6 Reasons Why Ash and KK will start

[JoePgh]

I think that the best UConn alumna to compare to Paige in the upcoming season is (wait for it ...) Maya Moore!

Obviously Paige is not as strong, especially in her upper body, as Maya was. But she is just as tall, just as fast, can probably jump higher, can rebound almost as well, and can handle the ball far better than Maya. Their jump shooting skills are similar. And if Paige plays the 3 as I expect, she will play that position as well as Maya did, i.e., at an All-American level.

Although Maya would have been classified as a small forward, she never played in the paint or with her back to the basket. Her function was to spread the floor by having to be guarded wherever she went. Renee Montgomery and Ketia Swanier handled the PG duties even though Maya was an excellent passer.

And Paige will do the same, most likely with Kaitlyn Chen as her PG. Or maybe KK or Ashlynn.

 

[hoophuskee]

I don’t agree with #2: “If you are believer like I am that there is a Center, 2 forwards and 2 guards”

Not all offenses run this set up, and Geno very often does not. You mention versatility I think as a corrective for the narrowness of this statement. Sure, but then why bother announcing that “there is a Center…” etc at all? Why not just say Geno doesn’t feel limited by that scheme. He runs 4 guards quite often. Sometimes he has 3 players who can play PG on the floor at the same time. Or he runs a ‘twin towers’ set, as he often did with Rebecca and Kara.

When people speak of a point forward I’m often perplexed. If they’re talking about a positionless scheme then all they seem to mean is that the team features a big guard. On the other hand, if it’s a traditional scheme like the one you envision — a center, two guards and two forwards — then why not have one of the guards play the point? Or does it mean that once the supposed point forward initiates the offense they head for the wing or the low post and don’t pay attention to balance and court spacing, then they’re not really a point-anything.

What “set-up” can’t be derived from Centers, Forwards and Guards? Per all the links below they clearly define what the positions are on the basketball court. For example link # 4 defines what a Point-Forward is and goes in detail what a Point-Forward does. Can anyone say Paige doesn’t do these things described? And Link #1 defines what a Wing is. That’s what Paige is too. Why disregard these definitions when they fit Paige perfectly? And why should we limit to her to only being a guard? This is another example of undervaluing what Paige is doing. She is playing the Forward position effortlessly while leading her team to Final Four. She is more than a guard. Her versatility should be recognized as such not limited to only a guard. We should be giving her credit for both.

So we have all these definitions of what positions are. Then why not just say Geno allows his players to do a wide variety of things within these basic defined basketball positions that are already predefined?. Why should we fight the basic basketball positions as defined by the links below? ?

When you say Geno runs 4 guards quite often sure but simultaneously this means he is running a Center, 2 Forwards, and 2 Guards in which 2 (or even all 3) of the guards are playing Forward positions. Unless you or others can state for example why Paige wasn’t a Forward based on the definitions that I’ve provided below other than someone’s say-so? Just as a team can run 2 pg’s – multiple positions—then any can be run simultaneously because many basketball players are versatile.

Per below we can see that PG (Nika) fits, SG/SF/Wing fits KK and Ashlynn. And Paige fits the Forward (i.e. Point-Forward). These descriptions defined “in writing” detail what the positions are and we can see each player fits/. So, why invent something else?

And in link 5 the author describes” playing small” by having a Small Forward play the 4. The 4 is a defined basketball position (ie.e a Forward). It’s not by accident that we have all these definitions of defined positions. Because even within the structure of even Geno’s Offense,., they all fit from the basic Center, Forward, Guard even going small as he has don because the players were versatile.

And Paige is 6’0. Guideline for a Stretch 4 is starting at 6’0. Why fight all this if it already exists and UCONN players fit the definitions?

5 Things Every Basketball Wing Player Should Know

Basketball positions - Wikipedia

Point Forward in Basketball: Basic Information Explained

The Stretch-Four Playbook

Women’s Basketball Recruiting Standards – Dynamite Sports

 

[hoophuskee]

I think that the best UConn alumna to compare to Paige in the upcoming season is (wait for it ...) Maya Moore!

Obviously Paige is not as strong, especially in her upper body, as Maya was. But she is just as tall, just as fast, can probably jump higher, can rebound almost as well, and can handle the ball far better than Maya. Their jump shooting skills are similar. And if Paige plays the 3 as I expect, she will play that position as well as Maya did, i.e., at an All-American level.

Although Maya would have been classified as a small forward, she never played in the paint or with her back to the basket. Her function was to spread the floor by having to be guarded wherever she went. Renee Montgomery and Ketia Swanier handled the PG duties even though Maya was an excellent passer.

And Paige will do the same, most likely with Kaitlyn Chen as her PG. Or maybe KK or Ashlynn.

Maya after her frosh year mostlly played "Power Forward." She was more of a Stretch 4.

 

[Bone Dog]

Unless you or others can state for example why Paige wasn’t a Forward based on the definitions that I’ve provided below other than someone’s say-so?

I don’t know how I got into your crosshairs. I’m all for praising Paige. I think she’s capable of pretty much anything. She even jumped the opening tip once against Marquette.

That said, I find the various permutations of the argument that she should play PG or point-forward or that she fits this or that position perfectly or imperfectly not very enlightening. And don’t take this as evidence that I somehow don’t respect Paige.

Also, point of interest: I used to have a book on basketball written in the 1950s that explained the two basic defensive alignments and the three essential offensive plays. It also described the mechanics of the standing set shot.

 

[Skeets]

Hey,
you were giving me stuff to think about until you got to the USA players are better. That’s why they (foreigners) come here. . .

Perhaps we’re better because basketball is in about ever grade school, high school, colleges , clubs, gyms, parks, backyards, portable hoops on cul’de’sac in most neighborhoods, it’s on multiple tv channels from around the world. And we live in a leisure society where we as a culture need to be entertained. It’s a game that has been established in the USA for generations.

How many kids in other countries actually have touched a basketball? How many have tv’s to watch basketball? How many schools have basketball facilities even if the kids get to go to school? How many parents have the time and resources to take the kids to practice and games? How many countries don’t even allow “GIRLS” to even participate in sporting activities. Period.

I think most BY’ers will understand my point.

I suspect that most kids that come to participate in the collegiate experience in the USA are from some of the more well off countries, cities, or households. Check Napheesa Collier & Jana Al Alfie’s parent’s place in their home country.

I also suspect that a lot of the players where there’s been discussions on the BY about why don’t they come and play in the USA instead of going directly into the leagues overseas is because for them playing in a league (job/work) is the best way they can make money now.

We're getting OT here. But when it comes to basketball most countries (but not all) do not have the grade school, high school, or college infrastructure to be really good at basketball. Having 1 or 2 dozen "club" teams isn't going to cut it. It's like the U.S. only having CYO teams (is that a thing anymore?).

In addition to that, you are correct. Basketball in the U.S, is what soccer is to the rest of the world.

 

[ashfan]

Don't really care who starts a game, never have never will. I'll pay attention to the rotations after the season starts and see who Geno uses at the end of the competitive games, that will tell me what I need to know.

Eminently sensible!

 

[ashfan]

But maybe a player's spirit is boosted by being sent onto the court at the start.

 

[JellyBean]

Usually the nucleus of last year's team is a good beginning for the new season. Paige, Ash, and KK are the nucleus. #1 - Both KK and Ash are 10 point scorers (give or take.) Nice place to begin. #2 - They played 30 plus minutes every game or more on occasion--that equals Geno Trust. High on the list to play for UConn. #3 - They both played top level Team Defense--they made the final four. #4 - Starters should be intense, tough, High IQ and High Motor. KK and Ash --Yes, yes, yes, & definitely Yes on the high motor. #5 - We can eliminate alot of the competition for starting because 4 players are coming back from injury (Azzi, Aubrey, Caroline, Yanna.). Before starting these players must fully recover physically from the injury. Then they must work off the rust and mentally recover game reliability. Finally before starting they must regain Geno's trust. We all know that those 3 elements will take time. No early starters here. Q and the 2 frosh are not ready. That leaves Sarah and Ice. I see Caitlyn taking Nika's spot for now and Jana will start over Ice. I Don't believe that Sarah will get the total defense thing that early in the season. Geno loves the D enough to let her learn and come off the bench--maybe real early for offense. After 8 to 10 games starting could happen.
#6 - Final and very important reason why I see KK and Ash starting, is the Sophomore leap. All three frosh have not experienced the speed and strength of the college game. (I am giving Jana the benefit of the doubt since she played International for years against older players --more aggressive and stronger.) KK and Ash played so much last year that they know the speed and strength of the game (all the way to the final four--top teams.)
They both learned from hard core experience where they have to improve. First speed--KK went to special camps for quickness and movement and Ash worked with her Dad & outside trainers. The strength continues to build over last year and they both look bigger. Mentally they have true understanding of the stress and pressure of critical moments. Finally, they learned from personal experience and the super coaching staff of UConn, what 2 or 3 things needed to improve. For instance, KK worked on driving in quicker, smarter angles and getting off shots that cannot be blocked so easy. Both players know and are refining the instantaneous decision making of receiving ball and then---immediately dribbling , passing or shooting. Geno caught Ash hesitating and holding the ball too long before choosing one of the three options.
In short, KK and Ash are better than last year. If they are knocked out of starting then someone has to be playing at a VERY HIGH LEVEL.
**I am aware that starting and coming off the bench are each important. Aubrey is the classic--off the bench--game changer. I just see November and December games with them starting. As the season unfolds, the development of the team and the other players will determine who plays the most minutes and when they will be played. Just my humble view of the new season.

Nice breakdown. I think, who starts and who comes off the bench will be figured out once the players are back in the gym on a regular basis and they are going through drills and offensive and defensive team breakdown sessions, unless you are on the coaching staff and you are posting here to keep the conversation lively.

The key will be who has improved on their skill development. We know that each game KK and Ash got better and looked pretty darn good as freshies out there. They stepped up and played with confidence each game last season. I was very impressed and with that confidence and game experience, those are huge factors for a player. We shall see in a few weeks which direction the coaching staff goes. I just hope that they don't get stuck with a certain roster and neglect other players. The roster, on player, is deep. Players need to be out there playing "No Fear" Basketball. Not looking over their shoulders with every mistake. No Fear.

 

[hookshot]

We're getting OT here. But when it comes to basketball most countries (but not all) do not have the grade school, high school, or college infrastructure to be really good at basketball. Having 1 or 2 dozen "club" teams isn't going to cut it. It's like the U.S. only having CYO teams (is that a thing anymore?).

In addition to that, you are correct. Basketball in the U.S, is what soccer is to the rest of the world.

CYO continues to thrive

 

[Bigboote]

I hope these are fun conversations - I have questions for you. Can you answer?

1--- When you hear the term that a team plays with two point guards (i.e even when they are on the floor together) has that ever bothered you?

I haven't been part of this convo, but thought I'd offer a point of view on this question. I've always thought two point guards are better than one. Is there any reason that you wouldn't want two people on the floor who can set up the offense and who are very good ball-handlers? A couple of things that make it work better: They can't both be pass-first -- one of them has to hunt shots. It helps if one of them is a good rebounder, or at least hunts rebounds, that way the break is set up sooner.

If you have an exceptional passing big (Gabbie or Stefanie), it's like having a second exceptional passer but not a second ball-handler.

Sue and Diana (and Maria and Diana) are shining examples, as has been brought up in this thread. Cazorla and Ionescu is a recent example that worked out pretty well, as is Vandersloot and Ionescu.

My own analogy: Does it bother anyone when a band has two lead guitar players? No other band has done it as well as the Allman's with Duane and Dickey, but that worked so well that it was almost a given in Southern Rock bands for some time after that.

 

[ashfan]

Nice breakdown. I think, who starts and who comes off the bench will be figured out once the players are back in the gym on a regular basis and they are going through drills and offensive and defensive team breakdown sessions, unless you are on the coaching staff and you are posting here to keep the conversation lively.

The key will be who has improved on their skill development. We know that each game KK and Ash got better and looked pretty darn good as freshies out there. They stepped up and played with confidence each game last season. I was very impressed and with that confidence and game experience, those are huge factors for a player. We shall see in a few weeks which direction the coaching staff goes. I just hope that they don't get stuck with a certain roster and neglect other players. The roster, on player, is deep. Players need to be out there playing "No Fear" Basketball. Not looking over their shoulders with every mistake. No Fear.

It's just a vision, but by the end of this season I foresee team that will be as much Ash's as Paige's; thereafter, UConn will be Ash12's team.

 

[JellyBean]

I haven't been part of this convo, but thought I'd offer a point of view on this question. I've always thought two point guards are better than one. Is there any reason that you wouldn't want two people on the floor who can set up the offense and who are very good ball-handlers? A couple of things that make it work better: They can't both be pass-first -- one of them has to hunt shots. It helps if one of them is a good rebounder, or at least hunts rebounds, that way the break is set up sooner.

If you have an exceptional passing big (Gabbie or Stefanie), it's like having a second exceptional passer but not a second ball-handler.

Sue and Diana (and Maria and Diana) are shining examples, as has been brought up in this thread. Cazorla and Ionescu is a recent example that worked out pretty well, as is Vandersloot and Ionescu.

My own analogy: Does it bother anyone when a band has two lead guitar players? No other band has done it as well as the Allman's with Duane and Dickey, but that worked so well that it was almost a given in Southern Rock bands for some time after that.

Pretty much spot on! Having two point guards on the floor that can handle the rock generally leads to creating quality shots. They can break down defenses off the dribble, which creates mismatches and creases all over the floor. In short, you want to have as many dribble-drive threats in your lineup as possible.

 

[hoophuskee]

I don’t know how I got into your crosshairs. I’m all for praising Paige. I think she’s capable of pretty much anything. She even jumped the opening tip once against Marquette.

That said, I find the various permutations of the argument that she should play PG or point-forward or that she fits this or that position perfectly or imperfectly not very enlightening. And don’t take this as evidence that I somehow don’t respect Paige.

Also, point of interest: I used to have a book on basketball written in the 1950s that explained the two basic defensive alignments and the three essential offensive plays. It also described the mechanics of the standing set shot.

"Crosshairs?"

We had a disagreement. Is that "crosshairs?" If you don't want to look at Center/Forward/Guard - okay but-- - I do. It's what I've gorwn up with too. Another poster had sent me a post on this thread that they had found the discussion fun so I felt a need to further clariffy why "Point-Forward." But for this thread I'm done with that going forward other than I'll say Paige was also playing pg.

I believe though what got this started is that those that say "I want her playing pg." Well, can we agree that she already is playing pg (along with taking on other repsonsibilites) whether she is a guard or a forward? I just believe at times Paige gets "short-changed." I don't want to single-out posts on here from anyone but I feel she does.

 

[Rixxx]

I haven't been part of this convo, but thought I'd offer a point of view on this question. I've always thought two point guards are better than one. Is there any reason that you wouldn't want two people on the floor who can set up the offense and who are very good ball-handlers? A couple of things that make it work better: They can't both be pass-first -- one of them has to hunt shots. It helps if one of them is a good rebounder, or at least hunts rebounds, that way the break is set up sooner.

If you have an exceptional passing big (Gabbie or Stefanie), it's like having a second exceptional passer but not a second ball-handler.

Sue and Diana (and Maria and Diana) are shining examples, as has been brought up in this thread. Cazorla and Ionescu is a recent example that worked out pretty well, as is Vandersloot and Ionescu.

My own analogy: Does it bother anyone when a band has two lead guitar players? No other band has done it as well as the Allman's with Duane and Dickey, but that worked so well that it was almost a given in Southern Rock bands for some time after that.

How about the early Eagles with Felder and Walsh?

 

[Bone Dog]

"Crosshairs?"

We had a disagreement. Is that "crosshairs?" If you don't want to look at Center/Forward/Guard - okay but-- - I do. It's what I've gorwn up with too. Another poster had sent me a post on this thread that they had found the discussion fun so I felt a need to further clariffy why "Point-Forward." But for this thread I'm done with that going forward other than I'll say Paige was also playing pg.

I believe though what got this started is that those that say "I want her playing pg." Well, can we agree that she already is playing pg (along with taking on other repsonsibilites) whether she is a guard or a forward? I just believe at times Paige gets "short-changed." I don't want to single-out posts on here from anyone but I feel she does.

I understand what you are trying to say, and with any other team I wouldn't make any fuss about it. You'd be as right as anyone. With UConn, it's less clear to me how useful those categories are.

Does Geno like to have lots of players with good ball skills and passing skills. Absolutely! Are they all PGs? this is less useful a designation, though I can imagine using it in a rough-and-ready sort of way. Of course, some of them will win an award based on one of these categories even though this doesn't exactly describe their role on Geno's team. I think Diana won an award like that once.

Here's an example. On the 16-17 team there were a couple of players who looked like PGs and operated the way PGs normally do, at least much of the time: Saniya and Crystal each got a lot of minutes and were often on the court together even in big games. But Kia also got a lot of minutes and seemed often to operate as a PG. Did Geno really have a 3 PG lineup? I suppose it's possible to describe it that way, but it doesn't seem to me to really capture what Geno was doing there. He had a motion offense that relied on quick passing and everyone had to be a great passer. Also the transition game was a hallmark of that team and anyone could initiate the break or lead it at the other end, not just Saniya or Crystal. In several games, Gabby led the team in assists and that doesn't make her... what, a point-center? It didn't hurt that everyone ran the floor really well.

For me, the hallmark of a traditional PG isn't just their ball distribution skills in the half court offense or that they typically lead the break. It's also the role they play in the defense. They don't typically crash the o-boards. What rebounds they get on either end usually come from the odd long bounce. They are usually the first person back on defense and they tend to cover the opposing PG. This means they have to ensure court balance, which they can't do from the wing or the low post. But in a motion offense, Geno's guards often find themselves all over the court, crashing the boards, driving the lane, shooting from the wing. What this means is that they all have to pay attention to court balance and any of them might turn out to be the leader of the break or even the finisher.

Now the fact is that the personnel on the 16-17 and the 17-18 teams really lent itself to a motion offense and the transition game. Subsequent teams haven't always been so well suited to it, either because of who was recruited or injuries. The team two years ago that lost to tOSU in the Elite 8 was just such a team. I loved them all, but the team that lost to tOSU didn't have enough team speed or enough ball handling skills up and down the roster to play the positionless, motion offensive game Geno has seemed to prefer in recent years. He had a single PG -- Nika -- and as she went so did the team go. Good as she was, Lou could not cover the PG position, and neither could Aubrey. And though they had good handles, and they often defended at the top of the key and got back in transition defense, they weren't even point forwards. They were either wings or small forwards, though neither description quite fit them either.

So will Paige play PG or point-forward? I don't think this is the right question. Will Geno look to recreate the magic formula he had in Stewie's last season, or in the Gabby years? A positionless, motion offense that breaks opponents in transition. He absolutely has the personnel for it this season. When he took Nika off the exclusive PG spot last season and let Paige and KK share it with her, they went deeper into the tournament than anyone expected -- though we all hoped for it! Was he running 3 PGs? or was he running a positionless, motion offense? I think the latter comes closest to what he was doing.

So to get back to the topic of the thread, if he wants to play that type of game again, Geno will give KK and Ash a shot at starting in November, because this is the game they already have proven they know how to play next to Paige. And Kaitlyn can probably figure it out in time -- it's similar to what Carla runs at Princeton, though not identical. I hope Sarah and Jana find a place in it since they both have skills that could work in an open-court offense. And Morgan Allie and Q have the right sort of skills, if they can figure out hot to fit themselves into it. And so no one tags me with ignoring anyone, Azzi and Caroline already know how this type of game works, so they'll find their way into it eventually. And Aubrey too!! That only leaves Ayanna, whose skills and athleticism could fit, though she hasn't had a lot of time to perfect her role in this type of game -- but I'm keeping my fingers crossed for her!

 

[jdote33]

I can't find the thread but someone mentioned that they were watching last year's games and it being encouraging, so I decided to watch the Uconn vs ND game. I just remembered losing, Paige not playing well, Nika fouling out, and Hannah Hidalgo kinda going crazy. But I just rewatched the first half and it was such an interesting game. First off, the atmosphere seemed pretty insane. I thought the team kinda started out the game tight, but I can't blame them. I remember a sports analyst once said game 7s are so unnatural, like the amount of pressure is not normal for a human being. I know these athletes are conditioned and live for these moments but I kinda thought it must've been so intense to play in that game. In any event, upon rewatching I can't believe we were up 30-18 in total control in the second quarter, with Diana Taurasi being interviewed. It really felt like we were about the win the game handily but then we went into a serious drought. On the flip side, Nat Marshall really changed the game for them, and Westbeld was a force in the first half. Which made me think, we really did need more size out there. It will be good to have a rotation of bigs this season. ND was so smart, and really punished mismatches. They were pretty disciplined. The firs half also made me think of how much of a Caroline Ducharme game that was. She lives for those type of games, and one of her breakout games her freshman year was against Notre Dame at home. I thought of Azzi as well, as she has had pretty big games vs ranked opponents at home. Lastly, I thought of Kaitlyn Chen. She would've definitely cracked a smile, and got the team to loosen up a bit. Maybe I'm optimistic but I did feel like everything that was missing from the team in that game is kinda on the way this year. In even remembering Paige having a "bad game", she was quite unlucky on a couple of her shots in the first half (they went in and out). I know there's the aggressive Paige talk but I actually think this year there won't be as much pressure on her to make every play. You could see them trying to get her the ball at times in the first half but Citron on ND was doing a great job of denying, which bogged up the offense. I almost wanted to see KK just run screen and roll or take the defense herself, instead of waiting to run a set play.

 

[Bone Dog]

I can't find the thread but someone mentioned that they were watching last year's games and it being encouraging, so I decided to watch the Uconn vs ND game. I just remembered losing, Paige not playing well, Nika fouling out, and Hannah Hidalgo kinda going crazy. But I just rewatched the first half and it was such an interesting game. First off, the atmosphere seemed pretty insane. I thought the team kinda started out the game tight, but I can't blame them. I remember a sports analyst once said game 7s are so unnatural, like the amount of pressure is not normal for a human being. I know these athletes are conditioned and live for these moments but I kinda thought it must've been so intense to play in that game. In any event, upon rewatching I can't believe we were up 30-18 in total control in the second quarter, with Diana Taurasi being interviewed. It really felt like we were about the win the game handily but then we went into a serious drought. On the flip side, Nat Marshall really changed the game for them, and Westbeld was a force in the first half. Which made me think, we really did need more size out there. It will be good to have a rotation of bigs this season. ND was so smart, and really punished mismatches. They were pretty disciplined. The firs half also made me think of how much of a Caroline Ducharme game that was. She lives for those type of games, and one of her breakout games her freshman year was against Notre Dame at home. I thought of Azzi as well, as she has had pretty big games vs ranked opponents at home. Lastly, I thought of Kaitlyn Chen. She would've definitely cracked a smile, and got the team to loosen up a bit. Maybe I'm optimistic but I did feel like everything that was missing from the team in that game is kinda on the way this year. In even remembering Paige having a "bad game", she was quite unlucky on a couple of her shots in the first half (they went in and out). I know there's the aggressive Paige talk but I actually think this year there won't be as much pressure on her to make every play. You could see them trying to get her the ball at times in the first half but Citron on ND was doing a great job of denying, which bogged up the offense. I almost wanted to see KK just run screen and roll or take the defense herself, instead of waiting to run a set play.

The second half is still painful to watch. It seemed to me that the unreadiness of the freshmen was really exposed on defense. KK and Ash were frequently out of position, and they seemed to forget what must have been the scout on Hidalgo about covering her dominant hand. Even Nika was exposed against her once the team defense got ragged. Compare that performance to the USC game and the difference is striking.

 

[yhun89]

The second half is still painful to watch. It seemed to me that the unreadiness of the freshmen was really exposed on defense. KK and Ash were frequently out of position, and they seemed to forget what must have been the scout on Hidalgo about covering her dominant hand. Even Nika was exposed against her once the team defense got ragged. Compare that performance to the USC game and the difference is striking.

Second half is a perfect example of "Everything that could go wrong did go wrong." Now that our freshmen are more experienced, I don't think we'll have as much trouble of defense as we did here, especially because of your USC game point. It definitely didn't help that tons of alumni were watching and the pressure was really on the freshmen.

 

[jdote33]

Second half is a perfect example of "Everything that could go wrong did go wrong." Now that our freshmen are more experienced, I don't think we'll have as much trouble of defense as we did here, especially because of your USC game point. It definitely didn't help that tons of alumni were watching and the pressure was really on the freshmen.

Yeah Im watching the second half. It's actually not as bad as I remember. Well I'm still early in the 4th but it was tied briefly until ND (basically Hidalgo) went on a 6-0 run. But KK was pretty great in the 3rd and so was Aaliyah. I also have no problems with Paige performance. I most likely had some strongly different thoughts in the post game thread lol, as I was pretty bummed about the loss. she missed shots but wasn't afraid of the moment or anything. She's like 3-14 but they were all quality looks. I think they lost because of defense. Seems like the bigs couldn't quite grasp Hidalgos speed off the pick. there's also no shot blocking at the rim. And then even on the pop the nd bigs were wide open. I think this is a result as you said of a young team but also playing a bit small. And we seem to not be great on the boards. Ice did not have a bad showing though. Once again, I think scoring droughts and looking for one player to bail the team out won't be as much a thing this year. Defensive breakdowns tho.....im interested to see how Jana looks on that end. It's also y earlier in the summer I was thinking they may need to play ayanna.

 

[yhun89]

Yeah Im watching the second half. It's actually not as bad as I remember. Well I'm still early in the 4th but it was tied briefly until ND (basically Hidalgo) went on a 6-0 run. But KK was pretty great in the 3rd and so was Aaliyah. I also have no problems with Paige performance. I most likely had some strongly different thoughts in the post game thread lol, as I was pretty bummed about the loss. she missed shots but wasn't afraid of the moment or anything. She's like 3-14 but they were all quality looks. I think they lost because of defense. Seems like the bigs couldn't quite grasp Hidalgos speed off the pick. there's also no shot blocking at the rim. And then even on the pop the nd bigs were wide open. I think this is a result as you said of a young team but also playing a bit small. And we seem to not be great on the boards. Ice did not have a bad showing though. Once again, I think scoring droughts and looking for one player to bail the team out won't be as much a thing this year. Defensive breakdowns tho.....im interested to see how Jana looks on that end. It's also y earlier in the summer I was thinking they may need to play ayanna.

Jana and Sarah especially should help the front court defense from what the 3x3 highlights are showing. If we had even one of them, I doubt Hannah would've been able to drive into the paint so easily, not on a defender like Sarah. The team also didn't seem to listen to the scouting report about forcing her left hand.