Azzi :(

[and one]

Yes it's a big blow, but Arnold and Shade have shown flashes of great potential. They're only heading into their fifth game of the season. The team has to take a next man up approach which I'm sure they'll do.

We have never really had a chance to see an injury free Azzi who played enough long stretches and fully integrated into a set lineup. This was the year we hoped to see what she could really do. Not to be this year and we can only hope that she can come back next year, stay healthy and showcase her talents. For this year, let's be grateful that there is more talent to fall back on. KK, Ash and Q will get more opportunities to develop their games and from what we've seen all three could be very good by March.

 

[Zonepress]

I’ve never seen anything even close to the injury epidemic faced by our Huskies over the past three years! It’s just unbelievable! Were I superstitious, I would assume that somewhere someone is sticking pins into a bunch of little dolls in UConn uniforms. Of course this is not true but it is a very hard thing for all these young women who are experiencing this nightmare!
All we can do is send our prayers and best wishes to Azzi and Jana and hope for a full recovery as soon as possible. The primary thing, especially for Azzi, is that her long term health is not at risk. Of course, we all hope she can get back to playing again, that goes without saying but more important is that she is not compromised in any way. Running with her children and grandchildren is far more important than playing basketball. My prayers go out to her!

 

[TCC Kid]

Breaks my heart. Best wishes Azzi. Bunches of hugs.

Azzi --is a loss--every player "out" is a loss. However with KK and Samuels that hole is filled. The past 2 years have been 'IFFY"AZ. would she score --. She was fantastic even amazing when scoring. Qadence Samuels, has no hesitation of throwing the ball towards the basket--I think she is the 3rd highest scorer/game on Uconn. KK is an amazing guard/passer/driver.
AZ could pick a better time to have this happen--for Uconn---not for her!!

 

[TCC Kid]

We have never really had a chance to see an injury free Azzi who played enough long stretches and fully integrated into a set lineup. This was the year we hoped to see what she could really do. Not to be this year and we can only hope that she can come back next year, stay healthy and showcase her talents. For this year, let's be grateful that there is more talent to fall back on. KK, Ash and Q will get more opportunities to develop their games and from what we've seen all three could be very good by March.

I agree.

 

[Zonepress]

Would like to echo what some others have posted
That this is not about basketball anymore but
Health in general both physically and emotionally
Having what appears to be a great family and
Friends/teammates is so important now
My first reaction had nothing to do with basketball, but more to how difficult emotionally this is for a young lady wishing for the best wherever her path
Leads her

 

[Dillon77]

I have no words adequate to offer comfort and support to this young woman who has had such serious injuries. I wish her all the strength and comfort to deal with the road ahead. Such a good person and a wonderful talent; she deserves far better than this.

Couldn't put it any better or more to the point.
UConn and Notre Dame have had their share of major injuries, from Brianna Turner (knee/shoulder) and Olivia Miles to Paige Bueckers. But Azzi's run of recurring injuries just makes one shake your head. In addition to wishes, I'll say a few prayers on top of that.

 

[Huskie837]

I don’t think she has a pro career at this point….

 

[Blond D.]

Azzi needs to get serious about her health like Paige did. Get level and balanced. Do more core exercises, eat healthy, get good sleep...theres a whole list of things Paige did to strengthen her knee and ankles and to put herself in a better place to stay on the court.

 

[uconnever]

Wow!, I hate to say it, but there is NO WAY we win a championship without Azzi. Not enough quality shooters. Caroline has not been herself and Q as good as she can be is too streaky. Azzi and time were all I felt like we needed to look like UConn again. If we can get to the final four, Paige would have to put her cape on, that’s really as I see it our only hope. Just have to enjoy the highs and lows of this season. If recruiting doesn’t yield any big results, this could be the beginning of the end of a dynasty. I hate to even say it, but I kinda feel like Geno won’t get another title. This and next years recruiting class will be VERY telling. This year and probably from now on we have to live like every other women’s basketball fan. In reality.

 

[omshanti]

Ugggh… My heart hurts for this kid and the team. I hope she stays strong mentally and emotionally through this. Hopefully her friends, family, and faith keep her steady with her recovery. Her health is the most important thing here. Prayers and healing light going to Azzi.

 

[omshanti]

Azzi’s puppy will bring her some comfort and emotional support.

 

[Gordo]

No, most of us who have actually been around the block a few times were at least legitimately concerned about it. Her history of knee problems was always something to worry about. I feel so bad for her and her family.

Yes it's a big blow, but Arnold and Shade have shown flashes of great potential. They're only heading into their fifth game of the season. The team has to take a next man up approach which I'm sure they'll do.

Oh, we can add "Q" into that list of wishful thinking, but it still won't replace Azzi and what she could have brought to the table. But I'm with you, this set of freshmen are growing with each minute of playing time.

 

[Gordo]

I don’t think she has a pro career at this point….

Wow, how astute!

 

[Blueballer]

Azzi needs to get serious about her health like Paige did. Get level and balanced. Do more core exercises, eat healthy, get good sleep...theres a whole list of things Paige did to strengthen her knee and ankles and to put herself in a better place to stay on the court.

Ignorant remark. NOBODY was a bigger health and workout freak than Shea Ralph and she had 5 ACL injuries. If it's going to happen it's going to happen.

 

[Blond D.]

Ignorant remark. NOBODY was a bigger health and workout freak than Shea Ralph and she had 5 ACL injuries. If it's going to happen it's going to happen.

NOT ignorant. I'm not talking about Shea Ralph. Im talking about newer techniques that Paige explored. Things that probably weren't around when Shea was playing.
Paige went to many different specialists in many different areas. Theres a really great article on what she had to go thru. How serious she had to get about nutrition, rest, core exercises like pilates and breathing exercises. Different ways to walk and move to level her weigh out so one knee or ankle wasn't doing more work and so she wasn't off balance. It was a great article and I think would help a lot of girls and guys who have trouble staying on the court. I was just saying Azzi should check it out. No disrespect to Azzi. I love her as much as you and the rest of the UCONN fans do.

 

[Gordo]

NOT ignorant. I'm not talking about Shea Ralph. Im talking about newer techniques that Paige explored. Things that probably weren't around when Shea was playing.
Paige went to many different specialists in many different areas. Theres a really great article on what she had to go thru. How serious she had to get about nutrition, rest, core exercises like pilates and breathing exercises. Different ways to walk and move to level her weigh out so one knee or ankle wasn't doing more work and so she wasn't off balance. It was a great article and I think would help a lot of girls and guys who have trouble staying on the court. I was just saying Azzi should check it out. No disrespect to Azzi. I love her as much as you and the rest of the UCONN fans do.

I'm sure you were well meaning, but as close as Azzi and Paige are do you seriously think they wouldn't have talked about all these things? How do you know anything about Azzi's personal life, training routines, her diet, etc., etc., etc.? So what you said was disrespectful and as if you had some inside information that Azzi wasn't taking her knee problems seriously. You don't!

 

[Blueballer]

NOT ignorant. I'm not talking about Shea Ralph. Im talking about newer techniques that Paige explored. Things that probably weren't around when Shea was playing.
Paige went to many different specialists in many different areas. Theres a really great article on what she had to go thru. How serious she had to get about nutrition, rest, core exercises like pilates and breathing exercises. Different ways to walk and move to level her weigh out so one knee or ankle wasn't doing more work and so she wasn't off balance. It was a great article and I think would help a lot of girls and guys who have trouble staying on the court. I was just saying Azzi should check it out. No disrespect to Azzi. I love her as much as you and the rest of the UCONN fans do.

Sure you love her. But she needs to "get serious" about her health. Good timing for that absurd bit of advice. You don't know any of these women or what their personal habits are, nor do you know what you are talking about medically.

 

[sdhoops]

We will be fine. The sky is not falling! 2018 Notre Dame had so many injuries and still won a title. South Carolina is a top team again even with five new starters. My point? We can wollow in pity for Azzi or we can support our UCONN Huskies to title #12. Quite frankly, we're well equipped this year more than any other since our 2017 with depth. Yes, everyone will need to step it up.

 

[Happydad745]

I'm feeling the same thing most of us are....and it sucks.

 

[Stinger92860]

at this point she may just need to move on with her life. Even if she is able to play at all for what is remaining of college, no professional team will gamble on that extensive injury history.

with her sweet shot, every team would be willing to sign her, every team.

 

[augustaTC]

Azzi may be like Shea Ralph. All the talent and heart in the world but knees that can’t sustain it.

Or Caroline Doty.

 

[Blueballer]

with her sweet shot, every team would be willing to sign her, every team.

Absolutely, it might not be as high a pick but there is no doubt she would be wanted.

 

[Linart]

I keep thinking of her Mom and Dad, sitting in the stands for every single game. They must be crushed.

 

[huskiemaniac]

Is this the same injury she suffered in high school or was that the other knee?

Same…

 

[MilfordHusky]

I keep thinking of her Mom and Dad, sitting in the stands for every single game. They must be crushed.

Katie and Tim have attended every single game (with maybe 1-2 exceptions) since Azzi arrived at UConn—whether she was able to play or not. I expect they will be at every game going forward. They are very close with Paige and also close with several other teammates. They are great “team parents.”