Bria Hartley

[alexrgct]

I don't disagree but, for now, perhaps the best role for KML is to continue coming off the bench. She certainly seems comfortable with that role and is able to provide instant offense. KML ended up playing the most minutes last night even though she didn't start. It will be interesting to see how Geno juggles the pieces going forward.

I think if Geno leaves the lineup as is, some combination of the following factors are at play:

1. All of the current starters have been starting most or all of their careers, and there's concern that having one come off the bench could be contrued as "taking something away" from one of those players.

2. The classic/somewhat cliched notion that a young player is better served observing for a few minutes and settling down before getting into a game, especially a big game. Ther's something to that theory, obviously, though KML's poise and experience are exceptional for a frosh.

3. Geno likes the fact that Caroline, Bria, Tiff, and Kelly all know that if he doesn't like how they're playing, they can get yanked in exchange for a kid who's good enough that it may be a long time before the yanked player gets back on the court.

Let me be clear: the fact that I would have Bria come off the bench before I'd have KML come off the bench is completely different from "bench Bria." "Bench Bria" sounds like she shouldn't play. I just like the size KML would add to a starting lineup that's on the small side. Stef starts because she's a true post, Caroline starts because she's more of a true PG, and Kelly starts because she brings things to the table defensively that no one else does. It's really not about who's "better" so much as it is about specializations, measurables, and matchups.

And for the record, my primary interest is UConn winning. I have nothing remotely invested in who's most responsible for doing so.

 

[pap49cba]

And for the record, my primary interest is UConn winning. I have nothing remotely invested in who's most responsible for doing so.

+++1

 

[tomcat]

I guess I'm not a huge fan of Bria, but sort of stayed out of this argument, and I'm glad I did, for one reason that we can all see in hindsight. Who would have figured how terrific Bria becomes when paired with KML? I sure didn't see that one coming. And yes, Bria does some dumb things from time to time, but based on last night, she was wonderfully quick on occasion and saved the team's bacon more than once.

For now, I'm fine with bringing KML off the bench, because I don't believe that in the long run, UConn's starting five will generally have the kind of early scoring problems they had last night. I'd feel differently if I thought that Tiff and Kelly were going to toss up bricks all the time, but that's not been the case most of the time.

Bottom line, I wouldn't start KML right now but if I decided to, I would not replace Bria with her because she and Bria seem to be one of those 1+1=3 synergistic things.

 

[HuskyNan]

And for the record, my primary interest is UConn winning. I have nothing remotely invested in who's most responsible for doing so.

Are you one of the infamous "Fans of Winning"?

I like seeing the benchies come in and dominate the opponents' starters. I get a kick out of seeing Michala and Heather and Lauren scoring against teams that win their mid-major conferences. Call me crazy - I love to see all the Huskies shine and I'll yell just as loud for the 7th off the bench as I will the starters.

 

[Replicant]

I like seeing the benchies come in and dominate the opponents' starters. I get a kick out of seeing Michala and Heather and Lauren scoring against teams that win their mid-major conferences. Call me crazy - I love to see all the Huskies shine and I'll yell just as loud for the 7th off the bench as I will the starters.

Agreed. The anticipation of Kaleena's entrance was exciting and a source of supreme confidence. Same with Kiah and BB.

Let me be one of the first to complement you on your new avatar [how could I possibly resist]. Betty will always be a classic, but I see you more the action type. Really liked Beatrice, but just like Geno and the Huskies, you've gone and raised the bar yet again...welcome Pris.

Still got that old headscissors move?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WE4HWJzBXUI&feature=related

 

[HuskyNan]

It was a draw between Pris and Sarah Connor - post conception.

Poor Pris, abused and misused. But she turned it around, didn't she? I do admire females that give as well as they get, so to speak.

 

[Replicant]

Pris gets my vote, but I'm biased. The headscissors should provide a powerful deterrent toward keeping the peace around here.

 

[doggydaddy]

DC - I guess it all depends on how you define bashing. Last night Hayes was 0-10 at one point. If a poster points that out is it bashing or merely a statement of fact. If Hartley turns the ball over 9 times (it hasn't happened) in a game and somebody posts that Hartley commits too many turnovers, is that bashing?

FWIW - I'm not in the bench anyone camp. I like the starting lineup exactly as it is. What an improvement over last year when at most times the only bench option was Loren Dixon. Good for her that she rose to the challenge but it's a heck of a lot more exciting to see a player of Lewis' caliber able to get in the game and turn things around. Also in the FWIW category, I think we are going to see that Stokes and Banks aren't exactly chopped liver either.

Nobody cares if someone just stats a fact like 9 TO's is too much. It's the other stuff that comes along with it like "she should be benched". Somehow I think you know that.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

I want Bria in the game as much as possible. I guess this is the anti-bench position. Seems to me that there is some serious butt covering going on this thread.

 

[alexrgct]

I want Bria in the game as much as possible. I guess this is the anti-bench position. Seems to me that there is some serious butt covering going on this thread.

Yes, you definitely need to cover your butt if you support the notion that KML should play as much as possible. That's clearly the conclusion one should come to after three games.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

I am just having some fun Alex.

 

[doggydaddy]

I am just having some fun Alex.

Stop it Ozzie!!! This is no place for fun. We have no time for that while we are disecting every play and shot they take.

 

[Dove]

I for one think the avatar is hilarious. Keep on keepin' on.

I don't think you have been on a date in a while.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Nobody cares if someone just stats a fact like 9 TO's is too much. It's the other stuff that comes along with it like "she should be benched". Somehow I think you know that.

well said... thank you DD!

 

[DaddyChoc]

FWIW - I'm not in the bench anyone camp. I like the starting lineup exactly as it is. What an improvement over last year when at most times the only bench option was Loren Dixon. Good for her that she rose to the challenge but it's a heck of a lot more exciting to see a player of Lewis' caliber able to get in the game and turn things around.

exactly... Lorin the sparkplug (that doesnt shoot) doesnt make much sense

 

[Man-Man]

We have to have Bria out there. She is really our only other scoring threat. They need to get the ball to Stef more and Bria is still not a true point guard, but she has ice in her veins. Turnovers don't seem to bother her, which is both frustrating and also the sign of a great scorer.

They argued tooth and nail with me saying incoming frosh Hartley wasn't a true PG to the point that I began to question my own intelligence. Glad to know I am sain.

 

[Icebear]

They argued tooth and nail with me saying incoming frosh Hartley wasn't a true PG to the point that I began to question my own intelligence. Glad to know I am sain.

Who was they? Sure wasn't me. She was always a combo guard who could play the point but benefits from playing the two and spotting up. Caroline is a combo guard, too, but her strengths and leadership tend better to the point, specially, now.

 

[RadyLady]

If things shape up the way I think they will, Bria and KML (6th man) will combine as one of the best back court duos we have seen. Geno stopped short of talking about the two of them together and I am dying to know what he is thinking. I liked what I saw watching the two of them out there in Monday night's game.
Playing through mistakes is a good thing. We observe many players get frustrated when shots don't fall, and subsequently the rest of their game suffers. Not Bria. I like the two together. They are smart, they can score, they are fearless, and I see great things with these two together in the coming season.

 

[Icebear]

Actually, rady, one of Geno's complaints about Bria in the past has been that Bria pouts when something goes wrong. He said he is waiting for her to grow out of it. He did note she is improving.

 

[DaddyChoc]

Actually, rady, one of Geno's complaints about Bria in the past has been that Bria pouts when something goes wrong. He said he is waiting for her to grow out of it. He did note she is improving.

that had nothing to do with what he "stopped short of saying".... we all know he said Bria pouts, Rady is talking about something "he didnt say YET"

 

[Icebear]

I was referring to the first three lines in the second paragraph, DC, not the first paragraph.

 

[Donyell]

Replace her with who? She's too good , let her play thru her mistakes , she brings alot to the table for sure. Poster's seem to get on her more than others don't know why. That's crazy to even bring up the fact that she should not be out there.She 's a warrior.

 

[HuskyNan]

Replace her with who? She's too good , let her play thru her mistakes , she brings alot to the table for sure. Poster's seem to get on her more than others don't know why. That's crazy to even bring up the fact that she should not be out there.She 's a warrior.

A sophomore warrior. Bria is so good, I think sometimes people forget how young she is.

 

[Kibitzer]

On another thread (about pre-season All-Americans) I expressed my not-at-all-humble opinion that Bria (not hardly mentioned), over the course of this season and at least two head-to-head matchups, will give Skylar Diggins (consensus AA) a good run for her money. Of course, this notion comes from the meshuggener who thinks Kaleena should start and play 30+ minutes in every competitive game.

 

[intlzncster]

On another thread (about pre-season All-Americans) I expressed my not-at-all-humble opinion that Bria (not hardly mentioned), over the course of this season and at least two head-to-head matchups, will give Skylar Diggins (consensus AA) a good run for her money. Of course, this notion comes from the meshuggener who thinks Kaleena should start and play 30+ minutes in every competitive game.

I'd be impressed if you found someone who didn't agree with that last bit. Both Briah and KML need 30mpg. I don't care who starts or who plays where, as long as those two are on the court a lot.

 

[blackbird]

Yea, no one has ever said KML shouldn't play 30+ minutes. She should. But Bria certainly should too. The idea that it should be Hartley who is replaced/loses minutes was what some people thought was ridiculous. Any other player could lose those minutes (other then Stef, only because KML can't play center).

Honestly, I think Hartley will play the most minutes in every big game we have this season.

poised New York Point guard and the Cali smart aleck with ridiculous chemistry..where have we seen this before?

 

[Dairyair]

I am shocked that your avatar is allowed on this board.

+And I yours!!!

 

[John Fryer]

And dribbles too much.

Bria is the energizer bunny for UConn's fast break offense!

Who replaces, in terms of points and all of the other "intangibles?"

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[John Fryer]

If things shape up the way I think they will, Bria and KML (6th man) will combine as one of the best back court duos we have seen. Geno stopped short of talking about the two of them together and I am dying to know what he is thinking. I liked what I saw watching the two of them out there in Monday night's game.
Playing through mistakes is a good thing. We observe many players get frustrated when shots don't fall, and subsequently the rest of their game suffers. Not Bria. I like the two together. They are smart, they can score, they are fearless, and I see great things with these two together in the coming season.

Dare I attempt to answer, your unarticulated question, for Coach A?

Okay, I will try. Afterall, this board is all about having fun, right?

Either CD or Kelis Fisher will come off the bench.

Just my opinion, of course.

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[speedoo]

Yea, no one has ever said KML shouldn't play 30+ minutes. She should. But Bria certainly should too. The idea that it should be Hartley who is replaced/loses minutes was what some people thought was ridiculous. Any other player could lose those minutes (other then Stef, only because KML can't play center).

Honestly, I think Hartley will play the most minutes in every big game we have this season.

poised New York Point guard and the Cali smart aleck with ridiculous chemistry..where have we seen this before?

++++1

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