Forwards & centers

[Bone Dog]

by the time February rolls around Boston will be in WNBA Rookie Of The Year mode. A college freshman (bench player) will have no chance.

You mean like last March against Dre’una? Or Rhyne Howard against Princeton? Anyone can be outplayed on any day, even in February or March.

 

[Carnac]

Hey, save the condescending tone towards Deberry for another board. It's possible to disagree with a tone of respect for her (where you at Cancontent). LOL!! Nah, but by the time February rolls around Boston will be in WNBA Rookie Of The Year mode. A college freshman (bench player) will have no chance. Sorry

Yes, you're right Billineckz for calling me out. After reading that last line again, I want to retract it. I like DeBerry. Those types of observations should be kept to one's self. I'm going to ask a mod to delete that last sentence. It's out of bounds. Sometimes I get carried away. That was one of those times. It won't happen again. Sorry Amari. I have requested a MOD to delete that last sentence.

 

[oldhusky]

Save the condescending tone for a different board. It's possible to disagree with a tone of respect.

I recall Boston being pretty dominant as a freshman. I also recall Aaliyah Edwards being competitive with her as a freshman when Boston was a sophomore in their loss to UConn. Anything is possible as Kevin Garnett says.

There is some truth in this. Boston was very good as a freshman, then took a step backwards as a sophomore. Aaliyah had a very good freshman season and took a step backwards last year. So when Aaliyah seemed competitive with Boston was her good freshmen season against Boston's lessor sophomore year.

After losing a close one to Stanford in the Final Four. Boston dedicated herself in the offseason with less weight, more strength, much faster sprint times and several inches higher vertical leap. She was much better and more dominant her junior year. Now Aaliyah needs to rebound from a disappointing season, and I think the early signs are good, but Boston has reached a higher level.

We have more bodies to bang with Boston this year. Dorka is more physical than Liv was, Ice can help a-lot, Ayanna is physical, and maybe Amari can be a top shot blocker although her style is more finesse. Throw in Aaliyah and we will need to deal with Boston by committee. In the final game Liv was injured and Dorka wasn't available. Considering we were using just a three big rotation for most of the season those two situations were devastating, and we had to play a team that dominates just about everybody on the boards.

Not being able to hold our own on the boards under those circumstances, against the best rebounding team in the country, was quite predictable. We might not be equal to SC on the boards this year either, but if we are healthy, and the freshmen step up, we can get close on rebounds, and give Boston different looks from a variety of talented bigs. Just don't be dominated inside, and we have advantages at other positions and could beat them.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Hey, save the condescending tone towards Deberry for another board. It's possible to disagree with a tone of respect for her (where you at Cancontent). LOL!! Nah, but by the time February rolls around Boston will be in WNBA Rookie Of The Year mode. A college freshman (bench player) will have no chance. Sorry

...are you sure you are on the correct board? Muffett McGraw-like comments go on the Notre Dame boards.

We try to frame comments in a positive manner, and the UCONN women have a long time to work together before the (first) South Carolina matchup in February, 2023. 23 games (that count) to be exact.

i believe it will be a good ride! Buckle up!

Should be the best transition game fed by strong defensive effort since MOJEFF, Tuck & Stewie were on the court for UCONN.

 

[Cuango]

Yes.
But before I speculate;
Let’s see UCONN neutralize Morrow before we move on to Boston.

Last I looked, we don’t have to neutralize Morrow. She scored 30 & 14 and we still won! Boston imo likely cannot be neutralized. All you can do is make things as difficult as possible for her and make up the difference with your other four players (and subs). Of course, not having to put a shell of our healthy team on the floor will likely help as well!

 

[mattlow710]

Last year, we lost because we loss on rebound,
I just cant believed why can let grab the rebound so easily, especially offensive rebound

 

[Cuango]

Lol, no-wins against the Gamecocks. They better focus on winning the BE.

Judging from our long record of dominance, we don’t need to focus on winning the BE! That problem is well in hand. SC, admittedly, is a problem to be dealt with!

 

[TCC Kid]

Losing Paige is bad, but the team seems to be still loaded at guard. At the forward and center position, I’m less certain we have the strong bangers needed to beat a team like South Carolina and neutralize Boston. Maybe I’m focusing too much on Boston- she’s so strong and relentless. Do we even need to become a team of bangers?
Dorka always seemed more a finesse type player to me. Especially since she is returning from the broken wrist, will she mix it up down low and provide muscle? Geno likes the high-low combo- with Liv and Aaliyah, one was up high and the other was down low. Aaliyah doesn’t flourish as well up high in my opinion, so I think Dorka should be up high, but that means Dorka isn’t down low.
Can Amari become a banger or a force down low near the basket? It seemed she like being up high and shooting from there. The opportunity is there for her to really contribute.
I think Patterson will be a stud and a rebounding force. But she’s a freshman along with Ice. Still, if she comes into the game, maybe to spell relief for a few minutes, I think she will hold her own pretty well.
Am I worrying about nothing? Does UConn need someone to become their own version of Boston? I remember that fantastic tournament game when Louisville beat unbeatable Baylor and Brittany Griner. Best game I ever saw. Maybe UConn is good enough with enough weapons to beat South Carolina even with Boston.

There are guard and there are Guards. None are Paige, except Paige. Hopefully Lou lives up to billing.
Boston, beat Uconn ONCE so did Griner. Geno rarely is beaten twice by the same Post. Geno has used guards effectively. He'll often try to keep the ball out of the POST's hands, by guarding the Point Guard tightly.
Patterson has potential, yet she is only 6'3" she has the disadvantage weight and height--what does she have Boston doesn't have--mobility, foot work, dunking, scoring away from the basket.
Ameri shall never be a BANGER. She can be a scorer a more like ONO than Boston.
If Uconn is lucky enough to face S.Carolina again, I like UCWBB;s chances.

 

[sharris25]

There are guard and there are Guards. None are Paige, except Paige. Hopefully Lou lives up to billing.
Boston, beat Uconn ONCE so did Griner. Geno rarely is beaten twice by the same Post. Geno has used guards effectively. He'll often try to keep the ball out of the POST's hands, by guarding the Point Guard tightly.
Patterson has potential, yet she is only 6'3" she has the disadvantage weight and height--what does she have Boston doesn't have--mobility, foot work, dunking, scoring away from the basket.
Ameri shall never be a BANGER. She can be a scorer a more like ONO than Boston.
If Uconn is lucky enough to face S.Carolina again, I like UCWBB;s chances.

I enjoy these takes, but as a visitor, I will remind everyone that not only was South Carolina the best rebounding team in the country, they were the best shot blocking team in the country and their defense is elite. Boston has already beat Uconn three times in her career and defensively SC has held Uconn to its worst three scoring quarters ever. They return 4 starters and bring back the majority of a team that plays defense as well anyone in the country. Not saying Uconn will not be a formidable opponent, but to think that a team that has now been with Dawn Staley 4 years together, will just be overtaken talent, strength or skill wise by the contributions of players coming off major injuries incoming freshmen navigating their first season of major college basketball is a stretch in my eyes, but as many have said before time will tell.

 

[Reypl21]

There are guard and there are Guards. None are Paige, except Paige. Hopefully Lou lives up to billing.
Boston, beat Uconn ONCE so did Griner. Geno rarely is beaten twice by the same Post. Geno has used guards effectively. He'll often try to keep the ball out of the POST's hands, by guarding the Point Guard tightly.
Patterson has potential, yet she is only 6'3" she has the disadvantage weight and height--what does she have Boston doesn't have--mobility, foot work, dunking, scoring away from the basket.
Ameri shall never be a BANGER. She can be a scorer a more like ONO than Boston.
If Uconn is lucky enough to face S.Carolina again, I like UCWBB;s chances.

Boston has beaten UConn 3 times. You say Boston doesn't have mobility, footwork, or scoring away from the basket? And you compare that with Patterson who hasn't played any college ball yet. Hmm, interesting...

 

[Skeets]

Yes, you're right Billineckz for calling me out. After reading that last line again, I want to retract it. I like DeBerry. Those types of observations should be kept to one's self. I'm going to ask a mod to delete that last sentence. It's out of bounds. Sometimes I get carried away. That was one of those times. It won't happen again. Sorry Amari. I have requested a MOD to delete that last sentence.

Carnac, you are a big man. But, there's no need to beat yourself and apologize. People say disparaging things about Nika all the time without feeling any need to apologize.

 

[cancontent]

Hey, save the condescending tone towards Deberry for another board. It's possible to disagree with a tone of respect for her (where you at Cancontent). LOL!! Nah, but by the time February rolls around Boston will be in WNBA Rookie Of The Year mode. A college freshman (bench player) will have no chance. Sorry

Keep chirping as this obviously is something that makes you feel better. You know this comparison doesn't prove any points.

 

[KingKong139]

I recall we beat Ms. Morrow and DePaul last year, twice. Did I miss another
DePaul game? (tongue in cheek). What I most recall is Caroline "executing" the play
that Geno drew up for the team, was it 1.6 or 1.8 seconds on the clock??
GO HUSKIES!!

Try not to come across as condescending. OP was absolutely right in their statement as you were with yours. We best DePaul twice, doesn’t mean we contained Morrow though!

 

[CocoHusky]

Carnac, you are a big man. But, there's no need to beat yourself and apologize. People say disparaging things about Nika all the time without feeling any need to apologize.

There goes that amazing sensitivity towards critique of Nika again, in a thread about forwards and centers no less.

 

[Stymie]

Please let me suggest: a great deal of the time
(not withstanding Dorka’s injury), in UCONN’s offensive scheme, often a big is positioned far from the boards- to the top of the key ( dealing the ball/screening) or to the elbow (screening/looking for or taking a shot).
This tends to eliminate them from put-back opportunities or rebounds by an opponent that has already staked out a position closer in.
I’m not arguing, but I’m sure Coach knows this and it a situation he is willing to allow to occur as a result of his offensive approach.
There is a saying that “ when someone only has a hammer, everything is a nail”.
I think that with so many tools now in his toolbox, Coach can offer a variety of looks- same motion offense- hard inside, or ( my preferred) a combination of both.
The more looks UCONN can present, the more difficult they will be to prepare for.

 

[Bald Husky]

There goes that amazing sensitivity towards critique of Nika again, in a thread about forwards and centers no less.
View attachment 79054

LOL, it's funny how Nika's name keeps cropping up no matter what the thread is about. There must be more comments about her than any player in our history, even Paige maybe. LOL

 

[CocoHusky]

Please let me suggest: a great deal of the time
(not withstanding Dorka’s injury), in UCONN’s offensive scheme, often a big is positioned far from the boards- to the top of the key ( dealing the ball/screening) or to the elbow (screening/looking for or taking a shot).
This tends to eliminate them from put-back opportunities or rebounds by an opponent that has already staked out a position closer in.
I’m not arguing, but I’m sure Coach knows this and it a situation he is willing to allow to occur as a result of his offensive approach.
There is a saying that “ when someone only has a hammer, everything is a nail”.
I think that with so many tools now in his toolbox, Coach can offer a variety of looks- same motion offense- hard inside, or ( my preferred) a combination of both.
The more looks UCONN can present, the more difficult they will be to prepare for.

The most urgent missing tool from the UCONN offensive kit is and remains a post player that is able to provide easy baskets and be more productive on the paint touches. This has been a 3 years struggle and without such a player the UCONN offense has been relying on almost perfect half court execution and getting streaky deep ball shooting. Aaliyah struggles last year were typical-after shooting an astounding 69% as a freshman her FG% dropped off by significantly (down to 52%) and keep in mind this is from a player that rarely ever shoots from deep. More productive paint touches can come in three flavors 1) Less turnovers form the post players AE and ONO were the team leaders in TO last season 2) Shooting a higher FG percentage at the basket (this needs to be expanded beyond the post Players). 3) Having a player at the basket put you in better offensive rebounding position as has already been mentioned and this floor balance does wonders for your defense efficiency as well. For example, it is harder for a team to start transition if they are starting by taking the ball out of the net versus grabbing a rebound that is above the foul line.

 

[Bone Dog]

The most urgent missing tool from the UCONN offensive kit is and remains a post player that is able to provide easy baskets and be more productive on the paint touches. This has been a 3 years struggle and without such a player the UCONN offense has been relying on almost perfect half court execution and getting streaky deep ball shooting. Aaliyah struggles last year were typical-after shooting an astounding 69% as a freshman her FG% dropped off by significantly (down to 52%) and keep in mind this is from a player that rarely ever shoots from deep. More productive paint touches can come in three flavors 1) Less turnovers form the post players AE and ONO were the team leaders in TO last season 2) Shooting a higher FG percentage at the basket (this needs to be expanded beyond the post Players). 3) Having a player at the basket put you in better offensive rebounding position as has already been mentioned and this floor balance does wonders for your defense efficiency as well. For example, it is harder for a team to start transition if they are starting by taking the ball out of the net versus grabbing a rebound that is above the foul line.

Can’t disagree with any of this excellent assessment. I’d add that the passing game, even around the perimeter, was quicker when we had posts like Steph and Stewie on the floor. Watching some of those games now, I’m really struck by the lightning speed of the passing game. I’m not sure what the connection is between strong posts and quick passing, but I suspect Geno knows what it is.

 

[Bald Husky]

Can’t disagree with any of this excellent assessment. I’d add that the passing game, even around the perimeter, was quicker when we had posts like Steph and Stewie on the floor. Watching some of those games now, I’m really struck by the lightning speed of the passing game. I’m not sure what the connection is between strong posts and quick passing, but I suspect Geno knows what it is.

Completely agree, watching some of last years games it annoys me when Liv or AE are at the high post turning from left to right for more than 5-7 seconds looking for someone to pass to. At that point the play is dead and they have to make a decision to turn and shoot or drive. It just really slows up the offense.

 

[Bald Husky]

Our half court offense seems to not have changed in many years, and I hate to admit it, but it really hasn't been that effective. The PG dribbles to the right, hands off to the wing who dribbles to the top of the key and passes to the left to the other wing. Then, back to the PG at the top of the Key. At that point, it goes to the high post for them to make a play. Unless its Paige out there, there is not a lot of confidence by me that a score is coming. We need to push the ball more, but all the players have to run up court, not just the PG. Sorry to be negative, but something new could energize this team, and us fans. BTW, I am energized all the time so if anyone wants to question me about that, that's my answer.

 

[cancontent]

The most urgent missing tool from the UCONN offensive kit is and remains a post player that is able to provide easy baskets and be more productive on the paint touches. This has been a 3 years struggle and without such a player the UCONN offense has been relying on almost perfect half court execution and getting streaky deep ball shooting. Aaliyah struggles last year were typical-after shooting an astounding 69% as a freshman her FG% dropped off by significantly (down to 52%) and keep in mind this is from a player that rarely ever shoots from deep. More productive paint touches can come in three flavors 1) Less turnovers form the post players AE and ONO were the team leaders in TO last season 2) Shooting a higher FG percentage at the basket (this needs to be expanded beyond the post Players). 3) Having a player at the basket put you in better offensive rebounding position as has already been mentioned and this floor balance does wonders for your defense efficiency as well. For example, it is harder for a team to start transition if they are starting by taking the ball out of the net versus grabbing a rebound that is above the foul line.

I'm hopeful that what I saw during the summer at GloblJam will carry over into this upcoming season. She looked a lot more comfortable taking outside shots. Best way to describe it was that she seems smoother. Once she got the pass, she didn't seem to have that pause like before.

 

[CocoHusky]

Our half court offense seems to not have changed in many years, and I hate to admit it, but it really hasn't been that effective. The PG dribbles to the right, hands off to the wing who dribbles to the top of the key and passes to the left to the other wing. Then, back to the PG at the top of the Key. At that point, it goes to the high post for them to make a play. Unless its Paige out there, there is not a lot of confidence by me that a score is coming. We need to push the ball more, but all the players have to run up court, not just the PG. Sorry to be negative, but something new could energize this team, and us fans. BTW, I am energized all the time so if anyone wants to question me about that, that's my answer.

It has been the same offense and what I believe you are severely underestimating is both the time it would require to implemented a new scheme and the lack of fundamentals of the of the UCONN front court players over the past few years. Geno has tweaked the hell out and simplified the UCONN offense over the past three years but unfortunately those tweaks go unnoticed by most fans who tend to focus more on the bottom line of wins and losses and and the playing time of their favorite players vs what is actually happening on the floor from game to game and even quarter to quarter. Even Geno's most brilliant adjustments will never be enough to overcome the lack of fundaments. Since you mention that dribble handoff the reason it is not working for UCONN is because the defense doesn't have to honor that action. Many times the post player handing off the ball is not a credible threat to do anything besides hand off that ball, The UCONN post players lack the patience to let the play start with a proper ball screen and develop according to how the defense reacts. These are really fundamental things that are not going to get fix by moving to a different offensive scheme because those same fundamentals are required regardless of which scheme you decide to move to.

 

[Going4Natty]

Am I worrying about nothing?

Yes

 

[Alydar]

An excellent observation Bone Dog!!! I agree completely. If Ice Brady matures by early February like I think she will, she may be able to keep Boston from having a big game against us by simply boxing her out on the defensive end. Keep her out of the paint. Keep her from getting offensive rebounds/put backs that she has become so adept at. Keep Boston off the glass and you have a good chance at beating them. Boston has become a double-double machine. Keep a body on Boston without fouling her. Not an easy assignment. Boston is relentless. Also not a bad idea to go right at her early in the game to try and get her in foul trouble. Disrupt her rhythm, timing and effectiveness and you have a good chance of beating the Gamecocks.

There's another strategy. I saw it work once against Jordan. Instead of trying to limit him, the other team forced him to do most of the scoring for 3 periods. Then, with Jordan fatigued, they doubled him in the 4th period. His team, after basically standing around on offense for 3 periods couldn't hit anything and Chicago got beat.

I wouldn't waste the effort to devise a defense to stop Boston. Just make her work hard for her points.

 

[Carnac]

There's another strategy. I saw it work once against Jordan. Instead of trying to limit him, the other team forced him to do most of the scoring for 3 periods. Then, with Jordan fatigued, they doubled him in the 4th period. His team, after basically standing around on offense for 3 periods couldn't hit anything and Chicago got beat.

I wouldn't waste the effort to devise a defense to stop Boston. Just make her work hard for her points.

I like it. It's worth a try. What have we got to lose? Some players to tend to wilt in the 4th quarter. I like the idea of helping her wilt. The earlier the better.

 

[Alydar]

Save the condescending tone for a different board. It's possible to disagree with a tone of respect.

I recall Boston being pretty dominant as a freshman. I also recall Aaliyah Edwards being competitive with her as a freshman when Boston was a sophomore in their loss to UConn. Anything is possible as Kevin Garnett says.

I think dominant is too strong against teams like UConn in her first 2 years. She was effective, but only for her first 15-20 minutes. She tired. Evidence: six or seven missed bunnies at the end of the UConn and Stanford games as a sophomore.

Some players leave college with essentially the same body they had when they arrived. Boston made the change after her sophomore year. Dolson did it after her junior season. Many other players wait till they turn pro to get fitter/stronger.

 

[cancontent]

I think dominant is too strong against teams like UConn in her first 2 years. She was effective, but only for her first 15-20 minutes. She tired. Evidence: six or seven missed bunnies at the end of the UConn and Stanford games as a sophomore.

Some players leave college with essentially the same body they had when they arrived. Boston made the change after her sophomore year. Dolson did it after her junior season. Many other players wait till they turn pro to get fitter/stronger.

Fair, however my point was regarding her season in general. If we're looking specifically at certain games, like UConn, I see where you're coming from.

 

[Alydar]

I like it. It's worth a try. What have we got to lose? Some players to tend to wilt in the 4th quarter. I like the idea of helping her wilt. The earlier the better.

Fair, however my point was regarding her season in general. If we're looking specifically at certain games, like UConn, I see where you're coming from.

Games are won and lost by teams for the most part. Even great scorers rely on their teammates. However, I was very disappointed when Boston went to SC.

 

[Bald Husky]

I like it. It's worth a try. What have we got to lose? Some players to tend to wilt in the 4th quarter. I like the idea of helping her wilt. The earlier the better.

LOL, this may work against the guards and wings, but I doubt Boston will get tired by shooting lay-ups.

 

[Carnac]

LOL, this may work against the guards and wings, but I doubt Boston will get tired by shooting lay-ups.

We can only hope. UConn needs to do something. To me, SC is the biggest game on our schedule. They were the team that kept UConn from winning #12. Dawn Staley has already said publically that her team has every intention of repeating. Basically, she has drawn a line in the sand.