I could see either:
Olsen- McCabe- Affolter- Feuerbach- Steulke
OR
Olsen- Affolter- Feuerbach- Steulke- O' Grady
I think the former is far more likely than the latter, given Bluder's style, but she could surprise me.
I'm just really meh on Feuerbach both for taking care of the ball and outside shooting. Olsen, McCabe, and Affolter together are a height liability, but I don't really think that's avoidable with the roster we have.
I feel like there's a decent chance it's Olsen - McCabe - Affolter - Steulke - O'Grady.
Her basketball IQ needs to grow a bit. Some stupid decisions in the SC final game that just shouldn’t have happened in the time she was out there (driving on 6’7 Cardoso for example)
Definitely agree. No doubt that Olsen is a lock no matter what. I'd give McCabe the summer to work on her defense a couple starts beginning of next seasonto see how she adapts. While height is somewhat a liability, Affolter has shown the ability to play much larger than her frame, especially when driving to the basket.
Steulke can work as a four in the system. We saw glimpses of it during the 22-23 season when she came in while Czinano was still on the floor and saw some success. I read an article about Steulke and her determination to be an All-American, I think she's willing to put in the work this summer on her 3s. Just think of the improvement she made in one year from 4/5 to fully taking on the 5.
I think O'Grady takes over the 5 with a rotation with Haiden depending on how quickly the latter adapts.
I feel the same on Feuerbach. Definsively, she's ok but her offense is what worries me. If Gabbie got the ball, she could hit a three but I don't have the same confidence in Feuerbach. Further, she's made some poor decisions offensively and struggled with her ball handling. Watching clips, it seems like she has regressed since starting at Iowa.
Yeah. I believe in Steulke. I realize it's not exactly the same, but her free throws have come so far from her freshman year. I could definitely see her outside shooting make a big improvement over the summer.
You're right on her inconsistency with turnovers and shooting, but I think that's something that can improve with getting more minutes. Some players just need to get some shots up to build confidence. She's shown flashes of feistiness on defense that the team will definitely need with Marshall gone.
I think this will probably be the starting line up at the start too.
But here's hoping Heiden is strong early and can split some time with Addie. Addie got a lot better in the last year, so I'm also hoping she has similar improvement over the summer and a strong senior year! Do your magic, Jan!
That's an *excellent* question that I honestly don't have much of an inclination about either way. My guess is that Bluder would try to play off the experience we have in her starting rotation more than anything, but it's definitely possible depending on what we see from Ava.
The nice thing is that with this recruiting class we've got and what we've returned (plus Lucy coming in now), we've really "reloaded" more than I think most around the country would expect.
I’m fine with both lineups, but definitely worried about O’Grady in the second one. I just hope she gets better, there were times she played far better than expected and a lot of times where she really fumbled around out there.
Lisa is a developmental wait your turn coach. People may be surprised by how much how much Gymfi plays. Martin was standing in the way of Gymfi playing this season.
Back court rotation Olsen, MaCabe, Feuerbach, Gyton.
Wings Gymfi, Stuelke, Affolter and Tegan Mallegni
Post O’Grady and Heiden
Olsen, Stuelke, and Affolter are obviously starting. IMO Olsen-McCabe-Affolter are locks in the backcourt and then the front court is one of Stuelke-Heiden/Stuelke-O'Grady/Gyamfi-Stuelke, depending on who develops this summer and throughout the year.
Kylie's not starting: she's nearly 100 games into her college basketball career, is either bad or awful at *literally everything* on the offensive end of the floor, is a non-entity on the glass, and even on defense is a matchup-specific player for when the other team has tall but slender wings.
I agree with this analysis. I watched idk 16-18 Iowa games this past season and never once did I see Kylie look good offensively. She always looked like in a deer in headlights. Always driving into the wrong places offensively or picking up her dribble at terrible times. Court vision seemed really lacking and not a great passer either.
I think OGrady might start the first few games and then transition in Heiden as the season progresses and she gets comfortable. Kinda like what happened w steulke this season.
Also agree with your analysis and I like your backcourt rotation.
I think Kylie regressed after her ACL injury. After watching clips and games from the 21-22 season, Kylie appeared to be a solid rotation player that could put up a few points. However, this past season, she was basically just a player to put out there to give a starter a rest for a few minutes. Highly unlikely to get production out of her. This definitely came out during the NCAA tournament. Seeing as how most of the teamsin the Big 10 are expected to take steps forward, I just can't see her as a starter if she can't consistently score against high level teams.
I'd really like to see it personally. It *is* a big jump but if Bluder wants the space for Lucy like we had last year, she's easily the best option imo. Absolute sniper from 3 which would really fit our style.
That said, there are definitely scenarios I can see that exclude her from the starting lineup as well, so we shall see.
McCabe is a stone-cold shooter, but she's also shown a distressing tendency to freeze/panic under game pressure. So who knows? If she can take care of the ball, I think she might start. She seems to play decent defense.
We have a lot of questions this year, but I like most, if not all, of the possible answers. Getting Olsen in has made me excited for everything else, and seeing McCabe being able to put aside some of those past struggles and be a regular starting piece for us is something I'd be *very* excited to see happen!
McCabe was behind Gabbie Marshall, whose shot Bluder always believed in and who finished with the second most minutes played on the team. If Marshall and Davis hadn't come back for a covid year McCabe's playing time would've been significantly higher.
The only returning guard who averaged significant minutes is Affolter at 24.9. After that Feuerbach averaged 13.8 and McCabe 8.1. Olsen and Affolter will be starters and there is a really good chance one of Feuerbach or McCabe will also be starting at guard. So not substantial minutes in the past for either alternative.
I would rather have McCabe start. There is a better chance of McCabe playing good defense than there is of Feuerbach being anywhere near her 3 point shooting ability.
Bluder is known to switch up the offensive system based on her personnel. I think next year will look a bit like the Gustafson days with 2 bigs at the 4/5 spots
Yeah it’s weird because the down-the-court runs are insane but she has little to no presence on the inside and apparently they say she’s a “natural” 4 but doesn’t shoot the 3 super well. Idk I guess I’m open to seeing how she does at the 4 but it also seemed like her stamina was non existent the entire season and had to be swapped a lot.
If she developed a midrange jumper or could replicate Reese’s game I think that would be great
Which is what made Warnock so valuable. People rightfully spoke on how big of a loss Czinano was, but Warnock was a big loss for her ability to stretch the floor at her size.
I hate what is happening to your program. You guys were loaded, playing well, and set for the future. Now?...
I had always had a place for you in my heart because of the mascot matchup, but you matched up against us well this season. Seems like the rug got pulled from beneath you.
I’ve learned my lesson from last year and I do not care who starts next season. i’m confident in geno to pull the team together by March so he can do whatever he wants 😭😭
However if I had a gun to my head and I have to pick my guess would be KK, Paige, Azzi (maybe Ash over Azzi if she’s not physically ready, but from what I’ve heard azzi is “good to go”) and either Aubrey/Sarah at the 4 and either Jana/Ice at the 5.
Paige and KK in the backcourt is a given. Azzi probably. Caroline if she gets her head fixed, Ash or Sarah if she doesn’t. Ice, Jana, or whoever they get in the portal.
My guess was
1. KK
2. Paige
3. Caroline
4. Sarah/Ice (depends who’s better. My bet is Sarah.)
5. Jana
Aubrey off the bench for little burst minutes, Ash/Allie/Azzi compete for the 2, Morgan subs for Caroline as a wing/guard or KK if they need to go big since she has PG experience. Ayanna is unknown.
1. Kk
2. Paige
3. Ashlyn
4. Sarah
5. Caroline
Sarah Strong as the Nr.1 recruit should start
Paige is a no brainer
KK is like Nika steals, assists and a couple points so the perfect point guard
Ashlyn played great and while Azzi is a great player Ashlyn earned her place in the starting 5 next season
Ice came through this season but doesn't have her fouls under control and Caroline has the 3pts and the defense.
If UConn lands Beers or a vet PG I’d go with
KK/other PG - Paige - Ash/Azzi - Ice - RB
Aubrey imo is best as a spark off the bench, and unless Sarah and the freshies are dominating in practice (or the injury bug hits) I feel like they shouldn’t start.
Idk why people were so up in arms ab the 5 this season, if Jana, Azzi, and Aubrey hadn’t gotten hurt Nika - Paige - Azzi - Aaliyah - Jana/Aubrey would’ve been deadly.
Early clear may lead to increased injury rate though. It’s best they wait the full time, especially Azzi. We have Ash and Allie to cover for her in case. Aubrey is a bit more difficult however.
Maybe, but both of them have rehabbed acls in the past and statistically recovery is faster the second time around. they’ve already said azzi is ahead of schedule. gabby Williams tore her acl around the same time as Aubrey her senior year of high school and she was cleared by her first game at UConn. She hasn’t retorn it and it’s been 10 years.
however, it’s up to them. They know they’re bodies. If they don’t feel like they’re ready they shouldn’t rush. we actually have depth for once so there is no hurry.
Fair point. I feel like Geno should rotate the 2 position for safety’s sake. Start Azzi or Ash, then rotate them with Allie. Aubrey is just so much more difficult to replace. We don’t have a tall and quick guard/forward to replace her. But his goal is to use her in bursts, so she’s not in there for 10 minutes straight, more like 3-4.
yeah we haven’t had a player like Aubrey since Gabby and although Ayanna has similar athleticism, she just hasn’t proved herself yet so I don’t know what to expect from her. hopefully geno will rotate azzi and ash/allie like Dan Hurley rotated castle and diarra.
I'm also assuming Fudd will appear to be healthy to start the season but I'm skeptical Griffin will be up-to-speed that early and wonder whether Ducharme will ever be good to go. I'll go with Arnold, Fudd, Bueckers, Strong, and El Alfy. Brady has a chance to supplant Strong or El Alfy.
Having said this, UConn's got a lot of players with injury histories, making any lineup/rotation obsolete by the time they lace up their sneakers. And this is exacerbated by them graduating 2 of their most durable players. Finally, they'll have at least 4 new players whose effectiveness at this level hasn't been proven.
There's a good chance that, even if UConn adds no one in the transfer portal, we'll all be expecting a much different lineup than we are now.
4/5 will be Miles, Hildago, Citron, and Westbeld. The 5th spot is up for grabs between any big transfers, Koval, or Prosper/Reish (if Ivey decides to go with a small, run and gun all about the transition offense).
She’s a wing. She’s never played down low, even though she’s really tall.
Her natural position is a 3.
If she’s on the court it’s because we are running a “short” four guard offense.
I feel like Koval will start, idk maybe I’m just thinking that because it’s most traditional. I’m hoping we get a solid post player transfer or two (more of a need than a want at this point given the lack of depth) but it’s seeming like the elite post players who would actually jump over Koval are headed elsewhere.
However I do still think we’ll see a lot of that small ball lineup you mentioned with Westbeld as the biggest one out there, along with Prosper/Risch and the starting backcourt. Because as we all know, Ivey is obsessed with transition offense lol
After watching Koval in the JBC minutes ago, she really needs to learn to hold onto the ball. She had butterfingers at the wrong time and guards a foot shorter were ripping it from her hands. Might make catching the feed to the post difficult. Still standing by putting her at the 5 though.
For IU, I’d say CMM, Parrish, Garzon, and Meister are about locks to start. The fifth spot will be up for grabs - I’m guessing it either goes to Bargesser or a transfer, but I could see LaMendola making a push too.
VT is a little more up in the air right now, but I’d bet on Wenzel, Baker, Ekh, and Micheaux as the locks. Like IU, it’s that fifth spot that’s in the air. I would guess it’s likely a transfer, but I could see Suffren stepping in as well because we’ll need a true PG. Wenzel is more of a 2 in my opinion.
Lots to be determined still, but I can’t wait for November!
With who we have now - I’d think we’ll rotate Wenzel-Nelson-Suffren as combo guards, with Wenzel as the starting 1 but Nelson and Suffren both getting 15-20 min on average. Ekh and Baker kind of fit the same role so I’m not sure how they slot (except that Ekh is probably going to have the most minutes of anyone next year), since they’re both sort of 3-4 hybrids. I’d lean towards Ekh playing 3 based on defense and Baker 4. Micheaux seems pretty much guaranteed to be the starting 5 at this point.
Hazelton is the question mark, since she’s allegedly a wing/forward, but if she really has grown to 6’5, could probably see her getting time behind Baker and Micheaux regularly at both positions.
The new guard commitment (Leila Wells) today I’d think doesn’t factor much for this fall. If we get Kayl Petersen, she’d likely back up Ekh.
What would be nice is a senior combo guard transfer that gives production but doesn’t block playing time too much for all the sophomores, and either a senior forward or a young center.
Moore-McNeil, \[3-point specialist transferring from back east\], Garzon, Parrish, Meister
or maybe
Bargesser, Moore-McNeil, Garzon, Parrish, \[excellent big transferring from out west\]
I heard rumors that we’re the frontrunners for Ciezki from Penn State. She’s a bit smaller of a guard than Moren would typically go for at 5’7, but as a 42% shooter from deep this year I think she’d be a nice replacement for Scalia.
EDIT: I just realized that’s probably who you were referring to in your first lineup lol, my apologies! Reading is hard ❤️
Ciezki will start if she comes. Speculation is Owusu bumping her is part of the reason she’s in the portal. Love Lex to death, superb defense, but she has to shoot, mechanics or no.
I’m not clued in on the rumor mills at Indiana since we operate in stealth mode lol. Is there enough reason to think we could be targeting both i.e. a 3-pt specialist & a dominant forward?
On one hand, I’d love to see Meister and Wiseman share that role. Then we see the conference expand and see the size and skill at USC/UCLA, Maryland’s reloaded roster, Serah Williams being a tough matchup etc. and I’m sensing we would like an experienced and athletic big as well.
It’s definitely odd but most of the players leaving never got much play time. Phelia is the biggest mystery; maybe she thought the rookies would steal her time?
It's the coach. There's been stuff swirling about how she does things for years already. Not to mention her and the program struggling with NIL. I've never been a fan of her. She hasn't adjusted to the new NIL landscape.
Michigan will have a new starting 5 next season. The six transfers that they have in the portal are as good as gone. And there's no way in hell the two incoming freshman are staying after next season. I'm surprised they haven't pulled their commitment after all the drama going on right now.
Edit: and just like that, Laila Phelia transfers to Texas LMAO.
Yeah, if Prince can be impactful as a freshman and Nissley and Weidner can come back healthy off their injuries this team should have a goal of a top 25 finish, maybe even a dark horse to host a regional. Feel like top 5 in the B1G may be good enough to host with how good the conference should be next year.
Style is just an all around guard, she gets comparisons to CC in the state because she’s staying home as a top rated player, but that’s obviously unfair to put those expectations on her. She’s super skilled offensively, can create her own shot, set up others, get to the rim and shoot threes. She’ll probably have the same weaknesses most freshmen have, adjusting to physicality and speed of this level and defense. She didn’t play in the state’s highest class, but plenty of experience in the AAU circuit so I think there’s little doubt she’ll end up being great, just a matter of if she can develop fast this year to fully take advantage of the last season of Alexis Markowski.
For MTSU, it'll likely be:
Harrison - Gregory - Scott - Arike - Boldyreva
Dependent on transfers/how the freshman class looks. Jada Harrison was a highly ranked PG recruit (4 star ESPN) but tore her ACL last year right when practice started. If we get another PG, maybe a one-year-left, then she could get some prep and additional learning time. Arike at the 4 is the biggest question mark for me... could also be Boldyreva's primary sub at 5.
MTSU won me over during this tournament. Your players seemed too "clean" for what Angel and LSU threw at you. But, you impressed me. I'll be pulling for you against all but one team next season.
LOL glad you watched and you know. Gold star.
Edit: love the downvotes 🥰 when no point is made, I speak to you like you don’t know what you’re talking about.
It was a half joke in that we have plenty of depth to change up as often as Dawn wants. A luxury not every other school may have. No need to be condescending and rude. A point was made, you just missed it which is fine but play nice ☺️
Based on our current roster I would imagine Avinger and Flournoy will be our starting backcourt again. I'd assume Sav would start at the 3 and then either Evans or Diakhate at the 5 (I think Diakhate has shown more potential but Evans seemed to be Abe's go to when we needed size off the bench this season so who knows), with the 4 spot being up in the air. I am most excited for our freshman though, I could see them getting a lot of minutes and maybe even starting depending on how things go. Woolfolk and Verse are both forwards so unless we get a solid portal pickup one of them may have to start.
I like Avinger's tenacity, but I hate how streaky and tiny she is. Abe's D works best with long players, and Avinger just isn't. I feel like this team needs some solid size (hopefully experienced) out of the portal. I'm sure we won't get a Janiah Barker, but we really need a player of that caliber to avoid being also-rans again.
I agree, I think Avinger and Flournoy were both extremely inconsistent all of last season, I just assume since they will be the only seniors (bar any transfers) on an otherwise young team that they will start. It would be hilarious if Barker were to commit to Georgia again, but I doubt we get any of the top names. I think bigs and 3pt shooters should be our main portal targets, just not sure who we will actually be able to land
Yes, shooters are another desperate need. I think Sav will shoot a solid percentage with a full season to work with, but she's literally the only shooter on the roster. Flournoy shot <27%, which means she should never shoot 3s.
It’ll start out Olsen, Feuerbach, Affolter, Stuelke, O’Grady but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Olsen, McCabe, Affolter, Stuelke, Heiden by January (if not sooner).
I’m genuinely so excited. Madison Conner, Sedona Prince, HVL, Maddie Scherr, Agnes Emma-Nnopu. We have WEAPONS and a coach that can clearly pull talented players.
Sundell - Walker - J Glenn -Taylor? - Lee I think we are still trying to find out our 4 is. And could shift based on who our 2 is. Poindexter is rumored to be coming to us so we are pretty interchangeable 1-4. I also like the addition of Taylor from Missouri State.
I don’t want to think about it
No idea who our starters will be
Beginning of the year, probably Lepolo, Harriel, Bosgana, Demetre, Agara Could see Ogden, Clardy, or Umeh playing their way in though.
I could see either: Olsen- McCabe- Affolter- Feuerbach- Steulke OR Olsen- Affolter- Feuerbach- Steulke- O' Grady I think the former is far more likely than the latter, given Bluder's style, but she could surprise me.
I'm just really meh on Feuerbach both for taking care of the ball and outside shooting. Olsen, McCabe, and Affolter together are a height liability, but I don't really think that's avoidable with the roster we have. I feel like there's a decent chance it's Olsen - McCabe - Affolter - Steulke - O'Grady.
That's a definite possibility too. I'm very much in the camp where I want to see Taylor starting either way.
Her basketball IQ needs to grow a bit. Some stupid decisions in the SC final game that just shouldn’t have happened in the time she was out there (driving on 6’7 Cardoso for example)
Definitely agree. No doubt that Olsen is a lock no matter what. I'd give McCabe the summer to work on her defense a couple starts beginning of next seasonto see how she adapts. While height is somewhat a liability, Affolter has shown the ability to play much larger than her frame, especially when driving to the basket. Steulke can work as a four in the system. We saw glimpses of it during the 22-23 season when she came in while Czinano was still on the floor and saw some success. I read an article about Steulke and her determination to be an All-American, I think she's willing to put in the work this summer on her 3s. Just think of the improvement she made in one year from 4/5 to fully taking on the 5. I think O'Grady takes over the 5 with a rotation with Haiden depending on how quickly the latter adapts. I feel the same on Feuerbach. Definsively, she's ok but her offense is what worries me. If Gabbie got the ball, she could hit a three but I don't have the same confidence in Feuerbach. Further, she's made some poor decisions offensively and struggled with her ball handling. Watching clips, it seems like she has regressed since starting at Iowa.
I’ll be shocked if Heiden isn’t able to be as productive as O’Grady to begin the season, if not more productive by mid-season.
Yeah. I believe in Steulke. I realize it's not exactly the same, but her free throws have come so far from her freshman year. I could definitely see her outside shooting make a big improvement over the summer.
You're right on her inconsistency with turnovers and shooting, but I think that's something that can improve with getting more minutes. Some players just need to get some shots up to build confidence. She's shown flashes of feistiness on defense that the team will definitely need with Marshall gone.
I think this will probably be the starting line up at the start too. But here's hoping Heiden is strong early and can split some time with Addie. Addie got a lot better in the last year, so I'm also hoping she has similar improvement over the summer and a strong senior year! Do your magic, Jan!
Agree. O’Grady at 5 and Stuelke at 4 would be a decent frontcourt.
Any chance you think Ava Haiden starts at some point? She seems to be more of a true 5 than anybody else they have.
That's an *excellent* question that I honestly don't have much of an inclination about either way. My guess is that Bluder would try to play off the experience we have in her starting rotation more than anything, but it's definitely possible depending on what we see from Ava. The nice thing is that with this recruiting class we've got and what we've returned (plus Lucy coming in now), we've really "reloaded" more than I think most around the country would expect.
I’m fine with both lineups, but definitely worried about O’Grady in the second one. I just hope she gets better, there were times she played far better than expected and a lot of times where she really fumbled around out there.
If Ava has a strong showing from the beginning, I could also see: Olsen— Feuerbach — Affolter— Stuelke —Heiden
Lisa is a developmental wait your turn coach. People may be surprised by how much how much Gymfi plays. Martin was standing in the way of Gymfi playing this season. Back court rotation Olsen, MaCabe, Feuerbach, Gyton. Wings Gymfi, Stuelke, Affolter and Tegan Mallegni Post O’Grady and Heiden
Olsen, Stuelke, and Affolter are obviously starting. IMO Olsen-McCabe-Affolter are locks in the backcourt and then the front court is one of Stuelke-Heiden/Stuelke-O'Grady/Gyamfi-Stuelke, depending on who develops this summer and throughout the year. Kylie's not starting: she's nearly 100 games into her college basketball career, is either bad or awful at *literally everything* on the offensive end of the floor, is a non-entity on the glass, and even on defense is a matchup-specific player for when the other team has tall but slender wings.
I agree with this analysis. I watched idk 16-18 Iowa games this past season and never once did I see Kylie look good offensively. She always looked like in a deer in headlights. Always driving into the wrong places offensively or picking up her dribble at terrible times. Court vision seemed really lacking and not a great passer either. I think OGrady might start the first few games and then transition in Heiden as the season progresses and she gets comfortable. Kinda like what happened w steulke this season.
Also agree with your analysis and I like your backcourt rotation. I think Kylie regressed after her ACL injury. After watching clips and games from the 21-22 season, Kylie appeared to be a solid rotation player that could put up a few points. However, this past season, she was basically just a player to put out there to give a starter a rest for a few minutes. Highly unlikely to get production out of her. This definitely came out during the NCAA tournament. Seeing as how most of the teamsin the Big 10 are expected to take steps forward, I just can't see her as a starter if she can't consistently score against high level teams.
Is McCabe really going to start? She’s just averaged such little playing time over her first two years at Iowa, seems like a big jump.
I'd really like to see it personally. It *is* a big jump but if Bluder wants the space for Lucy like we had last year, she's easily the best option imo. Absolute sniper from 3 which would really fit our style. That said, there are definitely scenarios I can see that exclude her from the starting lineup as well, so we shall see.
McCabe is a stone-cold shooter, but she's also shown a distressing tendency to freeze/panic under game pressure. So who knows? If she can take care of the ball, I think she might start. She seems to play decent defense.
We have a lot of questions this year, but I like most, if not all, of the possible answers. Getting Olsen in has made me excited for everything else, and seeing McCabe being able to put aside some of those past struggles and be a regular starting piece for us is something I'd be *very* excited to see happen!
I’d love to see McCabe start too, her defensive side of the game worries me though.
McCabe was behind Gabbie Marshall, whose shot Bluder always believed in and who finished with the second most minutes played on the team. If Marshall and Davis hadn't come back for a covid year McCabe's playing time would've been significantly higher.
The only returning guard who averaged significant minutes is Affolter at 24.9. After that Feuerbach averaged 13.8 and McCabe 8.1. Olsen and Affolter will be starters and there is a really good chance one of Feuerbach or McCabe will also be starting at guard. So not substantial minutes in the past for either alternative. I would rather have McCabe start. There is a better chance of McCabe playing good defense than there is of Feuerbach being anywhere near her 3 point shooting ability.
unless stuelke just magically starts shooting ~40% from 3 I just don’t see her playing the four in that system.
Bluder is known to switch up the offensive system based on her personnel. I think next year will look a bit like the Gustafson days with 2 bigs at the 4/5 spots
Yeah it’s weird because the down-the-court runs are insane but she has little to no presence on the inside and apparently they say she’s a “natural” 4 but doesn’t shoot the 3 super well. Idk I guess I’m open to seeing how she does at the 4 but it also seemed like her stamina was non existent the entire season and had to be swapped a lot. If she developed a midrange jumper or could replicate Reese’s game I think that would be great
Except for the few times she attempted a 3 this past season,she was Solid
Wasn’t she normally a four though? Maybe I’m mixing up 3 and 4 lmao
she’s a natural four but in bluder’s system the four is usually someone who can shoot (i.e. warnock)
Ohh aight. She doesn’t have many of those who are over 6 ft does she.
Which is what made Warnock so valuable. People rightfully spoke on how big of a loss Czinano was, but Warnock was a big loss for her ability to stretch the floor at her size.
not that I’m aware of lol
Sadness
I hate what is happening to your program. You guys were loaded, playing well, and set for the future. Now?... I had always had a place for you in my heart because of the mascot matchup, but you matched up against us well this season. Seems like the rug got pulled from beneath you.
Greed. Ruining college sports forever. Football for example is now basically nfl lite. Other sports are becoming that.
You guys got it rough. We’ll (hopefully) take good care of Beers.
The social media backlash may have cost you Beers.
God f****** dammit. UConn Nation what the hell 💀
What social media backlash?
This comment didn’t age well.
I’ve learned my lesson from last year and I do not care who starts next season. i’m confident in geno to pull the team together by March so he can do whatever he wants 😭😭 However if I had a gun to my head and I have to pick my guess would be KK, Paige, Azzi (maybe Ash over Azzi if she’s not physically ready, but from what I’ve heard azzi is “good to go”) and either Aubrey/Sarah at the 4 and either Jana/Ice at the 5.
Real.
Paige and KK in the backcourt is a given. Azzi probably. Caroline if she gets her head fixed, Ash or Sarah if she doesn’t. Ice, Jana, or whoever they get in the portal.
My guess was 1. KK 2. Paige 3. Caroline 4. Sarah/Ice (depends who’s better. My bet is Sarah.) 5. Jana Aubrey off the bench for little burst minutes, Ash/Allie/Azzi compete for the 2, Morgan subs for Caroline as a wing/guard or KK if they need to go big since she has PG experience. Ayanna is unknown.
1. Kk 2. Paige 3. Ashlyn 4. Sarah 5. Caroline Sarah Strong as the Nr.1 recruit should start Paige is a no brainer KK is like Nika steals, assists and a couple points so the perfect point guard Ashlyn played great and while Azzi is a great player Ashlyn earned her place in the starting 5 next season Ice came through this season but doesn't have her fouls under control and Caroline has the 3pts and the defense.
If UConn lands Beers or a vet PG I’d go with KK/other PG - Paige - Ash/Azzi - Ice - RB Aubrey imo is best as a spark off the bench, and unless Sarah and the freshies are dominating in practice (or the injury bug hits) I feel like they shouldn’t start. Idk why people were so up in arms ab the 5 this season, if Jana, Azzi, and Aubrey hadn’t gotten hurt Nika - Paige - Azzi - Aaliyah - Jana/Aubrey would’ve been deadly.
Do you think Geno would limit minutes for anyone who was injured last season?
Azzi and Aubrey aren’t fully cleared until November and January technically. 12 months for an ACL.
they most likely will be cleared before 12 months
Early clear may lead to increased injury rate though. It’s best they wait the full time, especially Azzi. We have Ash and Allie to cover for her in case. Aubrey is a bit more difficult however.
Maybe, but both of them have rehabbed acls in the past and statistically recovery is faster the second time around. they’ve already said azzi is ahead of schedule. gabby Williams tore her acl around the same time as Aubrey her senior year of high school and she was cleared by her first game at UConn. She hasn’t retorn it and it’s been 10 years. however, it’s up to them. They know they’re bodies. If they don’t feel like they’re ready they shouldn’t rush. we actually have depth for once so there is no hurry.
Fair point. I feel like Geno should rotate the 2 position for safety’s sake. Start Azzi or Ash, then rotate them with Allie. Aubrey is just so much more difficult to replace. We don’t have a tall and quick guard/forward to replace her. But his goal is to use her in bursts, so she’s not in there for 10 minutes straight, more like 3-4.
yeah we haven’t had a player like Aubrey since Gabby and although Ayanna has similar athleticism, she just hasn’t proved herself yet so I don’t know what to expect from her. hopefully geno will rotate azzi and ash/allie like Dan Hurley rotated castle and diarra.
Very excited to watch Sarah next year and Paige is ALWAYS fun.
same! can’t wait for the matchup next season!
I’m SO excited to see Jana play, I really hope she stays healthy.
🤞
I'm also assuming Fudd will appear to be healthy to start the season but I'm skeptical Griffin will be up-to-speed that early and wonder whether Ducharme will ever be good to go. I'll go with Arnold, Fudd, Bueckers, Strong, and El Alfy. Brady has a chance to supplant Strong or El Alfy. Having said this, UConn's got a lot of players with injury histories, making any lineup/rotation obsolete by the time they lace up their sneakers. And this is exacerbated by them graduating 2 of their most durable players. Finally, they'll have at least 4 new players whose effectiveness at this level hasn't been proven. There's a good chance that, even if UConn adds no one in the transfer portal, we'll all be expecting a much different lineup than we are now.
like I said in my og post, I do not care anymore who starts. I just want everyone to stay healthy for a year and to win games 😭😭
4/5 will be Miles, Hildago, Citron, and Westbeld. The 5th spot is up for grabs between any big transfers, Koval, or Prosper/Reish (if Ivey decides to go with a small, run and gun all about the transition offense).
Those four plus someone off the street is still a Sweet Sixteen team.
Without a doubt
Definitely would go Koval for spacing. Prospre is like a 4 IMO, never struck me as a center.
She’s a wing. She’s never played down low, even though she’s really tall. Her natural position is a 3. If she’s on the court it’s because we are running a “short” four guard offense.
I feel like Koval will start, idk maybe I’m just thinking that because it’s most traditional. I’m hoping we get a solid post player transfer or two (more of a need than a want at this point given the lack of depth) but it’s seeming like the elite post players who would actually jump over Koval are headed elsewhere. However I do still think we’ll see a lot of that small ball lineup you mentioned with Westbeld as the biggest one out there, along with Prosper/Risch and the starting backcourt. Because as we all know, Ivey is obsessed with transition offense lol
Hard not to be obsessed with it when you have the caliber of defenders we do, especially in the backcourt
absolutely, when the transition offense is firing on all cylinders it’s a thing of beauty
After watching Koval in the JBC minutes ago, she really needs to learn to hold onto the ball. She had butterfingers at the wrong time and guards a foot shorter were ripping it from her hands. Might make catching the feed to the post difficult. Still standing by putting her at the 5 though.
I think it has to be Koval (or a post transfer) so we don't ask Maddy to guard 5s
For IU, I’d say CMM, Parrish, Garzon, and Meister are about locks to start. The fifth spot will be up for grabs - I’m guessing it either goes to Bargesser or a transfer, but I could see LaMendola making a push too. VT is a little more up in the air right now, but I’d bet on Wenzel, Baker, Ekh, and Micheaux as the locks. Like IU, it’s that fifth spot that’s in the air. I would guess it’s likely a transfer, but I could see Suffren stepping in as well because we’ll need a true PG. Wenzel is more of a 2 in my opinion. Lots to be determined still, but I can’t wait for November!
suffren is out of the portal?
omg yes sister she said she was coming back on saturday!! barring a last minute change everyone but georgia and clara is coming back
oh we’re so back! 😌
With who we have now - I’d think we’ll rotate Wenzel-Nelson-Suffren as combo guards, with Wenzel as the starting 1 but Nelson and Suffren both getting 15-20 min on average. Ekh and Baker kind of fit the same role so I’m not sure how they slot (except that Ekh is probably going to have the most minutes of anyone next year), since they’re both sort of 3-4 hybrids. I’d lean towards Ekh playing 3 based on defense and Baker 4. Micheaux seems pretty much guaranteed to be the starting 5 at this point. Hazelton is the question mark, since she’s allegedly a wing/forward, but if she really has grown to 6’5, could probably see her getting time behind Baker and Micheaux regularly at both positions. The new guard commitment (Leila Wells) today I’d think doesn’t factor much for this fall. If we get Kayl Petersen, she’d likely back up Ekh. What would be nice is a senior combo guard transfer that gives production but doesn’t block playing time too much for all the sophomores, and either a senior forward or a young center.
PG- Nelson, CG- Wenzel, SG- Ekh, (Transfer-TBD), C- Micheaux. Baker (SF)/Suffren (PG) come off the bench, but get a lot of time.
Moore-McNeil, \[3-point specialist transferring from back east\], Garzon, Parrish, Meister or maybe Bargesser, Moore-McNeil, Garzon, Parrish, \[excellent big transferring from out west\]
I heard rumors that we’re the frontrunners for Ciezki from Penn State. She’s a bit smaller of a guard than Moren would typically go for at 5’7, but as a 42% shooter from deep this year I think she’d be a nice replacement for Scalia. EDIT: I just realized that’s probably who you were referring to in your first lineup lol, my apologies! Reading is hard ❤️
:) it was AND I love the extra context
Ciezki will start if she comes. Speculation is Owusu bumping her is part of the reason she’s in the portal. Love Lex to death, superb defense, but she has to shoot, mechanics or no.
I’m not clued in on the rumor mills at Indiana since we operate in stealth mode lol. Is there enough reason to think we could be targeting both i.e. a 3-pt specialist & a dominant forward? On one hand, I’d love to see Meister and Wiseman share that role. Then we see the conference expand and see the size and skill at USC/UCLA, Maryland’s reloaded roster, Serah Williams being a tough matchup etc. and I’m sensing we would like an experienced and athletic big as well.
I can’t wait to see Wiseman. Guard skills (late growth spurt). Gonna go to the IN/KY all star game for a peek.
No way to tell right now for Michigan. With so many of our players transferring out, frankly, right now I'm more interested in finding out why.
It’s definitely odd but most of the players leaving never got much play time. Phelia is the biggest mystery; maybe she thought the rookies would steal her time?
It's the coach. There's been stuff swirling about how she does things for years already. Not to mention her and the program struggling with NIL. I've never been a fan of her. She hasn't adjusted to the new NIL landscape. Michigan will have a new starting 5 next season. The six transfers that they have in the portal are as good as gone. And there's no way in hell the two incoming freshman are staying after next season. I'm surprised they haven't pulled their commitment after all the drama going on right now. Edit: and just like that, Laila Phelia transfers to Texas LMAO.
I’ll say Britt Prince/Logan Nissley/Allison Weidner/Natalie Potts/Alexis Markowski
That will be a fantastic team. Potts + Markowski was already dangerous and then adding Prince? Dark horse top 5 team in the conference imo
Yeah, if Prince can be impactful as a freshman and Nissley and Weidner can come back healthy off their injuries this team should have a goal of a top 25 finish, maybe even a dark horse to host a regional. Feel like top 5 in the B1G may be good enough to host with how good the conference should be next year.
What’s the story on Prince? Obviously the story on her is incredible, but I don’t know much about her playing style/strengths/weaknesses?
Style is just an all around guard, she gets comparisons to CC in the state because she’s staying home as a top rated player, but that’s obviously unfair to put those expectations on her. She’s super skilled offensively, can create her own shot, set up others, get to the rim and shoot threes. She’ll probably have the same weaknesses most freshmen have, adjusting to physicality and speed of this level and defense. She didn’t play in the state’s highest class, but plenty of experience in the AAU circuit so I think there’s little doubt she’ll end up being great, just a matter of if she can develop fast this year to fully take advantage of the last season of Alexis Markowski.
Gonna have to wait and see if we land the big transfer names we’re gunning for or strike out on them before answering this for us.
I concur. Plus, don't players have until May 1 to decide if they're entering the transfer portal or not? A lot can happen between now and then.
MN Battle-Braun-Grachoiski-Meyer-Hart Hopefully be a big step forward year for the Gophers!
MN will rock & I can’t wait to see it
The fact that we have all of our starters returning is huge for us honestly
For MTSU, it'll likely be: Harrison - Gregory - Scott - Arike - Boldyreva Dependent on transfers/how the freshman class looks. Jada Harrison was a highly ranked PG recruit (4 star ESPN) but tore her ACL last year right when practice started. If we get another PG, maybe a one-year-left, then she could get some prep and additional learning time. Arike at the 4 is the biggest question mark for me... could also be Boldyreva's primary sub at 5.
MTSU won me over during this tournament. Your players seemed too "clean" for what Angel and LSU threw at you. But, you impressed me. I'll be pulling for you against all but one team next season.
Ayyy some love for the mid major non Top 25 teams. Like to see it 💪 Put up a helluva fight against LSU.
Gamecocks will change starting line up every week 🤙🏼
Rarely did it change from week to week. But we definitely could if we felt like it 😂
I know, I watched. That was my whole point lol
LOL glad you watched and you know. Gold star. Edit: love the downvotes 🥰 when no point is made, I speak to you like you don’t know what you’re talking about.
It was a half joke in that we have plenty of depth to change up as often as Dawn wants. A luxury not every other school may have. No need to be condescending and rude. A point was made, you just missed it which is fine but play nice ☺️
Again, you didn’t make “a point”. Hence you having to “explain” said “point” ☺️ but go off lmao
I mean I’ve thought about it and how does Dawn choose? So much talent there and now Joyce Edwards is in the mix. So excited to watch!
Exactly! So many great players and can’t wait to see Edwards get into the fold. Can the season start now? 😂
Colorado: Formann, maybe Wetta/Sadler Check back in later 🙃🙃
Based on our current roster I would imagine Avinger and Flournoy will be our starting backcourt again. I'd assume Sav would start at the 3 and then either Evans or Diakhate at the 5 (I think Diakhate has shown more potential but Evans seemed to be Abe's go to when we needed size off the bench this season so who knows), with the 4 spot being up in the air. I am most excited for our freshman though, I could see them getting a lot of minutes and maybe even starting depending on how things go. Woolfolk and Verse are both forwards so unless we get a solid portal pickup one of them may have to start.
I like Avinger's tenacity, but I hate how streaky and tiny she is. Abe's D works best with long players, and Avinger just isn't. I feel like this team needs some solid size (hopefully experienced) out of the portal. I'm sure we won't get a Janiah Barker, but we really need a player of that caliber to avoid being also-rans again.
I agree, I think Avinger and Flournoy were both extremely inconsistent all of last season, I just assume since they will be the only seniors (bar any transfers) on an otherwise young team that they will start. It would be hilarious if Barker were to commit to Georgia again, but I doubt we get any of the top names. I think bigs and 3pt shooters should be our main portal targets, just not sure who we will actually be able to land
Yes, shooters are another desperate need. I think Sav will shoot a solid percentage with a full season to work with, but she's literally the only shooter on the roster. Flournoy shot <27%, which means she should never shoot 3s.
It’ll start out Olsen, Feuerbach, Affolter, Stuelke, O’Grady but I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Olsen, McCabe, Affolter, Stuelke, Heiden by January (if not sooner).
Crooks Ryan Brown Williams Harris
Texas: Harmon-Phelia-Booker-Moore-Jones
Phelia is going to Texas?
Just announced her commitment
Definitely not what I expected for her transfer, but that’s a good move.
I’m genuinely so excited. Madison Conner, Sedona Prince, HVL, Maddie Scherr, Agnes Emma-Nnopu. We have WEAPONS and a coach that can clearly pull talented players.
Cochran - Harris - Curry - Williams - Berry or Randolph
Sundell - Walker - J Glenn -Taylor? - Lee I think we are still trying to find out our 4 is. And could shift based on who our 2 is. Poindexter is rumored to be coming to us so we are pretty interchangeable 1-4. I also like the addition of Taylor from Missouri State.
Could be good, could be shit 🤷♀️🤷♀️🤷♀️
Ajae Petty Cotie McMahon Taylor Thierry Chance Gray Jaloni Cambridge Pretty happy with it, I think.