Duke Postgame Thread

[ballerfan]

I am so impressed by UConn this year. Really fun to watch, especially Nika.

Lou is going to to score 30 points some game this year. There is a scenario in which she’ll be the team’s highest scorer the season, but it will likely be Azzi instead.

For the first time this year, Azzi got the Paige Bueckers treatment from the defense, and she scored « only » 14 points. I think other teams are going to study what Duke did. Fortunately Azzi has Lou and AE on offense, as well as Nika running the show, UConn made them pay for the coverage of Azzi. It’s too bad that Paige didn’t have this team around here during the tournament last year.

Duke shot only 32 percent. Some of that was UConn’s defense, but it is was a lot of poor shooting. It should have been a UConn win but a closer game.

 

[TeamFirst!]

1) It looks like Caroline is being impacted some by losing her 3 spot to Lou. In addition to not being in game shape or game speed yet. We all know she has what it takes so I'm glad she got some PT today to expedite her readyness. I don't think Lou is going to be moved off that 3 slot though so Caroline is in for a transition and it may be a transition she's not cut out for. Her game is movement. If you stick her in a corner and leave her there it is not ideal at least for her.

2) As some of us predicted last year ( and were dumped on for it ) the strength of this team is 3 point shooting. Lou had 3 years in a row of 40% shooting from 3. Lou is no surprise. Adding that 2nd star 3 point shooter really helps and that probably continues. It may well be that Caroline and Aubrey can help more in that regard before the year is out.

3) Geno is not going to even try Azzi at the PG slot so that discussion is apparently over barring an injury. We just are not deep enough for it anyway at this point and no doubt Nika is doing a solid job overall. She's hitting her free throws this year ( compared to last ), she's fouling less and getting more assists. Cutting her turnovers. Defense is even improved IMO. I'm still not seeing the pull up or the penetration. I don't see how it is ideal for the team for her to be hanging around the basket so much as the smallest player on our team. Wouldn't the normal slot for a point guard be to guard against the break? Others are covering well for her so that hasn't been a problem but some team is going to exploit it. The bottom line is we do not have the depth anyway so Nika gets to play virtually all game at the point and she gets to freelance. Great situation for Nika and her fandom should continue to increase. She's doing a solid job overall in maximizing her strengths and minimizing her weaknesses, and reaping the rewards she has worked so hard for.

4) AE has had a great year so far also and a lot of that is increased opportunity as well. She hit some shots from the key area today, and that's great, but against a top team we will get no rebounds if she misses those. With a small team, I'm not a fan of that play. We still haven't faced a team yet with outstanding size in the paint. South Carolina and Stanford, for example. We are going to need Dorka or it's going to get ugly. Ayanna can't catch a break on the fouls. Other teams are faking fouls clearly, and getting away with it. Look at Anessa Morrow play. Give us that kind of refereeing and Ayanna will be a major contributor. I hope Geno continues to give her PT as we are going to definitely need her.

5) We may not end up the top scoring team in the country but we may end up the best scoring team in the country considering the competition. We are going to continue to need it.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I love our scoring efficiency. Even when Azzi has an off game she still puts up solid, efficient numbers.

 

[Bone Dog]

First, his name is Scott Rueck, a very successful coach not only at OSU but also at D3 George Fox University where he won an NCAA Title
Second Jelena Mitrovic is a Red Shirt Junior, this is her 4th season with OSU. She has lost quite a bit of weight and is in significantly better basketball conditioning.
Third, Raegan Beers was the #10 prospect coming out of HS by HoopGurlz (listed at 6'2"!) this past year.

Of more pressing concern is the flow out of very highly touted recruits like Destiny Slocum (Ark), Sasha Goforth (Ark), Taylor Jones (Tex) and Kennedy Brown (Duke) as you mentioned, Taya Corosdale (Duke), Greta Kampschroeder (Mich) who all were getting significant playing time but left, leaving most of us scratching our heads about what is going on with Maryland Left coast.

Yeah, autocorrect got me with the coach’s name. Sigh.

Thanks for the info — though I already knew all that and more. I think you assumed I was aiming a criticism at Rueck, though this would be a misreading. A numbered list of responses like yours can often feel like some sort of accusation. Perhaps you had a different tone in mind.

The fuller picture you’ve provided is useful for framing a question. Given Rueck’s recruiting record, obviously something is going very right at Ore St. But the steady stream of transfers out is puzzling. Do you have any information on this, or even just a theory?

 

[triaddukefan]

Is it safe in here?

 

[eebmg]

View attachment 81112

Is it safe in here?

We love Duke's hospitality.

 

[eebmg]

Some nice quotes in

UConn women's basketball team defeats Duke in first round of Phil Knight Legacy Tournament

UConn women's basketball defeated Duke to open the Phil Knight Legacy Tournament thanks to a second-straight 20-point game from Lou Lopez Senechal.

www.ctinsider.com

"She just gets the ball and knows what she wants to do. There's no hesitation and she's a terrific, terrific shooter and her mid-range game is really really good and she has a mature game."

A quote equally applied to Azzi and Lou


and this is funny

Everybody's bought in for what they have to do to make our defense better. And, you know, I just appeal to them too I say, 'Look, in a normal world at UConn if you don't feel like guarding anybody, I just bench you and I don't have the opportunity to do that. So I'm stuck with you guys. So you're gonna have to do it because it's the right thing to do and if you want to really win.' And they've bought into everything."



On the other side

"I'm disappointed in our effort today," said Duke coach Kara Lawson. "I think this is the first game I've been disappointed in my team overall. I just didn't think we played with the same competitiveness as our opponent did."

 

[msf22b]

1) It looks like Caroline is being impacted some by losing her 3 spot to Lou. In addition to not being in game shape or game speed yet. We all know she has what it takes so I'm glad she got some PT today to expedite her readyness. I don't think Lou is going to be moved off that 3 slot though so Caroline is in for a transition and it may be a transition she's not cut out for. Her game is movement. If you stick her in a corner and leave her there it is not ideal at least for her.

2) As some of us predicted last year ( and were dumped on for it ) the strength of this team is 3 point shooting. Lou had 3 years in a row of 40% shooting from 3. Lou is no surprise. Adding that 2nd star 3 point shooter really helps and that probably continues. It may well be that Caroline and Aubrey can help more in that regard before the year is out.

3) Geno is not going to even try Azzi at the PG slot so that discussion is apparently over barring an injury. We just are not deep enough for it anyway at this point and no doubt Nika is doing a solid job overall. She's hitting her free throws this year ( compared to last ), she's fouling less and getting more assists. Cutting her turnovers. Defense is even improved IMO. I'm still not seeing the pull up or the penetration. I don't see how it is ideal for the team for her to be hanging around the basket so much as the smallest player on our team. Wouldn't the normal slot for a point guard be to guard against the break? Others are covering well for her so that hasn't been a problem but some team is going to exploit it. The bottom line is we do not have the depth anyway so Nika gets to play virtually all game at the point and she gets to freelance. Great situation for Nika and her fandom should continue to increase. She's doing a solid job overall in maximizing her strengths and minimizing her weaknesses, and reaping the rewards she has worked so hard for.

4) AE has had a great year so far also and a lot of that is increased opportunity as well. She hit some shots from the key area today, and that's great, but against a top team we will get no rebounds if she misses those. With a small team, I'm not a fan of that play. We still haven't faced a team yet with outstanding size in the paint. South Carolina and Stanford, for example. We are going to need Dorka or it's going to get ugly. Ayanna can't catch a break on the fouls. Other teams are faking fouls clearly, and getting away with it. Look at Anessa Morrow play. Give us that kind of refereeing and Ayanna will be a major contributor. I hope Geno continues to give her PT as we are going to definitely need her.

5) We may not end up the top scoring team in the country but we may end up the best scoring team in the country considering the competition. We are going to continue to need it.

Sounds like my old self...worry-wart city

-You may be correct in your analysis Team-first but
Caroline is still shaking off the rust...Remember last season...not much was expected of her, even by the staff...I wouldn't judge any of her output or performance for another coupla weeks...I expect her to surprise to the good.

-According to Geno...Nika is the heart and soul of the team...I don't hear him complaining about her positioning...and her defense (w/o fouling) is significantly improved. The hint of negativity in your post regarding her usage may directly contradict the team's game plans. I haven't noticed a whole lot of fast-breaks against us of late.

-I'm sure Geno has given Aaliyah the green light to take those 15-footers (probably encouraging her)...Its always advantageous for a forward to draw the other team's big(s) away from the hoop. She seems much more comfy and consistent at the foul line, taking those shots is just an extension of that.

So yes, there may be a small downside to Alliyah's new shot, Nika's positioning, Caroline's spot on the floor but your concerns may be slightly overblown or even a direct contradiction to coach's instructions.

 

[Forego]

I swear I saw Ayanna get called for a foul as she was running towards a player but not touching her.

Lou is channeling Evina with the calming influence. Kid is awesome.

Sort of like the fouls called on anyone who Ihas been assigned to guard Aliya Boston. I swear they call fouls on those players during time outs.

 

[Zarathustra]

It’s a small sample size but I thought Ines played well in her limited minutes. I really want her to do well so she can let Nika get some rest. I hope Ines is a quick learner

It was nice to see Ines! Did you notice during a foul shot by UCONN,
Geno had Ines next to him on the side of the court with on-going coaching and " suggestions"!!???
Ines will be very helpful to Nika (but, please let Nika get her 10 assists a game!!)

 

[JellyBean]

Much like the Texas & NC State games, I never want to overlook any team, especially Duke. Too many upsets this season already. This was another solid performance by our beloved UConn squad. Love the unselfishness of this team. Well done, ladies. Up next, Iowa!!

 

[eebmg]

UConn Highlights Duke Game

 

[Geew1992]

1) It looks like Caroline is being impacted some by losing her 3 spot to Lou. In addition to not being in game shape or game speed yet. We all know she has what it takes so I'm glad she got some PT today to expedite her readyness. I don't think Lou is going to be moved off that 3 slot though so Caroline is in for a transition and it may be a transition she's not cut out for. Her game is movement. If you stick her in a corner and leave her there it is not ideal at least for her.

2) As some of us predicted last year ( and were dumped on for it ) the strength of this team is 3 point shooting. Lou had 3 years in a row of 40% shooting from 3. Lou is no surprise. Adding that 2nd star 3 point shooter really helps and that probably continues. It may well be that Caroline and Aubrey can help more in that regard before the year is out.

3) Geno is not going to even try Azzi at the PG slot so that discussion is apparently over barring an injury. We just are not deep enough for it anyway at this point and no doubt Nika is doing a solid job overall. She's hitting her free throws this year ( compared to last ), she's fouling less and getting more assists. Cutting her turnovers. Defense is even improved IMO. I'm still not seeing the pull up or the penetration. I don't see how it is ideal for the team for her to be hanging around the basket so much as the smallest player on our team. Wouldn't the normal slot for a point guard be to guard against the break? Others are covering well for her so that hasn't been a problem but some team is going to exploit it. The bottom line is we do not have the depth anyway so Nika gets to play virtually all game at the point and she gets to freelance. Great situation for Nika and her fandom should continue to increase. She's doing a solid job overall in maximizing her strengths and minimizing her weaknesses, and reaping the rewards she has worked so hard for.

4) AE has had a great year so far also and a lot of that is increased opportunity as well. She hit some shots from the key area today, and that's great, but against a top team we will get no rebounds if she misses those. With a small team, I'm not a fan of that play. We still haven't faced a team yet with outstanding size in the paint. South Carolina and Stanford, for example. We are going to need Dorka or it's going to get ugly. Ayanna can't catch a break on the fouls. Other teams are faking fouls clearly, and getting away with it. Look at Anessa Morrow play. Give us that kind of refereeing and Ayanna will be a major contributor. I hope Geno continues to give her PT as we are going to definitely need her.

5) We may not end up the top scoring team in the country but we may end up the best scoring team in the country considering the competition. We are going to continue to need it.

You really want to give nika a negative spin.

 

[HuskyNan]

You really want to give nika a negative spin.

He’s

 

[Bama fan]

Man-o-man-a-chevitz what a gritty performance. Various players had a timely answer at just the right times.

Man o Manescheweiz, I haven't heard that in years! Thanks for the memories.

 

[BRS24]

One additional item, we really need Yanna to re-think her game. Four fouls in 12 minutes just doesn't cut it. We need her to be able to be an important part of the front court for at least 20 minutes. JE and/or Chris need to work with her. She is too good of an athlete to be fouling like this

The speed of the college game is completely different from HS. Ayanna may be a great athlete, however it takes some frosh time to adjust. I'd bet if we looked back to our former wing/post players as freshmen, we'd see the same stats. And, we're only 4 games into the season.

 

[Brewski]

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Man o Manescheweiz, I haven't heard that in years! Thanks for the memories.

PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT:

Are you aware that ederly people frequently makes statements like "I haven't heard that in years"? just as an FYI, this very well could be a symptom of early onset "OlderthanSchit" syndrome. You might want to make a doctor's appointment and have a cranial physical. Especially in the case where those memories you're thankful for only last a few minutes.

BTW @Bama fan Lou had a great game last night! Don't forget!

 

[Bone Dog]

The speed of the college game is completely different from HS. Ayanna may be a great athlete, however it takes some frosh time to adjust. I'd bet if we looked back to our former wing/post players as freshmen, we'd see the same stats. And, we're only 4 games into the season.

Exactly. It’s harder to make good decisions at D1 speed, the game moves so much faster. Ayanna is physically ready for whatever game will throw at her. Now she just needs to get mentally up to this new speed. I predict come January she’ll have begun to move and think at the new speed.

 

[HuskyNan]

Exactly. It’s harder to make good decisions at D1 speed, the game moves so much faster. Ayanna is physically ready for whatever game will throw at her. Now she just needs to get mentally up to this new speed. I predict come January she’ll have begun to move and think at the new speed.

In addition, big girls right out of high school are used to being the tallest player on the court. In high school they could just reach out and block shots or grab rebounds. In college, they need to learn about defensive positioning, boxing out, and moving their feet instead of reaching.

Aaliyah and Liv were similar foul machines very early in their careers

 

[oldude]

Exactly. It’s harder to make good decisions at D1 speed, the game moves so much faster. Ayanna is physically ready for whatever game will throw at her. Now she just needs to get mentally up to this new speed. I predict come January she’ll have begun to move and think at the new speed.

The one thing I really like about Ayanna is that there is no hesitation in her game. Whatever Ayanna does on the court, good or bad, she does hard. Geno has no hesitation in putting her on the court in big games because of her effort. Once Ayanna smooths out the rough edges, she’s going to be something special.

 

[Ron and Vida]

I had always thought Caroline was the long-term starter at the 3, but the way Azzi and Nika have performed this year, makes me think with Paige they could be the best trio. Nika picks up the pace and pushes the ball up the floor quicker than Paige. Also Nika and Paige are pretty good rebounders for guards, and that lineup could do ok on the boards without a traditional 3.

If those three started, you would still have Caroline, Aubrey and Q as options at the 3 assuming Aubrey returns. Ashlyn could play the 2 or 3, and of course KK could back up the point.

You could have a defensive trio, maybe KK, Nika and Aubrey, or a shooting trio of Paige, Azzi and Caroline, or passing greatness with Nika, KK and Paige, and many other combos to address certain needs.

Could be interesting!

One thing is for dam sure.
It will be exciting!

 

[Redux]

we really need Yanna to re-think her game. Four fouls in 12 minutes just doesn't cut it.

Can Patterson learn/adapt? I see absolutely no evidence she can't. "Re-thinking" her game? Frankly, there's not a whole lot of her game that needs drastic changing. Experience and School Geno will take care of the fine tuning.

I just don't see a huge problem here. Comparison with Nika is illustrative. Nika was a masher, fouling was part of who she was but despite that DNA she is learning. Patterson looks like a tough cookie but she's really a lot more under control than Nika was, many of the calls in the last few games have been touch fouls (at least one had no contact whatsoever) and I think she has a much shorter way to go to than Nika did.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Aubrey... I gave up on her. Now she is blowing me away. We need all she can give us.

 

[Barkin Out]

Man-o-man-a-chevitz what a gritty performance. Various players had a timely answer at just the right times.

 

[Redux]

Disappointing would be how I would describe my feelings about Amari's outing today

There is no single player I root for harder than Amari when she comes into the game (probably since Molly Bent). But it's so hard with Amari it's painful. She's just a lost soul out there.

When Molly Bent came in I held my breath but it was all upside: if she did badly or just neutral that was OK because what could you hope for? When she did well in mop up it was icing on the cake. But you expect Amari to break through. Every time.

Some few UConn players with potential in the past just didn't fit, and it was obvious. But that's not the case with Amari. It's continually out front clearly that this could work. The lightbulb could come on at any moment and it's going to be amazing. But it doesn't.

 

[LoTrader]

Didn't read any of this thread. Just wanted to comment that I saw my first UCONN WBB game live and came away very impressed. My daughter came away a HUGE Nika Muhl fan. Then we watched a Point-guard less team in Oregon State and the difference between having a real floor general, and a leaderless team became very evident. What is amazing about Nika is her voice is loud. We could hear everything she was barking out. Impressive team.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

There is a play at about 1 minute in the first quarter where Nika disrupts a Duke player with the ball and Caroline joins in. The whistle blew and the players began to untangle themselves and there is a shot of Nika's face and I have never seen anything more ferocious on a basketball court. The Vikings were fierce warriors and the fiercest were know as Beserkers. Nika is our Beserker.

 

[oldude]

There is a play at about 1 minute in the first quarter where Nika disrupts a Duke player with the ball and Caroline joins in. The whistle blew and the players began to untangle themselves and there is a shot of Nika's face and I have never seen anything more ferocious on a basketball court. The Vikings were fierce warriors and the fiercest were know as Beserkers. Nika is our Beserker.

Going back to the 9th century, Croatia was often referred to as “the Land of Warriors” because Croats were considered among the most fearsome warriors in Europe. Clearly Nika has inherited her ancient ancestors disposition….

 

[DefenseBB]

Did the PKL not have any post game pressers with Geno, Kara and the teams?

I mean I have seen some of Kara’s quotes and taken on their own seem odd. To say she was disappointed her team “didn’t compete” when frankly, given the lack of quality opposition up to this game-teams ranked #252,#355,#180, #60 (Texas A&M is probably overrated to boot) and #94 Is not understanding the situation you put yourself in. If Kara really thinks this team could compete with UConn when anyone with slight knowledge of WCBB would know better, I fear she will fail in her task of being an elite coach. Always give the other team public credit and chide, admonish or cajole your team in private with logical and valid criticism.

 

[LoTrader]

Did the PKL not have any post game pressers with Geno, Kara and the teams?

I mean I have seen some of Kara’s quotes and taken on their own seem odd. To say she was disappointed her team “didn’t compete” when frankly, given the lack of quality opposition up to this game-teams ranked #252,#355,#180, #60 (Texas A&M is probably overrated to boot) and #94 Is not understanding the situation you put yourself in. If Kara really thinks this team could compete with UConn when anyone with slight knowledge of WCBB would know better, I fear she will fail in her task of being an elite coach. Always give the other team public credit and chide, admonish or cajole your team in private with logical and valid criticism.

Our observation of the Duke Team was that they were without inspiration. Absolutely no life on that team. Contrast that to UCONN, and UCONN Team is very spirited. No doubt, Duke will play their best game against Oregon State!