Aluminny69
Old Timer
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
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We have seen a similar pattern the last two games, against ND and DePaul. The opponent plays even, or even outplays UConn for the first ten minutes. Then UConn bounces back, and plays solid for the last 30 minutes. Why?
Some random observations:
1. The starting five seem much more offensive minded than defensive minded. Kia Nurse in particular was caught helping out on defense, but leaving her man wide open.
2. Kiah Stokes is clearly a defensive presence. The team becomes a much better defensive team when Kiah enters the game.
3. The change to Zone was the difference last night. DePaul could not solve the zone, and were immediately shut down. They went for a long time without scoring against the zone. It seems the UConn players are better at knowing where they should be in the zone, than man-to-man.
4. Eric asked Meagan why she thought MoJeff's numbers were down this year. Meagan replied "no Bria Hartley!" Bria helped Mo play better, that's why Bria was an All American.
5. I know they have a team +/- system. I would like to see a +/- for each player. I'll bet one of the coaching staff keeps these stats. As a fan, when a defender gets picked, we don't necessarily know who was supposed to be guarding an open shooter. But, the coaching staff probably knows. Of course, there are times when you just have to say great shot, or great play. However, I'm seeing too many open shots, especially in the first ten minutes.
Anyway, what are your thoughts?
Some random observations:
1. The starting five seem much more offensive minded than defensive minded. Kia Nurse in particular was caught helping out on defense, but leaving her man wide open.
2. Kiah Stokes is clearly a defensive presence. The team becomes a much better defensive team when Kiah enters the game.
3. The change to Zone was the difference last night. DePaul could not solve the zone, and were immediately shut down. They went for a long time without scoring against the zone. It seems the UConn players are better at knowing where they should be in the zone, than man-to-man.
4. Eric asked Meagan why she thought MoJeff's numbers were down this year. Meagan replied "no Bria Hartley!" Bria helped Mo play better, that's why Bria was an All American.
5. I know they have a team +/- system. I would like to see a +/- for each player. I'll bet one of the coaching staff keeps these stats. As a fan, when a defender gets picked, we don't necessarily know who was supposed to be guarding an open shooter. But, the coaching staff probably knows. Of course, there are times when you just have to say great shot, or great play. However, I'm seeing too many open shots, especially in the first ten minutes.
Anyway, what are your thoughts?