Creighton Postgame Thread

[eebmg]

Something must be wrong with me. Geno says this is the best game and I will grant the defense was the best of the season but overall, the game does not feel as if it was the best of the season.

I guess I have been ruined by Paige's performances. When she has a human game, it just does not feel right.

Also, I am worried about Liv's sudden outburst. I am not sure what to make of her jump shot prowess. Not sure it is sustainable or she starts to hang our there more than the post. And her rebounding numbers ??

CW looked aggressive but most of her scoring are on power drives and not sure that will be there against elite defenses.

Anna is streaky but I admit good things happen when she has the ball in her hands on the fast break

Aubrey is up and down and Aaliyah is tough on the blocks but is far from a polished post threat.

and Evina looks like she is not 100%

I don't know.

 

[FridaFriend]

My impression of Evina is that she has been holding back, maybe because of her knee. But late in the game tonight she kicked it up a gear to score a couple of baskets. When she pushed even more, she twisted her good knee or leg and was limping. I wonder whether she will back off a bit for awhile.

I also saw Anna get really angry with Geno and throw something. I was surprised when he put her back in a short time later. She did play better after that.

I liked the way Christyn played tonight, with more energy, fire, and enthusiasm.

I think Mir will be fine. I like to watch her play, even when she crashes and burns.

 

[Boreifs]

My impression of Evina is that she has been holding back, maybe because of her knee. But late in the game tonight she kicked it up a gear to score a couple of baskets. When she pushed even more, she twisted her good knee or leg and was limping. I wonder whether she will back off a bit for awhile.

I also saw Anna get really angry with Geno and throw something. I was surprised when he put her back in a short time later. She did play better after that.

I liked the way Christyn played tonight, with more energy, fire, and enthusiasm.

I think Mir will be fine. I like to watch her play, even when she crashes and burns.

She was angry with herself, not Geno.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Something must be wrong with me. Geno says this is the best game and I will grant the defense was the best of the season but overall, the game does not feel as if it was the best of the season.

I guess I have been ruined by Paige's performances. When she has a human game, it just does not feel right.

Also, I am worried about Liv's sudden outburst. I am not sure what to make of her jump shot prowess. Not sure it is sustainable or she starts to hang our there more than the post. And her rebounding numbers ??

CW looked aggressive but most of her scoring are on power drives and not sure that will be there against elite defenses.

Anna is streaky but I admit good things happen when she has the ball in her hands on the fast break

Aubrey is up and down and Aaliyah is tough on the blocks but is far from a polished post threat.

and Evina looks like she is not 100%

I don't know.

I agree with a lot of your points, especially about it just not feeling quite right.
I think Geno has to help Aubrey. She can’t excel in a motion offense. She’s getting the ball so often in places where she can do no damage. All these handoffs and screens 25 feet from the goal. She needs to catch the ball, see the defense, one or two dribbles tops and attack the rim. Everybody that’s ever played organized hoops has played an offense with a double low post. The posts work together to get open. One post can flash high, create the hi-lo action, etc. I’m sorry, no disrespect to Coach. He’s got a thoroughbred and he’s holding back the reins.

 

[eebmg]

I agree with a lot of your points, especially about it just not feeling quite right.
I think Geno has to help Aubrey. She can’t excel in a motion offense. She’s getting the ball so often in places where she can do no damage. All these handoffs and screens 25 feet from the goal. She needs to catch the ball, see the defense, one or two dribbles tops and attack the rim. Everybody that’s ever played organized hoops has played an offense with a double low post. The posts work together to get open. One post can flash high, create the hi-lo action, etc. I’m sorry, no disrespect to Coach. He’s got a thoroughbred and he’s holding back the reins.

I am not an expert in basketball tactics but in the Post game on court Q&A, Geno was asked about Aubrey and Geno said he is simplifying where to put Aubrey in the offense. The fact she had so many minutes indicates to me he has decided to go full in with her and will try to figure out ways to get as much offense from her as possible.

 

[jazz]

Just finished watching the replay.

PB didn't have her best game but she still was good for a freshie in her third game. Missed a couple shots that she will not miss in future. Love that she comes off the pick for that foul line jumper. She missed both times but if she made them, we are looking at 15 pts and probably not saying much negative about her offensive production. Called for I think 3 travels. The last one didn't look like it to me.

Liv was great...showed 4 low post moves...1. her patent fake to her left and go over her right shoulder for the step back..I love that move. 2. Drop step left which she did twice. That is a great move and she did it perfectly! 3. Blow by on her right shoulder - she did that twice. 4. Nice up and under move.

She also hit her FT and jumpers. All of this against a freshie who couldn't play defense but hey, Liv still got it done and this builds confidence for the future (Baylor)!

AM - in a 3 minute time span, she had a reb, 3/4 link pass for an easy two, nice pass on the pick and roll and hit 2 threes. Directly responsible for potential 10 points. She is getting her rhythm at times. Has a really hard time matching up against guards defensively- cant consistently get down in her stance. Doesn't have the lateral quickness.

EW - saw some more offense out of her with a blow by and a three. She is still hesitant but making progress. Looks a bit stiff to me, especially in the upper body. What a luxury to have her playing the 3!

This is a great passing team. Head always up on the break. This leads to 10+ easy points a game thus far.

AG - showed how super-human she is..quick, jumps out the gym and fast! She is a movement player. As long as she can move, she gets things done. Ask her to take a jumper where she is not moving, that is a problem for her. Her form didn't look good on the missed jumper to me - she studied it, didn't seem to really want to take it and then finally measured it and finally let it go. She just needs to catch and shoot.

TO were well down and if you take PB 5 TOs out of it, they really didn't have many at all...Big time improvement over the first two games but this Creighton team lacked any athleticism or speed. But the silly things weren't there for the most part.

CW missed some shots that hit every part of the rim. She seems to miss everyway possible. But she has a beautiful stroke...they will fall with consistency soon enough. Love how she can break down a defense taking the ball to the rim. There are many times, I'd like to see her take 2-3 dribbles and then pull up instead of going all the way to the rim. Her first step is so explosive that I think she can get this almost anytime she wants it. She did this once and looked great at it! Terrific player who is still trying to figure out how to put it all together.

 

[RedStickHusky]

Evina coming back in after she tweaked what I guess was a hammy was a good sign, that was scary for a couple of minutes. Towards the end of the game she looked like it started coming back to her; it's been two years. CW looked determined to get to the rim or get fouled and got herself hammered for it a couple of times but that is her game. As for MM, what's not to get? I've heard it said a thousand times that at UConn you have to earn your minutes, Geno said after Seton Hall that she had some things to figure out in practice, I guess she didn't get it done.

 

[Jingo]

Creighton's shooting was atrocious and Liv got ZERO defensive rebounds!!

Right .. Liv [and Aaliyah] were on the perimeter, away from the basket, most of the night against Creighton, a team that moves the ball and shoots a bunch of 3’s (almost 30 per game). Liv and Aaliyahah 'scared' Creighton's 3-point shooters into only 12 points in the first half. In this brilliant defensive scheme, our off-guards become "designated rebounders", eh?
And it worked! Liv and Aaliyah had only 2 rebounds each but our off-guards - Chrystyn, Paige, Anna and Evina - snagged 25 rebounds, more than the entire Creighton team.
Yes Liv and Aaliyah "forced" Creighton into atrocious perimeter shooting while, at the other end, Liv was "perfect", 9-for9 from the field on her way to a game high 24 points. Liv scored brilliantly with a variety of low post moves, a few jumpers, even a trey, and over 80% from the free-throw line. She was amazing!

 

[donalddoowop]

We have seen a lot of good things in the 3 games so far. The big test is when we see how they fare against BAYLOR on January 7th.

They will have played five games by then if none get cancelled. By then they should be better prepared to play Baylor.

 

[Zinethar]

This was the first game I thought Evina looked lose. She had a stride and a bit of speed. Maybe beginning to trust the knee.

Paige was a bit off tonight. Something seemed odd. fell twice in what seemed to be over her own feet. Missed shots she almost never misses. I think her traveling calls are correct and are caused by not enough experience yet with the others on the floor. She begins a move and quickly changes as something she didn't expect happened. Geno was upset with her because she is trying to get the others involved too much. She needs to flow and take her shot when it is there which it quite often is. He was really upset when at the buzzer she worked open then passed to CW who missed the jumper. That was her play. I think she was concerned with the world paying too much attention to her and not her friends and teammates.

Liv was the best I've seen of her tonight. Hope that Liv keeps showing up.

Some people on this board just don't seem to understand Anna. She is 6'2" and a bigger body player that is well suited for the 4. She will never have the quickness to defend small quick guards. She can pass extremely well and shoot the lights out when in rhythm.

CW is quickly earning her leadership. Plays hard defense that I don't remember seeing last year. A good slasher who has cut down the missed bunnies. Hits her foul shots. I do wish her 3pt shot was more consistent. Feed her when she is on.

The team they played tonight was much tougher and faster than the others. Good shooters that UConn controlled for a half.

 

[Jingo]

Just finished watching the replay.

PB didn't have her best game but she still was good for a freshie in her third game. Missed a couple shots that she will not miss in future. Love that she comes of the pick for that foul line jumper. She missed both times but if she made them, we are looking at 15 pts and probably not saying much negative about her offensive production. Called for I think 3 travels. The last one didn't look like it to me.

Liv was great...showed 4 low post moves...1. her patent fake to her left and go over her right shoulder for the step back..I love that move. 2. Drop step left which she did twice. That is a great move and she did it perfectly! 3. Blow by on her right shoulder - she did that twice. 4. Nice up and under move.

She also hit her FT and jumpers. All of this against a freshie who couldn't play defense but hey, Liv still got it done and this builds confidence for the future (Baylor)!

AM - in a 3 minute time span, she had a reb, 3/4 link pass for an easy two, nice pass on the pick and roll and hit 2 threes. Directly responsible for potential 10 points. She is getting her rhythm at times. Has a really hard time matching up against guards defensively- cant consistently get down in her stance. Doesn't have the lateral quickness.

EW - saw some more offense out of her with a blow by and a three. She is still hesitant but making progress. Looks a bit stiff to me, especially in the upper body. What a luxury to have her playing the 3!

This is a great passing team. Head always up on the break. This leads to 10+ easy points a game thus far.

AG - showed how super-human she is..quick, jumps out the gym and fast! She is a movement player. As long as she can move, she gets things done, Ask her to take a jumper where she is not moving, that is a problem for her. Her form didn't look good on the missed jumper to me - she studied it, didn't seem to really want to take it and then finally measured it and finally let it go. She just needs to catch and shoot.

TO were well down and if you take PB 5 TOs out of it, they really didn't have many at all...Big time improvement over the first two games but this Creighton team lacked any athleticism or speed. But the silly things weren't there for the most part.

CW missed some shots that hit every part of the rim. She seems to miss everyway possible. But she has a beautiful stroke...they will fall with consistency soon enough. Love how she can break down a defense taking the ball to the rim. There are many times, I'd like to see her take 2-3 dribbles and then pull up instead of going all the way to the rim. Her first step is so explosive that I think she can get this almost anytime she wants it. She did this once and looked great at it! Terrific player who is still trying to figure out how to put it all together.

Good analysis .. esp detailing Liz' versatility .. but you failed to mention that 'step-thru' and baby right hook shot that she got fouled on; and most notably, the several jumpers she hit from 'distance', one of then a trey.
Anyway, thanks for the insights!

 

[jazz]

Good analysis .. esp detailing Liz' versatility .. but you failed to mention that 'step-thru' and baby right hook shot that she got fouled on; and most notably, the several jumpers she hit from 'distance', one of then a trey.
Anyway, thanks for the insights!

Thanks for your reply Jingo! I think the step thru is what I called the up and under. I don't remember a baby right hook. Do you remember at what approx time she did this? That would be amazing if Liv has this in her arsenal! I did mention she hit her jumpers.

Liv was 'kid dy-no-mite' as JJ used to say on 'Good Times'!!

 

[Dokey]

With all respect, not sure what games you are watching but Makurat is playing terrific defense; she is far from a weak link.

Agreed, she is an excellent defensive player. She makes up for being a little slower because she knows where to be and gets there. A lot of faster players don’t anticipate where to go. She had a couple of slip ups and lost it on sideline. She went back in because getting upset when you only screw up a couple of times is the player Geno likes. And I loved Nika calming her down. As for her offense, I wish Geno would tell her if you don’t take at least ten shots (well, maybe 8) in first half, you don’t play second half. I don’t want her to be an Arike but a few more tries wouldn’t hurt.

By the way, I watched the Euro game between Avenida with KLS and Tiffany take on a Turkish team with Arike. It was close up to half time and then Avenida blew them out of the gym to remain undefeated.

 

[hoophuskee]

Liv-- .

Something must be wrong with me. Geno says this is the best game and I will grant the defense was the best of the season but overall, the game does not feel as if it was the best of the season.

I guess I have been ruined by Paige's performances. When she has a human game, it just does not feel right.

Also, I am worried about Liv's sudden outburst. I am not sure what to make of her jump shot prowess. Not sure it is sustainable or she starts to hang our there more than the post. And her rebounding numbers ??

CW looked aggressive but most of her scoring are on power drives and not sure that will be there against elite defenses.

Anna is streaky but I admit good things happen when she has the ball in her hands on the fast break

Aubrey is up and down and Aaliyah is tough on the blocks but is far from a polished post threat.

and Evina looks like she is not 100%

I don't know.

In part I assume he is also talking about the defense. Let's face it-- Seton Hall "forced UCONN" to go zone. "Seton HALL" his team struggled to stop a player who wasn't even projected to be all-league . There used to be a time when UCONN always took away a top scorer but here even in 2nd half mediocre Seton Hall forced Geno to do something he didn't want to do. Defensive scoring: 65 points for Seton Hall vs 47 points vs Creighton.

The 1st game wasn't very good. That was a completely over-matched opponent.

 

[willtalk]

We have seen a lot of good things in the 3 games so far. The big test is when we see how they fare against BAYLOR on January 7th.

Baylor is not the level of team they have been. Their defense is not that good and they appear to have no outside scoring. Barring unforseen circumstances, UConn should have no trouble beating them this year.

 

[FanHam]

It was a lot of blah on the offensive end, apart from Olivia.

Anna warmed up her shooting eye with the exception of an alarming airball and a few clanks. When her shot is going in, she looks like she could do it all day.

Paige least productive scoring game thus far gives me a flashback to the line "the only person who could keep Michael Jordan under twenty points a game was Dean Smith." I know Geno is only trying to get her to shoot more, but does she need coaching? Supposedly Geno gives his star(s) pretty much a free rein, and I know he's only pleading with her to shoot more, but some sort of "out of sync" thing seemed to be going on in her head on the offensive end.

Creighton looked like a pretty good team to me. They were fundamentally sound and could shoot. They played hard. We smoked 'em.

 

[jazz]

Baylor is not the level of team they have been. Their defense is not that good and they appear to have no outside scoring. Barring unforseen circumstances, UConn should have no trouble beating them this year.

I hope you are right and I hope Liv has a big day which will show that she can take it to players with size and a bit of athleticism too. Egbo and Gusters have some talent so it will be good to see if Liv can put up a good stat line against them (12 and 10 will be just fine).

Then there is tournament time with Stanford with Belibi and Prechtel, SC with Boston and Amihere, and Louisville with Cochrane and Dixon. Between now and then, hopefully Liv can show that she can be consistent with 12 and 10 or so a night against good competition and I think we will be fine. I think she may have a chance to be even better than 12 points but I think that is all we need against these teams to win. She also needs to defend well without getting into foul trouble.

 

[jaundicedeye]

When some posters comment on Liv’s play, they see what she’s doing, and what she’s not doing. They know her potential and stats she should be posting. It’s not hating on Liv, more like frustration. She only played 22 minutes tonight. She didn’t press, force anything or rush anything.

She played under control all night. No one expects her to score 24 every night, but as I suggested, 18 is not unreasonable. Meghan Culmo mentioned several times tonight that ONO could have a “field day” tonight. She did.

Would it be hating on ONO to say that many of us would like to see her play this way again Saturday? Or maybe say we expect her to play this way Saturday against 3-1 Xavier? No point expectations, just good solid smart play. Limit the fouls and no turnovers.

Carnac, I think posters with comments as thought-out and calmly worded as yours are not being counted as haters by DEpup. There were a good number of others that were harsh with some even calling for her displacement in the lineup by Aliyah. They were overly emotional and premature, at best.
I believe that Ono's performance last night starts an upward trajectory and a stellar junior year.

 

[eebmg]

Geno Postgame Presser

One of the more entertaining pressers.
All over Paige as a pass first and make everyone feel happy

Why can't she get her 20pts first and then get everyone else happy???

Oh and he was pissed when she turned down the last shot at the half

 

[eebmg]

Liv Presser

 

[eebmg]

Evina Presser

Why does coach want you on the floor so many minutes. Defense. at UConn, it is always defense.

 

[eebmg]

Anna Presser

 

[chrissaran]

Happy to see Anna smile after back-to-back 3s in the 4th.

 

[chrissaran]

Baylor is not the level of team they have been. Their defense is not that good and they appear to have no outside scoring. Barring unforseen circumstances, UConn should have no trouble beating them this year.

Baylor will be a tough game. They still have talented players. Don't underestimate them.

 

[HopJim]

Baylor will be a tough game. They still have talented players. Don't underestimate them.

Ditto. Creighton game one of the worst 3 point shooting games I have seen UConn play. Suspect the Baylor team looking at UConn and saying, "this year's UConn team can't shoot the 3!" Always great to see the many Top 10 teams Geno schedules and how both teams play under pressure.

 

[eebmg]

In his presser, he said teams now daring us to shoot from the 3 but he thinks the 3pt shooting will get better and they must continue to shoot them to be effective. Jokingly he said maybe his saying " You can play well without shooting well" is being taken too seriously by the team.

He was on Anna about how she only seems to make 3's after the game has been decided but Anna felt her shooting woes in the first half were connected to her defensive miscues

 

[DEpup]

This was the first game I thought Evina looked lose. She had a stride and a bit of speed. Maybe beginning to trust the knee.

Paige was a bit off tonight. Something seemed odd. fell twice in what seemed to be over her own feet. Missed shots she almost never misses. I think her traveling calls are correct and are caused by not enough experience yet with the others on the floor. She begins a move and quickly changes as something she didn't expect happened. Geno was upset with her because she is trying to get the others involved too much. She needs to flow and take her shot when it is there which it quite often is. He was really upset when at the buzzer she worked open then passed to CW who missed the jumper. That was her play. I think she was concerned with the world paying too much attention to her and not her friends and teammates.

Liv was the best I've seen of her tonight. Hope that Liv keeps showing up.

Some people on this board just don't seem to understand Anna. She is 6'2" and a bigger body player that is well suited for the 4. She will never have the quickness to defend small quick guards. She can pass extremely well and shoot the lights out when in rhythm.

CW is quickly earning her leadership. Plays hard defense that I don't remember seeing last year. A good slasher who has cut down the missed bunnies. Hits her foul shots. I do wish her 3pt shot was more consistent. Feed her when she is on.

The team they played tonight was much tougher and faster than the others. Good shooters that UConn controlled for a half.

I actually like Anna moving into a more point forward position. I think developing those front court skills with her body will do her well as a professional. I think she is still figuring out this role but she is smart and she'll get it together. It's only game 3. I was glad she got a few 2s close in which really gets the defense thinking.

 

[DEpup]

Carnac, I think posters with comments as thought-out and calmly worded as yours are not being counted as haters by DEpup. There were a good number of others that were harsh with some even calling for her displacement in the lineup by Aliyah. They were overly emotional and premature, at best.
I believe that Ono's performance last night starts an upward trajectory and a stellar junior year.

Thank you. I believe this board has a lot of Liv haters and that she will never be able make them happy. Its sad. Yes she needs to work on consistency and those are valuable comments but also balance that with credit when it's due and not make it sort of a backhanded compliment.

I agree with Geno. She is never going to be a Liz Cambage type of center. She doesn't have that body and never will. She has to do it differently as he says and I'd love her to move in a more Dowanna Bonner direction to set her up for the future and I think that's why I was happy with the type of game she had last night.

However, folks on this board are still complaining that they didn't see a Liz Cambage type game. Get over it. It isn't going to happen. I believe Geno when he says she has to do it differently. She did it differently last night and succeeded. In my opinion.

 

[DefenseBB]

Baylor is not the level of team they have been. Their defense is not that good and they appear to have no outside scoring. Barring unforseen circumstances, UConn should have no trouble beating them this year.

I agree with most of what you said but that last sentence is not quite in line with my thinking. The game is still at Baylor sans fans, which will help but Baylor is still a solid top 5-10 team so yes, this will be a game, a game UConn can win, easily? um, not so much. I certainly hope I am wrong and you are right though!

Also, I am hoping the Big East releases it's January schedule shortly so we know how many games we will have before Baylor. I doubt they will NOT have any games after 12/22 until 1/7....especially with so many schools wanting to stay quarantined from allowing students home and then back...

 

[CL82]

I am not an expert in basketball tactics but in the Post game on court Q&A, Geno was asked about Aubrey and Geno said he is simplifying where to put Aubrey in the offense. The fact she had so many minutes indicates to me he has decided to go full in with her and will try to figure out ways to get as much offense from her as possible.

We have decent perimeter shooters. Ball movement makes those shoots easier. As I've said, we have a lot of weapons. Teams will have to pick their poison.