An Intriguing Tease Out of Geno

[magic]

When KLS is hitting jumpers, the whole lane is opened up allowing Phees and Gabby to exploit the rim. Then there is the " regular season" huskies. Now we will see a few new wrinkles going into the tournament. I expect the huskies to take advantage of the many mismatches that will occur with Lou. With her size , length and handle, few teams will be able to handle her . She can rear a team up just from the free throw line.

 

[Buzzyboy]

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Lou CAN"T ACT like the designated (KML type) three point shooter---but 3 point shooter she must be--and as the ALL Around player she is--she must rebound on both ends of the floor. Loads of responsibility--but not more than DT had at the same age. Geno tends to put responsibility on the shoulders of those who can handle it: DT, Rene, Maya, Stew, Tuck, Moriah, Napheesa, (jr) Gabby--I'm so proud of where this group has taken me--I could spit--thewey.
Remember the ride and final game of her Freshman year , Stewie, I mean--fantastic--and she was supposed to be just a three ball shooter. Geno jumped on her back starting with the first game and rode that back to the first of 4 NC.
I'm happy to see this team plays in the post season--if they win it all--icing on my cake--if they don't --HEY they weren't suppose to win only the AAC games this year--has this been a great ride or what???

I don't believe that Stewie was ever a three point shot specialist, especially in her freshman year. She was a really outstanding offensive player but her numbers from the arc were never anything special. They were nowhere near those of Sue and KML and KLS and others. She did turn her game around in that first post season, starting with the conference tournament but particularly in the NCAA tournament. Prior to that, she had become somewhat of a disappointment after a quick start (first 10 games) of her freshman year. I would love to see KLS have the growth in her all around game that Breanna ended up having, particularly regarding her defense and her rebounding prowess. Breanna became a defensive monster in the latter part of her time in Storrs.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I don't believe that Stewie was ever a three point shot specialist, especially in her freshman year. She was a really outstanding offensive player but her numbers from the arc were never anything special. They were nowhere near those of Sue and KML and KLS and others. She did turn her game around in that first post season, starting with the conference tournament but particularly in the NCAA tournament. Prior to that, she had become somewhat of a disappointment after a quick start (first 10 games) of her freshman year. I would love to see KLS have the growth in her all around game that Breanna ended up having, particularly regarding her defense and her rebounding prowess. Breanna became a defensive monster in the latter part of her time in Storrs.

I guess it depends on whose definition of a 3 point shooter --and since I was posting it --I used my definition---In the NC that year she drained 3 after 3 after 3 to kill ND--to me that's shooting 3's or a 3 point shooter. Please don't remove her threes and call them 2-s --Uconn will lose too many games..

 

[BroadwayVa]

I don't buy the "Lou might be off" narrative. If Lou's 3's aren't falling, then she needs to do the curl, drive, or rebound offensive boards. Everyone knows this is what you do in single elimination: help anyway you can...and pretty soon everything starts to work. She needs to be prepared for a bad shooting night and be ready to go into "plan B" mode. And my money's on that she will.

Bags you are certainly correct----Geno has, in my belief, set up PLAN B --and has practiced it big time---Katie Lou has done the drives, the curls but needs MORE boards on both ends. She is excellent in shooting from the curl--among other options.
You shall see PLAN B set up for Gabby, Napheesa, and Danger--I have no doubt. I don't think Geno is kicking back from a hard season ---Yet!!

 

[augustaTC]

KLS is the heart and soul of this team and they will go as far as she takes them. Did you watch last years tournament? She out scored the great stewie in 3 of the 5 tournament games she played in before getting hurt.

Not sure I'd say she's THE heart & soul of the team - I still think that Gabby & Kia seem to be the team leaders. I do agree that the team won't make it to the finals if Lou, Gabby & Pheesa aren't playing their "A" games every night. I just don't think Lou's at a point where she can carry the team on her shoulders yet. And if any of the three are out of action for whatever reason, it's gonna be a long night.

 

[Huskee11]

I call it "Loutivation".... or Lou Motivation if you will. He knows what buttons to push for each player and uses it. He wants to get the best out everyone of his players and he knows Lou can "take over a game"... (i.e., AAC Championship, 2nd half of MD, SMU when she was "sick" in days leading up to it...and the game I can't remember when she had a bad shoot around and Geno gave her a hard time and during the game was lights out). Geno wants to have Lou aggressive at both ends, to take her shots when they are there and to play "I'll show you, Coach" type of basketball.

I think that is correct. We know from reliable sources, e.g., her mother, that Lou is like that. Put a challenge in front of her and she accepts it. Doubt her and she will do everything she can to show you that you are wrong.

Geno witnessed one of the great shooting displays ever against USF by Lou. What may have gotten lost in the shuffle is that a day earlier, against UCF, Lou was almost invisible in the second half. Played about 15 minutes, only 3 shot attempts, 0 second half points. Another example, against Tulane at Gampel, Lou scored 32 total in the second and third quarters but 0 in the first quarter. A tendency to drift, but when she is fully engaged in all aspects of the game, as she was against USF, good things obviously happen. Geno is doing his part to be sure she is involved at all times.

No such worries when it comes to Napheesa. She is the epitome of the low maintenance player. She just plays, active all the time, multifaceted, constant motion, a coach`s dream. Just wind her up and let her go.

Gabby is a little different. An alpha, aggressive, athletic, high energy. She has worked hard on her shooting and it has definitely improved, but it is not where she wants it to be. So, when she misses a few from the line, for example, she had a tendency to get down on herself. We all remember the pep talk Geno gave her while the action was going on, interrupted by a pass to her which I think she then turned into an assist. Geno knows he has to boost her spirits every now and then.

They are all different. No one knows that better than Geno.

 

[tomcat]

IMHO, the best thing that can happen to Katie Lou in the big NCAA games is for Kia and or Saniya to nail a couple of threes early. It will cause the other team to have to think about something other than a single focus to its perimeter defense, and will open things up a little for the sniper. We all know she can shoot in tight quarters, but she is better with a little space.

 

[caramel]

After the championship game,Lou said,when asked what was the difference was for shooting lights out,that she realized the game before that she was pressing some.The championship game she relaxed enough and let the game come to her.
If she keeps that mind set of mentally letting the game come to her,and not get caught up in hurrying or not squaring up,we will see some special play,that may,just may,carry to the trophy presentation.

 

[CL82]

Geno is like the oracle in the Matrix movies. He tells these girls (through his willing partners in the press) what they need to hear.

 

[mbr33ct]

Isn't this the time of year Geno usually comes out and says something stupid, controversial or both as to take the media attention from the players and bring it onto himself??

 

[Shenandoah]

Offensive boards, offensive boards, offensive boards. It's like she runs away from rebounds, whereas the very few times she's actually crashed the boards, good things have generally happened. She's the tallest starter and needs to play like that.

Sometimes, I think that she forgets that she is 6'3"

 

[Gus Mahler]

Although I agree that Lou is an invaluable part of the team's success, I also find statements that player x or y is "the heart and soul of the team" a little problematic, since (in this instance) saying so shortchanges in my view Pheesa and Gabby, both of whom were the engines that drove the victories over Notre Dame and South Carolina, with Pheesa the key to the team's victory over Florida State. I say this not to denigrate in any way Lou's contributions, but I wish we could find a way of praising one that doesn't seem to diminish the others.

I'm with you. Anyhow, if I had to name the heart and soul of the team, I'd cite Kia Nurse.

 

[hjoerring]

KLS is the heart and soul of this team and they will go as far as she takes them. Did you watch last years tournament? She out scored the great stewie in 3 of the 5 tournament games she played in before getting hurt.

Really now? " ... they will go as far as she takes them" because her defense is not the best, if her 3pt shots are not falling- she isn't yet good enough to beat other elite players, the one person that teams have had success in chasing off her shots. Yes, we really need her to carry her weight and take full advantage of the plays called to get her free. If we are going to rank individual players (which I'm opposed) let us do justice to them all. Otherwise, we could, individually, pick our favorite player and say the same things you have said: Gabby has to defend and score points and, be on the floor; Pheesa has to be on the floor- scoring, rebounding and everything else; Nurse- everything plus leadership; Chong- score, defend, etc. and Danger must score when needed, run the team, and hold her own on defense. Natalie must play big and contribute something. If Gabby and/or Pheesa are forced into recovery modes because of guard-penetrations, it will be a long sleep from which to come awake.

 

[reno tony]

Offensive boards, offensive boards, offensive boards. It's like she runs away from rebounds, whereas the very few times she's actually crashed the boards, good things have generally happened. She's the tallest starter and needs to play like that.

Quite frankly I'd stay the heck out of Gabby's and Pheesa's way when it came to offensive boards. And Natalie's way too.

 

[chrissaran]

eebmg, if you're going to quote me, use the entire quote. "Lou is the most explosive offensive player UConn has, but Gabby and Pheesa have more well-rounded games." If you had read my quote accurately, then you wouldn't have had to respond about Gabby and Pheesa because I already did. Also, I didn't say one would be better than the other. I only mentioned that when Lou improves in all areas, she could be an all-time great player. Next time please read more closely. Thank you.

 

[HuskyBandDad]

eebmg, if you're going to quote me, use the entire quote. "Lou is the most explosive offensive player UConn has, but Gabby and Pheesa have more well-rounded games." If you had read my quote accurately, then you wouldn't have had to respond about Gabby and Pheesa because I already did. Also, I didn't say one would be better than the other. I only mentioned that when Lou improves in all areas, she could be an all-time great player. Next time please read more closely. Thank you.

Wait! What? Someone being misquoted on the Boneyard? No never happens.

 

[bizarro aj]

Its funny that all the talk is about offensive rebounds. Watch the aac championship game and you'll notice its tough to get offensive rebounds when the team is shooting over 70% from the floor. Uconn doesn't rely on 2nd or 3rd shots like other teams have to.

 

[chrissaran]

HuskyBand Dad, the problem with the response was that I was agreeing with eebmg, except he didn't correctly read what I wrote and responded as though I was criticizing Gabby and Pheesa. Had he read what I had said, instead of just glancing at my post, he would have realized that. That's the problem when someone doesn't pay close attention to what they are doing.

 

[UCweCONN]

I don't think we've ever had as good of a one-two punch as we do with KLS and Collier. There will never be too much pressure on KLS because on any given day, Collier can light it up. Most UCONN teams have had the one big star but this team has two as well as a bunch of other significant contributors.

 

[UcMiami]

I don't think we've ever had as good of a one-two punch as we do with KLS and Collier. There will never be too much pressure on KLS because on any given day, Collier can light it up. Most UCONN teams have had the one big star but this team has two as well as a bunch of other significant contributors.

How about a one two three punch of Sales, Lobo, and Wolters, or the next two years when it was Sales and Wolters. Those girls could put the ball in the basket. Lou and Phee are I think our first two to average 20+ the same year, but that doesn't mean ... And of course the only two NPOY players on the same team the same year in Tina and Maya.

 

[Zanzman]

How about a one two three punch of Sales, Lobo, and Wolters, or the next two years when it was Sales and Wolters. Those girls could put the ball in the basket. Lou and Phee are I think our first two to average 20+ the same year, but that doesn't mean ... And of course the only two NPOY players on the same team the same year in Tina and Maya.

Didn't Rizzoti when player of the year after Wolters

 

[Zanzman]

Win*

 

[cbraarj]

It was Lobo, Rizzoti then Wolters

 

[Buzzyboy]

Geno is like the oracle in the Matrix movies. He tells these girls (through his willing partners in the press) what they need to hear.

Easily one of the best moments in the Matrix! Loved this scene and this woman.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Its funny that all the talk is about offensive rebounds. Watch the aac championship game and you'll notice its tough to get offensive rebounds when the team is shooting over 70% from the floor. Uconn doesn't rely on 2nd or 3rd shots like other teams have to.

Like South Carolina. Outside of size and a little athleticism, they are not a particularly good team.