A couple of post-game thoughts

[JordyG]

When I bend over in a bright sunlight the reflection from my scalp may blind you.

I can(n't) see your point(ed).

 

[DEpup]

ONO played 21 mins, 5 pts, 11 rebs, 2 asts, 2 blocks, not bad for a bench freshman.
She missed 3 FTs otherwise she can score 8 pts.
I think with more playing time and experiences she will be very good. She knows where she should be and very aggressive.

I completely agree. Bigs take longer to get those big bodies strong enough and coordinated enough to be really good. She performed in the first game as well as Butler ever did so everything is up from here. Can you imagine the ONO and Boston twin towers?

 

[BroadwayVa]

I completely agree. Bigs take longer to get those big bodies strong enough and coordinated enough to be really good. She performed in the first game as well as Butler ever did so everything is up from here. Can you imagine the ONO and Boston twin towers?

IF IF IF Boston comes to Uconn, is ready to play, meets Geno's requirements; playing Ono and a real big big would allow Oliva to be a post forward. I' believe they'd be a very successful team.
I've been reading that Basketball is now or becoming a "positionless" game. Except for true post I believe with players like KLS that is very true.

 

[JordyG]

I completely agree. Bigs take longer to get those big bodies strong enough and coordinated enough to be really good. She performed in the first game as well as Butler ever did so everything is up from here. Can you imagine the ONO and Boston twin towers?

On the money. Also let's remember, generally after knee injuries it's the 2nd year players begin to get their agility back up to snuff.

 

[JordyG]

IF IF IF Boston comes to Uconn, is ready to play, meets Geno's requirements; playing Ono and a real big big would allow Oliva to be a post forward. I' believe they'd be a very successful team.
I've been reading that Basketball is now or becoming a "positionless" game. Except for true post I believe with players like KLS that is very true.

It's already true in the Association. The 5 has gone the way of the buggy whip. Everyone shoots the 3, everyone passes, everyone handles the ball. 6'10" is the sweet spot.

 

[donalddoowop]

I watched the game and came to the conclusion that if she stays healthy, Ono will be good before the season is over and very good by the end of her sophomore season. Once she "gets it", she will be an AA candidate, imo.

 

[Vowelguy]

How was M Walker?

 

[RockyMTblue2]

How was M Walker?

Middlin' . Hoped for more.

 

[j66kicker]

My take on ONO was that she needs better hands. That could be a strength thing only manifesting in a poor handle, but it seemed the ball hit her in the hands several times on rebounds/catches that she fumbled.

My guess is it’s a temporary coordination thing that will improve as the game slows down for her.

 

[donalddoowop]

How was M Walker?

I thought she played well. She will help in rebounding and defense. Her scoring will also be there in time. Once she gets more game experience she will be a valuable player for UConn. Some expectations imo, need not be so high this early in the season, for any of the players other than the top three.

 

[uconnfan68]

I thought she played well. She will help in rebounding and defense. Her scoring will also be there in time. Once she gets more game experience she will be a valuable player for UConn. Some expectations imo, need not be so high this early in the season, for any of the players other than the top three.

I thought she was just a touch too tentative. I hope it was just first start butterflies. We really need her to step into her own this year.

 

[JoePgh]

What I noticed about Megan's game was some strong rebounding in traffic. She showed that last year also, but too often failed to get boxouts. I didn't notice that today. Of course, the low height and quality of the opposition needs to be considered.

I think rebounding will be a challenge for this year's team, but I am cautiously optimistic that the front line of Napheesa, Lou, and Megan will be able to limit second shots by most teams. They will need serious help from ONO and Batouly. I see no indication that Kyla will be able to provide significant help in that area.

I do think that Christyn can get some rebounds from the guard position, as Kia did in the last few years.

 

[Carnac]

Will there be a replay of the game?

Yes. You can watch the entire game on demand at the same website. I just watched the first quarter again a moment ago. Enjoy.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I thought Meg looked good. This is a tough crowd. She had a double-double, for crying out loud. I thought she settled for fall-away jumpers a little too much, but she played like a starter. She wasn’t as good as Lou, but no one else is unless their name is Stewie.

I look for rebounding by committee. Improved rebounding is a focus for Lou—she had 10+ today. Megan is a strong rebounder, and Squeaks has strength, lift, and good anticipation.

 

[JordyG]

I thought Meg looked good. This is a tough crowd. She had a double-double, for crying out loud. I thought she settled for fall-away jumpers a little too much, but she played like a starter. She wasn’t as good as Lou, but no one else is unless their name is Stewie.

I look for rebounding by committee. Improved rebounding is a focus for Lou—she had 10+ today. Megan is a strong rebounder, and Squeaks has strength, lift, and good anticipation.

There you have it. In a nutshell. Just add the teams leading rebounder Pheesa and they should be okay.

 

[Charliebball]

I thought Meg looked good. This is a tough crowd. She had a double-double, for crying out loud. I thought she settled for fall-away jumpers a little too much, but she played like a starter. She wasn’t as good as Lou, but no one else is unless their name is Stewie.

I look for rebounding by committee. Improved rebounding is a focus for Lou—she had 10+ today. Megan is a strong rebounder, and Squeaks has strength, lift, and good anticipation.

I don't remember seeing anyone's shots go in and out as much as MW's do........I don't know if it's the spin on her shot but it seems to happen at least a couple of times every game....

 

[BroadwayVa]

It's already true in the Association. The 5 has gone the way of the buggy whip. Everyone shoots the 3, everyone passes, everyone handles the ball. 6'10" is the sweet spot.

I have thought that (positionless) for a long time. The kids are so talented. In the "Association" (I like that) everyone is so big, mobile, and athletic and the game has few "plays" what does Position mean?

 

[oldude]

I thought Meg looked good. This is a tough crowd. She had a double-double, for crying out loud. I thought she settled for fall-away jumpers a little too much, but she played like a starter. She wasn’t as good as Lou, but no one else is unless their name is Stewie.

I look for rebounding by committee. Improved rebounding is a focus for Lou—she had 10+ today. Megan is a strong rebounder, and Squeaks has strength, lift, and good anticipation.

I agree on Megan’s performance. Her rebounding & defense was solid. She hit a couple nice jumpers from the foul line (Gabby’s spot) and dished out a couple nice passes.

The one area Megan can improve is to finish stronger at the basket. When I lived in VA, I had the opportunity to watch Megan play several times in HS. She would drive to the basket like a freight train. That’s what I’m looking forward to seeing again at UConn.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I don't remember seeing anyone's shots go in and out as much as MW's do...I don't know if it's the spin on her shot but it seems to happen at least a couple of times every game....

She (Megan) did that last season and lost too many in the Vandy game that "rimmed"out. She, I think, does not concentrate on the shot. Good players only have the shot and rim in their vision as they are shooting. Contact in the WCBB game is more than she knew, I believe.

BTW---High lights of the Vandy game were on YouTube last evening--a fun watch.

 

[BroadwayVa]

What I noticed about Megan's game was some strong rebounding in traffic. She showed that last year also, but too often failed to get boxouts. I didn't notice that today. Of course, the low height and quality of the opposition needs to be considered.

I think rebounding will be a challenge for this year's team, but I am cautiously optimistic that the front line of Napheesa, Lou, and Megan will be able to limit second shots by most teams. They will need serious help from ONO and Batouly. I see no indication that Kyla will be able to provide significant help in that area.

I do think that Christyn can get some rebounds from the guard position, as Kia did in the last few years.

Joe, I always enjoy your stuff. Why is it no one Mentioned the KLS was leading scorer and rebounder? Olivia did well, not good, not great but for a first game good. She has a lot to learn and needs to keep hitting the boards. Like Azura she has a nice mid range game

 

[Zanzman]

She (Megan) did that last season and lost too many in the Vandy game that "rimmed"out. She, I think, does not concentrate on the shot. Good players only have the shot and rim in their vision as they are shooting. Contact in the WCBB game is more than she knew, I believe.

BTW---High lights of the Vandy game were on YouTube last evening--a fun watch.

I don’t think they played candy last year

 

[HopJim]

As I said in Chat, I think we will only go 7 in real games. ONO and Irwin. Coombs is quick but she still forces too much and does not shoot at all from the outside. I think ONO will develop a 15 footer so all those hesitation shots will actually be a threat towards end of year.

On the bright side, plenty of room for blue star recruits.

Last year's impression was that Coombs was very predictable and will try to drive 99% of the time. Would have thought an exhibition game perfect time to show new skills. No outside shot will limit her ability to contribute in big games.

 

[Charliebball]

She (Megan) did that last season and lost too many in the Vandy game that "rimmed"out. She, I think, does not concentrate on the shot. Good players only have the shot and rim in their vision as they are shooting. Contact in the WCBB game is more than she knew, I believe.

BTW---High lights of the Vandy game were on YouTube last evening--a fun watch.

could be.......I also noticed she had a couple of open jump shots where she rushed and didn't square up to the basket and sure enough the ball went way right on one, way left on the other...............easy enough to fix that..............she looked pretty good to me overall although the competition was lacking........

 

[HopJim]

If you removed the REALLY I'd agree. They may be usable deeper. Some sitters won't sit this year.


Irwin shall never have good lateral movement or be fleet of foot. Still she can contribute as a banging rebounder and occasional 3. Very likely, your impression is the right one. ONO has a skill set and to gain the weight and muscle required may not happen during her UC career. Yet she has a place on this team. Rebounding often is more mental, yes muscle is great, the desire to get the ball goes a long way--but how far is that??

Early impressions. If I needed a rebound to win a game, would go with Ono versus Irwin every time. Her quickness lets her get position and she has the long arms, height, and jumping ability to win many battles. She may not have the weight but will be able to outjump most competition once more experience enables her to get to her spot.

 

[donalddoowop]

Joe, I always enjoy your stuff. Why is it no one Mentioned the KLS was leading scorer and rebounder? Olivia did well, not good, not great but for a first game good. She has a lot to learn and needs to keep hitting the boards. Like Azura she has a nice mid range game

KLS tied with Collier for leading scorer in the game. None of the newcomers played great in the game.