The Middletown Press (Middletown, CT)
Midseason marks
Huskies ranked No. 3, but how good are they really?
The UConn women’s basketball team is halfway there.
At least we think they are. Thursday’s 90-87 loss at No. 19 Arkansas was the No. 3 Huskies’ 11th game in this COVID-interrupted season. With two more, they’ll reach the threshold to be eligible for postseason play.
The schedule could change, of course, but as of now they’re slated to play 22 games.
While the Huskies (10-1) are where they normally are — ranked in the Top 5 and in the conversation for a No. 1 seed come March — how good are they really?
Here’s what we’ve learned, and haven’t learned, about the Huskies so far:
WHAT WE DON’T KNOW
CAN ONO BE TRUSTED IN BIG SPOTS?:
The Huskies need junior Olivia Nelson-Ododa to be a reliable rim protector, offensive rebounder, and someone who can provide veteran stability for a young, developing frontcourt.
The 6-foot-5 Nelson-Ododa didn’t grab her first rebound until 4:06 left in the third quarter on Thursday night. She sat for a good portion of the fourth because of ineffectiveness, and finished with just two points and two boards in 20 minutes. That coach Geno Auriemma elected to play freshmen Aaliyah Edwards and Mir McLean as much as he did spoke volumes about his trust (or lack thereof) in NelsonOdoda.
She was better in the Huskies’ other big nonconference game (seven points and 11 rebounds against then-No. 25 Tennessee), but still far from dominant. And at this point in her career, 81 games in, she needs to be dominant against everyone, not just the lightweights of the Big East.
WHO WILL BE THE SIDEKICK TO BUECKERS?:
Freshman Paige Bueckers has been brilliant so far. But she can’t do it all by herself. The Huskies need a 1B to Bueckers’ 1A in order to make a charge at a 13th straight Final Four.
Christyn Williams is the logical candidate, but her inconsistency remains maddening. She was the best player on the floor against Tennessee, scoring 20 points, then disappeared for stretches versus the Razorbacks. Her 3-point shooting (28.1 percent) remains an issue. Right now, Evina Westbrook, who finally appears healthy after multiple surgeries on her knee, may be the better bet. She sat out last season after transferring, and the Huskies were careful to bring her along slowly, but you can see Auriemma’s confidence in her growing. She’s third on the team in minutes played (30.8), fourth in scoring (11.9) and sec
ond in assists (4.6).
HOW DEEP IS THEIR ROTATION?:
Auriemma seems to have settled on a lineup he trusts. We think. Sophomore Aubrey Griffin has given the Huskies a jolt of energy since taking over as a starter. Her length, athleticism, and motor are invaluable.
But what does her emergence mean for the bench? The 6-3 Edwards has established herself as a Sixth Woman of the Year candidate. Two of the other freshmen, McLean and Nika Muhl, have seen their minutes increase since Anna
Makurat (lower right leg) went out, and justifiably so.
Auriemma, who traditionally keeps his rotation at seven or eight, may soon throw Class of 2021 early enrollee Saylor Poffenbarger into the mix as well. There may be more room for opportunity with Makurat sidelined indefinitely.
WHAT WE KNOW
BUECKERS IS THE REAL DEAL:
We knew Bueckers would become a star. We just didn’t know how soon.
Ten games into her career, it’s evident she’s already the Huskies’ best player. Given the expectations surrounding her coming out of
high school, it’s remarkable. The 5-foot-11 point guard leads the team in scoring (18.1), assists (5.3), steals (2.6) and minutes played (35.2) and is second in rebounds (5.5). Her 181 points are the most for any freshman through 10 games in program history.
Her 3-pointer in the late stages against Tennessee — bum ankle and all — was the single biggest shot to date.
THE OFFENSE IS ALRIGHT:
Auriemma caused a stir earlier this season when, in a fit of frustration, he anointed the Huskies the “worst shooting team in America.” Now, they haven’t been the most dynamic offense, but they’re still plenty potent.
The Huskies rank 37th in the nation in 3-point shooting (36 percent), but are first overall at 52.5 percent. And that’s despite getting very little from one of their supposed better shooters in Makurat. Overall, they’re seventh in scoring (85.3).
Bueckers, of course, is a big reason why. The offense flows so much better with her on the floor. Auriemma has been on her to be more aggressive and look for her own shot, and she’s done so lately. Her 125 attempts are second on the team behind Williams’ 151, and that’s despite missing one game.