Alllie Ziebell - "you wouldn't be here if you couldn't do this"

[BRS24]

How a chat with Geno Auriemma helped Allie Ziebell become an impact player for UConn (gift article, hopefully)

To Auriemma, Ziebell’s performance against the Lady Vols showed him his sophomore wasn’t just a one-hit-wonder but had taken a tough conversation to heart and wasn’t letting the game, or the moment, get too big.​

​

Auriemma knew Ziebell was holding back.​

​

Before the Huskies left for winter break, Auriemma told Ziebell he wanted to talk about her role after the team got back. Ziebell was performing well in practice but struggling to translate that into the games. Ziebell says that conversation happened in January and turned everything around. She knew Auriemma wouldn’t be investing in her if he didn’t mean it. She’s now making a better habit of not overthinking, focusing more on other areas of her game outside of her shot, and leaning more on her teammates.​

​

“He just kind of reminded me, like, you wouldn't be here if you couldn't do this,” said Ziebell.​

 

[my2cents]

Now that she has the growing reputation of being a thee point sharp shooter, she is taking advantage of driving past defenders who are rushing towards her. She is finishing on both sides of the basket.
She is becoming a force for us.

 

[Centerstream]

I like how her effort on defense seems to be moving towards a different (good) level with every game she plays. This can do nothing but make the team better.

 

[Bigboote]

I like how her effort on defense seems to be moving towards a different (good) level with every game she plays. This can do nothing but make the team better.

I agree; I think her defense was improved from last year at the beginning of the season, but I wonder if Geno's pep talk also touched on defense. At UConn moreso than on many teams, defense is very much a team effort. I think many freshmen come in from high school used to individual defense and worry that their mark will get the best of them as opposed to trusting in the team defense. Last year Allie never looked quite sure whether she should be going for it or easing up and allowing the team concept to take hold.

In the last few weeks I've seen her defense improved over how it looked two months ago.

 

[HopJim]

I agree; I think her defense was improved from last year at the beginning of the season, but I wonder if Geno's pep talk also touched on defense. At UConn moreso than on many teams, defense is very much a team effort. I think many freshmen come in from high school used to individual defense and worry that their mark will get the best of them as opposed to trusting in the team defense. Last year Allie never looked quite sure whether she should be going for it or easing up and allowing the team concept to take hold.

In the last few weeks I've seen her defense improved over how it looked two months ago.

While Allie is not the quickest player on the team, her improved defense shows how strong her basketball IQ is. If you watch closely, you often see her breaking toward the ball before a pass or after a shot. She uses her body very well to prevent quick guards getting by her. Good hands-if she touches a ball its hers. She is likely to get stronger, faster, etc. so expect more upside.
While outside of this thread, I would say the same for Kayleigh.

 

[EricSD]

I like Maggie's stuff. She's a good writer!

I think I knew that Geno considered starting her last season. Bummed that her confidence took a hit, but glad she's back on track. She's a really solid player - on both sides of the ball. Rooting for her big time!!

 

[donalddoowop]

Allie may not be the quickest player on the team but, neither was Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis and she was a two-time AA and played on three NC teams. Allie may be just as accurate a shooter.

 

[Next 12]

Allie is a large part of Uconn's future, the heir apparent for AZZI. when AZZI graduates. However a good basketball player she is now, Allie will be hugely better for the next 2 1/2 years. with an AA in the mix. I can't wait to see what she will do in the NC Tournament. I believe she will soar. GO ALLIE!!!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Allie is a large part of Uconn's future, the heir apparent for AZZI. when AZZI graduates. However a good basketball player she is now, Allie will be hugely better for the next 2 1/2 years. with an AA in the mix. I can't wait to see what she will do in the NC Tournament. I believe she will soar. GO ALLIE!!!!!!! GO HUSKIES!!!!!

In addition to the Coaches, Allie had Paige, AZZI, & Sarah last year; Azzi, Sarah, KK & Ash this year. All this year's team are fantastic encouragers, particularly in coming back from injuries, which Allie needed to do at the end of last year, all the way through summer, be ready for the Fall workouts, and come off the bench to start the year. It was awesome that she got the starts when other starters were not available.

Go Huskies!!!

 

[bkart1978]

I was surprised at how good a finisher she is at the rim; if she starts getting a midrange jumper down she’ll be tough. She’s also not the flashiest passer but she’s shown some signs with some nice baseline drives and sneaky dishes to the post (some of which the post did not convert). It’s nice to see her smile out there after not getting to see a ton of her personality last year!

 

[packwrap]

Big Allie fan. The best thing that happened to her recently was more playing time. With the few recent injuries she just had a chance to play more meaningful minutes.

More minutes allow a player to get comfortable and get into the rhythm of the game. Also to showcase a complete game with plenty of posessions on defense and touches on offense.

Same goes for Heckel.

UConn's 6 (Blanca), 7, and 8 players now seamlessly mix in with the starting 5. Fun to watch now, but also hugely important for those final 3 ncaa games.

 

[Huskee11]

While Allie is not the quickest player on the team, her improved defense shows how strong her basketball IQ is. If you watch closely, you often see her breaking toward the ball before a pass or after a shot. She uses her body very well to prevent quick guards getting by her. Good hands-if she touches a ball its hers. She is likely to get stronger, faster, etc. so expect more upside.
While outside of this thread, I would say the same for Kayleigh.

I agree with all of this but especially the "good hands" observation.

Part of it is being sure-handed, but another part of it is quick hands - think shortstop. Her shot release is not Azzi-quick but it is pretty quick. Part of that is getting her feet set early as well (which infielders work on incessantly).

And also her passes are quick. Her one handed "flick" passes off the dribble are like a flip to second to start a double play.

I am surprised that she hasn't incorporated the midrange game much in her arsenal at this point, but I recall thinking the same thing about KLS.