Geno on Amari

[HuskylnSC]

I am really glad to hear so many have joined the 'Amari Fan Club'. I hope we have heard the last of some calling her a project. And with some of you, we are expecting a significant sophomore jump. An off season of building up her strength, understanding the defense and she will be the perfect replacement for Liv in the high post offense and in a rotation with Dorka and Aaliyah. I don't know if Piath has the time to develop some offensive arsenal, but she seems to understand the defense better than Amari right now.

 

[Stinger92860]

If you listen to Geno’s post game interview he said he’d like to give Piath and Amari more playing time but that the offense runs more smoothly when the starters play together for long stretches. With the constant line up changes, he’s got to give the starters more time together so they can gel offensively.

A lot of fans think of the players as interchangeable but they aren’t. The team needs consistency going into the post season.

I don‘t think you can focus on 5 for the very reason of the lineup changes. There has to be a rotation of 7 maybe 8. Just look at the injuries this year and you also need to plan for foul trouble. There is a very good player on this team that will not start when Paige returns. Those first 2-3 off the bench have to be accounted for in order to gel also.

 

[donalddoowop]

When Ono first got to UConn Geno said she did not like to practice, that she played better in games.

 

[Carnac]

I am really glad to hear so many have joined the 'Amari Fan Club'. I hope we have heard the last of some calling her a project. And with some of you, we are expecting a significant sophomore jump. An off season of building up her strength, understanding the defense and she will be the perfect replacement for Liv in the high post offense and in a rotation with Dorka and Aaliyah. I don't know if Piath has the time to develop some offensive arsenal, but she seems to understand the defense better than Amari right now.

I am and have been an Amari fan since the day she committed. I’ll wait until she’s done playing at UConn before I arrive at a final conclusion of the level of her success.

 

[Carnac]

When Ono first got to UConn Geno said she did not like to practice, that she played better in games.

It took Gabby Williams a year to get acclimated and understand what she was supposed to do. She said as much in an interview at the beginning of her sophomore year. Look how she turned out.

 

[HuskyinWRNY]

Geno has been very consistent over the years. He tells recruits that he is going to challenge them to become the best possible version of themselves. He is going to demand 100% mental and physical effort. Playing time is his primary reward. The kids have to earn it. That’s how the program sustains a culture of excellence. Nothing is given. Everything is earned. I’m looking forward to the best Amari possible over the next few years. Best aspect of being a UCONN fan- watching these wonderful talented kids become champions in the truest sense of the word.

Those who transferred out will regret the opportunity this crazy year presented. There was so much opportunity to make an impression.

 

[CONN78SEJ]

If you listen to Geno’s post game interview he said he’d like to give Piath and Amari more playing time but that the offense runs more smoothly when the starters play together for long stretches. With the constant line up changes, he’s got to give the starters more time together so they can gel offensively.

A lot of fans think of the players as interchangeable but they aren’t. The team needs consistency going into the post season.

Absolutely Nan, and all of a sudden UConn has a very deep bench. Let’s hope Paige gets at least some pt in the next couple of weeks.

 

[FormerCTrez]

About Shea: “He reprimanded her for bringing no energy to scrimmages, and even benched her for the first half of a game. "If you saw her in practice that first year," says associate head coach Chris Dailey, "you'd wonder why we played her."

Full article here: Inside game

WOW, Shea Ralph! Thank you PuppyLove for sharing this article. Reading it years ago when it was first published gave me an idea of who Shea was. Reading it today reminds me that her dedication, determination, drive, and passion about priorities, even anorexia, make her the strong leader she is.

 

[HuskyNan]

I don‘t think you can focus on 5 for the very reason of the lineup changes. There has to be a rotation of 7 maybe 8. Just look at the injuries this year and you also need to plan for foul trouble. There is a very good player on this team that will not start when Paige returns. Those first 2-3 off the bench have to be accounted for in order to gel also.

Instead of starters, I should have said key players, meaning the top 6-7.

The end of the bench gets in when there’s a comfortable lead. If you pull a key player out, just to give someone more playing time, the offense will be choppy. As we’ve seen in the past several games, the Huskies tend to start slow then becomes a steamroller when they click. They won’t click if you keep replacing parts.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Amari to Geno...lol

Sure glad I spent 10 minutes finding this!

 

[npignatjr]

Last night was 8, when Paige returns rotation will be 9

 

[HuskylnSC]

I am and have been an Amari fan since the day she committed. I’ll wait until she’s done playing at UConn before I arrive at a final conclusion of the level of her success.

Of course. Wouldn't anyone?

 

[Centerstream]

In the chat during halftime, I made the comment that Geno should have Amari and Piath start the 2nd half, with the emoji at the end. I meant my "suggestion" as sarcasm but I guess it wasn't taken that way. After the way they played last night, I would edit my statement to "the 4th quarter" and forget the emoji.

 

[mudcat]

Piath tries very hard and is learning but Amari has far more basketball talent--once she gets out of Geno's doghouse, largely for her uninspiring practices, Amari will light it up--she has a great skillset. I hope she gets more opportunity to show it.

I think they're about equally talented, Amari is WAY ahead in her basketball skills, probably because Piath started basketball at such a late age.

 

[EricSD]

I can't find the "right" picture, but there is on one on the bench who is more engaged in cheering for the team than Amari. I remember in the Tennessee game, when UCONN was making one of its' patented runs, they showed the bench and Amari was letting out a primal scream.

She's so enthusiastic and engaged - Geno said in one interview that after games, they will review game tape, and if the see bench players disinterested or unengaged, it will be a problem for future PT. That is NOT a problem for Amari. And of course it's great seeing her get in and actually do things. She will get it. Her future is very bright.

I just want to add - for all the folks who say Amari and Piath should get even more PT, I disagree 100%. This is a team who has had 9 different starting lineups and it may be 10 when Paige gets back and Geno reconfigures again. This is NOT a team that has had literally ANY consistency on player availability. With the BET and NCAA's coming up, there needs to be as much PT as possible for the core 8 or 9.

About 7 minutes in Q1 and 5 in Q2 was pretty ragged against bottom dweller Xavier. Until the core group can string together longer stretches of excellent play, Piath and Amari won't see the floor until "X" minutes in to Q4, and nor should they. They will not be relied on to win a NC or BET championship this season. Next year, though, watch out!

 

[AmeriConn]

I’m glad Geno prefaced his answer by saying how hard Amari and Piath are working together before practice.

 

[HopJim]

Really? If a Piath type is down low, why can't Amari be the PF using her skills. I doubt we'll ever see her as a down low banger.

With her height, DeBerry will have an advantage most games in the post. No reason she can't score from all over.

 

[Notyetready]

If you listen to Geno’s post game interview he said he’d like to give Piath and Amari more playing time but that the offense runs more smoothly when the starters play together for long stretches. With the constant line up changes, he’s got to give the starters more time together so they can gel offensively.

A lot of fans think of the players as interchangeable but they aren’t. The team needs consistency going into the post season.

I agree Nan. I think in the end what the team needs for a major tournament run is cohesion, the parts becoming the whole. And I think they have the precursor to that cohesion in their sense of unity. You can see it when they huddle for time outs and everybody has their arms wrapped around each other. Carrying that over onto the court will be the next step.

 

[sun]

Geno is preparing Amari for when the team needs her.
I don't believe that anyone can predict with certainty whether UConn will need her going forward this season or not.
There could be injuries, fouls or match up situations where she or Piath will be called upon to play.
They are full members of the team and they belong to it as much as anyone else does.

Those who transferred out will regret the opportunity this crazy year presented. There was so much opportunity to make an impression.

Perhaps or more likely, perhaps not.
Usually there's a perceived problem with the coach or coaching style that allows a player to have closure once they decide to leave.
I doubt that Mir or Saylor will have any regret about transferring whether UConn wins a NC soon or not.
I'll bet that they contemplated the possibilities and weighed their options carefully before each decided to transfer.
If they weren't happy being on the team then they wouldn't be happy if they had stayed, no matter what the seasonal outcomes may be.
Their open spots on the roster are UConn's cross to bear.

 

[Carnac]

Of course. Wouldn't anyone?

No. Some want to judge her NOW on the small number of times they've seen her play, forgetting that Geno has said a thousand times that it takes "most" freshmen a full year before they understand his system, and can "successfully" function in it. Look how quickly Maya Moore came in and adapted to it. on the other end of the spectrum, it took Saniya Chong 3yers before she was able to become a starter. It took her that long before she was able to "consistently" keep her man in front of her.

 

[HuskylnSC]

No. Some want to judge her NOW on the small number of times they've seen her play, forgetting that Geno has said a thousand times that it takes "most" freshmen a full year before they understand his system, and can "successfully" function in it. Look how quickly Maya Moore came in and adapted to it. on the other end of the spectrum, it took Saniya Chong 3yers before she was able to become a starter. It took her that long before she was able to "consistently" keep her man in front of her.

Yup. Maya and Paige are unicorns. Saniya is one reason I don't have any hair. (Although she did finally get the ball to Pulido ) Me thinks you may be judging 'some' harshly. You may be confusing enthusiasm with judging.
I for one am excited for the potential that I see and, as I posted, feel that with a good off season she could fill a role next year. It's obvious that at the end of the recent game, at first Geno's orders were to get the ball to Amari and have her get it in to Piath. Amari threw 4 consecutive good passes into Piath resulting in 3 baskets. Then he moved her outside and let her bomb away. She's got a nice stroke and went 2 for 4 and 1 for 3 from 3. She's not timid with the ball like many freshman with limited minutes. All in all it's a good job in a limited sample and I am looking forward to more.

 

[nomdoux]

Amari to Geno...lol

I wonder if Azzi was/is aware of this epic AI rant, considering they shot that Tik Tok commercial together…

Or if any current UConn players are similarly cognizant?

As a fellow Georgetown alumn (well, AI didn’t graduate), pretty sure Azzi’s mom clued her in— on top of Iverson’s Association brilliance.

Separately, I am curious to know what Geno would have made of AI as his coach. On one hand, he famously played every possession like his last on both ends, had a burning desire to win & penchant to shine in spotlight. On the other, he was a myopic volume scorer that eschewed team ball & frequently mailed in practice or missed entirely.

 

[Carnac]

Yup. Maya and Paige are unicorns. Saniya is one reason I don't have any hair. (Although she did finally get the ball to Pulido ) Me thinks you may be judging 'some' harshly. You may be confusing enthusiasm with judging.
I for one am excited for the potential that I see and, as I posted, feel that with a good off season she could fill a role next year. It's obvious that at the end of the recent game, at first Geno's orders were to get the ball to Amari and have her get it in to Piath. Amari threw 4 consecutive good passes into Piath resulting in 3 baskets. Then he moved her outside and let her bomb away. She's got a nice stroke and went 2 for 4 and 1 for 3 from 3. She's not timid with the ball like many freshman with limited minutes. All in all it's a good job in a limited sample and I am looking forward to more.

This winter (November) when the 2022-2023 season begins, Amari will have spent 17 months in the program. I expect to the the "fruits of her labor" and the results of the coach's labor during that time in Amari when the season begins. ONO will be gone. She has already said SHE WILL NOT RETURN.

There will be 2 openings in Geno's starting lineup next season. Christyn's spot and ONO's spot. I'm assuming that Paige gets her spot back, and Azzi gets a spot. Aaliyah should earn a spot. As a junior, I can't see her coming off the bench, especially if she finishes the season like she's playing now.

That leaves 2 spots. A wing and a post. This will be the subject of the debate. Who fills these two spots? Unless Geno adds another player from the portal, this will be his 11 player roster for the 2022-2023 season. Note that like last year, Geno will have no seniors on this roster unless Aubrey Griffin chooses to forego a redshirt application.

It's my guess that the starters for that first exhibition game in November are in BOLD. Of course that can change for game 2 and beyond. We should know a day or two before that first game. Many things can happen between now and then that would alter this guess. which is 8 months out. Gabriel will be a junior next year. I expect to see more of her in games next year. How much more remains to be seen.

Edwards (Jr)
Bueckers (Jr)
Fudd (Soph)
Ducharme (Soph)
Juhasz (Gr) (if she returns as she says she will) Her experience and Maturity should may DeBerry's

DeBerry (Soph) - if Juhasz does not return
Muhl (Jr)
Griffin (RS/Jr) (Assuming she is cleared to play)
Gabriel (Jr)
Brady (Fr)
Patterson (Fr)

Thoughts?

 

[jazz]

I think DeBerry has 3 asts, all to Piath. And that is 6 easy pts for Piath.

Before you say it is easy, remember all the things that go wrong when we pass it down low to our starters:
1. missed layup
2. travelling
3. Ball stolen
4. Turn into a double team - turnover
5. fumble the catch
6. Shot gets blocked by a player or the backboard

oh and every now and then, they actually execute the play and make the shot. It is like maybe a 33% chance that something good comes out of it when we throw the ball down low to ONO, AE and DJ. I don't really get it really, but bad things seem to happen more often than not. So, when we actually execute a high low and we score and nothing bad happens, I do a fist pump. I never take an easy layup for granted with this group.

But yes, it should be easy...but for a multitude or reasons, it just isn't.

 

[CB360]

Last year some players were perceived to be reluctant to take shots. It doesn’t appear that Amari will ever be accused of being afraid or reluctant to shoot.
Don’t forget what one of the male practice players said about Amari last week. To paraphrase, he said Amari had one of the smoothest shots on the team. She hit a couple tonight that fit the bill.

I expect Amari to make a huge sophomore leap, and be the starting post for the next 3 years.

I hope you're right, I'm rooting for her BUT, unless Amari starts to practice with the intensity that Geno expects and demands from ALL his players (POY or last off the bench) she won't play much more then she is now. An unfortunate waste of talent.

 

[hoophuskee]

Really? If a Piath type is down low, why can't Amari be the PF using her skills. I doubt we'll ever see her as a down low banger.

The same as Carnac said - I'm a fan of Amari. but . . .

IMO to improve her game she needs to be better than just being a PF. Looking at both offense and defense I assume there are better PF's than her; Dorka, Edwards, when UCONN plays small ball Evina and Caroline also. These are 4. Then next year Aubrey comes back (while Aubrey doesn't have the offensive skills she is probably far superior defensively. And probably a superior Offensive Rebounder And on both transition offense and transition defense Aubrey would be far superior.). Also Ice and Ayanna are major threats. But if she could use her size for more than just jump shots – she is much different than most.

IMO she has to be more than just a High Low Post offensive Power Forward player. If that is all she can do then it's limited. Because what happens when your shot is off and you don’t have to be double-teamed? How effective will she be if her defense is also limited not only on transition, but can't guard "the Siegrist types" and can't guard the physical posts either? And can't hedge out and be effective enough to help team cause missed shots/turnovers?

She has a perimeter offense but she also needs to learn to treat smaller players like they are a small mouse in her house. There are too many other better players for her to settle on “just being good enough” as only a high post player with very limited defense (I suspect it’s limited.). There is more to a post than just “High-Low.

 

[Stinger92860]

The same as Carnac said - I'm a fan of Amari. but . . .

IMO to improve her game she needs to be better than just being a PF. Looking at both offense and defense I assume there are better PF's than her; Dorka, Edwards, when UCONN plays small ball Evina and Caroline also. These are 4. Then next year Aubrey comes back (while Aubrey doesn't have the offensive skills she is probably far superior defensively. And probably a superior Offensive Rebounder And on both transition offense and transition defense Aubrey would be far superior.). Also Ice and Ayanna are major threats. But if she could use her size for more than just jump shots – she is much different than most.

IMO she has to be more than just a High Low Post offensive Power Forward player. If that is all she can do then it's limited. Because what happens when your shot is off and you don’t have to be double-teamed? How effective will she be if her defense is also limited not only on transition, but can't guard "the Siegrist types" and can't guard the physical posts either? And can't hedge out and be effective enough to help team cause missed shots/turnovers?

She has a perimeter offense but she also needs to learn to treat smaller players like they are a small mouse in her house. There are too many other better players for her to settle on “just being good enough” as only a high post player with very limited defense (I suspect it’s limited.). There is more to a post than just “High-Low.

With her shooting and passing ability she is a stretch 4 and not a PF. I’d like to see her handle a bit more though.

 

[hoophuskee]

With her shooting and passing ability she is a stretch 4 and not a PF. I’d like to see her handle a bit more though.

Then she won't play much imo if she wants to be a Stretch 4 instead of a Power Forward that can play both inside and outside.

 

[Notyetready]

Amari is only a freshman with just a couple of 7 minute games of experience. I think, if you give her some time, she will surprise most everybody with her quickness, shooting ability and shot-blocking.

 

[Fossil]

Really? If a Piath type is down low, why can't Amari be the PF using her skills. I doubt we'll ever see her as a down low banger.

The problem is we need bigs in the near future not a 6’5” outside shooter. With 2 six foot three wing / power forwards with better mobility coming in next year Amari needs to bang down low a higher percentage of her playing time. It looks like she needs to get a good bit stronger. Maybe a bit of nasty would help.