One thing that seems to get lost with many of the fans here is that equating stats with great players is very flawed if winning is the ultimate, indeed, the only goal. As wolfe613 points out, Uconn has lacked that big moment “toughness” for some time now. That is not something that can be taught, it is an intangible that cannot be measured or even identified until the moment is there. It has been at the center of the Russell vs. Chamberlain debate forever and absolutely one of the more fascinating aspects of sports in general.
Robert Horry averaged 7 points a game in a 16 year NBA career, 8 in the playoffs, but his place in basketball history is forever set as “Big Shot Bob“ for his ability to hit shots at important times in big games.
UConn’s own Diana Taurasi is also a good example of “stats lie”. To the naked eye her stats are ”good player” average; 15 ppg, 4.5 assists, 2.5 TO’s, 4.5 rebounds. But to anyone who remotely knows the game is there any doubt she is among the very best of the best? Why, because she was at her very best, indeed maybe the very best “in the moment”.
The biggest take to me from the Arkansas loss was the willingness of the freshman, McLean, Muhl, Edwards and Bueckers to compete HARD when they went down double figures. Amassing stats in blowout wins is one thing, having the mental toughness to compete when down on the road to a more experienced team on their game is quite another. It bodes very well for the future.
Robert Horry averaged 7 points a game in a 16 year NBA career, 8 in the playoffs, but his place in basketball history is forever set as “Big Shot Bob“ for his ability to hit shots at important times in big games.
UConn’s own Diana Taurasi is also a good example of “stats lie”. To the naked eye her stats are ”good player” average; 15 ppg, 4.5 assists, 2.5 TO’s, 4.5 rebounds. But to anyone who remotely knows the game is there any doubt she is among the very best of the best? Why, because she was at her very best, indeed maybe the very best “in the moment”.
The biggest take to me from the Arkansas loss was the willingness of the freshman, McLean, Muhl, Edwards and Bueckers to compete HARD when they went down double figures. Amassing stats in blowout wins is one thing, having the mental toughness to compete when down on the road to a more experienced team on their game is quite another. It bodes very well for the future.
