Where UConn's Starting Lineup is Heading

[Vowelguy]

The thing that’s amusing about this thread is that it assumes is concerned about starting the 5 “best” players.

We have 39 years of evidence that he uses additional factors.

Eg
Webber over nykesha
Amy Duran over some of the tassk
Diana’s frosh year
Mayas Frosh year
Etc
Etc

Geno has repeatedly shown he is more concerned with playing time than starting.

 

[AJay11]

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)

I feel like Chen is a lock as a starter considering she's a senior and she looked very comfortable out there. I doubt Azzi immediately starts, but I bet a series of rotations for strategic purposes and not "because this is the best we have" mentality continues moving into the future. Even Paige had to get back into game rhythm, so I think it will take Azzi some time considering she's been dealing with knee issues since sophomore year. I am not surprised KK is coming off the bench.

 

[The deacon]

CC wanted to shoot the ball as often as possible

... continuing a myth that permeated the Boneyard during Caitlin's entire career at Iowa, and apparently to this day.

 

[oldude]

I just don’t see Geno having two point guards on the bench. Paige is also the best off the ball defender on the team and is most effective offensively from the wing. A three-wing rotation of Paige-Azzi-Ash would be unstoppable; enabling Quadance and Ali to play almost every fourth quarter. Of course, this all becomes moot if Carol ever joins the mix. Given the play of Sara and Jana, four guards doesn’t look likely, particularly if Morgan and Audrey end up getting their minutes at the four.

Don’t get hung up on pg’s. On UConn’s best teams, everyone passes the ball. Keep in mind that Azzi played pg for the USA under-19 world championship team, and Sarah appears to be the best passing forward since Gabby.

 

[oldhusky]

I think it is just a matter of time before Jana and Azzi start. Jana can probably make twice as many mistakes as Ice and still be a better player, just needs to reduce them somewhat. Azzi's talent is clearly above her competition once she is ready to go.

Along with the more obvious Paige and Sarah, that leaves a three way battle between Ashlynn, KK, and Kaitlin for the last starter spot with Paige playing the 3 if teamed with KK or Kaitlin, or the 1 with Ashlynn at the 3.

 

[DEpup]

Geno has never ever done this.

There is a first time for everything. It's been many years since he's had enough good players to even contemplate it. I never thought I'd see a barely 6' PG at PF but we did last year.

The game is changing with the super teams having more depth similar to pro teams IMO. Therefore, I expect to start seeing pro type strategies.

 

[BBallF]

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.

On a totally different kind of team in which CC had to score close to 30 a game and shoot many times more than Paige and make plays through passes for Iowa to win and in which they also did not have the supporting cast that Paige has this year. I think Sarah, Jana, Ash, and Paige for sure as starters but I'm thinking Chen also for now. Azzi would be devastating as the 6th man. If Azzi gets it fully back, she has to start and then Paige gets moved to the point. Chen subs in for Paige , Ash or Azzi and they slot over. The offense is not a traditional position dependent one except for the high post initiation pass which can be Paige at times. So many possible permutations with this talent. A nice problem to have.

 

[jdote33]

Love the discussion. I actually like that Geno started Ice even though I do think Jana has a higher upside. In a sense he is rewarding her seniority. Additionally Ice can do all the little things. She can screen well, grab rebounds and I think she's actually improved a bit defensively. I think it's ok to have Jana come off the bench and be Jana. I think Azzi definitely starts. I think some of the slow starts kinda go away with an aggressive Azzi. But I would start KC or KK and put Shade on the bench. I think Shade is great. She'll get her minutes. I'd just rather have another ball handler to push pace aside from Paige in the starting lineup.

 

[Stagnant]

I don’t see Morgan as a 4. But she is pretty high up the depth chart right now if the team needs height/size for some reason.

 

[Vowelguy]

There is a first time for everything. It's been many years since he's had enough good players to even contemplate it.

.

Wanna bet?

Unless Genos players are basically equal from 1-10, hes not doing 5 for 5 subs in meaningful games.

Years ago he laughed at Matthew Mitchell’s “40 minutes of dread”.

‘Every time they subbed, they brought in worse and worse players, it was great!’

 

[Bone Dog]

Maybe it’s just me but I suspect Geno is going to use Kaitlyn and KK all season long. They’ll split 40 mins at PG initially. But when Azzi comes back the platoon will get more complicated and Paige and Azzi will get some minutes as PG and some at the 2 and the 3. This will probably mean KK and Kaitlyn’s minutes are reduce to maybe 15 each. i doubt we’ll ever see the two of them on the floor together.

In an interview last week, Geno talked about having Paige and Azzi on the floor together. But he also mentioned the importance of having Azzi on the floor when Paige sits. I can imagine him playing the two of them for 25 minutes or so, but only 20 minutes together. When they’re both on the floor with Ash, he might sit KK or Kaitlyn.

Similarly, in the frontcourt I doubt we’ll ever see Jana and Ice on the floor together. In that same interview Geno mentioned this and suggested there weren’t a lot of situations in which that would make sense. This means they split 40 minutes. One or the other may get a larger share, I suppose. But Sarah is likely to play at least 25 minutes in every game.

It’s easy to see that a lot of combinations are possible within these parameters. It won’t just be about deciding on a starting lineup for Geno. By the end of February, he’ll have figured out which lineups work best together, which patterns of substitution, and when to use them. It may seem very casual and improvised to us. But there will be a method to it all.

 

[packwrap]

Nice discussion and nice problems to have.

I noted all 3 of Ice, Sarah, and Jana played both high post and low post already in the BU game. While not yet perfect, all 3 are athletic enough to defend on perimeter too, so Geno in heaven defensively. Also this group of 3 will now have 3-4 years to play together.

Geno training them so any combination of the 3 can play together.

 

[hoophuskee]

Maybe it’s just me but I suspect Geno is going to use Kaitlyn and KK all season long. They’ll split 40 mins at PG initially. But when Azzi comes back the platoon will get more complicated and Paige and Azzi will get some minutes as PG and some at the 2 and the 3. This will probably mean KK and Kaitlyn’s minutes are reduce to maybe 15 each. i doubt we’ll ever see the two of them on the floor together.

In an interview last week, Geno talked about having Paige and Azzi on the floor together. But he also mentioned the importance of having Azzi on the floor when Paige sits. I can imagine him playing the two of them for 25 minutes or so, but only 20 minutes together. When they’re both on the floor with Ash, he might sit KK or Kaitlyn.

Similarly, in the frontcourt I doubt we’ll ever see Jana and Ice on the floor together. In that same interview Geno mentioned this and suggested there weren’t a lot of situations in which that would make sense. This means they split 40 minutes. One or the other may get a larger share, I suppose. But Sarah is likely to play at least 25 minutes in every game.

It’s easy to see that a lot of combinations are possible within these parameters. It won’t just be about deciding on a starting lineup for Geno. By the end of February, he’ll have figured out which lineups work best together, which patterns of substitution, and when to use them. It may seem very casual and improvised to us. But there will be a method to it all.

If Azzi is realy really healthy at some point in huge games I can see Paige playing all 40 and Azzi 35. Depending on who is playing well, Paige is a 1,2,3,4. You can put her anywhere. And in big games I can see Sarah play minimum 25 minutes as you state but up to 35. and within those 30-up to 35 minutes she could also play some center. For example, Koval might not be any good for ND and then ND may elect play fast. It doesn't have to be specifically ND but a team or teams that are hot that love to play fast. Maybe NC State as another example. As a result, Ice's minutes get cut in certain situations. Geno is not the only one that could employ small ball.

Jana - a lot of of her minutes comes down to foul trouble and stamina from having to compete inside. Foul trouble could also result from having to defend a smaller team too. Thus if Ice needs more mintes or is struggling you could very well see Sarah as the center and Griffin as the PF with Jana in foul trouble. Edwards was a 6'2 center and did play with Griffin. Thus, so can Sarah. On the flip-side Jana as a maximum is a 30 minute player in huge games imo if all goes well.

Ice's passing could be very underrated. Very interested to see how she progresses throughout the year. If she is the passer that Meg says - and she starts hitting that outside shot with consistency (which she is more than capable of) she might be much better by season's end while she continues to work on scoring inside and overall rebounding.

 

[BlueSkyGLW]

I am not sure that starting is as important as the five who will play the most minutes. At UConn WBB, that usually is the group who starts but not always.

While Paige is likely the top PG in College - some will nominate a couple of Notre Dame guards but no, no one is as good on both sides of the ball. However, Coach G can put her to better use off the ball part of the time.

When healthy, there is no other guard at UConn who can space the floor as Azzi can.

Though Ashlynn and KK gained a lot of experience last year against a tough OOC schedule, the years of experience that KC has accumulated with enough tough opponents exceeds theirs. In addition, KC is a bright kid, so she will acclimate quickly to the demands on UConn WBB PG. If she does, then it would be best she starts.......she is better controlled and has shown - in limited exposure - quick decision-making, good offense and defense to complement Paige and Azzi.

Frontcourt will eventually be Jana and Sarah - their rebounding and versatile skillset on offense and defense stand out. As soon as Jana controls her excitement about finally playing and contain her eagerness, you will have to go back to Stewie and company for more or comparable talent to Jana, Sarah, Ice and Ayanna with Caroline and Aubrey enhancing this group, especially for pressing defense and speed of play with the latter.

So, my nominees for the five who will work the most minutes against tough opponents during a game when the full roster is healthy to play, are:

Paige
Azzi
Kaitlyn
Sarah
Jana

If Coach G wants to use the press most of the game, Aubrey and KK will likely see more minutes than usual.

After these, the use of the rest of the roster in different lineup combinations depends on the opponent. If all remain healthy, Coach G will have the luxury of using his deep roster to best advantage. That will be challenge to get the most performance from any lineup combination to play at the desired speed, spacing and switching. Lots of practice needed......yep, will require a lot of practice as well as giving in-game experience to those lineup combinations - fortunately, there are easier games in the schedule.

In another thread, I said that this team will be good enough come March to win #12. No change in that assessment.

 

[Zarathustra]

Love the discussion. I actually like that Geno started Ice even though I do think Jana has a higher upside. In a sense he is rewarding her seniority. Additionally Ice can do all the little things. She can screen well, grab rebounds and I think she's actually improved a bit defensively. I think it's ok to have Jana come off the bench and be Jana. I think Azzi definitely starts. I think some of the slow starts kinda go away with an aggressive Azzi. But I would start KC or KK and put Shade on the bench. I think Shade is great. She'll get her minutes. I'd just rather have another ball handler to push pace aside from Paige in the starting lineup.

ICE has improved and has clearly established a " leap " in her fitness level. It remains to
be seen if she continues this improvement as the month continues or, perhaps, falls
behind as Jana "settles in" to her post position. However, I do love the potential of
those "TWO BIGS" offensive sets...NICE!

 

[freshler40]

I don't think you sit a player (Jana), that is capable of 17 or more points and 10 or more rebounds, in favor of a player that may score 4 pts and 6 rebounds. You start your best, and if they pick up a couple of fouls you bring in your back up. And you will continue to try to keep that starter in as much time as possible, but, assure she is in at the end of a close game. Ice has to develop a lot more to be in that starting line up.

Agreed. Two areas for Ice to improve are strong posting up for entry passes and gym work on eye hand coordination to reduce the fumbling, she does when accepting passes. A third area is better rebounding positioning. Jana is big and plays big. Our bigs coach needs to coach them up better. All our bigs need to improve their outlet passes after defensive rebounding. Look downcourt or sideline for our breaking guards, not a backcourt handoff all the time.

Controlling of defensive rebounds is more than getting the ball. It is what you do after that that can devastate a team. We have the top quick guards with great hands to effect devastating fast breaks. Paige, KK, Chen, Arnold, Sarah, wow!

Hope the coaches are looking at our pace of play. Under Chen, I'm seeing a slowdown offense. We need to coach the Princeton offense out of her. Perhaps this was by design. But the second half of the last game resulted in long stretches of poor offense.

What a difference when KK found a willing well posted Jana for baseline entry passes. Jana sealed the defense for serious offensive moves not seen on this team in a long time. Thanks!

 

[Dugway]

I don't think you sit a player (Jana), that is capable of 17 or more points and 10 or more rebounds, in favor of a player that may score 4 pts and 6 rebounds. You start your best, and if they pick up a couple of fouls you bring in your back up. And you will continue to try to keep that starter in as much time as possible, but, assure she is in at the end of a close game. Ice has to develop a lot more to be in that starting line up.

I don’t think you sit Jana either! Based upon the one game we’ve had so far, Jana is the better player in my opinion, certainly has a higher ceiling. But there is no requirement that the starter has to play more minutes!

What the starter does receive, is all of that pre-game festivities. They play the music and get the crowd stomping their feet, literally rumbling the building. Turn the lights out and flash the strobes, spotlights streaking around the place like they are chasing a bird, driving the crowd into a fizzy. Then it’s the stadium announcer’s turn as he enunciates loudly into the microphone, “A Six Foot Five Inch Center, out of Cairo, Egypt, The Great Pyramid, Jana El Alfy” and she runs to the center to slap Sarah Strong hands in a high five, now with the adrenaline of having just drank 17 Red Bulls…

… and in the meantime the folks over there dressed in the zebra costumes are warming up their whistles!

Coming off the bench does not mean that she would not receive as much playing time. In fact, it may assure that she gets more!

 

[Crossover]

Agreed. Two areas for Ice to improve are strong posting up for entry passes and gym work on eye hand coordination to reduce the fumbling, she does when accepting passes. A third area is better rebounding positioning. Jana is big and plays big. Our bigs coach needs to coach them up better. All our bigs need to improve their outlet passes after defensive rebounding. Look downcourt or sideline for our breaking guards, not a backcourt handoff all the time.

Controlling of defensive rebounds is more than getting the ball. It is what you do after that that can devastate a team. We have the top quick guards with great hands to effect devastating fast breaks. Paige, KK, Chen, Arnold, Sarah, wow!

Hope the coaches are looking at our pace of play. Under Chen, I'm seeing a slowdown offense. We need to coach the Princeton offense out of her. Perhaps this was by design. But the second half of the last game resulted in long stretches of poor offense.

What a difference when KK found a willing well posted Jana for baseline entry passes. Jana sealed the defense for serious offensive moves not seen on this team in a long time. Thanks!

Re pace of play and outlet passes, your post does not take into account that Geno instructed the team to take its foot off the accelerator in the second half. Against such an overmatched opponent, it's better to work on half court sets than literally run up the score.

 

[HuskyNan]

The thing that’s amusing about this thread is that it assumes is concerned about starting the 5 “best” players.

We have 39 years of evidence that he uses additional factors.

Eg
Webber over nykesha
Amy Duran over some of the tassk
Diana’s frosh year
Mayas Frosh year
Etc
Etc

Geno has repeatedly shown he is more concerned with playing time than starting.

Geno has changed his approach through the years, though. He's no longer benching freshmen like Diana & Maya but putting players like Paige & Sarah in from Day 1. I think the last few years have been illuminating with all the injuries and being forced to rethink lineups. Freshmen like Caroline, Azzi, and Ashlynn have made him realize important weapons were being held back.

Geno was very stubborn in the early years but has learned that he needs to evolve with the game. What worked 39 years ago may not be the best approach now.

 

[Vowelguy]

Geno has changed his approach through the years, though. He's no longer benching freshmen like Diana & Maya but putting players like Paige & Sarah in from Day 1. I think the last few years have been illuminating with all the injuries and being forced to rethink lineups. Freshmen like Caroline, Azzi, and Ashlynn have made him realize important weapons were being held back.

Geno was very stubborn in the early years but has learned that he needs to evolve with the game. What worked 39 years ago may not be the best approach now.

He started Rebecca and Jen R from day 1.

I don’t think his beliefs about morale and chemistry have changed.

 

[DefenseBB]

ICE has improved and has clearly established a " leap " in her fitness level. It remains to
be seen if she continues this improvement as the month continues or, perhaps, falls
behind as Jana "settles in" to her post position. However, I do love the potential of
those "TWO BIGS" offensive sets...NICE!

Huh? You were able to glean this how? Through the view of all of 2 games? Ice has played a grand total of 42 minutes in the exhibition and opener. I am not saying she is NOT in shape but there is no evidence her fitness level has had a leap. Her BU game was marred by missed passes and effectual shooting (once again) but she was much better on the defensive end. Ice still needs to show better on the offensive side of the ball, both in the paint and on the mid-range jumper and to stop taking 3 pt shots, we have better options for those.

 

[Rowdy831]

They could win the Big East with any 5 players on the team. If the goal is to win the NC at the end of the year then I think you have to consider two things, can they compete on size and do they have fire power or instant heat coming off the bench? With that said I would try to figure out how to have Ice and Jana on the court at the same time along with Sarah, Paige and Azzi. Until Azzi is ready it really doesn't matter who the fifth person is on the floor.

As far as the second 5 is considered I would base minutes on talent and will they be back next year and expected to play an important role on that team. That would mean the minutes would go to KK, Ash, and then down the line from there. This team right now has a bunch of quality players and outside injury you know Geno will ride 7-8 players against the top teams and the rest will get minutes in most 4th quarters in conference play.