Amari Playing Time

[cancontent]

It has been a mixed bag, Caroline saw a rise in her ranking but that was during COVID and based on a couple notable show case events where she balled out. Both KK & Ashlynn Shade saw ranking drop after committing to UCONN.
Specific to Amari her rating drop had nothing to do with her committing to UCONN. Her class simply caught up to and some surpassed her by the time she was a HS senior. You can see the down ward slide in her ESPN evaluations where she went from being tracked as an "elite" prospect (#2) as a freshman to a "P5 prospect" (#15) in the class, by the time she was a senior. Also keep in mind that there were many post/ Big Forward options available in that 2021 HS class.

2021 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings - espnW 100 - ESPN

Looking at that list, who in the post/forward position has really stood out so far? It keeps reminding me that rankings are only good for so much.

Some were injured (e.g. Dauda). Others transferred after a season for various reasons (Lattimore, Hollingshead, Hall,). And there are those still with their team and working their way to getting consistent minutes (e.g. O'Grady, Ediger, Striplin, Puckett - for some reason this season).

Iriafen from Stanford and Walsh from Northwestern are making significant contributions. Who else have I missed/overlooked?

 

[CocoHusky]

2021 HoopGurlz Recruiting Rankings - espnW 100 - ESPN
Looking at that list, who in the post/forward position has really stood out so far?

No one. The last sentence of that post should have read:

Also keep in mind that there were NOT many post/ Big Forward options available in that 2021 HS class.

 

[HopJim]

Amari can’t just be thrown into games. Geno needs to give her gradually increasing time against a variety of opponents, pull her out, coach her up, and put her back in. It’s a process.

i think it’s unreasonable to expect her to have gotten a lot of time yesterday. Tossing an improving, but relatively inexperienced player into an away game against ND is like throwing a beginning swimmer into the deep end of the pool. Those first few strokes may look good but inexperience and fatigue (it was a very physical game) could spell disaster. We don’t want her confidence smashed

Agree with most of your points but the main issue with DeBerry is her hesitation on both offense and defense, which is usually a result of lack of confidence. On the other hand, Patterson is a perfect example of a player who is always playing at full speed (some would say too fast at times) and is able to create value. At 6'5", if DeBerry would just get aggressive, she could likely get in the rotation.

 

[JBK]

I have no idea how Amari is progressing in practice. Her 30 or so game minutes have been ok. When a team loses a 6-5 C and would rather trust a freshmen, and a 6-1 player who previously was helping out the guards instead of a 6-5 player who was ranked #15 in the country, it is not a good sign.

She might be on the cusp of breaking into the rotation for all I know, but if she can't do it with Ice missing the whole season and Dorka currently out, I certainly don't expect her to be there when Dorka returns.

I think she would need multiple games of good limited minutes production in blowouts before her game track record would mean anything. Her best case scenario, short of further injuries, is probably doing well enough in blowouts to warrant a 4 big rotation. Ideally that would be with her backing up Dorka, Ayanna behind Aaliyah, and freeing up Aubrey to help out on the wing. If that could happen before the tournament it would be nice, but I am not holding my breath on that.

She has a great shooting form …

 

[SVCBeercats]

I hope Amari gets more playing time in the Big East games. I think she could help us sooner than later. Is she ready to be worked into the rotation?

Her practice efforts will determine her playing time, no exceptions

 

[reelfan]

I stand with Geno and his decisions. When Amari has worked hard and EARNED playing time she will get it.

 

[sun]

Amari is the only UConn player that finished with a plus in +/- column of the ND box score, a +3.

Plus/minus

+/- (Plus/minus): The total point differential for the time that a specific player is on the court. This statistic measures a player's impact on the game. To calculate +/-, subtract the difference between a player’s team's total points and their opponent's total points when that player is in the game. For example, if a player's team outscored their opponents by eight points when the player is on the court, the player will receive a +8 point differential. If a player's team is outscored by five points when that player is on the court, the player will receive a -5 point differential.

 

[socal613ws]

to have a 6-5 highly ranked recruit now in her second year that has not ever played more than garbage time minutes is maddening. Contrast that with Ayanna Patterson who is already playing more and more meaningful minutes and appears to be gaining Genos trust

Geno stated in the offseason that effort was why Amari didn't get playing time.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Players earn playing time in practice. Practice is where the prove they are dependable and their teammates can count on them to be consistent. We've known Amari can shoot the 3 and be a great passer as a high post, but that is all she has shown and the team needs a little more than that.

I'm a great fan of Amari but she knows what she has to do to earn playing time and she hasn't done it to date.

 

[CocoHusky]

Amari is the only UConn player that finished with a plus in +/- column of the ND box score, a +3.
Plus/minus
+/- (Plus/minus): The total point differential for the time that a specific player is on the court. This statistic measures a player's impact on the game. To calculate +/-, subtract the difference between a player’s team's total points and their opponent's total points when that player is in the game. For example, if a player's team outscored their opponents by eight points when the player is on the court, the player will receive a +8 point differential. If a player's team is outscored by five points when that player is on the court, the player will receive a -5 point differential.

 

[sun]

When Amari was in the game, UConn scored 3 more points than ND scored.
I don't see why anyone would dislike the posting of a simple fact that's part of the official NCAA box score.

 

[TCC Kid]

Coach is trying to teach her something she isn't learning. I guess. But it was painfully obvious that ND was " beating the crap" out of Edwards, with their 280 pounder and others. Edwards went the full 40 and needed a break. Amari was not used. I think Amari plays a style of BB that coach doesn't see as " working hard." But if Edwards has to do all the work, by herself, she is going to break down physically. Dorka won't be back for at least another couple of games, and probably won't be very good when she first steps on the court. Amari is really important. But coach is coach. We'll see.

You are right on all counts save one maybe. Experience in the post, in the game against an experienced ND. The 8 Ft lead everyone seems to dwell on seems easily overcome. 3 get to the offensive end quickly. The pass in and up the court take 2 to start. But it was MUCH more than that 8 ft lead. ND Westbled and the big broad post of ND was a killer, and she wasn't just BIG. She scored, and defended not all size related. A big wide strong post with Edwards moves and mentality would save the days coming---Uconn just doesn't have them. None now on the team shall fill that void. DEFENSE of ND, rugged, hands on all the time took Lou and AZZI, Caroline, Aubrey for 1/2 each had some success in the 3rd qtr. If it were a 5 quarter game--Uconn may have had a chance. Had Azzi scored 1/4 her normal it may have been a W. ND of course stayed on the floor and played ND Defense which usually is GENO's style DEFENSE, which for 1/2 seems to have faded away. WHY? I'll leave that to @Coco and others. DeBerry, with 2 great shots could not have been Uconn's savior.

 

[Sifaka]

When Amari was in the game, UConn scored 3 more points than ND scored.
I don't see why anyone would dislike the posting of a simple fact that's part of the official NCAA box score.

So what? It's just argumentum ab auctoritate (appeal to authority), a logical fallacy, to use that measure. Just because somebody came up with a new statistic, we don't have to assume that it defines the quality of a player. How did Geno ever manage to evaluate talent back in the days before +/-?

If you make in-game coaching decisions based on that stat, how could you possibly justify giving Azzi starter minutes?

 

[CocoHusky]

When Amari was in the game, UConn scored 3 more points than ND scored.
I don't see why anyone would dislike the posting of a simple fact that's part of the official NCAA box score.

You are posting the box score to support your contention that Amari should have been "given" more minutes. The outcome was decided by the time Amari came into the game and if Amari could have made a difference in the outcome of this game her HoF coach who was already short two post player would have put her in.

Here is what everyone was thinking by the time Amari entered into the game.

• Basketball Heads: Garbage time sure started early in this one
• The Trainers: Do we have enough healthy players for mop up duty
• Assistant Coaches: Do we have to put w 5 player on the floor just to run the clock out
• ND fans: There are putting Amari in the game that's the same as waving a white flag
• The bougie fans: Isn't that fat lady singing like her third aria?
• The most optimistic UCONN fans including @Tonyc : We'll get then next time.
• The officials: We haven't called the obvious fouls all game so no chance we are going to start now
• End of bench players including Amari: I can still get my name in box score and make my parents proud by just committing a foul but a rebound would be much better.
• Fans in attendance : If I leave right now I can get out of parking garage in less than 1/2 hour
• Geno to CD : We don 't have any walkons on the rosters this year right?
• The caterer: UCONN is not going to enjoy their post game meal. I bet they are going to give is a bad review although this is the exact same food we fed then last time they were here.
• Geno: Bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rose instead....

 

[hoophuskee]

There will come times/games where Amari's 6'5" height will be irrelevant. Against ND, where we were getting beaten off of the boards consistently, and they were driving to the hoop unmolested, a legit "big" would have been helpful. Let's face it; all roads to the NC this year, run through SC and Stanford; both possessing quality frontcourts in both ability and size.

Let's face it, UCONN beat Stanford last year. They will have to react to UCONN just as much. Stanford will still have questions with their backcourt.

 

[LuvBball]

In my Allen Iverson voice Practice? We're talking about practice? Not a game. Practice.

In all seriousness though, despite a heap of expectations and a seemingly frustrating start to her sophomore campaign, Amari always seems upbeat and engaged and like one hell of a teammate.

I'd love to see her take that next step and get consistent minutes on the floor

 

[Plebe]

Here is what everyone was thinking by the time Amari entered into the game.

• Basketball Heads: Garbage time sure started early in this one
• The Trainers: Do we have enough healthy players for mop up duty
• Assistant Coaches: Do we have to put w 5 player on the floor just to run the clock out
• ND fans: There are putting Amari in the game that's the same as waving a white flag
• The bougie fans: Isn't that fat lady singing like her third aria?
• The most optimistic UCONN fans including @Tonyc : We'll get then next time.
• The officials: We haven't called the obvious fouls all game so no chance we are going to start now
• End of bench players including Amari: I can still get my name in box score and make my parents proud by just committing a foul but a rebound would be much better.
• Fans in attendance : If I leave right now I can get out of parking garage in less than 1/2 hour
• Geno to CD : We don 't have any walkons on the rosters this year right?
• The caterer: UCONN is not going to enjoy their post game meal. I bet they are going to give is a bad review although this is the exact same food we fed then last time they were here.
• Geno: Bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rose instead....

You are hereby declared the winner of the thread.

 

[donalddoowop]

Posters complained about Aubrey her first two seasons as if she would not improve and as soon as she showed improvement this season some of those same posters changed their opinions. Some said the same thing about Muhl. Give the young lady some time. Some players need more time than others. She has not played enough to form a true judgment of her talent or how good she will be.

 

[Majorthreat]

On the other hand she was one of the few UConn players (except LLS) that could score today. The real story was Fudd's injury, rebounding embarrassment and Griffin's inability to put the ball in the basket.

True. Amari has a better outside shot than Griffin. Griffin is good in short stints when speeded up she rushes her shot. Amari plays at her own pace which I think is why Geno hasn't played her a lot. He mistakes lack intensity with effort.

 

[sun]

The stats show that Amari's presence had a positive impact on the game in UConn's favor.
Folks can continue to scapegoat her if they want to but her +3 along with her 5 points scored proves that she didn't waste her opportunity when Geno put her in the game.
Along with her other game performances, it shows that she's improving her ability to score.

 

[jazz]

Amari deserves more minutes...even when she does well scoring, she just lacks awareness on defence and positioning which may mitigate her scoring to a large extent...and that is if she continues to shoot at a high percentage.

On the other hand, she is may be good at protecting the rim.

 

[sun]

Could be. Maybe lack of soft/strong hands.

Whatever gave you that idea?
She's majoring in sign language and could probably talk for many hours by using her hands.
As you can see Amari can palm the basketball.

 

[sun]

#9 Amari DeBerry (USA) - USA v Australia 2021 FIBA Women's Basketball World Cup

 

[freshler40]

Could be. Maybe lack of soft/strong hands.

Well, when we lost key parts of our outside game, Amari might have given us some decent replacement shooting, drawn out a ND big and opened up the inside for more drives. Three bigs with Edwards, Patterson and Amari might work for some good minutes against the big front lines of the top teams like Stamford, ND, SC etc. Who would sit is the question and what defense would you give up?

 

[BB Dawg]

I'm really surprised that after SC beat up UCONN on the boards last year that the rebounding hasn't really been addressed. Even when we get the rebound it isn't always clean and pushed up the floor cleanly. It matters for a player like Aubrey who is a great streaker but had to be a jump shooter in way too many half court sets. That's not her strength. I think a simple pick and roll involving Aubrey would have forced ND to guard her versus packing it in the paint.

I too saw this as Uconn's biggest weakness that had to be addressed this year. Although, no one foresees the injury of Ice Brady & Dorka in the short term.

 

[BB Dawg]

Tina Charles count?
The issue with Amari taking the three ball is that it is not an occasional 3 and she is not very good at shooting from deep. Therefore she SHOULD NOT be shooting it that often. Last season 40% (14 of 35) of her FGA were from behind the arc and she shot 21%. For this season she has shot the ball 8 times 2 of which was from deep and here the part that should really convince you Amari is shooting 83% (5 of 6) inside the arc.

At that point of the game against ND. Shooting a 3 was the only option for Uconn. She made the correct move.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Posters complained about Aubrey her first two seasons as if she would not improve and as soon as she showed improvement this season some of those same posters changed their opinions. Some said the same thing about Muhl. Give the young lady some time. Some players need more time than others. She has not played enough to form a true judgment of her talent or how good she will be.

Have you checked their opinions after the ND game?

 

[Bald Husky]

Look, what's the point? Posts about Amari are never ending. True, she looks slow, she looks not engaged at times, but when she is in the last couple of games she has gotten rebounds and has made a few shots. Right now, she is a bench warmer. I know Geno knows what he is doing, but gee whiz, just give the girl a shot in the game with the other starters. Mop up time does little to help the team. If she does suck, she will show it, but until she gets to play with the other good players we will never know. Screw practice, sometimes you have to take a chance, especially when things are not going well on the court.
I think he needs to insert Amari in the line up early, sometime in the first half. We all know, only game experience will give the player confidence going forward, and no matter what is happening in practice, this team needs to know if she can help us or remain on the bench and be a cheerleader without the uniform.
I just say, let's find out, it is clear we could really use her.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

You are posting the box score to support your contention that Amari should have been "given" more minutes. The outcome was decided by the time Amari came into the game and if Amari could have made a difference in the outcome of this game her HoF coach who was already short two post player would have put her in.

Here is what everyone was thinking by the time Amari entered into the game.

• Basketball Heads: Garbage time sure started early in this one
• The Trainers: Do we have enough healthy players for mop up duty
• Assistant Coaches: Do we have to put w 5 player on the floor just to run the clock out
• ND fans: There are putting Amari in the game that's the same as waving a white flag
• The bougie fans: Isn't that fat lady singing like her third aria?
• The most optimistic UCONN fans including @Tonyc : We'll get then next time.
• The officials: We haven't called the obvious fouls all game so no chance we are going to start now
• End of bench players including Amari: I can still get my name in box score and make my parents proud by just committing a foul but a rebound would be much better.
• Fans in attendance : If I leave right now I can get out of parking garage in less than 1/2 hour
• Geno to CD : We don 't have any walkons on the rosters this year right?
• The caterer: UCONN is not going to enjoy their post game meal. I bet they are going to give is a bad review although this is the exact same food we fed then last time they were here.
• Geno: Bottle of white, a bottle of red, perhaps a bottle of rose instead....

Honestly, I was thinking about what took so long. What was there to lose no matter how you feel about her? I think some folks get caught up in cliches and literally worship some of the things that come out of a coach's mouth, Geno's included. Of course, practice is important, but not everything can be simulated in practice and I would argue there are times when it shouldn't. I wouldn't beat up my players for 40 minutes in practice so they could get ready for UCF. Especially now, with a bench of walking wounded. It would be difficult to simulate rebounding against a SC forest. Maybe folks see 4 minutes as mop-up time in what was essentially a blowout. I don't, especially when you barely get time on the floor. It is, however, brief enough that everything you do will not be reflected in the stats. Someone is always at the end of the bench and in Uconn's case, a talented someone.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Posters complained about Aubrey her first two seasons as if she would not improve and as soon as she showed improvement this season some of those same posters changed their opinions. Some said the same thing about Muhl. Give the young lady some time. Some players need more time than others. She has not played enough to form a true judgment of her talent or how good she will be.

Aubrey is just fine. Having a solid season and playing to her strengths. Some folks expect every player to develop into these 3 level scorers. I don't. Take your talents and add them to the puzzle. Heck, Dennis Rodman could barely make an open layup, but his talents, rebounding, and defense, were essential to team success. GO AUBREY.