UConn vs. ND in semifinal means potential for refs to impact the game with less scrutiny. Anyone that doesn't think this game was impacted by how it was called is clueless. We don't play bad against ND because they play magical defense. We play bad because ND is allowed to hack and it prevents our superior players from utilizing their skill and athletic advantages. And then they get rattled. You can say that is their fault but pretty much anyone would get rattled when being hacked constantly. They ALWAYS become afraid to drive when the game is called like this.
Stop the whining and deal with the refs and adjust! That's team sports!
First of all, I apologize for too getting carried away and expecting and predicting another NC. Clearly I was wrong. I also want to apologize for the length of this post. If you can bear with me, maybe it will help a bit. At least it helps me try and put this hurt and disappointment together. We are all upset about the game and the outcome but there needs to be a detailed analysis of what happened.
What I'm struck by, is this game followed almost the same script as last years loss to MS. So what does or should that tell Geno, CD and other coaches, and each player.
They started disjointed and ND went out to a good lead. They were up by 11 before the half and 7 at the half. Should have been able or time to step on the gas and put ND away. Let them back in pretty quickly. Made two amazing comebacks to tie in regulation and in overtime and lost on a last second shot.
Firstly as much as I treasure Geno and CD, now that's it's happened twice, it indicates some serious issues with their adjustments and partially their system. Some of you are going to say, what do you know they've won 11 NC's. Yes they have for darn sure but now with the players and team they have they've gotten the same outcome from two different teams with two excellent coaches. So I'd say some have caught up and figured out how to play U Conn, get ahead, fight thru their runs(which they did have again) and keep it close to the end and then boom!
I'm not even sure where to start but I will throw some things out there.
They come back from a 2nd period where they not only catch up but go ahead and the game could be at a turning point. Geno (obviously a creature of habits too) starts the usual starting five. To that point CD did very little or nothing. AZ's presence and play turned things around so why not start with that five and leave CD on the bench. Pretty quickly ND caught up! As in the MS game we were down by two possessions and miraculously catch up, but never able to take the lead, hold it or grow it. We start the game, the half and the overtime all very slowly. I thought we were supposed to always be the better conditioned team?
Another major point that strikes me and I've commented on is while the offensive system demonstrates amazing ball movement, passing and usually great opportunities for better shots, it has its limitations against strong, well disciplined defensive teams that are very well coached and prepared. Again in those instances we had no one ready, able and willing to take hold or control of the ball and the game. Yes my favorite player KLS got her fourth foul and had to be careful defensively so she really couldn't guard anyone. She also became even more tentative than she usually does at times offensively I'm sure afraid of an offensive foul. She has improved enormously since arriving at U Conn, but it seems her work and the coaches and the team is to slightly alter or modify their offensive system so she or someone has the ball and actually penetrates to make things happen. I think this is both the system, therefore Geno and the coaches, and specifically KLS's problem. Almost the whole fourth quarter and the overtime she didn't touch the ball other than passing it around the periphery. Selflessness and non aggressiveness I believe are somewhat on her.
Last year we didn't have a true point guard and thus year we did, although CD had an off game shooting wise and also getting the offense in gear. AZ is the major person to keep us in the game and yet she didn't get the ball down low as many times as was possible.
We have now clearly demonstrated that even with two great, amazing seniors, consecutive NPOY, their will and ability to win in a tough, tight game doesn't translate to winning those games.
Here's an interesting stat almost all of you know. Geni and CD have never lost in 11 tries a NC game. On the other hand he is now I believe 0-5 in overtime games in the FF's, which then obviously is in the semi-finals.
So what does or should this teach him, CD and the other coaches, about their preparation, conditioning and their offensive system. The preparation I believe they can't do much more about as they play the best competition throughout their season. At least these last two years, it leaves and left them unprepared for this type of tough, tight, close game. I know very little about conditioning both personally and at this level of play but I tend to think that's a minor part of it. So that leaves a whole lot of thought and analyses and hopefully subsequent and significant adjustments to their system at these times. They figured out how to play with CD starting and then how to play with AZ in as a quality mobile big. Two very different styles of play. They need to figure out how to play differently in end of games situations, without very much experience as that rarely happens in the regular season. Also the FF is a whole other animal, as to pressure and the knowledge that if you lose you're done.
I think some of this points to the system and a good deal to the emotional / psychological aspects of the game. Yes, when they've had DT, Maya and Stewie, those three took hold and either didn't allow them to first fall behind, and when they got ahead to put it away or to take over in tight spots and games. Does this mean we now can only win if we have another, which sure doesn't come very easily or maybe not again.
I think they have to help that blooming star use their ability and their mindset to reach for those stars, literally and figuratively. Right now that would appear to be KLS, but that may not be within her.
Maybe down the road a CW or Ono or one of the recruits talked about here all the time, can become that!
There's also an ongoing and regular criticism of Geno in his use of his younger players. I've repeatedly supported his constant, relentless striving for excellent particularly in practice, in order to even get to play. Obviously MW never got off the bench as also obviously Geno didn't trust her in big moments. Maybe this needs also to be tweaked a bit. Maybe this also leads to some analysis of how and whom they recruit. They are almost always in the mix for the top HS players, and often have gotten the national HS player of the year. I remain amazed by the young women they recruit and then help develop both basketball wise as well as personally. I'm not sure but maybe there's an element or quality that needs to be found that not only leads to the team concept and the sharing that requires and also the type of person who has that strength of will to take it to the next level and help ensure victory. That person may well not be on this team. KLS who I still very much respect and adore her game and attitude or MW who has miles to go to even reach KLS level, may just not have it.
Gabby has been and is amazing in so
many ways but she couldn't do it. Kia as well! So somehow it's more than what these two wonderful players and women are to win NC.
My last point is one doesn't always have to win the final game or NC to be successful and great human beings and that in and of itself, are enormous accomplishments as has been these last two seasons. SAVOR what we have done, l learned years ago in my own therapy that if you don't then what is there - just another game, win or obstacle to overcome. Then it truly doesn't matter if you can't get real joy from your accomplishments. I believe this maybe part of what wears on Geno, CD and the other coaches and the players as well. Then see if anything can be improved to go one or two steps further. This is critical not only to winning NC but in life.
Bronx23
