Baylor Post Game Video Comments Prior To Presser

[HardHatGuy#2]

Who is most responsible for Nina's lack of development?

Nina is. She has rested on her laurels rather than working to improve herself. End result; she's (largely) the same player today that she was three years ago.

The coach? No, because Nina chose Mulkey, knowing what her coaching style was. UConn, Stanford, Notre Dame, Louisville (etc, ad infinitum, ad astra) all have coaches for whom the status quo isn't good enough, so she went where it would be easier. IMO it seems that Coach Mulkey is willing to accept complacency in some players in return for Talent.

Except from her Daughter, of course, who she drove like a sled dog. If she could harness that and apply it to her other players...

 

[CocoHusky]

Alexis Jones referred to us as UCONN as most players seem to do. But Kim said CONNECTICUT, not UCONN. When we beat Texas last year coach Karen Aston said CONNECTICUT. Brenda Frese said both UCONN and CONNECTICUT. I am of the opinion that the top coaches don't like to use the brand UCONN and it bothers me. I think it's a purposeful slight. I think it was Lauren Cox who made an alphabetical list of teams she was considering and put UConn at the tail end of that list. Maybe i'm being a little bit paranoid or overly sensitive; but there it is.

Geno says CONNECTICUT.

 

[Tonyc]

Nina Davis was to far out from the basket many times. The guards did not get her the ball around the basket, not Enuff. The few times they did get her the ball down low she was suffocated as were the bigs. The Bigs to many times played like they were in quick sand and couldnt move and when they did have the chance to move they tried to run over defenders thus getting called for fouls. IMO the Bigs need alot of work on fundementals like holding the ball, making a play without fouling, kicking it out when they are suffocated by the defense. The guards need to learn to kick the ball inside and when its kicked out wait for a big to get open and kick it inside again. The guards did most of the shooting and creating shots for themselves. This is where UConn is better. They have a bunch of ballhandlers who can move the ball and work as a team to create open shots. UConn runs the clock down because most defenses give up or break down after a certain period of time of playing defense. These things are taught and it takes alot of time to make them reflexive so you react to a situation and not think about it because many times when you have to think about it its to late, youve missed your opportunity. UConn hustled was too quick and was focused on what they were taught in practice. Baylor wasnt and that comes from good guard play. Baylors guards are good scorers but not good playmakers.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I dunno. I sense that they got some unexpected defense from UCONN and just didn't know what to do. Lots of, "We'll look at the film." I really don't think she knows what happened to them yet.

I'm not Mulkeys biggest fan or largest detractor. If you just lost a game you were certain you'd win--and someone shoved a mike in your face--i personally would find any phrase to get me off camera and away from answering unanswerable questions.
I think those half time and immediate end of game interviews are offensive--it's a wonder coaches don't lose it and say @$%$%^^&& plus@#%^% up your's.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Geno says CONNECTICUT.

Personally I like them using CONNECTICUT---that team represent the people of CONNECTICUT plus the University or UConn. --is it better to refer to Texas teams as the HORNS or Texas? or ND as ND or the Green Fuzz (ok that's a bit off)?

 

[BroadwayVa]

Nina Davis was to far out from the basket many times. The guards did not get her the ball around the basket, not Enuff. The few times they did get her the ball down low she was suffocated as were the bigs. The Bigs to many times played like they were in quick sand and couldnt move and when they did have the chance to move they tried to run over defenders thus getting called for fouls. IMO the Bigs need alot of work on fundementals like holding the ball, making a play without fouling, kicking it out when they are suffocated by the defense. The guards need to learn to kick the ball inside and when its kicked out wait for a big to get open and kick it inside again. The guards did most of the shooting and creating shots for themselves. This is where UConn is better. They have a bunch of ballhandlers who can move the ball and work as a team to create open shots. UConn runs the clock down because most defenses give up or break down after a certain period of time of playing defense. These things are taught and it takes alot of time to make them reflexive so you react to a situation and not think about it because many times when you have to think about it its to late, youve missed your opportunity. UConn hustled was too quick and was focused on what they were taught in practice. Baylor wasnt and that comes from good guard play. Baylors guards are good scorers but not good playmakers.

I thought we'd see a world class matchup between Gabby and Davis--it didn't evolve, Gabby and Napheesa ruled the day.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Uconn is actually a very recent change to the legal name for the state university in Connecticut - it has been around for ever as the nickname, but Uconn made the change over in the last 3-5 years. So like with people who grew up using my nickname before I changed to my given name later in life, the folks who have been around WCBB for a long time get 'grandfathered' into using the old name. No disrespect intended I think, just habit.

Interesting----I didn't know that was your nick-name!! Can we use another title other than --Grandfathered " it sounds sooooo OLD . After being away from family for 25 or so years --I went to a reunion only to find all those I knew by one name --few knew them by the names i knew--uncles, cousins---then advance another 10 years and it's back to names of my memory--odd -you'd know more about that than I.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I posted this on the BAYLOR IS BIG thread a couple days before the game!

Now we have Baylor.
And yes Baylor is a top ranked opponent coached by a really good coach, Kim Mulkey. They have a huge roster, Kalani Brown 6'7"/Khad Cave 6'3"/Lauren Cox 6'4"/Beatrice Mompremier 6'4", an ultra-athletic F, Nina Davis, and 3 pretty good G's in Alexis Jones, Alexis Prince and Kristy Wallace. But they are not a quick or fast team and are still not very strong beyond the 3 point line! So they must do their damage inside 12'.
Look for UCONN to play much of the game in a zone, which they used successfully vs FSU!
Their freshman, Lauren Cox if I'm not mistaken has been their top scorer in preseason, and I think Geno has worked out some plans for Miss Cox! Brown led the Bears with 25 points and 19 Rebs vs UCLA!
UCLA is no UCONN, even with the 1st game jitters the Huskies showed vs FSU they are a challenge for the Bears!
Uconn as I stated is fast and has many weapons both inside and out and I think the Bears will have as much trouble keeping up with the running Huskies attacking from all 5 positions as NYY Pitcher, Joba Chamberlain, had with the "midges" in Cleveland in 2007 both offensively & defensively!
Kia Nurse was terrible vs FSU in all facets of the game, even making a bonehead foul vs a 3 point shooter so we can bank on a return to normalcy for Ms. Nurse!
UCONN will win by 5 to 8+ points! Also taking into effect that the game is at Gampel, with 10,061 fans which is worth at least 10 points!

Every once in a while I have an epiphany and I treasure those few moments of clarity!

This was a HUGE game for UCONN, not just because it was #2 Baylor but it had all the makings of a bad night. A number of talented Bigs, three athletic G's and a fiery good coach in Kim Mulkey, who wanted to hand Geno & UCONN their heads on a platter!
But as has become the norm, the coaches and players stepped up big-time and it became a glorious night!
Things we learned about the Huskies of 2016-2017:
1. The only possible downer was Saniya might have taken a step backwards after a really good game at FSU!
2. After getting muti fouls vs FSU early and looking lost at times, vs Baylor Gabby got 2 quick fouls went to the bench but when she came back in she didn't get another foul and was an animal in the 2nd 1/2, scoring and her defense was awesome!
3. Crystal Dangerfield had a coming out party for herself in front of 9,475+ fans. 19 points plus rebounds, steals, assists, low turnovers, and ran the offense like MoJeff/Renee/Jen R/Bird/DT/ were resurrected! No freshman jitters here!
4. Natalie was a 6'5" BEAST in the middle, not so much scoring but taking up space and throwing her slimmed down body around, making it uncomfortable for Baylor's bigs to do business!
5. Katie Lou fought through some frustration early and found her comfort zone to score 16 points and be a force on defense!
6. Freshmen Molly & Kyla gave players a needed break and held their ground, not losing anything!
7. Collier had 10 points and 11 RB's and for 6'2" played much, much bigger! often nullifying 6'7" and 2 6'4" Baylor bigs!
8. Nurse started out as if FSU were the opponents than hit a big shot and played much better!
9. There was a fire down below deep in our girls guts that took them to places they need to be to have an outstanding season! Hopefully they'll bring that every game this season!
10. Geno and his staff are starting to trust these girls in crunch time to do their jobs!

Great posting!!!!! I loved the Molly Kyla comment--they earned it.
Try as I may--I'm ashamed to say--i couldn't find one word to nit pick.
Am i losing it/?
I need some of the Clarity pills !!

 

[Charliebball]

Nina is. She has rested on her laurels rather than working to improve herself. End result; she's (largely) the same player today that she was three years ago.

The coach? No, because Nina chose Mulkey, knowing what her coaching style was. UConn, Stanford, Notre Dame, Louisville (etc, ad infinitum, ad astra) all have coaches for whom the status quo isn't good enough, so she went where it would be easier. IMO it seems that Coach Mulkey is willing to accept complacency in some players in return for Talent.

Except from her Daughter, of course, who she drove like a sled dog. If she could harness that and apply it to her other players...

How do you know she hasn't been working on her game? Maybe she has reached the limit of her ability......that happens some time..........

 

[Gus Mahler]

Personally I like them using CONNECTICUT---that team represent the people of CONNECTICUT plus the University or UConn. --is it better to refer to Texas teams as the HORNS or Texas? or ND as ND or the Green Fuzz (ok that's a bit off)?

I'm with you. It's fine to use UConn (or UCONN) as a marketing device, but the school ought ultimately to be thought of as the flagship state university of Connecticut, a fine state I am told.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I thought we'd see a world class matchup between Gabby and Davis--it didn't evolve

Me too. Was looking forward to it. Shows what we know.

 

[bags27]

The University of California, Berkeley (certainly the finest public university in the world) is often referred to as "Cal". No disrespect intended: in fact, it's kind of reverse snobbery.

Folks I know at UConn actually like it being called that. And after all, the mascot makes no sense otherwise.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'm with you. It's fine to use UConn (or UCONN) as a marketing device, but the school ought ultimately to be thought of as the flagship state university of Connecticut, a fine state I am told.

IT was a great state ---when they still had NUTMEGS...(and smaller taxes)

 

[j66kicker]

I'm not Mulkeys biggest fan or largest detractor. If you just lost a game you were certain you'd win--and someone shoved a mike in your face--i personally would find any phrase to get me off camera and away from answering unanswerable questions.
I think those half time and immediate end of game interviews are offensive--it's a wonder coaches don't lose it and say @$%$%^^&& plus@#%^% up your's.

Mulkey is paid $1 million per year. She's been the head coach of a major program for 16 years - she knows the interviews are coming, she knows it's her obligation to do them, and she has a lot of experience doing this. I think the questions should have been answerable. A $1 million/year coach should know what is happening to her team real time, to be able to deal with it during the game. Media interviews can be dumbed down so the casual fans can understand, but at least give them something. You have to watch film first? Really??

 

[BroadwayVa]

Mulkey is paid $1 million per year. She's been the head coach of a major program for 16 years - she knows the interviews are coming, she knows it's her obligation to do them, and she has a lot of experience doing this. I think the questions should have been answerable. A $1 million/year coach should know what is happening to her team real time, to be able to deal with it during the game. Media interviews can be dumbed down so the casual fans can understand, but at least give them something. You have to watch film first? Really??

Money does not make one articulate! Nor does it flow easily regardless of the sum paid. Is it part of the job--sure. Do they like---h---l no!
Money isn't all that people work for or does money amounts mean much to some people. It's just a nice way to keep score. The press meeting after the game is more than sufficient to get the message sent.

 

[j66kicker]

Money does not make one articulate! Nor does it flow easily regardless of the sum paid. Is it part of the job--sure. Do they like---h---l no!
Money isn't all that people work for or does money amounts mean much to some people. It's just a nice way to keep score. The press meeting after the game is more than sufficient to get the message sent.

Fine, but she gave the same, "We'll have to watch the film" non-explanation 3 or 4 more times during the press conference too.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Fine, but she gave the same, "We'll have to watch the film" non-explanation 3 or 4 more times during the press conference too.

Unless she lies about Uconn or Geno or OUR kids---her antics do not effect me ---even if she was making Genos' 3 million.
If she disparaged OKLA we'd have a problem wouldn't we??

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Alexis Jones referred to us as UCONN as most players seem to do. But Kim said CONNECTICUT, not UCONN. When we beat Texas last year coach Karen Aston said CONNECTICUT. Brenda Frese said both UCONN and CONNECTICUT. I am of the opinion that the top coaches don't like to use the brand UCONN and it bothers me. I think it's a purposeful slight. I think it was Lauren Cox who made an alphabetical list of teams she was considering and put UConn at the tail end of that list. Maybe i'm being a little bit paranoid or overly sensitive; but there it is.

Well there is this certain Danny character whose voice may be permanently in their heads: UCONN UCONN UCONN....

 

[j66kicker]

Unless she lies about Uconn or Geno or OUR kids---her antics do not effect me ---even if she was making Genos' 3 million.
If she disparaged OKLA we'd have a problem wouldn't we??

I don't have a problem with her - enjoy her antics, animal prints, metallic jackets, heels, etc. And I don't have a problem with her making $1 million. I just don't think she's that good of a coach.

Right, if she started trash talking OK, now that would be a whole different story.....

 

[UcMiami]

Mulkey is paid $1 million per year. She's been the head coach of a major program for 16 years - she knows the interviews are coming, she knows it's her obligation to do them, and she has a lot of experience doing this. I think the questions should have been answerable. A $1 million/year coach should know what is happening to her team real time, to be able to deal with it during the game. Media interviews can be dumbed down so the casual fans can understand, but at least give them something. You have to watch film first? Really??

The problem with coaches is they actually have a very bad and obstructed view of the game - she gave three possible answers and said looking at the coaches tape would answer the question of whether it was: 1) post players not demanding the ball; 2) guards not making the right passes at the right time; or 3) Uconn's incredible post defense. It really is hard at court level with players and refs between you and the action a lot of the time to be able to know exactly what is going wrong. A higher elevation camera angle gives a much better view of what went wrong.
We want instant gratification too much in this world - sometimes you really do need to go to the video tape and cool your jets.

 

[j66kicker]

The problem with coaches is they actually have a very bad and obstructed view of the game - she gave three possible answers and said looking at the coaches tape would answer the question of whether it was: 1) post players not demanding the ball; 2) guards not making the right passes at the right time; or 3) Uconn's incredible post defense. It really is hard at court level with players and refs between you and the action a lot of the time to be able to know exactly what is going wrong. A higher elevation camera angle gives a much better view of what went wrong.
We want instant gratification too much in this world - sometimes you really do need to go to the video tape and cool your jets.

So how does she adjust during the game - just "watch the film later and wait til next time we play them?" Wouldn't a reasonably competent coach figure out what wasn't working (even if she couldn't see and had to ask the players), and try something different during the game?

 

[UcMiami]

So how does she adjust during the game - just "watch the film later and wait til next time we play them?" Wouldn't a reasonably competent coach figure out what wasn't working (even if she couldn't see and had to ask the players), and try something different during the game?

She probably did, and they certainly came out after halftime looking to go low. But there is a difference between coaching for a change that ultimately doesn't happen, and knowing exactly why that change didn't happen and who was most to blame.

 

[Rixxx]

Kim's problem, it seems, was that after brief success by her bigs after halftime, Geno made adjustments with a quick time out at 1:08 gone and Kim , IMHO, didn't counter his adjustments. That is where her staff of assistants needs to step up.

 

[Florida Fan]

"It feels good to not get beat by 30 like when I was at Duke."
Alexis Jones[/

The memory of those beat-downs linger. That was what, two years ago, Duke losing by 40? And all the ND wins in 2012-13 stung, the "it sucks to be you" humiliations providing a lot of incentive not to be in those situations again. I can't imagine being a fan of a team that was beaten by 20+scores YEARLY by that team in blue. So an 11 point loss was an improvement, and they WILL be better next time around.

 

[CocoHusky]

The memory of those beat-downs linger. That was what, two years ago, Duke losing by 40? And all the ND wins in 2012-13 stung, the "it sucks to be you" humiliations providing a lot of incentive not to be in those situations again. I can't imagine being a fan of a team that was beaten by 20+scores YEARLY by that team in blue. So an 11 point loss was an improvement, and they WILL be better next time around.

The game that Jones mentioned was almost 4 years ago actually. Jan 2013, Duke came to UCONN and lost by 30. Freshmen Jones lead Duke in scoring during the game. Kelly Faris was a Monster earning the infamous awkward chest bump from Geno.

 

[HardHatGuy#2]

How do you know she hasn't been working on her game? Maybe she has reached the limit of her ability.that happens some time.....

You have a point. I erased the rest of my response (defending my position), as I would have to knock a few people. Case in Point: Griner after 4 years in Waco vs. Griner after 3 years in the WNBA (with Taurasi) and a couple of months with Geno.

Let's just say that I think that Davis has more in the tank, and we'll see it post-Waco. Again, I REALLY like Mulkey as a coach, and certainly as a sideline personality...I just think that this is a weak spot for her. With two NCs...how can you argue?

 

[Suebird10fan]

Baylor is not a team set up to succeed.

1) Their height is neutralized by the fact that Davis can't play anything but the four, so playing a "twin towers" set happens only when she is on the bench.

2) They have absolutely no depth at the three guard positions. The Freshman looked like the proverbial "deer in the headlights" whenever she was subbed in. By the end of the season, she may be much better, but that still leaves them with only one backup for three players.

3) Who is the point guard? Even if she is designated as a two, Alexis Jones is the one driving to the basket and handling the ball for the great majority of the time. With a shoot first mentality and a tendency to play off the bounce rather than the pass, she is not the right type of player to reliably pinpoint passes into the post.

4) With all that height, they don't ever use a high-low set, which would enable a 6'4" player to pass to someone 6'7". Mulkey can't be blamed for this, because none of her bigs demonstrated any ability to hit a jumper from the free throw line or the elbow, which would enable a team to stack the middle defensively and prevent any advantage created from using such a set.

5) They are a good defensive team, but they are slow and deep only in the post positions. With that kind of roster, their guards will always be tired in the fourth quarter and vulnerable to the turnovers and fast breaks that ultimately defeated them.

Great observations. That said, I think there's enough time in the season for them to figure some of this out. #1 is key and will be the toughest. I suspect they'll figure out #2/#5 and #3 as the season goes on.

 

[ThisJustIn]

I'm with you. It's fine to use UConn (or UCONN) as a marketing device, but the school ought ultimately to be thought of as the flagship state university of Connecticut, a fine state I am told.

...and, if I recall from one of the Geno Shows/History shows, when UConn was oh, so new on the scene and no one knew who the heck they were, Geno and Co. were clear about calling it Connecticut. Now everyone knows who Connecticut is AND UConn.

 

[Kmoney]

Alexis Jones referred to us as UCONN as most players seem to do. But Kim said CONNECTICUT, not UCONN. When we beat Texas last year coach Karen Aston said CONNECTICUT. Brenda Frese said both UCONN and CONNECTICUT. I am of the opinion that the top coaches don't like to use the brand UCONN and it bothers me. I think it's a purposeful slight. I think it was Lauren Cox who made an alphabetical list of teams she was considering and put UConn at the tail end of that list. Maybe i'm being a little bit paranoid or overly sensitive; but there it is.

I also think this is an intentional slight . when I hear "Connecticut" I think of a sleepy new England state . when I hear "UConn" I think of a superior brand.

 

[UcMiami]

...and, if I recall from one of the Geno Shows/History shows, when UConn was oh, so new on the scene and no one knew who the heck they were, Geno and Co. were clear about calling it Connecticut. Now everyone knows who Connecticut is AND UConn.

I also think this is an intentional slight . when I hear "Connecticut" I think of a sleepy new England state . when I hear "UConn" I think of a superior brand.

It really is a recent change - The University of Connecticut was the official name, and for a long time the official abbreviation for Connecticut (on addresses for the US postal system for example) was Conn. U of Conn was quickly shortened to Uconn, and being phonetically linked to Yukon a land of snow and sled dogs, the students and university settled on a Husky sled dog as our mascot. The two letter abbreviation system for states was introduced in 1963 and Conn. over time was replaced with CT in everyones usage - luckily we already had our Uconn and our mascot well established.

In April of 2013 President Herbst announced the changing of the official usage of the University of Connecticut to UCONN, and over the next few months the letterhead, signage, banners, and web pages all adopted UCONN. Both names are still legally correct and most external listing still use either University of Connecticut or just Connecticut - see the AP and Coaches polls for example as well as ESPN. (FYI - It was at the same time that the Husky logo was also changed.)

I think some fans go out of their way to find disrespect from opponents or from broadcasters and media sources. Using an official name for our university especially in a timeframe not far removed from the university's own change of emphasis is not being disrespectful. Calling 'Rutgers' the 'State University of New Jersey' while similarly correct might well be a subtle dig because no one has used that name in a very long time in anything but legal documents.