Fuller: UConn starting to get defensive

[UConnCat]

Geno seems to think this year's Huskies will be pretty good defensively, even without Kelly. He mentions quickness up front and length in the back.

"I think we have a chance to be a pretty good defensive team," Auriemma said. "I think every year our defense is going to be one of the if not our biggest strength. There are a lot of factors, a lot of components that makes teams good defensive teams and I think we have the right components in terms of people and now we just have to make sure we do all the things that make teams really good defensive teams. We are better than we were the first week of practice, that is for sure."

Also, Jim offers an observation on Kiah:

Two encouraging signs have been how fluid and aggressive Banks looks following her long road of recovery from a torn ACL and the way Stokes seems to be producing on a more regular basis.

Stokes was outstanding in the second half of the final preseason game and did some good things in practice.

"She's been doing that every day, blocking shots, getting rebounds, talking so it is what we need from her right now," Dolson said.

The biggest sign of growth in Stokes is that Auriemma is really getting after her in practice. There were times when Auriemma got so frustrated with Stokes during her first two seasons that he wouldn't even bother criticizing her in practice but that is clearly not the case any longer.
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http://elmcitytoeaglevillenhr.blogspot.com/

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Well we do know that with Geno criticism is the sincerest form of flattery. You have risen to the level where you are worth yelling at!

 

[MilfordHusky]

He criticizes those he knows can do better. Good for Kiah.

She could be really, really good the next 2 years.

 

[UcMiami]

People have talked about the guards applying pressure and their quickness, but when Uconn pressed last year Stewart was integral to the back court pressure with her length and her own quickness causing a lot of havoc. Looking forward to that again this year.

 

[Icebear]

People have talked about the guards applying pressure and their quickness, but when Uconn pressed last year Stewart was integral to the back court pressure with her length and her own quickness causing a lot of havoc. Looking forward to that again this year.

I think Stewie's length and our guar quickness work together. Stewie's length forces less than point perfect passes and the guards exploit that with their speed. The guards quickness forces pressure on opponents and harried passes that Stewie's long arms can intercept.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

 

[connboy77]

We all expect big things from Kiah this year. If she plays the way we think she will this year then UCONN is going to be that much better.