5 Takeaways from the McD All-Star Game

[doggydaddy]

I've seen nothing that would indicate that Geno would not start Caroline and Kelly, despite the calls from the Boneyard to do differently.

My thoughts are that Hayes graduates and Lewis slides into the starting lineup.

But make no mistake, all 3 freshman will see 15-25 minutes per game. Harley averaged 32 minutes a game and that will come down to . I think Faris minutes will drop a little from 28 to around 25 and Doty might drop a couple of minutes a game as well.

With Hayes 30 minutes, and maybe another 10 by lowering minutes from other players that is around 40 minutes for the 3 freshman.

It won't be easy for Geno.

 

[Wbbfan1]

McDonald's All American Girls Game Available on ESPN3.com

Replay - Link

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

IMHO Morgan Tuck seemed more ready to start for UConn then either Breanna or Moriah. She seems a natural to start at the forward position to added needed scoring and rebounding. My starting lineup would be Stef, Morgan, Kelly, KML and Bria at the beginning of the year. However, I think it will be Stef, Kelly, KML, Bria and Caroline. Geno will use a lot of wholesale substitutions and you will see Kiah, Morgan, Breanna, Brianna and Moriah coming in as a second unit. I think you'll see this happen until the start of Big East play or the team is playing teams like Stanford and Baylor. In those games, you'll see normal substitution patterns.

If BS is not ready to start, I need to totally relearn how basketball is played.

 

[magic]

1. Breanna plays her best when it actually matters. Like, for example, in the closing minutes of a tight game, where the early portions are largely meaningless judging from the play.

2. Moriah loves to shake 'n' bake! This girl puts on a show. And no lazy cross-court passes in her vicinity, please. She takes those the other way.

3. Besides having tons of talent, Morgan is also a very polished and savvy player. She took it to Breanna at both ends thank you very much and got off several quality shots in the lane even when Bre was in good position to defend. That takes some doing.

4. There is nothing cuter than Moriah Jefferson's grin.

5. The referees are apparently docked pay for every foul called in the McD All-Star game, except for those with under 2.0 seconds remaining.

I get absolutely nothing from these all star games. First of all the 95% of the players shoot the ball as soon as it touches their hand. Your true "team " players often take a back seat because of this. I look for athleticism, hand skills, etc. and just the entertainment value. From here , it will come down to coaching, and the individual will to improve.

 

[alexrgct]

I've seen nothing that would indicate that Geno would not start Caroline and Kelly, despite the calls from the Boneyard to do differently.

My thoughts are that Hayes graduates and Lewis slides into the starting lineup.

But make no mistake, all 3 freshman will see 15-25 minutes per game. Harley averaged 32 minutes a game and that will come down to . I think Faris minutes will drop a little from 28 to around 25 and Doty might drop a couple of minutes a game as well.

With Hayes 30 minutes, and maybe another 10 by lowering minutes from other players that is around 40 minutes for the 3 freshman.

It won't be easy for Geno.

That would be a ridiculous and stubborn decision for Geno to make.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Actually I thought I was watching Tamika Williams/Raymond (while she was Williams). Extremely efficient in the low post. Got the ball and boom it was in the hole. No extra movement needed.

That will be an incredible asset for the Huskies in the four years ahead. Despite not having the gaudier stats of the other members of the 2002 starters, Williams played her role as the clean-up artist so well, getting an incredible ratio of offensive rebounds to overall and of course putting them back in at an all-time NCAA record of over 70% for her career. If Tuck has the smell for the offensive rebound and can take on much of that Williams role and be something of the put-back dominator, Huskies will be even more dangerous.

 

[doggydaddy]

That would be a ridiculous and stubborn decision for Geno to make.

Really? I hope your head doesn't explode when it happens.

What has Geno shown you that would indicate he would start anyone different than I said?

 

[HGN]

6. Abby Waner got paid by the # of words uttered.

Loved the post Kibitzer.......The future looks bright for Storrs. Breanna has unlimited potential and skills galore . MoJeff is going to add handles and another gear to the backcourt. And that Tuck ! Morgan is as smooth as silk in the low post. And i say she is probably the Real Steal of the group. She is really a Top 10 player. Don't know where HG gets this #15 stuff. Tuck is a Top 10 player. Maybe higher.

 

[Kibitzer]

I have no idea what five players will cmprise the starting lineup next season.

Neither does Geno.

As they develop their game plans based upon anticipated match-ups, opposing coaches won't have nightmares until they try to deal with what UConn lineup takes the court after the first TV time out. That's when three fresh studs come off the bench. Conceivably (I am not predicting), it could be something like Stef, Breanna, Morgan, Bria and Kaleena. This (or some variation) volume of firepower would blast away while players like Kelly, Caroline, Kiah, Moriah and Brianna catch a break.

Boneyarders have all summer to shuffle lineups around and compute minutes per player per game. Then, come November, Geno will figure it out just like he always does.

 

[EricSD]

Looks like Baylor will be even better next year with their 2 kids. They don't lose anyone of importance from this year.

UConn will also be better for sure. All 3 of our frosh are studs who will make instant impacts, KML and Kiah a year older and wise, ditto Hartley and Dolson, Faris, and Grandma Doty.

The level of talent in that game next year will be absurd!

i was thinking that too, but Baylor does lose Condrey, Field and Palmer. Condrey and Field only average 4.1 and 2.8 MPG and Palmer is probably a Johnson or Engeln type of player. so it's not like they lose nothing, but still, Hayes is a much bigger loss for UCONN. having said that, the 3 kids that UCONN is getting are far and away better than the recruits Baylor has coming in. still, it will be UCONN and Baylor, and then everyone else, and for everyone else, Duke is the clear (IMHO) leader of the next group.

 

[John Fryer]

That would be a ridiculous and stubborn decision for Geno to make.

Assuming your meaning is that either Caroline or Kelly will not start then I agree 100%.

Morgan Tuck is ready to start right now.

I saw her playing with focus and consistency for the entire game.

Sorry, but, IHMO, there is no way that Kelly will out perform Morgan at the 4 spot.

(Oh, BTW, we may have missed getting a very good player in Bria Holmes!)

(Oh, oh, I may have forgotten that the Kelly of the last two games makes the decision, about starters, a whole nother matter!)

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[sarals24]

There is no way Kelly will outperform Morgan? Kelly, the senior with two years starting experience, who often has to gaurd players much bigger than her and does so better than anyone in the country? Won't outperform an untested (and admittedly very talented) freshman?

I am biased, clearly, because of the whole her being my hero thing, but still...Kelly Faris not outperforming a freshman! Come on...

 

[EricSD]

aside from all the glowing comments from the BY'ers about our kids, one thing that also stood out to me about Moriah, aside from her blinding speed, was her ability to shoot a bullet, no look pass. the kid is NOT a "shoot first" PG, even in an all star game. she was perfectly happy to play some great defense, fake the defenders out of their shoes, and (mostly) attempt precise bullet passes to anyone who was open. of course i think she scored 8 or so points along the way. she's going to be absolutely dazzling at UCONN.

and much to the consternation of other fans watching the game, while Waner did tend to babble, i loved how much she glowingly hyped the UCONN recruits. they must have said at least 20 times that Bree showed why she's the best player in the class. and Morgan Tuck - someone likened her to Ashja Jones and i can see that totally. Strong, smooth, smart, and she already has a terrific 3 point shot and is a terrific FT shooter. no Tina Charles bricklayers on the team lol...

i also wanted to add i was very impressed with Bria Holmes. the kid proved she belonged there and it's the first time i saw her. i'm surprised that Geno and UCONN couldn't find a place for her. Perhaps it's because her game is so similar to Diamond's.

I also was impressed with the Kentucky recruit (don't recall her name - Niya or Nirra?) as well as the kid going to Syracuse - Butler i think? i thought it was interesting that besides Tuck, and Stewart at the end, none of the post players could really finish in the lane. I also was impressed with Alexis Jones. she didn't score a lot, but she's crafty and has a more mature game than Moriah at this point. i think Moriah has a much higher upside. but in a way i can see why USA basketball wanted Jones over Jefferson at this point. give them both a year in their respective colleges tho, and i think it will be a different story.

i was unimpressed with a good number of the other players. Jordan Adams, Jewell Loyd and Michaela Mabery come to mind off the bat. Neither showed me anything impressive - speed, shooting, decision making, etc. and a host of post players did very little as well - Howard, Collier, and Agee were largely invisible. and where was Imani Stafford? was she injured?

 

[meyers7]

- Howard, Collier, and Agee were largely invisible. and where was Imani Stafford? was she injured?

Collier and Agee both impressed me quite a bit. Collier had 2-3 blocks (along with the foul). Agee rebounded very well and got the ball out on the break quickly. Had no trouble getting up and down the floor for a big.

You are not going to see a lot in an All-star game from the bigs, not designed for them. But I thought those 2 stood out.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

BS scored on a left-handed hook shot, a layup, a 15 ft jump shot, and a 3 point shot…nuff said.

 

[Bestiarius]

By the way, there's been some talk about Mo versus Alexis Jones and whether Jones should be the higher ranked player. My contention is Mo has a skill set that is unique and special, and that HG absolutely has it right.

At this point, it's immaterial as to who is better. Once Geno & crew gets their hands on her, there is no doubt in my mind that Mo Jef will come out on top. (No disrespect for the Duke coaching staff intended).

 

[doggydaddy]

I love how all 3 incoming freshman played. They are a dynamic trio and will be amazing for 4 years.

That being said, there is NO way that Geno puts Kelly and Caroline on the bench. Two seniors who started every game they have played at UConn. Not now, not later. If you think that Geno doesn't know that Lewis slides in Hayes' spot in the starting lineup, then I don't know what team you have been watching.

Geno is loyal, and maybe to some, to a fault.

The 2 of the 3 freshman will start the year after and for three years. I'm thinking Jefferson for Doty and Stewart for Faris. I think that Tuck will come off the bench for 2 years and start her last two years.

With 10 viable players next year, this will be Geno's deepest team. It won't be easy to dole out the playing time but things like this tend to work themselves out.

Yes, I know that many here think that Stewart has to start, but this team, with Doty and Faris starting has a chance to win it all. And Lewis is playing plenty. At UConn, you have to wait your turn.

 

[Bestiarius]

IMHO Morgan Tuck seemed more ready to start for UConn then either Breanna or Moriah. She seems a natural to start at the forward position to added needed scoring and rebounding. My starting lineup would be Stef, Morgan, Kelly, KML and Bria at the beginning of the year. However, I think it will be Stef, Kelly, KML, Bria and Caroline. Geno will use a lot of wholesale substitutions and you will see Kiah, Morgan, Breanna, Brianna and Moriah coming in as a second unit. I think you'll see this happen until the start of Big East play or the team is playing teams like Stanford and Baylor. In those games, you'll see normal substitution patterns.

Can't we split the roster into 2 teams, Uconn Storrs & Uconn Stamford? Then, next year we can have 2 teams in the final 4.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

I don't think Stewart SHOULD start...I simply said she is ready to start. Kelly derves to start and see plenty of playing time...she is glue to this team.

 

[sarals24]

I love how all 3 incoming freshman played. They are a dynamic trio and will be amazing for 4 years.

That being said, there is NO way that Geno puts Kelly and Caroline on the bench. Two seniors who started every game they have played at UConn. Not now, not later. If you think that Geno doesn't know that Lewis slides in Hayes' spot in the starting lineup, then I don't know what team you have been watching.

Geno is loyal, and maybe to some, to a fault.

The 2 of the 3 freshman will start the year after and for three years. I'm thinking Jefferson for Doty and Stewart for Faris. I think that Tuck will come off the bench for 2 years and start her last two years.

With 10 viable players next year, this will be Geno's deepest team. It won't be easy to dole out the playing time but things like this tend to work themselves out.

Yes, I know that many here think that Stewart has to start, but this team, with Doty and Faris starting has a chance to win it all. And Lewis is playing plenty. At UConn, you have to wait your turn.

Kelly didn't start her freshman year.

 

[UConnChapette]

I personally want to see the following 5 on the floor at the same time: Bria, Breanna, Brianna, Kiah and Kaleena. All those long "eeee" sounds should throroughly confuse announcers like Mike Patrick, Dave O'Brien, Caroly Peck, and yes, even our own Bob Picozzi.

 

[doggydaddy]

Kelly didn't start her freshman year.

Yep...sorry about that.

 

[doggydaddy]

I don't think Stewart SHOULD start...I simply said she is ready to start. Kelly derves to start and see plenty of playing time...she is glue to this team.

Wasn't talking about you, my friend. There are plenty of others that think that. I'm arguing more about what Geno will do.

 

[meyers7]

Wasn't talking about you, my friend. There are plenty of others that think that. I'm arguing more about what Geno will do.

WWGD

 

[dtbtbtb]

IMO Breanna should start instead of Doty, if only to provide stability and guidance to the "second" team. If you have a 5 on the floor consisting of Mo, BB, Tuck, Breanna and Kiah while athletic and full of promise it does not look like a totally organized unit. Put CD in there instead of Breanna and suddenly you have 2 units who are full with scorers and everything else.

 

[doggydaddy]

IMO Breanna should start instead of Doty, if only to provide stability and guidance to the "second" team. If you have a 5 on the floor consisting of Mo, BB, Tuck, Breanna and Kiah while athletic and full of promise it does not look like a totally organized unit. Put CD in there instead of Breanna and suddenly you have 2 units who are full with scorers and everything else.

Geno doesn't play units. He subs 1 or 2 at a time. Jefferson could sub for Doty or Hartley and the other one would still be on the court with Jefferson to provide "stability".

 

[Icebear]

That would be a ridiculous and stubborn decision for Geno to make.

But it is what will happen, alex. Especially, at the start of the season when Breanna can be coached on the bench at the start of the game.

 

[Sonny44]

Can't we split the roster into 2 teams, Uconn Storrs & Uconn Stamford? Then, next year we can have 2 teams in the final 4.

You absolutely stole this idea from me. I have posted it twice already. I'll see you in court!

 

[Icebear]

IMO Breanna should start instead of Doty, if only to provide stability and guidance to the "second" team. If you have a 5 on the floor consisting of Mo, BB, Tuck, Breanna and Kiah while athletic and full of promise it does not look like a totally organized unit. Put CD in there instead of Breanna and suddenly you have 2 units who are full with scorers and everything else.

But doing so completely neglects that CD needs to play when warmed up and not sit and stiffen up.

 

[Sonny44]

I personally don't see the need for one locked in stone starting team. I could see various starting teams based on the opposition's strengths; post play, guard play team speed, etc. In this scenario you may see different freshmen start at some point.