Geno protecting Saniya in the presser

[Aluminny69]

Geno was really classy in not throwing Soniya under the bus. I love Soniya and what she has done for the team this year and how she perceived after three difficult years to step up from a role player to start every game and play a critical role in undefeated team prior to tonight.Having said that Milford there is no we can sugarcoat that play as anything less that a rookie mental error. Even if she made the play or drew the foul there was enough time for MSU to get another possession with 15 seconds remaining. Timing is everything in the last minute of a tied game. As I said in another post Soniya must be crushed ending her career on a play like that and I feel absolutely terrible for her.

You have absolutely no way of knowing what was said in the huddle before the inbounds. Unless the coaches emphatically told the players to hold the ball until the last second, like MSU did, then you cannot blame the players. Based on Geno's presser, I don't believe that was the plan. Maybe HBO filmed it, and can shed some light.

 

[DICKG]

He should. He IMO deserves the blame.

I am not happy at all that Chong has this on her forever. It's a damn shame and should never had happened.

This is not the first time a UConn player did not understand time and score in a tight NCAA Final 4 game. Thinking back to Bria Hartley racing up the Denver court with the shot clock off and turning it over.

Every UConn player should know in a tied game that you always hold for the final shot at the buzzer so the worst you get is Double OT. It's basic stuff. This is not a mistake that should be happening.

You are right, every player should know, but how often have any of these players been in these situations. The coaches said to take the last shot.

 

[pvdoggy]

People who thinks you should hold the ball till the last few seconds before trying to score are nuts! With 18 secs left, you score when you can, and let your defense do the work. I think Brady and or Belichick said the same thing in the last Superbowl.

 

[UC10NN]

If Geno really said that...Wow.

I think another overtime would have been better for UConn than the alternative no?

Just to be clear.... Geno wanted a few seconds left in case of a miss and for a second chance. He did not want 12 seconds left....

 

[StephStorrs]

One could very well argue that it should have never gotten to the point where they were forced into taking that last minute shot to begin with. One could argue that they should have come out stronger, played a better game, and had the game in the bag by the half. It's all about how you look at it, and I'm not going to put the loss on Saniya. A thousand things could have gone differently to avoid the situation entirely.

Geno is a good coach. He can be harsh, he can be cruel, and he can be ridiculously unlikable at times. But he loves his team, and he's loved coaching them this season. I can't imagine him throwing any of them under the bus. Not now, not after this season, not after that game.

 

[Stinger92860]

You have absolutely no way of knowing what was said in the huddle before the inbounds. Unless the coaches emphatically told the players to hold the ball until the last second, like MSU did, then you cannot blame the players. Based on Geno's presser, I don't believe that was the plan. Maybe HBO filmed it, and can shed some light.

Forgot about HBO, but no way they were in the huddle.

 

[Aluminny69]

People who thinks you should hold the ball till the last few seconds before trying to score are nuts! With 18 secs left, you score when you can, and let your defense do the work. I think Brady and or Belichick said the same thing in the last Superbowl.

There are two distinct theories on that, neither one is "nuts." Miss. St. held the ball till the last few seconds, twice, and it worked out for them, so it's not "nuts."

 

[Aluminny69]

Forgot about HBO, but no way they were in the huddle.

Geno called a timeout. Then they reviewed KLS and she got the free throws. What makes you think there wasn't a discussion of what to do?

 

[Aluminny69]

Just to be clear.... Geno wanted a few seconds left in case of a miss and for a second chance. He did not want 12 seconds left....

Yes, I agree. Thanks for that clarification.

 

[willingtonfan]

Geno is the greatest basketball coach of all time, no question. But if he has an Achilles heel, it's coaching close games. I believe his record is unbelievably poor. I know the graphic said he is 0-4 in overtime games, now 0-5. Probably because UConn just doesn't play that many close games.

Yes, I completely agree. For instance, after they got the ball with 20 secs left after Saniya lost it, why not shout "foul." Worst case, they make the two free throws and we get the ball back with 15 or so secs to have a chance to tie/win.
And in that loss to Stanford in 2014, Stanford got the ball back with us up 2. Why not foul? Worst case, they score two points -- THEY CAN'T SCORE THREE -- and tie the game again.
I saw on TV in fact that UConn has never, repeat NEVER, won an overtime game in the NCAA tournament (0-5). I can only recall one game of any kind we have won in overtime, a game against South Florida some years back.
I know that Geno generally doesn't like the strategic use of fouls but for heaven's sake, this is the NCAA national semifinal, do whatever the heck is necessary to win!

Another point -- since the referees stopped play to do the review of the flagrant foul call when Lou was flattened, should they not have restored the time that had gone off the clock after the foul was committed to where it should have been had the call been made in a timely fashion? Because had the foul been called when it was committed, the clock situation would have been different, and we might have had one more possession that would have given us one more chance to win. Just a few thoughts.

 

[BostonCanuck]

People who thinks you should hold the ball till the last few seconds before trying to score are nuts! With 18 secs left, you score when you can, and let your defense do the work. I think Brady and or Belichick said the same thing in the last Superbowl.

What a ridiculous statement. This was not a routine half-court set run in the middle of any given Sunday's game. (And I am talking about basketball, not football by the way.) For the situation that was at hand, it was the only responsible tactic.

 

[Stinger92860]

Geno called a timeout. Then they reviewed KLS and she got the free throws. What makes you think there wasn't a discussion of what to do?

My point was that the HBO crew was not in the huddle. What point are you trying to make? What makes you think I even mentioned what was said in the huddle?

 

[housekeys]

The best option, in retrospect, may have been to get the ball to Gabby at the top of the key with 10 seconds or so on the clock. She has shown all year that she can fly by just about anyone, and attack the basket, when guarded that far out. Kind of like what Miss State ran for their last shot, with William. But, who knows? Should, could, maybe's are meaningless at this point. Oh well.

 

[VAMike23]

Nobody's nuts --

Geno said himself that it was "not in the plan" to go for the score with as much time left as there was. Guess I'll have to go back and listen again to confirm. My recollection is that he said you usually don't score on the initial attempt so you just want a *little* bit of time for a putback is all. Not so much time that the other team has the time that MSU did tonight.

So yes, in that sense Geno did say that he wanted the last shot.

Having said this, Saniya was trying to make a play and she obviously thought there was an opening. Geno wasn't criticizing her and neither am I. It's not like she threw a lazy cross court pass or dribbled it off her foot. She was trying to win the game--the "old" Saniya would never have had that confidence IMO. So it didn't work out but credit to Saniya and the strides she's made as a Husky.

 

[ASweet3781]

People who thinks you should hold the ball till the last few seconds before trying to score are nuts! With 18 secs left, you score when you can, and let your defense do the work. I think Brady and or Belichick said the same thing in the last Superbowl.

Nuts? If the game is tied and you can eliminate any chance the opponent has of getting a shot to win do you not hold for the final shot?

MSU was given an extra shot they shouldn't have had. They made it. And we are on the way back home tomorrow. Doesn't sound nuts to me.

 

[Aluminny69]

Here's another head scratcher. With 18 seconds left in regulation, UConn had a foul to give. Saniya fouled the MSU player in two seconds, leaving 16.7 seconds. What was the point of that?

 

[augustaTC]

Which. is. why. you. dont. start. that. early. to. the basket.

I am so sick of ersatz coaches/critics finding it so easy to look for and find a scapegoat. I get you're disappointed. Maybe you lost a ton of money on the game. Whatever. But these are kids and sometimes things don't work out. LET. IT. GO.

 

[Stinger92860]

The best option, in retrospect, may have been to get the ball to Gabby at the top of the key with 10 seconds or so on the clock. She has shown all year that she can fly by just about anyone, and attack the basket, when guarded that far out. Kind of like what Miss State ran for their last shot, with William. But, who knows? Should, could, maybe's are meaningless at this point. Oh well.

But gabby had several turnovers in the last few possessions. She was exhausted. Have you ever seen anyone leave more on the court?

 

[ASweet3781]

Here's another head scratcher. With 18 seconds left in regulation, UConn had a foul to give. Saniya fouled the MSU player in two seconds, leaving 16.7 seconds. What was the point of that?

I had forgotten about that. I didn't see it in the box score?

 

[Stinger92860]

Here's another head scratcher. With 18 seconds left in regulation, UConn had a foul to give. Saniya fouled the MSU player in two seconds, leaving 16.7 seconds. What was the point of that?

Forgot about that.

 

[BostonCanuck]

Nobody's nuts --

Geno said himself that it was "not in the plan" to go for the score with as much time left as there was. Guess I'll have to go back and listen again to confirm. My recollection is that he said you usually don't score on the initial attempt so you just want a *little* bit of time for a putback is all. Not so much time that the other team has the time that MSU did tonight.

So yes, in that sense Geno did say that he wanted the last shot.

Having said this, Saniya was trying to make a play and she obviously thought there was an opening. Geno wasn't criticizing her and neither am I. It's not like she threw a lazy cross court pass or dribbled it off her foot. She was trying to win the game--the "old" Saniya would never have had that confidence IMO. So it didn't work out but credit to Saniya and the strides she's made as a Husky.

Clearly he wanted the last shot. The issue is whether or not he properly emphasized the necessary tactics to the players during that last huddle. I sometimes feel like he takes it for granted that his players all know these things and do not need to be told. Heck, I remember hearing that during the Olympics, I'm and not sure whether it was 2012 or 2016, DT took him aside at one point and told him he needed to start drawing up and calling some specific plays, because he was wanting his players to just read and react to the defense most the time.

 

[Aluminny69]

My point was that the HBO crew was not in the huddle. What point are you trying to make? What makes you think I even mentioned what was said in the huddle?

Just a misunderstanding. It would be nice to eavesdrop on the final strategy. I thought HBO might have caught that moment, but I haven't been watching their series, so I don't know.

 

[Plebe]

Nobody's nuts --

Geno said himself that it was "not in the plan" to go for the score with as much time left as there was. Guess I'll have to go back and listen again to confirm. My recollection is that he said you usually don't score on the initial attempt so you just want a *little* bit of time for a putback is all. Not so much time that the other team has the time that MSU did tonight.

My recollection, at least from the press conference, is that it wasn't "Plan A."

Geno comported himself (yeah, I said it) with the same dignity and class that, as I recall, he has always comported himself after a defeat, even after the most painful ones. He kept his equanimity about him, and brings perspective to the situation like no one else can.

I also recall him saying this about Pat Summitt's classy conduct after one of the times UConn ended Tennessee's season: (paraphrasing roughly from old memory here) Some coaches never learn to how to win because they never learn how to lose. It might be one of Pat's greatest qualities that she might actually be at her best after her team loses. That has a lot to do with why they win so much.

It's nice to see that a lack of practice hasn't made Geno forget how to conduct oneself, and how to lead a team, amid the disappointment of defeat.

 

[housekeys]

But gabby had several turnovers in the last few possessions. She was exhausted. Have you ever seen anyone leave more on the court?

True. She was exhausted. What a warrior. Well, in retrospect we can say anything we want with 100% confidence, right. Who knows what the outcome would have been under other scenarios. I only mentioned one.

 

[UC10NN]

But gabby had several turnovers in the last few possessions. She was exhausted. Have you ever seen anyone leave more on the court?

After the buzzer you can see she wanted to collapse to the floor but decided not to as the Miss St bench stormed the court. She was the best UCONN Huskie tonight. She should have no doubts that she tried her best. The miss FT's did hurt, and as a team they can always do more to improve but hats off to both teams on a great contest.

If UCONN had to lose, I was glad it was to Miss St as they and Vic were great this year. Congrats to them.

 

[huskies29]

My recollection, at least from the press conference, is that it wasn't "Plan A."

Geno comported himself (yeah, I said it) with the same dignity and class that, as I recall, he has always comported himself after a defeat, even after the most painful ones. He kept his equanimity about him, and brings perspective to the situation like no one else can.

I also recall him saying this about Pat Summitt's classy conduct after one of the times UConn ended Tennessee's season: (paraphrasing roughly from old memory here) Some coaches never learn to how to win because they never learn how to lose. It might be one of Pat's greatest qualities that she might actually be at her best after her team loses. That has a lot to do with why they win so much.

It's nice to see that a lack of practice hasn't made Geno forget how to conduct oneself, and how to lead a team, amid the disappointment of defeat.

Can't say it much better than that plebe. I get a kick out of reading the comments from our "experts" about why Geno is a "genius". Yes, a genius who this season took 5 and a half players and somehow miraculously almost won another championship. I'm glad Geno is our genius!!

 

[YellwJcket999]

I cannot support all of the Saniya blame-game. Seven players played in this game. Seven player made many mistakes.
It is ridiculous to lay all the blame at SC's feet. I made a post highlighting weakness in another player's game. I was dang near jump on.
The game was lost because our team did not play well. We did not play our game and our offense went stagnant.
If you are going to start pointing out flaws/blame start a the top of the list and point them out.

• Geno--
• NC--
• KLS--
• GW--
• KN--
• SC--
• CD--
• NB--

All of the blame-game nonsense is silly. These ladies play out of their minds this year.
They made a serious run for the title. They fell short.

The pressure, the moment etc raised the mirror to the face of our team and showed us what we were made of. Geno said that this team would be tested. Collectively we did not pass the test.

 

[shinobimono]

Did our coaches tell Saniya and her teammates to HOLD for the final shot under all circumstances? If not, why not?

If you recall, in the loss to Stanford, Geno told the players to hold the ball and run the clock, but Kia Stokes took a quick shot. Telling the players is no guarantee. Just sayin'.

 

[BostonCanuck]

If you recall, in the loss to Stanford, Geno told the players to hold the ball and run the clock, but Kia Stokes took a quick shot. Telling the players is no guarantee. Just sayin'.

Well there's telling them and then there's telling them. You don't just say, "Okay guys, hold for the last shot here." You have to be emphatic, explaining exactly what needs to happen, the tactics and reasoning behind it, and how critically important proper execution is in this situation. I would so love to know exactly what went down in that last huddle.

 

[shinobimono]

Well there's telling them and then there's telling them. You don't just say, "Okay guys, hold for the last shot here." You have to be emphatic, explaining exactly what needs to happen, the tactics and reasoning behind it, and how critically important proper execution is in this situation. I would so love to know exactly what went down in that last huddle.

Agreed. I think I read or heard on video that Geno or CD said that this knowledge (of letting the clock run down before taking the last shot) is part of their regular practice, but that is no excuse to not emphatically drive the point home in the huddle. If it wasn't, then that's on Geno. But even if he had, that is no guarantee that everyone will follow instructions. After all, it is human to err.