Don't Major in Minors | The Boneyard

Don't Major in Minors

Tonyc

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We've come along way since the GTech game and Paiges injury. We appeared lost, out of sorts, and with no direction. Last nite UConn was running on all cylinders with confidence which is the most important thing. I dont care if Butler is not a very good team. We played with confidence and given what we've been through this season its just what the doctor ordered. Over the past couple of months we've come a long way. Players have emerged and have learned to take charge. Players have stepped up. Its really good that the Boneyarders have been teaching Geno what to do and how to coach too. LOL only kidding. The point here is we are at a different level now. We have overcome alot and we are better for it.

I remember Geno mentioning last week that he was going to get Azzi back in practice. I also remember Geno saying 2 other things...(1) after a player comes back from being sick he wanted players to have at least 5 practices and (2) when he asked Azzi when she would want to play she said something like the next day/game. That tells me we may see Azzi sometime within the next week, maybe a little longer but she is close to coming back. Azzi's return will only put UConn at another level and although some need to see her in a college game and need her to prove herself I dont. Ive heard way to many great things about her game from people who have seen her play and coached her to know that she will be a force and put UConn at another level, especially on this UConn team which has so much talent.

Alot of talk about the Big 3 Stewie MoJeff and Tuck. Well we just may be witnessing the next Big 3 in Caroline Azzi and Paige. There has been alot of speculation and questions on this board about Geno and certain players and have they lost it. Well over the past 3 games inch by inch we have seen players step up. I remember being at the Arkansas game and watching Liv standing out by the 3 pt line moving around the horn knocking down shot after shot and then getting into the game and having her shots bounce off the back or front of the rim. Now shes making them. Keep that in mind when watching Edwards Deberry Piath and some others. Perfect practice makes perfect. When you have coaches who can teach and coach you its amazing how good you can become. UConn has that. When your learning and working on your game it takes time for it to all sink in and it takes time for it to happen in a game. First you learn the fundamentals from your coach. Then you practice it, Then you try it in a scrimmage and maybe a lot of scrimmages until you can do it without thinking. Then you try it in a game and you keep trying it in games until it works. Liv is getting there. Last nite was a big step forward for Liv and a few others.

There is excitement back on the board. Fans are beginning to believe again. Many of the critics and doubters are beginning to see the light. This team has gone through alot and they kept plugging away at it. Now we are seeing the results. Heck many of us realized Geno hasnt lost it and his recruiting over the past few weeks with the addition of verbals from KK and Ashlynn have UConn in great position over the next 6-8 seasons. When you look at the rosters over the next few years there arent many recruits ranked out of the top 10.

So dont major in minors meaning dont get caught up in the small stuff or you loose your focus on what really matters. A winning attitude goes a long way. Being able to trust your ability without doubting it goes along way. Focusing on the main goal which in BB is to find a way to win especially when things arent going the way you expected them to go. Winning is a attitude unfortunately so is loosing. From what Ive seen watching the last few games especially last nite the coaches are not letting the team look in the rear view mirror they have the team looking in front of them at the big picture which is what the future holds for them. That picture is the NC. We still have a ways to go and we may even loose a game or two but with the return of Azzi and Paige we will be absolutely Un Be Leave Able.
 
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Between watching PB carried off the court and watching the debacle at Georgia Tech, it's understandable that many of us were gut punched. Losing Azzi, Nika and Aubrey didn't inspire confidence either. Even Geno seemed at a loss for words or solutions.
The answers had to come from the remaining crew and they are showing why they are here.
Caroline living up to the hype and beyond.
Dorka seems to have remembered why she transferred in.
AE starting to get her mojo back.
Liv seems to have FINALLY figured out what she is capable of.
CW is going to do whatever she can, whenever she can and stop thinking about every move.
EW may show more leadership coming off the bench and making her shots count.
Nika knows that nice guys finish last and STILL wants no part of that. She should change the spelling of her name to MULE.
And when Azzi and "Buckets" check back in? Things will get VERY interesting.
And Geno might just show us that an old dog CAN learn some new tricks... and teach them as well.
Thought the season was going down in flames.
Maybe not.
 
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I can't judge the team's progress based on the Butler game or the Xavier game.......let's see what happens in Oregon who's 8-5 but at least has some quality players despite numerous injuries of their own.........
 
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You know it’s been a whacky season when the Butler game becomes a “cure all” game. A game that’s needed to restore confidence. We finally found a positive reason to be in the BE.

If I was picking a team from a long list of player options, Nika would be one of my top picks. She brings little in point production, sometimes she’s out of control committing unnecessary fouls but her attitude and effort is a huge plus for any team.
 
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Nice positive presentation, Tony. But reality has an important foundation in all of this. Butler is a mediocre team and the UConn players should have played well. Butler defense in no way challenged or pressured any of the UConn players.

Fudd being a good player or not remains to be determined. Right now, Fudd is a dud. She has been touted to be an extraordinary 3 point shootter. Either she is scared $hitless or it was all hype. The point is we should not set high expectations for this individual until she really has a chance to compete.

This team needs to play and win without Paige for the next 6 games so it can build confidence and really play like a team. So when Paige comes back they can all play TOGETHER. Hopefully, they will not fall back to their old ways and "Let Paige do it". If they can all do it with Paige, this will be a formidable team to play.
 
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Nice positive presentation, Tony. But reality has an important foundation in all of this. Butler is a mediocre team and the UConn players should have played well. Butler defense in no way challenged or pressured any of the UConn players.

Fudd being a good player or not remains to be determined. Right now, Fudd is a dud. She has been touted to be an extraordinary 3 point shootter. Either she is scared $hitless or it was all hype. The point is we should not set high expectations for this individual until she really has a chance to compete.

This team needs to play and win without Paige for the next 6 games so it can build confidence and really play like a team. So when Paige comes back they can all play TOGETHER. Hopefully, they will not fall back to their old ways and "Let Paige do it". If they can all do it with Paige, this will be a formidable team to play.
yes…let Paige do it is not the best way forward. Seeing her do her jumps for joy for teammates suggests that Bueckers is gonna love pulling it together with others getting lots of crowd roars. The best is yet to come.
 
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Rah Rah Tony!

Let an outsider add that:
UConn is one of only a handful of teams that have played 10 or more Quad 1/2 teams
UConn has played the number one SOS according to RPI and number three according to NET
UConn has the sixth most wins over quad one opponents.

UConn is looking like a top 8 seed to me
 

Carnac

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I think the key questions that need to be answered are can Edwards still take a sophomore leap and be a significant contributor, and how quickly can Azzi get up to speed and have the same kind of success Caroline has had over the last few games.
I believe we were scheduled to play 31 games this year. We’re 8-3, about 1/3 of the way through the season. There’s plenty of time to “right the ship.” Don’t forget we have 4 games to make up. Geno knows what to do and how to get there. The question is will our premier players heal fast enough and return to form and be ready for tournament play?

Hopefully we’ll see more of the reserves now that conference play has begun. I think they will gain experience and confidence faster playing in games than in practice. I think everyone was happy to see Amari and Piath get minutes yesterday, regardless of how they played. They’ll never improve sitting on the bench. The next challenge for UConn is Xavier (6-8). They’re ranked just above Butler. A lower tier team that UConn should dominate.

We know UConn will win, that’s not in question. What I want see is each player improve on their overall play in the Butler game. No regression. I want to see ONO have another 19 point game. I want to see Edwards score in double figures. I want to see Caroline and Dorka post the same or better numbers. I want to see Amari hit 4 baskets, all from the paint, no outside shots. I need 2 baskets from Piath. I want to see everyone play with a sense of urgency and purpose.

I also need to see improvement on team defense. More weak side help when opponents drive the lane. I saw too many instances where one of our players just stood there and watched. Cut down on the unforced turnovers even if it’s only by 2. Show me growth and progress, even if it’s in small increments. :cool: Like Dirty Harry said, make my day.
 
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We've come along way since the GTech game and Paiges injury. We appeared lost, out of sorts, and with no direction. Last nite UConn was running on all cylinders with confidence which is the most important thing. I dont care if Butler is not a very good team. We played with confidence and given what we've been through this season its just what the doctor ordered. Over the past couple of months we've come a long way. Players have emerged and have learned to take charge. Players have stepped up. Its really good that the Boneyarders have been teaching Geno what to do and how to coach too. LOL only kidding. The point here is we are at a different level now. We have overcome alot and we are better for it.

I remember Geno mentioning last week that he was going to get Azzi back in practice. I also remember Geno saying 2 other things...(1) after a player comes back from being sick he wanted players to have at least 5 practices and (2) when he asked Azzi when she would want to play she said something like the next day/game. That tells me we may see Azzi sometime within the next week, maybe a little longer but she is close to coming back. Azzi's return will only put UConn at another level and although some need to see her in a college game and need her to prove herself I dont. Ive heard way to many great things about her game from people who have seen her play and coached her to know that she will be a force and put UConn at another level, especially on this UConn team which has so much talent.

Alot of talk about the Big 3 Stewie MoJeff and Tuck. Well we just may be witnessing the next Big 3 in Caroline Azzi and Paige. There has been alot of speculation and questions on this board about Geno and certain players and have they lost it. Well over the past 3 games inch by inch we have seen players step up. I remember being at the Arkansas game and watching Liv standing out by the 3 pt line moving around the horn knocking down shot after shot and then getting into the game and having her shots bounce off the back or front of the rim. Now shes making them. Keep that in mind when watching Edwards Deberry Piath and some others. Perfect practice makes perfect. When you have coaches who can teach and coach you its amazing how good you can become. UConn has that. When your learning and working on your game it takes time for it to all sink in and it takes time for it to happen in a game. First you learn the fundamentals from your coach. Then you practice it, Then you try it in a scrimmage and maybe a lot of scrimmages until you can do it without thinking. Then you try it in a game and you keep trying it in games until it works. Liv is getting there. Last nite was a big step forward for Liv and a few others.

There is excitement back on the board. Fans are beginning to believe again. Many of the critics and doubters are beginning to see the light. This team has gone through alot and they kept plugging away at it. Now we are seeing the results. Heck many of us realized Geno hasnt lost it and his recruiting over the past few weeks with the addition of verbals from KK and Ashlynn have UConn in great position over the next 6-8 seasons. When you look at the rosters over the next few years there arent many recruits ranked out of the top 10.

So dont major in minors meaning dont get caught up in the small stuff or you loose your focus on what really matters. A winning attitude goes a long way. Being able to trust your ability without doubting it goes along way. Focusing on the main goal which in BB is to find a way to win especially when things arent going the way you expected them to go. Winning is a attitude unfortunately so is loosing. From what Ive seen watching the last few games especially last nite the coaches are not letting the team look in the rear view mirror they have the team looking in front of them at the big picture which is what the future holds for them. That picture is the NC. We still have a ways to go and we may even loose a game or two but with the return of Azzi and Paige we will be absolutely Un Be Leave Able.
With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.
 

oldude

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With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.
You need to adjust that percentage to account for Amari’s 0/4 from the arc in the 4th qtr when Geno instructed her to “fire away.” My benchmark for “good” 3-pt shooting is 34% or better, for an effective rate of 51%. Subtracting Amari’s O/4, UConn was 11/30, 37%. Most teams would be very happy shooting that percentage from the arc while knocking down 11 x 3’s.
 

Tonyc

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With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.
That is true however if you take away Deberrys 0/4 the percentage is better. Deberry and Gabriel were 1/11from the floor. Usually when I look at stats I take that into consideration because in a big game like Oregon Tenn or even SC those players may not see any playtime and you can get a better indication of how the team will do. Another point is CW was 3/ 10 and in a big game she may not be taking those shots. In this game she did with a huge lead. I think you already know that I really am not worried because I know when we are healthy and Paige and Azzi are 100% and back in the lineup I dont think we loose a game and that includes SC.
 

Tonyc

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Rah Rah Tony!

Let an outsider add that:
UConn is one of only a handful of teams that have played 10 or more Quad 1/2 teams
UConn has played the number one SOS according to RPI and number three according to NET
UConn has the sixth most wins over quad one opponents.

UConn is looking like a top 8 seed to me
Thank you for your interest.
 
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Between watching PB carried off the court and watching the debacle at Georgia Tech, it's understandable that many of us were gut punched. Losing Azzi, Nika and Aubrey didn't inspire confidence either. Even Geno seemed at a loss for words or solutions.
The answers had to come from the remaining crew and they are showing why they are here.
Caroline living up to the hype and beyond.
Dorka seems to have remembered why she transferred in.
AE starting to get her mojo back.
Liv seems to have FINALLY figured out what she is capable of.
CW is going to do whatever she can, whenever she can and stop thinking about every move.
EW may show more leadership coming off the bench and making her shots count.
Nika knows that nice guys finish last and STILL wants no part of that. She should change the spelling of her name to MULE.
And when Azzi and "Buckets" check back in? Things will get VERY interesting.
And Geno might just show us that an old dog CAN learn some new tricks... and teach them as well.
Thought the season was going down in flames.
Maybe not.
Good summary. What are your thoughts on DeBerry and Piath? Do you expect to see a contribution in big games, or just slow and steady improvement? How slow and how steady?
 
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Rah Rah Tony!

Let an outsider add that:
UConn is one of only a handful of teams that have played 10 or more Quad 1/2 teams
UConn has played the number one SOS according to RPI and number three according to NET
UConn has the sixth most wins over quad one opponents.

UConn is looking like a top 8 seed to me
Keep thinking that visitingcock and you will get "neutered" in March...
 
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The Butler game means nothing. Zippo. But the people thinking "Fudd may be a Dud" are completely off as well. Hello. Azzi was a major contributor to USA basketball for years. Her game is obviously significant. I'm not sure her recovery from injury is going to completely fix the defensive issues but there is zero doubt she is going to be a starting level player and probably a very good one. People ( including me ) complain about things but we should be thankful we have her many positive attributes. She is a lights out shooter. She doesn't turn the ball over much. She's unselfish and team oriented and obviously very skilled. She's pretty big for a guard. She's for real. I think she's just "careful" to a fault maybe. Cautious in new endeavors. She will be great over time. Cautious can affect defensive movements also. She maybe doesn't react that quickly to dribble drives. She just puts her arms up and is cautious in trying to block shots ( she appears to be extremely foul adverse ). Someone may need to feed her some red meat in her Chipotle diet. She's going to be good though. Bank on it.
 
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With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.
Last year we shot 28% & 13% (threes) respectively against Tennessee and SC. We won both games. However, I’m totally with you on improving our percentages!
 
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With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.

UConn was 2-11 in the 4th period and 11-34 overall. They shot 9-24 over the first 3 periods, or 38%. That's more than OK considering that Fudd and Bueckers are still out.

I thought that with Geno playing his bench for most of the 4th period I wouldn't have to read the usual complaints. But instead of a reprieve from neganellies they have been replaced by those against playing the bench. Why? Because the bench doesn't shoot well enough to be put into the game. The two sides should have a steel cage match. Two enter, one emerges. Then we only have to deal with the victor. ;)
 
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With the 45 point over Butler,UConn still shot only 32% from three.That’s not going to cut it against Oregon Tennesse and South Carolina.Everyone is waiting for Azzi to save the day it’s like Waiting For Godot.
Maybe you didn't mean to include Tennessee in the discussion of the 3 point percentages. I'm not sure which Tennessee team you talking about, as a team they're only shooting a cool 28.6% (YTD). South Carolina has 1 percentage point better than UConn at 32.2% (UConn at 31.3%). Of the three teams Oregon is the better 3 point shooting team at 38.6%. As @Tonyc mentioned you take away the 4 misses by DeBerry UConn would have shot 36.7%.
 

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