Geno on Morgan podcast

[Bone Dog]

This is an interesting take on Morgan’s possibilities for the coming season or three. This is from the Back2Sports guy and he assembles some interesting remarks by Geno from press conference that suggest how high she was in his estimation last season despite all the missed time from injury. It’s got me rethinking what the team could look like if Morgan is healthy.

 

[JellyBean]

Thanks for sharing. Yeah Morgan showed some glimpses of what could be, if she is 100% healthy. Her size, handles, BBall IQ, rebounding, and ability to stay in front of her person on defense, shows Morgan has the chops to be a big-time player. A lot will depend on her mindset and how she deals with returning from her injury.

With Morgan's size, 6'2ish, and her ability to handle the ball. She is going to punish smaller guards, if she gets into post up situations and her teammates see the advantages. If Morgan is on the perimeter, he ability to handle the rock is going to payoff because not too many bigs can guard a player on the perimeter. Morgan, if healthy, is going to be a huge problem for teams to deal with,.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

This is an interesting take on Morgan’s possibilities for the coming season or three. This is from the Back2Sports guy and he assembles some interesting remarks by Geno from press conference that suggest how high she was in his estimation last season despite all the missed time from injury. It’s got me rethinking what the team could look like if Morgan is healthy.

Yep, I too was thinking as I watch this video earlier this evening, that Morgan is a player few have been talking about. She is just another of those large questions that need to be answered before who is going to get playing time next season. Geno clearly likes her. There is just something about her that is very likeable. I recall the pre-season show where the members of the team are introduced. Most freshman come onto the floor, among all those screaming fans, a little shy and somewhat embarrassed by the attention. Not Morgan, her entrance was more like a very confident, talented upperclassman, who loved the attention. I wish I had a clip to show you. Anyway, I knew right then I was really going to like her. I truly hope she comes back healthy and ready to roar.

 

[Huskee11]

Morgan has fallen off the radar somewhat. Due to injury and also current focus on a lot of other bright shiny new objects.

Also, we don't know exactly how to pigeonhole her - point guard? strong forward? something in between? - so we don't think of her as a contender for minutes at a particular position. Where and how will she carve out a niche? Will she take Paige's spot at the four in the "small" lineup? Will she play point in the "big" lineup? Perhaps that level of versatility is her greatest asset.

With Morgan, Ayanna and Caroline, we have three wild cards. We did see Caroline play at 100% a few years ago but we probably have not seen Morgan or Ayanna at their best. So there could be big surprises to the upside in those cases.

Morgan showed a lot in the early part of last season even if she was not 100%. Very solid in all aspects of the game and unlike many first year players, she seemed to know where to be on offense and defense. What we used to call a "heady" player.

Her two weaknesses were a propensity to foul and a frustrating reluctance to shoot despite being a decent shooter. The fouling was often unnecessary hand check/grab fouls. As with Ice Brady, it seemed like the refs soon started watching her like a hawk.

I think those things are correctible.

The fouling issue is less of a concern when there are 14 other players available.

In a similar vein, getting a seat on the bench for passing up open shots should have the desired effect. And a first year player being deferential on the court in that area is not uncommon and is hopefully left in the past.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I was just watching the "Wild Card" and thinking damn we could use alot of Morgan. Ankles tend to repair well, so I'm optomistic.

 

[hoy-ah!]

Phee 2.0

 

[Bigboote]

I have really high hopes for Cheli. Sky’s the limit for this girl.

 

[HopJim]

Morgan has fallen off the radar somewhat. Due to injury and also current focus on a lot of other bright shiny new objects.

Also, we don't know exactly how to pigeonhole her - point guard? strong forward? something in between? - so we don't think of her as a contender for minutes at a particular position. Where and how will she carve out a niche? Will she take Paige's spot at the four in the "small" lineup? Will she play point in the "big" lineup? Perhaps that level of versatility is her greatest asset.

With Morgan, Ayanna and Caroline, we have three wild cards. We did see Caroline play at 100% a few years ago but we probably have not seen Morgan or Ayanna at their best. So there could be big surprises to the upside in those cases.

Morgan showed a lot in the early part of last season even if she was not 100%. Very solid in all aspects of the game and unlike many first year players, she seemed to know where to be on offense and defense. What we used to call a "heady" player.

Her two weaknesses were a propensity to foul and a frustrating reluctance to shoot despite being a decent shooter. The fouling was often unnecessary hand check/grab fouls. As with Ice Brady, it seemed like the refs soon started watching her like a hawk.

I think those things are correctible.

The fouling issue is less of a concern when there are 14 other players available.

In a similar vein, getting a seat on the bench for passing up open shots should have the desired effect. And a first year player being deferential on the court in that area is not uncommon and is hopefully left in the past.

The Morgan of early in the year and the Morgan prior her operation were very different. Anyone who has ever had a foot or ankle injury understands the frustration of not having a solid base, hence the likely cause of many fouls and hesitance to shoot.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Does anyone know the status of Morgan's recovery? Is she in practices?

 

[Stagnant]

this year is really crucial for Cheli and ziebell.

We might be better with a pass first player like Cheli on the floor. Let’s hope she can stay healthy this season. I doubt she is practicing right now. I am just hoping she is ready for the first practice in the fall.

 

[EricLA]

One thing that will be REALLY tough for any player this season is any kind of injury or illness that takes them off the floor. It will allow other players to step in, earn more PT, etc. Blanca will be at an early disadvantage as she's missing the summer session due to high school back home. If Morgan misses time and doesn't have most of the summer to get stronger, improve, make a sophomore leap etc., it may be hard for her to carve out a niche given the plethora of talent on the team.

Obviously rooting for everyone to be super healthy, but if not, thankfully... WE HAVE THE DEPTH (homage to Arby's "we have the meat")...

 

[huskyd]

This is an interesting take on Morgan’s possibilities for the coming season or three. This is from the Back2Sports guy and he assembles some interesting remarks by Geno from press conference that suggest how high she was in his estimation last season despite all the missed time from injury. It’s got me rethinking what the team could look like if Morgan is healthy.

I've been touting Morgan for the hybrid forward spot with Williams and Strong. She's the perfect conformation for the position; we don't need her to be a big scorer, we need her rebs and dishes. The other possibility is Blanca, who has similar attributes and maybe more foot speed. We'll see what Caroline presents in practice, too. In the clip you hear Geno give Cheli high praise as a "difference maker."
Azzi, Kayleigh, Morgan, Strong, Williams: I'd go to war with this five.
Apologies to those of you who are KK fans, but Coach's use of Arnold and Ash is perfect to electrify the team coming off the bench. Stay with that.

 

[BBallF]

She became a classic "floor player" last year. Good defense, rebounding, steals and deflections, passing. She was very hesitant to shoot though despite having a good offensive game. At 6'2" she can be a very valuable substitute. She is a very heady player who can make things happen even without scoring. Just have to see how far back from the injury and then forward she will come this year. One of several real assets on the bench for us and Geno really liked her game.

 

[Bone Dog]

She became a classic "floor player" last year. Good defense, rebounding, steals and deflections, passing. She was very hesitant to shoot though despite having a good offensive game. At 6'2" she can be a very valuable substitute. She is a very heady player who can make things happen even without scoring. Just have to see how far back from the injury and then forward she will come this year. One of several real assets on the bench for us and Geno really liked her game.

I like the term 'floor player' for Morgan. Another word for it is 'Swiss army knife' type. Of all these types Geno has brought in over the years, Morgan reminds me most of Evina, though her size gives her even a little more versatility. And like Evina, she can run the transition game, play some at PG, hit the 3 from the wing, and sneak in to get rebounds among the bigs. Her offensive skills looked a little thin in the half court sets last season, but I think improvement there is very likely.

 

[MSGRET]

Morgan reminds me of another UConn tall guard. She was a 6'3" Freshman that was on the last team to win the NC, but was also not able to play in the NC game due to injuries. I think that KLS worked out well, they just couldn't get another one during the remainder of her time at UConn.

 

[Just.A.Fan]

Azzi, Kayleigh, Morgan, Strong, Williams: I'd go to war with this five.
Apologies to those of you who are KK fans, but Coach's use of Arnold and Ash is perfect to electrify the team coming off the bench. Stay with that.

That's the way I see it at this point as well. Of course I would prefer to see Caroline replacing Morgan in the starting lineup, but if she can't make it back that far, then I am perfectly fine with Morgan. As I've said previously, I've like everything about her since seeing her entered the arena.

 

[Scud49]

I have really high hopes for Cheli. Sky’s the limit for this girl.

I feel the same BB.

I think Morgan is a UCONN player not to sleep on....!

 

[Topsail]

KLS came in as a sharp shooter then Geno challenged her to do much more.

 

[PacoSwede]

most important takeaway (for me): geno's early declaration that morgan makes good things happen -- and he's not sure why. not that she's smart or a good shooter or forward or guard or tall or athletic or anything else. plenty of huskies have those virtues. he's found morgan just makes the team better, and geno believes in her. she's got the undefined 'extra sauce' that is invaluable to a team. it's intangible.

sounds a lot like nika. (but perhaps morgan might have more skills)

 

[Geew1992]

The Morgan of early in the year and the Morgan prior her operation were very different. Anyone who has ever had a foot or ankle injury understands the frustration of not having a solid base, hence the likely cause of many fouls and hesitance to shoot.

Huh??? Since her ankle surgery, she was out for the year. So, I'm a little confused by this

 

[BBallF]

I like the term 'floor player' for Morgan. Another word for it is 'Swiss army knife' type. Of all these types Geno has brought in over the years, Morgan reminds me most of Evina, though her size gives her even a little more versatility. And like Evina, she can run the transition game, play some at PG, hit the 3 from the wing, and sneak in to get rebounds among the bigs. Her offensive skills looked a little thin in the half court sets last season, but I think improvement there is very likely.

Actually, her game play is also similar to Aubrey to me in the sense that she impacts the game by other than scoring as Evina also did. She doesn't have the athleticism of Aubrey in her prime or speed but Aubrey was the quintessential floor player. Morgan is a true team player but she can't stay in the shell she put herself into last year offensively.

She can be a very good weapon offensively with her shot and strength. When you see clips of her in high school you see a really good offensive player. I just hope she is recovered. What a weapon to have coming into the game.

I truly pity whoever has to cover the 3 position against us. It may be Caroline, Morgan, Blanca, Ash and if we go big with two of Serah, Jana, Gabby and/or Ice at the same time you may see Sarah at the 3. Good luck with those adjustments. How can you not be excited about next year's team? We should call the team the 3003s based upon oldude's possible combinations on the court.

 

[Bone Dog]

When you see clips of her in high school you see a really good offensive player.

It's true. You also see what an intense defender she was. Typically she played the tip of the full court press, harrying the opposing point guard all the way up the court. The other thing you sometimes see is when she and Wolizscko came out of the game, Morgan would grab a whiteboard and sketch plays for McKenna. Geno could have another player-coach here, Coach M to take Coach P's place.

 

[Boreifs]

This is just more evidence that, unlike any of his rosters in the past nine seasons, all 15 players fit comfortably into traditional definitions of center, power forward, small forward, shooting guard and point guard, with three at each position. Carol, Morgan and Blanca are all traditional small forwards; the competition for time at the three is going to be fierce. As the commentator said; Morgan could either be very important or not at all important. Much depends on health.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Does anyone know the status of Morgan's recovery? Is she in practices?

Last reliable report was a little shooting and exercises court side.

 

[Alydar]

It's true. You also see what an intense defender she was. Typically she played the tip of the full court press, harrying the opposing point guard all the way up the court. The other thing you sometimes see is when she and Wolizscko came out of the game, Morgan would grab a whiteboard and sketch plays for McKenna. Geno could have another player-coach here, Coach M to take Coach P's place.

She was also one of five finalists for the Naismith POY award won by Strong. Her HS ranking slipped when she missed the Nike HSNationals in her junior year but before that she was top 5.
When her injury heals she will rise quickly through the ranks. She just has great basketball instincts, along the line of Strong's. They both seem to know what they are going to do with the ball before they get it. I'll take three more helpings of that please.