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Cal Post-Game

UConn missed a lot of easy shots early and Cal made a lot of shots late. The issue I have is that Geno has said publicly that UConn will have to out score the opponents because the defense is bad, the "fifth players" played 47 minutes and shot 3 times.
 
HuskyNan said:
Liv was terrific today. She was very active, passing extremely well, and going strong to the hoop. The SOPHOMORE player has made tremendous strides and her upside is evident
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she's more then capable of averaging a double double this season and I was heartened to see her new found aggression on offense................she has a better then average mid range game and if she continues to display it that will only make her inside play more effective.......
 
It's the first game so we shouldn't be so critical, but let's address a few things... First, Crystal and Olivia were a combined 9 for 29 shooting, that's gotta improve, especially Crystal (5/14) as a senior, and I'm sure it will. The freshman will improve but they only took 3 shots, by contrast Megan started the game 0 for 6. They have to be given more opportunity to contribute, and Kyla not taking any shots doesn't help. As for Maryland, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida State... Baylor, none of them have the perimeter talent we have and they didn't even really try in some games. Lots of forced layups, which means a lack of faith in their shot or the inability to determine when to pull up for one. Either way, that makes them one dimensional and helps us. Oregon is in a league of its own right now, but I'd say we are the team closest to having the ability to score on all 3 levels. The Maryland/South Carolina game wasn't so bad because of the competition was so great, it was horrible because only 1 or 2 players showed any ability or initiative to score outside the paint. And as long as that's how they play, we will have the upper hand in playing those teams, even while we are short on talent and experience. Go HUSKIES!
 
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Najee76 said:
As for Maryland, South Carolina, Texas A&M, Florida State... Baylor, none of them have the perimeter talent we have and they didn't even really try in some games. Lots of forced layups, which means a lack of faith in their shot or the inability to determine when to pull up for one. Either way, that makes them one dimensional and helps us. Oregon is in a league of its own right now, but I'd say we are the team closest to having the ability to score on all 3 levels. The Maryland/South Carolina game wasn't so bad because of the competition was so great, it was horrible because only 1 or 2 players showed any ability or initiative to score outside the paint. And as long as that's how they play, we will have the upper hand in playing those teams, even while we are short on talent and experience. Go HUSKIES!
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AGREED Najee. No other team in the country boasts a perimeter that includes two #1’s and a #3 player out of HS. 1-3 we’re the best in the nation IMO as a collective and I expect most other teams can’t match us, for right now I will say definitely Oregon because of Sabrina & co, and maybe Stanford based off their play vs. Team USA. I’m not too worried about SCar or the Terps (overranked), that game was terrible! We do need to hit consistently from 3 in those games and the tourney because Liv isn’t a banger and I don’t expect her to become one over the season either. It’s just not in her. We have to be realistic and stop hoping she turns into something she just isn’t.
 
oldude said:
I tend to agree, unless Evina's waiver is granted. While I love Aubrey's hustle and tenacity, I was bothered by the fact that she had a wide open 3 and passed it up. I've seen enough of Aubrey in HS to know she can make 3-pt shots. Wish she let that one fly.
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I noticed that too. She’s got to have the moxie and confidence to take that shot when the defense gives it to her.
 
Alydar said:
The bench had 2 points.

More? Apparently the entire team has been told to go under all screens when a 3 pt shooter has the ball.

More? UConn MISSED 12 of 23 layups!!!! That's bad for an 8th grade team.

More? 13-21 at the ft line.

Finally: What really stunk was all the standing around and lack of motion. Honestly, it looked to me like Westbrook has convinced Geno to hire Holly Warlick to redesign the UConn offense. Too harsh?
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I’m glad somebody finally said it! That seems like something UConn has struggled with for the past couple of seasons. They also seem to help off of 3pt shooters and that can’t be by design (if it is, then wow do we need a new coach!). But I’m sure the defense will get better like it usually does by the end of the year.
 
MooreMayaNY said:
AGREED Najee. No other team in the country boasts a perimeter that includes two #1’s and a #3 player out of HS. 1-3 we’re the best in the nation IMO as a collective and I expect most other teams can’t match us, for right now I will say definitely Oregon because of Sabrina & co, and maybe Stanford based off their play vs. Team USA. I’m not too worried about SCar or the Terps (overranked), that game was terrible! We do need to hit consistently from 3 in those games and the tourney because Liv isn’t a banger and I don’t expect her to become one over the season either. It’s just not in her. We have to be realistic and stop hoping she turns into something she just isn’t.
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Liv is not a banger!!
 
oldude said:
So what exactly is your point? UConn is terrible and Geno can't coach? I've watched the entire MD-SC game and even though they are playing better competition than UConn, the execution by both teams ranked in the top 10 was absolutely terrible. It's the first game. Have a little patience. If UConn is still playing like this after Jan 1, I'll be concerned.
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My point is that TODAY, UConn was terrible. And I refuse to judge them in comparison to Maryland. That is just excusing them.
I put a lot of it on allowing a 2 man game to dominate their offense last year.
I am used to watching UConn pass and cut. Today I saw pass and stand still. I expect them to get a lot better but today was ugly and even a tube of lipstick doesn't help. Example: 12 pts in transition.
 
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As Geno said after the game, the team looked tired. That said, I was impressed that they didn't seem rattled by their inability to run offense and make shots. I compare this to the Florida State opener a few years back where players getting flustered and being unable to follow Geno's instructions nearly cost them the game. I think the offense will come when timing gets better with practice. I saw a lot of almost really good plays today. Guarding three point shooters has been a problem for several years now. We need to learn from the Moriah Jefferson school of defense: if they can't get the ball, they can't shoot it.
 
Carnac said:
I noticed that too. She’s got to have the moxie and confidence to take that shot when the defense gives it to her.
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On the other hand, Aubrey showed absolutely no hesitation when she raced in from the left side to attack the basket against Cal’s 6’7”
Post. Aubrey’s shot was blocked, but she certainly showed no fear.
 
Alydar said:
My point is that TODAY, UConn was terrible. And I refuse to judge them in comparison to Maryland. That is just excusing them.
I put a lot of it on allowing a 2 man game to dominate their offense last year.
I am used to watching UConn pass and cut. Today I saw pass and stand still. I expect them to get a lot better but today was ugly and even a tube of lipstick doesn't help. Example: 12 pts in transition.
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OK. You’ve made your point. I disagree. Let’s move on.
 
oldude said:
I tend to agree, unless Evina's waiver is granted. While I love Aubrey's hustle and tenacity, I was bothered by the fact that she had a wide open 3 and passed it up. I've seen enough of Aubrey in HS to know she can make 3-pt shots. Wish she let that one fly.
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Yes, one of the positives I drew from watching the game is that I believe Aubrey is going to be a very, very good player.
 
Dokey said:
Is it too early to say “wait til next year?”
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C’mon Dokey, you’re better than that. Yes it’s too early. You’re asking that question after one game? It's way too early. It’s only one game. Keep those shovels and that coffin away from these young ladies.

There’s still breath and lots of life in this body. One game does not a season make. Next up: Vandy in Nashville on Wednesday. Let’s see what they look like then.
 
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Charliebball said:
wow........................the players look and act like they lost the game by 25 points.........................perfection is a rare commodity.....................a perfect example of why many chose to play for less demanding college teams.........
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Yeah, the players look/sounded like they just lost instead of won the game.
 
Few observations:

1. This was Anna and Aubrey's first D1 game. Not sure if the previous games against inferior (D2) opponents prepared them for this game. Still really hoping for Evina to get cleared this week as I really dont see anyone being able to contribute as much as she could..
2. Christyn and Meghan looked very good. Liv pretty solid.
3. One big concern is rebounding when Liv is out (wither for rest or foul trouble).
4. Cal penetrated very easily against us and got way too many open 3's.

Next game.
 
MooreMayaNY said:
Players Postgame (Cal)
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Notice that none of the girls looked happy about being there and having to answer some of the thoughtless questions that were put to them. Looking at them, you would have thought they lost. That’s one of the things I like about Doris Burke. She (like retired Dodger broadcaster Vin Scully) asks intelligent and thoughtful questions that don’t put the player on the spot, or require an answer that would put a teammate(s) under the bus. She never asks “clown” questions, or questions that have an obvious negative (embarrassing) undertone.

An example of a "thoughtless" ill timed question asked to an NFL offensive lineman in the locker room right after a tough blowout loss: "Your team was just blown out by 52 points on national TV, your worse loss of the year. You guys were beat in all 3 phases of the game. The guy you were suppose to block had a career day with 4 sacks. How does that make you feel?" :eek: Not a good question to ask a player that has not cooled down yet, and is sore, got beat like a drum most of the day, and is mad as hell. Even his hair hurts. :mad:
 
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Actually, this is the year where playing in the American will help UConn. They should pile up a good win-loss record & finish in the Top 8 - a 2-seed. I'm impressed by both CW & MW - they are both playing at an All-American level & could carry the team in the Tourney. CD & ONO will also contribute. After that, Geno needs to work his magic. I was hoping freshman Aubrey could contribute as much as CW did last year. Not impressed by the rest of the newcomers. The Westbrook waiver decline really hurts the team. As of now, there is not much depth at all, and Geno has to hope someone steps up there game to contribute. Regardless, UConn should still be a 2-seed & anything can happen in the Tourney, especially with CW & MW on your team.
 
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Huskie02 said:
You just stuck a dagger in me when you mentioned Boston. I can still see her sitting in the gym watching the UConn game during the virgin island tournament. There were either one or two days before the early signing period and then she signed with South Carolin. Imagine a front court with her and ONO playing together for the next 3 years. I know we have Amari coming but if my math is correct she and ONO will only have one year to play together. That’s assuming she is as good as they make her out to be and she earns a starting position and is not just a backup to ONO. I’m sure Geno was in shock when she told him.
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Yup. I think Boston is a generational talent. Probably caught Geno by surprise & set the team back a few years in terms of recruiting strategy.
 
Thoughts:

1. Crystal looked to be the leader early and seemed to press as a result. Some interesting shot choices and turnovers. Fully confident that this will disappear when everyone gets a better idea of their roles.
2.Williams and Walker are both legitimate AA contenders this season. I really believe Williams is our best player and won’t be surprised to see her take over a lot of games this year.
3.ONO looked much improved. Her passing from the high post impressed me and should give a dimension to the offense that we haven’t really seen since Dolson/Stewart.
4.If Westbrook is on the bench this year, the fifth player is going to be our biggest question mark. I though Ana had some bright moments and created a few scoring opportunities for others. Aubrey was playing hot potato in the first half but had good defensive moments. I will not evaluate them based on one game, but someone will have to step up this season as the UConn system only works well when all 5 players are capable of scoring.

It was game one after graduating two of the best to play at UConn. Everything will be OK and I think this team will look vastly different in 4 weeks. For me, it’s fun to watch a group grow and get better. I’m looking forward to it.
 
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MooreMayaNY said:
Geno Postgame (Cal)
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Geno is really concerned with Anna. He got into her in the post-game pretty hard. Basically her shot is not falling so she is shaken and she is reacting by shutting down her head. That is why Kyla is starting.
 
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