DavidinNaples
11 is way better than 2..!! :)
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At a recent NIKE coaching clinic, Geno spent several days explaining his offensive philosophy and how to get the most from the players in that offense. Recapping the whole clinic would be impossible, but here's some highlights.
Geno doesn't put any player on the court who can't score, and score a lot! Most recruits led their high school or AAU team in scoring. Those that didn't, probably could have. Last year, KML, UConn's best scorer, led the team in points 19 times, less than 50% of games. Stewie led in scoring 12 times and Dolson was tops 9 games. But, Hartley, Tuck and Banks also had games where they led in scoring. (Note - Some games had two players tie for lead in scoring.) Geno recruits players who know how to score and then teaches them even more ways to score. (KML in the low post!) That is how you lead the nation in scoring offense at 82.5 ppg.
Offensively, Geno does not want everyone taking the same number of shots. He wants the best scorers, taking their best shot, as often as possible. At the same time, Geno wants the "right shot" taken at the "right time"! For example, he loves 3's "in transition", when the shooter is less likely to be closely guarded. Against the 2-3 zone, he preaches to find the "hole in the zone" just below the foul line. (Stewie was there all day against Louisville in the NC final.)
Most of all, Geno loves player match-ups that favor UConn and force the defense to help or double the ball. If the opponent doesn't have a big that can guard Dolson in the low post, feed her until they adjust. If their big doesn't come out on Dolson high at the foul line, shoot 12-15 ft jumpers all day. If they clog the lane with extra defenders, rain 3's until they adjust yet again. If KML has a smaller, quick defender, let her post down low and use her size and strength. Geno believes a versatile offense answers every defensive scheme.
No player creates more match-up issues than Stewie. She is too tall for shorter guards and too quick for bigger defenders. With her height and reach, her jump shot can't be blocked. Geno's motion offense and "back cuts" often results in easy lay-ups and wide open 3's. And Geno views every missed shot as an opportunity for the 4 non-shooters to rebound and shoot again. UConn had 539 offensive rebounds for an average of 13.8 per game. The top 3 offensive rebounders all return.
With 7 of the 8 top scores returning, and a "thin bench" limit in blowouts, UConn's offense could really shine in 2013-2014. Last year, UConn took a record 859 3's and made 38% of them. The four players with the lowest shooting percentage for 3's, Jefferson (27%), Tuck (29%), Hartley (30%) and Stewie(33%) will most likely get better. If things get crowded out at the 3 point line, UConn has interior size w/ Dolson (6''5), Stewie (6'4), Tuck (6'2) and Stokes (6'3). Pick your poison....
UConn scored 3,218 points last year. With another year under their belts to learn Geno's offense, the two seniors, three juniors and three sophomores should be more confident and better prepared for what defenses try to throw at them. Expect Geno and UConn to press, shoot, rebound and shoot again for 40 minutes. Almost like a season long clinic......Go Huskies..!!
Geno doesn't put any player on the court who can't score, and score a lot! Most recruits led their high school or AAU team in scoring. Those that didn't, probably could have. Last year, KML, UConn's best scorer, led the team in points 19 times, less than 50% of games. Stewie led in scoring 12 times and Dolson was tops 9 games. But, Hartley, Tuck and Banks also had games where they led in scoring. (Note - Some games had two players tie for lead in scoring.) Geno recruits players who know how to score and then teaches them even more ways to score. (KML in the low post!) That is how you lead the nation in scoring offense at 82.5 ppg.
Offensively, Geno does not want everyone taking the same number of shots. He wants the best scorers, taking their best shot, as often as possible. At the same time, Geno wants the "right shot" taken at the "right time"! For example, he loves 3's "in transition", when the shooter is less likely to be closely guarded. Against the 2-3 zone, he preaches to find the "hole in the zone" just below the foul line. (Stewie was there all day against Louisville in the NC final.)
Most of all, Geno loves player match-ups that favor UConn and force the defense to help or double the ball. If the opponent doesn't have a big that can guard Dolson in the low post, feed her until they adjust. If their big doesn't come out on Dolson high at the foul line, shoot 12-15 ft jumpers all day. If they clog the lane with extra defenders, rain 3's until they adjust yet again. If KML has a smaller, quick defender, let her post down low and use her size and strength. Geno believes a versatile offense answers every defensive scheme.
No player creates more match-up issues than Stewie. She is too tall for shorter guards and too quick for bigger defenders. With her height and reach, her jump shot can't be blocked. Geno's motion offense and "back cuts" often results in easy lay-ups and wide open 3's. And Geno views every missed shot as an opportunity for the 4 non-shooters to rebound and shoot again. UConn had 539 offensive rebounds for an average of 13.8 per game. The top 3 offensive rebounders all return.
With 7 of the 8 top scores returning, and a "thin bench" limit in blowouts, UConn's offense could really shine in 2013-2014. Last year, UConn took a record 859 3's and made 38% of them. The four players with the lowest shooting percentage for 3's, Jefferson (27%), Tuck (29%), Hartley (30%) and Stewie(33%) will most likely get better. If things get crowded out at the 3 point line, UConn has interior size w/ Dolson (6''5), Stewie (6'4), Tuck (6'2) and Stokes (6'3). Pick your poison....
UConn scored 3,218 points last year. With another year under their belts to learn Geno's offense, the two seniors, three juniors and three sophomores should be more confident and better prepared for what defenses try to throw at them. Expect Geno and UConn to press, shoot, rebound and shoot again for 40 minutes. Almost like a season long clinic......Go Huskies..!!
