Geno states "Still looking where to play .... Lou."

[PhillyCoach]

In Adamec's informative article on Nov. 1, Geno revealed another nuanced attribute of a NC coach -- Finalizing where to play each girl? And how to play her. Think Gabby of last year. It was a brilliant move by the staff. Geno brings in 3 guards and bingo--Gabby is posting up down low. NO ONE saw that coming. Geno knew he had to get Gabby into the fray. His humble genius was showing.
Again, Geno is the ultimate BB alchemist and we wait to see how he tinkers around the edges and creates a new "prototype." Boykin, Collier, Ekmark?, and of course Lou.
Lou is something that the others aren't--a KML clone standing 6"3.'' Will Geno come to the conclusion that she already is a neat package and can slip her into the #3 spot? Will he try to increase her contribution and see her as a #2 shooting guard? (Remember, Geno said in a recent article that Nurse and Chong will be used differently?) Maybe Geno sees that Nurse is a little burnt-out and would gladly come off the bench. Last year, Nurse wanted to come off the bench and get eased in slowly. Nurse was so darn good/tough that ... well we know what happened.
Geno also has slyly revealed that the new frosh are so good, so advanced (for frosh), such quick learners, that he has to use them. Could we see Lou at the 2 and Collier at the 3? At the same time? As early starters?
The fly in the ointment is Geno said that Lou was not defensive ready. She had a long way to go to be able to really help the team. I love how Geno pats one on the back and then a short time later kicks them in the butt. Geno quickly recognized that Lou is one of the elite and for some reason these type players respond to "negative motivation." As with Diana, Maya, and Stewie; the staff beats up on Lou and she loves it. (For some reason I see Chong and Ekmark as the opposite type--those two need more nurturing than knuckles.) Anyway, that's mt story and I'm sticking to it.
So, please forgive me for my vision? Delusion? Confusion? I just had those thoughts when I read today's article from Adamec and I am learning to share. (I am one of 10 kids and I was a late bloomer when it came to sharing.)

 

[TitleTown]

The only way Nurse doesn't start is if its Senior night or she is hurt!

 

[huskeynut]

We will find out. Geno has shown time and again he is a master of matching his players to specific situations so they have early success. Success breeds success.

This is going to be a lot of fun!

 

[mrmojack]

History says Geno doesn't start Freshman right away. Even Maya didn't start initially.

 

[BlueDevils]

Is Lou capable of playing the 2? Just curious

 

[BroadwayVa]

In Adamec's informative article on Nov. 1, Geno revealed another nuanced attribute of a NC coach -- Finalizing where to play each girl? And how to play her. Think Gabby of last year. It was a brilliant move by the staff. Geno brings in 3 guards and bingo--Gabby is posting up down low. NO ONE saw that coming. Geno knew he had to get Gabby into the fray. His humble genius was showing.
Again, Geno is the ultimate BB alchemist and we wait to see how he tinkers around the edges and creates a new "prototype." Boykin, Collier, Ekmark?, and of course Lou.
Lou is something that the others aren't--a KML clone standing 6"3.'' Will Geno come to the conclusion that she already is a neat package and can slip her into the #3 spot? Will he try to increase her contribution and see her as a #2 shooting guard? (Remember, Geno said in a recent article that Nurse and Chong will be used differently?) Maybe Geno sees that Nurse is a little burnt-out and would gladly come off the bench. Last year, Nurse wanted to come off the bench and get eased in slowly. Nurse was so darn good/tough that ... well we know what happened.
Geno also has slyly revealed that the new frosh are so good, so advanced (for frosh), such quick learners, that he has to use them. Could we see Lou at the 2 and Collier at the 3? At the same time? As early starters?
The fly in the ointment is Geno said that Lou was not defensive ready. She had a long way to go to be able to really help the team. I love how Geno pats one on the back and then a short time later kicks them in the butt. Geno quickly recognized that Lou is one of the elite and for some reason these type players respond to "negative motivation." As with Diana, Maya, and Stewie; the staff beats up on Lou and she loves it. (For some reason I see Chong and Ekmark as the opposite type--those two need more nurturing than knuckles.) Anyway, that's mt story and I'm sticking to it.
So, please forgive me for my vision? Delusion? Confusion? I just had those thoughts when I read today's article from Adamec and I am learning to share. (I am one of 10 kids and I was a late bloomer when it came to sharing.)

You ain't one of my 10, 8 of em were girls--all Engineers, lawyers, State Dept etc--I'm one of those the Pope spoke about--a rabbit. (but a rabbit by religion)
I am pleased to know Geno realizes the baseball bat does not work for all--I tried it results are terrible. Also the Carrot sometimes works until the gratification has been absorbed, worn out, or eaten. A fine line between the 2. Geno has down pat the tough love, with love and it works well for him. Teams like kids need to know who is running the ship.
Both Chong and Ekmark have to review their priorities--if they cringe when Geno speaks--forget his words look at his actions. Geno cannot walk on egg shells if he wants the 4 in a row NC.

 

[CocoHusky]

Is Lou capable of playing the 2? Just curious

I think she is capable of playing 2 offensively but would struggle defensively against 1 & 2 and some 3s.

 

[johnnyc]

In Adamec's informative article on Nov. 1, Geno revealed another nuanced attribute of a NC coach -- Finalizing where to play each girl? And how to play her. Think Gabby of last year. It was a brilliant move by the staff. Geno brings in 3 guards and bingo--Gabby is posting up down low. NO ONE saw that coming. Geno knew he had to get Gabby into the fray. His humble genius was showing.
Again, Geno is the ultimate BB alchemist and we wait to see how he tinkers around the edges and creates a new "prototype." Boykin, Collier, Ekmark?, and of course Lou.
Lou is something that the others aren't--a KML clone standing 6"3.'' Will Geno come to the conclusion that she already is a neat package and can slip her into the #3 spot? Will he try to increase her contribution and see her as a #2 shooting guard? (Remember, Geno said in a recent article that Nurse and Chong will be used differently?) Maybe Geno sees that Nurse is a little burnt-out and would gladly come off the bench. Last year, Nurse wanted to come off the bench and get eased in slowly. Nurse was so darn good/tough that ... well we know what happened.
Geno also has slyly revealed that the new frosh are so good, so advanced (for frosh), such quick learners, that he has to use them. Could we see Lou at the 2 and Collier at the 3? At the same time? As early starters?
The fly in the ointment is Geno said that Lou was not defensive ready. She had a long way to go to be able to really help the team. I love how Geno pats one on the back and then a short time later kicks them in the butt. Geno quickly recognized that Lou is one of the elite and for some reason these type players respond to "negative motivation." As with Diana, Maya, and Stewie; the staff beats up on Lou and she loves it. (For some reason I see Chong and Ekmark as the opposite type--those two need more nurturing than knuckles.) Anyway, that's mt story and I'm sticking to it.
So, please forgive me for my vision? Delusion? Confusion? I just had those thoughts when I read today's article from Adamec and I am learning to share. (I am one of 10 kids and I was a late bloomer when it came to sharing.)

Do you have a link to the article and where Geno actually says what is in the thread title?

 

[huskyd]

I think she is capable of playing 2 offensively but would struggle defensively against 1 & 2 and some 3s.

Geno used Kaleena at the 2 on occasion last year. Lou also can help bring the ball up occasionally. As for KLS's alleged defensive limitations, KLM was not much help in that department either. To replace Kaleena's numbers, Lou is likely to play the 4 most of the time. She has enough speed and length to improve her defense; KLM had neither of those. It will be fun to see how Geno uses all of his players this year. Can't wait.

 

[PhillyCoach]

Do you have a link to the article and where Geno actually says what is in the thread title?

http://snyuconn.com/uconn/womens-basketball/
It's a short read.

 

[PhillyCoach]

Geno used Kaleena at the 2 on occasion last year. Lou also can help bring the ball up occasionally. As for KLS's alleged defensive limitations, KLM was not much help in that department either. To replace Kaleena's numbers, Lou is likely to play the 4 most of the time. She has enough speed and length to improve her defense; KLM had neither of those. It will be fun to see how Geno uses all of his players this year. Can't wait.

One of the reasons I talked about the 2 guard spot is Adamec listed Lou as a guard--not a g/f. Obviously, Lou is not a point guard. I also don't believe that Nurse is a "pure point." The 2 guard is often times listed as the shooting guard. Therefore Lou could fit there offensively. Can the team hide Lou like they hid KML last year--defensively? Being 6'3'' helps you keep a hand in the face of long range shooters. That long stride can help you keep up or catch up too. Just sayin.

 

[CocoHusky]

Geno used Kaleena at the 2 on occasion last year. Lou also can help bring the ball up occasionally. As for KLS's alleged defensive limitations, KLM was not much help in that department either. To replace Kaleena's numbers, Lou is likely to play the 4 most of the time. She has enough speed and length to improve her defense; KLM had neither of those. It will be fun to see how Geno uses all of his players this year. Can't wait.

There is nothing "alleged" about KLS defensive limitations. Summer 2014 USA basketball Salvadores and others beat her of the dribble consistently. The need to play better defense has also been acknowledge by KLS herself:``So I’m just going to work hard and do what I can. Right now I’m just focusing on trying to get my defense better and get stronger.
http://litchfieldcountysports.com/s...ering-on-them-by-rich-elliott--/#.VjZyB7erTIU

What is keeping Geno from committing to role and position for KLS right now are largely defensive concerns -which trumps everything for UCONN players.
Geno: And she is still nowhere near where we need her to be, on the defensive end or finding the place that we want her to play at. She has a long way to go.

KLS is not going to play the 4 most of the time because UCONN has the two best player (Tuck & Stewie) at that position in NCAA women's basketball. Length is not an issue with KLS' defense but lack of foot speed, lateral quickness poor technique (getting low) are issues. KML became an above average individual defender and an outstanding team defender because she used impeccable technique and timing and had the ability to position her body and snag rebound from players several inches taller or allegedly more athletic.

 

[johnnyc]

http://snyuconn.com/uconn/womens-basketball/
It's a short read.

Is this the article where Geno states "still looking where to play .....Lou? I don't see it. Also which article led you to think that Geno will bench Nurse?

 

[Tonyc]

You know what. The underclassman have to be developed and game ready. Then they need to be big game ready. Thank goodness we have a great nucleus from last season that will be able to carry this team. Tomorrow nite we will not see the starting lineup. We will not see a lot and many of you expect a lot. Butler Nurse and Chong we are told will not play. I still expect UConn to roll big. Tuck Mojeff and Stewie can carry the team with not much resistance. Everybody else will get minutes. We will see quickly who's ready and who still needs work. This is preseason and it means very little. Its a time to get the jitters out, and the opportunity to play a real game at UConn. We will wait and see.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Butler Nurse and Chong we are told will not play. I still expect UConn to roll big.

Against Lubbock Christian? You are really going out on a limb there.

 

[johnnyc]

Against Lubbock Christian? You are really going out on a limb there.

Oh yeah? Bring it.....

 

[johnnyc]

Is this the article where Geno states "still looking where to play .....Lou? I don't see it. Also which article led you to think that Geno will bench Nurse?

Ah found it.....

“And she is still nowhere near where we need her to be, on the defensive end or finding the place that we want her to play at.

Interesting.....wonder what positions they've had her at while practicing. One draw back to the new facility for fans.....not as much info coming in from practices.

 

[mhshuskies]

Oh yeah? Bring it.....
Great post.
View attachment 10972

 

[Gus Mahler]

Oh yeah? Bring it.....

View attachment 10972

Nice looking group of student athletes.

 

[mhshuskies]

The following quote from the article may go a long way to explain the success UCONN has. It may explain why some recruits come to UCONN and some don't.
"She’s a competitive kid. I don’t think she would have traveled 3,000 miles to go to college if she didn’t want to be great. When you have that drive in you, you tend to do things that maybe other kids don’t want to do. She’s made it clear just by coming here what her goals are.”

 

[BroadwayVa]

Is this the article where Geno states "still looking where to play .....Lou? I don't see it. Also which article led you to think that Geno will bench Nurse?

Joining the discussion---With (Philly)"Coaches" experience and with Nurse ending HS, then International Basketball, then UConn pressure initiated practices in a whole new system, pushing hard towards the NC, then back to International BB the whole summer with Pan Am and Olympic pre games. Now back to practices with 3 new players--more learning. Just writing all that gets me exhausted---don't you think Geno knows that rest may be good for her and the team?? Injuries happen to tired players, player whose minds are not in the game-(doubt either apply to Nurse)--so PhillyCoach like me is assuming Geno will rest Nurse at every opportunity. Nurse now knows her worth to Uconn so not "starting" or going to the bench early should not effect her ego.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Nice looking group of student athletes.

Gus--I don't know if it's my bias but (Uconn WBB) I can't think of a team of better looking women anywhere.

Texas, like Arkansas and Okla have an abundance of fine looking young women, your eye is exceptional.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Against Lubbock Christian? You are really going out on a limb there.

Didn't you see the betting line on LCU?? It's 20:1 with LCU by 35. ?????

 

[billnaples]

Didn't you see the betting line on LCU?? It's 20:1 with LCU by 35. ?????

I did not see the line but am, despite the report that three won't play, surprised that there is even a line at all. I noted the thread touting how well Kiah Gillespie looked in her MD debut. She may be a blue chipper, she may be AA status in no time. I wish her the best. But her line of 22 points and 10 boards against a team with no player over 5'10" on a night where her team put up 85 EIGHTY FIVE shots and was PLUS 40 on the glass gives you a clue, or at least should.

 

[huskyd]

One of the reasons I talked about the 2 guard spot is Adamec listed Lou as a guard--not a g/f. Obviously, Lou is not a point guard. I also don't believe that Nurse is a "pure point." The 2 guard is often times listed as the shooting guard. Therefore Lou could fit there offensively. Can the team hide Lou like they hid KML last year--defensively? Being 6'3'' helps you keep a hand in the face of long range shooters. That long stride can help you keep up or catch up too. Just sayin.

I agree with everything you say, PC. Nurse plays the 2 and is an outstanding defender--her area of concentration last year. Lou may occasionally play the two, as Kaleena did last year. But from KLS you'll get offense, which was KML's key contribution for 4 years. The front line of an up-tempo line-up will be Tuck, Stewart, and Lou across the front with Nurse and Mo bringing up the ball. Last year Stewart was effectively a center and took a lot of pain for her troubles. Butler is a true center and is likely to play with Tuck and Stewart (at the 4). It will be very interesting to see how Geno handles the wealth of talent he has this year.