Ft Hays State Postgame Thread

[Heytherego]

 

[bmayuc]

1. Bueckers will be so much different this year - without having to score 25 a game to compensate for limited teammates, you are going to see her defensive & assist numbers skyrocket - she might average 8-9 assists this year.

2. Worst case, right now, Azzi Fudd is basically senior Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis v2. Just being on the court as a catch/shoot player is a complete game-changer and they weren't joking that shot is pure.

3. I've tried for years to put a finger on why ONO hasn't put it together. She never been reliable or "Solid" in the way that players like Kiah Stokes or Steph Dolson were. Those two didn't make every play, but they stood their ground, didn't make mistakes, and were well positioned. They made others make mistakes - while ONO is constantly a half-step out of position, goes for pump fakes, misses bunnies, etc. Its an intangible, personality/style/confidence thing, but its very real.

Im not sayin that to trash ONO - she's good, she's fine, she is what she is and that will be valuable this season. But Dorka and Edwards ARE reliable. They make the plays they can make, all the time. They are rugged. Its just a huge deal.

4. DuCharme is real. Having a 6'2 player who is a baller, is scrappy, makes athletic/skilled plays like her is super rare. If she makes shots, you just can't take her off the floor. Assists, steals, etc is a real plus.

 

[Oracle9]

Dorka is going to play A LOT of minutes this year.

Agreed.. Also Caroline.

 

[D J B]

Not a sky is falling post, but next week will tell a lot more about everyone. ARK size and athleticism will be an order of magnitude higher the Ft Hays.

Whatever would make you think this?

 

[EricSD]

Why? Every time Geno spoke of the team he rained kudos all over Dorka? Remember Dorka, as a sophomore and a junior, was on the Big Ten first team and as a freshman she was on the second team. Others have expressed the same sentiment. Maybe relative to Dorka I wear my rose colored glasses.

Because I hadn't seen her play. By the same token, people have said "Azzi doesn't miss" - she was 3-3 in H1, and 0-5 in H2. So her shooting was not as good as anticipated. IMHO.

 

[uconnever]

1. Bueckers will be so much different this year - without having to score 25 a game to compensate for limited teammates, you are going to see her defensive & assist numbers skyrocket - she might average 8-9 assists this year.

2. Worst case, right now, Azzi Fudd is basically senior Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis v2. Just being on the court as a catch/shoot player is a complete game-changer and they weren't joking that shot is pure.

3. I've tried for years to put a finger on why ONO hasn't put it together. She never been reliable or "Solid" in the way that players like Kiah Stokes or Steph Dolson were. Those two didn't make every play, but they stood their ground, didn't make mistakes, and were well positioned. They made others make mistakes - while ONO is constantly a half-step out of position, goes for pump fakes, misses bunnies, etc. Its an intangible, personality/style/confidence thing, but its very real.

Im not sayin that to trash ONO - she's good, she's fine, she is what she is and that will be valuable this season. But Dorka and Edwards ARE reliable. They make the plays they can make, all the time. They are rugged. Its just a huge deal.

4. DuCharme is real. Having a 6'2 player who is a baller, is scrappy, makes athletic/skilled plays like her is super rare. If she makes shots, you just can't take her off the floor. Assists, steals, etc is a real plus.

So true, ONO is unreliable and Dorka is. You said it perfectly, I love ONO for her role on this team, but Dorka will probably be on the floor when it counts. Edwards also, they won’t miss the one’s they should make.

 

[eebmg]

So true, ONO is unreliable and Dorka is. You said it perfectly, I love ONO for her role on this team, but Dorka will probably be on the floor when it counts. Edwards also, they won’t miss the one’s they should make.

Just make Dorka fire 1000 FT's a day and if that does not work, underhand.

 

[HopJim]

Westbrook had an extremely efficient few minutes. Curious why she did not play much after starting. Could her playing time be representative of her current physical condition?

 

[D J B]

Just make Dorka fire 1000 FT's a day and if that does not work, underhand.

Ah yes, the old "granny shot". Rick Barry shot all his free throws that way, and finished his illustrious career with a 90% FT rate. His highest for one year was 95%.

 

[my2cents]

After what seems like a long off season of not posting, this is a a pre-season post, so if am I little off, forgive me.
Hard to judge against a D2 school, but Ft Hayes St looked pretty good, and could win some games in the Big East.
I was most impressed by Dorka, I thought she ways way quicker with the ball than any of other bigs, would not be surprised if she was a starter soon.
For the most part everyone else played well, but in one game, did not see any vast difference from a year ago. I know its not fair, but understandable, that I judge this team as to how they would do in a national semi-final game. They need Paige to be more assertive on offense ( get to foul the line), CW to make outside shots and foul shots, Liv to not shoot outside shots and make fouls shots, etc, otherwise they will lose to a physical team again.

 

[Bald Husky]

Not going into specifics because just about everything that has been said I agree with. I am very pleased with the newcomers as well as LYs players. Although Nika was solid, I guess she will never take advantage of an open shot in the paint. Still I think she is valuable and will see alot of minutes relieving Paige and Evina.
BUT, not to be negative, but two glaring problems that drove me crazy last year are still happening.
One, bad free throw shooting, two, the inability to defend the three point shot. Granted our offence this year will cover some problems, but lets be clear that if we want to win the NC this year, all parts of our game have to be working. Believe it or not, I am really happy with this team, and these bunch of kids will really be fun to watch. Go Huskies.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Had to go out right after the game . So this is repetitous I'm sure. I suspect CW has left off where she was last March with the foul shooting. Of course, you might not notice because it may be that everyone will soon have a poor FT average and in a tight game fouling the Huskies will be gospel.

We are blessed to have Dorka. She's focused, skilled and pretty quick. Liv's old faults are her faults as of Nov. 7, 2021. I was pleased with the little we saw of Piath and Amari. Hopefully they will be worth of some helpful court time by BE Tournament time.

Her shot wasn't falling, but I was delighted with Caroline's performance. She's a hard nosed savy gamer and those arms belong on someone a bit taller.

Azzi's 3 ... what to say. I have to see more of it. I enjoyed watching her on defense too. What am I going to be watching on her shot? How many will she pass up? She passed off a number that were shootable (a word?). I've seen her have a lot of nifty moves around the rim, but does she have a real jump shot or must she square off? I just don't know, having seen very limited HS/AAU footage.

 

[DEpup]

Also saw some flash from Mir.
Was happy to see that.
Love love love her athleticism.

To me, I was most disappointed with Mir. Looked the same... only put backs, nothing in the midrange, and I saw several threes jacked up in front of her because her perimeter defense has not improved. I felt like she helped Ft. Hayes score in the 3rd.... and maybe Geno wanted that film for practice....

Love Dorka and Caroline. I think they will be the x factors. We knew how good Azzi was but the two of them add a lot over last year's bench.

CW was on point. Only picky thing I could say was I'd like to see better 3pt shooting.

Piath looked much improved over how she started last season. I think she will get the most improved award by the end of the season.

 

[oldude]

Not going into specifics because just about everything that has been said I agree with. I am very pleased with the newcomers as well as LYs players. Although Nika was solid, I guess she will never take advantage of an open shot in the paint. Still I think she is valuable and will see alot of minutes relieving Paige and Evina.
BUT, not to be negative, but two glaring problems that drove me crazy last year are still happening.
One, bad free throw shooting, two, the inability to defend the three point shot. Granted our offence this year will cover some problems, but lets be clear that if we want to win the NC this year, all parts of our game have to be working. Believe it or not, I am really happy with this team, and these bunch of kids will really be fun to watch. Go Huskies.

Agree that FT shooting was not good today. But Ft Hays was only 6/35 from the arc. If any other UConn opponent shoots 35 x 3’s making only 6 of them (17%) I would be ecstatic.

 

[snlMINAJ]

Saylor did not play. I am not sure she was even completely suited up. Does anyone have info on her

you could see a boot on her foot over navy blue sweats.

 

[Charliebball]

The same with the talk of Dorka. I love her. Love her!

But she can't be a miserable f/t shooter. If she is- then she can't be a weapon. She can be okay but not a weapon. She was miserable f/t shooter at Ohio State. This isn't "Ohio State." UCONN is out for being among top teams - not just "to be close." Every possession counts- including every f/t.

Just hard to figure out. She drills a 3, hits a 17 footer, but her only f/t clanks - and I means clanks off the back of the rim. No big deal this early and ofc only 1 f/t but definitely need to keep an eye on.

And it appears Liv and CWill still struggle to shoot. Can't believe I heard Meg include Liv as a good shooter. And to further that say "she is going to take a lot of 15 footers this year." I screamed "No!! Please no!!!"

we really are doomed.......

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Absolutely.

Not one player had any Deer in headlights and I am in love with how Caroline (I refuse Caroline Ducharme) plays. Perpetual movement. Fights \hard on defense and in the post. Her shots are the last thing I worry about.

You and I will stand shoulder to shoulder on that ridiculous Caroline Ducharme!

 

[DEpup]

Westbrook had an extremely efficient few minutes. Curious why she did not play much after starting. Could her playing time be representative of her current physical condition?

I would say the coaches know what E provides so why bother taking risks in an exhibition. She went out, hit some shots, and was efficient. Think preseason football. The prized first string players especially the veterans play a couple series and then sit the rest of the game. If I were the coaches, I want to see what the newbies do.

 

[Stymie]

I usually hate hate hate the idea of losing games. Especially a coach suggesting it. There is a thread on here that had a quote from Geno that it would be a benefit maybe to lose a couple of games. I see now with Azzi she is similar to Paige. content to let the game flow. Paige sort of changed during the Ark game. I wonder if it would take for something like that for Azzi to feel like she needs to do more. Heck she was 3-6 from 3- and one was in then rattled out. Anyhow 50% from 3 is equivalent to 75% from 2. I agree with you Azzi I want to see more aggressive but not sure she will until after something like a loss.

In regards to the potential f/t problem, unfortunately is due to the players most apt to get fouled are the players that will struggle most at the ft line.

His comments weren’t really about planning on losing games.
It was more a reference to his early season desire to schedule the toughest opponents possible; to challenge his players and give them a taste of adversity.
Let’s face it, for much of the past decade ( first the AAC, and now the reformulated Big East), the level of compilation has been wanting.
Once conference play starts, it’s pretty much a cakewalk.
How can you learn to deal with adversity when most of your games are real over by the middle of the second quarter?

 

[Blacketh’D]

Dorka impressed the most I would say because we know what our post game has been like the last couple years. I think everyone else did what was expected. They coasted through an easy win and I don’t have much takeaways. Fun seeing them play but for me that was all it was, just entertainment. More interested in next week

 

[Stymie]

Just make Dorka fire 1000 FT's a day and if that does not work, underhand.

HaHaHaHa

 

[topogigio]

Just got home from the game. Here are some observations not noted yet; no traffic getting out, relatively warm out for walk back to car, so all in all in, it was a great afternoon. The feeling of just being in an arena with real people cheering was fantastic, everyone stood for the National Anthem, and crowd sang along. Student section filled and really active and loud. Band was sharp for first game. Wearing a mask sucks!
As for the basketball; Dorka is the real deal - she will push Liv very hard for minutes, and may even deserve more time than the senior.
Azzi is lights out if left open, this will really open up the floor. She also is very good on defense, and passes well.
Ducharme IS very sneaky, as Geno would say. Her hard cuts to the basket, and finishes were quite impressive.
Paige is so cool controlling the action, She sees stuff 2 passes ahead. A couple of great passed went for naught.
Nika and Caroline Ducharme are very hard to distinguish from the upper section.
Evina was super efficient in all aspects of her game.
Oliva did finish a bit stronger than last year, a pleasant surprise, but fouls too much.
Edwards is still a beast! ( In a good sense).
Williams was terrific with her aggressive slashing moves to the basket, defense, and a couple of rebounds.
Mir was really aggressive in the minutes she played.
Piath has lost considerable weight (again in a good sense), had some nice rebounds and put backs.
Deberry is going to be good in time.
As noted in previous posts, foul shooting needs improvement.
I thought there was an E in Ft. Hays, but they competed, ran some good plays, and hit some 3's, Their hardest game is behind them.
A bottle of Coke is $6!!!!

 

[Stymie]

I DO love Liv.
Always working hard and a real team player.
With her tools and her experience-I THINK SHE NEEDS A SHOT OF AGGRESSION!
By that, I mean she needs to play more with a chip on her shoulder, show more aggression, stake out her Real Estate.
Gonna foul? Foul hard.
Want that rebound? RIP it down.
A hard foul costs just as many foul shots as a soft one.
I really, really want her to do well.
Is she hearing footsteps? (Dorka, Aayliah?)
If I were a confidant of hers, (and I’m not) I’d tell her to let it all out, play unafraid, leave it all on the court.
And while you’re in there- take no prisoners.

 

[Mdoggie]

I think initially Caroline had "deer in the headlights eyes" but settled down in the fourth quarter and displayed her complete game. And I second your emotion relative to using Caroline in lieu of the Caroline Ducharme moniker which is to me disrespectful. She is her own person. It is a lazy way referring to her.

She can’t be her own person! Are you crazy? We (boneyard) have to compare every player to a previous player. It’s the rules. If you suggest otherwis, you don’t belong here!!

 

[SVCBeercats]

Because I hadn't seen her play. By the same token, people have said "Azzi doesn't miss" - she was 3-3 in H1, and 0-5 in H2. So her shooting was not as good as anticipated. IMHO.

Fortunately, a single data point does not make a trand.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I was so happy to see live play against an opponent, even if D-2. I was also happy to see a crowd.

I thought everyone played well, some better than others, some more expected than others.

I like our new additions, especially Dorka, Azzi, and Caroline.

Before the season starts, I'm proposing a rule change. When your team gets fouled, anyone on the team can shoot the FTs. Azzi would lead the nation in scoring.

 

[Jewels]

Saylor did not play. I am not sure she was even completely suited up. Does anyone have info on her

She had a boot on her right foot

 

[oldude]

I was so happy to see live play against an opponent, even if D-2. I was also happy to see a crowd.

I thought everyone played well, some better than others, some more expected than others.

I like our new additions, especially Dorka, Azzi, and Caroline.

Before the season starts, I'm proposing a rule change. When your team gets fouled, anyone on the team can shoot the FTs. Azzi would lead the nation in scoring.

That’s what they do in soccer.

 

[Gus Mahler]

What most impressed me was just how tall and long DuCharme is. She might well be a legit 6-2.

 

[mdmiller6]

Because I hadn't seen her play. By the same token, people have said "Azzi doesn't miss" - she was 3-3 in H1, and 0-5 in H2. So her shooting was not as good as anticipated. IMHO.

She will be fine, you tell the talent is their, she just needs to shoot more.