It is currently as they go through the Big East conference as they are working with their center... Once Jana is acclimated.. He will have two types of starters.
Excellent analysis. Here we go again. It happens every January. The Geno/CD January Development Project is in its 40th version. Last year it was with three vets and four Freshmen. This year it's with a vet, Paige, a surprise, Sarah, a hope, Kaitlyn, two former starters - Ash & KK - currently coming off the bench, a bigs potential - Ice & Jana - with two high potential - Azzi & Aubrey - with Morgan the potential surprise and two - Allie & Q - for the future.
IIRC, Cheli played the 5 for some minutes when Strong was sitting with fouls. While the small lineup has had its moments, I can't see it against Watkins/Kitt (and others) vs SC and in the NCAA tournament. Last year's 'small' had Edwards at the 5. As stated in other video comments, I think Jana and Ice need playing time in the conference schedule to get their confidence up and for Jana to get the rust off.
Another really good video. I see there is more talk about UConn going to the Big 12. Is that a good idea? Better competition, more money to be competitive, but more difficult travel.
I just don't see ducharme having a roll this season. I think she will sit out the year and it will be last roll of dice in 2025-26. At least.i hope that is what they are doing
The Tennessee and South Carolina game will give and ideal where Uconn is at they'll have ljust about their full roster by then it's to early to stick a fork in them.....
The thing with Ice is she being taught by the assistant coaches to do something which is not her game. My suggestion is to stay after practice and shot some shots with Azzi and Paige and or look at old films when Dorka was playing with UCONN. Jana it's a psychological thing my congratulations to Jana for getting into law school. I wish her success. But im hoping that's the least of Jana problems. Concentrate on one thing at a time and it will all work out.
I'm sorry, but I don't buy Geno's Christmas break excuse for UConn's poor second-half play, at least on the O side of the ball. If I remember correctly, the third quarter begins after the halftime break. Right? How were they so tired they could score only 11 points in the third? And those 11 points came only after the 7:30 mark in the quarter.
I would like to see Geno try both Ice and Jana on the floor at the same time. Maybe they play better if they aren't looking over their shoulder to see if the other is coming in for them at the first mistake. Besides, a front court of Ice, Jana, and Sarah might be the SC cheat code for March.
@@back2sports I watched UConn get beat up against SC last year. Don't really want a repeat. If not going to play bigs, then KK needs to be on the floor. They need her speed and defense. SC plays bully ball. And the refs let them get away with it. Got to offset their play somehow.
Offensively, UConn would be a monster with a Princeton-style and Strong at the five. Defensively, they would get run out of the gym and rebounding would be a problem. Hubie Brown said years ago re: building an offense, "Who are your three best players and how can you get them shots?" Bigger for the Huskies is probably the way to go. Unfortunately, despite the success, post play hasn't been a strength for the Huskies. UCLA's been running some Triangle/Laker Cuts with Betts in the mid-post and they're beautiful, btw 🙂.
KK. I've never seen her play offensive ball where she shoots anything other than drives to the basket that I don't flinch and winch. Do love her defense. Chelli. Find myself wanting to see her do more but she gets lost in the offense imo. In my mind I see her being strong like Strong, but not being required to do more it just seems to swallow her up.
Let Brady (the lefty) have the green light on mid range, that solves your offense problem. The plus is that she can rebound. I don't know about her defense, never watched that aspect of her game.
I don’t think Jana played bad. I think Geno needs to give her the same grace he gave Ice last season. You can still correct mistakes without benching the player. Jana needs all the experience she can get. Going small ball in the big east is not a good thing. You’ll probably win all your games but if bigs aren’t playing confidently in conference play maybe it’s more of a reflection on the coaching staff
I’m a UCONN fan but I don’t necessarily believe what Geno says publicly. I do understand why this is the case too. To be honest at this point I’m concerned abt UCONN outside of Bueckers and Strong. Geno and his staff needs to work extra hard on getting El Alfey and Cheli on becoming major and productive contributors. I understand your point on his small lineup but if they can get their bigs going then chip will seem more reachable.
The worst thing that could have happened to both bigs is injuries while Edwards was playing with UCONN the on the court experience playing with Edwards might have help both bigs. If they can get Ejin from Gonzaga it will help them next year. You don't have Paige nor Azzi ,Aubrey there gone. Three big losses.
Unfortunately, Jana and Brady will be eaten alive come NCAA tournament time. Those two do not know how to make a two handed power layup. Why has KK's shooting gotten worse? What did she practice over the summer?
She is expected to play defense and bring up the ball with few turn-overs... which will her role next year when Chen, Paige and Azzi are gone. They have enough shooters this year and next year. Paige, Ash, Strong, Azzi, with Morgan and Allie... Chen and KK needs to be a consistent PG.
graet video!! sarah strong 5 is the best option to win at all... and Paige at 4 with 3 shooters all over court. Chen or kk whoever can make 3 will be pg. kk don't pass up open shot. take it and forget about it. Chen, please don't be passive...
I'm not worried. I told you so after the last video. I'll bet on 15 for 16 against hate and woe is me all 8 days of the week. At least this year it means-- if we stay healthy-- Geno can buy some rest for his best players at the expense of a little less offense. That's a lot more than he had last year when, oh by the way, he still made the FF.
Maybe CD is not doing a good of a job with the post player as claimed. I think Jana is more of a stretch big than in the back to the basket post. Most of the post players under Geno take them longer to get to the point of dominance. If I'm mistaken South Carolina isn't all that big since Cardoso and Boston graduated. Kitts, Edwards, and Watkins are all 6'3.
When you watch Brady and El Alfy do you ask yourself why do neither of them take advantage of their size? Most effective Bigs take a position, and spread out with arms out wide and high, giving the guards a target. Both of our girls run around the outside of the free throw lanes with their arms at their sides and don't give any target for the guards nor do they clear any space. On another subject, a contributor to The-Boneyard related to UConn made an interesting comment about how the 3 ball has affected UConn's results. The two games they have lost they got killed by the three. In USC's games against Ole Miss and ND they made 1 of 10 and 1 of 11 from 3. Against UConn, they were 6 of 10 in the first half and ended with 9. UConn had only 6 versus the 20 they had against Iowa State. Seems to me the problems are 3 point defense and whether its UConn or the other team that makes 3. Problem was the same with ND. The loss to ND was UConn had 7 less 3's and 8 less free throws and lost my 11. Therefore most of the rest of those games they were even. USC and ND are the #2 and #4 teams in the country so why is everyone predicting the demise of UConn?
Small ball can get the Huskies to another Final Four with the right matchup in an Elite 8 game. Don't think it can win a Nattie given the front court dominance of UCLA and SC. Jana has to be playable against those two. We'll see in February.
If the BIGS can't contribute to the team, then they will have a hard time getting to the final four this year...Someone has to break out for sure....Go huskies
It seems to me that UConn goes on surges when Paige is bringing up the ball and making things happen - helter-skelter guard defensive effort is the other key. Putting Paige on the wing so a 'true' point guard can play the point seems old fashioned, given the talent he has ... What am I missing here?
She may not be the biggest, she may not be the best, for this time and team, but she’s a fighter, a stealer, and a shooter, so, I’d say : “Ice and Jana, out, …and Morgan Chelli in; start her in place of either Brady or El Alfy.
Didn't you say the same thing last year, Or was that the 100 other people that didn't make it to the final 4 and Uconn did, alot of good teams out there. Will see in March
Look, I don't want to rain on UConn's parade, but none of UConn's bigs can match up with Lauren Betts. Although Bueckers and Strong are great players, they're not enough to beat UCLA. In their big games this year, only Bueckers and Strong have performed well. Their supporting cast has been mostly MIA versus Notre Dame and Southern Cal. That's not going to get it done in the tournament.
My question Vince - what happens to UCLA when they don't hit 3pters. They shot bad Vs Nebraska 23% from 3 but crushed them as shot 59% ,from 2 & rebounded 54% of their misses. What happens when they lose 3 Pt battle to a good team. I think their away game Vs Indiana is a trap game for them as want to see how they go against a good team and lose 3 PT battle. For me I can't believe Gardner is not starting or getting more minutes ( currently playing about 20 min a game) and jaquez in getting 25 min a game. Crazy! UCLA needs shooters on floor with Betts. Gardner can shoot. I know everyone loves Jaquez and she is good but she is more of a slasher. With Betts - the lane will be a very crowded place. Get Gardner more time. I love Cori Close as speaker, and recruiter. But the way she develops team in regular season drives me crazy. In terms of battle for LA I am more impressed with USC as can see what gotlieb is trying to set up as I think their big guards will make life a nightmare for Kiki, Jones and E. But to be determined but should be fun to watch.
@@back2sports I'm really, really glad you asked that, because I have the answer to your question. When UCLA recently played Creighton(from the Big East), they outrebounded them 59-26. A 33 rebound margin in the Bruins favor, and those 59 rebounds were without Lauren Betts even being in the line up! Dugalic and Barker lead the way, with 14 and 11 rebounds respectively. In their last game against Nebraska, they outrebounded the Cornhuskers, 48-18. A 30 rebound advantage on the game. The massive rebound margins mean that their opponents have very few second shot attempts. Creighton is known for their three point specialists, but what good does it do if you feel the pressure to have to make every attempt when your opponent(the Bruins) own the glass? ...Rebounding(or the lack thereof) is why I'm not impressed with UConn this year. Sarah Strong is probably their leading rebounder, and she is six foot two. Can you imagine her getting much of anything off the glass against UCLA? Betts is 6'7'', Dugalic, Barker, and Gardiner are all 6'4", and all athletic. They are also all good shooters! Well, UConn can ride their two big horses(Bueckers and Strong) to victories over weak opponents, but when they play highly ranked teams, they need to have all hands on deck. Nobody other than Bueckers and Strong have stepped up. Geno is the greatest women's college basketball coach in history, so maybe he can pull off a miracle in the tournament. I just don't see it happening this year, sorry.
Let me respond to your other points now. What I can tell you about Jaquez is this - she always steps up when the chips are down. She seems to have her best games against the Bruins toughest opponents. Check her post game stats whenever UCLA plays a tough team. You'll see what I mean. Personally, I want to see her on the floor whenever it's expected to be a battle. Jaquez is a warrior. ....We can agree that Timea Gardiner should get more playing time. My belief is that Cori Close wants her out there when she needs more offense, but prefers to have Dugalic and Barker on the floor when she wants her best rebounders out there. ...As for Southern Cal, Ju Ju is their strength, but she is also their weakness. Sometimes, it seems like she thinks she is the only player on the floor, and forces a lot of bad shots instead of passing to open teammates. Southern Cal is the team I'm sweating the most, but our additions of Gardiner and Barker will give us the edge this year in the showdowns to come, or such is my opinion anyway.
in terms of UCLA being a beast on the boards. No argument from me. But they will need to hit shots in the tournament. We agree on Gardner. Barker is really struggling with her shot right now. However , I think she will be key when they match up vs USC as could see her put on Smith . But overall , i think their best line up with be betts, Duglic , gardiner , jaquez and rice. Good luck vs IU. should be a fun game.
Those lady Gamecocks are going to come out guns blazing on them and let Sarah know she can have great stats but she chose wrong if she wanted a championship. It didn't deter Joyce and she's averaging double figures off the bench and has lead the team in scoring twice off the bench. The stats will come. I understand wanting to be close to her mom. Mom and pops are native South Carolinians. Geno better take care of her, she can always come back south.
UConn will continue to look good in the Big East inflating the ranking of this team. Still with all the concerns UConn have they still get the hype. Outer conference teams will expose these concerns. Now the ridicules with the small ball. Sara Strong is the #1 high school pick, but she is no superhero stop the cap.
@@joemcguire-j2s curse of Bambino - crap ownership for years. Pay money get.players and have a chance of winning. Don't believe in Bermuda triangle either. Think overall you have good team and have good chance to win. If you are going to final four u have a chance to win. If anything Tennessee demonstrates this . They won with summit and have not had sniff of the championship due to bringing in bad coaches. They finally went outside family to get coach and looks like they are back in with a chance to winning a tittle in the future.
@ we will know whether curse is real or not this year - GREATEST PROGRAM GREATEST COACH GREATEST PLAYERS - if no natty Paige biggest loser in UCONN bb history - FACT !!!
JE needs to be allowed to relax and be encouraged to play up to her potential. True, she is terrible and IB is just as meandering. Hopefully AG will be back, tremendous athleticism. Too, MC is a baller.
This is not Uconn of the past. There's are alot more Competition, everybody wants to beat Uconn cause they're the standard.Let see what happens in March. Like you said, it looks like KK is afraid to shoot. ICE is looking lost. JANA is just young and nervous maybe trying to hard. Thats just what i c and think.if you win by 40 the team is bad you win by 26 something is wrong. Cant win With the critics
There has always been competition UConn just always succeeded over the others. Teams have studied the recipe and became better that doesn’t take away from UConn still being the standard and amazing program.
Nice video. I especially liked the picture lineups with stats. And, the "molding the team" idea is spot on!
Thanks for that
Azzi, lateral movement is the best I've seen from her in the last 6 years. Jana will get it together; she has the goods.
Absolutely love your content.
Thanks for that
Great take. Fans get anxious but coaches know what they need to do in order to get a team ready.
It is currently as they go through the Big East conference as they are working with their center... Once Jana is acclimated.. He will have two types of starters.
Excellent analysis. Here we go again. It happens every January. The Geno/CD January Development Project is in its 40th version. Last year it was with three vets and four Freshmen. This year it's with a vet, Paige, a surprise, Sarah, a hope, Kaitlyn, two former starters - Ash & KK - currently coming off the bench, a bigs potential - Ice & Jana - with two high potential - Azzi & Aubrey - with Morgan the potential surprise and two - Allie & Q - for the future.
They are nervous that you will yank them if they make mistakes, give them some room to flounder or thrive.
We call that the Mulkey point guard situation . By the end of last season hose two players confidence were destroyed!
loved this take
IIRC, Cheli played the 5 for some minutes when Strong was sitting with fouls. While the small lineup has had its moments, I can't see it against Watkins/Kitt (and others) vs SC and in the NCAA tournament. Last year's 'small' had Edwards at the 5. As stated in other video comments, I think Jana and Ice need playing time in the conference schedule to get their confidence up and for Jana to get the rust off.
This is your best kind of content! ✌
What my worst kind? Remember I like the poison! LOL
@@back2sports I mentioned on your Hidalgo vs Fudd what was worst. Hidalgo vs Fudd specifically was my point. I'm disappointed you didn't remember. 😅
Sorry
@@back2sports 😄
Another really good video. I see there is more talk about UConn going to the Big 12. Is that a good idea? Better competition, more money to be competitive, but more difficult travel.
thanks
Missing Caroline Durchame .
I just don't see ducharme having a roll this season. I think she will sit out the year and it will be last roll of dice in 2025-26. At least.i hope that is what they are doing
UConn better hope they don't be in UCLA bracket come March madness no matter what lineup they use its all over for them
Oh, rest assured, the NCAA Committee will give UConn the easiest path...
@@ervinpadgett3075 And if we are trust that we not ducking no action.
@@RustyLou18 Just like last year when the committee kept moving UCANT up the rankings when they were winning against the garbage of the BIG LEAST
UCLA is overrated
@ Purple cows can fly. See how easy it is to post garbage like you just did?
Consistent minutes and I think Jana will be the 5 they need. She's thinking too much.
The Tennessee and South Carolina game will give and ideal where Uconn is at they'll have ljust about their full roster by then it's to early to stick a fork in them.....
You will never beat the USC girls without rebounding.
The thing with Ice is she being taught by the assistant coaches to do something which is not her game. My suggestion is to stay after practice and shot some shots with Azzi and Paige and or look at old films when Dorka was playing with UCONN. Jana it's a psychological thing my congratulations to Jana for getting into law school. I wish her success. But im hoping that's the least of Jana problems. Concentrate on one thing at a time and it will all work out.
I'm sorry, but I don't buy Geno's Christmas break excuse for UConn's poor second-half play, at least on the O side of the ball. If I remember correctly, the third quarter begins after the halftime break. Right? How were they so tired they could score only 11 points in the third? And those 11 points came only after the 7:30 mark in the quarter.
I would like to see Geno try both Ice and Jana on the floor at the same time. Maybe they play better if they aren't looking over their shoulder to see if the other is coming in for them at the first mistake. Besides, a front court of Ice, Jana, and Sarah might be the SC cheat code for March.
ICE is playing terrible
Sorry not keen to see ice and Jana . No space.as neither can shoot outside the key.
@@back2sports I watched UConn get beat up against SC last year. Don't really want a repeat. If not going to play bigs, then KK needs to be on the floor. They need her speed and defense. SC plays bully ball. And the refs let them get away with it. Got to offset their play somehow.
Offensively, UConn would be a monster with a Princeton-style and Strong at the five. Defensively, they would get run out of the gym and rebounding would be a problem. Hubie Brown said years ago re: building an offense, "Who are your three best players and how can you get them shots?" Bigger for the Huskies is probably the way to go. Unfortunately, despite the success, post play hasn't been a strength for the Huskies. UCLA's been running some Triangle/Laker Cuts with Betts in the mid-post and they're beautiful, btw 🙂.
I hate Betts in high post. She is not a threat. Use Duglic in that action
KK. I've never seen her play offensive ball where she shoots anything other than drives to the basket that I don't flinch and winch. Do love her defense. Chelli. Find myself wanting to see her do more but she gets lost in the offense imo. In my mind I see her being strong like Strong, but not being required to do more it just seems to swallow her up.
Let Brady (the lefty) have the green light on mid range, that solves your offense problem. The plus is that she can rebound. I don't know about her defense, never watched that aspect of her game.
I don’t think Jana played bad. I think Geno needs to give her the same grace he gave Ice last season. You can still correct mistakes without benching the player. Jana needs all the experience she can get. Going small ball in the big east is not a good thing. You’ll probably win all your games but if bigs aren’t playing confidently in conference play maybe it’s more of a reflection on the coaching staff
I tend to agree with u on benching but then to be fair Geno has won more championship than me so will leave it to him to sort out
My bet is UConn will not make the final four this year unless their big3 (Paige, Sarah and Azzi) stay healthy. I know not a very bold call. 😜
I’m a UCONN fan but I don’t necessarily believe what Geno says publicly. I do understand why this is the case too. To be honest at this point I’m concerned abt UCONN outside of Bueckers and Strong. Geno and his staff needs to work extra hard on getting El Alfey and Cheli on becoming major and productive contributors. I understand your point on his small lineup but if they can get their bigs going then chip will seem more reachable.
The worst thing that could have happened to both bigs is injuries while Edwards was playing with UCONN the on the court experience playing with Edwards might have help both bigs. If they can get Ejin from Gonzaga it will help them next year. You don't have Paige nor Azzi ,Aubrey there gone. Three big losses.
Unfortunately, Jana and Brady will be eaten alive come NCAA tournament time. Those two do not know how to make a two handed power layup. Why has KK's shooting gotten worse? What did she practice over the summer?
She is expected to play defense and bring up the ball with few turn-overs... which will her role next year when Chen, Paige and Azzi are gone. They have enough shooters this year and next year. Paige, Ash, Strong, Azzi, with Morgan and Allie... Chen and KK needs to be a consistent PG.
graet video!! sarah strong 5 is the best option to win at all... and Paige at 4 with 3 shooters all over court.
Chen or kk whoever can make 3 will be pg. kk don't pass up open shot. take it and forget about it. Chen, please don't be passive...
Thx. Yep we r.on same page
I'm not worried. I told you so after the last video. I'll bet on 15 for 16 against hate and woe is me all 8 days of the week. At least this year it means-- if we stay healthy-- Geno can buy some rest for his best players at the expense of a little less offense. That's a lot more than he had last year when, oh by the way, he still made the FF.
Maybe CD is not doing a good of a job with the post player as claimed. I think Jana is more of a stretch big than in the back to the basket post. Most of the post players under Geno take them longer to get to the point of dominance.
If I'm mistaken South Carolina isn't all that big since Cardoso and Boston graduated. Kitts, Edwards, and Watkins are all 6'3.
When you watch Brady and El Alfy do you ask yourself why do neither of them take advantage of their size? Most effective Bigs take a position, and spread out with arms out wide and high, giving the guards a target. Both of our girls run around the outside of the free throw lanes with their arms at their sides and don't give any target for the guards nor do they clear any space. On another subject, a contributor to The-Boneyard related to UConn made an interesting comment about how the 3 ball has affected UConn's results. The two games they have lost they got killed by the three. In USC's games against Ole Miss and ND they made 1 of 10 and 1 of 11 from 3. Against UConn, they were 6 of 10 in the first half and ended with 9. UConn had only 6 versus the 20 they had against Iowa State. Seems to me the problems are 3 point defense and whether its UConn or the other team that makes 3. Problem was the same with ND. The loss to ND was UConn had 7 less 3's and 8 less free throws and lost my 11. Therefore most of the rest of those games they were even. USC and ND are the #2 and #4 teams in the country so why is everyone predicting the demise of UConn?
Small ball can get the Huskies to another Final Four with the right matchup in an Elite 8 game. Don't think it can win a Nattie given the front court dominance of UCLA and SC. Jana has to be playable against those two. We'll see in February.
If the BIGS can't contribute to the team, then they will have a hard time getting to the final four this year...Someone has to break out for sure....Go huskies
Anorher UCONN hype vid oh brother 😂 like clockwork around this time of the year.
Don't U remember last video at this time was doom and gloom as they lost Griffen and Fudd. Yet they still went to final 4. 13 out of 14 years.
@back2sports aye man I get it this is Geno last run with Paige & Azzi so the scrutiny is heavy😂
Uconn small lineup is not good enough to win a national championship.
Will find out in march
It seems to me that UConn goes on surges when Paige is bringing up the ball and making things happen - helter-skelter guard defensive effort is the other key. Putting Paige on the wing so a 'true' point guard can play the point seems old fashioned, given the talent he has ... What am I missing here?
She may not be the biggest, she may not be the best, for this time and team, but she’s a fighter, a stealer, and a shooter, so, I’d say : “Ice and Jana, out, …and Morgan Chelli in; start her in place of either Brady or El Alfy.
Agree. But she too has to shoot when open. Team just isn’t maximizing its advantages on offense.
UConn ain't winning anything they can't beat a good team
TBD
Didn't you say the same thing last year, Or was that the 100 other people that didn't make it to the final 4 and Uconn did, alot of good teams out there. Will see in March
Only trophy they will win in 2025 is the BIG EASY one.
@@00126601528 He's right, UConn did NOT win the National Championship last year, not since 2016.
@@RustyLou18 true
Look, I don't want to rain on UConn's parade, but none of UConn's bigs can match up with Lauren Betts. Although Bueckers and Strong are great players, they're not enough to beat UCLA. In their big games this year, only Bueckers and Strong have performed well. Their supporting cast has been mostly MIA versus Notre Dame and Southern Cal. That's not going to get it done in the tournament.
My question Vince - what happens to UCLA when they don't hit 3pters. They shot bad Vs Nebraska 23% from 3 but crushed them as shot 59% ,from 2 & rebounded 54% of their misses. What happens when they lose 3 Pt battle to a good team. I think their away game Vs Indiana is a trap game for them as want to see how they go against a good team and lose 3 PT battle.
For me I can't believe Gardner is not starting or getting more minutes ( currently playing about 20 min a game) and jaquez in getting 25 min a game. Crazy! UCLA needs shooters on floor with Betts. Gardner can shoot. I know everyone loves Jaquez and she is good but she is more of a slasher. With Betts - the lane will be a very crowded place. Get Gardner more time.
I love Cori Close as speaker, and recruiter. But the way she develops team in regular season drives me crazy.
In terms of battle for LA I am more impressed with USC as can see what gotlieb is trying to set up as I think their big guards will make life a nightmare for Kiki, Jones and E. But to be determined but should be fun to watch.
@@back2sports I'm really, really glad you asked that, because I have the answer to your question. When UCLA recently played Creighton(from the Big East), they outrebounded them 59-26. A 33 rebound margin in the Bruins favor, and those 59 rebounds were without Lauren Betts even being in the line up! Dugalic and Barker lead the way, with 14 and 11 rebounds respectively. In their last game against Nebraska, they outrebounded the Cornhuskers, 48-18. A 30 rebound advantage on the game. The massive rebound margins mean that their opponents have very few second shot attempts. Creighton is known for their three point specialists, but what good does it do if you feel the pressure to have to make every attempt when your opponent(the Bruins) own the glass? ...Rebounding(or the lack thereof) is why I'm not impressed with UConn this year. Sarah Strong is probably their leading rebounder, and she is six foot two. Can you imagine her getting much of anything off the glass against UCLA? Betts is 6'7'', Dugalic, Barker, and Gardiner are all 6'4", and all athletic. They are also all good shooters! Well, UConn can ride their two big horses(Bueckers and Strong) to victories over weak opponents, but when they play highly ranked teams, they need to have all hands on deck. Nobody other than Bueckers and Strong have stepped up. Geno is the greatest women's college basketball coach in history, so maybe he can pull off a miracle in the tournament. I just don't see it happening this year, sorry.
Let me respond to your other points now. What I can tell you about Jaquez is this - she always steps up when the chips are down. She seems to have her best games against the Bruins toughest opponents. Check her post game stats whenever UCLA plays a tough team. You'll see what I mean. Personally, I want to see her on the floor whenever it's expected to be a battle. Jaquez is a warrior. ....We can agree that Timea Gardiner should get more playing time. My belief is that Cori Close wants her out there when she needs more offense, but prefers to have Dugalic and Barker on the floor when she wants her best rebounders out there. ...As for Southern Cal, Ju Ju is their strength, but she is also their weakness. Sometimes, it seems like she thinks she is the only player on the floor, and forces a lot of bad shots instead of passing to open teammates. Southern Cal is the team I'm sweating the most, but our additions of Gardiner and Barker will give us the edge this year in the showdowns to come, or such is my opinion anyway.
in terms of UCLA being a beast on the boards. No argument from me. But they will need to hit shots in the tournament. We agree on Gardner. Barker is really struggling with her shot right now. However , I think she will be key when they match up vs USC as could see her put on Smith . But overall , i think their best line up with be betts, Duglic , gardiner , jaquez and rice. Good luck vs IU. should be a fun game.
Those lady Gamecocks are going to come out guns blazing on them and let Sarah know she can have great stats but she chose wrong if she wanted a championship. It didn't deter Joyce and she's averaging double figures off the bench and has lead the team in scoring twice off the bench. The stats will come. I understand wanting to be close to her mom. Mom and pops are native South Carolinians. Geno better take care of her, she can always come back south.
UConn will continue to look good in the Big East inflating the ranking of this team. Still with all the concerns UConn have they still get the hype. Outer conference teams will expose these concerns. Now the ridicules with the small ball. Sara Strong is the #1 high school pick, but she is no superhero stop the cap.
Not if the “Pat SUMMITT curse” is real ..
Curses are not real. Win rebound, TO and 3pt battle . Recruit food players
@ u ever heard of the “curse of the bambino” ??? Coaches and players are superstitious including Geno … we will know this year …
@@joemcguire-j2s curse of Bambino - crap ownership for years. Pay money get.players and have a chance of winning. Don't believe in Bermuda triangle either. Think overall you have good team and have good chance to win. If you are going to final four u have a chance to win. If anything Tennessee demonstrates this . They won with summit and have not had sniff of the championship due to bringing in bad coaches. They finally went outside family to get coach and looks like they are back in with a chance to winning a tittle in the future.
@ we will know whether curse is real or not this year - GREATEST PROGRAM GREATEST COACH GREATEST PLAYERS - if no natty Paige biggest loser in UCONN bb history - FACT !!!
JE needs to be allowed to relax and be encouraged to play up to her potential. True, she is terrible and IB is just as meandering. Hopefully AG will be back, tremendous athleticism. Too, MC is a baller.
This is not Uconn of the past. There's are alot more Competition, everybody wants to beat Uconn cause they're the standard.Let see what happens in March. Like you said, it looks like KK is afraid to shoot. ICE is looking lost. JANA is just young and nervous maybe trying to hard. Thats just what i c and think.if you win by 40 the team is bad you win by 26 something is wrong. Cant win With the critics
There has always been competition UConn just always succeeded over the others. Teams have studied the recipe and became better that doesn’t take away from UConn still being the standard and amazing program.
Jena need minutes that’s it
The entire Southern Eastern conference could beat UCONN
Isn't Ole Miss in the SEC? 73 to 60 if I recall correctly.
Is Ole.Miss leaving the SEC?
You, and everyone who repeats what you say, should also explain why, other than 2023, UConn consistently makes it to the final four
Jana El Alfy is not being used correctly. Maybe I should say El Alfy is not being developed well.
We aren't even at the midpoint of her first season on the court.