For one game - Dolson WAS the 2nd best center in the country.

[doggydaddy]

In 26 minutes, Dolson scored 23 points, had 6 rebounds, 2 steals and 2 blocks.

On defense, she was Charles like, moving her feet quickly on help defense. Even ran out to the key to defend and still able to get back to defend the post.

She ran the floor like a forward, constant movement on offense, aggresive with the ball, driving to the basket a few times as well.

Best of all, she didn't stop talking to her teammates. Looked to me that Dolson has decided to take responsibility for the team. Great sign for UConn to finish the year strong.

And in case you weren't paying attention, Dolson has played as well as she did to end last season. Since Geno took her out against Marquette and only played her 6 minutes, Dolson appears to have shaken whatever was holding her back this year and is playing as good as she ever has.

vs SJU - 26 minutes, 23 points, 6 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals
vs RU - 35 minutes - 10 points, 8 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3 assists
vs ND - 35 minuts - 18 points, 5 rebounds, 2 blocks, 3 assists

I'm liking what I am seeing. No hesitation, confident even after a miss. No one uses her left hand in the post like Dolson.

She has had excellent games before against ND and Peters. I'm hoping for another!

 

[sTu]

I was commenting at the game to the folks around me, "who is the new girl playing Center for us?"

KML talking about Dolson's drive to the hoop said something to the effect of, Steph thinks that she is Larry Bird.

 

[meyers7]

Funniest comment of the night was from the announcer on one of Steph's drives to the basket....."Dolson blows by the defender".

Blows by? She can get by them sometimes, but blows by???

 

[VAMike23]

I was commenting at the game to the folks around me, "who is the new girl playing Center for us?"

KML talking about Dolson's drive to the hoop said something to the effect of, Steph thinks that she is Larry Bird.

The best thing was, even at a high level of energy, Stef was playing with enough poise to recognize openings on the floor and then go after it right away. In past games, she often looked tight and tried to force the issue when nothing was there. KML and Bria were also good in this regard last night. Each had several plays where they allowed the offense to create a good situation for them, which they then took further responsibility for exploiting by a quick dribble-to-a-spot and mid-range penetration. They did not wait for *only* a completely wide open look or a layup underneath. Clearly we like those best, but they do not always present themselves.

This is when UCONN is most dangerous, because when the players get hesitant and play tight, they tend to rely on the offense itself to deliver clear scoring opportunities all of the time. The irony is, if the individual does not show initiative in occasionally breaking down the defense in the mid-range when opportunities present, the defense will become ever more confident and adept at sagging and disrupting our offensive flow. So it becomes a vicious cycle.

And how about Kelly's turn-around jumper off glass from the right block ? Now THAT was a thing of beauty. No hesitation, reasonable range for her, and a good shot selection for her--off glass. Another great example of [quick!] recognition. The individual has to be a threat to make those kinds of plays, where the offense has gotten the ball into a pretty darned good spot, even if it's not a layup or a wide-open face-up look. Players still have to make plays.

 

[cferraro04]

Funniest comment of the night was from the announcer on one of Steph's drives to the basket....."Dolson blows by the defender".

Blows by? She can get by them sometimes, but blows by???

I would have characterized it a little differently...I would have said: "Dolson lumbers by the defender"...however, in either case...it was great to see the big girl put it on the floor and take it to the hole. Way to go Stef...keep it up. 7 more....

 

[MilfordHusky]

Stef was indeed the second best center in the nation last night. She took control of the team and showed us her game that we saw late last year. The kid can be really, really good. She is outstanding offensively--passing, hitting jumpers, scoring in the lane with either hand. I like the lineup with her and Kiah. Add Breanna and Morgan next year, and our inside play will be very, very strong.

 

[speedoo]

The best thing was, even at a high level of energy, Stef was playing with enough poise to recognize openings on the floor and then go after it right away. In past games, she often looked tight and tried to force the issue when nothing was there. KML and Bria were also good in this regard last night. Each had several plays where they allowed the offense to create a good situation for them, which they then took further responsibility for exploiting by a quick dribble-to-a-spot and mid-range penetration. They did not wait for *only* a completely wide open look or a layup underneath. Clearly we like those best, but they do not always present themselves.

This is when UCONN is most dangerous, because when the players get hesitant and play tight, they tend to rely on the offense itself to deliver clear scoring opportunities all of the time. The irony is, if the individual does not show initiative in occasionally breaking down the defense in the mid-range when opportunities present, the defense will become ever more confident and adept at sagging and disrupting our offensive flow. So it becomes a vicious cycle.

And how about Kelly's turn-around jumper off glass from the right block ? Now THAT was a thing of beauty. No hesitation, reasonable range for her, and a good shot selection for her--off glass. Another great example of [quick!] recognition. The individual has to be a threat to make those kinds of plays, where the offense has gotten the ball into a pretty darned good spot, even if it's not a layup or a wide-open face-up look. Players still have to make plays.

GREAT post. You put into words what I was noticing last night.

 

[Bestiarius]

For much of the season I've thought she looks physically tired. Perhaps lost too much weight over the summer or worked too hard trying to get in shape? Perhaps she's been able to get more rest lately and it seems that she's gained a few pounds plus her mind is in the right place, all to the good.

I know it shows a good attitude, but I cringe when I see Stef dive for the ball, particularly when it's not needed to win the game. That's a tall tree to be falling at 32 feet per second.

Regarding the blow bys, I wouldn't want to get in the way of that freight train on the way to the basket. She's pushing a lot of air, sucking the benches right off the platform as she goes by. And I don't see her as lumbering. To me she's more a ballet dancer.