First Night '24-'25

[Bone Dog]

I thought it was a joke when this began. But Morgan is absolutely quick enough and smart enough to play PG. Geno may want to use her elsewhere on the court. But Geno often distributes PG responsibilities across a few players at a time. The Gabby-Phee-Kia-KLS teams were like that, since their focus on transition meant any player could end up bringing the ball up the floor and initiating the offense.

Morgan may not be the full time designated PG right away. But she can break the press as well as anyone and I wouldn’t be surprised if she ends up covering the point at least part time in a year or two. She’s in the Haley Jones mold but with considerably better foot speed. And I think the impact of having a 6’2” PG barreling down the floor at much smaller defenders is worth making room for in roster planning.

 

[UcMiami]

I think maybe they were supporting Carol, who had to wear sunglasses.

That was my first thought too, but if she is still sensitive to bright/flashing lights 9+ months after her last concussion then she wouldn't be considered as a returning player. Load noise, crowds, lots off activity, flashing lights, bright lights - pretty much every environmental danger was represent last night and she showed no problems.

 

[The deacon]

Diana Taurasi, winning 2 national championships with a very average (on balance) supporting cast. The knock-on effect of court presence.

Clearly, the whole being far greater than the sum of its parts, especially in basketball, with only 5 players on the court,

Just wrong! I get weary of BYers stating stuff like the others on those last two title teams with DT were very average. They had several excellent to outstanding college players. DT did not do it alone.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Just wrong! I get weary of BYers stating stuff like the others on those last two title teams with DT were very average. They had several excellent to outstanding college players. DT did not do it alone.

Not very average, but also no one outstanding at that point other than DT. The 2002-03 team, other than DT, had no 1st team All-BE players, no 2nd team All-BE, one 3rd team All-BE (the freshman version of Ann Strother), and no HM All-BE. Team had no seniors. That team went 37-1 and won the NC.

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[HuskyNan]

 

[MilfordHusky]

I love the Great Pyramid blowing kisses to the fans.

 

[PacoSwede]

That was my first thought too, but if she is still sensitive to bright/flashing lights 9+ months after her last concussion then she wouldn't be considered as a returning player. Load noise, crowds, lots off activity, flashing lights, bright lights - pretty much every environmental danger was represent last night and she showed no problems.

that does not mean that she didn't have problems, i'm afraid. maybe she is a tough SOB and is able hide 'em, or any precautions that are deployed were effective.

 

[my2cents]

I have seen Morgan play just once. The McDonalds AA game. She looked really good handling the ball and was in control of the offense. Not easy in a game where everyone wants to jack up shots as soon as they touch it.

 

[hoophuskee]

I know we basically don't have much to go off of but do y'all imagine a scenario where AZ doesn't play much this season. And can you think of a player as talented as her who didn't really play her freshman year. I can't remember KLS playing time her freshman year.

When Azzi comes back, sure I can. When Aubrey comes back, sure I can. If Caroline comes back to normal, sure I can. -- That's what is so amazing about the potential of this team.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

I can't remember KLS playing time her freshman year.

Can't remember, or just weren't following season 2015-16? Regardless, let me help you with that. Click the link below, then click on "Individual". KLS (Katie Lou Samuelson) is the forth one down.

2015-16 Women's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - University of Connecticut Athletics

The official 2015-16 Women's Basketball cumulative statistics for the University of Connecticut Huskies

uconnhuskies.com

 

[Bone Dog]

I have seen Morgan play just once. The McDonalds AA game. She looked really good handling the ball and was in control of the offense. Not easy in a game where everyone wants to jack up shots as soon as they touch it.

I e seen a bunch of her games from last season. They’re probably still available on YouTube. Watch a few and you see exactly what you saw in the McD AA game. She’s big and fast, keeps her head up, runs the break really well, fights for rebounds, played the tip of the full court press. She has a lot of Nika’s virtues with a lot more size.

 

[Alydar]

I e seen a bunch of her games from last season. They’re probably still available on YouTube. Watch a few and you see exactly what you saw in the McD AA game. She’s big and fast, keeps her head up, runs the break really well, fights for rebounds, played the tip of the full court press. She has a lot of Nika’s virtues with a lot more size.

Keep in mind that she had played a wing position prior to last season. UConn would have a pretty good team if El Alfy, Strong, Cheli and Ziebell started with Bueckers. Power inside and a bunch of great 3pt shooters. That's a heck of a 1st year class.

 

[Stagnant]

I am not surprised Ziebell did good in the 3 point shootout. She beat Olson, Howell, and Swords in the McDonald's shootout.

Geno will probably put her out there occasionally. Because he loves weapons. Her ability to stay on the floor will come down to defense imo.

 

[jdote33]

Can't remember, or just weren't following season 2015-16? Regardless, let me help you with that. Click the link below, then click on "Individual". KLS (Katie Lou Samuelson) is the forth one down.

2015-16 Women's Basketball Cumulative Statistics - University of Connecticut Athletics

The official 2015-16 Women's Basketball cumulative statistics for the University of Connecticut Huskies

uconnhuskies.com

Didn't really follow as closely. Was a UConn fan (brother went to school there around the sue/dt era.) but was fresh out of grad school without SNY or anything. So I would catch some national tv games/tournament games. I remember the Syracuse championship game. But didn't really watch game to game until like 2020. I definitely could've looked up the stats as well, but thanks.

---

 

[Alydar]

I am not surprised Ziebell did good in the 3 point shootout. She beat Olson, Howell, and Swords in the McDonald's shootout.

Geno will probably put her out there occasionally. Because he loves weapons. Her ability to stay on the floor will come down to defense imo.

KLS had her best season shooting 3's as a freshman, mostly because she was open a lot. At the very least Ziebell will be a 3pt weapon but at 6' she is very good driving to the hoop and while playing UConn's defense is an acquired skill she is a hustler and has great court awareness while offensively she is a decent ball handler and a willing rebounder.

UConn has a treasure chest of elite 1st year talent that appears ready to contribute right away. El Alfy, Strong, Cheli & Ziebell are all versatile and they all have size. All four can shoot and make 3's.

I think the strength of UConn can be appreciated by looking down at the end of the bench. They would likely be starting most everywhere else. They will need some machining before the well-oiled machine really hums but until then they are great spare parts.

 

[Zarathustra]

So Cheli is slow and has below average quickness and may not be able to jump........I hope she's at least average at something.........I'm amazed that she was even recruited by an experienced coach like Geno......

Let's review this comment two years from now..... I guess that you did not follow
her H.S. career. Did YOU?? No need to answer..... IMHO her talent speaks for itself,
Go Morgan!! Go UCONN!

 

[UcMiami]

that does not mean that she didn't have problems, i'm afraid. maybe she is a tough SOB and is able hide 'em, or any precautions that are deployed were effective.

In the video of the 3 point shooting Caroline is seen twice without dark glasses. And I don't think the medical staff/training staff is really easy to fool and they signed off on her being there.

 

[Zarathustra]

About Allie Ziebell.... It always helps to take 100,000 shots over a summer when your
H.S. head coach asks for 10,000!

 

[snowkot]

Just wrong! I get weary of BYers stating stuff like the others on those last two title teams with DT were very average. They had several excellent to outstanding college players. DT did not do it alone.

Might want to be less defensive, and read for meaning mate.

Did NOT say, suggest, or imply DT did it alone. Nor did I mean to imply EVERY OTHER player on the team (hence "on balance") was very average. Just that her very presence on the court made every player that much better. After all Ann Strother was a very much in demand, #1 overall recruit.

However, without Taurasi, but with Strother (who was a wonderful player), they were eliminated in the Sweet Sixteen, the Elite Eight, the next two years. They would not feature another All-American for the next 3 years, until Tina Charles, Maya Moore and Renee Montgomery achieved such, in 2008.

 

[HopJim]

About Allie Ziebell.... It always helps to take 100,000 shots over a summer when your
H.S. head coach asks for 10,000!

Ziebell-awesome shooting. Reminded me of Azzi the first time I saw her shooting 3's.

 

[Zarathustra]

I have seen Morgan play just once. The McDonalds AA game. She looked really good handling the ball and was in control of the offense. Not easy in a game where everyone wants to jack up shots as soon as they touch it.

I watch MANY of Morgan Cheli's H.S. games (H.S. tournament games against nationally ranked H.S. teams.... Archbishop
Mitty won both Holiday tournaments that they were in DEC - JAN 2023 - 2024). Morgan was the
floor leader of that team. Mitty lost some games towards the end of the season when Morgan had
her Hamstring issues (hopefully behind her now). Her skill set is IDEAL for UCONN (IHMO). Her value is
not to be measured by Points, Rebounds, etc. She is a consummate team player ... her H.S. coach is one of
the best in the country. I hope she does well and hope that Morgan can recruit her H.S. teammate, McKenna W., to Storrs.

 

[HopJim]

Let's review this comment two years from now..... I guess that you did not follow
her H.S. career. Did YOU?? No need to answer..... IMHO her talent speaks for itself,
Go Morgan!! Go UCONN!

Neither Cheli or Strong will win any foot races but predict both will go down as UConn greats. Both are "basketball quick" and have the "it" factor to succeed when the pressure is on.

 

[yhun89]

I am not surprised Ziebell did good in the 3 point shootout. She beat Olson, Howell, and Swords in the McDonald's shootout.

Geno will probably put her out there occasionally. Because he loves weapons. Her ability to stay on the floor will come down to defense imo.

Been stated her defense is solid in the open practices. Her HS coach also said she was the best defender on the team. She’s like a taller Azzi in most aspects.