Where Would Next Year's Second Five Rank Nationally? | Page 2 | The Boneyard

Where Would Next Year's Second Five Rank Nationally?

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CocoHusky said:
Maybe. but then there is no need for Azura to stick around for that RS senior season then.
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I have no idea how one is related to the other.

Stevens will get her minutes.

It is amazing that the X-is-too-good-not-to-start argument continues after 20 years when Geno has consistently shown that's not how he operates. If the BY had archives* you'd see a thread from 96-97 about [not] starting Shea Ralph. Then Diana didn't start. Then Maya didn't start. Morgan Valley started a whole regular season in 2004 even though she wasn't the best player, as shown by her not starting/ not playing much in the nCAAs.

(*Or maybe that was the old AOL board.)
 
vowelguy said:
I have no idea how one is related to the other.

Stevens will get her minutes.

It is amazing that the X-is-too-good-not-to-start argument continues after 20 years when Geno has consistently shown that's not how he operates. If the BY had archives* you'd see a thread from 96-97 about [not] starting Shea Ralph. Then Diana didn't start. Then Maya didn't start. Morgan Valley started a whole regular season in 2004 even though she wasn't the best player, as shown by her not starting/ not playing much in the nCAAs.

(*Or maybe that was the old AOL board.)
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You are telling us how Geno DOES NOT OPERATE. There is no information in that, from which to draw a conclusion.
IMO Geno stars his best players. Azura is his best player, why would he not start her?
 
CocoHusky said:
You are telling us how Geno DOES NOT OPERATE. There is no information in that, from which to draw a conclusion.
IMO Geno stars his best players. Azura is his best player, why would he not start her?
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Azura is very good but are you sure she's going to be the best player on next year's team ?
If this year's team wins the NC it will mean that a few Huskies, at least, played phenomenally well. Reaching heights that Azura hasn't seen yet.
 
hoopsdiva said:
So does Azura move into Saniya's starting spot? Does Kia then become the point guard? If not, then which of our current starters comes off the bench?
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That is why Geno gets paid the big bucks - that decision is way above my pay grade! It is a really interesting question and it will be an interesting conversation in the coaches office deciding on the opening lineup for the first game next year, and every time it may change after that.

If, and I really mean if, Geno were to decide like he did in the 2012 Olympics to have fairly close to two rotations, then the approach might be '_____, I really need a strong veteran leader on what I am calling my second line, and I hope you feel good about accepting that leadership role and are up for that challenge.'
 
CocoHusky said:
Maybe. but then there is no need for Azura to stick around for that RS senior season then.
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Well, she may or may not, but getting two years of game coaching from Geno is nothing to sneeze at. And just because you don't start doesn't mean that you don't play significant minutes and get drafted in the first round and be second in WNBA ROY voting, and ...
 
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If AZ starts and Crystal doesn't, there's only one guard (I know: Lou or Gabby can play guard, but we've gone through that before and it hasn't happened except as a substitution situation). I think the lack of a point guard at the beginning of the game, when you're trying to establish tempo, is not a good thing. And Crystal is the longer term future of this team and needs the development.

Don't ignore the possibility that Geno might come up with something new, like alternating a starter every game, so that AZ, Lou, Pheesa, and Gabby each starts 3 out of every 4 games. Of course, he's never done that before, but there are 6 legitimate potential AAs on this team (not counting MW), and has that ever happened before?
 
CocoHusky said:
@UcMiami and I have had this disagreement before about how much Camara will contribute at UCONN. I project role player and UC projects better. I hope I'm wrong but Camara did not make the 8 person SEC all-Freshmen team in her time at Kentucky. She will contribute because she has a good enough body to contribute in the post and UCONN has very few of those right now.
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SCGamecock said:
I lean in agreement with you.. but Camara has a good skill set and a raw one. Geno has a tendency to make good players very good or great even.. I think Camara could be very good. I think Stevens could be great.
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I really don't know about Camara and how she will fit in the rotation - but the coaches wanted her out of HS and they wanted her enough after her freshman year to accept her as a transfer so they definitely see something in her game and her personally that is worth getting her onto the team with only three years of eligibility. And they probably had some 'inside information' on her when she was looking to transfer because she was being coached by Tamika at KY and one would suspect that she could evaluate a player's potential under Geno.

And KY is not known for its post play - it has under Mitchell been completely guard oriented, so saying she didn't make a freshman all SEC team is not a surprise to me. Walker in her 8 game drink of water at Uconn showed enough potential that most of us thought she would be a really really good player, in her much longer time in KY she didn't make much noise on a team that wasn't deep in the post. Systems matter and Camara wanted out of the KY one, and is reported to be happy as a clam with her new, very demanding coaching staff and team.

(I hadn't thought about the Tamika Williams-Jeter connection before.)
 
CocoHusky said:
Good questions and nice problems to have IMO. Not sure how it is going to play out, the success of this years team is going to make it hard to change things drastically next year. Kia & Gabby will be seniors and Azura's will have an option to go to WNBA. I don't see any of those three not starting. Dangerfield appears on track to assume starting PG position, then there is Megatron! If KLS as #1 can break into a UCONN starting line with Stewie, Morgan, Moriah then MW should be able to break in also.
My best guess starters are:
F/C Stevens
F Williams
F Collier
G KLS
G Nurse
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Good guess Coco...IMO.......Can anyone spell devastating? What about Un-fair ?
 
rvwsleep said:
Azura is very good but are you sure she's going to be the best player on next year's team ? If this year's team wins the NC it will mean that a few Huskies, at least, played phenomenally well. Reaching heights that Azura hasn't seen yet.
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Yes I firmly believe that Azura Stevens is the best player on the UCONN roster.
 
CocoHusky said:
@UcMiami and I have had this disagreement before about how much Camara will contribute at UCONN. I project role player and UC projects better. I hope I'm wrong but Camara did not make the 8 person SEC all-Freshmen team in her time at Kentucky. She will contribute because she has a good enough body to contribute in the post and UCONN has very few of those right now.
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But she wasn't being coached by The Great One. Now she is. Look for amazing things!
 
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Eighth.

As to who will actually comprise the starting five, I am in agreement that the returning four starters will almost certainly start, say 98% chance.

Then it almost certainly comes down to Stevens or Dangerfield. I understand the cogent arguments made on behalf of Dangerfield. But I am leaning towards Stevens. Here is why:

1. Based upon what I have seen and heard, she is near or at the top of the heap re potential POY candidates.

2. Geno has commented on numerous occasions about their current lack of size. This solves that problem.

3. I think you would then be looking at playing Gabby at the two. She has shown she can lock down two guards defensively, and even if she isn't a great 3 point shooter, she can create mismatches and there are plenty of other three point shooters in the lineup. A front line defense of Williams and Nurse would create havoc. It also helps get her ready for where she would presumably play at the WNBA level - although Geno might not take that into account, and certainly wouldn't admit to doing so.

4. Realize that there are concerns about ball handling - valid concern - while I have confidence that group would figure it out, I would be ready to get Dangerfield in early if things get ugly. Of course, that is exactly what we are doing now.

I know that speculating about next year may seem strange to some when we are currently in the midst of an incredibly enjoyable and captivating season. Please bear with those of us frustrated woulda, coulda, shoulda been a general manager types. Anyone want to try and figure out 2019-2020?
 
Huskee11 said:
Eighth.

As to who will actually comprise the starting five, I am in agreement that the returning four starters will almost certainly start, say 98% chance.

Then it almost certainly comes down to Stevens or Dangerfield. I understand the cogent arguments made on behalf of Dangerfield. But I am leaning towards Stevens. Here is why:

1. Based upon what I have seen and heard, she is near or at the top of the heap re potential POY candidates.

2. Geno has commented on numerous occasions about their current lack of size. This solves that problem.

3. I think you would then be looking at playing Gabby at the two. She has shown she can lock down two guards defensively, and even if she isn't a great 3 point shooter, she can create mismatches and there are plenty of other three point shooters in the lineup. A front line defense of Williams and Nurse would create havoc. It also helps get her ready for where she would presumably play at the WNBA level - although Geno might not take that into account, and certainly wouldn't admit to doing e BYso.

4. Realize that there are concerns about ball handling - valid concern - while I have confidence that group would figure it out, I would be ready to get Dangerfield in early if things get ugly. Of course, that is exactly what we are doing now.

I know that speculating about next year may seem strange to some when we are currently in the midst of an incredibly enjoyable and captivating season. Please bear with those of us frustrated woulda, coulda, shoulda been a general manager types. Anyone want to try and figure out 2019-2020?
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Wonderful & well balanced post. Just one minor problem-cogent arguments? Surely not on the BY.
 
With regards to the original post--that five would be about 10th--probably too young to be higher.

Next year's starting five
--first the two seniors start: Nurse and Williams
--Then I think Azura starts because she has talent and size which we need.
--Dangerfield starts as she is the point
--And KLS starts because of her range

Or I could see Collier in for Dangerfield, as Collier will be an All-American.

I figure of the six players here Collier and Williams are the closest substitutes and Williams is the senior.
 
Geez people 1) we got all summer to do this, enjoy this year (how many music threads you think Wire and I can do?) 2) teams are not ranked by their starting 5, they are ranked for the whole team.
 
The answer to the first question is based on who coached them. Geno? Top five.

Thoughts about next year's lineup.

1. Let's say that Crystal Dangerfield makes the jump Collier and Lou made their sophomore year which means she cuts down her turnovers and improves her defense. She has to start. The other four would be matchup nightmares. Geno is like everybody else, if he has high quality point guard play, he has to take advantage of it.

2. Kia to me is the odd person out. She is great at 2 and just ok at 1. No slight at all. Just the other four are better.

3. How Walker fits is just as interesting as Stevens. She might have Maya or Stewie talent. From the tape I saw, she would be in the top seven this year.

4. If Camera is better than Nat, that makes Nat at least 9. I think her time will be significantly less next year and it has nothing to do with her development.

5. I worry about Bent and Irwin. Again, nothing against them but when are they going to play?

6. The other three freshmen are intriguing. I know UConn doesn't like to redshirt but would they consider redshirting one or more of these three?

7. No way they stay at 14. Something has to give. Transfer numbers seem to be on the rise in WCBB. I don't think the Huskies will be immune.

8. Somebody said that most teams would kill for these types of problems. Actually, putting these pieces together will be really difficult. Can you imagine telling a three year starter that she isn't going to start her senior year? Somebody who is an Olympian? No thanks.

9. I don't think 5 in, 5 out rotations ever work. I think Geno should sub like he always does. Players earn time when teammates trust you, you guard, you rebound, you share the ball.

10. Let's hope that everybody stays injury-free. I am really enjoying this year. I am not sure next year can top it.
 
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Azura best player on the team next year? I say it'll be Collier.

I do think Azura starts, Crystal starts, and Gabby is 6th-woman. Walker 7th. Butler 8th.

Lessee, that leaves six players vying for the 9th spot, and hoping Geno inclines to a 9-woman rotation.

I don't know about 2nd-five, but I'll bet Mikayla, Andi, Lexi, Megan, and Batouly, with Molly and Kyla coming off the bench, would beat a lot of people. Probably finish third in the AAC.
 
I'd like to propose a title for next season's reality show...
Full House: Welcome to Storrs.

It's almost insane to think that the team will be so loaded in the near future. I'm incredibly impressed. There's an abundance of options and there's more than a few ways this turns out. It's hard for me to see a situation where the returning four don't start, but it's also hard for me to see a situation where Stevens and Crystal Dangerfield don't start - provided they both progress and are ready to start next season, which I expect to be the case.

I'm so glad I'm not Geno.
 
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Az has decent ball handing skills for a player her size, I remember her crossing KML in the open court on a duke transition play during her freshmen year . It's possible Nurse, Lou, and Stevens could all share ball handing duties, if she gets the starting nod next year.
 
Huskee11 said:
Eighth.

As to who will actually comprise the starting five, I am in agreement that the returning four starters will almost certainly start, say 98% chance.

Then it almost certainly comes down to Stevens or Dangerfield. I understand the cogent arguments made on behalf of Dangerfield. But I am leaning towards Stevens. Here is why:

1. Based upon what I have seen and heard, she is near or at the top of the heap re potential POY candidates.

2. Geno has commented on numerous occasions about their current lack of size. This solves that problem.

3. I think you would then be looking at playing Gabby at the two. She has shown she can lock down two guards defensively, and even if she isn't a great 3 point shooter, she can create mismatches and there are plenty of other three point shooters in the lineup. A front line defense of Williams and Nurse would create havoc. It also helps get her ready for where she would presumably play at the WNBA level - although Geno might not take that into account, and certainly wouldn't admit to doing so.

4. Realize that there are concerns about ball handling - valid concern - while I have confidence that group would figure it out, I would be ready to get Dangerfield in early if things get ugly. Of course, that is exactly what we are doing now.

I know that speculating about next year may seem strange to some when we are currently in the midst of an incredibly enjoyable and captivating season. Please bear with those of us frustrated woulda, coulda, shoulda been a general manager types. Anyone want to try and figure out 2019-2020?
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Nice ... but - Geno loves and values a PG more than any other position on the floor, and starting the four returning starters and Stevens leaves him without his PG - yes Nurse and or Samuelson could sort of handle it, but it decreases either of their potential in more natural position.

If Dangerfield progresses as we all expect her to, she will be the best player on the team to start at PG. I just don't see Geno putting a starting lineup on the floor without a really good PG if he has one available on the team.

I agree about the height being an issue, and about moving a current starter to the bench being an issue as well, but I think he is going to have to choose one of those options and make it work. And like last year where they experimented with a few different starters before settling on Lou, the same could happen next year until they find the right mix to start and to be the first off the bench.

I think these players are all selfless enough, that while they all want to start, they would find a positive side to coming off the bench - and I think that includes Stevens. Team goals are really strong for them all, so I think their egos or pride or whatever you want to call it would make this work if they understand and see the benefits to the team. No one is saying any of these players wouldn't be a huge part of the rotation and would get serious minutes, and they can count to five and realize there are a couple players beyond that will 'deserve to start'.
 
Fairfield Fan said:
If that second team were a separate team, where do you think they'd rank nationally?

Post- Azura Stevens
Forward- Megan Walker
Forward- Batouly Camara
Guard- Andra Espinoza-Hunter
Guard- Mikayla Coombs

I might go so far as to say: #2 in the nation (#1 being UConn's first team). And I'm assuming that this year's team will be next year's starting team.

Have I got that right?
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Stevens will be a starter next year. She should be 1st team AA and Top 3 for POY.
 
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CocoHusky said:
Yes I firmly believe that Azura Stevens is the best player on the UCONN roster.
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That's what makes horse races.
As good as Azura is, I think she'll be 3rd or 4th best on the team next year.
She's not as good all around as Gabby or Collier and not as good an offensive player as Lou.
 
SCGamecock said:
It would be crazy to have Azura' come off the bench next year.. unless ya'll already have a stretch-PF/C that's better.
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Agreed, nomwaynwould I have Stevens come off the bench. She's too much of a talent to keep on the bench. I would have her starting along with KLS (G), Napheesa (F), Gabby (F), and Kia (G).
With LilCD (G), Megan (G/F), Camara (F), Butler (C) and any of the freshman guards (AEH, Coombs)

I apologize in advance if this have been discussed earlier in the thread as I stopped at this post to reply.
 
UcMiami said:
Well, she may or may not, but getting two years of game coaching from Geno is nothing to sneeze at. And just because you don't start doesn't mean that you don't play significant minutes and get drafted in the first round and be second in WNBA ROY voting, and ...
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Stevens is going to be starting IMO. Geno's own words were "if she stays 2 years she will be the #1 or #2 pick." That means Geno thinks she is so good that she might not even need to stay both years and be a top 5 pick, as there is little point in leaving early if you're not going high or have injury history and don't want to risk another one. Steven's can do Stewie like things. She will be starting. I see the starting 5 with no pure PG just like the current starting 5. The only thing that might change that is if Dangerfield makes her way into the stating 5 later this season and impresses in the important games..ie...Conf and NCAA tourney. Even then I could see Geno not in a hurry with Crystal b/c the team will be so stacked they will be fine without a pure PG to run the show.

Next year is going to be the opposite problem of the last few years. Recently the team has gone only 7 or maybe 8 deep. This year starting 5 and then just Crystal and Natalie(situational to match bigs or short rest for Pheesa and Gabby). Next year the team will be 10+ deep. I see Nats time going down, Bent and Irwin last off the bench. It's been a while since the roster has been 14 active players and there are legit hard decisions to be made on the possible starting 5.
 
CocoHusky said:
Why?



What is significance of Azura's being a transfer? Azura' is the most talented player on the UCONN roster, Geno starts his most talented players. A coach might take any player out of the starting lineup because a) Coach has a more talented player to put in or b) the inserted player improves the overall efficiency of the team. During the 2012-13 Season Bria Hartley (already an AA) was taken out of the lineup after she convinced the staff that that was best for the team.
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Suspect it will all defend on performance in practice. Who ever produces based on Geno's practice goals will play most minutes and likely start.
 
This year's starting 4 plus Stevens. We all know this year's major weakness is lack of height and I
don't see how you could keep Stevens out of the line-up. I think Nurse will start because she's a senior and has earned it. BUT, unless she gets more consistent and more productive she will be next years's Chong, playing a few minutes and then hardly seen again, as Dangerfield takes over the point.
However, I think next year's rotation may be quite different, with the current starters playing less minutes to give them a breather and Dangerfield, Camara and a couple of the freshmen getting more of a chance. Right now I don't see much opportunity for Irwin and Bent.
I think Butler will be the primary back-up for Stevens, but for certain teams (can you say Baylor?) I see them spending a lot of time out there together.
 
SCGamecock said:
It would be crazy to have Azura' come off the bench next year.. unless ya'll already have a stretch-PF/C that's better.
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It's a real dilemma! Maya did not start until Kalana Greene got hurt, even though it was obvious that Maya was a top player from Day 1--and Maya finished second in the AP NPOY voting as a freshman. This situation seems similar, except we have both Azura and Megan being the studs-in-waiting. Trust me, Azura will get major minutes, whether she starts or not.

Maybe Azura will start, partly because she is the best option for the opening tip. Then Crystal becomes the first sub.
 
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