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Can someone, anyone, explain t me why coaches are reluctant to foul when the other team has the ball at the end, and is down 3? 2 free throws, and you get the ball back.
Damn. Let the 2nd guessing begin
- Thread starter Vowelguy
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I have to say I was disappointed in Samuelson down the stretch. Yes, she was in foul trouble so she was limited on defense but as one of the best players in the country and the best offensive player on our team she disappeared in key moments. And if you can’t defend wel with four fouls, then you have to make your impact on the offensive end otherwise you’re basically a liability for the team. ND played great perimeter defense, but KLS was not looking for her shot at all—when she got the ball she looked to immediately pass it. One of the key developments for her this year has been her ability to penetrate defenses better and score inside to make her more versatile and difficult to guard, but I saw little if any of that tonight.
It’s natural to blame bad calls, but they went both ways and UConn simply was not aggressive enough. From a coaching standpoint, I disagree with leaving Stevens on the bench to start the second half and some defensive choices in the second half, but you have to hand it to ND for the tenacious way they played. Their aggressive drives to the basket and throwing up shots while getting fouled gave me nausea-inducing PTSD from similar drives years ago by players like Natalie Novosel. When ND got to the free throw line every other possession and made almost all their shots, it’s hard to consistently have to score make up for that 2 point deficit every possession. We had key chances down the stretch, but this team honestly never consistently played with the hunger that I expected them to given last year’s ending.
I do expect our team next year to be in the mix with improved play from KLS, Stevens, and Dangerfield (and hopefully Walker as well, but to be honest our weak conference does not build our mental toughness the way it has in years past and there are several teams on the rise. I expect Geno and the team to respond in kind. Until next year...hats off to Gabby and Kia for a truly fantastic four years—they are great women and incredible players who played with class and humility. I wish it had ended different for them, but no one can take away their two titles and the plethora of accomplishments they racked up over the years.
It’s natural to blame bad calls, but they went both ways and UConn simply was not aggressive enough. From a coaching standpoint, I disagree with leaving Stevens on the bench to start the second half and some defensive choices in the second half, but you have to hand it to ND for the tenacious way they played. Their aggressive drives to the basket and throwing up shots while getting fouled gave me nausea-inducing PTSD from similar drives years ago by players like Natalie Novosel. When ND got to the free throw line every other possession and made almost all their shots, it’s hard to consistently have to score make up for that 2 point deficit every possession. We had key chances down the stretch, but this team honestly never consistently played with the hunger that I expected them to given last year’s ending.
I do expect our team next year to be in the mix with improved play from KLS, Stevens, and Dangerfield (and hopefully Walker as well, but to be honest our weak conference does not build our mental toughness the way it has in years past and there are several teams on the rise. I expect Geno and the team to respond in kind. Until next year...hats off to Gabby and Kia for a truly fantastic four years—they are great women and incredible players who played with class and humility. I wish it had ended different for them, but no one can take away their two titles and the plethora of accomplishments they racked up over the years.
Geno lost that game, the 1st quarter with his starting lineup, they didn't play well. The 2nd quarter, when he finally went with the big lineup, they played good defense, and had Notre Dame on the ropes. The 2nd half Geno should have started the big lineup, and sat Crystal. He let them get back in the game, Crystal is a good player, but will never be a great defender.
npignatjr
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On drives to the basket UCONN got called for fouls when ND drove UCONN got called. UCONN made 5 more baskets, 15 less throws. After 2nd quarter starting Crystal in 3rd quarter or went too long with her. Unfortunately she is not the defender needed
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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
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I love your thoughts and analysis. I stated much of the same before reading yours which was way more concise!
Thanks!
Bronx23
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I would almost...............ALMOST bet a monthly pension check, that ND wins tomorrow. Watched some of Miss. St. Was NOT impressed by the team. The Ville should have had them beaten. Big girl in middle of MSST. is not really that good. Big? yes, but was not impressed. I fully expect ND to run her ragged. As to other comments, my take is, we've really got to get out of that low budget AAC conference. Winning games, continually by 40-50 points doesn't teach you how to play tough games. Last night it really showed. As to the officiating, please, enogh with the sour grapes.
I think Geno has to change his philosophy of not playing Freshman & giving them meaningful minutes (not garbage time). I dont care if we lose 3 4 or 5 games as a result. Its better to see if freshman can contribute & it takes pressure off the starters. It also forces everyone to learn how to "adjust" in a game, which clearly hasnt been learned in the past 2 FF games. I have no idea if MW can play because she wasnt given a fair chance this past year. Maybe should could have helped out last night.
DaddyChoc
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I say that about KLS when they wanna compare her to Stewie. Stewie had the whole package
Charliebball
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ironically do you know one of the few UConn players that really can get her own shot in isolation time? ................Megan Walker..............I know it would have been too risky to put her out on the floor at the end of the game but perhaps if she had played more during the season that would have prepared her for such a moment......
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ND not so undermanned. Their all-americans rose to their ability levels. Even under-performing, OUR team still had a chance to win. For whatever reason, Z wasn't in the game long enough to collapse the defense enough to allow our shooters enough time to score over their perimeter defenders. In his quiet times, Geno has to know this.
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True but both those games were like a lifetime ago!
Bronx23
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We played poorly? We lost by two points in overtime to a very good team.
We TWICE came back from 5 point deficits in the last 44 seconds and nearly scored with one second left.
Shots go in or they don't but we don't have anything to be ashamed about.
Our two seniors lost a total of 3 games in four years, none in 40 minutes, 2 came on buzzer beaters.
Every close call went against us
Wish there was way to block trolls on our site.
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21 points, 25 rebounds(breaking a record that had stood for 24 years), and played all 45 minutes. You are a hard person to impress.
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A game-seasoned, ready-to-play Megan is exactly the kind of player we needed to make plays on offense against the team we faced last night. I don't know the details of what went on during the season that prevented that, so I'm not going to second-guess Geno there. But it is a damn shame she did not feature prominently once it became clear what Notre Dame was bringing against us last night.
It is simple, ND was more aggressive driving and refs generally reward aggressiveness. We don't have any slashers, or seemingly anyone who wants to take over the game.
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1) Jessica Shepard was the real difference maker. She got so many rebound and putbacks.
2) After Jackie Young scores 10. Put a different defender on her.
3) They did a really good job limiting Lou.
4) Azura should’ve started that second half with Crystal on the bench.
5) Give Megan Walker a shot.
6)Disclaimer: I’m usually not one to judge Geno’s coaching. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Just fustrated that we never perform well in overtime.
2) After Jackie Young scores 10. Put a different defender on her.
3) They did a really good job limiting Lou.
4) Azura should’ve started that second half with Crystal on the bench.
5) Give Megan Walker a shot.
6)Disclaimer: I’m usually not one to judge Geno’s coaching. He can do no wrong in my eyes. Just fustrated that we never perform well in overtime.
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I agree with him, I’m not impressed by her. I like bigs that show good footwork in the post, very physical, and can pass out of the post like Kalani Brown, Griner, Fowler, Tina Charles(when she played center at UConn; more of a forward now), and Stef Dolson. She’s very fragile and reminds me of posts like Imani McGee-Stafford, Natalie Butler, Michelle Snow, Ashley Robinson, and Nancy Mulkey - big but not very good, she’s better than last year though.
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I just don't get why we are still talking about MW? She had a whole season waiting for her to become a significant addition, and was literally handed the 7th spot.
While none of us know what actually went down, it's clear she wasn't able to solidify that role.
Hopefully she will come into next season being much more prepared and capable of doing at least some of what was expected of her.
I'm not sure she will ever be that much more than a role player, but she could make a huge sophomore leap.
Bronx23
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Agree completely! She's not just very tall but very strong!
Almost all of her baskets are in close or put backs and of course she should be able to rebound!
Bronx23
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We're talking about MW because this is a discussion board about UConn women's basketball.
Actually I am in full agreement on your point that she wasn't able to solidify the role, something I tried (but apparently failed) to express in my post that you quoted.
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Sorry if I overreacted to your post, as I was reacting to the ongoing and continual blabber about how MW is going to be and do this and that. She will now or next year or by her senior year become an AA or NPOY.
She has a huge amount of work just to become a part of the regular rotation, then hopefully a starter and then very maybe a huge contributor.
Time will tell!
I apologize for overreacting!
Bronx23
She has a huge amount of work just to become a part of the regular rotation, then hopefully a starter and then very maybe a huge contributor.
Time will tell!
I apologize for overreacting!
Bronx23
Charliebball
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when the number one player high school player in the country can barely see the floor that's worth talking about............Geno treated her like a puppet on a string..........the minute she made a mistake she was pulled with no idea when she would get back in a game.............from my perspective it led to an up and down season for a player that could have been so much more helpful to the team in a game like last night...........I'm sure I could find many freshmen that played in meaningful games for their teams who learned a lot and are ready to go next season..........if I were Walker I simply wouldn't know what to think about the future at UConn...........
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Charliebball
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I bet if you asked KLS about the comparison with Stewie she would just laugh at the question............
Charliebball
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BTW do you think Chennedy Carter would have gotten any minutes playing for Geno last year? Based on his stated criteria I would seriously doubt it...........
UConnCat
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But you're not Megan. Not to put too fine a point on it but what exactly is the relevance of you projecting your thoughts and your feelings on to an 18-year-old kid you don't know and about relationships you know nothing about?
MW Will be fine,she will be back and shine,she has skill you can see it ,but you have 6 others on the team that shoot,but saying that i think she could done just as good as some of starters did throwing the ball away,there only one guy that doubts her talent mostly and so i dont get to excited.
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Finally - perspective...
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