A couple of random thoughts

[earl the pearl]

It doesn't appear we go very far this year without playing Stokes more. We really need her rebounding.

Is it me or does it seem that Kelly's game has taken a turn for the worse when she started giving out all those quotes to the media. Hope Geno comes up with a way to relieve the pressure and get her to relax a little.

 

[Kibitzer]

I got measured for a tarr-and-feather outfit when (beginning of the season) I suggested that Kaleena start and Kelly come off the bench. Many construed my thoughts to be a put-down of Kelly which was not true at all.

The constant comment here has been, "Kelly fills up the stat sheet," which was often true in a positive way but recently her stat sheet has included more turnovers and shots either missed or not taken than the positive rebounds and assists.

But at that precise moment when you (actually, I) get frustrated or disappointed, she will drill a trey or make a steal and silence her doubters and critics.

Ditto Caroline. Nice start last night with those two treys to get UConn off the blocks positively.

Now Bria is not hitting her shots at a high percentage. And the Tiffany we saw last night was some imposter filling in for the star of the Notre Dame first half.

The good news is they are burning a lot of adrenaline and playing with passion. Worst thing to be said is that they may be feeling too much pressure and playing a little too hard, too quickly.

But I like our chances vs. St. John's tonight and whoever shows up tomorrow.

Read the quote below in blue. Nothing has changed.

 

[Bestiarius]

What I've noticed is, this year, the competition has really improved, particularly on defense. Could this be part of the reason why our usually reliable players aren't doing as well as we've come to expect based on previous years?

 

[Icebear]

Kib, I think that shift is a much more viable option now but I'm still not sure I'd make it. One reason to consider it though is that with Kelly off the bench the opponent is less likely to recognize the swap and thus guard her tighter. On the other hand some of Kelly's best games have come when we made a point of getting her the first couple of shots right away and she hits them.

 

[msf22b]

It is apparent that for the first time in living memory, that the offense is discombobulated these day and despite numerous Boneyard suggestions (including mine), the fix is elusive.
Probably, that's because the issues are many and are certainly not helped by other team's becoming aware of effective approaches to stifle us.
Be that as it may, if we can get more normal production from the entire starting unit, I like our chances going forward.
I think we can successfully play 5 on 4 if Bria Tiff and Steff approach their season averages.
I continue to fancy our chances tonight.

 

[Icebear]

Many of the "solutions" are contradictory to each other and exacerbate other issues.

 

[huskyblooz]

Bria's shot is flat ... Kelly is hitting the back of the rim on all her shots because she's jumping forward on her shot like a 4th grader who cant reach.

 

[Drumguy]

Personally I think our "problem" can be more clearly defined as teams being more physical than ever before. Look at the teams we've struggled with - big physical teams. Officating overall on the women's side isn't used to the physicality at the top levels of the game.

Hard to get it in the basket if you're battered and pulled. just mho.

 

[Kibitzer]

What I've noticed is, this year, the competition has really improved, particularly on defense. Could this be part of the reason why our usually reliable players aren't doing as well as we've come to expect based on previous years?

Give the opposition some credit. Look back, say, ten years. About that time, St. John's and Syracuse (to name only two) were absolute patsies. Not any more. Seton Hall will likely improve with Donovan coaching. It's a tougher league and the same story may be told of other conferences (not PAC-10 or -12 or however many). Just more talent and better coaching all over the place.

 

[msf22b]

Which is just what Geno begged for a year or two ago, be careful what.......