We have 5 players who were not with UConn last season. Geno played everybody because he could with a huge lead, and the score indicates that. If he had left his starters in it most likely wouldve been a blowout. Instead he gave alot of minutes to those who need to get up to speed. This allowed them to gain experience and gave Geno an opportunity to work on different things. Thats all good. It doesnt matter in a game that is a blowout how much we win by. What matters right now is getting those with inexperience and those coming back from injuries playtime and experience because in a couple of weeks we face some very good competition and you will see a shorter lineup. I expect every opportunity Geno gets he will play a deeper lineup. We've all know we have the talent, what we lack is experience and Geno got them that in yesterdays game. I liked it. Developing the team is a priority and doing that sooner then later is good for our future.
I think team development should apply even against top opponents. It is one thing to get minutes against a limited Oregon state team, but quite another to get on the court against Notre Dame, etc. Even if we wind up losing the game and dropping a level or two in national rankings, what is the problem? Uconn is in this hunt for one reason; the final four and the NC opportunity.
As for that development, here is what I saw ( FloHoops):
1. Paige was brilliant.
2. Sarah was solid but not perfect ( second best player on the court, nonetheless ).
3. AZZI is coming along. Fierce defense and excellent court sense and vision ( assists, finding the open man, etc ). Shot will come. But I will be surprised if we ever see 5 threes in a row from her. Nonetheless, she is an excellent basketball player, and will only get better.
4. Ice was really good in the paint and rebounding. Shot was a bit rough and she needs to be more alert ( and crisper ) on some passes.
5. Jana did kind of have a breakout on offense, but most of her points were ( dare I say ) "ugly." But she showed progress, for sure. And she was playing ( as was Ice ) against an oak tree.
6. Katlyn is getting more comfortable. She is a true force and annoyance on defense.
7. KK was really good. Maybe a better defender than Katlyn. Hit a big three. Has to be careful not to drive into traffic that is Oak tree huge.
8. Ash is tremendous player. Shot remains a bit inconsistent, but not bad. Her pull up jumpers used to be automatic. She needs to find that one again. She has more energy than anyone.
9. Allie was exciting. She hit two threes in a row and looked as though she would never miss. Then she did.
10. Morgan was quiet today but battled. She sees the court well.
11. Q gave some excellent defense and rebounding, but then she offset that productivity with errors ( traveled on a very athletic layup; made a soft pass that was" telegraphed" and subsequently picked off; and she missed her trademark " three." She is already better than last season, But she needs to step up another notch. Unforced errors will keep her on the bench. C'mon Q. Amaze us!
