Debate: Can Anyone Stop UConn's 3 Peat?

[UConnCat]

Both Stewart and Dolson. The defeneses keyed on them. their sats may not show it but as Muffitt said 2 years ago her focus was on Lewis. In the postgame this year she spoke of our size. Defenses keyed on our size.

If I was a defense at end of last year would i have kyed on Lewis or the big girls?
The year before I'm keying on Lewis and was just as surprised as Muffitt that Stewie smoked them.

When Muffet went to a triangle and 2 in the 2014 championship game the 2 players guarded were Stewart and Mosqueda-Lewis. Of course UConn was bigger than ND in the post but they also had no answer for Kaleena and understandably chose to guard her one-on-one rather than Dolson.

 

[hoophuskee]

She had a couple off shooting games from three, but she made up for it with improved interior play. Compared to Stewart over the entire tournament KML had more rebounds and assists, shot the same 48%-49%, was better from three 39%-19%, and scored nearly as much, 17 pts - 17.7 pts.



Her 3-pt shooting in the tourney was down but again that's mostly due to a couple off nights. She was 13-33. Had she made just three of those misses she'd have been 16-33, or 48% which was her sophomore percentage. Her 2-pt% in the tourney was down just slightly from her sophomore year. She averaged 2 more rebounds and 1.5 more assists in the tourney than she did as a sophomore. So basically, if she had made those three missed 3-pointers, her numbers would've been better across the board compared to her Soph year*.


*When I say sophomore year I'm referring to the whole season.

You mention twice she had a couple of off nights shooting. We can agree to disagree which is why I say she'll be much more of a force this year. Point wise is not the only way to value someone. One way is-- how the defnses account for you. From what I saw it was four consecutive off-shooting nights. . Those 4 off nights shooting 3's from the S16 to the Finals. You won't see that again this year from S16 to Finals.

In regards to the offensive stats - the probable best player in UCONN History in which defneses are contiually focused on her-, fg% doesn't begin to tell the whole story. In the Stanford game and with ND her mere presence allows a player like MoJeff "freedom" for much of the game. That's why as you say "I poo-pooed" it before.

And - what else was UCONN great at in the NCAA's? It was the defense. Our anchors of defense were our bigs and MoJeff. Please don't take this to mean KML "stinks" on defnese or is belwo average etc. This is a 40-0 team and one of the things KML is is solid at is rebounding whcih is a neccessity for terrific defenses. She's very smart- so positioning. Offense and defnese combined - the best two were Stef and BS. What did I hear at the STanford game- we were holding teams to 31% shooting? This has a lot to do with the big girls' impact.

as far as "If KML could have 3 more . . ." the point is last year she could have also missed 3 more too. You and I don't see eye to eye on this but Muffitt did say 2 years ago at end of half or start of the 3rd qtr "I'm worried about Lewis." In this tourney her 3pt shot was off. What does Geno say? "What are you good at?" She is regarded as the greatest 3 pt shooter in UCONN History imo. That's not just "good." To be known like she is - with UCONN history - KML's 3pt shooting is "legendary." Any rebounding she does or low post moves doesn't come close imo to an equivalent impact of her 3pt shooting asset. That's why me- and I think others say "wait until you see KML this year." In 4 games the year before she shot 50% or higher from S16 to Finals in 2 of the 4. Look for that 3pt shot to be strong lie eit was 2 years ago in S16 while defenses are continually focused on her unlike this past year. Defenses keyed on her a lot more 2 years ago .

 

[hoophuskee]

When Muffet went to a triangle and 2 in the 2014 championship game the 2 players guarded were Stewart and Mosqueda-Lewis. Of course UConn was bigger than ND in the post but they also had no answer for Kaleena and understandably chose to guard her one-on-one rather than Dolson.

They went to the triangle-and-two when Hartley went out in the 1sthalf. Maybe that changed in the 2nd half after we built up the huge lead. Just saw up to that point again. Last year's offense was focused moreso on Stef and Stewie imo. The year before defenses focused a lot more on KML than this past year.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

From what I saw it was four consecutive off-shooting nights. . Those 4 off nights shooting 3's from the S16 to the Finals. You won't see that again this year from S16 to Finals.

She didn't shooting well from 3 over those games but she still played extremely well. For instance, she was only 4-13 from three in the Regionals but still won MOP, averaging 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists. And Geno rightly pointed out how big she was in those games when they were treading water against A&M and BYU.

I'm not disagreeing that she can go to another level. If she gets her sophomore shooting touch back to go along with the more nuanced game she showed in the tourney she'll be a POY candidate.

 

[Icebear]

Don't mean to say SC is in our league, Ice, either by current talent or history/pedigree, but would you agree that based on their returning players, they are a solid team coming into this season? And if she's a transcendent player as a freshman, (which is yet to be proven, of course), why shouldn't Gamecock fans dream?

They are a very gifted team. There are real challenges they have not proven themselves equal to at this point. These are the same challenges UCONN faced in 1995. One difference is that it is UCONN in their path and not TN and it is a well stocked and seasoned UCONN team. I love A'Ja Wilson but it is risky to compare her to Stewie because of very real experience. Stewie has played up age groups and virtually EVERY step of her development and her career. The best professionals in the sport have made that decision. And Stewie excelled while playing up. There is no similar precedent in A'Ja's to which I would risk hitching NC expectations, at least not confidently.

The first step for SoCar is to set manageable interim goals before looking to the NC. For Geno that it playing the game right and letting the other things take care of themselves. Those things are for SoCar winning a couple of Big" games against a ND, TN, Stanford, etc. they've taken the step forward of having the possibility of those games on the schedule. It is as important for the coaching staff as it is for the players because there are dynamics needing to be managed that they, too, have not experienced. It is all part of the learning curve.

 

[Sonny44]

I give you credit for supporting your team but this is UConn. Not Tenn who you lost to. This is mighty UConn. Who last season beat a very big MD team with KML and Tuck out to injuries and beat them at MD. We have two go to players who can outscore you entire team. We have a defense that will suffocate your team. I will take UConn by 20 and it may not be that close. ND last season was +20 better the USC and UConn beat them by +20. There isn't a team in WCBB that can come close to UConn this season and USC will be hyped but in the end UConn by 20+. USC is a very talented team. A top 2/3 team this season but the margin between UConn and everybody else is over double digits. First Dawn must put together a defense that can keep UConn under 60 pts then she must put an offense together that can score against UConns defense 60 pts. In 2 seasons no team has managed to do that. What makes you think that USC a sweet 16 team last season can???????? It will be a big wake up call for Wilson and Coates.

Well said Tony. We're not vulnerable until Breanna and her mates leave. After that our lack of height could be our downfall.

 

[meyers7]

Well said Tony. We're not vulnerable until Breanna and her mates leave. After that our lack of height could be our downfall.

We'll be ok. We'll still have Tuck 6-2, Butler 6-5, Samuelson 6-3, Boykin 6-2, Collier 6-1, and Irwin 6-2.

 

[Icebear]

Well said Tony. We're not vulnerable until Breanna and her mates leave. After that our lack of height could be our downfall.

There is no lack of height in the foreseeable future with Butler, Samuelson, and Gabby Skywalker.

 

[OneTrickPony]

We'll be ok. We'll still have Tuck 6-2, Butler 6-5, Samuelson 6-3, Boykin 6-2, Collier 6-1, and Irwin 6-2.

We may have a height problem after Butler leaves, hard to see one before then...

 

[OneTrickPony]

I'm dying to see Gabby play...

 

[meyers7]

We may have a height problem after Butler leaves, hard to see one before then...

Yea, but that's like 3 recruiting classes away. We might have an abundance of height by then and be complaining about lack of guards. In fact Dangerfield is the only guard on the books right now after Butler leaves. We're doomed.

 

[baggerbob]

I simply don't think you replace Dolson and Hartley with Stokes and Chong and somehow become better than the previous season. However, I do think that if you add the number 1 forward and number center in the nation that you do become a much better team. But getting Tuck back will help a lot.

Can we just skip to February?

Stewie will be better, you get a healthy KML, and Tuck, you add a guard in Nurse who just played against professional all-stars, and held her own. That doesn't even take into account Moriah, who just might be the best guard in the nation, then add Stokes, Chong, and the other freshmen, this could be one of the all time great teams, by seasons end.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'm assuming you haven't been. (-;

My opinion is that SC will challenge UCONN. I don't expect any UCONN fans to agree with that opinion. I did agree last year that nobody would challenge UCONN, but until I see the team operate without Dolson and Hartley I can't buy into that stance this year.

I agree with that proposition. I am the one UConn fan who will agree, thus throwing myself over the Mojo Cliff for the sake of all UConn fans. What can I say? I'm a giver.

 

[Icebear]

I agree with that proposition. I am the one UConn fan who will agree, thus throwing myself over the Mojo Cliff for the sake of all UConn fans. What can I say? I'm a giver.

We always need willing mojo sacrifices.

 

[JoePgh]

I expect UConn to win the regular-season game with South Carolina at home by 15-20 points. Kiah will shut down the offense of their bigs, and Stewart will dominate Wilson just based on greater experience at this level.

But if they play again in the NCAA tournament, it could be a much closer game, and might go either way.

 

[hoophuskee]

But if they play again in the NCAA tournament, it could be a much closer game, and might go either way.

Near nil chance for USC to beat UCONN in ff. Wilson way too young to stand to up to Stewie. Don't matter how close it is - they really can't win that ff or finals game. Refs aren't going to foul out Stewie.

The following year anything could happen. USC has to depend too mcuh on Wilson and "the height/size" of USC is being way too overrated by some. Three point shooting blows away plodding slow offense. Our pg will dictate the tempo.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Are most of your fans not assuming that you'll win the national championship?

It's amazing that a remarkably underachieving team is what you're throwing out there. How many meaningful games did they win last year??? As has been mentioned, the only team that they beat that was a top tier team was Kentucky and Kentucky wasn't overly impressive. The only thing that they are hanging their head on is that they got an exceptional freshman coming in. Their last year run in the NCAA tournament was embarrassing!!!!!

 

[Buzzyboy]

I expect UConn to win the regular-season game with South Carolina at home by 15-20 points. Kiah will shut down the offense of their bigs, and Stewart will dominate Wilson just based on greater experience at this level.

But if they play again in the NCAA tournament, it could be a much closer game, and might go either way.

Why is that? Are you suggesting that USC will improve and UConn won't? With 3 potential All-Americans, UConn is going to possibly lose to a team that couldn't get past a Sweet 16 game?

 

[Buzzyboy]

I love all the comments above, but lets face the facts here. With all of the returning talent and experience UCONN has and don't forget they had a great recruiting class as did SC I really don't see anyone in UCONN's class. A good example is Kia Nurse. What incoming frosh for SC has the experience she has Playing with Canadian National team puts her way above any incoming frosh than any other college has recruited. The experience of playing in two final fours also counts a lot. UCONN, barring any forseen circumstances will be a dynasty for a while and as the fans of Bre in Central NY say it's not 3 peat it's Bre-peat.

KML has played in three Final Fours as has Kia Stokes and there is nothing better than experience in key games like that. Meanwhile, USC was one of the major disappointments in the tournament so how they are supposed to be such a big threat amazes me. You've got to be able to win big games and they don't seem to be able to do that. Aja Wilson obviously is a big addition but as has been mentioned, we've got the No. 1 recruiting class and that depth is going to be beneficial. Having three potential All-Americans and a finally healthy Morgan Tuck along with a marvelously talented and CONFIDENT Kia Stokes with a reportedly much improved Saniya should have UConn in pretty good shape to take care of business if USC even makes the Final Four. Until they've shown an ability to win a big game, whose to say that they can????

 

[tennparker3]

Wilson had problems with Coker guards on defense... she has a long way to go to be able to match up with Stewart and make a difference in that level of game.
Isabelle dominated the South Carolina frontcourt because her skill set has a lot of variety. They are good, but you put a smart frontcourt player on the court who has some speed and a team can offset any size and depth mismatch with them.

My crazy prediction... Texas A&M will be better than SC.

 

[Sonny44]

Wilson had problems with Coker guards on defense... she has a long way to go to be able to match up with Stewart and make a difference in that level of game.
Isabelle dominated the South Carolina frontcourt because her skill set has a lot of variety. They are good, but you put a smart frontcourt player on the court who has some speed and a team can offset any size and depth mismatch with them.

My crazy prediction... Texas A&M will be better than SC.

I don't like playing TAMU; they somehow mess up our game. Don't ask me to explain it; just watch replays.

 

[hoophuskee]

Wilson had problems with Coker guards on defense... she has a long way to go to be able to match up with Stewart and make a difference in that level of game.
Isabelle dominated the South Carolina frontcourt because her skill set has a lot of variety. They are good, but you put a smart frontcourt player on the court who has some speed and a team can offset any size and depth mismatch with them.

My crazy prediction... Texas A&M will be better than SC.

I don't know enough about the team overall but they seem very guard oriented (even w/o Walker) while picking up another couple of guards (maybe 1 is a "wing.") that aren't freshmen as well. Along with another true frosh good recruit post. Strong guard play to me usually trumps strong post play. Both USC and TAM are interesting to watch this year - obvioulsy their high rankings suggest that anyways.

 

[UcMiami]

It is an interesting question re SC's experience, and it isn't just players but coaching staff as well. They lost early in the SEC and in NCAA tournaments last year. They got good experience going as far as they did, but Championship games in conference tournaments and FF in the NCAAs is a whole other experience. I respect Staley as a coach and think her USA experience was very good for her. Playing Uconn in the regular season is also a huge step up for the team in terms of preparation. They certainly have a very talented team and they are really in no worse a position experience wise with TN whose coach/players haven't made the FF either. TAM has coaching experience but no player experience either.
SEC, ACC, Big12, B1G and Pac are all a bit of a mystery to me this year - ND, Baylor, MD, and Stanford all have the experience but all lost their best players and may face real challenges to their supremacy.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Geno once made the statement that before a team becomes great they must have some heartbreak to drive them, and he used the 2001-2002 team as an example. The 2001 team he said was the greatest team he's ever had and because of several reasons didn't win the NC and the 2002 team came back with a mission to dominate every game and win the NC going undefeated! SoCar has not proven they can get to the next level and go beyond so they may be a year or 2 away!
Don't anoit A'ja Wison as the next great star, she hasn't proven herself on the collegiate level! Remember Elizabeth Williams came out of HS as #1 and she's just an average big girl going into her senior year! Also remember it took Tina Charles 2 years to "wake up" and have the confidence to dominate!
Every team and player has potential, but very few realize all they can be! Duke has always been the potential next big team, and they've underachieved the last 3 years! Injuries had a major reason for that.

 

[Sonny44]

I guess the three losses to ND were this teams heartbreak?

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

Why is that? Are you suggesting that USC will improve and UConn won't? With 3 potential All-Americans, UConn is going to possibly lose to a team that couldn't get past a Sweet 16 game?

UCONN lost 2 starters and USC lost nobody. We were 12-2 in the best or 2nd best conference in the country, so we beat plenty of good teams. We ran out of gas in the postseason because we didn't have quality depth. That problem has been solved this season with a great incoming recruiting class and more experience by the returnees.

 

[UcMiami]

UCONN lost 2 starters and USC lost nobody. We were 12-2 in the best or 2nd best conference in the country, so we beat plenty of good teams. We ran out of gas in the postseason because we didn't have quality depth. That problem has been solved this season with a great incoming recruiting class and more experience by the returnees.

The difference being we went 40-0 with no team even really challenging us, and yes we lost two high draft picks, but also brought in very good replacements.
Yes the SEC is a much stronger conference, but its top end has been suspect for a while - the last SEC final four teams were TN and LSU in 2008!!! TA&M is the last current SEC team to make it there in 2011 while it was still in the Big12. Interestingly the AAC had more teams in the elite eight than the mighty SEC last year.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I guess the three losses to ND were this teams heartbreak?

Yeah, the players were royally pi$$ed.

 

[Tonyc]

UCONN lost 2 starters and USC lost nobody. We were 12-2 in the best or 2nd best conference in the country, so we beat plenty of good teams. We ran out of gas in the postseason because we didn't have quality depth. That problem has been solved this season with a great incoming recruiting class and more experience by the returnees.

UConn had no bench last season to speak of. They had key injuries and had to play almost every minute of every big games limping and still won every game by double digits. Now UConn replaces Bria with a more experienced leader in MoJeff and Saniya and Kia Nurse aren't chopped liver. Add in Kiah to replace Stef with a heathy Tuck . USC is good but not UConn good. The biggest difference is UConn doesn't worry about beating top teams while USC is concerned about teams like Tenn TAM etc. UConn blows them out USC while USC doesnt blow them out. To overcome 4 AAs and two premier player in Stewie and KML and double digit wins in every game is a lot to ask of any team. IMO ND is a better team then USC this season. Maybe not as big and talented but as far as team chemistry and continuity ND imo is number 2 USC 3 TAM 4 and Tenn 5/6 until proven. JMO

 

[cockhrnleghrn]

UConn had no bench last season to speak of. They had key injuries and had to play almost every minute of every big games limping and still won every game by double digits. Now UConn replaces Bria with a more experienced leader in MoJeff and Saniya and Kia Nurse aren't chopped liver. Add in Kiah to replace Stef with a heathy Tuck . USC is good but not UConn good. The biggest difference is UConn doesn't worry about beating top teams while USC is concerned about teams like Tenn TAM etc. UConn blows them out USC while USC doesnt blow them out. To overcome 4 AAs and two premier player in Stewie and KML and double digit wins in every game is a lot to ask of any team. IMO ND is a better team then USC this season. Maybe not as big and talented but as far as team chemistry and continuity ND imo is number 2 USC 3 TAM 4 and Tenn 5/6 until proven. JMO

You're referring to last year's team that didn't have quality depth and was relatively young. That is no longer the case. Luckily, we play each other so it will be settled on the court.