DePaul Postgame Thread

[uconnever]

Another blowout, but I think Geno now has his top rotations figured out. I believe eventually Blanca will replace Aslynn in the starting lineup.

Congrats to Sue. Well deserved. I would have asked her when she was being interviewed in the 2nd qtr who does she think is the best shooter in the history of UCONN. We have had Kaleena Mosqueda, Katie Lou, Paige and Azzi. I think Azzi would take the title.

I would have really liked to have seen Gandy get put in. I mean if you play Ayanna you can put in Gandy. She plays just as hard and offers more rebounding and rim protection than Ayanna. We won by almost 70 so when will she get in when we are up by 80? Against Texas big, UCLA and SC we might need her to spell Jana since Serah wont be able to guard them.

Serah still doesn’t look like the person we saw in the videos of her at Wisconsin. I hope she gets comfortable soon.

Kellis needs to slow down and stop trying to score so much. If you run the offense correctly, scoring will come. She forces shots a lot.

While I know the bench needs PT the offense bogs down a lot. I would like players like Ayanna, Caroline and Jana get some PT with the first string a lot more.

To me I did see this Serah at Wisconsin, when I watched her highlights, but I just trusted everyone else because I never actually watched her play a full game. And her numbers and accolades were so good. But I did notice from her highlights and that she’s off balance a lot. Her play here reminds of a highly touted freshman who needs time to adjust. We just don’t have as much time as she may need. I think she got so much done because she has a nose for the ball and she is just long athletic and energetic. Geno could do wonders for her if he had her the whole time. Her play reminds me of the early Tina Charles. She played better today, but still needs to slow and down make a pass out of the double teams instead of trying to do too much. Slowing down will help her collect herself and her balance for a better shot. I’m just going to be honest, I can see all the other pieces falling into place, but I don’t think we will get much more than we are from her. She will have I believe some games where she looks good but not enough to say she is one of our big three. It will be Blanca. But Serah’s contribution will be there and needed.

 

[BBallF]

Great game all around albeit against a clearly overmatched and weak opponent. Sarah and Azzi could’ve scored 35 points each easily if they played 30 minutes and I am becoming concerned that they won’t each be first team All Americans as they deserve for both their offense and all around impressive games because they don’t get to pile up the stats like other star players on other teams.

Speaking of this issue, the same applies to KK,what she did in just 15 minutes ( 7 points 7 assists 3 rebounds, multiple steals and forced turnovers) while handling the ball perfectly without any turnovers and playing unparalleled defense is truly phenomenal. She could have scored and assisted at will if left in there for another 10 minutes yet now all that will be known is that she only got 7 points. Even on this forum people are giving kudos to Kayleigh because she put up 16 points etc. when KK and SS and Azzi effectively won the game in the first 15 minutes.

I am not criticizing Kayleigh Heckel or any of the other non starters but the simple fact is that they are essentially playing in garbage time when they’re up by 40 or 50 points without any pressure or concerns and not having to worry about defense and can concentrate on padding their stats and just running offense. KK is one of the very best all around point guards in the country and the pulse of our team yet gets literally no credit, even on this forum. Kayleigh Heckel is a welcome addition to the Huskies and has great potential but any suggestion that she’s a better player or PG or should be starting over KK is ridiculous as is trying to compare the 4th quarter clean up crews stats and contributions to any of the starters or BQ since they all play when the game actually matters against the other teams starters.

Beg to differ about KK as to lack of recognition here. I called her the best defensive point guard in the country on this site just yesterday and this morning but I have repeatedly also said that Kayleigh is the better offensive player which she is. I don't think that distinction is important to either one of them and the fact that the opposing PG has to cover two different kinds of players in succession is of great advantage to us. They are both all about team first. There aren't too many other teams in the country that Kayleigh would not be starting on right now so I don't think that great potential is the right way to characterize her as a player. In fact, I personally don't think she gets enough credit here. Perhaps this afternoon's game will open a lot of eyes.

 

[Doctor G]

Bob/Debbie CD post game:

KK's great game.

CD: She was terrific right from the start. Only played 15. Set the tone.

Defense:

CD:Trying to get better every day. Get smarter. Yes, there is physical improvement you can make, and we're doing that. But becoming a smarter team, seeing angles. And that's not being determined by opponents. Yes, Depaul was outmatched. But we approached both halves really well.

Goal to attack rim, get to FT?

CD: No. We've been focusing on it... at bottom of NCAA for number of FT attempts per game. We've been talking about it. Don't know if opp was there - but we need to make them. We're a better FT shooting team than that. In practice, players shoot 10 or need to make 90% or run. We went from 92% last practice and this game we were 50-something. I may need to check the accuracy. grin We need to focus on that, creates issues for other team.

Offense - looked like they ran through a variety of options successfully.

CD: Great balance with what shots we took. Found Azzi - off of 2 or 3 passes. Did real good job of making good decisions. TOs can make ugly basketball. We were knocking shots in.

Good bench production. Healthy!

CD: Helps. When we go to bench, kids should change game/impact on game in positive way. Not always scoring. Could be defense, energy. Having that puts pressure on other tream. Makes starters confident and feel better about taking a break.

Thank you for sharing this. CD is a terrific and always insightful interview. Wish I could tune-in her and Bob after every game.

 

[broooce]

If Fudd and Strong don't make All-American first team something is wrong. Fun game to watch until the clean-up crew comes in, then it is give and take. Kellis Fisher, sometimes, reminds me of Renee Montgomery. Starting to worry about Caroline's shooting. It is still very early in the season, so no big issues, but, I was hoping for a more dynamic player than Serah Williams has shown so far.

I'm a huge Caroline fan - wonderful to see her get minutes today. As for shooting, like Azzi, shooters need to keep putting up shots to get out of their funk. She still clearly defers to her teammates and looking for a great assist than scoring herself. In addition, in thinking of all her games this season she's really not driving to the basket like she used to do. That versatility was a key part of her game but I think in the back of her mind that driving to the basket may lead to unintended contact with her head. I hope she continues to get minutes and rebuilds her confidence in her game!

 

[MSGRET]

The way that USC is playing against Washington, I believe that DePaul might just be a harder out than the Trojans. It's currently 18-18 USC with a little more than 2 minutes left in the 2nd quarter.

 

[HuskyNan]

"...hard to find fault except for..."

That is some classic BY, there.

Wish I could Like this twice

 

[1974yankees]

Geno is going to have a quarterback (I mean point guard) problem/controversy (sarcasm) next year with 3 very capable point guards....

Right now KK and Heckel would start on every team in America. I am pleasantly surprised at how good Heckel really is. She does everything right. Her defense, shooting, passing and hustling are excellent. She is really picking up the Uconn "system" fast.

Sure we are playing subpar teams at best but I am really looking at the movement of the players when I watch these games. Heckel has it. So does KK.

But Fisher may end up being better when all is said and done. All you have to do is watch her for 5 minutes to see she is gonna be special.

All 3 are coming back and they are all gonna want serious playing time. Who wouldn't?

I have the feeling we are watching the beginning of another Uconn dynasty for real.

This team reminds me of the old days when we intimidated teams because of the name on our jerseys..

And I don't think I am getting carried away. I like what I see.

Btw,

I have always believed that Geno/Uconn really is a "system"

Tom Landry used to use that term to describe his Dallas Cowboys. It wasn't Roger Staubach is was the Landry "system"....

Yeah I just watched a documentary about Roger and Landry.

 

[EasyEd]

After watching this game, I realized what a great coach Bruno was. I feel sorry for Depaul. But maybe, it was mostly UConn that made them look that bad.

 

[DEpup]

After watching this game, I realized what a great coach Bruno was. I feel sorry for Depaul. But maybe, it was mostly UConn that made them look that bad.

And just think, DePaul is still in the top 200 for Massey rankings. That's about 100 places higher than most LSU opppnents.....

 

[ThisJustIn]

Thank you for sharing this. CD is a terrific and always insightful interview. Wish I could tune-in her and Bob after every game.

FYI, CD usually comes on after a player interview and game recap. When I've been at games, I've been able to catch her on my way home.

 

[hookshot]

I'm a huge Caroline fan - wonderful to see her get minutes today. As for shooting, like Azzi, shooters need to keep putting up shots to get out of their funk. She still clearly defers to her teammates and looking for a great assist than scoring herself. In addition, in thinking of all her games this season she's really not driving to the basket like she used to do. That versatility was a key part of her game but I think in the back of her mind that driving to the basket may lead to unintended contact with her head. I hope she continues to get minutes and rebuilds her confidence in her game!

It's not just deferring, she doesn't have her shot back yet, isn't coming off her hand right, Does everything else smart and well, but nor sure if / when the shot coms back, I'd have her in the last minute of a national Championship game with a 4 point lead just for her smarts and reliability but if I'm 4 down, I need 5 people who can score out there and right now, she doesn't check that box. Is it just a lag in comfort level yet or is she still compromised by health issus.

 

[bkart1978]

She’s not likely to make a difference or play in meaningful games this year, but I love to see Ayanna looking a little better every time out.

 

[hussybulldog]

It was such a unfair game! It’s like full grown women playing against elementary school kids.

 

[uconnfan68]

To me I did see this Serah at Wisconsin, when I watched her highlights, but I just trusted everyone else because I never actually watched her play a full game. And her numbers and accolades were so good. But I did notice from her highlights and that she’s off balance a lot. Her play here reminds of a highly touted freshman who needs time to adjust. We just don’t have as much time as she may need. I think she got so much done because she has a nose for the ball and she is just long athletic and energetic. Geno could do wonders for her if he had her the whole time. Her play reminds me of the early Tina Charles. She played better today, but still needs to slow and down make a pass out of the double teams instead of trying to do too much. Slowing down will help her collect herself and her balance for a better shot. I’m just going to be honest, I can see all the other pieces falling into place, but I don’t think we will get much more than we are from her. She will have I believe some games where she looks good but not enough to say she is one of our big three. It will be Blanca. But Serah’s contribution will be there and needed.

I think Serah needs to just go up strong instead of trying to finesse anyone.

 

[msf22b]

Several takeaways from today. …1). We are in great shape with our guard play for the foreseeable future . 2) Blanca has absurd athleticism for a frosh. As she matures, not sure she will be guardable. 3) can’t remember the last time a full bench lineup didn’t have a helter skelter feel to it. The second team is becoming a really good one.

There are frequent comments of Blanca doing great especially since she is a freshman (which is technically true since this is her first year in college).

But she is also a 5 or 6 year veteran of the Italian pro league and should be understood to be in a category (if indeed that is required) of her own making;
whatever that is...

She is most certainly not your average HS graduate with AAU, even USA experience.

 

[rugbymate]

There are frequent comments of Blanca doing great especially since she is a freshman (which is technically true since this is her first year in college).

But she is also a 5 or 6 year veteran of the Italian pro league and should be understood to be in a category (if indeed that is required) of her own making;
whatever that is...

She is most certainly not your average HS graduate with AAU, even USA experience.

True….but she is younger than each starting 5 player,K9 and Allie and others. While physically she hasn’t matured she also has plenty of room to grow in her decision making. I trust that Geno and teammates will help her with that. Very,very high ceiling.

 

[freshler40]

Geno is going to have a quarterback (I mean point guard) problem/controversy (sarcasm) next year with 3 very capable point guards....

Right now KK and Heckel would start on every team in America. I am pleasantly surprised at how good Heckel really is. She does everything right. Her defense, shooting, passing and hustling are excellent. She is really picking up the Uconn "system" fast.

Sure we are playing subpar teams at best but I am really looking at the movement of the players when I watch these games. Heckel has it. So does KK.

But Fisher may end up being better when all is said and done. All you have to do is watch her for 5 minutes to see she is gonna be special.

All 3 are coming back and they are all gonna want serious playing time. Who wouldn't?

I have the feeling we are watching the beginning of another Uconn dynasty for real.

This team reminds me of the old days when we intimidated teams because of the name on our jerseys..

And I don't think I am getting carried away. I like what I see.

Btw,

I have always believed that Geno/Uconn really is a "system"

Tom Landry used to use that term to describe his Dallas Cowboys. It wasn't Roger Staubach is was the Landry "system"....

Yeah I just watched a documentary about Roger and Landry.

The good point guard problem to have will sort itself out. One or two of them will become the shooting guard, very offensive minded while at certain game situations you want a point guard to run the clock and set up the team.
You can never have enough point guards, they complement each other, offer speed up offense and lock-down defense. All this takes a lot of energy. The Huskies couldn't run this type of offence recently but with the wealth of talent at this position, Geno has unlocked quite a different system. We are a force of scary talent.

 

[Bone Dog]

But [Blanca] is also a 5 or 6 year veteran of the Italian pro league and should be understood to be in a category (if indeed that is required) of her own making;
whatever that is...

She is most certainly not your average HS graduate with AAU, even USA experience.

This is clearly true. She spent several years playing with and against women in their 20s -30s. There were other teenagers in the Italian league but few of them (if any) got playing time on the scale Blanca did. A typical D1 freshman has mainly played against kids younger than themselves in high school.

In the pregame presser, Blanca said something about having to get used to the pace of play at UConn and how it had been possible to take a play off occasionally in the Italian league. But there’s no slowdown here. This may also be what she likes best about UConn. This girl has a motor and seems to enjoy the new challenge.

 

[HopJim]

Agree on Blanca's ceiling but concerned that she exceled in the "pro" leagues based more on her exceptional athleticism than her basketball skills. With games like DePaul and Xavier less valuable than some UConn practices, have tried to watch top games, particularly living in SC, from the SEC. Many of the Top 10-15 teams like South Carolina have very aggressive players with the maturity to offset Blanca's speed and quickness. Find Blanca to be one of the most enjoyable players to watch and a great addition to the UConn bench. Just not as excited as some when Blanca beats up on players several inches smaller that do not compare skill wise to what she will face at the end of the year.

 

[browns]

This game reminded me of when Uconn was in the American conference..just complete dominance in every phase
SS no other words to describe her..each game I shake my head about the things she can do..calling her mini Jokic is right on ..I would also say that in some plays she looks like Maya in how effortless and smooth she is

 

[browns]

Beg to differ about KK as to lack of recognition here. I called her the best defensive point guard in the country on this site just yesterday and this morning but I have repeatedly also said that Kayleigh is the better offensive player which she is. I don't think that distinction is important to either one of them and the fact that the opposing PG has to cover two different kinds of players in succession is of great advantage to us. They are both all about team first. There aren't too many other teams in the country that Kayleigh would not be starting on right now so I don't think that great potential is the right way to characterize her as a player. In fact, I personally don't think she gets enough credit here. Perhaps this afternoon's game will open a lot of eyes.

A better defensive pg than HH of Notre Dame ? Did you see her game when she got 16 steals..I mean 16 in just 28 minutes

 

[1974yankees]

The good point guard problem to have will sort itself out. One or two of them will become the shooting guard, very offensive minded while at certain game situations you want a point guard to run the clock and set up the team.
You can never have enough point guards, they complement each other, offer speed up offense and lock-down defense. All this takes a lot of energy. The Huskies couldn't run this type of offence recently but with the wealth of talent at this position, Geno has unlocked quite a different system. We are a force of scary talent.

Yes next year Heckel will be the shooting guard taking Azzis position and KK will remain the point guard.. Fisher will get plenty of playing time until she is ready to inherit the point..

But he is gonna have to start both KK and Heckel next year.

I agree. I was thinking this out last night too.

Either way we are in a great spot.

 

[oldude]

A better defensive pg than HH of Notre Dame ? Did you see her game when she got 16 steals..I mean 16 in just 28 minutes

I’ll answer that. KK has been far more consistent than HH, particularly when it comes to “pg” responsibilities. HH has 39 assists and 26 turnovers, for an A/TO ratio of 1.5. She is a high volume shooter currently at 48% from the floor and only 20% from 3-pt.

Now let’s take a look at KK. She also has 39 assists, but only 8 turnovers, putting her among the nation’s leaders in A/TO ratio of 4.85. KK is currently shooting 55% from the floor & 28% from 3-pt.

HH can play great at times. She does lead the nation in steals with 44 to KK’s 23. But she can also start pressing by forcing shots and turning over the ball. As for HH’s 16 steals, along with 44 pts, they came against 1-7 Akron, currently ranked 304th by RPI. For my money, I want KK running the point.

 

[oldude]

Yes next year Heckel will be the shooting guard taking Azzis position and KK will remain the point guard.. Fisher will get plenty of playing time until she is ready to inherit the point..

But he is gonna have to start both KK and Heckel next year.

I agree. I was thinking this out last night too.

Either way we are in a great spot.

It’s a little early to decide next year’s lineup. As good as Kayleigh has been, I would not assume she steps into the starting lineup as a shooting guard. Allie, Jovana & Kelis will all have something to say about that.

 

[Lurker]

There are frequent comments of Blanca doing great especially since she is a freshman...

But she is also a 5 or 6 year veteran of the Italian pro league...

She is most certainly not your average HS graduate with AAU, even USA experience.

It's far more that Blanca's time and experience in a league, which is time she has because of her athleticism. She is a very special gene pool with elite athletic talent including incredible fast twitch muscles, vision, and reaction speed. I could train for decades with no hope....

John Wooden said it best: "Talent is God given. Be humble" (which she seems to embody with her smile and interactions).

Enjoy it while we have her as a Husky, just don't blink or you'll miss it - I often have to watch the replays over and over to see how she pulled some of those moves off!! We're so lucky!!!

 

[Charliebball]

I think Serah needs to just go up strong instead of trying to finesse anyone.

I also noticed she had her hand bandaged.......that can't help her holding the ball or shooting it.....

 

[YKCornelius]

Great game all around albeit against a clearly overmatched and weak opponent. Sarah and Azzi could’ve scored 35 points each easily if they played 30 minutes and I am becoming concerned that they won’t each be first team All Americans as they deserve for both their offense and all around impressive games because they don’t get to pile up the stats like other star players on other teams.

Speaking of this issue, the same applies to KK,what she did in just 15 minutes ( 7 points 7 assists 3 rebounds, multiple steals and forced turnovers) while handling the ball perfectly without any turnovers and playing unparalleled defense is truly phenomenal. She could have scored and assisted at will if left in there for another 10 minutes yet now all that will be known is that she only got 7 points. Even on this forum people are giving kudos to Kayleigh because she put up 16 points etc. when KK and SS and Azzi effectively won the game in the first 15 minutes.

I am not criticizing Kayleigh Heckel or any of the other non starters but the simple fact is that they are essentially playing in garbage time when they’re up by 40 or 50 points without any pressure or concerns and not having to worry about defense and can concentrate on padding their stats and just running offense. KK is one of the very best all around point guards in the country and the pulse of our team yet gets literally no credit, even on this forum. Kayleigh Heckel is a welcome addition to the Huskies and has great potential but any suggestion that she’s a better player or PG or should be starting over KK is ridiculous as is trying to compare the 4th quarter clean up crews stats and contributions to any of the starters or BQ since they all play when the game actually matters against the other teams starters.

H Dog, the implications of your concerns are eye-brow raising. Perhaps you think that at a certain point in the game individual accolades should take priority over team development? Or perhaps you think that individual accolades should take priority over the individual growth and integration of newer players?

The essence of UConn women's basketball is that the team is the focus, not the individual. Always.

To your first concern, Sarah and Azzi are both averaging around 18 ppg for the undefeated #1 team in the country, playing in front of national TV audiences every game. If they continue to play even close to the level they are at and UConn continues to play as well as they have so far - and there is no reason to think they won't if they stay healthy, knock on wood - then the AA awards and accolades will be there at the end of the season.

Sarah received First Team All-American honors last year, and her numbers this year are better than ever despite playing fewer minutes per game. Likewise, both her and Azzi are statistically ahead of many players on national and conference pre-season watch lists (Booker, Latson, Miles, Betts, Johnson, Beers, Davidson, Fulwiley, to name a few).

To your second concern regarding KK and K9, your defensive/protective stance around KK Arnold is puzzling. You contend that she "gets literally no credit, even on this forum". Really??? As the starting UConn point guard, KK has been in the spotlight since Day One, and is constantly feted for her play both in practices and games - and deservingly so. She not only gets oodles of love and respect on the Boneyard, but also is brought front and center to pre-game and post game pressers. She even has been a repeat selection for Bob Joyce's post game interviews. In short, UConn Nation holds KK Arnold in very high regard.

I don't understand why you seem to take a helicopter parent's stance in feeling that K9's continued growth somehow threatens or diminishes KK's play. It doesn't. Both remain wonderful players and teammates, and are integral to the pursuit of NC13.

Bottom line: no need to be concerned on how playing time affects individual accolades, nor how it impacts the respect and admiration that Huskies receive inside or outside the Basketball Capital of the World.

 

[ERWUC65]

It’s a little early to decide next year’s lineup. As good as Kayleigh has been, I would not assume she steps into the starting lineup as a shooting guard. Allie, Jovana & Kelis will all have something to say about that.

Yes, it is a little early, but K9 will have had a year at USC and a year at UConn. Assuming she stays on the current tragectory and shows good 3pt percentages, she will be first, then Allie, who while a great 3pt shooter and good to the basket is still slower afoot in transition. Then Kelis and finally Jovana.

 

[Molisanos]

Agree on Blanca's ceiling but concerned that she exceled in the "pro" leagues based more on her exceptional athleticism than her basketball skills. With games like DePaul and Xavier less valuable than some UConn practices, have tried to watch top games, particularly living in SC, from the SEC. Many of the Top 10-15 teams like South Carolina have very aggressive players with the maturity to offset Blanca's speed and quickness. Find Blanca to be one of the most enjoyable players to watch and a great addition to the UConn bench. Just not as excited as some when Blanca beats up on players several inches smaller that do not compare skill wise to what she will face at the end of the year.

Guess you don’t know Blanca’s career very well.

 

[Centerstream]

I’ll answer that. KK has been far more consistent than HH, particularly when it comes to “pg” responsibilities. HH has 39 assists and 26 turnovers, for an A/TO ratio of 1.5. She is a high volume shooter currently at 48% from the floor and only 20% from 3-pt.

Now let’s take a look at KK. She also has 39 assists, but only 8 turnovers, putting her among the nation’s leaders in A/TO ratio of 4.85. KK is currently shooting 55% from the floor & 28% from 3-pt.

HH can play great at times. She does lead the nation in steals with 44 to KK’s 23. But she can also start pressing by forcing shots and turning over the ball. As for HH’s 16 steals, along with 44 pts, they came against 1-7 Akron, currently ranked 304th by RPI. For my money, I want KK running the point.

I haven't looked at any stats, but your comparison got me thinking. KK has been known to pick up fouls often, so how does HH compare? And I wonder how many of the fouls are while going for a steal (rhetorical)?
But I am guessing that HH doesn't "commit" as many fouls because, well, she is HH.