Where UConn's Starting Lineup is Heading

[oldude]

The BY’s annual preseason “Who will start?” thread is always fun with lots of different ideas from everyone. But we have now seen most of the team play twice, and I am beginning to see what could be an extremely formidable starting lineup emerging as follows:

• Paige – Duh……
• Ashlynn – Last season’s BEFOY has only gotten better. We all knew she could shoot the ball. But she has undergone a serious sophomore leap, improving her defense significantly, along with her passing, her ability to attack the basket and her overall court awareness. Ashlynn is also the fittest person on the team. She is capable of playing hard for 40 minutes a night without taking a breather.
• Sarah – She is everything as advertised and will only get better. We have not seen a freshman with her skillset since…well…Paige. With all her offensive ability, the thing that impresses me the most is what an incredibly tough defender Sarah is, with remarkably quick “pick pocket” hands.
• Jana – This may not happen immediately. Jana will still have some ups and downs, and there will be times when Ice, Ayanna and Aubrey will be better options. But Jana is most definitely the future for UConn in the post, with size, a remarkable skillset and a serious BA attitude. The future for Jana will be here a lot sooner than anyone thought before the season started,
• Azzi – This is the one you need a crystal ball to see, considering that Azzi has not played in almost a year, and Kaitlyn & KK are two really talented guards who are both competing for that last starting spot. But we are hearing intriguing comments about Azzi’s game from Geno, as well as some of the BY’ers who watched Azzi warm up with the team yesterday. A couple years back, when Azzi was healthy, she was second only to CC as the best scoring guard in WBB. Once she knocks off the rust, she could be that player once again.

So that’s my take on where UConn’s starting 5 is heading. Obviously, everyone needs to stay healthy. But think about what this lineup includes: 3 HS NPOY’s, a 6’5” post with maybe the best raw skillset of any Big in WBB and Ashlynn, the Energizer Bunny. Add in a deep and talented bench and #12 is a very real possibility.

 

[#1florida]

The BY’s annual preseason “Who will start?” thread is always fun with lots of different ideas from everyone. But we have now seen most of the team play twice, and I am beginning to see what could be an extremely formidable starting lineup emerging as follows:

• Paige – Duh……
• Ashlynn – Last season’s BEFOY has only gotten better. We all knew she could shoot the ball. But she has undergone a serious sophomore leap, improving her defense significantly, along with her passing, her ability to attack the basket and her overall court awareness. Ashlynn is also the fittest person on the team. She is capable of playing hard for 40 minutes a night without taking a breather.
• Sarah – She is everything as advertised and will only get better. We have not seen a freshman with her skillset since…well…Paige. With all her offensive ability, the thing that impresses me the most is what an incredibly tough defender Sarah is, with remarkably quick “pick pocket” hands.
• Jana – This may not happen immediately. Jana will still have some ups and downs, and there will be times when Ice, Ayanna and Aubrey will be better options. But Jana is most definitely the future for UConn in the post, with size, a remarkable skillset and a serious BA attitude. The future for Jana will be here a lot sooner than anyone thought before the season started,
• Azzi – This is the one you need a crystal ball to see, considering that Azzi has not played in almost a year, and Kaitlyn & KK are two really talented guards who are both competing for that last starting spot. But we are hearing intriguing comments about Azzi’s game from Geno, as well as some of the BY’ers who watched Azzi warm up with the team yesterday. A couple years back, when Azzi was healthy, she was second only to CC as the best scoring guard in WBB. Once she knocks off the rust, she could be that player once again.

So that’s my take on where UConn’s starting 5 is heading. Obviously, everyone needs to stay healthy. But think about what this lineup includes: 3 HS NPOY’s, a 6’5” post with maybe the best raw skillset of any Big in WBB and Ashlynn, the Energizer Bunny. Add in a deep and talented bench and #12 is a very real possibility.

I think you will see Chen at point guard, and Ashlynn coming off the bench, along with several others.

 

[oldude]

I think you will see Chen at point guard, and Ashlynn coming off the bench, along with several others.

Chen is really good, but Ashlynn has a more complete game and I honestly believe that the starting pg spot will be filled by the very best pg in the nation, Paige, who led the Huskies yesterday with 7 assists, 0 turnovers, an A/TO ratio of Infinity!

 

[boontonbomber]

Chen is really good, but Ashlynn has a more complete game and I honestly believe that the starting pg spot will be filled by the very best pg in the nation, Paige, who led the Huskies yesterday with 7 assists, 0 turnovers, an A/TO ratio of Infinity!

Not infinity, undefined.

 

[#1florida]

Chen is really good, but Ashlynn has a more complete game and I honestly believe that the starting pg spot will be filled by the very best pg in the nation, Paige, who led the Huskies yesterday with 7 assists, 0 turnovers, an A/TO ratio of Infinity!

Only Geno knows, but, Paige is a scorer and if you have her bringing the ball up and handling it too much, she will not be able to get free for the open shots. I think in the next few games this starting line up will form.

 

[oldude]

Not infinity, undefined.

I was practicing “fuzzy math.”

 

[oldude]

Only Geno knows, but, Paige is a scorer and if you have her bringing the ball up and handling it too much, she will not be able to get free for the open shots. I think in the next few games this starting line up will form.

That’s an interesting take. But consider that last season’s leading scorer in WBB, and consensus NPOY, CC, brought the ball up, initiated the offense and also led the country in assists.

 

[JoePgh]

So you are sending Kaitlyn, KK, and Ice to the bench? That is possible, but is it likely?

However, if I were Geno, I would pull the trigger on the center position and make Jana the starter and Ice the backup for the next game. Jana is more sure-handed in the post, and her two-game record of 19 rebounds (9 of which were offensive) in a total of 29 minutes towers over Ice's two-game record, which is 7 rebounds in 41 minutes.

Ice needn't worry; she will get plenty of playing time as Jana deals with foul trouble.

 

[oldude]

So you are sending Kaitlyn, KK, and Ice to the bench? That is possible, but is it likely?

However, if I were Geno, I would pull the trigger on the center position and make Jana the starter and Ice the backup for the next game. Jana is more sure-handed in the post, and her two-game record of 19 rebounds (9 of which were offensive) in a total of 29 minutes towers over Ice's two-game record, which is 7 rebounds in 41 minutes.

Ice needn't worry; she will get plenty of playing time as Jana deals with foul trouble.

Yes, I am sending Kaitlyn, KK & Ice to the bench, as ridiculous as that decision sounds, considering how talented that trio is. With everyone hopefully healthy at some point this season, the Huskies are loaded, and unless they change the rules, Geno can only start 5 players.

 

[Next 12]

Yes, I am sending Kaitlyn, KK & Ice to the bench, as ridiculous as that decision sounds, considering how talented that trio is. With everyone hopefully healthy at some point this season, the Huskies are loaded, and unless they change the rules, Geno can only start 5 players.

oldude , you're wisdom is spot on. PAIGE is a given. Statistically the best player in Women's BB, JANA is a seasoned player because of her GREAT FIFA games in 3 years. ASHLYNN has proven she can play and score and her improvements this year are fantastic. SARAH has the drive and attitude that made her No.1 in college BB. CHEN will. do fine until AZZI is ready to play . The bench this year will be outstanding in any game coming up. Can't wait for Notre Dame game which will prove to everyone that this is UCONN's year. No naysayers need reply. GO FRESHMEN!!!!GO SOPHOMORES!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

 

[Bills Fan]

After watching just two games I have a slightly different take on the team with regard to what is needed to win number 12.

Absolutely Essential (lose any one of these and the NC becomes a tough hill to climb):

PB; SS; JEA
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Keys to the Kingdon ( need at least 5 of this group healthy at tournament time):

KC; KK; AS; ; AG; IB; Azzi
_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Nice to Have: (equal to or better than the bench at other contenders-great depth, but similar to skills of above Keys to the Kingdom)

AZ; MC; AP; Q
____________________________________________________________________________________________

Doubtful (no way to figure if she plays or not)

CD

 

[Dugway]

So you are sending Kaitlyn, KK, and Ice to the bench? That is possible, but is it likely?

However, if I were Geno, I would pull the trigger on the center position and make Jana the starter and Ice the backup for the next game. Jana is more sure-handed in the post, and her two-game record of 19 rebounds (9 of which were offensive) in a total of 29 minutes towers over Ice's two-game record, which is 7 rebounds in 41 minutes.

Ice needn't worry; she will get plenty of playing time as Jana deals with foul trouble.

It is because of the potential for foul trouble that, at least for the time being, I think he should continue to start Ice. At some point in the future, yes, she should be the starter. As for USF, I worry that Jana would get two quick fouls.

Yesterday's game said to me that she is in fact truly incredible. She can be a Double-Double Machine for this team, but not gonna happen if she has to sit the majority of the games in foul trouble. That starter role, including the hype, the pump of additional adrenalin, ... well, I guess I'm sayin that she has enough to control right now without that. I'd start Ice this weekend, but we will see.

 

[Kaizen]

I will put Chen as the starter at this moment.
For some reasons I fell safe when Chen was on the court.

My starting five,
Paige,
Sarah,
Jana,
Ashlynn,
Chen (If Azzi is not ready)

 

[oldude]

oldude , you're wisdom is spot on. PAIGE is a given. Statistically the best player in Women's BB, JANA is a seasoned player because of her GREAT FIFA games in 3 years. ASHLYNN has proven she can play and score and her improvements this year are fantastic. SARAH has the drive and attitude that made her No.1 in college BB. CHEN will. do fine until AZZI is ready to play . The bench this year will be outstanding in any game coming up. Can't wait for Notre Dame game which will prove to everyone that this is UCONN's year. No naysayers need reply. GO FRESHMEN!!!!GO SOPHOMORES!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!

I hope the ND game will be “Must Watch TV.” But as of right now, ND’s roster is dealing with a rash of injuries that make UConn’s issues appear insignificant. Watson & Bransford are out for the season. Westbeld, Citron & Karlen are all dealing with injuries and uncertain timetables for their return.

 

[boontonbomber]

Surprised that KK is not getting the attention I think she deserves , maybe because of recent injury? Anyway, how soon some forget her play against Duke and Iowa in the tourney. So solid against Iowa with the 14 pts., 5 assists. I have all along that she has the most potential of UConn soph class, but maybe will lose some of the time needed for development this year because of Chen. I like Chen, but system not fair to recruits like KK. Oh, and personally I'm not sure Chen is the better player, despite her experience.

 

[oldude]

Surprised that KK is not getting the attention I think she deserves , maybe because of recent injury? Anyway, how soon some forget her play against Duke and Iowa in the tourney. So solid against Iowa with the 14 pts., 5 assists. I have all along that she has the most potential of UConn soph class, but maybe will lose some of the time needed for development this year because of Chen. I like Chen, but system not fair to recruits like KK. Oh, and personally I'm not sure Chen is the better player, despite her experience.

In her first real action after rolling her ankle, KK played a solid 21 minutes: 4 pts (2/2), 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and only 1 turnover. I think there is genuine competition between KK & Kaitlyn for a starting spot/PT, and that competition will only intensify once Azzi is back.

 

[boontonbomber]

In her first real action after rolling her ankle, KK played a solid 21 minutes: 4 pts (2/2), 2 rebounds, 5 assists, 2 steals, 1 block and only 1 turnover. I think there is genuine competition between KK & Kaitlyn for a starting spot/PT, and that competition will only intensify once Azzi is back.

I'm not wild about the "rent-a-player" thing, and hope KK is given a fair shot. Re Azzi, I've always liked her better on the wing.

 

[Geew1992]

Yes, I am sending Kaitlyn, KK & Ice to the bench, as ridiculous as that decision sounds, considering how talented that trio is. With everyone hopefully healthy at some point this season, the Huskies are loaded, and unless they change the rules, Geno can only start 5 players.

I'm confused. Didn't KK already come off the bench? Which bench are ya'll sending her to?

 

[hoopsfan22]

Paige and Sarah are locks. Hard to argue with that. My gut says Chen has a starter in name only role, and that spot will see heavy rotation during games. I like Ashlynn in there as well because she does a bunch of things well and is reliable and steady. I think she can replace the Nika defense and intensity factor while providing more consistent scoring. The toughest question comes down to whether it's Ice or Jana for the last spot. If Jana shows she's more aggressive down low, it's going to eventually be her spot and Ice will come off the bench.

 

[oldude]

I'm not wild about the "rent-a-player" thing, and hope KK is given a fair shot. Re Azzi, I've always liked her better on the wing.

I suspect that had she not rolled her ankle, KK would have started yesterday’s game with Kaitlyn coming off the bench. As for Azzi, I think her best role is actually as a “combo guard” which she filled brilliantly for the USA under-19 world championship team in 2021. Azzi is a great scorer. But she’s also a wonderful passer and a solid defender.

 

[oldude]

I'm confused. Didn't KK already come off the bench? Which bench are ya'll sending her to?

Just replying JoePgh’s post. Yes, KK came off the bench yesterday, although I could see her starting at anytime until Azzi is back at 100%.

 

[Bone Dog]

Here’s what we’ve seen after a game:

• Paige
• Ash
• Sarah
• Ice
• KC

This can’t be the final lineup just because of returners. But how might it change? Here’s one guess:

• Azzi platoons with Ash in December,
• Jana and Ice continue to platoon, with Jana gradually getting more minutes as her game settles down
• KC and KK will platoon for the rest of the year, though they’ll probably yield some minutes to Paige at the 1.

As this lineup solidifies, and when Aubrey and Ayanna return, Q Allie and Morgan will fall out of the main rotation. But I don’t see either Aubrey or Ayanna as subs for Sarah unless both Paige and Azzi are both on the floor. This could mean the February-March rotation looks something like this:

• Paige Azzi Aubrey and Ash sharing minutes at the 2 and the 3
• KK and KC and Paige sharing minutes at the 1
• Sarah Aubrey and Ayanna sharing minutes at the 4
• Jana and Ice sharing minutes at the 5

If it were me, I’d prioritize having at least two perimeter threats, preferably three, on the floor at all times.

This is effectively a 10 player rotation, which is hard to sustain while getting the stars enough minutes to stay sharp on offense and tight on defense. My goal would be to make sure that by February Paige Azzi Sarah and Jana each get >25 minutes. I’d hope this would allow Ash and Aubrey to get ~20 minutes.

But this just guesswork, and Q or Allie or Morgan could surprise and take minutes from others. This could only be good news.

 

[Kaizen]

Here’s what we’ve seen after a game:

• Paige
• Ash
• Sarah
• Ice
• KC

This can’t be the final lineup just because of returners. But how might it change? Here’s one guess:

• Azzi platoons with Ash in December,
• Jana and Ice continue to platoon, with Jana gradually getting more minutes as her game settles down
• KC and KK will platoon for the rest of the year, though they’ll probably yield some minutes to Paige at the 1.

As this lineup solidifies, and when Aubrey and Ayanna return, Q Allie and Morgan will fall out of the main rotation. But I don’t see either Aubrey or Ayanna as subs for Sarah unless both Paige and Azzi are both on the floor. This could mean the February-March rotation looks something like this:

• Paige Azzi Aubrey and Ash sharing minutes at the 2 and the 3
• KK and KC and Paige sharing minutes at the 1
• Sarah Aubrey and Ayanna sharing minutes at the 4
• Jana and Ice sharing minutes at the 5

If it were me, I’d prioritize having at least two perimeter threats, preferably three, on the floor at all times.

This is effectively a 10 player rotation, which is hard to sustain while getting the stars enough minutes to stay sharp on offense and tight on defense. My goal would be to make sure that by February Paige Azzi Sarah and Jana each get >25 minutes. I’d hope this would allow Ash and Aubrey to get ~20 minutes.

But this just guesswork, and Q or Allie or Morgan could surprise and take minutes from others. This could only be good news.

Where is Kaitlyn Chen?

 

[Majic Hands]

My take for the starters for the first game, I missed by 1. Sara started the game not Jana.

After watching two games I’m inclined to ink in Sara, Paige, Kaitlyn, Ash, as starters.

I watched every game Jana played in the FIBA tournament including Jana going down with the Achilles injury. I suspected she would be rusty and excited to get on the floor.

Oh boy! Did I ever underestimate the emotional exuberance gushing out in the exhibition game. Immediately followed by the angst of a poor performance.I totally get Geno bringing her in off the bench for her first game.

I’m penciling in Jana as a starter for the next game. After her next start I’ll be inking her into the starting lineup. I could create a really long post as to all the reasons I’m thinking this.

I think Ice is substantially better and more fit than last year but so is ever returning player from last season.

But what do I know Geno might have a different starting lineup for the rest of the season.

I’ve been hoping for a team where players come into the game, all game long without the team losing its intensity, scoring and defensive ability. Could this become that team.

 

[AzzisBraids]

Paige, Shade, Chen, Strong and Jana looked like the best line-up over BU. At full strength, the Paige, Azzi, Shade, Strong and Jana line-up will be very tough to defend.

 

[#1florida]

That’s an interesting take. But consider that last season’s leading scorer in WBB, and consensus NPOY, CC, brought the ball up, initiated the offense and also led the country in assists.

Oops, Last year Nika had 253 assists and Paige had 150. Hence, it freed up Paige to get in position for shots.

 

[oldude]

Oops, Last year Nika had 253 assists and Paige had 150. Hence, it freed up Paige to get in position for shots.

OK. In 2020-21, Paige led the Huskies in both assists and scoring, while earning consensus NPOY honors. There’s several ways to construct a lineup. IMO, having Paige initiate the offense with Azzi & Ashlynn spotting up for 3-pt opportunities, Sarah roaming inside & out and Jana posting up down on the blocks, beats every other combination UConn can put out on the court.

Paige will still get her shots, whether on give and goes with Sarah, high screens with Jana, exchanging PG/SG roles with Azzi occasionally or simply beating her defender off the dribble.

 

[The deacon]

Here’s what we’ve seen after a game:

• Paige
• Ash
• Sarah
• Ice
• KC

This can’t be the final lineup just because of returners. But how might it change? Here’s one guess:

• Azzi platoons with Ash in December,
• Jana and Ice continue to platoon, with Jana gradually getting more minutes as her game settles down
• KC and KK will platoon for the rest of the year, though they’ll probably yield some minutes to Paige at the 1.

As this lineup solidifies, and when Aubrey and Ayanna return, Q Allie and Morgan will fall out of the main rotation. But I don’t see either Aubrey or Ayanna as subs for Sarah unless both Paige and Azzi are both on the floor. This could mean the February-March rotation looks something like this:

• Paige Azzi Aubrey and Ash sharing minutes at the 2 and the 3
• KK and KC and Paige sharing minutes at the 1
• Sarah Aubrey and Ayanna sharing minutes at the 4
• Jana and Ice sharing minutes at the 5

If it were me, I’d prioritize having at least two perimeter threats, preferably three, on the floor at all times.

This is effectively a 10 player rotation, which is hard to sustain while getting the stars enough minutes to stay sharp on offense and tight on defense. My goal would be to make sure that by February Paige Azzi Sarah and Jana each get >25 minutes. I’d hope this would allow Ash and Aubrey to get ~20 minutes.

But this just guesswork, and Q or Allie or Morgan could surprise and take minutes from others. This could only be good news.

Interesting take on it all, Bone Dog... however, based on all Geno says, it would not be a surprise to him if Morgan is very much part of the rotation, and increasingly impactful... I'll take his word for it. We haven't seen enough to make a valid assessment.

I'm also curious how so many here just assume Azzi will be so great that she'll leapfrog many top players for extensive PT. As I've said on several other threads, I'm hopeful about her, but to assume she'll be the player she showed herself to be only in one brief burst of brilliance several years ago is, at best, presumptuous.

 

[jeff30189]

Jana 18 minutes, 17 pts, 11 rebs
Brady 22 minutes, 4 points, 2 rebs

Let's put that controversy to bed now. I had my doubts about the Jana hype, but she's going to be the real deal in a real hurry. Her and Strong are going to be a force to deal with down low for 4 years. Can I get an amen?

Sarah is already the real deal. Damn.

Jana, Sarah S, Paige, Ash and Kaitlyn start. You don't sit Ash - she can shoot, play solid D, and now she's really focusing on being more aggressive all over the court. Kaitlyn (at least for now) starts because she's a 5th year steadying presence on a team full of kids, and she can play a solid PG with or without Paige on the court. I think of KK as the change-of-pace PG who can press, run and be a nuisance. But until she finds a reliable shot and can really RUN the team (like Nika did, like Paige does) she can't be the starting PG.

Even when Azzi and Aubrey come back, I think they both come off the bench as needed for foul trouble, instant offense, more rebounding or whatever. They're both coming off serious injury, and I suspect Geno is more concerned with having them at the END of the season than what they do during the season.

Morgan, Allie and Q are the "bombs away" triplets - I guess you go with the hot hand, and get them PT during blowouts. Until Azzi and Aubrey get back you get Brady some PT during blowouts and to spell Jana when she's in foul trouble and pray that she finds whatever is missing.

 

[UcMiami]

I actually think Geno may decide the starters based more on his second five than the actual starters. He will want to make sure he can maintain continuity and cohesion when Paige (and Sarah?) are on the bench, so who can lead and keep the scoreboard ticking over will be important.

So ... in terms of guard/wings - if it is Paige, Chen, and Azzi starting, does Ash, KK, and ________ where the blank is some combination of Q, Allie, and Morgan work, or does Chen or Azzi need to be there with Ash or KK starting to balancing the effectiveness.

And in terms of the forwards what are the combinations that work best together between Ice, Jana, Sarah, Ayana, Morgan, and Aubrey when she becomes ready. For game 1 we saw Ice/Sarah start, and then a rotation of Jana with both of them because we didn't have Ayana or Aubrey, and Morgan was on limited duty. I think we will see the Ice/Sarah lineup as starters until more people become fully available.