Geno on Amari

[tower1]

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!

I want to disagree with your post , I think Amari and Piath should get some playing time in these blowouts. They need the experience and we can use their help especially in March. They have showed us that they can contribute. We have lost enough players transfering out because of that reason. Recruits also notice this.

 

[Alydar]

I look at DeBerry's build and can see why she likes it outside. She looks like a tall version of Bueckers in the 8th grade. She would get beaten up playing against Smith & Egbo.
After the season Geno will likely tell her that he likes her ability to score from outside and that will get her 10 min/game. If she wants more she has to get a lot stronger and learn to play against physical players inside. Simple as that. And he will likely say the same to the freshmen, both of whom seem to have some range outside. Those willing to do the dirty work play.
Deberry could be a prolific shot blocker too.

 

[MilfordHusky]

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.

I see, from your list of 6 bad outcomes, that you have been watching closely this season. I have the same concerns.

 

[HuskylnSC]

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.

Perhaps we should define a 'Stretch 4' and a 'Power Forward'. It's my understanding the difference in terminology is only on the offensive end. Both players would have to defend the opponents 4 in a man D. A 'Stretch 4' is a player who has a consistent outside game and thereby will stretch the opponent's interior defense out to the arc. This creates an opening for other players to slash to mid-range or the rim. A 'Power Forward' does not have the outside game but is physical enough to score inside amidst banging and pushing. A 'Stretch 4' is not a 3 but must also have a good inside offensive skill set. I'm sure my definition's are antiquated in light of 'position-less' basketball.

 

[hoophuskee]

Perhaps we should define a 'Stretch 4' and a 'Power Forward'. It's my understanding the difference in terminology is only on the offensive end. Both players would have to defend the opponents 4 in a man D. A 'Stretch 4' is a player who has a consistent outside game and thereby will stretch the opponent's interior defense out to the arc. This creates an opening for other players to slash to mid-range or the rim. A 'Power Forward' does not have the outside game but is physical enough to score inside amidst banging and pushing. A 'Stretch 4' is not a 3 but must also have a good inside offensive skill set. I'm sure my definition's are antiquated in light of 'position-less' basketball.

My initial reply was using "Stretch 4 and "PF" as synonymous. I was referring to her being in the High Low as nearly always being at the High. That's why I asked the question "What happens when her shot is off?" And it's why I spoke of Edwards and Dorka as her competition for minutes among others. When the poster Stringer specifically brought up "Stretch 4" -- and not "PF" - I think of a Stretch 4 like Siegrist from Villanova. Would you define her as a "Stretch 4?"

What about Stewart and Tuck (I don't want to get into a dispute which one was a 4 vs 5 but let's just say for discussion one of them played the 4 for a time. Agree? So, pick whichever you want.)? They had both an inside and outside game. How would you define each of them? And would you say Siegrist is the same as them and whether you refer to Tuck or Stewie as a Stretch player, would you classify whoever between Stewie or Tuck is offensively the same as a Stretch player that Siegrist is?

My point was that Amari can't be content to be just predominantly hanging on the perimeter which I feel Siegrist usually does. Amari also has to learn to punish smaller players (Which I referred to that she has to treat certain smaller players like they are a mouse in her house."

Agree?

(For the record I do understand Siegrist also can punish smaller players in the post but the difference is Siegrist is 6'1 so she isn't taller than many, while Amari is.)

 

[HuskylnSC]

That's why I asked the question "What happens when her shot is off?"

That's a question for every player and why Geno drives players to learn how to contribute in other ways when you are not scoring. (Azzi just went 1-7 from 3 and played 35 minutes) IMHO, Amari is going to become a great facilitator from the high post. The offense will run through her. (Yes Paige, et. al., will still be serving scintillating passes. The offense will not be monolithic). She has great moves inside. She needs to get stronger, develop defending skills, and practice harder.

 

[hoophuskee]

That's a question for every player and why Geno drives players to learn how to contribute in other ways when you are not scoring. (Azzi just went 1-7 from 3 and played 35 minutes) IMHO, Amari is going to become a great facilitator from the high post. The offense will run through her. (Yes Paige, et. al., will still be serving scintillating passes. The offense will not be monolithic). She has great moves inside. She needs to get stronger, develop defending skills, and practice harder.

I don't believe the offense will run through her though. I understand about monolithic I think but there are at least three players UCONN wants to run the offense through next year other than her as an "absolute."

So the players that play the best supporting Paige, Azzi and Caroline will play more.

And the other post players will not be "incompetent" in the High Low and other offensive sets. And 4 guards for a portion of the game is a real possibility too.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

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.

If you notice when Amari comes in it's always after Piath. Piath is her target. She doesn't even look to play below the foul line. I assumed this was intentional. In this offense, the post has to play low and also pass from the foul area. It's a staple of the Princeton offense even though it doesn't have to be a post. I think they just want Amari to get a feel for the position from the foul line at this time versus throwing the whole package at her at once. Amari is a natural 5, but she isn't necessarily a natural distributor. ONO is the exact opposite. She's a natural 4. I think Amari is right on track and the best part is there's no pressure. Geno says a lot of things to needle players. I don't take it as they aren't what he expected. I was impressed with Amari's jump shot form for a player her size.

 

[Papa33]

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.

But after an early season loss to Stanford in which Gabby played little and contributed less, she vowed that her obligations to her team would never allow that again, and she immediately bought in to the Uconn culture, especially to play whatever position Geno placed her, and she jacked up her defensive game. Her exciting emergence, then, was a joint project of Geno's demands and her own dedication. And we all can recall just how incredible that was— for her, for her team, and for our own delight!

 

[oldhusky]

The way I look at it all the possibilities compared to our expectation for Amari are still on the table, but the clock is ticking and she has plenty of competition. Entering this season I thought it would be a learning year for Amari. Liv and Dorka had the C minutes spoken for, and similarly Aaliyah and Aubrey at PF.

The third C option looked like a battle between Amari and Piath, where I thought Amari had a distinctive edge because she was a much higher rated recruit, even though Piath had one year of experience. Amari later had a potential opportunity as a PF sub because of Aubrey's surgery, but didn't do enough at least in practice to be trusted in that role.

We have used a three big rotation, but when one of those was out, Geno felt more confident using 4 guards some of the time, than either Amari or Piath. Not a good sign for either of them. Next year I expect Dorka to return and play almost all of her minutes at C, not split between C and PF like this year.

Backup C next year is a competition with at least 3 challengers. Amari and Piath appear to be close right now, so you can't rule out either, but most agree Amari has more skills and upside if she harnesses it. Ice enters the picture as a more natural PF, but because of her bulk could probably be very effective there as well.

For Amari and Piath winning the battle as the best 6-5 backup C between themselves, is not the end of the battle. They still have to be better there than a very good PF that could play there like Ice or Aaliyah, and be better than the 4 guard option which Geno is obviously not afraid to use.

As far as upside is concerned after Dorka leaves, Amari could by her junior year be a candidate for starter, if the flower blooms so to speak. The potential is pretty obvious, but at this point in her freshmen year she has not yet achieved relevance in the rotation this year, or assured that her role will expand next year. There is plenty of time to achieve that though.

 

[MilfordHusky]

But after an early season loss to Stanford in which Gabby played little and contributed less, she vowed that her obligations to her team would never allow that again, and she immediately bought in to the Uconn culture, especially to play whatever position Geno placed her, and she jacked up her defensive game. Her exciting emergence, then, was a joint project of Geno's demands and her own dedication. And we all can recall just how incredible that was— for her, for her team, and for our own delight!

One of the many reasons I love Gabby. She wasn’t getting PT and did something about it—by paying attention and playing harder. She became Gabbulous.

 

[Charliebball]

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.

Despite his immense talent, I don't think Geno would have even considered recruiting a me first player like Iverson............

 

[jazz]

I see, from your list of 6 bad outcomes, that you have been watching closely this season. I have the same concerns.

Nothing more frustrating than seeing how we screw up low post scoring as consistently as we have been. It had been better lately but that might be due to the low level of competition. Looking forward with having potential 3 terrific shooters in , CD and PB, this will certainly open things up in the middle with less traffic and less quick decisions for our bigs to make. Just grab the pass and go strong. Hopefully that will lead to less TOs in these situations and more success overall. I think our bigs can can have some success, just not so much when there is a big defensive focus on them.

 

[sun]

Here's an in-depth about Amari before she entered college.
She was recruited by Power 5 schools.
I doubt that she will be sitting on the bench as much next year as she has this year.

What Amari DeBerry does to be one of nation's top basketball recruits

6-foot-5, 16-year-old Williamsville South forward is the No. 5 player in the nation in the Class of 2021, according to ESPN recruiting

buffalonews.com

 

[EricSD]

I want to disagree with your post , I think Amari and Piath should get some playing time in these blowouts. They need the experience and we can use their help especially in March. They have showed us that they can contribute. We have lost enough players transfering out because of that reason. Recruits also notice this.

I get what you are saying, but that's not what I said. Piath got 8 minutes against Xavier and Amari got just under 7. They looked good and played well. But my comment about not getting more PT had to do with tighter games. We will not see them in any game where we aren't up by 20-25 in Q4. At least I don't believe we will.

It's great that Geno was able to get them in. I expect to see them against Georgetown today. That should be a similar beatdown. Georgetown, Xavier, and Butler are the bottom of the league. But, IMHO there is zero chance we see them in the semi's or finals of the BET, nor will we see them after the 2nd round of the NCAA's, and possibly not after the 1st round.

If we have a roster of a healthy team with Paige, Christyn, Azzi, Caroline, Olivia, Liya, Dorka, Evina, and Nika - that is the core group that will play all the minutes in big games. You are 100% right - and if I did not say it right, I will say it again - in blowouts, I LOVE seeing them get 6-8 minutes or even more. And I think they should. And so does Geno.

 

[tchalla1]

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.

No, no--Piath and Amari are not equally-talented... Certainly as you said, Piath has a lot of upside to her, but even if Piath achieves all her potential, Amari is far superior. Amari is the most skilled big that UConn has ever had--Stewie excepted... As with a lot of HS stars, Amari had A.I. syndrome: in HS she could coast in practice and still be stellar in games. Now that she has apparently gotten that out of her head and made the necessary adjustments, Amari will show her immense talent and value...

 

[CTBballfan243]

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?

I think Paige is going to have to try out to see if she keeps her spot in the starting lineup.

 

[Mdoggie]

I hope Geno gives Amari and Piath more PT going forward. They seem to be a threat with the hi-low, or Amari could just take the shot.

He will. When they are ready. Little more next season and beast mode their Junior and Senior seasons. It could get nasty!!

 

[Viet Vet]

Prediction for Amari next year. More pine time.

 

[donalddoowop]

He will. When they are ready. Little more next season and beast mode their Junior and Senior seasons. It could get nasty!!

Next season is Piath's Junior season. However, she may want to play the extra year given by the NCAA. I hope she does.

 

[Notyetready]

Next season is Piath's Junior season. However, she may want to play the extra year given by the NCAA. I hope she does.

Now that you mention it, she very well might.

 

[HopJim]

I look at DeBerry's build and can see why she likes it outside. She looks like a tall version of Bueckers in the 8th grade. She would get beaten up playing against Smith & Egbo.
After the season Geno will likely tell her that he likes her ability to score from outside and that will get her 10 min/game. If she wants more she has to get a lot stronger and learn to play against physical players inside. Simple as that. And he will likely say the same to the freshmen, both of whom seem to have some range outside. Those willing to do the dirty work play.
Deberry could be a prolific shot blocker too.

DeBerry reminds me a bit of Stewey and hope she has similar success. In her Freshman year, Stewey seemed to avoid physical play and liked to play on the outside. By her Soph year, she seemed to realize that if you were a shot blocker you also had to rebound, which meant banging down low. The rest is history.

 

[jabstep]

Perhaps we should define a 'Stretch 4' and a 'Power Forward'. It's my understanding the difference in terminology is only on the offensive end. Both players would have to defend the opponents 4 in a man D. A 'Stretch 4' is a player who has a consistent outside game and thereby will stretch the opponent's interior defense out to the arc. This creates an opening for other players to slash to mid-range or the rim. A 'Power Forward' does not have the outside game but is physical enough to score inside amidst banging and pushing. A 'Stretch 4' is not a 3 but must also have a good inside offensive skill set. I'm sure my definition's are antiquated in light of 'position-less' basketball.

The whole concept of our read and react 1-4 offense is on keeping the middle open. So when I big can hit an outside shot it helps keeps the middle open. When we play SC they just dont guard our bigs and clog the middle leaving us to hit outside shots. Our current Bigs are not that proficient at that task. All though Dorka is starting to look better on her outside shooting. DeBerry and Ice will be able to help with outside shooting at the elbow and beyand next year. That will leaving the banging for Aaliyah, Aubrey and Pattersen With the experience of Nika , Paige, Azzi and Caroline at the guards and wings we will be VERY good and trouble for WCBB again

 

[Charliebball]

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.

AD is what she is,,,,,,,,,,,basically ONO part two deux except she's a better shooter but not yet there defensively..........that gives Geno two bigs with Brady and possibly three if Dorka returns who all can shoot the three.........that's a nice problem to have especially against teams like South Carolina....

 

[Charliebball]

No, no--Piath and Amari are not equally-talented... Certainly as you said, Piath has a lot of upside to her, but even if Piath achieves all her potential, Amari is far superior. Amari is the most skilled big that UConn has ever had--Stewie excepted... As with a lot of HS stars, Amari had A.I. syndrome: in HS she could coast in practice and still be stellar in games. Now that she has apparently gotten that out of her head and made the necessary adjustments, Amari will show her immense talent and value...

I'm not willing to say she's the most talented big yet but she certainly has the skill set to be a force.......regarding her high school competition take a look at this........

amari deberry video highlights - Search Videos

Watch videos instantly on Bing—enjoy direct playback, discover related clips, and dive into trending content all in one place.

www.bing.com

 

[Jmsdawg]

Team chemistry is important, without it a team does not win very often, however, developing young players skills is paramount to future success and retaining future star players. IMO, team chemistry and player development are both important but a coach must find the correct balance between them, do you lessen the chance to win today’s games by providing game time for today’s bench, a bench that has very talented players who love the game and want to play ASAP. I personally feel Dawn does the best job of today’s coaches balancing team chemistry and bench player development. You do not see transfers away from SC very often and I feel that is a direct results of Dawn’s chemistry vs player development philosophy.

 

[cohenzone]

DeBerry reminds me a bit of Stewey and hope she has similar success. In her Freshman year, Stewey seemed to avoid physical play and liked to play on the outside. By her Soph year, she seemed to realize that if you were a shot blocker you also had to rebound, which meant banging down low. The rest is history.

If she’s 75% of Stewie that is pretty good. She looks pretty confident in her O. So hard to judge players who aren’t playing until the game is decided but there certainly seems to be a lot to look forward to.

 

[cferraro04]

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?

My thoughts are yep...and, Geno goes to the portal to find another guard. We are solid in the post and on the wings but with Bueckers, Fudd and Muhl at the guard and after what we experienced this year with the injury bug...you can never have enough guards.

 

[hoophuskee]

AD is what she is,,,,,,,,,,,basically ONO part two deux except she's a better shooter but not yet there defensively..........that gives Geno two bigs with Brady and possibly three if Dorka returns who all can shoot the three.........that's a nice problem to have especially against teams like South Carolina....

I'm not sure she is Liv-. Liv could defend the 5, she has good lateral quickness and an extremely good help defender. Is Amari any of this? An occasional blocked shot doesn't make her an extremely good help defender.

If AD becomes near Liv defensively absolutely. But if not and she doesn't give much other than high post then next year she is going to struggle to get minutes unless her offense is super-tremendous. You need 2-way players and if she can't defend well then she will probably not play and especially vs SC.

And if Dorka comes back (ofc if Dorka doesn't comes back that would open up opportunities a lot) she won't beat out her and Edwards I don't think. And Griffin is better in all defense except blocked shots and is a better transition player and probably a better offensive rebounder. That takes up a lot of minutes.

And with all this there are two players coming in next year threatening her position at the 4. They are both ranked higher as seniors that Amra was when she was a senior. If just one of them is very good at many things and if all AD could do is play at the high post then imo that won't be enough unless she is super-tremendous there.

 

[hoophuskee]

Team chemistry is important, without it a team does not win very often, however, developing young players skills is paramount to future success and retaining future star players. IMO, team chemistry and player development are both important but a coach must find the correct balance between them, do you lessen the chance to win today’s games by providing game time for today’s bench, a bench that has very talented players who love the game and want to play ASAP. I personally feel Dawn does the best job of today’s coaches balancing team chemistry and bench player development. You do not see transfers away from SC very often and I feel that is a direct results of Dawn’s chemistry vs player development philosophy.

UCONN was better than SC last year. Not sure how anyone can say Dawn is better just because this year she is number 1 so far. If UCONN gets to more final fours and has more championships how is it that there chemistry is not superior to SC's? Are you suggesting because more people stay on a team they are better? Because we can agree that UCONN beat SC last year and as a result was better, right? OS after 1 year Dawn gets the award?