Ball St Postgame Thread | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Ball St Postgame Thread

I think we learned something from this game...unless it was just the latest experiment in deciding who does what, when and for how long. Other than Paige getting 10 or more minutes less than we'd normally expect, I suspect, as a general matter, that we saw yesterday is what we'll see a lot of. AE, Ash, Paige, KK and Nika will see starter minutes. Q, Aubrey and Ice get major sub minutes.

The game was fun to watch - an easy win does that. At the end of the first quarter my thought was that it was like the best dream ever for Boneyarders; two freshman start, AE playing well, Paige gets some rest but shoots well, Q keeps shooting and making baskets, the points just piling up. The other three quarters broke the spell but still ok.

I would like to see some better shot distribution as we go forward. AE took 11 shots, which is good. Ash took 14, Q 8, Paige 7 and Aubrey 6. Between them KK and Nika took 5. KK and Nika need to consistently show they need to be quarded to make it easier for the real scorers to get open shots. Paige likes to be a facilitator but she is the best scorer on the team and needs to look for her shot way more often. She doesn't need much room to get her shot off and when she wants to can work her way into a good shot with or without help from teammates. Too often it is without help. I keep looking for single or double screens set for her beyond the arc and don't see that often.

The next couple of games will be telling. Can't wait to see how this all shakes out.
 
The reality of Shade and Q excite me about their potential. Shade is fierce and a miss doesn't discourage her. Q reminds me of Aubrey. She moves and it's effortless, including her shot.
 
Soxx said:
I think she has a better shot than Kia ever developed. And don’t really agree on Q. She shoots well when set and when she has plenty of time. Her rushed shots can be way off.
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Kia was one of the best 3 and D players UConn has had. Shade has a great mid-range but Kia still holds 3pt records, 9 in a NCAA over Maryland. Led the nation at various point in 3 point percentage. Shade has a long way to go and has to put up shots when they matter before I say she has a better shot than Kia.
 
BRS24 said:
If this was the foul on Ashlynn in the 4th Q, hmm.
View attachment 93786
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To me it was the typical type of officiating. Paige picked up 2 fouls in the first 2 minutes of the game. I believe in the next 18 minutes, we picked up 3 fouls. Five fouls in the half. Ball State was not as fortunate. Then at halftime, the refs read the stat sheet and within the first minute of the 2nd half, we were called for 2 fouls and that continued for the remainder of the game. We almost caught up to Ball State in total fouls. It was 17 UConn and 20 BSU by the time the game ended. The number of FTs also evened out in the second half after being 14 vs 2 in the first half.
So, yup, this is a foul (even though I think this happened in the first half).
 
Haven't seen anyone mention this so thought I'd give it a go. Usually no one seems to notice cutters on offense and rarely do they ever get the ball. Not sure is it is a chicken and the egg thing but most of the cuts seem to have no purpose. Is this because they are almost always ignored or are they being ignored because they haven't been successful. They need to be crisp and with a purpose. I'm also not seeing a lot of screens being set and used. Virtually no pick and roll. Just observations not complaints.
 
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Surly1 said:
The team needed a comfortable win in the warm environs of home to gain back team confidence. Ball St was an ideal team for the freshmen to let loose and not necessarily worry about bad shots, turnovers or making mistakes. They look to have a bright future ahead of them.

I am a bit dismayed with the offense. Last night, it looked like Aaliyah and Ashlynn were the first options on offense. Shade and Samuels were ready on the trigger as soon as they touched the ball. The issue I have is that the team has a former NPOY who seems almost incidental to the half court offense. I recall two times where she looked for her shot. One was when she posted up a smaller defender and Aaliyah made a nice pass. The other occurred in the second half when the team set screens to free up Paige for a clear look at a three.

Paige does not have to shoot to make her presence felt. During the game, she has one terrific rebound in traffic, she's always a threat to intercept a pass, and would have more assists if only teammates would finish. However, against upcoming teams like NC, Louisville, Marquette, ND & SC, the talent level and defense are ramped up. Many of the shots Ashlynn took last night won't be clear looks against NC. In Uconn's 3 losses, a player or two stepped up their play to ensure victory. Saniyah Rivers did in the NC St game, Kiki Rice in the UCLA game, and Rori Harmon and Madison Booker did in the Texas game.

Physically, Paige looked fine on the defensive end, particularly in the 3rd quarter. She wasn't needed offensively against Ball St, but she has to be more aggressive in the next 2 games and look to create and take more shots. If not, it's like have a Ferrari in your garage, but never taking it out for a spin. She's too good not to.

Yes, the freshmen have to contribute, but it will take awhile before they can be consistently relied upon. I'm not saying that Paige needs to hoist 31 shots like Caitlin Clark did last night, but she needs to stamp her imprint on the outcome like Caitlin does every game.
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It’s somewhat ugly because Geno told them to play the way they did in high school. This is to simplify things for the young players for now. The freshmen are still learning.

People need to be patient while the team evolves because it’s going to be a long process. Expecting the players as they are today to look like the UConn teams we’ve seen in the past is unrealistic.

 
We clearly miss Azzi, Caroline and Ayanna but we also very much miss Jana who could have been that other big we need. It is clear, despite all hope, that Amari is not that player but I do believe Jana would have been able to meaningfully contribute just based upon the film I saw of her, freshman or not.

Ash showed that she can be and wants to be the other scorer we need right now. She needs to have that type of game against NC on Sunday to really propel her forward but we have to remember that it will likely be fits and starts for all the freshmen. As I said before, they will all be sophomores by necessity come March.

I feel very badly for Paige. Her hopes of a NC have been dimmed by injuries and she has missed so many games in her career. She is an extraordinary player but she seems to be holding herself back right now. It is really time for her to start shooting and also getting the ball more since she is a great passer and just taking ownership. She may be pacing herself however so we will just have to see.

They can be a small, fast, fun team when all the pieces of Geno's puzzle fit together. They are truly fun to watch when they get to going. It will be a tough season for sure but as Kara pointed out last night, Tennessee lost 10 games before they won the NC in 1997. Sunday is a huge test for the "new" team.
 
I am late to the party and missed most of the thread. But...

-the 37 point first was vintage UConn of old.
-Ball State is well coached and will win a lot of MAC games. Losing their top scorer early was killer.
-Great night for the Muhls. Hana played well and gets the title as the youngest looking college player ever.:)
-Aaliyah is backing off taking that 15 footer. Would help a lot if she could shoot and make a decent percentage of those.
-maybe the reason for Aubrey's inconsistency is her health. Another ball that Geno has to juggle...
-Count me among those who thought Ashlyn would have limited minutes. Injuries allowed her opportunity and she is talented enough to take full advantage.
-KK has a great pull up mid-range jumper. Just wish she would shoot it more.
-Geno is being unusually patient with his freshmen. Just can't imagine how Amari and Ines are in practice because they continue to get no run at all.
-Never imagined that I would see Paige playing a 4 in a UConn uniform.
-Not seeing Azzi and Carol on the bench makes me sad.
 
Bone Dog said:
This is what I noticed watching her HS games over the last two years. Ashlynn typically played a one-player full court press for entire games. She never ran out of steam, often engineering the win in the final minutes. She’s used to carrying a burden of expectations from her teammates. It’s exactly who she is. For 4 years, she’s been the go-to player and it’s where she’s most comfortable. I thought she looked a little uncomfortable the first few games because she was just playing a bit part. The more pressure and responsibility Geno heaps on her shoulders the more she’ll shine. Folks have compared her to Kia and Kelly, and there are similarities. In present terms, her passing isn’t quite there yet, but she’s like Nika on D, but stronger, with a Paige-level midrange game.
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That sounds a lot like Lou. Was the one her team looked to to score. Shade will become that person in time.
 
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Happydad745 said:
Fun game watching Shade do her thing and UConn looking more like a team in the hunt....I'm a little concerned about Paige: She took 7 shots and played well, but if you compare her Freshman season to this one, you will see two different players. Could be she is still on her way back, we'll see. I would like to see Amari get big minutes against not so good teams to find out if she is able to be a good post player, too much height not to give it a try.
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She has had her chances and came up wanting. In last night's game she had a good chance to make a post move to the basket. What happened? She stood still like a statue waiting for the pass to come to her, while two defensive players came right around her to intercept the pass. This is just one example of her play when she has had the opportunity to show her stuff. Don't you think Geno would love for her to be the answer to the search for a post player the team needs.?
 
Happydad745 said:
Fun game watching Shade do her thing and UConn looking more like a team in the hunt....I'm a little concerned about Paige: She took 7 shots and played well, but if you compare her Freshman season to this one, you will see two different players. Could be she is still on her way back, we'll see. I would like to see Amari get big minutes against not so good teams to find out if she is able to be a good post player, too much height not to give it a try.
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I think it has been tried.
 
oldude said:
Geno rolls out his 6th different starting lineup in 8 games, inserting both KK and Ashlynn along with the 3 seniors. A couple thoughts.
  • The small lineup that UConn went with today played with great energy to start the game. Clearly all 3 freshmen are under orders to be AGGRESSIVE on offense. I doubt Geno can go small against everybody. But against a good mid-major team, the small lineup worked well to start off the game.
  • Aubrey has not been giving Geno the production he needs as a starter. The solution, have Aubrey come off the bench where she almost always provides instant energy. Aubrey was exceptionally productive tonight.
  • OK, who had Hanna to outscore her big sister tonight? :cool:
  • Geno used this game to do a lot of mixing and matching while giving all his young players PT. They are making plays, and they are making mistakes. But the most important thing is that they are gaining game experience that will hopefully pay big dividends down the road.
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Geno has OPTIONs. Using Ashlynn and KK or Q and Paige offense with good guard play. Geno has no options other than playing those willing to throw up the ball. For 4 games they passed, passed, passed and were intercepted. The Uconn penchant to pass trying to find the open man--is well known. UConn's patented "help" defense is also known. This game you saw more one on one with a tiny complimentary of help.

I can't call Ball a weak or bad team by any stretch of the imagination! They aren't however a top 20 team. Even then they fought the remaining 3 quarters--Ball, if memory is effective didn't win any quarter--but for 3 quarters they were NOT out of the game. Their young lady shot 7 shots 5 3's and made 4. Can Uconn get her to transfer?
Unless 42, DeBerry plays as Geno hopes, Uconn is pretty much what it is. Also on DeBerrry, she to is what she is. She is NOT stubborn. She is not refusing to give Geno what he desires. If she had it she'd give it. Accept Ms DeBerry she is --like you and me-- what she is. The reliance shall be with under sized post. How far can that take Uconn?
 
cferraro04 said:
The substitution of Ashlynn Shade for Aubrey Griffin was unexpected. But, look at the results the freshman came up with 17 points...however, her freshman status showed up in the box score...uneventful with regards to assists, steals, and rebounds.

Meanwhile, Aubrey comes off the bench and has a very good game...14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal.

Paige only played 21 minutes but, despite committing 2 fouls in the first 2 minutes of the game, she filled the stat sheet: 15 minutes; 2/3 from 3 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, 1 block.

Aaliyah did not disappoint...she got a double-double with 18 points and 12 rebounds.

Ice Brady...not bad: 4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal.

KK...needs to take care of the basketball better...4 turnovers aren't horrific but if she is going to have the ball in her hands she needs to make good decisions.

I had this game at 96 to 52...I expected a better offensive output from UConn than what we have been seeing from them lately. 90 points is a good sign for the future...but, scoring 37 in the first quarter and only averaging 20 per quarter after that is an example that UConn has difficulty sustaining their energy and aggressiveness for the entire game. This is something we have to work on as we move towards March.

I did not expect Ball State to put up 63 an accomplishment that is even more impressive given their top scorer went down in the first half with a twisted ankle and did not return for the rest of the game.

Great story-line for the Muhl family to come to America to see their daughters play against each other...to have their niece join them for the game and to see all fans showing their support for Nika and Hana by waving Croatian Flags during the game.
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The FRESHMEN and recovering Sophs--deserver lots of credit. KK attacks the basket like no one we've seen since Montgomery. This is what her 3rd or 4th Division one game? I wish I learned that quickly, or had KK's talent. Q and Ashlynn have the heart of lions and they score. That is exactly what this team needs--consistent shooters willing to shoot.
Geno in the early days was unique in that he expected shooters to shoot even when they missed 4 or 5. Knowing shooters eventually make up for the misses.
 
As I already said,all that simple:
1- whether she still suffers of some injury
2 - or she is not a good baskeball player.
 
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Last night I went to see the South Carolina v Morgan State in person then watched MJL243's replay this morning.
We left the arena with South Carolina up by 57 at the end of the third. I was very impressed with their size, speed and style of play. I was feeling a bit of doom and gloom for UConn's season.
This morning watching the replay I was surprisingly happy. I realized I'm excited to see how the freshmen will develop. It'll be interesting to see how Paige integrates with the team as the players start to develop chemistry. Just as much, I'm intrigued with how Geno and the coaching staff try to figure this out. Even if it isn't successful I'm going to enjoy the journey
I guess this is a roundabout way of saying my perspective is changing. More than winning and losing; this season I'll be happy to be watching a group of young women I admire and like strive to improve, develop chemistry with each other, and figure out a very unusual situation. Nika's "homecoming", Azzi's family supporting her and the team and Evina during the pandemic are the things that keep me coming back
 
victor64 said:
I am late to the party and missed most of the thread. But...

-the 37 point first was vintage UConn of old.
-Ball State is well coached and will win a lot of MAC games. Losing their top scorer early was killer.
-Great night for the Muhls. Hana played well and gets the title as the youngest looking college player ever.:)
-Aaliyah is backing off taking that 15 footer. Would help a lot if she could shoot and make a decent percentage of those.
-maybe the reason for Aubrey's inconsistency is her health. Another ball that Geno has to juggle...
-Count me among those who thought Ashlyn would have limited minutes. Injuries allowed her opportunity and she is talented enough to take full advantage.
-KK has a great pull up mid-range jumper. Just wish she would shoot it more.
-Geno is being unusually patient with his freshmen. Just can't imagine how Amari and Ines are in practice because they continue to get no run at all.
-Never imagined that I would see Paige playing a 4 in a UConn uniform.
-Not seeing Azzi and Carol on the bench makes me sad.
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LOU!
 
Just watched the game. W me are a work in progress, but I liked what I saw from A. Shade. She didn’t take any bad shots, and hope more of her 3s fall as the season goes on, but this gives the team another mid range and 3 or threat in addition to Paige and Q.

Way too many bad turnovers and I thought our defense was poor for many stretches in the game. KK played poorly for her standards. She needs to attack and or pull up close to the hoop. This will collapse defense and will allow her to kick out to open shooters or find a post player for a layup.

Ice needs to work the ball down in the blocks, she is too much of a shooter right now with no inside presence. We need her to contribute down low otherwise Aedwards is going to hane a tough time in the post with multiple defenders on her.

Opponents game plan will be to deny Paige and to collapse on AEdwards. Others will need to provide that scoring ability on a consistent basis
 
Happydad745 said:
Fun game watching Shade do her thing and UConn looking more like a team in the hunt....I'm a little concerned about Paige: She took 7 shots and played well, but if you compare her Freshman season to this one, you will see two different players. Could be she is still on her way back, we'll see. I would like to see Amari get big minutes against not so good teams to find out if she is able to be a good post player, too much height not to give it a try.
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Paige has a very different supporting cast compared to her nonpareil freshman season. Duplication or even approaching that season with today's supporting cast is virtually impossible. Still time to get in the groove and excel, but........
 
oldude said:
Geno rolls out his 6th different starting lineup in 8 games, inserting both KK and Ashlynn along with the 3 seniors. A couple thoughts.
  • The small lineup that UConn went with today played with great energy to start the game. Clearly all 3 freshmen are under orders to be AGGRESSIVE on offense. I doubt Geno can go small against everybody. But against a good mid-major team, the small lineup worked well to start off the game.
  • Aubrey has not been giving Geno the production he needs as a starter. The solution, have Aubrey come off the bench where she almost always provides instant energy. Aubrey was exceptionally productive tonight.
  • OK, who had Hanna to outscore her big sister tonight? :cool:
  • Geno used this game to do a lot of mixing and matching while giving all his young players PT. They are making plays, and they are making mistakes. But the most important thing is that they are gaining game experience that will hopefully pay big dividends down the road.
Expand ...
Have to agree with all this, BUT Aubrey has to get a pullup jumper or the bigger defenses will sag off her, daring her to shoot or set up a brick wall into which (we've seen this) she will risk serious injury.
 
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Florida Fan said:
Have to agree with all this, BUT Aubrey has to get a pullup jumper or the bigger defenses will sag off her, daring her to shoot or set up a brick wall into which (we've seen this) she will risk serious injury.
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Aubrey is in her 5th year at UConn. I don’t think we’re going to see some miraculous development of a midrange jumper at this point in her career. As far as injury is concerned, I’m not particularly worried. Aubrey’s lower back surgery has been a success and she is probably the fittest she’s ever been.
 
HuskyNan said:
It’s somewhat ugly because Geno told them to play the way they did in high school. This is to simplify things for the young players for now. The freshmen are still learning.

People need to be patient while the team evolves because it’s going to be a long process. Expecting the players as they are today to look like the UConn teams we’ve seen in the past is unrealistic.

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I would think that what Geno is saying play your game and we will tweek you as we move forward. Shade can create her own shot which is huge for this team because she bring us another scorer. Q is a 3 pt threat. Both will help this team tremendously.
 
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