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Post by linkster on Apr 25, 2024 17:55:45 GMT -5
I'm not in the mood to join a search for Geno's replacement so I thought it's a good time to imagine next season while most everyone is healthy. (insert dark humor emoji) I'm assuming that all the injured will be back playing by January. Let's just refer to the rotation and the various combinations that Geno has to work with and leave the starting team for Geno to figure out. The key to the freshmen is going to be their defense. All of them have elite scoring skills. The quicker they pick up the defense the sooner they get into the regular rotation and UConn becomes an offensive juggernaut. When they do that UConn will be impossible to successfully defend. El Alfy was learning in the program for 7 months before injuring herself and being 6'6 she is a defensive weapon already. Ziebell is a coach's kid, Strong is the child of two pros and Cheli was good enough to move from wing to pg at Mitty and lead them to an outstanding season. Any of the four would have the ability to be the best player on the team next season if Bueckers wasn't on the roster. The true freshmen have been playing top level AAU BB for years and so have played very well against most of the current top college players. All three are 3 level scorers. And they will have Bueckers drawing defensive attention so getting free shouldn't be an issue. I'm really looking forward to seeing Cheli and Strong playing together. That's a lot of versatility. And both are exceptional passers. Ziebell is said to have a lot more to offer than just her 3 pt shooting but I would expect her to do a good imitation of KLS's freshman season where she was left alone in the corners and had the best 3pt shooting season of her college career. Bueckers always wanted to be a QB and right now she must feel like she got traded to the Chargers in the days of "Air Coryell". And for the record I don't hate any of the Huskies.  |
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Post by bulkey on Apr 25, 2024 18:07:35 GMT -5
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Post by linkster on Apr 25, 2024 18:53:56 GMT -5
I'm going to ignore his three tiers because it just puts us back into a "who starts" discussion that will become a brouhaha. My biggest disagreement is in Cheli, who I think will be in the rotation from game one. She lacks the strength of Strong but at 6'2 she can play 2-4. I don't think UConn has any end-of-the-bench players this season. There may be an injured-unable to play" section on the bench but everyone seems capable of making contributions. With the depth available UConn will present big problems at both ends of the court. |
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Post by linkster on Apr 25, 2024 22:02:38 GMT -5
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Post by semper on Apr 26, 2024 2:01:47 GMT -5
I love this. Anything that can lead to a positive discussion and keep us from playing oneupsmanship's games is just wonderful. So I'll put my hat in too! When is summer practice going to start anyway? Coach usually leaks us some tidbits when the women get back on campus and start working together. Fingers crossed that we don't have those horrible summer injuries. But enough of that, it's just that some of us suffer from shell shock regarding injuries. So let's assume NONE!
This is a great combo for January 1, when people are baaaaack. All I'm saying is I'd love to see what would happen with this group on the court together. So I'm calling it "a combo I'd love to see."
5 El Alfy
4 Strong
3 Griffin
2 Fudd
1 Bueckers
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Post by grrrrr on Apr 26, 2024 7:07:32 GMT -5
I really enjoyed this article but I'm telling you, the better the competition the better Allie and Morgan play. They will be in the rotation and not at the end of games.
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Post by bulkey on Apr 26, 2024 7:37:46 GMT -5
+1 on the bickering. I'm right, so why do we bicker?
Anyone but the starters, huh? I'm keeping Aubrey and Caroline out of the discussion since it's unlikely Aubrey will play until 2025 and who knows about Caroline?
Of course, we don't know if Geno is going to fill 1 or both of the remain scholarships, and that might well affect who's on the bench.
For me, the biggest unknown of the known are the defensive skills of Sarah and Jana: Neither has shown much capacity to play man-to-man effectively. (Sarah sort of waves at the person she's guarding and Jana is a half step too late). Of course, they'll get better over the year, but having them in the game together may mean that either Geno will play zone or accept that the front line is porous on defense but amazing on offense. That could be an effective trade-off until they improve.
Both, either, or neither of them might start at first. Hard to believe they'll be out of the starting lineup for long, however.
Morgan is the player with momentum. Her stock her senior year really, really rose. She can play the 1-3 equally well, and, in a pinch can probably play the 4. I see her getting more opportunities than Allie, since Allie is pretty much a 2, behind Azzi and Ashlynn. Morgan's bigger and, frankly, more talented than Ashlynn, but Ashlynn has a year in the system and never, never, never makes a mistake. Geno trusts her. For her to get big minutes going forward, she'll need to be more aggressive on defense: become a Nika wanna be. We will need that shutdown perimeter guard. I suspect Ashlynn can do that.
Paige certainly, Azzi and Morgan occasionally, might play point. But, unless Chen signs on, it's KK's all the way, as it should be. She pushes the ball up the court a lot faster than anyone else and is fearless (sometimes reckless, but that'll end) in penetrating. Even if her outside shot isn't the greatest, UConn has that covered with Paige, Azzi, and Sarah.
So, who's the backup point? I think it's by committee: all of the above.
I do think Ice will come into the year smokin' and disappoint all her doubters. This will give Ayanna time to work her way back, which she will.
Don't know if I missed anyone.
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Post by magic on Apr 26, 2024 8:06:00 GMT -5
I would love to see Azzi at 100 % by the beginning of the season. We know nothing about the severity of her injury or even her rehab. But, I would bet that Azzi is not ready for 25 minutes / gm before January, so I still see Ashlynn playing way more minutes. I do find it interesting that people are more worried about replacing Nika with KK than they are about providing front court players that score and rebound. My starting lineup to start the season given the roster Uconn has now:
Jana---After all of Geno's talk , I don't see her on bench.
Ice---Give her the immediate chance to be successful
SS----Let's see what kind of handle she has
Ashlynn --- No way Azzi is ready in November
Paige-- Best PG in WCBB
From here Huskies see who can hack it and who can't. Tweak from there.
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Post by chicagogg on Apr 26, 2024 8:12:26 GMT -5
Speaking of Coach's kids - Jana's father is the coach of the Egyptian National Team.
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Post by bulkey on Apr 26, 2024 8:16:20 GMT -5
I would love to see Azzi at 100 % by the beginning of the season. We know nothing about the severity of her injury or even her rehab. But, I would bet that Azzi is not ready for 25 minutes / gm before January, so I still see Ashlynn playing way more minutes. I do find it interesting that people are more worried about replacing Nika with KK than they are about providing front court players that score and rebound. My starting lineup to start the season given the roster Uconn has now: Jana---After all of Geno's talk , I don't see her on bench. Ice---Give her the immediate chance to be successful SS----Let's see what kind of handle she has Ashlynn --- No way Azzi is ready in November Paige-- Best PG in WCBB From here Huskies see who can hack it and who can't. Tweak from there. She has been telling anyone who will listen that she feels way ahead of schedule, and we saw her walking around the court on the FF warmups very naturally. 9-12 months is the usual time between ACL surgery and running full speed, so technically Azzi ought to be easily ready in November. but I bet you're right that she works her way in. Still, linkster is calling on us to talk about the non-starters. What's your list and analysis for those? |
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Post by UConnChapette on Apr 26, 2024 10:19:27 GMT -5
I would love to see Azzi at 100 % by the beginning of the season. We know nothing about the severity of her injury or even her rehab. But, I would bet that Azzi is not ready for 25 minutes / gm before January, so I still see Ashlynn playing way more minutes. I do find it interesting that people are more worried about replacing Nika with KK than they are about providing front court players that score and rebound. My starting lineup to start the season given the roster Uconn has now: Jana---After all of Geno's talk , I don't see her on bench. Ice---Give her the immediate chance to be successful SS----Let's see what kind of handle she has Ashlynn --- No way Azzi is ready in November Paige-- Best PG in WCBB From here Huskies see who can hack it and who can't. Tweak from there. The thread was talking 2924-2025 except starters. |
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Post by magic on Apr 26, 2024 10:25:09 GMT -5
Non starters : The problem is we don't know the status of Caroline, Ayanna .I'd love to see Caroline at the "3" and healthy. My guess is if she's healthy to start , she gets first dibbs. Everyone keeps talking about Ayanna ability, but I personally have never seen it at Uconn. Is it because she's been injured since HS ? People talk as if she is a jump out of the gymn athlete. I hope to see that in her. If so, backup at " 4 ". I like KK ( especially her personality ) but, again I think her time depends on Azzi's availabilty . Frankly , I'm shocked that Q gets no love at all. She has a variety of skills and it's up to the coaching staff to help her pull it all together. I have not seen Cheli or Ziebel enough to expect more than back up bench time. Maybe aubrey can give 10- 15 minutes by January.
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Post by bulkey on Apr 26, 2024 10:31:38 GMT -5
Right. I forgot about Q. She's really a tweener: obviously an immense amount of natural ability and she's working hard to get the UConn system and way of life: started diving for balls rather than laying back and waiting for her shot. But she's not especially strong or dynamic. Squats with free weights will help (not kidding about that, as they build explosive power).
Although Q's a gifted athlete, I'm seeing Morgan as having a tremendous motor and focus. I think she's going to get the system faster than the other freshmen, even Sarah (though obviously not nearly as gifted). Geno may well give Morgan some of Q's playing time. Sarah is the supremely gifted player--supernally so. She'll get her minutes, even if she doesn't start. But Morgan will make a big impact, too.
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Post by linkster on Apr 26, 2024 16:16:11 GMT -5
I would love to see Azzi at 100 % by the beginning of the season. We know nothing about the severity of her injury or even her rehab. But, I would bet that Azzi is not ready for 25 minutes / gm before January, so I still see Ashlynn playing way more minutes. I do find it interesting that people are more worried about replacing Nika with KK than they are about providing front court players that score and rebound. My starting lineup to start the season given the roster Uconn has now: Jana---After all of Geno's talk , I don't see her on bench. Ice---Give her the immediate chance to be successful SS----Let's see what kind of handle she has Ashlynn --- No way Azzi is ready in November Paige-- Best PG in WCBB From here Huskies see who can hack it and who can't. Tweak from there. She has been telling anyone who will listen that she feels way ahead of schedule, and we saw her walking around the court on the FF warmups very naturally. 9-12 months is the usual time between ACL surgery and running full speed, so technically Azzi ought to be easily ready in November. but I bet you're right that she works her way in. Still, linkster is calling on us to talk about the non-starters. What's your list and analysis for those? Actually I want all the players talked about and no discussion about who starts the game. I have my opinions about that but it's a discussion that always ends badly so why start. Besides, talent-wise Geno could literally pull 5 names out of a hat and start them. I think that Geno is going to surround Bueckers with scorers and let her be what she wants to be, the quarterback. As talented as Arnold is, with 15 seconds left, UConn with the ball and down 1, I want Bueckers coming upcourt with the ball, not Arnold. She will share minutes at pg for sure but she needs to improve her offense, particularly her 3pt shooting if she wants major minutes. Bueckers played off the ball because of the deficiencies of her teammates. I don't see that happening next season because there are several prolific scorers and 2 or 3 elite 3pt shooters other than Bueckers. Fudd, Ziebell and Strong. Ducharme could be put into that group and Cheli maybe. They have all been volume shooters too. Health and how they play defense are the unknowns and will be the quid pro quo for how much they play but as of now scoring is not any problem. (and I do remember that Geno said that last June) |
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Post by semper on Apr 27, 2024 5:31:51 GMT -5
I misunderstood the OP. I thought we were supposed to just discuss combos we liked, without thinking about starters, etc and sidestepping the angst.
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Post by linkster on Apr 28, 2024 0:42:47 GMT -5
I misunderstood the OP. I thought we were supposed to just discuss combos we liked, without thinking about starters, etc and sidestepping the angst. That's exactly what I meant. When I said no starters I meant no discussion about who starts. Talk about anyone. During the course of a game lots of combinations are used and positional roles get blurred. Geno has 4 newcomers who can all shoot 3's . Cheli and Strong are both positionless. Three level shooters, good rebounders, great passers. Ziebell is more than an elite 3pt shooter. It impressed me that she made a half dozen 3's at Rucker Park last summer. And I keep reading "high BBIQ" about all of them. SCar fans are saying that their incoming class is the best ever. If you toss in portalers USC is going to be strong. Right now UConn has the depth to match up with all of them. It's our turn. |
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Post by semper on Apr 28, 2024 2:33:25 GMT -5
OK, then I did get it! Thanks.
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Post by ucchamp on Apr 28, 2024 9:33:22 GMT -5
Sarah Strong is a big-time difference-maker imo. I expect her to be 2nd in scoring and 1st or 2nd in rebounding. More likely 1st. As a result, I'm expecting she'll get awarded at least "Honorable Mention All-American" (considering UCONN will be top 4 in the country- more than Paige will get an award). As stated during her recruiting process - it was felt she is an absolute perfect fit for what UCONN needed and wants to do. Any starter and non-starter will have their game enhanced overall playing alongside her. **I just want to add I meant mayne 1st in rebounding. I doubt shell outscore Paige -- unless Azzi is healthy which would make Piage much more pass-happy/reliant. Paige is gonna make Sarah -- real good. |
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Post by swash on Apr 28, 2024 11:02:43 GMT -5
Sarah Strong is a big-time difference-maker imo. I expect her to be 2nd in scoring and 1st or 2nd in rebounding. More likely 1st. As a result, I'm expecting she'll get awarded at least "Honorable Mention All-American" (considering UCONN will be top 4 in the country- more than Paige will get an award). As stated during her recruiting process - it was felt she is an absolute perfect fit for what UCONN needed and wants to do. Any starter and non-starter will have their game enhanced overall playing alongside her. I think that's a very tall order for a freshman. Eventually, sure. Anyway, I prefer your prediction to mine |
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Post by ucchamp on Apr 28, 2024 11:51:40 GMT -5
Sarah Strong is a big-time difference-maker imo. I expect her to be 2nd in scoring and 1st or 2nd in rebounding. More likely 1st. As a result, I'm expecting she'll get awarded at least "Honorable Mention All-American" (considering UCONN will be top 4 in the country- more than Paige will get an award). As stated during her recruiting process - it was felt she is an absolute perfect fit for what UCONN needed and wants to do. Any starter and non-starter will have their game enhanced overall playing alongside her. I think that's a very tall order for a freshman. Eventually, sure. Anyway, I prefer your prediction to mine Well -- yeah I guess we'll have to disagree. I can't see Azzi starting early or getting big minutes early with her injury issues. So there will be a void to fill with Aaliyah's departure - needing a 2nd scorer - also looking for rebounding. And her comfort inside and out and her physicality will show from game 1 on imo. There were three amazing freshmen that I knew of last year - I'm sure there were more of Juju, Booker and Hidalgo. As for this year I see Joyce Edwards having some big games yet they went head-to-head in H/S and Sarah got 31 pts 17 reb in which her team also won. She more than matched Joyce and if there were a few lats year that exceled, then why can't the number 1 recruit of this year be at least Honorable A/A considering the team she playing on? |
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Post by swash on Apr 28, 2024 16:25:39 GMT -5
I think that's a very tall order for a freshman. Eventually, sure. Anyway, I prefer your prediction to mine Well -- yeah I guess we'll have to disagree. I can't see Azzi starting early or getting big minutes early with her injury issues. So there will be a void to fill with Aaliyah's departure - needing a 2nd scorer - also looking for rebounding. And her comfort inside and out and her physicality will show from game 1 on imo. There were three amazing freshmen that I knew of last year - I'm sure there were more of Juju, Booker and Hidalgo. As for this year I see Joyce Edwards having some big games yet they went head-to-head in H/S and Sarah got 31 pts 17 reb in which her team also won. She more than matched Joyce and if there were a few lats year that exceled, then why can't the number 1 recruit of this year be at least Honorable A/A considering the team she playing on? I'd wager on Azzi 20 (or more) minutes per game in first 4 or 5 games. Wish I could be so confident about Caroline |
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Post by ucchamp on Apr 28, 2024 17:06:36 GMT -5
Well -- yeah I guess we'll have to disagree. I can't see Azzi starting early or getting big minutes early with her injury issues. So there will be a void to fill with Aaliyah's departure - needing a 2nd scorer - also looking for rebounding. And her comfort inside and out and her physicality will show from game 1 on imo. There were three amazing freshmen that I knew of last year - I'm sure there were more of Juju, Booker and Hidalgo. As for this year I see Joyce Edwards having some big games yet they went head-to-head in H/S and Sarah got 31 pts 17 reb in which her team also won. She more than matched Joyce and if there were a few lats year that exceled, then why can't the number 1 recruit of this year be at least Honorable A/A considering the team she playing on? I'd wager on Azzi 20 (or more) minutes per game in first 4 or 5 games. Wish I could be so confident about Caroline I'd bet 12-15 vs teams with not much chance to beat UCONN the 1st 5 games or so. Then up to 12 up to 20 vs top teams through December. Then in January if she had any hiccups themove for more. All would change if UCONN is struggling. |
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Post by swash on Apr 28, 2024 17:21:04 GMT -5
I'd wager on Azzi 20 (or more) minutes per game in first 4 or 5 games. Wish I could be so confident about Caroline I'd bet 12-15 vs teams with not much chance to beat UCONN the 1st 5 games or so. Then up to 12 up to 20 vs top teams through December. Then in January if she had any hiccups themove for more. All would change if UCONN is struggling. Sticking with my number, but your thinking is reasonable |
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Post by ucchamp on Apr 28, 2024 17:27:07 GMT -5
I'd bet 12-15 vs teams with not much chance to beat UCONN the 1st 5 games or so. Then up to 12 up to 20 vs top teams through December. Then in January if she had any hiccups themove for more. All would change if UCONN is struggling. Sticking with my number, but your thinking is reasonable As is yours. |
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Post by doggydaddy on Apr 29, 2024 8:03:48 GMT -5
It's amazing how fans can come up with minutes for players based on past injuries without knowing their injury recovery status.
I do it too, but I tend to lean towards optimism.
I've said it before. Until I hear differenly I believe all the injured players will be back in time to have no restrictions when the season starts and minutes will be at the whim of the coach.
Here is what I have heard.
Caroline is getting better every day and plans on being 100% when the season starts.
Azzi is actually a little ahead of schedule. Her surgery was first week of December 2023. ACL recovery is 9-12 months. If it's on the low end that would be ready to go 100% first week of September.
Aubrey had surgery end of January 2024. At best she will be 100% in December. Too early to say if she is on schedule.
Ayanna had Patella tendonitis surgery in mid-december 2023. Recovery is 6-12 months. I haven't heard an update on her recovery status. So she could be ready for the season, and at worst November.
Jana had her Surgery in July 2023. She already did some limited practice at the end of the season and will be ready for summer pickup games.
If anyone has more information, I'd love to hear it.
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