Butler Postgame Thread

[DennieEddy]

Some postgame thoughts on the Butler game:

• UConn begins BE play in earnest today vs Butler. While we can complain about the BE competition level, Geno will use this part of the schedule, as he has always done, to sharpen team execution and solidify his rotation for the postseason gauntlet the Huskies will face.
• KK adds new meaning to the expression “BALL HAWK.” 😎 . For that matter she adds new meaning to the expression “FLOOR BURN.” 😁
• In the Huskies 1st game back from the break, it was a little uneven on offense at times. But UConn’s defense was its usual suffocating, swarming school of piranhas, as they had 18 steals while forcing 29 turnovers.
• With her “cat quick” reflexes, athleticism and basketball IQ, Sarah probably leads the nation in getting a hand on the ball defensively (steals, blocks & tipped balls).
• Jana has gotten so much better at establishing low-post position and receiving entry passes. Now she just has to consistently “stick the finish.”
• Blanca is one of the very best freshmen in the nation and she is getting more comfortable in UConn’s system each and every game. That should be a scary thought to future opponents. 😮
• UConn played some zone in the 2nd half, not so much because the Huskies need work on it, but more likely because Geno wanted to "call off the dogs" against a conference opponent.
• Fort Wayne’s own, Ayanna Paterson, with some early 2nd half PT delivers a “stand up and cheer” 3-pt play and some solid minutes off the bench.
• It looked like a packed house today at Hinkle Fieldhouse. I think everyone from Noblesville, IN was there.
• I continue to maintain that Kelis is the absolute best guard in the nation who is only 6th on the team's depth chart.
• OK, here’s a poll for someone on the BY to run after the game. Who is UConn’s best on-ball defender: Sarah, KK, Blanca, Azzi……?
• New Year’s Eve in Providence is up next for the Huskies.

Nothing wrong on your post, but does 6th on depth chart mean 11th?

 

[Bigboote]

I'm late to the party as usual. I watched the game a couple of hours ago, just a couple of impressions:

It was so cool to see Shade's folks along with Fudd's folks, and to hear about the Shades' midwestern hospitality.

I rewound the footage of Kayleigh's hard fall and still can't figure out just what the injury is. Looking at it the first time at full speed, it could've been ribs or even a shoulder. But watching in slo-mo, and also with the reverse angle, she fell properly when she hit the floor. Best I can figure, maybe one hand was below her and maybe she bruised her ribs? Really really hoping there's no serious injury.

 

[Nolefan]

I'm late to the party as usual. I watched the game a couple of hours ago, just a couple of impressions:

It was so cool to see Shade's folks along with Fudd's folks, and to hear about the Shades' midwestern hospitality.

I rewound the footage of Kayleigh's hard fall and still can't figure out just what the injury is. Looking at it the first time at full speed, it could've been ribs or even a shoulder. But watching in slo-mo, and also with the reverse angle, she fell properly when she hit the floor. Best I can figure, maybe one hand was below her and maybe she bruised her ribs? Really really hoping there's no serious injury.

How about just the getting the wind knocked out of her ?

 

[huskeynut]

Sorry about the ad nauseum that I'm subjecting you to.
I'm a teacher. How about this teacher joke, "how many teachers does it take to change a light bulb?..." Teacher's meeting: idea followed by all the multitude of reasons it won't work. Ugh.
Why can't the Big East be the best basketball conference in the country that's not a power conference?
I just watched Hoosiers for the tenth time to rejuvenate my admiration for Indiana basketball. (and I'm from the DMV)

A few points. I'll start with the teacher meetings. I taught for 31 years - middle school and high school. I was also a department head in middle school for 13 years. The whole school teacher meetings are for general information delivery. That's it. All secondary schools have department head meetings - except elementary schools. Information, proposals and the like from the department head meetings go to the department meetings for discussion.

Second - every conference has weak sisters - including the P4's! You pushing how bad/ weak Butler is beating a dead horse. The schools get what they support. 13 - 14 years ago, South Carolins women's basketball was a nobody. SC made a conscious decision to support and fund the women's team. They hired Dawn Staley. We know the outcome.

And finally, we still attend D1 women's basketball games. We have season tickets, again, for University of South Florida women. What you see on the screen is nothing compared to a live game. When UConn came to play South Florida, South Florida fans were sitting next to us. Three rows up from the court. Fans next to me were in awe of UConn. Azzi's eyes showed the intensity with which she and the entire team play. USF fans noticed it. The speed at which UConn plays is insane live. People couldn't beleive how quick and fast UConn plays.

My nice rank is done.

 

[hoophuskee]

Maybe it speaks to the quality of my life, but I really look forward to UConn WCBB games. I bet I’m not alone with that here. Sorry, yesterday wasn’t satisfying. I know, it is what it is. Nobody played enough minutes. What’s wrong with Butler? Watch the intro scene of Hoosiers (YouTube it) with farmhouse after farmhouse with hoops. Indiana is basketball. Butler’s coach has serious lineage. What’s up. Brad Stevens got the men to the NCAA finals twice. UConn had to throw out a non-trapping 2-3 zone in the second half. What the heck. Wednesday should be a little better. I’m going to the Nova game and then ND comes in. Maybe it’ll get better. I think Geno wasn’t happy about it either, unless I’m reading too much into that press conference (or lack there of).
Like going to a beautiful French restaurant and finishing your main course in 3 bites.

From your post I'm not sure completely why you weren't satisfied. Didn't you say you were a former coach? Even if not, what we watch in a game like this is beautiful basketball.

You watched the team shoot near 70% from 2 and near 40% from 3. You watched the team have 28 assists vs just 9 turnovers. So, the team shoots very well, passes very well, and defends very well, and that is still not satisfying?

You have the opportunity to see arguably the #1 pick in the draft be the greatest at something vs any other player in UCONN history in regard to shooting 3's for a single season. Along with every minute she's on the floor you get to appreciate her presence in terms of her health.

And you get to watch arguably the greatest player in UCONN history in Sarah.

And you get to watch players grow. For example Blanca. IMO she is the best freshman in the country. You get to watch the probable growth from foul-prone to a bit turnover-prone which she was early, to a probable someday growth of "superstar."

Then a player like Allie who shot 34.7% from 3 last year and even her 2pt% last year, all are markedly better. than last year. She came in with the reputation as a shooter and now she is delivering. That's grpowth to enjoy.

And you've even remarked of Jana she played well.

We have one enormous advantage over Geno. We don't have to demand perfection if we choose not to. If the #1 team in the country plays a game in which the offense is super, the defense is super, and they win by a lot, as a fan then how can that be not satisfying?

 

[sun]

To alleviate your concern, I would recommend Yoga.

Which type of yoga do you recommend? Do I need a yogi to advise which one & to teach me how to do it properly? Maybe the players should try some yoga?

"There are many types of yoga, but common styles include Hatha (gentle, foundational poses), Vinyasa (flow-based, linking breath to movement), Ashtanga (structured, challenging series), Iyengar (precision, use of props), Bikram/Hot Yoga (heated room), Yin (deep stretches, long holds), and Kundalini (energy focus, chanting). These styles vary in intensity, focus (strength, flexibility, meditation), and structure, catering to different goals from relaxation to vigorous exercise"

 

[BobbyJ]

Am I the only one who notices, or is willing to comment, on the 3 pt shooting of Sarah? Maybe I just got spoiled by her shooting in the NCAAT last year but 1 of 4 yesterday and 36.0% through 13 games is not what I thought she would produce this year.
Hey, I think she is the best all-around player in WCBB and there is no one else that I would rather have on my team, but is it possible that 36% from beyond the arc could stand in the way of her chances to be the NPOY? At some point the media is going to pick up on this stat.

No, it shouldn't impact her chances at all. For reference, 36-37% is considered good and 40% or higher is elite. Madison Booker is career 33% and JuJu Watkins is 32%. Strong's is at 38% career at this point. No worries mate, the media loves her just the way she is.

 

[bkart1978]

Nothing wrong on your post, but does 6th on depth chart mean 11th?

Presumably 6th guard; she’s not behind, say, Jana on the depth chart

 

[cabbie191]

Not all Big East schools make a commitment to women’s sports like UConn does. Butler’s women’s hoops coach makes $109,000 while the men’s coach makes $463,000.

Equality in athletics disclosure report released

“‘I think there are still some people who undervalue women’s sports.’”

thebutlercollegian.com

In 2024, Wisconsin’s volleyball coach earned $575,000.

 

[BBallF]

That’s why I want to see her play 35 minutes or so. Other players learn from her as well when she’s on the court. Like the ‘86 Celtics, everyone in sync.

You aren't going to see 35 minutes until maybe the ND game and the Tennessee game. You will see it in March and April however.

 

[Skeets]

You get paid after I do

Are you counting your NIL?

 

[Centerstream]

Maybe this has been mentioned but I am not going back through 100 posts to verify.
I'm watching the replay and with just under a minute to go in the first half, Kayleigh ran into a screen, just before mid court. She was flattened by it and trailed Butler's play in the front court. When she appeared on screen, Butler was making a basket. She inbounded the ball and rubbed her chest much like she did after she got flattened in the second half.

 

[BBallF]

Maybe this has been mentioned but I am not going back through 100 posts to verify.
I'm watching the replay and with just under a minute to go in the first half, Kayleigh ran into a screen, just before mid court. She was flattened by it and trailed Butler's play in the front court. When she appeared on screen, Butler was making a basket. She inbounded the ball and rubbed her chest much like she did after she got flattened in the second half.
View attachment 115218

I remember that. I thought she was hurt that first time. The second one was more of a side hit and the way she went down it looked like she had the wind knocked out of her completely.

 

[donalddoowop]

Maybe this has been mentioned but I am not going back through 100 posts to verify.
I'm watching the replay and with just under a minute to go in the first half, Kayleigh ran into a screen, just before mid court. She was flattened by it and trailed Butler's play in the front court. When she appeared on screen, Butler was making a basket. She inbounded the ball and rubbed her chest much like she did after she got flattened in the second half.
View attachment 115218

I saw it when it when it happened.

 

[FanSince17]

If you look at the follow through on Ash's arms from the chest pass you see it was pointed to Azzi. So you are correct but I also think that pass would have been intercepted by Butler so it is a doubly great play. I don't always think that we BYers really understand how much Sarah improved from last year in every aspect of the game.

Retired teacher- MS physics- have students analyze the trajectory, the speed of the ball, the perceived force applied to the ball, and the observed "collision" between the ball and Sarah's mitt.
Means nothing but I think it was meant for Sarah but just a tad behind her. Sarah's quickness and speed must catch people by surprise continuously.

 

[Centerstream]

I remember that. I thought she was hurt that first time. The second one was more of a side hit and the way she went down it looked like she had the wind knocked out of her completely.

I was only posting that her hand movements were very similar after each "bump" she took. And she continued to do the same motions on the bench after the second one.
BTW back in the day, every time I had the wind knocked out of me, I didn't lay on my stomach to try and recover...I was always put on my back. But maybe things have changed in the last 50+ years...

 

[Boreifs]

I was just at the Barclay’s. Marketing, marketing, marketing.
People are not risk takers. People are making buckets of money on women’s basketball.
The doubleheader WBB at Barclays’s- Geno intimated that the arrangement will continue indefinitely. NBA arena totally buzzing about women’s basketball. Lisa Leslie there looking regal.
I know you understand the idea of investment, spending money to make money.

I have no idea what that had to do with my post about private universities fighting for survival.

 

[BBallF]

I was only posting that her hand movements were very similar after each "bump" she took. And she continued to do the same motions on the bench after the second one.
BTW back in the day, every time I had the wind knocked out of me, I didn't lay on my stomach to try and recover...I was always put on my back. But maybe things have changed in the last 50+ years...

Me too. I think they didn't want to move her.

 

[BBallF]

Retired teacher- MS physics- have students analyze the trajectory, the speed of the ball, the perceived force applied to the ball, and the observed "collision" between the ball and Sarah's mitt.
Means nothing but I think it was meant for Sarah but just a tad behind her. Sarah's quickness and speed must catch people by surprise continuously.

The announcer said "The pass was meant for Fudd". I still tend to agree. It's a higher pass than you would want if it was going to Sarah and it was behind her and Ash is a very good old school chest passer who is usually very accurate plus Azzi is looking for the ball to shoot a 3.

 

[Majic Hands]

For me, I have a totally different take when I get to see them live like I did yesterday. The precision just isn't properly captured on TV. I am sure you have gone to games but yesterday for example, they had 11 kids play and they took maybe 3 bad shots. That is just total commitment to the process and rare at any level.

Absolutely. We were sitting in the section behind you (I think). My daughter made the comment that she now understands why I like sitting at the half court line.

I thought to myself when the game started our players were being a little hesitant! There may be better words. I just got the feeling our kids were thinking that if we jump on this team the games over.

Then coach sends in two Honey Badgers. I’m sure you’ve heard that honey badger story. If not just search YouTube for honey badger don’t give a *****.
The game wasn’t decided in the first 5 minutes it was decided in the second 5 minutes.

I may be incorrect but it seems to me that the non starters (excluding Blanca & Kayleigh) began entering the game a lot earlier and that often we had just 1-3 starters on the floor.

Lots of minutes for nonstarters with starters when the game really mattered but never really mattered. It was a great practice game that counted on our season. Yes they get to do it again at home!

I’m so thankful I was able to attend the game.

For those that were irritated by the post game or the lack there of. . . A severe snowstorm was rolling in towards Ct. as well as high winds and rain on its was across Indiana. They needed to get out of dodge.

Sitting in the restaurant in Greenwood after the game, we watched the rain going sideways folks. If they didn’t make the airport soon enough they would be stuck until the storm passed. I’m quite sure plane didn’t try to take off or land for quite awhile in Indy.

And it was, for all practical purpose a practice game. What was coach supposed to say? Da, I sent in the Honey Badgers, game over. See ya Wednesday. 😎👍

 

[Skeets]

Absolutely. We were sitting in the section behind you (I think). My daughter made the comment that she now understands why I like sitting at the half court line.

I thought to myself when the game started our players were being a little hesitant! There may be better words. I just got the feeling our kids were thinking that if we jump on this team the games over.

Then coach sends in two Honey Badgers. I’m sure you’ve heard that honey badger story. If not just search YouTube for honey badger don’t give a *****.
The game wasn’t decided in the first 5 minutes it was decided in the second 5 minutes.

I may be incorrect but it seems to me that the non starters (excluding Blanca & Kayleigh) began entering the game a lot earlier and that often we had just 1-3 starters on the floor.

Lots of minutes for nonstarters with starters when the game really mattered but never really mattered. It was a great practice game that counted on our season. Yes they get to do it again at home!

I’m so thankful I was able to attend the game.

For those that were irritated by the post game or the lack there of. . . A severe snowstorm was rolling in towards Ct. as well as high winds and rain on its was across Indiana. They needed to get out of dodge.

Sitting in the restaurant in Greenwood after the game, we watched the rain going sideways folks. If they didn’t make the airport soon enough they would be stuck until the storm passed. I’m quite sure plane didn’t try to take off or land for quite awhile in Indy.

And it was, for all practical purpose a practice game. What was coach supposed to say? Da, I sent in the Honey Badgers, game over. See ya Wednesday. 😎👍

Honey Badgers, excellent.

 

[Bigboote]

I was only posting that her hand movements were very similar after each "bump" she took. And she continued to do the same motions on the bench after the second one.
BTW back in the day, every time I had the wind knocked out of me, I didn't lay on my stomach to try and recover...I was always put on my back. But maybe things have changed in the last 50+ years...

She stayed on her belly, and she was huffing REALLY deeply. I was never able to take a deep breath when I had the wind knocked out of me.

She also had her two arms across her belly somewhat doubled over for some time after she went to the bench. OTOH, she showed no ill effects milling around after the game.

 

[FanSince17]

Absolutely. We were sitting in the section behind you (I think). My daughter made the comment that she now understands why I like sitting at the half court line.

I thought to myself when the game started our players were being a little hesitant! There may be better words. I just got the feeling our kids were thinking that if we jump on this team the games over.

Then coach sends in two Honey Badgers. I’m sure you’ve heard that honey badger story. If not just search YouTube for honey badger don’t give a *****.
The game wasn’t decided in the first 5 minutes it was decided in the second 5 minutes.

I may be incorrect but it seems to me that the non starters (excluding Blanca & Kayleigh) began entering the game a lot earlier and that often we had just 1-3 starters on the floor.

Lots of minutes for nonstarters with starters when the game really mattered but never really mattered. It was a great practice game that counted on our season. Yes they get to do it again at home!

I’m so thankful I was able to attend the game.

For those that were irritated by the post game or the lack there of. . . A severe snowstorm was rolling in towards Ct. as well as high winds and rain on its was across Indiana. They needed to get out of dodge.

Sitting in the restaurant in Greenwood after the game, we watched the rain going sideways folks. If they didn’t make the airport soon enough they would be stuck until the storm passed. I’m quite sure plane didn’t try to take off or land for quite awhile in Indy.

And it was, for all practical purpose a practice game. What was coach supposed to say? Da, I sent in the Honey Badgers, game over. See ya Wednesday. 😎👍

I've discovered a new favorite seat, and they are cheaper. Lower level, sections next to the sections behind each basket. First sections off to the sides. The goal nearest you is really up-close and the far end you view from behind. That's how I could see Blanca's push off against Iowa so clearly.

 

[Vancat]

 

[victor64]

Absolutely. We were sitting in the section behind you (I think). My daughter made the comment that she now understands why I like sitting at the half court line.

I thought to myself when the game started our players were being a little hesitant! There may be better words. I just got the feeling our kids were thinking that if we jump on this team the games over.

Then coach sends in two Honey Badgers. I’m sure you’ve heard that honey badger story. If not just search YouTube for honey badger don’t give a *****.
The game wasn’t decided in the first 5 minutes it was decided in the second 5 minutes.

I may be incorrect but it seems to me that the non starters (excluding Blanca & Kayleigh) began entering the game a lot earlier and that often we had just 1-3 starters on the floor.

Lots of minutes for nonstarters with starters when the game really mattered but never really mattered. It was a great practice game that counted on our season. Yes they get to do it again at home!

I’m so thankful I was able to attend the game.

For those that were irritated by the post game or the lack there of. . . A severe snowstorm was rolling in towards Ct. as well as high winds and rain on its was across Indiana. They needed to get out of dodge.

Sitting in the restaurant in Greenwood after the game, we watched the rain going sideways folks. If they didn’t make the airport soon enough they would be stuck until the storm passed. I’m quite sure plane didn’t try to take off or land for quite awhile in Indy.

And it was, for all practical purpose a practice game. What was coach supposed to say? Da, I sent in the Honey Badgers, game over. See ya Wednesday. 😎👍

Great post.

Good point about the weather. We drove east away from it. But it makes total sense that they were in a hurry. Tornado watches were out.

We ate a place in Greenwood that may have the best barbeque I have ever eaten. We just ordered everything and sampled it all. LOL.