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Post by semper on May 2, 2024 4:44:55 GMT -5
my first attempt!
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Poll
May 2, 2024 6:49:26 GMT -5
Post by larrylegend on May 2, 2024 6:49:26 GMT -5
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Post by swash on May 2, 2024 7:15:46 GMT -5
LOL. I can guarantee being correct with the first entry, "Available Players" ... right? I went out on a limb with Sarah. Maybe I (we) just want her to be great so much. If she is starter quality in November ... wow that'd be nice.
My alternative would have been Caroline. If she's able to unleash the talent we so dearly missed over the past 2.5 seasons, she is capable of nudging ... barging? ... her way onto the Wall of Honor
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Post by UConnChapette on May 2, 2024 9:09:35 GMT -5
Incredibly difficult! I don’t envy Geno!
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Post by bulkey on May 2, 2024 9:09:54 GMT -5
2 things the portal period has suggested: 1. Paige will NOT be point. It would be absurd to bring in Kaitlyn (and a betrayal of Carla) to have her competing with KK for backup. 2. The 5 position remains fluid. If Geno was eager to bring in Raegan for two years, that means she would get 25 min/game. Doesn't mean Ice wouldn't have got minutes or that Jana wouldn't have sometimes slid into the 5. But Geno was looking for a different 5 and therefore something different for Jana. To my mind, it reinforces my own belief that Jana is most effective as a completely unguardable 4: just like Kevin McHale, who might have been a 5 elsewhere. Because there's no Beers, Jana might be the 5--depending on Ice's development and how much time Geno wants to give Sarah. But I believe the strongest team for me, but maybe not Geno (who also gets a vote ) is Ice at the 5, Jana at the 4. But where would that put Sarah? So, because we now know that Paige will not play point, but rather the 3, the compromise is likely Jana at the 5 and Sarah at the 4. ....unless, until Azzi's ready, Paige becomes the 2. And then we field a monster team of Ice, Jana, Sarah, Paige and a point guard to be named. And of course, that assumes Sarah starts from the beginning. If not, the starting line-up simplifies: Ice, Jana, Paige, Ashlynn, and the point, with Sarah and Azzi first off the bench. Things change by December. But Geno has the supreme luxury of seeing the best combinations as the calendar turns toward March.
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Post by meyers7 on May 2, 2024 9:59:06 GMT -5
The hardest part is not knowing who's gonna be available.
When you think about it, only 5 of last years available players are coming back. Bueckers/Arnold/Shade/Ice/Samuels
We'll have 5 players who have never played for UCONN before. Chen/El Alfy/Strong/Zeibell/Cheli - learning curve
And 4 (5) coming off injuries. Griffin/Fudd/Ducharme/Patterson (El Alfy) - physical curve
That's a lot of "putting the team together" for Geno and Co to do.
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May 2, 2024 11:37:05 GMT -5
Post by rockymtblue2 on May 2, 2024 11:37:05 GMT -5
Intimidates the heck out of me. Now, if I was still drinking ...
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Post by swash on May 2, 2024 14:04:43 GMT -5
2 things the portal period has suggested: 1. Paige will NOT be point. It would be absurd to bring in Kaitlyn (and a betrayal of Carla) to have her competing with KK for backup. 2. The 5 position remains fluid. If Geno was eager to bring in Raegan for two years, that means she would get 25 min/game. Doesn't mean Ice wouldn't have got minutes or that Jana wouldn't have sometimes slid into the 5. But Geno was looking for a different 5 and therefore something different for Jana. To my mind, it reinforces my own belief that Jana is most effective as a completely unguardable 4: just like Kevin McHale, who might have been a 5 elsewhere. Because there's no Beers, Jana might be the 5--depending on Ice's development and how much time Geno wants to give Sarah. But I believe the strongest team for me, but maybe not Geno (who also gets a vote ) is Ice at the 5, Jana at the 4. But where would that put Sarah? So, because we now know that Paige will not play point, but rather the 3, the compromise is likely Jana at the 5 and Sarah at the 4. ....unless, until Azzi's ready, Paige becomes the 2. And then we field a monster team of Ice, Jana, Sarah, Paige and a point guard to be named. And of course, that assumes Sarah starts from the beginning. If not, the starting line-up simplifies: Ice, Jana, Paige, Ashlynn, and the point, with Sarah and Azzi first off the bench. Things change by December. But Geno has the supreme luxury of seeing the best combinations as the calendar turns toward March. Reasonable. But... I think since you're thinnest at Center it would be a mistake to start both of your two Center candidates ... at least until they prove they can play long minutes of solid Defense without fouling. All the more when one of the two hasn't played a minute and the other didn't build real momentum until the final seven games. This is further magnified by having so many good options (fingers crossed) to play at the four. Sarah, Aubrey, Ayanna, Caroline, Morgan, Qadence, ... Paige, even. Playing the four that way, means you can truly rotate Centers with far less worry about foul issues (See Clingan and Johnson, each with a propensity to get quick fouls, but alternating ... and giving opponents different looks) drastically reduces your risk. KK/Kaitlyn/Paige Azzi/Ash/Allie Paige/Caroline/Azzi/Morgan, Qadence Sarah/Caroline/Aubrey/Ayanna ... Jana/Ice With a deep set of alternatives and flexibility everywhere ... except Center. That's not to say we won't see that combination. I expect we will... Just not as a starting lineup ... least of all in November
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Post by mulliganspa on May 2, 2024 14:05:09 GMT -5
Looking at this roster, we are one player away (and it really doesn’t matter who that player is) to have the dubious honor of having a team where the third string wins the Big East championship.
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Post by swash on May 2, 2024 14:20:45 GMT -5
Looking at this roster, we are one player away (and it really doesn’t matter who that player is) to have the dubious honor of having a team where the third string wins the Big East championship. Second string ... sure - as long as everyone is healthy and can play to their abilities. Third string? I don't know. Let's have a look before we go that far.
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May 2, 2024 14:27:28 GMT -5
swash likes this
Post by mulliganspa on May 2, 2024 14:27:28 GMT -5
Looking at this roster, we are one player away (and it really doesn’t matter who that player is) to have the dubious honor of having a team where the third string wins the Big East championship. Second string ... sure - as long as everyone is healthy and can play to their abilities. Third string? I don't know. Let's have a look before we go that far. You are being logical..I know…but for me…I’ve seen enough for these past few years. The conference is getting weaker with the best players bolting and weak recruiting andUCONN is getting stronger. It’s been ugly and about to get even uglier. We’ve gone from the Blime to the SUB BLIME.
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Post by doggydaddy on May 2, 2024 14:28:55 GMT -5
I guess my question is are you all doing what you think Geno will do or what you would do and want to see?
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Post by bulkey on May 2, 2024 14:42:46 GMT -5
Reasonable. But... I think since you're thinnest at Center it would be a mistake to start both of your two Center candidates ... at least until they prove they can play long minutes of solid Defense without fouling. All the more when one of the two hasn't played a minute and the other didn't build real momentum until the final seven games. That's a really good point, swash, and I concede that having Ice and Jana out there together for long stretches isn't optimal, given that we don't know when Ayanna will be able to be part of the rotation. Which is certainly part of the thinking why we need another big--either a true 5 or at least a physical 4. Geno seems to still be fishing in those portal waters. So, I sort of concede your point against top teams. But I do think we can think of Sarah at the 4 in the rotation, and even Morgan--undersized but extremely active--and Paige played the 4; and Aubrey when she's better. Geno at times had Ice and Aaliyah in together, and at other times Ice was substituting for Aaliyah. He has more flexibility this year because of Sarah and assuming Ayanna plays and plays to expectations. So, even if that last scholarship goes unfilled, I'm betting there will be times when Ice and Jana are not on the court together, and other times when they are. Geno's recruitment of Beers tells me that he intended Jana to play the 4, because he would not overrecruit Jana for 2 years. At the 4, she might be the most dominant position player in all WCBB. That might not be the case now. Still, there are times when the opportunities and match-ups happen, and I believe he will do that.
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Post by doggydaddy on May 2, 2024 14:57:49 GMT -5
Reasonable. But... I think since you're thinnest at Center it would be a mistake to start both of your two Center candidates ... at least until they prove they can play long minutes of solid Defense without fouling. All the more when one of the two hasn't played a minute and the other didn't build real momentum until the final seven games. That's a really good point, swash, and I concede that having Ice and Jana out there together for long stretches isn't optimal, given that we don't know when Ayanna will be able to be part of the rotation. Which is certainly part of the thinking why we need another big--either a true 5 or at least a physical 4. Geno seems to still be fishing in those portal waters. So, I sort of concede your point against top teams. But I do think we can think of Sarah at the 4 in the rotation, and even Morgan--undersized but extremely active--and Paige played the 4; and Aubrey when she's better. Geno at times had Ice and Aaliyah in together, and at other times Ice was substituting for Aaliyah. He has more flexibility this year because of Sarah and assuming Ayanna plays and plays to expectations. So, even if that last scholarship goes unfilled, I'm betting there will be times when Ice and Jana are not on the court together, and other times when they are. I believe there is no reason for Geno to play Jana and Ice together. If he does it would be to just get them more minutes. It doesn't always work out but if Jana and Ice split the 5, they would get close to 20 minutes each. If some games one or the other has foul trouble, it could be 15 for one and 25 for the other. And if match ups with other teams mean they need more size on the court, he has the option to play them together. I just don't think it will be often. In regards to a physical four, you pretty much mentioned them all. Strong and a healthy Patterson can fill that role. Geno can go three deep at every position except center unless he plays some small ball. I haven't participated in this poll year. I have no friggin' idea what I would do and what Geno will do. You can't go wrong with a combination of any five players.
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Poll
May 2, 2024 15:10:49 GMT -5
swash likes this
Post by bulkey on May 2, 2024 15:10:49 GMT -5
I don't disagree, DD. I think Geno will have the opportunity to play Ice and Jana together if and when he needs it. Otherwise, as you and swash say, it's not the best use of resources.
I still believe that Ice has worked herself into a true high post, while that's still work that Jana will have to do. But maybe that's the point: with Ice, it's a high post game with her back to the rim; with Jana, it's a more fluid offense with her and Sarah together being impossible to guard. To be reductive: 4-out vs. 5-out.
Geno, like other great coaches, likes to change tempo and play situational ball. Ice and Jana give him different tempos and different situations.
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May 2, 2024 15:30:39 GMT -5
Post by jonathan on May 2, 2024 15:30:39 GMT -5
Are you asking who we would start or who we think Geno will start?
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Post by semper on May 2, 2024 16:07:53 GMT -5
I am voting for what I predict that Geno will do, given what I think is likely, knowing what I know so far about the players and their chemistries and histories, and likely points of return. This is for Nov. 1. Jan. 1 would be another poll altogether.
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May 2, 2024 16:31:36 GMT -5
via mobile
Post by doggydaddy on May 2, 2024 16:31:36 GMT -5
I am voting for what I predict that Geno will do, given what I think is likely, knowing what I know so far about the players and their chemistries and histories, and likely points of return. This is for Nov. 1. Jan. 1 would be another poll altogether. Thanks for the clarification.
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BJ42
Purebred Husky
Posts: 452
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Poll
May 2, 2024 17:24:57 GMT -5
Post by BJ42 on May 2, 2024 17:24:57 GMT -5
Reasonable. But... I think since you're thinnest at Center it would be a mistake to start both of your two Center candidates ... at least until they prove they can play long minutes of solid Defense without fouling. All the more when one of the two hasn't played a minute and the other didn't build real momentum until the final seven games. That's a really good point, swash, and I concede that having Ice and Jana out there together for long stretches isn't optimal, given that we don't know when Ayanna will be able to be part of the rotation. Which is certainly part of the thinking why we need another big--either a true 5 or at least a physical 4. Geno seems to still be fishing in those portal waters. So, I sort of concede your point against top teams. But I do think we can think of Sarah at the 4 in the rotation, and even Morgan--undersized but extremely active--and Paige played the 4; and Aubrey when she's better. Geno at times had Ice and Aaliyah in together, and at other times Ice was substituting for Aaliyah. He has more flexibility this year because of Sarah and assuming Ayanna plays and plays to expectations. So, even if that last scholarship goes unfilled, I'm betting there will be times when Ice and Jana are not on the court together, and other times when they are. Geno's recruitment of Beers tells me that he intended Jana to play the 4, because he would not overrecruit Jana for 2 years. At the 4, she might be the most dominant position player in all WCBB. That might not be the case now. Still, there are times when the opportunities and match-ups happen, and I believe he will do that. What? When? I know you tend to be a little optimistic but just at that position, you think she may already be better than Iriafen? Or did you mean by her soph. or jr. season? She hasn't dominated a UConn practice yet.
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Post by bulkey on May 2, 2024 17:44:36 GMT -5
That's a really good point, swash, and I concede that having Ice and Jana out there together for long stretches isn't optimal, given that we don't know when Ayanna will be able to be part of the rotation. Which is certainly part of the thinking why we need another big--either a true 5 or at least a physical 4. Geno seems to still be fishing in those portal waters. So, I sort of concede your point against top teams. But I do think we can think of Sarah at the 4 in the rotation, and even Morgan--undersized but extremely active--and Paige played the 4; and Aubrey when she's better. Geno at times had Ice and Aaliyah in together, and at other times Ice was substituting for Aaliyah. He has more flexibility this year because of Sarah and assuming Ayanna plays and plays to expectations. So, even if that last scholarship goes unfilled, I'm betting there will be times when Ice and Jana are not on the court together, and other times when they are. Geno's recruitment of Beers tells me that he intended Jana to play the 4, because he would not overrecruit Jana for 2 years. At the 4, she might be the most dominant position player in all WCBB. That might not be the case now. Still, there are times when the opportunities and match-ups happen, and I believe he will do that. What? When? I know you tend to be a little optimistic but just at that position, you think she may already be better than Iriafen? Or did you mean by her soph. or jr. season? She hasn't dominated a UConn practice yet. I do. Iriafen is a great player. She's super athletic. She averaged 19 + 11, but is a complete inside player (2-6 from 3 all season). She had far, far more TOs than blocks (82-23), and that is really troublesome. (When Beers was in play, DD posted a tape where she really schooled Kiki: Kiki simply could not defend her.) And she had the great advantage of playing with Brink underneath, so she wasn't doubled that often. I think Jana at the 4 cannot be defended. She has terrific moves, inside and out, and a terrific outside shot. She stretches the offense and then can/and will drive hard to the hoop. She overpowers others. Of course, Kiki's in her 4th year, and Jana is in her first after sitting out a year. So, sure, she is going to have to grow into herself, getting use to the pace, the pressure, and simply getting back into playing shape. But Stewie was an absolutely freak athlete. Jana is different, but she is a freak, too. Kiki is great, but plays within the lanes of traditional excellence. Defending her is hard, but predictable. As the season goes on, Jana will be seen as the giant problem that defenses will have to account for. But with Paige stressing defenses similarly, and probably Azzi and Sarah, too, Jana will get single coverage and dominate.
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Post by grrrrr on May 2, 2024 18:13:47 GMT -5
Looking at this roster, we are one player away (and it really doesn’t matter who that player is) to have the dubious honor of having a team where the third string wins the Big East championship. Yeah, which is a problem that apparently is only going to get worse. If this keeps up it will be back to the old AAC level, and our SOS will take a major hit.
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May 2, 2024 18:48:05 GMT -5
Post by swash on May 2, 2024 18:48:05 GMT -5
What? When? I know you tend to be a little optimistic but just at that position, you think she may already be better than Iriafen? Or did you mean by her soph. or jr. season? She hasn't dominated a UConn practice yet. I do. Iriafen is a great player. She's super athletic. She averaged 19 + 11, but is a complete inside player (2-6 from 3 all season). She had far, far more TOs than blocks (82-23), and that is really troublesome. (When Beers was in play, DD posted a tape where she really schooled Kiki: Kiki simply could not defend her.) And she had the great advantage of playing with Brink underneath, so she wasn't doubled that often. I think Jana at the 4 cannot be defended. She has terrific moves, inside and out, and a terrific outside shot. She stretches the offense and then can/and will drive hard to the hoop. She overpowers others. Of course, Kiki's in her 4th year, and Jana is in her first after sitting out a year. So, sure, she is going to have to grow into herself, getting use to the pace, the pressure, and simply getting back into playing shape. But Stewie was an absolutely freak athlete. Jana is different, but she is a freak, too. Kiki is great, but plays within the lanes of traditional excellence. Defending her is hard, but predictable. As the season goes on, Jana will be seen as the giant problem that defenses will have to account for. But with Paige stressing defenses similarly, and probably Azzi and Sarah, too, Jana will get single coverage and dominate. That's a lot to hope for in year one. I do hope your prediction is gold, though.
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May 3, 2024 3:17:47 GMT -5
swash likes this
Post by semper on May 3, 2024 3:17:47 GMT -5
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May 3, 2024 6:45:50 GMT -5
Post by doggydaddy on May 3, 2024 6:45:50 GMT -5
Unless i read the poll wrong, someone didn't vote for Paige to start. Anyone care to own up for that one???
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Poll
May 3, 2024 7:04:41 GMT -5
Post by doggydaddy on May 3, 2024 7:04:41 GMT -5
After 24 total votes, here is our starting lineup!!!
Paige - 23 votes Strong - 19 votes El Alfy - 17 votes Arnold - 16 votes Shade - 15 votes
Ice is the only other player with double digit votes with 11.
Griffin, Ducharme and Patterson are all recovering from injury and received zero votes Ziebell, Cheli are freshmen not named strong and received zero votes Samuels also received zero votes.
The only other players with votes is Chen with 7 and Fudd with 8.
Great job everyone!!
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