Where Would Next Year's Second Five Rank Nationally?

[MilfordHusky]

I wonder if Geno will manage and advise Azura in such a way as to try to get her to stay for TWO years. He says she will be the top pick IF she stays.

Three years of being coached by Geno, including actively playing two of them, will help Azura prepare for the next level.

 

[CoachBill]

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'.

KLS belongs nowhere near PG position

veryy confident both Crystal & Azura will be starters next yr.
as will KLS & Napheesa

 

[UcMiami]

KLS belongs nowhere near PG position

veryy confident both Crystal & Azura will be starters next yr.
as will KLS & Napheesa

She does get used sometimes - especially against full court pressure as the main player bringing the ball up, and the way Geno rotates players responsibilities within offensive sets and from set to set in the half court, she has performed some PG like duties (as Maya has with the Olympic team) but I agree - you lose a bunch of her game by putting that on her, and you get a PG who isn't great - weakening two out of five positions on the floor for no good reason when you have Crystal, and Coombs/AEH coming in. I feel the same way about trying to shoehorn Nurse into the role - not really a natural position for her.

I do think it is going to be fascinating to see how it all works out because so far, Napheesa, Lou, Gabby, and Kia are all playing brilliantly as starters, but how do you not start Azura with her size and skill, when that size is the missing piece in the starting rotation this year, and not start Crystal at point guard which is the starter who you are graduating.

 

[Huskee11]

Wonderful & well balanced post. Just one minor problem-cogent arguments? Surely not on the BY.

Thanks for the cudos, Coco. (Say 5x fast.)

Should I have said "surprisingly" cogent? lol

I can see the argument for starting both Stevens and Dangerfield next year, but it would mean either Nurse or Williams does not start. Nurse has never lost as a starter, and wrong time post-ND to suggest Gabby take a seat. Also I was at the open practice on November 27, and no mistaking the two leaders there. So it will be interesting to see how Geno navigates this.

How about a return to 6 on 6 basketball?

 

[cbraarj]

I could see Gabby coming off the bench next year as the 6th man because she will fill in for anyone and still get her minutes. With her abilities she would be the ultimate game changer! With Kia starting you have 2 players who handle the ball and it will be like Bria and Moriah in 14. I dont think coming off the bench will bother Gabby mentally at all and she will still be the leader of the team. Geno did that in 2000 with Paige Sauer and Stacy Hansmeyer there SR. year. He said he needed to Schumaker and Play Cash, Jones and Williams. They were 2 yr. starters but were okay with it and just wanted a NC!

 

[MilfordHusky]

Gabby would probably be ok with being the first player off the bench. She has ZERO attitude problem. Kiah Stokes did pretty well in the draft and the WNBA for a non-starter.

 

[Buzzyboy]

As a team, preseason I would rank them at about 14th... on the men's preseason poll, that is....

Cute!

 

[hoophuskee]

IMO Stevens will start. UCONN needs the size.
I lean towards Gabby the 1st off the bench but it is a small lean. Gabby impacts the game like John Havlicek. Though I could also understand Danger off the bench.

 

[veryolddog]

In the last two games, ND and Kansas State, the UConn players have had to sustain as many as 40 minutes of play with a handicap of time based upon fouls of key players. Our people, at times, did look tired. With wealth of choice next year, I can see platooning players all season long training new guards and developing strengths on the inside. As I said earlier, this is a good problem. Fresh legs on the floor will wear down opposition without dropping the intensity and skill of play. Wouldn't it be a good thing if Batouly Comara and Megan Walker come in and give Collier and Samuelson a break?

 

[chrissaran]

You don't want Lou as the facilitator. She needs to move around so she can get the ball and shoot the 3, pull up for a 2 or drive to the basket. Gabby being on the foul line opens up the lane for her to drive or Pheesa to cut. It's working well. No sense in changing it. Also, Lou can pass.

 

[chrissaran]

Gabby's not coming off the bench next year. Not going to happen.

 

[SciHiGuy]

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

On next years team...Gabby is Havlicek... she is Cazzie Russell (as a Warrior)... the best 6th (wo)man in the nation...

 

[CocoHusky]

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.

This is still basketball Azura @ 6'6" can do things standing still that both Gabby & Napheesa have to jump do because she is 7" taller than Gabby and 5" taller than Napheesa.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

On next years team...Gabby is Havlicek... she is Cazzie Russell (as a Warrior)... the best 6th (wo)man in the nation...

Yet this soon-to-be non-starter was just named the national player of the week in WCBB. Gonna be tough....

 

[StephStorrs]

Someone above mentioned that bringing Gabby in off the bench would be doable because she doesn't have an attitude problem, and I completely agree. But I would also like to add that I don't see attitude being a problem for any of these girls should they be in a situation where they come off the bench. That may just be me, but I don't see attitude in any of them unless it's the winning and fiercely competitive attitude.

There's foreseeable pros and cons to every possible combination next year solely because the talent will be so deep. 4 returning starters that kick some serious butt, 4 returning bench players that are all showing some promise (though I do fear that Molly and Kyla will be left behind should they not develop a ton this year, simply with all the talent coming in next year), 2 transfers that will be eligible and ready to kick some butt, and an incoming class that's just... stacked with talent. There's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Crystal Dangerfield in with them, and there's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Azura in with them - not to mention the pros and cons of all the possible combinations that arise when pondering starting Crystal Dangerfield and Azura and taking one of the current starting 4 off the bench as the sixth man. But so long as these kids get to play and be a part of the team, I don't think they'll mind whatever happens.

 

[baggerbob]

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.

Kia plays because she consistantly does the 1 thing all great UConn players do play defense, which Geno considers to be the 1st thing. This streak started when Morgan, and Kia went into the lineup, 2 good defensive players who could guard many positions. Remember the game Kia didn't score, and was upset, and shed tears, Geno told her never to do that again. Too many people on this site worry about scoring, and not about what UConn does better then anyone else, play defense.

 

[Go/huskies]

Kia plays because she consistantly does the 1 thing all great UConn players do play defense, which Geno considers to be the 1st thing. This streak started when Morgan, and Kia went into the lineup, 2 good defensive players who could guard many positions. Remember the game Kia didn't score, and was upset, and shed tears, Geno told her never to do that again. Too many people on this site worry about scoring, and not about what UConn does better then anyone else, play defense.

I agree, AZ has a lot of talent, but just basted of seeing her play at Duke I wouldn't say she has that Uconn motor that would make her start over any of the core four.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Obviously, practice will be a key determinant. If the Core 4 are kicking butt in practice, I think they keep their starting slots. The question then becomes, Crystal or Azura?

Of course, starting is not that big a deal. Who plays big minutes when the outcome is in doubt is more important. I see at least 8 players getting major minutes.

 

[UcMiami]

Baggerbob - super!

StephStorrs - absolutely right, and because Geno and CD and the whole coaching staff don't deal in BS - they will make the decision process and the plan clear to the affected parties and then they will follow through on it.

 

[SciHiGuy]

Someone above mentioned that bringing Gabby in off the bench would be doable because she doesn't have an attitude problem, and I completely agree. But I would also like to add that I don't see attitude being a problem for any of these girls should they be in a situation where they come off the bench. That may just be me, but I don't see attitude in any of them unless it's the winning and fiercely competitive attitude.

There's foreseeable pros and cons to every possible combination next year solely because the talent will be so deep. 4 returning starters that kick some serious butt, 4 returning bench players that are all showing some promise (though I do fear that Molly and Kyla will be left behind should they not develop a ton this year, simply with all the talent coming in next year), 2 transfers that will be eligible and ready to kick some butt, and an incoming class that's just... stacked with talent. There's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Crystal Dangerfield in with them, and there's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Azura in with them - not to mention the pros and cons of all the possible combinations that arise when pondering starting Crystal Dangerfield and Azura and taking one of the current starting 4 off the bench as the sixth man. But so long as these kids get to play and be a part of the team, I don't think they'll mind whatever happens.

I

Someone above mentioned that bringing Gabby in off the bench would be doable because she doesn't have an attitude problem, and I completely agree. But I would also like to add that I don't see attitude being a problem for any of these girls should they be in a situation where they come off the bench. That may just be me, but I don't see attitude in any of them unless it's the winning and fiercely competitive attitude.

There's foreseeable pros and cons to every possible combination next year solely because the talent will be so deep. 4 returning starters that kick some serious butt, 4 returning bench players that are all showing some promise (though I do fear that Molly and Kyla will be left behind should they not develop a ton this year, simply with all the talent coming in next year), 2 transfers that will be eligible and ready to kick some butt, and an incoming class that's just... stacked with talent. There's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Crystal Dangerfield in with them, and there's pros and cons to keeping our current starting 4 and starting Azura in with them - not to mention the pros and cons of all the possible combinations that arise when pondering starting Crystal Dangerfield and Azura and taking one of the current starting 4 off the bench as the sixth man. But so long as these kids get to play and be a part of the team, I don't think they'll mind whatever happens.

She should be the 6th (wo) man because she is a pace-changer...she tears other teams apart if they are tired or sluggish. She creates defensive problems and rebounds... She can start a run...or kill their run. She doesn't need the ball, but the ball always finds her... Nobody has that element,at that level, but us!

 

[Los24]

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

I agree. Geno stated that Stevens is a POY type player so Dangerfield comes off bench. The tall starting center to control the paint is the main ingredient this team seems to miss at times to be considered great (meaning beatable,) despite the positive contributions from Nat and good interior D from Gabby and Collier. The good part of that is that Dangerfield and Meg can come in together and build that chemistry for next few years too.

 

[Los24]

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.

Collier could be AA, or at least she is playing like it. Dangerfield does not start next year but if she was better on defense and we are looking at just best team dynamics (handling point, inside defense, post play, 3pt shooting, driving, etc..,) Nurse would be coming off bench. Do not get me wrong I appreciate her toughness, very good defense and leadership but if we were being objective and picking a team for a pickup game then who would you pick?

Lou. Collier, Azura, and Gabby are ahead of Nurse. Since Nurse is a senior and part of 2 and maybe 3 championships going into next year, no way that she sits. I am not arguing she should sit because Dangerfield still has much to prove, but her passing ability and vision is just about as good as anyone coming into frosh season. Just my thoughts on it.

 

[Zorro]

I am betting that Geno will start his vets- the Fab Four plus Crystal Dangerfield, because
history.
That may or may not be his strongest lineup, but that will not matter. It shows respect and appreciation for those who have contributed (think CD2) and will keep the future superstars humble and hungry, and the Huskiies will kick ass no matter who is on the floor.

 

[eireman]

When I was in ha shortly before the Civil War, Central Conn had some great D2 teams. One of those years they had two five player units that played intact more or less equally each game and both very effective.

That was the men's team also.....a few bulkley kids as i remember

 

[Los24]

I am betting that Geno will start his vets- the Fab Four plus Crystal Dangerfield, because
history.
That may or may not be his strongest lineup, but that will not matter. It shows respect and appreciation for those who have contributed (think CD2) and will keep the future superstars humble and hungry, and the Huskiies will kick ass no matter who is on the floor.

So when they play Texas, Baylor and SC you think having a 6'6" POY candidate that is a 20/10/2 player will not start and be one the floor for 25-30 mins? I know UCONN Women won those games this year (SC pending) but those teams will be better next year, and have talented bigs that will be better next year and what makes me nervous in this years NC run....

 

[wire chief]

Yes, 2 freshmen are not getting into the game. Yes, their progress has been slow, but we don't yet know what the next 30 games mean for them. In divining next year's team, I'm struck that several of you just assume the 3 non-Megan frosh will clearly turn out better than the current frosh Optimism is peachy, but...

 

[cohenzone]

That was the men's team also.....a few bulkley kids as i remember

That was the men's team. They probably had no women's team back then. One of their stars was a Bulkeley guy, Gene Reilly whom us Weaver High kids hated because he was beating us all the time. In fact, he lived in the Weaver district until junior high when his family moved to the south end of Hartford. One of his older brothers played sports at Weaver. He was a very good guard and also a very good baseball pitcher. It's a small world, because my son is married to his niece - Reilly's wife's side - and Gene, who passed away a few years ago, was in my house a few times.

 

[JordyG]

The problem with some of the guesses here is some put too little importance in leadership at the PG position. As this year progresses it will become obvious that the offense runs more smoothly with Danger. KLS is NOT a point guard, and although Kia can fill this position that doesn't mean she's best suited there. Kia is the best option at the 2. KLS at the 2 next year will be an OPTION, but it just won't work against the majority of teams. Walker will come in and play well. Lexi will play well. Coombs and Hunter will play well. None will start. As Danger improves on defense and her turnovers decrease keeping her off the court will become impossible. As well as Gabby has played this year she's going to be the first forward off the bench next year and Crystal Dangerfield will start. Azura, Collier and KLS up front with KLS filling in at the 2 and Gabby filling in up front and at the 2.

 

[CocoHusky]

So when they play Texas, Baylor and SC you think having a 6'6" POY candidate that is a 20/10/2 player will not start and be one the floor for 25-30 mins? I know UCONN Women won those games this year (SC pending) but those teams will be better next year, and have talented bigs that will be better next year and what makes me nervous in this years NC run....

I don't agree that those teams (Texas, Baylor,or SC) will be better next year. All three teams will graduate big pieces that will be hard to replace in Lang, Jones, & Coates.

 

[Los24]

I don't agree that those teams (Texas, Baylor,or SC) will be better next year. All three teams will graduate big pieces that will be hard to replace in Lang, Jones, & Coates.

I respect your opinion. However, I think my point is still valid regarding when they face an A'ja Wilson, Lauren Cox and Joyner Holmes. Just because our undersized forwards (gabby under 6') have played the other teams' best low post players does not mean they should, and certainly for the majority of the game.

SCAR scares me a little because of A'ja Wilson and even more so Coates. If they play better team ball they have the talent to win, and I say that knowing they are very bad offensively sometimes. Coates is a beast when she play hard and her size, not just height, is going to be a match up nightmare for UCONN. To be objective, if NDame could pass the ball in to the post better that game could have been trouble, and I actually think Brianna Turner is overrated.