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

[BroadwayVa]

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.

Bill I must confess---I wouldn't know a betting line if I tripped over it--I was kidding. Players Uconn does not get, one they didn't offer a scholarship to, are of little interest to me. Once I used the words --ball hog--or volume shooter--so I won't make that mistake again--however if I were ever so foolish again--I'd be prone to use them on Gillespie from your comment.

 

[Gus Mahler]

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.

Thanks. I've always had a keen eye for such things . . .

 

[BroadwayVa]

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.

KML may have had deficiencies in defense--but the way Geno uses TEAM defense, with a good back stopper (Kiah Stokes) a lot of defensive breakdowns are rarely seen. Here is hoping that if Geno chooses to use someone lacking in defense that someone fills that void. However, at times with team defense, Uconn may be in need of a reliable 3 point shooter--who to go to? Mo Jefferson, Nurse, Ekmark (if she recovers fully), and KLS, stewie?

 

[BroadwayVa]

Thanks. I've always had a keen eye for such things . . .

I like your bent toward intellectual pursuit!!

 

[johnnyc]

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.

Not starting and going to the bench early are two different things. I'm sure Geno will rest all his players as needed like Stewart who also had a very active summer. But I'm guessing that won't stop Geno from starting her.

 

[BlueDevils]

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

My thoughts exactly. Verstatile offensive player nonetheless

 

[Buzzyboy]

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.

I don't believe that KML became an "above average" individual defender though I will agree that inevitably she became an outstanding team defender. At best she almost became an average defender and that was in the latter part of her time in Storrs. I don't think there's any way that KLS isn't at least a bit better defensively than KML was as an incoming freshman. Agreed that she has a long way to go in regard to those things you've mentioned she's weak in but with our staff, she will improve, as did KML, because she has the drive to be the best she can be on both ends of the ball. In order to improve substantially she'll need to get court time which only comes with some ability to defend.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Oh yeah? Bring it.....

View attachment 10972

It's truly strange to see a college women's basketball team without one black player. Just an observation. Nor is there anyone that appears to be Hispanic. Is this a denominational college?

 

[huskyd]

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.

KML may have had deficiencies in defense--but the way Geno uses TEAM defense, with a good back stopper (Kiah Stokes) a lot of defensive breakdowns are rarely seen. Here is hoping that if Geno chooses to use someone lacking in defense that someone fills that void. However, at times with team defense, Uconn may be in need of a reliable 3 point shooter--who to go to? Mo Jefferson, Nurse, Ekmark (if she recovers fully), and KLS, stewie?

Not quite sure I get all of this. No doubt Geno plays team defense. Opponents are funneled in a direction in which they have to run a gantlet of defenders. UConn tries to control the direction according to the strength of the opponent. Anyone who truly enjoys watching the Huskies has seen this pattern over and over again--and marveled at it. Guards who ran around Kaleena had to face Stewart and finally Stokes. Sometimes Nurse dropped into the pattern. I expect Lou to be at the 4, and I expect her to be the first line of defense but not the last. Luckily, because UConn emphasizes team defense, a pure shooter can play on the perimeter w/out having to be a shut down defender. That was KML; now it's KLS. And tomorrow we'll all know what Geno has in mind.

 

[TitleTown]

IMHO Samuelson is going to play the 3 whenever she is in the game with Stewart and Tuck. Tuck is not quick enough to defend the perimeter and Geno will not want to waste Stewart's shot blocking ability by having her guard the perimeter.

 

[Kibitzer]

It's truly strange to see a college women's basketball team without one black player. Just an observation. Nor is there anyone that appears to be Hispanic. Is this a denominational college?

I am reminded of a Bill Russell interview at a time when the Celtics had Bird, McHale, and Ainge starting, backed up by a couple more white guys coming off the bench. Russ was asked if the Celtics were favoring white players.

Russ just cackled and said, "Red (Prez/GM Auerbach) would put five go-rillas out there if they would win him a championship."

Ditto Geno.

BTW, Where did Jefferson or Tuck or Williams or Collier or Boykin go? Or Chong? Or Nurse?

 

[Kibitzer]

I am reminded of a Bill Russell interview at a time when the Celtics had Bird, McHale, and Ainge starting, backed up by a couple more white guys coming off the bench. Russ was asked if the Celtics were favoring white players.

Russ just cackled and said, "Red (Prez/GM Auerbach) would put five go-rillas out there if they would win him a championship."

Ditto Geno.

BTW, Where did Jefferson or Tuck or Williams or Collier or Boykin go? Or Chong? Or Nurse?

Please disregard the Bonehead quoted post! I was switching back and forth from Boneyard to World Series and stupidly overlooked the photo (all whit girls' team - NOT UConn - so I went off on a tangent.

Sorry, BuzzyBoy.

 

[CocoHusky]

Not quite sure I get all of this. No doubt Geno plays team defense. Opponents are funneled in a direction in which they have to run a gantlet of defenders. UConn tries to control the direction according to the strength of the opponent. Anyone who truly enjoys watching the Huskies has seen this pattern over and over again--and marveled at it. Guards who ran around Kaleena had to face Stewart and finally Stokes. Sometimes Nurse dropped into the pattern. I expect Lou to be at the 4, and I expect her to be the first line of defense but not the last. Luckily, because UConn emphasizes team defense, a pure shooter can play on the perimeter w/out having to be a shut down defender. That was KML; now it's KLS. And tomorrow we'll all know what Geno has in mind.

You have many misconception about the proper execution of team defense, too many to get into here. For starers the 4 or PF is among the last lines of defense not the first & UCONN controls the direction according to the weakness (example weaker dribbling hand) not the opponent strength. There are many more complicated aspects to team defense like rotations and hedging or working over screens. But the most important aspect of team defense is you have to start with good individual defenders and technique. You don't take a group of below average individual defenders and expect to have an above average Team defense. KML is/was never going to get any credit for her defense because while in a UCONN uniform UCONN had arguably the greatest collections of individual perimeter defenders in its history in Faris, Hayes, Hartley, Banks & Jefferson. Saniya Chong is/was a better "pure shooter" than Hartley, Banks & Sophomore Jefferson but her lack of ability to defend the perimeter is what is keeping her from regular big game minutes.

 

[Bestiarius]

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.

I've heard the men's squads of all these teams are quite good looking too.

 

[meyers7]

It's truly strange to see a college women's basketball team without one black player. Just an observation. Nor is there anyone that appears to be Hispanic. Is this a denominational college?

I believe LCU is associated with Churches of Christ. However, the Church of Christ my wife attends on occasion is very diverse. So I don't think that has anything to do with it.

 

[UcMiami]

You know, I think the SNY article has a major typo that changes its meaning. :
“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."
If you remove one 'L' from this Geno quote, I think it makes more sense and ties in more to what Lou is quoted as saying as well - replace 'place' with 'pace' and it just reads better. And wouldn't Geno use 'position' instead of 'place' if he were really talking about geography instead of velocity. The 'at' at the end becomes less of an awkward construction as well if he is trying to get her to play 'at a certain pace' instead of 'in a certain place'.

Interesting how a single letter so changes a statement while retaining meaning in both instances.

 

[PhillyCoach]

You know, I think the SNY article has a major typo that changes its meaning. :
“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."
If you remove one 'L' from this Geno quote, I think it makes more sense and ties in more to what Lou is quoted as saying as well - replace 'place' with 'pace' and it just reads better. And wouldn't Geno use 'position' instead of 'place' if he were really talking about geography instead of velocity. The 'at' at the end becomes less of an awkward construction as well if he is trying to get her to play 'at a certain pace' instead of 'in a certain place'.

Interesting how a single letter so changes a statement while retaining meaning in both instances.

Uc - A tip of the hat to ya!! Using your prodigious multiple perspectives and multiple intelligences, you examined it athletically, grammatically, and strategically.
I agree with your analysis wholeheartedly. Thanks for shedding another ray of light on this important issue that consumes many posters.

 

[meyers7]

You know, I think the SNY article has a major typo that changes its meaning. :
“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."
If you remove one 'L' from this Geno quote, I think it makes more sense and ties in more to what Lou is quoted as saying as well - replace 'place' with 'pace' and it just reads better. And wouldn't Geno use 'position' instead of 'place' if he were really talking about geography instead of velocity. The 'at' at the end becomes less of an awkward construction as well if he is trying to get her to play 'at a certain pace' instead of 'in a certain place'.

Interesting how a single letter so changes a statement while retaining meaning in both instances.

Damn, maybe the grammar nazi's are right.

 

[huskyd]

You have many misconception about the proper execution of team defense, too many to get into here. For starers the 4 or PF is among the last lines of defense not the first & UCONN controls the direction according to the weakness (example weaker dribbling hand) not the opponent strength. There are many more complicated aspects to team defense like rotations and hedging or working over screens. But the most important aspect of team defense is you have to start with good individual defenders and technique. You don't take a group of below average individual defenders and expect to have an above average Team defense. KML is/was never going to get any credit for her defense because while in a UCONN uniform UCONN had arguably the greatest collections of individual perimeter defenders in its history in Faris, Hayes, Hartley, Banks & Jefferson. Saniya Chong is/was a better "pure shooter" than Hartley, Banks & Sophomore Jefferson but her lack of ability to defend the perimeter is what is keeping her from regular big game minutes.

It's a shame that you haven't the time or space to share with us your unique insights into the art of women's basketball. I, personally, can only watch games with the eyes I have and am not required to pass a test to get a watcher's license. Kaleena played the 4; she hung out on the perimeter for obvious reasons on offense. As a defender, she was regularly exploited by quick opponents and needed help on the inside. Your theory that KML was an "above average" defender is debatable, not a "misconception." I love the girl for what she was good at; I don't conflate her with the shut down defenders you mention; Kaleena was no shut down defender. Chong is sitting for two reasons: first, as you say, for her defensive shortcomings but also because she has never regained her hs shooting touch. It's instructive to note that you have already designated Lou a defensive liability before she's played her first game in blue. Saying she wants to get better doesn't mean she's not good. After all, there must be some reason that she's thought to be the best baller out of college this year. Same for Geno's comment: Lou has work to do on her defending, but, he also said, that she and the new freshmen were way ahead of the usual first year player. Try to be a little patient with those who may not have your opinions.

 

[CocoHusky]

Kaleena played the 4.

It is right about here where I lost all of the remaining patience you are requesting of me.

 

[Geno-ista]

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.)

Great read and take! Not sure about Nurse not starting. But I do see the possibility of Nurse resting Mo Jef more and running pt more, maybe with KLS as the 2 if Geno feels she can handle the ball that well.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I've heard the men's squads of all these teams are quite good looking too.

I find that my thing is looking at women. I've become pretty proficient at it

 

[BroadwayVa]

I believe LCU is associated with Churches of Christ. However, the Church of Christ my wife attends on occasion is very diverse. So I don't think that has anything to do with it.

You are more than likely correct--Lubbock Texas, while a Southern Town, I doubt there are any more racist there than in Hartford. The beauty of Swin Cash, Maya Moore, or Sue Bird have not ever been overlooked by UConn Fans. Those days are long forgotten, especially in WBB.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Not quite sure I get all of this. No doubt Geno plays team defense. Opponents are funneled in a direction in which they have to run a gantlet of defenders. UConn tries to control the direction according to the strength of the opponent. Anyone who truly enjoys watching the Huskies has seen this pattern over and over again--and marveled at it. Guards who ran around Kaleena had to face Stewart and finally Stokes. Sometimes Nurse dropped into the pattern. I expect Lou to be at the 4, and I expect her to be the first line of defense but not the last. Luckily, because UConn emphasizes team defense, a pure shooter can play on the perimeter w/out having to be a shut down defender. That was KML; now it's KLS. And tomorrow we'll all know what Geno has in mind.

I don't know if my posting got lost in the words but I pretty much thought I said what you say.
I couldn't agree with you more. Geno's defensive system is to hopefully (and by design) run opponent into a total defensive network. Last year, in tough games, Stokes was the back stopper.
You get no argument from me..

 

[BroadwayVa]

Not starting and going to the bench early are two different things. I'm sure Geno will rest all his players as needed like Stewart who also had a very active summer. But I'm guessing that won't stop Geno from starting her.

I don't think I was as intellectual as you in realizing that ---going and coming were actually different acts. As well--as you so intelligently--pointed out that "Not starting and going to the bench early--" are different thing. I would never have thought of that. I too am pleased that Geno shall rest all of his players as he sees fit--that eases my mind immensely. Thank you for clearing that up. Oh I truly hope Geno sees things as you say--and will at times start Nurse. That was a genuine concern.