MilfordHusky
Voice of Reason
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What about Squeaks??
Who starts next season?
- Thread starter Tonyc
- Start date
MilfordHusky
Voice of Reason
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
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- 38,303
- Reaction Score
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I think this is a very hard question. I'll start with some premises: (1) All the players are back, including WNBA-eligible Megan and Evina, and healthy; (2) Returning players who start this season (for the bulk of the season) will continue to start next year; (3) Experience trumps skill when the skill levels are fairly close; and (4) Some players will get major minutes but not start. Geno has already said he will go deeper into the bench next year.
That said, here's my choice. The first 4 are fairly easy (the first 3 are obvious).
Olivia--our only experienced big and a possible AA.
Megan--best player on the team and a likely AA this season.
Christyn--a really talented offensive player and possible AA.
Evina--experienced, athletic, and raring to go. She could be the PG or the SG.
Paige--an unusual talent.
I think that Kyla starting this season means that Anna comes off the bench this year and perhaps next year. If Geno goes back to Anna starting this year, he will NOT demote Anna to a non-starter next year. So, the 5th starter next year could well be Anna.
Other candidates for starting include Aubrey, who is uber athletic and will have a year at UConn under her belt, and Aaliyah, who gives us size and athleticism. She may be the best option for the power forward position. I wouldn't be shocked if Aaliyah starts, though I don't expect it.
I'd group Nika and Mir roughly together. Though she is a freshman, I think Nika could be the starting PG for half of the top 25 next year, but she won't surpass Evina or Paige. I expect big things from her. Mir is a bit like Aubrey, but has less of an offensive game. But she can certainly rebound and possibly defend. She'll get PT off the bench.
I think Piath is raw. In fact, Geno recently said, "She doesn't have any of that [offensive skill]." She will take some time, though she is our best combination of height and bulk.
The lineup for the following year will be hard to predict as well. Amari will compete for minutes. If we get Azzi, she could slide into Megan's slot. Tough choices--but good ones.
That said, here's my choice. The first 4 are fairly easy (the first 3 are obvious).
Olivia--our only experienced big and a possible AA.
Megan--best player on the team and a likely AA this season.
Christyn--a really talented offensive player and possible AA.
Evina--experienced, athletic, and raring to go. She could be the PG or the SG.
Paige--an unusual talent.
I think that Kyla starting this season means that Anna comes off the bench this year and perhaps next year. If Geno goes back to Anna starting this year, he will NOT demote Anna to a non-starter next year. So, the 5th starter next year could well be Anna.
Other candidates for starting include Aubrey, who is uber athletic and will have a year at UConn under her belt, and Aaliyah, who gives us size and athleticism. She may be the best option for the power forward position. I wouldn't be shocked if Aaliyah starts, though I don't expect it.
I'd group Nika and Mir roughly together. Though she is a freshman, I think Nika could be the starting PG for half of the top 25 next year, but she won't surpass Evina or Paige. I expect big things from her. Mir is a bit like Aubrey, but has less of an offensive game. But she can certainly rebound and possibly defend. She'll get PT off the bench.
I think Piath is raw. In fact, Geno recently said, "She doesn't have any of that [offensive skill]." She will take some time, though she is our best combination of height and bulk.
The lineup for the following year will be hard to predict as well. Amari will compete for minutes. If we get Azzi, she could slide into Megan's slot. Tough choices--but good ones.