2022-2023 Season Starting Lineup & Comparison to 2021-2022 Roster

Here is my best guess given the final addition for the 2022-2023 roster of Isabelle Gradwell.

Here is my analysis for the 2021-2022 & 2022-2023 rosters for comparison.

Chemistry be damned; a 3x3 team of Powell, Scalia, Smith and Sissoko would crush a 3x3 team of Cayton, Gradwell, Zie and Oberg.

Ragnor said:

Here is my best guess given the final addition for the 2022-2023 roster of Isabelle Gradwell.

	Starters game #1	2nd Option	3rd Option
PG	Katie Borowicz	Mi'Cole Cayton	Mara Braun
SG	Mara Braun	Maggie Czninano	Mi'Cole Cayton
SF	Maya Battle	Nia Holloway	Iabelle Gradwell
PF	Isabelle Gradwell	Mallory Heyer	Nia Holloway
P	Aminata Zie	Alanna Micheaux	Destinee Oberg

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I cant imagine Gradwell starts, Im betting they go Heyer or Holloway at the 4 and Micheaux at the 5. Only other option I see is going bigger with Micheaux at the 4. Either way gonna be a really young team.

Ignatius L Hoops said:

Chemistry be damned; a 3x3 team of Powell, Scalia, Smith and Sissoko would crush a 3x3 team of Cayton, Gradwell, Zie and Oberg.

Click to expand...

Yep, glad they don’t play 3x3.

whalenfan said:

I cant imagine Gradwell starts, Im betting they go Heyer or Holloway at the 4 and Micheaux at the 5. Only other option I see is going bigger with Micheaux at the 4. Either way gonna be a really young team.

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Yeah, I understand that, but this is for game 1 and I really don’t think this is the way it would look mid to end of season. I see SF& PF as our weakest positions and I think the coaches will want someone very experienced who can bring intensity and leadership to the game one starting lineup. I think Katie can bring 2 of 3.

I find the idea interesting to use one of the posts as a PF. I wasn’t thinking one of them could reliably shoot a medium range shot which I think a PF needs to. I really don’t know but it will be interesting to see what they do.

I for one am only looking forward not back, it can only go up from here right (fingers crossed) Go Gophers

Here is the official roster:

Mara Braun-5’11 Guard-Freshman

Amaya Braun-6’0 Guard-Freshman

Mallory Heyer-6’1 Forward-Freshman

Niamya “Nia” Holloway-6’0 Forward-Freshman

Maggie Czinano-6’0 Guard-Sophomore

Alanna “Rose” Micheaux-6’2 Post-Sophomore

Katie Borowicz-5’7 Guard-Redshirt Sophomore

Isabelle Gradwell-6’1 Forward-Graduate Senior

Mi’Cole Cayton-5’9 Guard-Graduate Senior

Destinee Oberg-6’3 Post-Redshirt Junior

Aminata Zie-6’2 Forward-JUCU Junior

In terms of some backstory:

-The last month or so, the four 2022s and three returners have been doing open gym on campus against the practice squad guys. They are running with a starting lineup of the four 2022s and Rose at the 5...and are WINNING the games against the practice squad.

Add in what's coming in, along with a possible walk-on or two here is what I would assume barring injuries the lineup will look like. All five starting positions are up for grabs at the start of summer workouts.

PG: Amaya Battle
SG: Mara Braun
SF: Mi'Cole Cayton
PF: Rose Micheaux
C: Destinee Oberg

Off Bench:

6th: Katie Borowics
7th: Mallory Heyer
8th: Isabelle Gradwell
9th: Nią Holloway (could see her move up during season)

Question Marks: Czinano/Zie (I dont know what can or should be expected from these two at this point)

To be blunt, with the roster we have I dont see a lot of moments where Braun/Battle or at least one is not on the floor. I think Czinano will be a bench warmer with little to no minutes outside of blowouts.

At the SF position, I think they will go with experience and a physical defender like Cayton however Mallory Heyer, I personally feel could start and play there. I think Katie Borowicz will be a nice boost of energy and intensity off the bench so bringing her, Heyer, Holloway in together will amp up the intensity in a hurry as well as the speed of the game with those three. I know a lot of people keep warning against the freshman, but they probably are the four most talented on this group, if not 4 of the top 5-6 most talented. They are going to play a lot and learn on the job.

Katie IMO is better off the bench as a backup to Braun/Battle. They are taller and equally as good of shooters and no slouches on the defensive side. Rose has been working on her midrange and outside shooting since the end of season, so her at the PF is not out of the question to go with a big physical Oberg.

Sometimes teams just need a fresh start. I’m very excited for this team to start. I didn’t have a great feeling going into last year. Everyone was back from an unsuccessful team. I think some kids were still hurt from pervious situations. I honestly can’t wait to watch this team. I’ve been watching Borowicz since 7th grade. (section 8Aa represent) I have reasonable expectation, but expect them to upset some teams if they can play defense.

bball_craz_26 said:

Here is the official roster:

Mara Braun-5’11 Guard-Freshman

Amaya Braun-6’0 Guard-Freshman

Mallory Heyer-6’1 Forward-Freshman

Niamya “Nia” Holloway-6’0 Forward-Freshman

Maggie Czinano-6’0 Guard-Sophomore

Alanna “Rose” Micheaux-6’2 Post-Sophomore

Katie Borowicz-5’7 Guard-Redshirt Sophomore

Isabelle Gradwell-6’1 Forward-Graduate Senior

Mi’Cole Cayton-5’9 Guard-Graduate Senior

Destinee Oberg-6’3 Post-Redshirt Junior

Aminata Zie-6’2 Forward-JUCU Junior

In terms of some backstory:

-The last month or so, the four 2022s and three returners have been doing open gym on campus against the practice squad guys. They are running with a starting lineup of the four 2022s and Rose at the 5...and are WINNING the games against the practice squad.

Add in what's coming in, along with a possible walk-on or two here is what I would assume barring injuries the lineup will look like. All five starting positions are up for grabs at the start of summer workouts.

PG: Amaya Battle
SG: Mara Braun
SF: Mi'Cole Cayton
PF: Rose Micheaux
C: Destinee Oberg

Off Bench:

6th: Katie Borowics
7th: Mallory Heyer
8th: Isabelle Gradwell
9th: Nią Holloway (could see her move up during season)

Question Marks: Czinano/Zie (I dont know what can or should be expected from these two at this point)

To be blunt, with the roster we have I dont see a lot of moments where Braun/Battle or at least one is not on the floor. I think Czinano will be a bench warmer with little to no minutes outside of blowouts.

At the SF position, I think they will go with experience and a physical defender like Cayton however Mallory Heyer, I personally feel could start and play there. I think Katie Borowicz will be a nice boost of energy and intensity off the bench so bringing her, Heyer, Holloway in together will amp up the intensity in a hurry as well as the speed of the game with those three. I know a lot of people keep warning against the freshman, but they probably are the four most talented on this group, if not 4 of the top 5-6 most talented. They are going to play a lot and learn on the job.

Katie IMO is better off the bench as a backup to Braun/Battle. They are taller and equally as good of shooters and no slouches on the defensive side. Rose has been working on her midrange and outside shooting since the end of season, so her at the PF is not out of the question to go with a big physical Oberg.

Click to expand...

I am loving this entire thread. I have no expectations of this team this year, other than to see how fast and well the freshmen adjust to Big Ten basketball. Hoping to see the club surprise people and turn out to be very competitive.

Belzx009 said:

Sometimes teams just need a fresh start. I’m very excited for this team to start. I didn’t have a great feeling going into last year. Everyone was back from an unsuccessful team. I think some kids were still hurt from pervious situations. I honestly can’t wait to watch this team. I’ve been watching Borowicz since 7th grade. (section 8Aa represent) I have reasonable expectation, but expect them to upset some teams if they can play defense.

Click to expand...

Section 8 has had some great players over the years, grew up watching some of the best. Hopefully Borowicz recovers and has a great season.

bball_craz_26 said:

Here is the official roster:

Mara Braun-5’11 Guard-Freshman

Amaya Braun-6’0 Guard-Freshman

Mallory Heyer-6’1 Forward-Freshman

Niamya “Nia” Holloway-6’0 Forward-Freshman

Maggie Czinano-6’0 Guard-Sophomore

Alanna “Rose” Micheaux-6’2 Post-Sophomore

Katie Borowicz-5’7 Guard-Redshirt Sophomore

Isabelle Gradwell-6’1 Forward-Graduate Senior

Mi’Cole Cayton-5’9 Guard-Graduate Senior

Destinee Oberg-6’3 Post-Redshirt Junior

Aminata Zie-6’2 Forward-JUCU Junior

In terms of some backstory:

-The last month or so, the four 2022s and three returners have been doing open gym on campus against the practice squad guys. They are running with a starting lineup of the four 2022s and Rose at the 5...and are WINNING the games against the practice squad.

Add in what's coming in, along with a possible walk-on or two here is what I would assume barring injuries the lineup will look like. All five starting positions are up for grabs at the start of summer workouts.

PG: Amaya Battle
SG: Mara Braun
SF: Mi'Cole Cayton
PF: Rose Micheaux
C: Destinee Oberg

Off Bench:

6th: Katie Borowics
7th: Mallory Heyer
8th: Isabelle Gradwell
9th: Nią Holloway (could see her move up during season)

Question Marks: Czinano/Zie (I dont know what can or should be expected from these two at this point)

To be blunt, with the roster we have I dont see a lot of moments where Braun/Battle or at least one is not on the floor. I think Czinano will be a bench warmer with little to no minutes outside of blowouts.

At the SF position, I think they will go with experience and a physical defender like Cayton however Mallory Heyer, I personally feel could start and play there. I think Katie Borowicz will be a nice boost of energy and intensity off the bench so bringing her, Heyer, Holloway in together will amp up the intensity in a hurry as well as the speed of the game with those three. I know a lot of people keep warning against the freshman, but they probably are the four most talented on this group, if not 4 of the top 5-6 most talented. They are going to play a lot and learn on the job.

Katie IMO is better off the bench as a backup to Braun/Battle. They are taller and equally as good of shooters and no slouches on the defensive side. Rose has been working on her midrange and outside shooting since the end of season, so her at the PF is not out of the question to go with a big physical Oberg.

Click to expand...

-The last month or so, the four 2022s and three returners have been doing open gym on campus against the practice squad guys. They are running with a starting lineup of the four 2022s and Rose at the 5...and are WINNING the games against the practice squad.

I have been to a couple open practices where the practice squad guys were there and I don't remember if they kept track of the score and I don't remember who seemed to be winning. I do remember the intensity of the practice guy seemed a bit limited so I am not sure what to make of this info.

Rose has been working on her midrange and outside shooting since the end of season, so her at the PF is not out of the question to go with a big physical Oberg.

Interesting! not to be too nosey but how do you get this & previous info?

Rose defintely has the athleticism to be a PF I just don't know if she has the extra level of ball handling and shooting she should probably have. If she does that would be outstanding!!!

To be blunt, with the roster we have I dont see a lot of moments where Braun/Battle or at least one is not on the floor. I think Czinano will be a bench warmer with little to no minutes outside of blowouts.
I think you certainly could be correct about Czinano but I also know she had injury issues last year and didn't have a lot of opportunities so I hope I am wrong. She certainly has good size but that is about all I know.

Question Marks: Czinano/Zie (I dont know what can or should be expected from these two at this point)

I expect a lot from Zie this year from watching the video that was shared on the board. She seems like she has phenomenal footwork and comfort with pressure on her under the basket. She led the JC ranks nationally with scoring efficiency and was noted to be a good passer. I realize this is at the JC level so it is certainly possible it won't translate and the sample size is not representative to how she typically responds to pressure but I was nonetheless impressed. I think she starts.

Ragnor said:

-The last month or so, the four 2022s and three returners have been doing open gym on campus against the practice squad guys. They are running with a starting lineup of the four 2022s and Rose at the 5...and are WINNING the games against the practice squad.

I have been to a couple open practices where the practice squad guys were there and I don't remember if they kept track of the score and I don't remember who seemed to be winning. I do remember the intensity of the practice guy seemed a bit limited so I am not sure what to make of this info.

Rose has been working on her midrange and outside shooting since the end of season, so her at the PF is not out of the question to go with a big physical Oberg.

Interesting! not to be too nosey but how do you get this & previous info?

Rose defintely has the athleticism to be a PF I just don't know if she has the extra level of ball handling and shooting she should probably have. If she does that would be outstanding!!!

To be blunt, with the roster we have I dont see a lot of moments where Braun/Battle or at least one is not on the floor. I think Czinano will be a bench warmer with little to no minutes outside of blowouts.
I think you certainly could be correct about Czinano but I also know she had injury issues last year and didn't have a lot of opportunities so I hope I am wrong. She certainly has good size but that is about all I know.

Question Marks: Czinano/Zie (I dont know what can or should be expected from these two at this point)

I expect a lot from Zie this year from watching the video that was shared on the board. She seems like she has phenomenal footwork and comfort with pressure on her under the basket. She led the JC ranks nationally with scoring efficiency and was noted to be a good passer. I realize this is at the JC level so it is certainly possible it won't translate and the sample size is not representative to how she typically responds to pressure but I was nonetheless impressed. I think she starts.

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With my job, I work with and in the GBB/WBB Community in Minnesota. I've spoken and asked the 2022s their thoughts and feelings on stuff so the stuff on open gym, running with the team is from them directly. Rose also posted videos on instagram showing working out expanding her range.

In terms of practice squad, it was said that last year's team didn't beat them in scrimmages or head too head to often so to hear the group of 2022s and returners was a pretty good thing to hear. However, big ten and NCAA is a lot different. There is going to be bumps in the road and the freshman will at times make freshman mistakes, but I feel their positive is sooo high it will make up for a lot of the freshman mistakes.

In terms of Zie, I would love to see her be productive and a strong contributor to this team, however I will say watching those highlights gave me pause. While yes she has nice footwork, multiple times I saw a move that 9 times of 10 in the big ten will be called a travel. Not saying it is a travel, but with the off body movement or slow down, I could see big ten refs thinkings its a travel simply cause it looks off. Another thing is JUCO and big ten very different. She might not get Czianno from Iowa or Holmes from Indiana to bite on fakes or moves as easily and then it might be a blocked or forced shot. I'm not saying count her out, I'll just be cautious to expect much and think at least to start that Oberg and Rose with (albeit limited) power five experience will be go-to posts.

bball_craz_26 said:

In terms of Zie, I would love to see her be productive and a strong contributor to this team, however I will say watching those highlights gave me pause.

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Hoping Zie is a late bloomer, but skepticism seems in order. The combination of her crazy high field goal percentage (67.9% and 71.2% in conference play), and pitiful free throw percentage (55.9% and 48.6% in conference play) suggest she physically over matched her junior college opponents at the rim, while simultaneously being a poor shooter. The fact that she barely played the year before at Stony Brook also gives me pause.