Georgetown Postgame Thread

[HuskylnSC]

Lets see, someone rated Paige a B+ and Nika a B- when Paige had 19 points on 10 shots, 9 assts, 2 TO and Nika had 3 points on 5 shots ( half of Paige's shots) 6 assts/3 TO. I would go see the principal on that lousy grading.
Paige has no interest in scoring a lot of points against a poor team, just get the W , hopefully get your teammates some confidence and move on.
I think the thing that concerns Geno, is all the poor shooting and turnovers when Paige is not handling the ball.

Players are scored on how well they executed their roles. Like Geno said, Nika rolls out the piano and Paige plays the piano. If the guy doesn't roll the piano out there is no concert. Nika plays defense and pushes the offense.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Maybe resting PB will be helpful, because beating the 189th ranked team by 23 is embarrassing. I'd hate to be at the next practice.

Geno said he's giving them 2 days off. they just did something really tough. 5 games / 10 days and travel.

 

[donalddoowop]

Lets see, someone rated Paige a B+ and Nika a B- when Paige had 19 points on 10 shots, 9 assts, 2 TO and Nika had 3 points on 5 shots ( half of Paige's shots) 6 assts/3 TO. I would go see the principal on that lousy grading.
Paige has no interest in scoring a lot of points against a poor team, just get the W , hopefully get your teammates some confidence and move on.
I think the thing that concerns Geno, is all the poor shooting and turnovers when Paige is not handling the ball.

It does not make sense to me to grade the players every game. UConn could win the NC looking like they did tonight and some people would still complain. I believe that most of the players are not only physically tired but also mentally tired. I hope they play well enough in upcoming games so that Mir can play more and also Piath, Saylor, and Chassion. Mir's help may be needed in the tournament.

 

[hoophuskee]

But suppose you were a scout...from somewhere on the backside of Mars...knew nothing much about this year's team...what kind of a report would you submit after watching this game?



Conclusion: A sweet 16 or possibly an elite 8 team...unlikely higher.

I don't agree with how you’re are phrasing the question to get to your conclusion even if it for a smidgen if that is what you are doing. But why bring up this game? It’s the wrong question to ask in hoop imo.

Anyhow, FOR FUN -- if I were from Mars - and would have the capability of looking at a game-- it would mean I'd have incredible capabilities to review many games and analysis, and not just one to which to draw any type of conclusion.

As a result, the game that would 1st catch my eye is South Carolina. I'd notice that UCONN had one player that was unstoppable. When UCONN had a 6-point lead - I'd notice that UCONN then seemed to go away from this one super player - then the other team took momentum and the lead. Then I'd further notice that when UCONN went back to this one player - this terrific SC team whose defense was highlighted as a great strength - couldn't stop her even though they knew everything was going through her.

Then I'd go back into other of the tougher games. I'd notice the Tenn game UCONN started to pull away and this one super player got hurt - then all of sudden the other team made a late run. The super player then comes back in and suddenly she hits the game's deciding shot.

Then I'd look at the game they lost. I'd notice this same super young player in the 4th quarter again show she is unstoppable.

Then I'd look at the history of the game and see that this one player is on a roll rarely ever reached by another player in terms of efficiency considering she’s a guard and taking as many shots. And I’d notice that this particular game of hoop is so influenced by just one player. So I'd review the negative reviews on UCONN as to how to stop this 1 player but notice from all the analysis that no that one has come up with a plan, other than some saying what she is doing "can’t be done." But with S.C. something was done that others would’ve said the same negative thing.

And so watching this game tonight and see that this one super player didn't shoot much I'm sure they would conclude that this game was nothing more than an exhibition game for UCONN. And from that, they'd go back to review the SC game and conclude that if no one has an answer how to stop this one great player then UCONN’s chances are just as good as anyone else's.

 

[pvdoggy]

Without a doubt, the team is tired; mentally and physically...And they haven't practiced for a while and it shows...and they're young...remember the Freshman wall? Not permitted this year.

But suppose you were a scout...from somewhere on the backside of Mars...knew nothing much about this year's team...what kind of a report would you submit after watching this game?

Mediocre shooting percentage, especially from the outside, Bueckers excepted, Williams hit a few early, then wore out her welcome, going 3 for 9.

At times (against the zone), passed the ball around the perimeter like it was a hot potato reminiscent of Holly's, UTenn offense...and as the shot clock wound down. a poor pass (often intercepted) or a failed long range shot.

Front court players invariably in poor position and not very helpful to the offense.

Georgetown is not a very good team, with only 1, maybe 1 and a half real ballers...and UConn pressed them on D to good effect...but its a real question whether they can be as effective in this respect against a good team.

I had been led to believe that a UConn team would appear as a superlatively coached, team that runs a coherent offense and exploits its opponents weaknesses... Except for their effective pressing, none of this was apparent. Offense featured poor shooting and a lack of strong playmaking.

Conclusion: Not a really good team. A sweet 16 or possibly an elite 8 team...unlikely higher.

If I was from Mars as you said, I would not know anything about either of these teams so I would not have any preconceived notion of one supposedly being superior to the other and all I saw was one team beating the other pretty handily by 24 pts. My conclusion has to be the team that won is pretty damn good.

 

[Golden Husky]

UConn had assists on 78% of its baskets, which usually means some pretty basketball. Not so much tonight.

 

[Boreifs]

Wow you are right. Next 4 games are at QUEENS, N.Y., CINCINNATI, OHIO, OMAHA, NEB. and INDIANAPOLIS, IND..

Good news are those games are all in SNY/ Fox Sports.

Marquette is on CBS Sports Network.

 

[Carnac]

As a UConn fan I'm aware that people have their favorite players and want to see that player score 30 points every game and win a championship. Some want to see UConn win every game by 50 points. Unfortunately this team ain't built that way. What occasionally amuses me is how some just see the game projected on their own eyelids and not what's there in front of their eyes. Since the ARK game Geno has scratched the 4 or 5 out system and went to multiple screens and sets for Paige. To facilitate that he's also gone to Nika who is his second best passer and a good screener while playing Paige off the ball.

Tonight Geno's offense centered around getting CW the ball in space for her to get off the schnied. That meant going back to 4 or 5 out. That meant Paige playing on the ball. There were no horn sets. There were no down screens, back screens, curl screens, double screens, stagger screens, flare screens, flex screens (one of Geno's favorite for Paige), or those away screens that Geno also loves. This game was about shots for CW and trying to get his second best offensive option into some sort of rhythm so that the scoring pressure is off of Paige. This team cannot win a championship without other offensive options. Period. Now I know some people want to see Paige score 30 or 40 points every game, but in the history of basketball I've never seen 4 players set screens and play defense while one player does all the scoring. It just ain't gonna happen. Paige had 6 shots in the half for a reason, and that reason is championships are all about team and players. Not player.

People also forget that this is one tired young team. These guys have never experienced anything like the schedule they've gone through this season, and many are unprepared to play through this kind of fatigue. Most young players have poor practice, dietary, sleeping and waking habits. That stuff gets shaved off as they approach their senior year, but these 7 freshmen barely know court play. Managing their off court affairs at this level is a mystery to them. This will change but it will take time. They've only played 17 games in their college careers. The absolute best thing about this game was Geno's decision to get CW more shots. Geno though is in a bind. Clearly he would love to play 4 or 5 out. He's won 11 championships playing this read and react style. He knows this style is a recipe for winning yet he also knows this team cannot play that kind of spacing game and win at this time. This team has problems getting easy baskets. They get few in transition, few from the block, not enough from TO's and little from the perimeter. He needs to find the right balance between style and players. Let's hope he finds it. By the way, without being the focus of the offense Paige still scored 19 had 9 assists and shot 60% from the field. Not too shabby.

Well said JordyG.

 

[BostonBay]

Not a good game. This team is still taking WAY TOO MANY 3's. Problem is: Paige is the only consistent outside shooter. EW has been slumping of late with her jump shot. CW, ONO, AG should not be taking 3s, period. So, it baffles me why this team cant have more consistent inside plays called, especially with a big lineup. A perimeter/3's reliance is a recipe for another E8 or FF loss. Now is the time to establish more balance. I just dont see it.

Oh well. It will be fun to see Paige try to carry the team on her back in the Tourny anyway.

 

[Dokey]

Tired team, tired game.

 

[Cuango]

Lets see, someone rated Paige a B+ and Nika a B- when Paige had 19 points on 10 shots, 9 assts, 2 TO and Nika had 3 points on 5 shots ( half of Paige's shots) 6 assts/3 TO. I would go see the principal on that lousy grading.
Paige has no interest in scoring a lot of points against a poor team, just get the W , hopefully get your teammates some confidence and move on.
I think the thing that concerns Geno, is all the poor shooting and turnovers when Paige is not handling the ball.

We desperately need Anna to come back shooting 38-42% from three!

 

[RedStickHusky]

One game, at the end of a rough stretch. Got the win, got cw going a little bit, and get a couple days off as a reward. Obviously not in post-season form tonight; I don't think Geno expected them to be. I'm not taking away much else from this one.

 

[RedStickHusky]

Anyone else get the impression that Paige went for 19 and 9 (should've been more) while taking it easy for the night.

 

[jabstep]

I think Aubrey is the wild card to us winning the whole Palozza. She is by far the best athlete on our team. Did anyone see the beautiful 3 she took and hit with a swish no rim at all. I bet if she was told to do more of that and set some screens for her we might see something. We have a few games to work on it. She also gives us someone who comes up with th ball on defense and rebounds well. We are seeing Nika and Christyn shoot why not Aubrey.

 

[Phillyconn]

The team beat S.C. They won. They won. You never saw what Paige did either and yet you witnessed it and it seems you are still trying to deny it.

One big advantage of playing in the Big East is that UCON can do different things to work on their weaknesses (which is in part why those that criticized UCONN being in the Big East were wrong.).

While the team necessarily can't win it all with Paige having to score over 30 - it definitely can't win it all if Paige isn't the focal point to take the most shots unless someone shows a great efficiency as well. To not give as many shots as you can to a player who is shooting over 55% from 3 and can drill 2pointers just as easy is mistake.

Paige Bueckers is putting up historic numbers. Until shown she can be stopped- why should UCON try to stop her from shooting the ball if no other team shows they can? Let's not have UCONN be the ones to stop Paige Bueckers who IS CURRENTLY breaking all the rules.

In the interim run whatever offense you want to get players going. But in the Big Games-- Bueckers needs to shoot.

Some players come up from time-to-time that prove to be game changers. You don't fight this. Instead force the other team to do something more extreme in order to stop Bueckers. But for now - sure run whatever offense to get others going. But it still has to be better than what CWill showed in order to change Paige from a scorer to a passer. Worry about winning the current game in which you have a legit shot to lose and not the next game.

When has one player won a championship? Greatness, imho is making teammates look good also, like DT. Paige has that ability, let her be Paige. Don’t turn her into Allen Iverson. Paige has passing abilities the likes of which I’ve never seen. Don’t make her one dimensional. The only way to win a title this year is by playing team ball. PB can average 30 pts a game, but 21 pts with 10 assists makes the team better. I think Geno realizes this.
I am a 76ers fan. A friend of mine asked if I would trade Ben Simmons for Bradley Beal of the Wizards. Bradley Beal is an unstoppable 3 level scorer. The answer is no, because Ben Simmons, who can’t shoot a lick, gets teammates the ball in rhythm, which makes shooting percentages higher, his penetration down the the lane leads to easy lay ups for other players. He is an all star who can’t shoot but coaches love him.
PB is Ben Simmons with a Larry Bird like Jumper! Well, better than Bird. Let her orchestrate! It’s her greatest strength.

 

[LCConnFan]

You know, you could be a lot more positive than that. She scored 19. Why the hell can't you be pleased with that instead of trying to tear down her success. Right now the whole team is struggling.

I couldn't agree more, olddog! Not only that, but Georgetown should be commended, as they played well above there 'record' on defense! Shame on him for 'dissing' Christyn. This was a mental boost for her to see shots going in. We NEED her to continue to play at this level if we want to win.

 

[my2cents]

Players are scored on how well they executed their roles. Like Geno said, Nika rolls out the piano and Paige plays the piano. If the guy doesn't roll the piano out there is no concert. Nika plays defense and pushes the offense.

So concert reviewers give a grade to the guy who rolled out the piano now???

 

[RedStickHusky]

So concert reviewers give a grade to the guy who rolled out the piano now???

Was the piano on time? Was it positioned to help the pianist be successful?

 

[jcoton56]

I really think that this game should be viewed as a business trip. Go down there, get a W without any injuries and get home. Now recharge, review and refresh before the next section of the gauntlet.

 

[meyers7]

Wow you are right. Next 4 games are at QUEENS, N.Y., CINCINNATI, OHIO, OMAHA, NEB. and INDIANAPOLIS, IND..

Good news are those games are all in SNY/ Fox Sports.

That's NOT good news.

 

[Boreifs]

Anyone else get the impression that Paige went for 19 and 9 (should've been more) while taking it easy for the night.

She didn’t need to hunt for shots late, since the game was already decided. She never takes it easy; incredibly intense player.

 

[Boreifs]

So concert reviewers give a grade to the guy who rolled out the piano now???

A better analogy would be the one who tunes the piano. That often results in bad reviews, but never if it is done well.

 

[eebmg]

Nice quotes from a 'fairly' impressed Georgetown coach who did not get to 'enjoy' the Paige show the first time.

Georgetown Proves Mettle, but Overwhelmed by No. 2 Connecticut

The Georgetown Hoyas women’s basketball team (1-10, 1-10 Big East) fell to the No. 2 Connecticut Huskies (16-1, 13-0 Big East) by a score of 64-40. After a close first quarter, the Huskies’ talent advantage came through as they pulled decisively ahead to claim the victory.

georgetownvoice.com

“Paige is a nightmare. Paige is going to be a nightmare for the next three years,” said Howard. “I’m saying three because I’m hoping she won’t use that extra year that the NCAA gave back. I’m praying that she’s going to be the number one draft pick and she’ll be out of there.”


Keep that script for Azzi/

 

[Geew1992]

CW def look more into the game. She didn’t look like she was on an “island”.

 

[Bald Husky]

I jumped out of my chair when CW made that first shot. I could see that she was being aggressive, and it looked like the game plan was to feed her. Now, something that has bothered me for awhile. Why doesn't Nika shoot more, and I'm not talking about 3 pointers. How many times does she dribble into the lane, and kick it out, and even pick up her dribble. Most times she has a bunny of a shot opportunity, but refuses to take it. We need her to be more aggressive as a shooter to force the defense to defend her more. If ONO is outside pulling their big, the lane will be open. Although she excels in other areas, she is really one less option offensively. FYI, I still love Nika, but she can do more.

 

[BBallF]

Wow you are right. Next 4 games are at QUEENS, N.Y., CINCINNATI, OHIO, OMAHA, NEB. and INDIANAPOLIS, IND..

Good news are those games are all in SNY/ Fox Sports.

Yes, thank you SNY. Last night was another never stop talking announcing team. Don't narrate and comment on the game, just have an inane irrelevant conversation. Why? Because women's basketball doesn't deserve more? I'm sorry but I find it to be both insulting and sexist and it is an obnoxious pattern with these other networks. You are watching the best team in the country with the next great player whose name you will be hearing for the next 15-20 years chronologically in the NCAA, WNBA and Olympics. I kinda wanna watch it and not have to turn the audio down.

 

[BBallF]

I don't feel any better. I think we all need a couple of days off. It's like when I'm shooting around in a funk, I call out, "that's one in a row". That's UConn right now, "one in a row".
Every player ES, MS, HS, College, Elite College, NBA, has their shot. Think of your favorite player and you can say where their shots are. Do we know where our UConn players shots are? (except Paige) How do we get on runs if we can't make shots. E made those 2 big ones against Tenn and she's 0 for our last 5 games. Nika has to make that set 3-pointer. AG has to hit those driving layups. AE has to finish from the block.
Why aren't we passing the ball to our posts when they are open. We wait until we have to thread the needle. It's like hockey; it's the pass leading to the pass that leads to the goal. Why is everyone trying to be a hero. Pass it to the open player. Newsflash: if AE has to wrestle the ball from 3 defenders, it's not a good pass. Our posts flash middle and our guards stare at them. (CW big time) Pass it to them and move. Posts, catch the ball, take your time, pivot, and do something with it. It's like winning territory on the battlefield and just retreating to where you were before. Attack!
Why is Mir catching the ball on the block and just passing it back out. Back to my earlier thought- that's her shot. Take it!!!! Ringing in my head: those possessions we pass it around like the ball's a hot potato, with 3-4 players passing up THEIR shots. If you don't have a shot, even a layup, then don't shoot, ever! Do other things!
Tell us where your shots are! We'll get you the ball there and you'll make the shot! Then we'll play D and we'll come back down here and do the same thing, over and over.
Come on, let's get on a run!

On point for sure. Get the player the ball in the position she can best score in. Don't pass up your shot unless there is a better percentage shot available like a lay up or a wide open 3 for Paige. I think Evina's best move is a drive into the key and pull up. How many has she shot all year? 6? Liv is no longer a post player? Against a smaller player, get her the ball on the block and work it. How many open looks did we defer on? If you are afraid to miss or make a mistake you will miss or make a mistake. As I have been saying, there is a late season metamorphosis that we have seen with past teams, most recently last year. When is this one coming? It has been delayed for sure by the choppy season but we are capable of so much more. I don't feel better either.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

It looks like Mir is almost out of the rotation, after bringing energy vs both Tennessee and Arkansas, she didn’t play against South Carolina, played 1 minute vs Seton Hall, and got mop up minutes again tonight when the game was already in hand.

Seems that way. She didn't produce last night as she usually does when given the opportunity. Not looking good for her. Having said that, there are other players who are just not performing. Westbrook was scoreless. It was a bad night for the bigs- just 12 points between Edwards and ONO. And just two OR, naturally from Edwards.

 

[bob15]

Would like to see Nika shoot the ball more, and not just from behind the arc. She seems to pass up on too many 10-12 footers. I get it, she like to pass the ball; but she does need to take more shots.

 

[freshler40]

So I said before the game that I would not be surprised to see the final MOV be in the 25 point range.

I said that because even tho their record was 1-9, their last 2 games were single digit losses to Seton Hall and Marquette. Not sure if G-town had some injuries early on or what, but IMHO, they were not as bad as their record. At least as of lately.

First, congrats to Christyn for scoring some points. She hit 3-pointers early and I worried that result might convince her she’s back to being a shooter. At numerous times in the 1st half, she had about 50% of UCONN’s total shot attempts. She’s NOT the person who should be taking half our shots.

Maybe that was a conscious effort by Geno to try to boost her confidence, but the sooner she realizes she’s not a shooter, and rather a slasher, the better off she will be. It’s games like this that lead to games like 2-12 from 3. Today she was 3-9. Just way too many attempts IMHO, I don’t care how wide open she is.

Last point on CW – 19 points on 19 shots. Paige, 19 points on 10 shot attempts. Who really should be taking most of the shots?

Having said that, good effort by her on defense and better hustling as far as my untrained eyes could see.

Turnovers in the first half were tough to see and sloppy. Seems like it was cleaned up in the 2nd half. Nika played hard as always. Evina seemed off tonight. I get that Geno is building towards March, but I’d like to see more of Edwards and Griffin, and less of Westbrook, Williams, and ONO. If Anna doesn’t come back (even if she does she may well be super rusty and out of shape), we will need Liya and Aubrey.

Both Nika and LIya seem to be playing just as hard but without the fouls. That’s great to see.

Overall, it seems like Georgetown’s defense is about on par with South Carolina’s. Not a stellar offensive performance by any stretch. Credit to Georgetown for playing hard. Our defense was pretty solid keeping that Morris kid from scoring a bunch. A pair of 12 point quarters sandwiched around a pair of single digit scoring quarters. Ugly win for sure tho...

We need more scoring balance and to reduce the number of passed up shots. We continue to defer on our offense, partly to get Williams involved. Our guards need to scan the court more in any set-up. Beckers does this very well but other can only pass in a pre-set fashion. Our passes are easy to read. The second time playing some of these teams the coaches are adjusting to our offense. Overall GT played well and consistent throughout the game. Were tired and need a rest before installing some needed changes. Moving ahead looks good for the Huskies.