We take a look at why Geno Auriemma has extended for 5 more years. Then give an injury update and then finish off by looking at the UConn starting line up.
This was not a shot a Geno - I think all the coaches are overpaid . I don't think any coach should.get.over a million a year IMO. But don't fault him for getting it. Get that bag if it is on the table.
"Obscene amount"??? Economically speaking, one is worth exactly what someone else is willing to pay them. Over forty years, Geno has created one of the all time top tier dynasties, eleven nattys, record of 1213-162 (.882 win percentage). He could likely get more elsewhere, which is why I'm thankful he's a loyal man.
Starting 5: Chen Bueckers Shade Strong El alfy Geno will have a hard time not putting Azzi in when she is healthy. Because let me tell you. Azzi is the best exhibition shooter you have ever seen. And Geno sees that in practice all the time. In the games? Azzi is streaky as hell. I just hope Geno makes her earn it. Bring her off the bench initially. And if she is fantastic in games; then you can move shade to the bench.
I would be surprised if Sara Strong (Morgan Cheli as backup) doesn't start at the small forward position with Jana at center ( Ice as a backup)..Paige (Chen as backup), KK and Shade (Allie Ziebell and Qadence Samuels as backups) starting...I don't think any of the injured players will be ready before the season. Caroline Ducharme will NOT be playing with her current issues unfortunately..Anyone remembers what happen to Keirsten Walters with her injuries ?? Go huskies..
Back 2 Sports we are now 10 games into the WNBA season. How abt doing a review on the MN Lynx as the most improved team in the league. Would love to see your breakdown the job they have done so far.
I've been asking myself the same questions about the lineup since Chen came on board. It's definitely not easy. As much as I love Ashlynn Shade I agree with you that Brady needs to break through and start alongside El Alfy. They just need two strong bigs IMO. That said, if Brady does not step it up then IF Strong comes in and shows immediate maturity her size, shooting and passing make her a serious possibility. Griffin will be the first big(ger) off the bench if they need the spark and her D and rebounding, but if nobody is shooting well maybe Ashlynn goes in first.. No w ay Ducharme starts but I always liked her when she was in the game; it's just hard to imagine her being able to continue to play basketball given the issues she's had (I hope I am wrong). KK will be the first guard off the bench if Geno feels that Chen HAS to start. Azzi and Paige are just no brainers for sure. What I love about this group is that they all can play, want to play, and will compete for playing time, I'm sure.
No player in the history of basketball has ever gotten more credit and more respect for 10 good games than Caroline Ducharme. Ducharme should be 14th on the depth chart. Geno should not consider playing her unless doctors tell him she is 100%. And she has to dominate in practice. If either of those things don’t happen. No way. No icing her head on the sideline. No treating her concussion issues. They have to be healed.
Starters - El Alfy, Strong, Shade, Arnold, Bueckers. Patterson and Brady off the bench to spell Strong and El Alfy. Chen will be there to fill in when Paige needs a breather (or a chat with Geno). Azzi won't be ready until January and Aubrey after that. If Qadence improves her strength, she's the new Aubrey off the bench. Ziebell and Cheli here and there. And who knows about Ducharme ability to hold up - maybe/maybe not.
@@camillek21 not at all accurate. First off I dont think he takes in a 5th year senior (Chen)to just spell Paige. knowing Geno's history on how he prefers his upper classmen Chen will do more than spell Paige she is a really good player in her own right. May not start but will see plenty of time. If everyone his healthy it will be fun to watch how he uses all of his players. This team is deep and if healthy should see another final 4 next year.
Chen will do more than spell Paige if you ever seen her play she is dangerous driving thee basket and can shoot. I see her getting plenty oof time along side Paige. Geno got a 5th year senior in Chen to play her not just to spell Paige here and there.
Agree his is too small. With mine really doubt Caroline will be healthy. Hope I am wrong. I think you probably have it right but it will depend on if strong dazzles straight away and beats one of the bigs out.
As a UCONN fan I’m happy to have Geno back. First off I’m wishing all of the players perfect health however, I’m keeping my expectations low on Ducharme and Patterson. On the starting lineup I will Bueckers, Cheng/KK Arnold, Elfay, Strong and Shade. I think Strong will beat out Ice Brady and be the starting 4 for most of the season. Actually I think Ice Brady and Strong will play the 4 and the 3 interchangeably. Provided there are more major health issues UCONN should be in the NCAA championship game.
a healthy Azzi gotta be in the starting line up, i dont see any of the sophomores starting honestly we needed them last season and they really came through for us
@@tinashepuleI think that she’ll be coming off the bench up until mid season. She’s coming back from a season ending injury, I don’t think that geno will immediately put her in the starting line up
Usually you are pretty good with your vids but your projected lineup is terrible. Ducharme wont start under any circumstance. She hasn’t proven anything in her career. The 2 freshmen last year obviously over her. And you acting like Strong is just some role player who will come along. She will be a star 2nd leading scorer leading rebounder. Probably will be 2nd in assists
If Ducharme was FULLY healthy like she was in her freshman season, she could definitely start and really contribute. So I think that's what he was implying. Unfortunately, she probably won't be at that point anytime soon.
Ducharme is overrated. Let’s talk about healthy Ducharme. Her 3 point percentage was below 30%. She was one of the leaders on the team in turnovers. And she is not a great defender. Shade and KK both just turned in a season that was better than Caroline’s freshman season.
Caroline is so good, Ice Brady will be ready for a great season too, KK and Ashlyn Shade will keep progressing and Q can fill the lane or shoot from outside. Sarah Strong just needs a little time to get acclimated. Paige will help all the new girls too. Finally Aubrey Griffin and Azzi Fudd will be back on the court.
Hmmm…I don‘t think that he will start Ducharme over Ash unless there‘s a specific circumstance against a particular team. If he‘s getting even decent rebounding out of Jana and Ice/Sara, no way he‘s not going to want another sniper out there…and that‘s Shade at least until Azzi is back and I think she‘ll still play a lot after
I said if all healthy. Sadly I don't think she will be healthy. But if she is and playing well then yes think she would start as Geno loves her game and how she can fit it. IMO.
I don't like the cheli hamstring report. She injured that in January or February in high school. That's 4-5 months ago. Why is that not healed yet? Very concerning.
My thoughts on this video revolve around Geno doing another 5 years. I would hope he's in a position financially where he doesn't need to coach anymore. I would tell him that he will never get that time back that he could spend with his grandkids, and that with all of his national championships, there's really nothing left for him to accomplish in coaching. Geno, listen to yourself, and give your grandkids priority over someone else's kid on a basketball court.
No mention of freshman Ziebell? Obviously not a projected starter! If UCONN was a pro team, they would look to trade two quality perimeter players for a quality post.
lol Geno “ I will never be the all time ncaa wins leader as head coach” not verbatim. Are you sure about that Geno with Tara retiring and you sign a 5 year extension 😂😂😂
Nice take. The for sure's are Jana, Chen and Paige. I love Caroline but she's real iffy. Patterson as well. Azzi will not start. To prone to injury. Brady meh, hoping she will have a break out season is just that... hoping and pokin'. To me she is a head case. Chen will start otherwise Geno would not have taken her on. She'll be mentored on improving her shot. Then it will come down to Strong, Cheli, and a distant Brady. Ziebell is a great shooter so it's TBD.
This is a lineup based on politics. Azzi Fudd needs to earn her way into the starting lineup. Azzi is overrated; she is a hot and cold player and freezes in crucial games.
Pretty close I would say ... although in this line up Paige would have be the PG and I think Geno likes her to play of ball/SG or wing. That would mean either Chen or KK will have to be the starting PG and Paige of ball and Azzi (and Shade) coming of the bench as an sg ...
Caroline is an excellent player and a lovely person, it seems. But she has to come to terms with what these concussions mean for her long term health. It will be heartbreaking but I hope she gives up competitive sports. Maybe she could transition to coaching. Rikki Harris, the Ohio State player, spent a couple pf years preparing for a coaching future.
really not worried about is a male coaches have a chance to be a HC in women basketball but very rare for women to get male job. so few spots for women so happy for the to go to women. IMO.
This 2024-25 team will be without the best and most consistent player from the last four years, Edwards. Even if Fudd, Ducharme, Patterson are "healthy", don't expect too much. Just look at the top 10 UConn recruits since (and even before) Paige B. They have ALL played at some point and lost to much better teams outside of the Big Easy.
As a UCONN fan I’m happy to have Geno back. First off I’m wishing all of the players perfect health however, I’m keeping my expectations low on Ducharme and Patterson. On the starting lineup I will Bueckers, Cheng/KK Arnold, Elfay, Strong and Shade. I think Strong will beat out Ice Brady and be the starting 4 for most of the season. Actually I think Ice Brady and Strong will play the 4 and the 3 interchangeably. Provided there are more major health issues UCONN should be in the NCAA championship game.
@@back2sports Btw Back2Sports when you come to UCONN as the 1 pick overall they always dominate practice and performances they always end up being a starter for most of the season. So, if Sarah Strong does not get injured she will definitely be starter at the 4 and or 3.
If Dan Hurley leaves for the Lakers, Geno will be renegotiating his salary. Geno said he purposely left lot money out there so that Dan Hurley stays at UCONN before the Laker's interest in DH. Stop thinking about starting line-up! You have no idea who and what these players will bringing to the table until November.
It might be AAU? High school games have started that late lol. A lot of recruiting is done in the offseason during AAU play so no, it most likely is not a made-up story.
