Who starts this coming season?

[Bald Husky]

As I said in an earlier thread, Geno will not replace anyone in the starting line up until a few games are in the books. Just because we have a multitude of great young players, it doesn't mean that the girls starting now are not. Geno is loyal, and respecting returning players, especially upperclassmen, will continue until the others show that they deserve to be elevated to the starting line up. Aaliyah will start on the bench, but will play major minutes as a replacement for ONO, as well as playing along side her. As I said, she will play major minutes, possibly more than ONO as the game goes on. The other vulnerable position player would ne Nika. Nika is the perfect point guard, but her reluctance to be an offensive threat might give way to Azzi. As with Aaliyah, Azzi will play major minutes, but we do not know what kind of player Nika will be this year. Her only flaw has been shooting, but the question is how has it improved, and what will her mindset be as far as being more aggressive offensively She has spent the summer in Storrs, probably working on her shooting. She will definitely start initially, but her continued status as a starter will be contingent on her shooting skills. If nothing changes, Azzi will replace her in the lineup.

 

[oldude]

As I said in an earlier thread, Geno will not replace anyone in the starting line up until a few games are in the books. Just because we have a multitude of great young players, it doesn't mean that the girls starting now are not. Geno is loyal, and respecting returning players, especially upperclassmen, will continue until the others show that they deserve to be elevated to the starting line up. Aaliyah will start on the bench, but will play major minutes as a replacement for ONO, as well as playing along side her. As I said, she will play major minutes, possibly more than ONO as the game goes on. The other vulnerable position player would ne Nika. Nika is the perfect point guard, but her reluctance to be an offensive threat might give way to Azzi. As with Aaliyah, Azzi will play major minutes, but we do not know what kind of player Nika will be this year. Her only flaw has been shooting, but the question is how has it improved, and what will her mindset be as far as being more aggressive offensively She has spent the summer in Storrs, probably working on her shooting. She will definitely start initially, but her continued status as a starter will be contingent on her shooting skills. If nothing changes, Azzi will replace her in the lineup.

I agree with your reasoning. But I do believe there is a rationale to start Aaliyah who started the last few games of the season with Nika injured. If Aaliyah starts, Azzi’s path to a starting spot is not clear imo.

Paige, Christyn & Evina should be fixtures in the starting lineup all season. They are the best 3-guard combination in WBB. I think Liv likely starts the entire season, although she could be pushed by Dorka.

At some point, so long as she’s healthy, I would anticipate that Azzi sees more PT than Nika. But Azzi in the starting lineup, with Aaliyah on the bench is another version of a 4-guard offense. It works just fine against most UConn opponents, but it may not be as effective against teams like SC & Stanford.

 

[Stymie]

considering Paige is usually the one with the hot hand I would hate to see her be limited. Someone in another thread said that would be limiting her potential and I agree, it's not her job to make hear teammates better, they should want to be better players on their own. Putting her at that position because she can do more than scoring doesn't mean she should be stuck at it cause the rest of the team can't pass like her

I believe it’s every player’s responsibility to make their teammates better.
Everyone on the floor working as a cohesive unit results in a team being better than the sum of it’s parts.
Isn’t that the he UCONN way?

 

[hoopsfan22]

I've said it already several times before........if Azzi Fudd is 100% healthy she starts every basketball game in her UConn career............defense counts for a lot............her ridiculous shooting ability and over all game is invaluable........

But isn't Geno's thing to not start freshman unless he has to? It would seem this year he doesn't have to since his starting five from last season are all back. Fudd also seems injury prone, so probably best to ease her into a game that's going to be 10x more physical than anything she's experienced from past seasons.

 

[wolfe613]

I believe it’s every player’s responsibility to make their teammates better.
Everyone on the floor working as a cohesive unit results in a team being better than the sum of it’s parts.
Isn’t that the he UCONN way?

I'm saying put her at the position she is the biggest problems to opposing teams not put her at og because others can't pass like her. The biggest argument to putting Paige at Pg is that Fudd who has yet to play a single second at Uconn is a "better shooter" than her or "better player" than Paige which I will not agree with.

 

[Gluap]

Paige, Azzi,CW, Liv, Dorka , then the second wave Edwards , Ervina, Nika, Ducharme,Aubrey . Rinse and repeat( with an occasional mixing) !!!

 

[HopJim]

As I said in an earlier thread, Geno will not replace anyone in the starting line up until a few games are in the books. Just because we have a multitude of great young players, it doesn't mean that the girls starting now are not. Geno is loyal, and respecting returning players, especially upperclassmen, will continue until the others show that they deserve to be elevated to the starting line up. Aaliyah will start on the bench, but will play major minutes as a replacement for ONO, as well as playing along side her. As I said, she will play major minutes, possibly more than ONO as the game goes on. The other vulnerable position player would ne Nika. Nika is the perfect point guard, but her reluctance to be an offensive threat might give way to Azzi. As with Aaliyah, Azzi will play major minutes, but we do not know what kind of player Nika will be this year. Her only flaw has been shooting, but the question is how has it improved, and what will her mindset be as far as being more aggressive offensively She has spent the summer in Storrs, probably working on her shooting. She will definitely start initially, but her continued status as a starter will be contingent on her shooting skills. If nothing changes, Azzi will replace her in the lineup.

Would like to see the same starters for both the season and playoffs. Better continuity including the subs. At times last year, when Geno substituted, we lost momentum. I.e. start Aaliyah. We need her in all big games.
Fan of Nika but she is far from "perfect point guard." Reluctant shooter and while she plays with a lot of enthusiasm, she is not a quick defensive guard. Games UConn played against super quick guards last year they got burnt.

 

[Bald Husky]

I agree with your reasoning. But I do believe there is a rationale to start Aaliyah who started the last few games of the season with Nika injured. If Aaliyah starts, Azzi’s path to a starting spot is not clear imo.

Paige, Christyn & Evina should be fixtures in the starting lineup all season. They are the best 3-guard combination in WBB. I think Liv likely starts the entire season, although she could be pushed by Dorka.

At some point, so long as she’s healthy, I would anticipate that Azzi sees more PT than Nika. But Azzi in the starting lineup, with Aaliyah on the bench is another version of a 4-guard offense. It works just fine against most UConn opponents, but it may not be as effective against teams like SC & Stanford.

This is a very sticky situation, as for the first time that I can remember we have had more potential "starting players" than we have positions for. We have to evaluate each position to their value against the different opponents. This sounds complicated, but its not. I agree that Azzi will play more minutes than Nika, and I agree that Aaliyah will play more than ONO. Against the BE teams, ONO was a bear, and against the OOC teams Aaliyah was the most effective. The early games will really be interesting as Geno will try all kinds of combinations, in the backcourt and the frontcourt. We really don't know what will happen, except Geno will have many options to choose from. Still, I think the starting five in game one will be ONO, Nika, CW, EW, and Paige.

 

[JonathanXIV]

OK. Who didn’t vote for Paige as a starter?

 

[oldude]

OK. Who didn’t vote for Paige as a starter?

Evidently I didn’t, which I attribute to the challenge of accurately checking a little box using my fat thumb on an IPhone.

 

[tchalla1]

I'm saying put her at the position she is the biggest problems to opposing teams not put her at og because others can't pass like her. The biggest argument to putting Paige at Pg is that Fudd who has yet to play a single second at Uconn is a "better shooter" than her or "better player" than Paige which I will not agree with.

IMO, Azzi indeed is a better shooter than Paige, but perhaps not a better all-around player...

 

[baggerbob]

Paige, Azzi,CW, Liv, Dorka , then the second wave Edwards , Ervina, Nika, Ducharme,Aubrey . Rinse and repeat( with an occasional mixing) !!!

I said in another thread, Carolyn Doty started every game as a Senior, she was half the player she had been before her injuries. There were players on the bench who were better Stewie during the season, and Bria during the tournament.
But when someone gives everything to the team which Carolyn did, Geno respects that, and they don't lose their starting position. That is Geno, and the Uconn way.

 

[Stymie]

I believe, that by the end of the year, Aaliyah SHOULD be starting.
I see Aaliyah taking Giant steps.
Off season of international play with team Canada elevates here to star status.
Will give Boston all she can handle.

 

[JonathanXIV]

Evidently I didn’t, which I attribute to the challenge of accurately checking a little box using my fat thumb on an IPhone.

Fat thumb excuse accepted.

 

[CL82]

But isn't Geno's thing to not start freshman unless he has to?

Sort of. I think it is Geno's thing not to start freshman unless he has to, but sometimes their ability is the reason he has to.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Sort of. I think it is Geno's thing not to start freshman unless he has to, but sometimes their ability is the reason he has to.

In this case there isn't a talent deficit at any position to require it. His starting five from last season took him to the final four, and they all return. It's not like he needs a guard or help in the front court - the team is deep and experienced enough at all positions as is. Even without this year's freshmen, we're a heavy favorite to get back to the final four.

 

[EricSD]

Sorry to disagree, Eric, but please don't bet any moolah that Azzi won't start. It's the surest thing under the rainbow. Choosing between Azzi and Paige might be a discussion, but comparing Azzi to Nika is ridiculous.
On the other hand, I believe Liv will start, but my vote is on Dorka. This year Liv will find it is possible to play herself out of the starting line-up; she is no longer nonexpendable. Very grateful that Doka's in the wings.

If Azzi starts the first game, it will be to replace Olivia, not Nika. Of course this is assuming everyone is healthy. But we will get to revisit this come November for sure. And don't be sorry to disagree - everyone has an opinion.

 

[Carnac]

I've been thinking about WHO STARTS all weekend. I've come to this conclusion................at least two very talented and deserving players are going to have to come off the bench this year, and that's OK. You can come off the bench and be just as valuable an asset to your team as starters are. Let's not forget than when a coach subs a player out, he/she wants the team to maintain the same chemistry and flow before the substitution. Also, sometimes a team can get off to a slow start, and play with little or no energy or emotion. That's where your 6th man comes in. To bring energy, add that "spark", that "kick in the butt" that the team needs to get going. That player can't do that if she's a starter.

THAT is where Geno will earn his salary this year. He's got to find the right combination of starters, and the right combination players that will be first off the bench to ensure there is no drop off when substitutions are made. If you've got your foot on a team's chest, you want to keep it there. No let up. No taking your foot off the gas. At no point in the game do you want a team to think they have a chance to win the game. I once heard an opposing coach remark after a loss to UConn, that she could not tell the difference when Geno took his starters out and brought in 5 subs. The subs picked up where the starters left off, played with energy and purpose...........and kept their foot on the gas. It was their time to shine. They not only held the lead, they increased it. They wanted to show Geno and the world what they could do, and gain more of his trust.

THAT is the kind of "consistent" play you want from your team. Remember what Geno said about Aaliyah Edwards last year? He said that he NEVER had any reservations about putting her in the game, and he was NEVER concerned about her not making plays and playing hard. Aaliyah had a role last year and she knew what it was, and she worked it. Last year was her "period of adjustment." With a full year's experience now under her belt, and the experience and exposure she's getting from the Canadian National Team in international competition, I expect to see a new and improved Aaliyah Edwards this year. Edwards is a serious no-non-sense person. She's dead serious about her game and her role on this team.

I really don't care who starts. I merely want the players that do get into the game to know their role, put in work, and do what they do. Fulfill your role, whatever your role is. If Geno only needs you for 10 minutes a game, them be prepared and willing to give him THE BEST 10 minutes you've got!! If each one of our girls can do that, we're going to be very hard to beat. Once you begin to put 30-40 point MOV "consistently" on your opponents, nobody is going to want to play you. Other teams watch SportsCenter and read the sports sections of the local and national newspapers. They know what the other teams are doing.

 

[CL82]

In this case there isn't a talent deficit at any position to require it. His starting five from last season took him to the final four, and they all return. It's not like he needs a guard or help in the front court - the team is deep and experienced enough at all positions as is. Even without this year's freshmen, we're a heavy favorite to get back to the final four.

I don't disagree with any of that. I will say that I believe that Geno will start a freshman if her talent justifies independent of whether there exists a "talent deficit." In any event the wealth of talent we should have with next year's team is a happy problem to have. How Geno works it out will be interesting to say the least.

 

[Carnac]

This thread made me look up and revisit last year's 'who will start?' threads. Some people actually got most things right.

That's because there are a "plethora" of WCBB fans here from all over the country that have seen/played/been around basketball long enough to know the game and how it should be played. They are reasonable in their knowledge, approach and expectations of the game and certain players. They know without a doubt what it takes to win a championship, and can judge talent and see a player's (sometimes latent or untapped) potential to basically know what they're talking about. If you hang around here long enough, you'll figure out who they are.

 

[cwaduke]

Tough problem to have. Too many good players to decide who starts. I see Paige and Christyn as "for sure". The rest could go a lot of ways. Some physical, some psychological things to consider. I do believe that if ONO doesn't come back with stronger hands and attitude, she plays 15 minutes at best.

 

[BobbyJ]

I don't disagree with any of that. I will say that I believe that Geno will start a freshman if her talent justifies independent of whether there exists a "talent deficit." In any event the wealth of talent we should have with next year's team is a happy problem to have. How Geno works it out will be interesting to say the least.

That's why I liked Auriemma's message to ONO this spring. As a coach, the last thing I'm going to convey to an incoming freshman or transfer is that your chances for PT are limited because of who's already here. And by the same token, the last thing I tell a Jr or Sr is that your PT is always secure. My message to the whole team every spring would be, if you want to play big minutes then improve yourself this offseason enough that you make it hard for me to take you off the floor. For me, competition brings out the best and reveals the weakness in everyone. If you think you're the best at your position, prove it and leave no doubt.

 

[JellyBean]

I got:
Evina
Christyn
Olivia
Paige
Aaliyah

A lot depends on how the players look during practice. Pretty sure the coaching staff has some type of Competitive Cauldron set up for the players. Building that competitive nature among the team. During the practice sessions, workouts, and whatever else the coaching staff creates, they will see who the competitive players are. Who are the DAWGS in this group. That will lay the foundation to who the starters are and who comes off the bench. But for now, I got E, CW, ONO, PB, and Aaliyah.

 

[EasyEd]

My question is who will average more that 25 minutes a game and will anyone average over 30? And who's on the floor at the end of a close game? It will be interesting to see how the players develop and the dynamics between them. This year may be one of Geno's biggest challenges. As I remember Shea as a freshman, I don't think she started, but had a hugh impact on the game whenever she was on the floor. I'm hoping to see that same effectiveness from more that one of the non-starters this year. It certainly seems possible that all the players listed above that don't start, could be that effective. And if that's the case, I expect an even more aggressive defense, because the players won't have to worry about fouling.

 

[Amashutcha]

That's because there are a "plethora" of WCBB fans here from all over the country that have seen/played/been around basketball long enough to know the game and how it should be played. They are reasonable in their knowledge, approach and expectations of the game and certain players. They know without a doubt what it takes to win a championship, and can judge talent and see a player's (sometimes latent or untapped) potential to basically know what they're talking about. If you hang around here long enough, you'll figure out who they are.

Oh I can see that. The wild takes were still fun to read though.

 

[Skeets]

Lots of problems, all of them good. Paige starts and she is the most effective playing off the ball. Then who plays PG? Azzi, if she live up to 80% of the hype plays a lot of minutes, but she's not a PG. That leaves Nika and Evina (probably not Christyn) to play the point. I really see Paige and Azzi starting with Nika/Evina playing the point (pick one). Add in Christyn playing a 2/3 position and Aaliyah/Liv (pick one) playing in the post. This ought to work against all except the biggest, most physical teams when more height and beef is needed in the line up.

 

[CL82]

Lots of problems, all of them good. Paige starts and she is the most effective playing off the ball. Then who plays PG? Azzi, if she live up to 80% of the hype plays a lot of minutes, but she's not a PG. That leaves Nika and Evina (probably not Christyn) to play the point. I really see Paige and Azzi starting with Nika/Evina playing the point (pick one). Add in Christyn playing a 2/3 position and Aaliyah/Liv (pick one) playing in the post. This ought to work against all except the biggest, most physical teams when more height and beef is needed in the line up.

That's a possibility.

 

[Viet Vet]

Starting is overrated. Finishing is not.

 

[Drew8]

Every time these threads pop up I start out attached to my view of who should play, and then end up just wishing it works out for all of the team and all of the players.

 

[DEpup]

I said in another thread, Carolyn Doty started every game as a Senior, she was half the player she had been before her injuries. There were players on the bench who were better Stewie during the season, and Bria during the tournament.
But when someone gives everything to the team which Carolyn did, Geno respects that, and they don't lose their starting position. That is Geno, and the Uconn way.

There is something to be said for purting your experienced players in the starting line up to go out and set the tone for the game, let the youngsters watch, and get a feel for the game before they burst on the court with all their freshman angst.