Creighton post game (merged thread)

[browns]

Why?
I’ve said this before, have you even bothered to read what Auriemna’s has said multiple times for two years what Muhl, and frankly, she alone, brings to the team? Did you notice how aggressively she pushed the ball last night, and then listened to Dailey‘s post game comments about wanting to get good shots before the defense can get set up? Have you noticed who does the vast majority of talking in the player huddles on the court? Do you notice the veteran players paying attention? Have you noticed who most frequently is called to the sideline for communications with Auriemma, and last night with Dailey? All the players you listed above have pure offensive basketball skills superior to Muhl, no question, but……………
read olddude’s post on this thread regarding the disruption Muhl caused to Creighton‘s offensive continuity last night fighting over picks and switching constantly and seamlessly at the top of the defense. Creighton scored 20 points in the middle two quarters when Uconn erased the Creighton lead and took command of the game and Muhl was a huge part of that defensive domination.
She also had five rebounds and five assists and lost at least two more with excellent passes, one to Ono in the post and one to Williams cutting to the basket where they both got fouled and made all 4 foul shots. She had no turnovers.
I call it as I see it and shared that she played very poorly against Providence and she rightly got very limited minutes but IMO she played an outstanding game last night. She didn’t score, but again, my opinion, she had more of an impact on the game than any Uconn player outside of Ono.
I don’t mean to be rude or condescending but there is much more to the game than watching the ball and shooting, much more. In a world of highlight reel adoration and judging players solely or primarily on points scored, Muhl is just not that kind of player. IMO, it’s a good thing for Uconn, Auriemma and Dailey certainly know the game far better than that.

Totally agree..not to mention that last week Geno said Nika was the leader of the team ,other's thought they were but Nika was the leader.

 

[tchalla1]

Chris Dailey is not doing the blah blah-she is skillfully playing the same role she has played forever. Since Geno has a tendency to occasionally knock a player down, someone has to be there to lift these players up and that is Chris' role.

Exactamundo--this is what tangent coaching is all about. Geno and CD compliment the other quite well.... They are so transparent about their respective roles, I am surprised that it is not patently obvious to every UConn fan...

 

[Cuango]

Great win.
Some more random thoughts:
It seemed to me that Fudd was open numerous times and no one passed her the ball.
Fudd, when getting the ball, just gives the ball back to the big. If you only have one person to beat, take them off the dribble, more than likely you will get fouled or make the basket.
CD, bag the "Euro step". When her defender stays in front of her, she gets tangled up and turns the ball over. She needs to make a spin move.
AE just doesn't react. When she is quick she usually makes the basket, when she thinks , her footwork falls apart and trouble ensues.
Nika's shooting is always going to be inconsistent, why do we need to bring it up all the time?
ONO, how good would she be if she kept the ball above her shoulders down low. She brings the ball down, allowing the other team to grab her.
CW has found what works. Aggressively going to the basket.

Yeah, one reason Azzi didn’t get more shots is because the person you don’t want us to talk about was too busy going 1-7 to pass her the ball!

 

[boontonbomber]

Exactamundo--this is what tangent coaching is all about. Geno and CD compliment the other quite well.... They are so transparent about their respective roles, I am surprised that it is not patently obvious to every UConn fan...

tangent coaching? oh, and I think it is patently obvious to most UConn fans. oh, and it's complement.

 

[Cuango]

Totally agree..not to mention that last week Geno said Nika was the leader of the team ,other's thought they were but Nika was the leader.

Even (especially) leaders need to know that when they are 1-7 maybe they should pass to the girl who is shooting 50% rather than continuing to jack up shots that have little to no chance of going in! Sure, she’s a spark for the team defensively, she’s intense, but I guess I must be watching a different game because on the offensive side there (Imo) is very little that she does well. She is a terrible shooter, not a good passer, and rarely attacks the basket! I’m not saying she’s not an overall asset to this team merely that she is more of a specialty player than an all around one and imo is only currently being used as such due to our unprecedented injury situation. Does anyone really believe that she is going to be playing ahead of Paige, Azzi, or Caroline, next year? There is nothing wrong with being the team’s defensive spark plug and backup to the best player in women’s college basketball!

 

[CocoHusky]

Yeah, one reason Azzi didn’t get more shots is because the person you don’t want us to talk about was too busy going 1-7 to pass her the ball!

Nika was 2 for 8 in the game. If you are going to snipe please do so accurately.

 

[Centerstream]

tangent coaching? oh, and I think it is patently obvious to most UConn fans. oh, and it's complement.

Exactamundo--this is what tangent coaching is all about. Geno and CD compliment the other quite well.... They are so transparent about their respective roles, I am surprised that it is not patently obvious to every UConn fan...

C'mon boontonbomber, I am sure that Geno has complimented Chris at least once in the last 36+ years and vice versa.

 

[Cuango]

Nika was 2 for 8 in the game. If you are going to snipe please do so accurately.

1-7 from three! Accurate enough?

 

[MD#12Fan]

Even (especially) leaders need to know that when they are 1-7 maybe they should pass to the girl who is shooting 50% rather than continuing to jack up shots that have little to no chance of going in! Sure, she’s a spark for the team defensively, she’s intense, but I guess I must be watching a different game because on the offensive side there (Imo) is very little that she does well. She is a terrible shooter, not a good passer, and rarely attacks the basket! I’m not saying she’s not an overall asset to this team merely that she is more of a specialty player than an all around one and imo is only currently being used as such due to our unprecedented injury situation. Does anyone really believe that she is going to be playing ahead of Paige, Azzi, or Caroline, next year? There is nothing wrong with being the team’s defensive spark plug and backup to the best player in women’s college basketball!

I think you are watching a different game. I don't mean that as a cut. I just think you are not taking into account just how much of an impact she has. You say she's a spark, but there's not way to quantify that. Coaches try to tabulate stats like deflections in order to better quantify defensive pressure and getting in the passing lanes.
It's about chemistry. Analogy maybe: a catalyst in a chemical fire or explosion.
I said in an earlier post that we miss stuff as fans because we watch the game from the bottom of the 2nd deck. Would you feel Nika's presence more if you had a floor seat? I say yes, and I hope she doesn't run into me because she's a rock.
An inconsistent, somewhat struggling UConn team overcame a deficit and beat a decent team by 20. (30 point turnaround)
Without Nika's imprint on the game, do they win by more or less than that? You won't find the answer on the stat sheet. I know my answer.

 

[Littlemin]

Even (especially) leaders need to know that when they are 1-7 maybe they should pass to the girl who is shooting 50% rather than continuing to jack up shots that have little to no chance of going in! Sure, she’s a spark for the team defensively, she’s intense, but I guess I must be watching a different game because on the offensive side there (Imo) is very little that she does well. She is a terrible shooter, not a good passer, and rarely attacks the basket! I’m not saying she’s not an overall asset to this team merely that she is more of a specialty player than an all around one and imo is only currently being used as such due to our unprecedented injury situation. Does anyone really believe that she is going to be playing ahead of Paige, Azzi, or Caroline, next year? There is nothing wrong with being the team’s defensive spark plug and backup to the best player in women’s college basketball!

Same old tired argument and offering your opinion and not addressing what the coach has publicly said about Muhl or her obvious leadership role interacting with the coaches and players. Nor addressing that she has started virtually every game she has been healthy for two years. Is she a great player individually? No, but it seems obvious the coaches feels the team is better with her on the court. I would also offer that if the team had her “intensity” against Arizona, including the “best player in women’s college basketball”, Uconn very well could be defending national champions.
Finally, personally, I think the “oh, horrors, she stinks, she took a shot when Azzi Fudd was open“ is comical and reads more like “boy band” infatuation than solid basketball analysis to me. Muhl took good open shots and shot poorly, she hardly was jacking shots and the game of basketball is far more than how did you shoot.

 

[BBallF]

Exactly. Liv especially should be using the quick turn around shot (perfect example was Caroline early in the 2nd half when she sealed off the smaller defender and just turned and put the ball in the basket). Also, both Liv and Aaliyah should work on drills to improve their footwork.

1 Million percent. If you are 6'3" or 6"5" why are you neutralizing your height by bringing a pass, an offensive rebound or a defensive rebound down to the floor? Go straight up strong if you are by the basket and if you really know what you are doing pump fake first to get the and 1. Footwork is especially needed for Aaliyah who it seems walks constantly if she has to dribble more than once.

 

[boontonbomber]

C'mon boontonbomber, I am sure that Geno has complimented Chris at least once in the last 36+ years and vice versa.

No argument there.

 

[JBBallfan]

First half was a struggle shout out to Creighton and Flannery.

Nelson-Ododa: She was aggressive and dominating this team down low. Typical Big East Olivia who is assertive and probey.

Muhl: Strong ball handling but she needs to donate all her three point attempts to Fudd.

Fudd: Her defense is suprisingly good, some blocks, some good action. Popped a few threes but defenses are playing her so tight. She has to run until forever.

Williams: Really good game from her inside and out. She stayed aggressive, praying for her ankle.

Westbrook: Bringing her draft stock back up, she's really good when she wants to be on both sides of the ball

Aaliyah: no comment

Ducharme: Timely buckets, finding her groove again. Not concerned about her, she's adjusting to the Paige Bueckers defense treatment.

All in all, a good BE win. But this team needs to screen for Azzi as if she's Paige Bueckers to open up the floor, keep Nelson Ododa aggressive, tell Edwards that she can foul out in offensive fouls but to stay aggressive, more transition pushes to Williams so she can create in traffic, let Evina defend some of the Emily Engstlers of the world, the posts need to look for shooters, the in and out game just goes in.

Sorry - can’t agree with great ball handling by Nika.

 

[BBallF]

Just got the chance to watch the entire game. Obviously Nelson Ododa was excellent, but IMHO this was one of if not the best game of Evina Westbrook’s career (especially given the circumstances). Even a post move!

Could be a season-altering game.

It was one of Evina's most precisely focused games because she imposed her will in exactly the right spots both defensively and by taking the team on her shoulders with her big 3s.

I am not sure if you mean a season altering game for her or for the team. I think you would be right on both counts. It's senior time. The games are fewer and mean more. If she and they come out like they are on a search and destroy mission tomorrow night you will know you are right. I think they will.

 

[TeamFirst!]

The complete ignorance of nuance is mind boggling. It’s Geno’s job to encourage everyone. What is he going to do say “hey Nika, why don’t your join Mir, Poffenberger, Anna etc…” as we spend a 10 game sequence with 7 players during covid. He NEEDS Nika right now because she’s a good back up player. There is nothing wrong with that. Someday she can play in Europe for a while and be a great coach. The WNBA is not happening. And when Paige and Dorka come back Nika will be 7 or 8 in the depth chart again. I get it. You are fans and we all like Nika. I just can’t believe how many people don’t see the obvious.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Looking back on this game, Creighton was clearly over rated but it was a solid win on the road anyway. We came back strong and We’ll take the W.

 

[Longtime fan]

*I give CD credit for having the patience to allow the team to work through the first quarter mess.

*I wish Azzi would hunt shots more. .

*LIv, of course, played really hard. Her and Aaliyah’s footwork around the basket, though, sigh…

*CD’s sub rotation seems really logical. Just a steady influence in a tough situation.

*Foul shooting was much better.

*I hope Geno is OK.

AZZi did seem, however, to be getting her game back today. She hit threes that were there; she drove to the hoop; she hit foul shots; she played good defense; and made some nice passes. She is also getting closer to basketball shape. Probably with Dorka out she is getting those minutes. All to the good. AZZI is a complete player and we have a lot to look forward to. Just as Caroline will smooth out rough edges every game. C. Williams is a great athlete; strong , fast and smart ( also tough). Olivia playing great. Westy feeling control again. Muhl is like a hornet. Edwards is getting her mojo back. Team learns and grows each week. I hope to see our bench ( DeBerry and Piath ) against the Butler Bulldogs. It is a crazy year, but great fun to be along for the ride. Nice job by coach CD today.

 

[CocoHusky]

AZZi did seem, however, to be getting her game back today. She hit threes that were there; she drove to the hoop; she hit foul shots; she played good defense; and made some nice passes. She is also getting closer to basketball shape. Probably with Dorka out she is getting those minutes. All to the good. AZZI is a complete player and we have a lot to look forward to. Just as Caroline will smooth out rough edges every game. C. Williams is a great athlete; strong , fast and smart ( also tough). Olivia playing great. Westy feeling control again. Muhl is like a hornet. Edwards is getting her mojo back. Team learns and grows each week. I hope to see our bench ( DeBerry and Piath ) against the Butler Bulldogs. It is a crazy year, but great fun to be along for the ride. Nice job by coach CD today.

Azzi's defense was not good last night it was awful. She has a long way to go with her individual defensive technique.

 

[boontonbomber]

C'mon boontonbomber, I am sure that Geno has complimented Chris at least once in the last 36+ years and vice versa.

Sorry, it's just that I taught mathematics, and if someone's going to use geometric terms, then they should spell them correctly.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Azzi's defense was not good last night it was awful. She has a long way to go with her individual defensive technique.

Too much picking at individuals on here. It's a team game. Azzi can help the team defensively if put in the right positions. Do you draw it up that Azzi covers a driving guard from the 3 point line to the rim with no help? That happened last night.
She got her hands on some balls last night- blocks and steals- and she IMO is a better rebounder than I ever imagined. If we have to hide her, then that's what the team has to do. Maybe she plays a forward on D. When she starts lighting it up offensively, like 5 3's a night, posts about her D will be crickets.

 

[Centerstream]

Sorry, it's just that I taught mathematics, and if someone's going to use geometric terms, then they should spell them correctly.

Agree 100%.

 

[Centerstream]

The complete ignorance of nuance is mind boggling. It’s Geno’s job to encourage everyone. What is he going to do say “hey Nika, why don’t your join Mir, Poffenberger, Anna etc…” as we spend a 10 game sequence with 7 players during covid. He NEEDS Nika right now because she’s a good back up player. There is nothing wrong with that. Someday she can play in Europe for a while and be a great coach. The WNBA is not happening. And when Paige and Dorka come back Nika will be 7 or 8 in the depth chart again. I get it. You are fans and we all like Nika. I just can’t believe how many people don’t see the obvious.

 

[eebmg]

Sorry, it's just that I taught mathematics, and if someone's going to use geometric terms, then they should spell them correctly.

Hmm. I thought the beauty of mathematics is that you don't have to spell.

 

[boontonbomber]

Hmm. I thought the beauty of mathematics is that you don't have to spell.

Well , actually the beauty of math is that there's only one right answer, so that a student saying angle A is complimentary to angle B , unfortunately would see the old red X.

 

[hoophuskee]

1--- Spot on post from PVDOGGY earlier. Don’t agree at all with those knocking Nika shooting the hoop and/or those criticizing CDailey for not pulling her. Just a few games ago UCONN beat DePaul in which Nika scored 12 points on 5-8 shooting and 2-4 from 3. SO Dailey is supposed to be clairvoyant and know the game vs DePaul she will hit and then the other games she will miss?

You can’t just pretend the DePaul game didn’t happen at this point in the season.

2—Coco is spot on however. Eventually Nika is going to have to start hitting shots. Shooting is a basic fundamental of basketball. You start to downplay fundamentals, there’s a good chance that you’re going to eventually pay for the flaw.

3--- Good to see Evina actively look for her shot and not just from 3. She has the size to get good shots off.

4—Ducharme is a bulldog - not "a Husky." The term “Husky” is too nice to describe her. Love how she can sometimes low post. She treats smaller players that she is posting in the paint (the house); - to use the phrase – “There’s a mouse in the house.”

 

[eebmg]

Well , actually the beauty of math is that there's only one right answer, so that a student saying angle A is complimentary to angle B , unfortunately would see the old red X.

Try that today in an average HS and you many need a bullet proof vest.

 

[Littlemin]

The complete ignorance of nuance is mind boggling. It’s Geno’s job to encourage everyone. What is he going to do say “hey Nika, why don’t your join Mir, Poffenberger, Anna etc…” as we spend a 10 game sequence with 7 players during covid. He NEEDS Nika right now because she’s a good back up player. There is nothing wrong with that. Someday she can play in Europe for a while and be a great coach. The WNBA is not happening. And when Paige and Dorka come back Nika will be 7 or 8 in the depth chart again. I get it. You are fans and we all like Nika. I just can’t believe how many people don’t see the obvious.

Well, this ”mind boggling” ignorant poster wold like to let you know how classless your comment is simply because people disagree with you. But then again, ignorance is something I am sure you are very familiar with. I am sure Auriemma is very impressed with your ability to read his mind though.

 

[CocoHusky]

Too much picking at individuals on here. It's a team game. Azzi can help the team defensively if put in the right positions. Do you draw it up that Azzi covers a driving guard from the 3 point line to the rim with no help? That happened last night.
She got her hands on some balls last night- blocks and steals- and she IMO is a better rebounder than I ever imagined. If we have to hide her, then that's what the team has to do. Maybe she plays a forward on D. When she starts lighting it up offensively, like 5 3's a night, posts about her D will be crickets.

You are forgetting the South Caroline Game when Azzi had to be pulled from the game because South Carolina was running plays directly at her. That's not me saying that , it was Geno. In fairness that was before anyone knew about her injury. Her defense against Creighton was awful and needs to get better. She is also already being partially hidden in the Providence game UCONN resorted to zone on many possessions. I agree with you that she is not getting enough help but she is not doing enough individually either. 5 three per game would be fantastic-just not realistic.

 

[npignatjr]

Yeah, half the time Nika has been our point guard. Which is even more crazy. I love Nika but if we want to win a NC she needs to be a 5-8 minute per game player. Hopefully we are healthy enough for that to happen. And I'm fine with Azzi stepping into the PG role sharing it with Evina for a while. We need Azzi fully operational asap. If she's healthy, play her. Hopefully when Dorka comes back we can start that process.

Team played it's best when Nike is the point. Not my opinion. Geno's.

 

[CocoHusky]

Team played it's best when Nike is the point. Not my opinion. Geno's.

Nike is the goddess of victory. Wouldn't any team with her suiting up at the point be the best?

In all seriousness both things can be true: 1) The team played its best when Nika is the point. 2) In order for UCONN to win a championship Nika as the starting Point needs to be play better than she is currently doing.

Wasn't Nika the starting PG last year?