[Carnac]

HH, I'm not suggesting that should have given Gabriel and McLean more playing time during close game. I'm suggesting that they could have been given more time in games that UConn was winning by 20-30 points late in the game. Games against some teams you knew the outcome BEFORE the tip. I'm not championing the plight of the players on the end of the bench, just suggesting that they might have stayed had they gotten more minutes. As I said.....players want to play, not observe.

I fully and completely understand that there is a method to Geno's madness. I'm questioning that. I just looked at the scores of games from this past season. Some of them where won by 20+ points.

A correction. I've been off the grid recently, I wanted to correct this sooner. This was post was written on my cellphone as are 80% of the comments I write. This IS NOT what I meant to say. That damn spell check (Grammarly) sometimes changes or deletes words it thinks should be omitted or changed. It should read: (corrections BOLDED)

HH, I'm not suggesting that Geno should have given Gabriel and McLean more playing time during close games. I'm suggesting that they could have been given more time in games that UConn was winning by 20-30 points late in the game. Games against some teams you knew the outcome BEFORE the tip. I'm not championing the plight of the players on the end of the bench, just suggesting that they might have stayed had they gotten more minutes. As I said.....players want to play, not observe.

I fully and completely understand that there is a method to Geno's madness. I'm NOT questioning that. I just looked at the scores of games from this past season. Some of them where won by 20+ points. In Geno I trust!!! I'm a fan from afar. I'll take what comes. One thing that Geno told us he tells his players that resonates with me is: "Give me a reason to play you (in practice), or a reason to bench you." Obviously Gabriel and DeBerry continuously gave Geno reasons to bench them. Whoever Geno puts on the floor are players he thinks can help the team win THAT game. There's a reason some players don't get in the game. THIS season, there should not be any players in Geno's doghouse. EVERYONE should be in the rotation and play meaningful minutes.

 

[oldhusky]

Looks like Emily Kiser (Michigan) entered the transfer portal. Is she too good of a 5th year senior to round out the ‘22-‘23 roster?

I think she is a possibility, but more as a form of insurance. Carnac and others have mentioned how much uncertainty there is regarding next year's bigs. That is certainly true, I think we need 4 of our 6 bigs to be playable at a high level in big games. Since all six are talented enough to be part of a rotation I like our odds. Say two from Aubrey, Amari, Ice and Ayanna to join Dorka and Alliyah.

Aubrey might not play at all, who knows if Amari will take a big step forward, and Ice and Ayanna are freshmen. Then we have a season like this last one, where for a few games we did not have any backup guards because of injuries, and you could make a case for another big that you don't anticipate using, but in a worst case scenario would be ok if needed.

Kiser could fill that role if she was OK with it. Not much chance to be in the rotation unless several things go wrong, but she might just enjoy being part of the Uconn program for a year. I imagine if she was a high school senior looking at a real long-shot for playing time she wouldn't be interested in us, but a grad transfer could have a different prospective.

Regardless the domestic transfers that could have potentially been difference makers, or a threat to our known bigs have all been spoken for. So with what's left domestically an insurance type player is all we can get, if we want that at all. I don't have a clue about foreign players, there could be some very good ones there that are possibilities.

 

[Stymie]

I think she is a possibility, but more as a form of insurance. Carnac and others have mentioned how much uncertainty there is regarding next year's bigs. That is certainly true, I think we need 4 of our 6 bigs to be playable at a high level in big games. Since all six are talented enough to be part of a rotation I like our odds. Say two from Aubrey, Amari, Ice and Ayanna to join Dorka and Alliyah.

Aubrey might not play at all, who knows if Amari will take a big step forward, and Ice and Ayanna are freshmen. Then we have a season like this last one, where for a few games we did not have any backup guards because of injuries, and you could make a case for another big that you don't anticipate using, but in a worst case scenario would be ok if needed.

Kiser could fill that role if she was OK with it. Not much chance to be in the rotation unless several things go wrong, but she might just enjoy being part of the Uconn program for a year. I imagine if she was a high school senior looking at a real long-shot for playing time she wouldn't be interested in us, but a grad transfer could have a different prospective.

Regardless the domestic transfers that could have potentially been difference makers, or a threat to our known bigs have all been spoken for. So with what's left domestically an insurance type player is all we can get, if we want that at all. I don't have a clue about foreign players, there could be some very good ones there that are possibilities.

I think she is a possibility, but more as a form of insurance. Carnac and others have mentioned how much uncertainty there is regarding next year's bigs. That is certainly true, I think we need 4 of our 6 bigs to be playable at a high level in big games. Since all six are talented enough to be part of a rotation I like our odds. Say two from Aubrey, Amari, Ice and Ayanna to join Dorka and Alliyah.

Aubrey might not play at all, who knows if Amari will take a big step forward, and Ice and Ayanna are freshmen. Then we have a season like this last one, where for a few games we did not have any backup guards because of injuries, and you could make a case for another big that you don't anticipate using, but in a worst case scenario would be ok if needed.

Kiser could fill that role if she was OK with it. Not much chance to be in the rotation unless several things go wrong, but she might just enjoy being part of the Uconn program for a year. I imagine if she was a high school senior looking at a real long-shot for playing time she wouldn't be interested in us, but a grad transfer could have a different prospective.

Regardless the domestic transfers that could have potentially been difference makers, or a threat to our known bigs have all been spoken for. So with what's left domestically an insurance type player is all we can get, if we want that at all. I don't have a clue about foreign players, there could be some very good ones there that are possibilities.

All six of our bigs are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation?
Geez.
Based on what?
Headlines?
Hoopgurls?
Projected medical reports?
I think your getting a little ahead of things.
This roster is at least one if not two players short handed as things now stand.
JMHO

 

[oldude]

All six of our bigs are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation?
Geez.
Based on what?
Headlines?
Hoopgurls?
Projected medical reports?
I think your getting a little ahead of things.
This roster is at least one if not two players short handed as things now stand.
JMHO

Yes, all 6 players are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation. 3 already have. One of three players: Amari, Ice or Ayanna, needs to step up and then UConn has a minimum of 4 Bigs in the rotation, which is all the team needs up front. If we end up with 5 or 6, that’s a bonus.

We can speculate endlessly about additional Bigs that UConn could have or should have pursued in the transfer portal. The fact that Geno and his coaches chose not to bring in another Big should indicate to all of us that he is confident he has the talented players necessary for UConn’s rotation.

 

[oldhusky]

All six of our bigs are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation?
Geez.
Based on what?
Headlines?
Hoopgurls?
Projected medical reports?
I think your getting a little ahead of things.
This roster is at least one if not two players short handed as things now stand.
JMHO

Yes, all 6 players are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation. 3 already have. One of three players: Amari, Ice or Ayanna, needs to step up and then UConn has a minimum of 4 Bigs in the rotation, which is all the team needs up front. If we end up with 5 or 6, that’s a bonus.

We can speculate endlessly about additional Bigs that UConn could have or should have pursued in the transfer portal. The fact that Geno and his coaches chose not to bring in another Big should indicate to all of us that he is confident he has the talented players necessary for UConn’s rotation.

You beat me to it oldude! They all have enough talent to potentially be very good, and as you stated, we really only need one of the three unproven players to come thru for a rotation of 4 bigs. I like those odds, but I'm not sure if we wanted another big or not. I just don't know. Geno could have said those 6 are enough, that wouldn't surprise me, but I think it is also conceivable that because of potential injuries and insurance he wanted one more, but couldn't find one. Who knows.

 

[TCC Kid]

Now that the season is over one victory from a national championship and we have had time to reflect on the loss to South Carolina, it is time as many have already noted to turn the page and to begin seriously to think about next season.

As of this time, we have Piath Gabriel in the transfer portal, not to mention the two players who bailed during the season. Fairfield’s Lou Lopez-Senechal will be playing for UConn next season. The 6.1 guard who averaged over 19 points last season appears to be a good pickup. Two intriguing additional possibilities are Latisha Lattimore, an injured 6.4 frosh who played for Texas and is a friend of Aaliyah Edwards, and 6.4 forward Kadi Sissoko from Minnesota. Given all the injuries the Huskies sustained last season, the addition of both a guard and a big girl seems wise.

The team has the core for success in returning players and two highly touted recruits coming to Storrs. In theory we have eleven players, but given the injuries over the past season this is not enough and a number of questions exist about the future.

First, can we expect Aubrey Griffin to return and play with the intensity she did before her back surgery? I am doubtful, yet hopeful.

Is it possible for the Huskies to undergo a season without serious injuries?

Will we see the 100% recovery of Paige, Dorka, Caroline, and Azzi and will Azzi be able, if completely healthy, to create her own shots?

Will DeBarry use the summer to make herself into a player who will be a major contributor to the team the upcoming season?

Will Brady and Patterson be significant contributors to the team next season?

Since Gabriel is on campus to finish the semester, is it possible that she will change her mind and return to Storrs for next season?

Lastly, what benefit will the team get from the transfer portal? What we have seen so far is promising.

The transfer questions should shake out in a few weeks and we can hope that the team will be able to successfully compete with big and physical teams like South Carolina for it appears that the Gamecocks have established a new parameter for success on the national stage. Moreover, both South Carolina and Baylor have mastered the rent-a-player scenario.

Carnac et all--some high power talented Boneyard people liked your post, me too.
Griffin, I'm hopeful, but doubtful--let us wait and see. Same is true of De Berry, I'll believe it when I see it against top talented posts. That too could be my reply for the two Freshmen stars coming in. I've seen lots of well hyped, top 4 players that never quite made it. Some Say Geno won't start Freshmen, the truth, and paige and Fudd and Caroline are the proof, he will start talented kids who don't go blind with the glare of Big time basketball. Caroline is the image of the kids , in any position, Geno wants. She doesn't fade in small or big games. She shoots because she knows she can score. Some say she shoots too much, I want her to shoot more because she scores. If these new Frosh follow Caroline and Fudd and Paige's lead they will be playing, if not, they sit.
Christine Dailey, has record of teaching poor posts to become near great posts. Jessica Moore, From Alaska, I have demeaned her in previous post. I watched her again recently. She was a nothing that Christine dailey made into a very food post. She was a lot better than my failing memory indicated. Point is if CD can do that for Moore Gabrial should be easy.
We need to stop our fixation on South Carolina. SC like all teams is more than just Boston and next years team may not play as this team did. Let us see who they look against UC in Columbia.

 

[TCC Kid]

Yes, all 6 players are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation. 3 already have. One of three players: Amari, Ice or Ayanna, needs to step up and then UConn has a minimum of 4 Bigs in the rotation, which is all the team needs up front. If we end up with 5 or 6, that’s a bonus.

We can speculate endlessly about additional Bigs that UConn could have or should have pursued in the transfer portal. The fact that Geno and his coaches chose not to bring in another Big should indicate to all of us that he is confident he has the talented players necessary for UConn’s rotation.

When you take away the shoulda, coulda, woulda, may have, could have, what is left? Yes the 6 could be in the rotation--but you won't know that until November. Talent in high school is not talent in UConn. Luckily Caroline, Fudd, Paige, Muhl, Edwards, had the inward psychological and physical make up , i.e. came from tough stock, and were therefore ready to make a difference in big time games. Geno has said this often, and if you want to play for Geno --do it: When you get into the game as a sub: Make a difference. Change the game. Make a steal, make a shot or 3, make a defensive stop --immediately. Be a do-er, not a watcher. Caroline, I like this kid, did all that in spades and she as a new freshman played. Some said Caroline shoots too much, not Geno--he said he wanted 6 more like her. Geno will tell her when to stop shooting. Those that stop shooting because GENO MAY think she shoots too much get to sit too much. Your comments, as usual are spot on target. Yet, I'd be happy with 4 more posts, remember they often are the first out of the game with fouls. The guards have backups.

 

[oldude]

When you take away the shoulda, coulda, woulda, may have, could have, what is left? Yes the 6 could be in the rotation--but you won't know that until November. Talent in high school is not talent in UConn. Luckily Caroline, Fudd, Paige, Muhl, Edwards, had the inward psychological and physical make up , i.e. came from tough stock, and were therefore ready to make a difference in big time games. Geno has said this often, and if you want to play for Geno --do it: When you get into the game as a sub: Make a difference. Change the game. Make a steal, make a shot or 3, make a defensive stop --immediately. Be a do-er, not a watcher. Caroline, I like this kid, did all that in spades and she as a new freshman played. Some said Caroline shoots too much, not Geno--he said he wanted 6 more like her. Geno will tell her when to stop shooting. Those that stop shooting because GENO MAY think she shoots too much get to sit too much. Your comments, as usual are spot on target. Yet, I'd be happy with 4 more posts, remember they often are the first out of the game with fouls. The guards have backups.

Yes, I won’t know what the rotation is until November, and maybe not until January or February. But I’ll bet Geno has a pretty good idea right now. Geno knew Paige was his starting freshman pg when he watched her play in HS. I’ll bet he has a really good idea of where Aubrey & Amari will be with their games next season. I’ll also bet that he has a pretty good feel for whether or not Ice & Ayanna will be ready to contribute next season as well. That’s why he gets paid the BIG BUCKS$$$$.

 

[TCC Kid]

Yes, all 6 players are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation. 3 already have. One of three players: Amari, Ice or Ayanna, needs to step up and then UConn has a minimum of 4 Bigs in the rotation, which is all the team needs up front. If we end up with 5 or 6, that’s a bonus.

We can speculate endlessly about additional Bigs that UConn could have or should have pursued in the transfer portal. The fact that Geno and his coaches chose not to bring in another Big should indicate to all of us that he is confident he has the talented players necessary for UConn’s rotation.

Once again into the fray: The transfer portal isn't closed, I would think. Geno may not have taken one yet, but that doesn't mean he won't. Selective is Christine's middle name when it comes to posts, but I doubt this is a one person decision. The worst decision Uconn could make, our of "panic" would be to get 2 any two, because we have just been there and see the results.

 

[TCC Kid]

Yes, I won’t know what the rotation is until November, and maybe not until January or February. But I’ll bet Geno has a pretty good idea right now. Geno knew Paige was his starting freshman pg when he watched her play in HS. I’ll bet he has a really good idea of where Aubrey & Amari will be with their games next season. I’ll also bet that he has a pretty good feel for whether or not Ice & Ayanna will be ready to contribute next season as well. That’s why he gets paid the BIG BUCKS$$$$.

You are right -he does make the big bucks. Because of 40 years of experience he has an "idea" of his rotation looking into his crystal ball. He, like you and me, have ideas because we are formulating a plan. But plans change as situations, and in this case players show their abilities or lack thereof. CEO's have it easy--they only have corporations to work with. Geno has 15 17 to 24 year old women to evaluate. It is like putting 10 pounds of jelly back in a 4 pound can--there is always a better way.

 

[BobbyJ]

Yes, I won’t know what the rotation is until November, and maybe not until January or February. But I’ll bet Geno has a pretty good idea right now. Geno knew Paige was his starting freshman pg when he watched her play in HS. I’ll bet he has a really good idea of where Aubrey & Amari will be with their games next season. I’ll also bet that he has a pretty good feel for whether or not Ice & Ayanna will be ready to contribute next season as well. That’s why he gets paid the BIG BUCKS$$$$.

I agree with you on the latter two. He knows Brady will be be the best shooter of his bigs and will have the best post footwork and positioning also. Of course she'll have to make the big adjustment to D1 pace of play. And he knows that along with Edwards, Patterson will be one his two most physical and athletic bigs. As for DeBerry and Griffin, he knows where he WANTS their games to be but like everyone else he'll need to see if AG is physically able to make the changes she needs to stick as a rotation player. And he needs to see if DeBerry can not only can get physically and mentally tougher and quicker but also get and apply the defensive fundamentals she's lacking.

 

[Stymie]

You are right -he does make the big bucks. Because of 40 years of experience he has an "idea" of his rotation looking into his crystal ball. He, like you and me, have ideas because we are formulating a plan. But plans change as situations, and in this case players show their abilities or lack thereof. CEO's have it easy--they only have corporations to work with. Geno has 15 17 to 24 year old women to evaluate. It is like putting 10 pounds of jelly back in a 4 pound can--there is always a better way.

Agree for the most part.
But he doesn’t have 15 athletes as of today.
Let me suggest that Geno may have expected more from Amari than she brought.
Expectations are not always met.
To espouse that UCONN has 6 bigs that can rotate through is a real leap.
(With all due respect)

 

[TCC Kid]

Yes, all 6 players are talented enough to be part of a regular rotation. 3 already have. One of three players: Amari, Ice or Ayanna, needs to step up and then UConn has a minimum of 4 Bigs in the rotation, which is all the team needs up front. If we end up with 5 or 6, that’s a bonus.

We can speculate endlessly about additional Bigs that UConn could have or should have pursued in the transfer portal. The fact that Geno and his coaches chose not to bring in another Big should indicate to all of us that he is confident he has the talented players necessary for UConn’s rotation.

I enjoy my discussions with you. I hope I don't seem arguing, because you don't argue --state your case. You and a dozen others know of what you speak. Like too many to mention it is fun passing this off season discussing Uconn Women BB. Thanks
The Boneyard compared to my peeking a year or 2 ago is less combative and that makes for fun. thank you all.

 

[BobbyJ]

Agree for the most part.
But he doesn’t have 15 athletes as of today.
Let me suggest that Geno may have expected more from Amari than she brought.
Expectations are not always met.
To espouse that UCONN has 6 bigs that can rotate through is a real leap.
(With all due respect)

He may have but he shouldn't have. He saw enough of her in HS to know what he was getting.

 

[oldude]

He may have but he shouldn't have. He saw enough of her in HS to know what he was getting.

Well, he didn’t see her senior year of HS because there wasn’t one. Geno had to project forward from Amari’s junior year. My limited assessment of Amari is that she’s quite a skilled Big, but needs to get more agressive and improve her fitness levels.

As I have said before, I am encouraged that she will be spending all summer on campus working with Andrea Hudy and the coaching staff. If Amari doesn’t develop into the player we all hope she will, it won’t be for a lack of effort.

 

[Stymie]

He may have but he shouldn't have. He saw enough of her in HS to know what he was getting.

Highly touted.
25 points.
10 rebounds.
All year.
A miss (so far).
So, show me what you got.
Still time.
Tic, toc, tic, toc....

 

[oldude]

Highly touted.
25 points.
10 rebounds.
All year.
A miss (so far).
So, show me what you got.
Still time.
Tic, toc, tic, toc....

Calling Amari a “miss” is an incredibly cheap shot. Amari was in her freshman year, after not playing as a senior in HS, limited to only 16 games due in part to injury & illness, while playing behind Liv, Dorka & Aaliyah.

How about giving the kid the benefit of the doubt by supporting her efforts rather than taking cheap shots at her.

 

[Stymie]

Calling Amari a “miss” is an incredibly cheap shot. Amari was in her freshman year, after not playing as a senior in HS, limited to only 16 games due in part to injury & illness, while playing behind Liv, Dorka & Aaliyah.

How about giving the kid the benefit of the doubt by supporting her efforts rather than taking cheap shots at her.

“So far.”
“Show me.”
Please don’t misquote me.
I didn’t state this categorically.
But, show me (us).
Numbers talk.
You EARN playing time.
Earn it.
Mike drop....

 

[oldude]

“So far.”
“Show me.”
Please don’t misquote me.
I didn’t state this categorically.
But, show me (us).
Numbers talk.
You EARN playing time.
Earn it.
Mike drop....

I know you think you’re being clever. Amari owes nothing to you or me. You are not her coach or her teammate, just another overzealous fan who believes he has the right to make demands of an 18 year old student-athlete.

 

[BobbyJ]

Well, he didn’t see her senior year of HS because there wasn’t one. Geno had to project forward from Amari’s junior year. My limited assessment of Amari is that she’s quite a skilled Big, but needs to get more agressive and improve her fitness levels.

As I have said before, I am encouraged that she will be spending all summer on campus working with Andrea Hudy and the coaching staff. If Amari doesn’t develop into the player we all hope she will, it won’t be for a lack of effort.

I believe Auriemma’s assessments of her took place during her summer AAU competition because there was nothing to gauge her on during her NY HS seasons. That competition was as bad as Toomey’s in Penn.

 

[TCC Kid]

Well, he didn’t see her senior year of HS because there wasn’t one. Geno had to project forward from Amari’s junior year. My limited assessment of Amari is that she’s quite a skilled Big, but needs to get more agressive and improve her fitness levels.

As I have said before, I am encouraged that she will be spending all summer on campus working with Andrea Hudy and the coaching staff. If Amari doesn’t develop into the player we all hope she will, it won’t be for a lack of effort.

It was pretty obvious from the limited playing time I saw De Berry: She is good shooter. If Geno didn't set her there, she appears

Agree for the most part.
But he doesn’t have 15 athletes as of today.
Let me suggest that Geno may have expected more from Amari than she brought.
Expectations are not always met.
To espouse that UCONN has 6 bigs that can rotate through is a real leap.
(With all due respect)

more comfortable at the top of the key than at the hoop. We just don't have the visuals of her playing good players in prime time to make any effective assessment. I hope she isn't one who prefers the Forward position, Uconn needs, I don't, a forceful post that can create her own space. It has been a long time since Steff or longer since Stokes, even longer since Tina--my images of posts. Whether Geno loves her or doesn't it is she he has. From the little ICE I have seen she is big enough, with training, to work in the post but she is happy with the long shots and passing. Call me jaded, ICE is a big time scorer will Geno try to make her into a post?? However, you don't need a rebounding tough post if you have 50 percent or better shooters in 4 positions. ]
Stymie:
I agree with 3 of your commenrs. Athletes (?) there are many definitions of that term. One would call any who plays a game an athlete. Or kids like Aubrey, Paige, Caroline athletes. I want Geno to get the Max players at each position. Injuries Fouls, Virus's took their toll on Uconn. Geno never truly know how any kid except those like DT or Paige (others) will do in College BG. Yes, expectations are often unmet. Over the years, especially the in between years, kids come in with a lot of hype and few lived up to the billing. Paige, Fudd, Edwards, of the last season's team live up to , Caroline exceeded expectations. Muhl too.
Edwards is power Forward. Ameri, Gabriel are untested, Ayanna, the other new kid (excuse my ignorance) who is the 6th?

 

[TCC Kid]

I know you think you’re being clever. Amari owes nothing to you or me. You are not her coach or her teammate, just another overzealous fan who believes he has the right to make demands of an 18 year old student-athlete.

Oops---I didn't intend to get into this type of conversation--exit center stage.

 

[Stymie]

I know you think you’re being clever. Amari owes nothing to you or me. You are not her coach or her teammate, just another overzealous fan who believes he has the right to make demands of an 18 year old student-athlete.

I AM NOTHING.
Not a coach.
Not a teammate.
And not an overzealous fan.
I AM a realist.
Nothing , to date, indicates she should be in the ‘regular rotation’ as touted by others.
Am I pulling for her?
YES.
But show me.
You cannot speak out of one side of your mouth that playing time is earned.
Then bequeath her playing time based on nothing,
Have it one way or the other- not both.

 

[Stymie]

Oops---I didn't intend to get into this type of conversation--exit center stage.

No worries.