Cheli and Ice out for more weeks | The Boneyard
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Cheli and Ice out for more weeks

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While injuries to Ice & Morgan are terribly unfortunate, it does speak to the need for a deep roster. In past years, if UConn was down 2 key rotation players, the Huskies would be lucky to have perhaps 6 players they could count on in big games. This year, the PT that would otherwise be earned by Ice & Morgan is being shared by Blanca, Jana, Allie and others as the Huskies haven’t missed a beat, despite the injuries.
 
He did talk about this in his pre-game meeting with the media. Question was asked about red-shirting Morgan. Go and listen for additional info.
 
Honestly, both should reshirt, as even if healthy tomorrow, both old have a hard time trying to crack or regain playing time in the throws of the season. Ice would have 2 seasons left (she’s played 2 games this year and woul have to petition the NCAA for the 6th year of eligibility but it likely would be granted. Morgan would have 3 years remaining.
 
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Just when you think it's safe to go swimming the injury shark is seen in home waters.

 
Having listened to Geno's comments, I think the summary above leaves the wrong impression. He said that neither Morgan nor Ice will be available until at least the new year, with the emphasis on "at least". By no means was he saying that they will be playing in the first game in January. They both have to get on the court and practice, which neither of them has done yet.

On the other hand, when a reporter asked Geno at what point he might talk to Morgan about redshirting, he emphatically said that he was not at all close to that point, and he fully expects Morgan to play this season.

It's important to remember that Morgan missed a lot of summer and preseason practices last year, but she played well as soon as she finally stepped on the court. With a year of college experience now, she should get up to speed at least as quickly.

As a fan, I can't wait to see Morgan on the court, even if it makes it harder for Geno to manage minutes among her, Ashlynn, Blanca, and Caroline.
 
Ia Gandy injured or just riding the pine until Geno sees what he wants in practice?
Betting the latter. She is a fairly new to the game, young post player. She probably hasn't picked up the defensive rotations as of yet (which per some players, is hard as heck), and might be a bit raw in the post.
 
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Should redshirt Morgan, with so much depth this year it would be a good thing for her. SHE IS a real good player, has many good skills to go along with Sarah, Quionez
Ice Brady is a player needed after first of the year or when she is ready, still not sold on Williams.
 
Gandy is still rather raw. As a season ticket holder who has to get to the games early to avoid that Stamford to Hartford/Storrs traffic, I get to see the warm-ups and Gandy shows potential but is clearly behind everyone else both offensively and defensively. I think of Piath but with more basketball IQ with Gandy. I just hope she keeps working and doesn't get disheartened.
 
Having listened to Geno's comments, I think the summary above leaves the wrong impression. He said that neither Morgan nor Ice will be available until at least the new year, with the emphasis on "at least". By no means was he saying that they will be playing in the first game in January. They both have to get on the court and practice, which neither of them has done yet.

On the other hand, when a reporter asked Geno at what point he might talk to Morgan about redshirting, he emphatically said that he was not at all close to that point, and he fully expects Morgan to play this season.

It's important to remember that Morgan missed a lot of summer and preseason practices last year, but she played well as soon as she finally stepped on the court. With a year of college experience now, she should get up to speed at least as quickly.

As a fan, I can't wait to see Morgan on the court, even if it makes it harder for Geno to manage minutes among her, Ashlynn, Blanca, and Caroline.
Geno likely wants to give Morgan time to get fully healthy before starting up again with practices and games. You never can predict injuries but come tournament time Morgan would be a valuable asset if needed so I hope she gets back this season.
 
Considering her injury history going back to high school, it’s possible Morgan would benefit from a red shirt. This would make sense if she wants to put together three full seasons in order to position herself for the W.

But it’s also possible that she won’t want to spend so much time in college. Some kids love college life, others find it to be a grind. I have no idea how Morgan thinks about this stuff. She has the example of two other players with a history of injury before her eyes: Paige used the extra time to put together a pair of dazzling season before turning pro, and Azzi is on a similar trajectory. I wonder if Morgan has similar dreams.
 
Gandy is still rather raw. As a season ticket holder who has to get to the games early to avoid that Stamford to Hartford/Storrs traffic, I get to see the warm-ups and Gandy shows potential but is clearly behind everyone else both offensively and defensively. I think of Piath but with more basketball IQ with Gandy. I just hope she keeps working and doesn't get disheartened.
The open practice on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was spent mostly on controlled scrimmages against the red jerseyed male practice players. Gandy was mostly wearing the red jersey and working with the "practice player team". She was the only one doing so. So she was getting some practice time but I came away with the clear impression that she is on a different track.

Geno said that Gampel is harder to practice at since there are only two baskets. They do more individualized stuff at their practice facility where there are more baskets. So I'm sure the practices look different there and she is getting a lot of individual attention there.

I think your observations are valid. And she did show some ability at the practice, but also appears to be extremely raw.

I'm assuming though that since she has played in two games, that she has already used up this year for eligibility purposes.
 
Considering her injury history going back to high school, it’s possible Morgan would benefit from a red shirt. This would make sense if she wants to put together three full seasons in order to position herself for the W.

But it’s also possible that she won’t want to spend so much time in college. Some kids love college life, others find it to be a grind. I have no idea how Morgan thinks about this stuff. She has the example of two other players with a history of injury before her eyes: Paige used the extra time to put together a pair of dazzling season before turning pro, and Azzi is on a similar trajectory. I wonder if Morgan has similar dreams.
While I think a redshirt year could be interesting, Morgan is likely taking courses and would be done her degree on time (or earlier depending upon major). I believe Azzi is on her 2nd or 3rd degree and does not seem to feel its a grind, probably because she doesn't have the acedemic pressure many players have.
 
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The open practice on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving was spent mostly on controlled scrimmages against the red jerseyed male practice players. Gandy was mostly wearing the red jersey and working with the "practice player team". She was the only one doing so. So she was getting some practice time but I came away with the clear impression that she is on a different track.

Geno said that Gampel is harder to practice at since there are only two baskets. They do more individualized stuff at their practice facility where there are more baskets. So I'm sure the practices look different there and she is getting a lot of individual attention there.

I think your observations are valid. And she did show some ability at the practice, but also appears to be extremely raw.

I'm assuming though that since she has played in two games, that she has already used up this year for eligibility purposes.
Went back and viewed several Gandy videos and came away with two observations:
-In the videos I saw, her guards were barely at US high school level. Suspect the motion offense UConn uses is a new system for her.
-Most of Gandy's points were primarily a result of her superior size and athletic skills. Even then, she appeared to be a good, not great, leaper. Many techniques most US basketball players learn early did not seem to be taught. Its often difficult for players that relied mainly on their athletic skills to catch up.
 

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