Heads-up: ESPN2 Kentucky at Baylor tonight

[asuwish]

I told a friend before the game Baylor would kill KY. KY doesn't have the size, and Baylor has guards with speed to break the press not to mention a tall player that allows you to go over the top. KY did the same thing tonight they did against Uconn. They play defense with their hands not feet which allows the other team to drive though you and get fouled. Constant reaching in for steals means picking up a lot of fouls. With all the bumping and hand checking it seemed I turned on a WCBB game and a hockey game broke out. When you play GOOD defense you trap with your feet to force the player to pick up the dribble then you can either grab the ball when they are looking to pass, or have your team pick of the pass by cutting off the passing lanes. They have some great athletes so they can chase you ever where, but very undisciplined. Along with seemed like poor foul shooting KY did not look good. Baylor which may have been the reason KY did not look good and will make many others look bad as well, was impressive. They showed depth and discipline as they picked KY apart. Even their bench was dominant. Stanford is next. They have size, but not the quickness, but at least they will be be in control and not as all over the place. In the end I expect the same result hopefully a lot closer.

 

[asuwish]

W

I'm just wondering if the 4 UConn bigs in platoons of 2 and even 3 at a time can bother Griner enough so that the rest of the UConn team can dominate. I imagine that's the theory. Griner made some wonderful moves in the 2nd half that i caught. But she simply is not being challenged by the opposition yet.

When Uconn men beat Duke in 99 they doubled down on Elton Brand with another big, not a guard (make the power forward, not the 2 guard beat you) If Stewart can be a 3 Geno can go very big. You have to prevent her from driving because she just gets the calls. We will have to shoot well (so will everyone) outside to win.

 

[huskyharry]

I am starting to NOT be a fan of Sims!

She is gifted PG but she carries an "attitude" to me....but maybe what I am seeing on the television. I noticed this last year. Anyone else see it or am I crazy?

Sims definitely has an attitude and made several plays where she either tried to physically intimidate the opponent when she thought the refs wouldn't see or she suckered the refs into calling a foul with an offensive flop move. Does not display good sportsmanship to say the least!

 

[VAMike23]

We will need Bria at full strength--able to go 25+ minutes if needed--in order to beat Baylor, unless Moriah keeps on improving at a really high rate. (She is doing as well as anyone could have expected thus far.) Even then, Sims' strength, experience and moxie would prove difficult for her.

Without Bria I think Sims would be too disruptive for our perimeter players, as a group, to handle. Sims is one tough cookie. Hopefully Bria's recovery goes smoothly and she is good to go in the near future. And at that point, easing her back slowly would probably still be a good idea.....

 

[MilfordHusky]

Ok, any chance that Linnae Harper will decide that Kentucky cannot win an NCAA title?

 

[easttexastrash]

Sims definitely has an attitude and made several plays where she either tried to physically intimidate the opponent when she thought the refs wouldn't see or she suckered the refs into calling a foul with an offensive flop move. Does not display good sportsmanship to say the least!

Sure am glad she plays for Baylor. This girl doesn't get pushed around and will get in your grill if you try. My only problem with her game tonight was the number of TOs. As far as the fiestiness, it's part of makes her the toughest guard in the game. I love her!

 

[Wonkster]

Ok, any chance that Linnae Harper will decide that Kentucky cannot win an NCAA title?

You give high schoolers too much credit.

I'm convinced most of the "top ranked" prospects wear 3 pairs of rose-colored glasses. At the same time.

 

[Icebear]

When Uconn men beat Duke in 99 they doubled down on Elton Brand with another big, not a guard (make the power forward, not the 2 guard beat you) If Stewart can be a 3 Geno can go very big. You have to prevent her from driving because she just gets the calls. We will have to shoot well (so will everyone) outside to win.

This is exactly the approach I expect to be used this year with the additional quality posts we have available and for the reasons stated.

 

[Bestiarius]

Sure am glad she plays for Baylor. This girl doesn't get pushed around and will get in your grill if you try. My only problem with her game tonight was the number of TOs. As far as the fiestiness, it's part of makes her the toughest guard in the game. I love her!

Can't disagree with this assessment. She's someone to be feared and respected.

After seeing this game, I'm encouraged. I think Uconn has a great shot at beating Baylor.

Accomplishing that task will primarily require controlling Sims & Griner (Aren't I an astute analyst?)

Uconn has the personnel capable of keeping Sims under reasonable control. A team approach will be required. Assuming Bria is not available, Mo & Brianna have the speed and Kelly has the strength to cope with Sims. Stuart may be able to block those miraculous dipsy-doodle drives she accomplishes so often. She is frustratable, and perhaps constant pressure from fresh players will take it's toll. Hopefully, that frustration will cause her feistiness to get out of hand. It's all we can hope for with Sims.

I also think we have the tools keep Griner's performance to mere mortal proportions. Stuart, Dolson, Buck, Stokes will provide plenty of fouls to give. I also believe there will be enough pressure that Griner might have to foul more than usual to stop Uconn. I'm counting on Geno to devise the plan we know he's capable of.

The remaining starters aren't exactly chopped liver but I think KML, Tuck, Doty & Faris can keep them from stepping up. I was also encouraged by the lack of quality play by Baylor's bench. That's a battle we definitely win. Lets just say I doubt if Robertson will get many minutes.

I believe Stuart is a better player than Griner was at the same stage in her career. Unfortunately, Griner has improved over the years, particularly this year and is no longer a Freshman. The Baylor games should be a great ones.

 

[doggydaddy]

Uconn has the personnel capable of keeping Sims under reasonable control. A team approach will be required. Assuming Bria is not available, Mo & Brianna have the speed and Kelly has the strength to cope with Sims.

Not sure why you would assume Hartley would not be available in February. She is said to be coming back for the VI games.

 

[meyers7]

Not sure why you would assume Hartley would not be available in February. She is said to be coming back for the VI games.

There have been a couple on here who think Hartley will/should red-shirt this year. I really don't know what some people are thinking???? Go figure.

 

[doggydaddy]

I was impressed with Destiny Williams last night. Solid game.

She is similar to Tuck only without the 3 pointer.

 

[easttexastrash]

Can't disagree with this assessment. She's someone to be feared and respected.

After seeing this game, I'm encouraged. I think Uconn has a great shot at beating Baylor.

Accomplishing that task will primarily require controlling Sims & Griner (Aren't I an astute analyst?)

Uconn has the personnel capable of keeping Sims under reasonable control. A team approach will be required. Assuming Bria is not available, Mo & Brianna have the speed and Kelly has the strength to cope with Sims. Stuart may be able to block those miraculous dipsy-doodle drives she accomplishes so often. She is frustratable, and perhaps constant pressure from fresh players will take it's toll. Hopefully, that frustration will cause her feistiness to get out of hand. It's all we can hope for with Sims.

I also think we have the tools keep Griner's performance to mere mortal proportions. Stuart, Dolson, Buck, Stokes will provide plenty of fouls to give. I also believe there will be enough pressure that Griner might have to foul more than usual to stop Uconn. I'm counting on Geno to devise the plan we know he's capable of.

The remaining starters aren't exactly chopped liver but I think KML, Tuck, Doty & Faris can keep them from stepping up. I was also encouraged by the lack of quality play by Baylor's bench. That's a battle we definitely win. Lets just say I doubt if Robertson will get many minutes.

I believe Stuart is a better player than Griner was at the same stage in her career. Unfortunately, Griner has improved over the years, particularly this year and is no longer a Freshman. The Baylor games should be a great ones.

It's almost as if Williams and Pope are being forgotten. Both are playing some incredible ball this year and can drop big numbers. Pope is actually playing up to her lofty HS ranking. Now that Pope is not an offensive liability she will be on the floor a lot more, bringing great defense and rebounding. If Prince is healthy she is going to add something special to the guard rotation. Johnson entered the game very early in the UK game and will probably be ready to give Sims a little relief.

Obviously UK was not up to the challenge. I doubt that Stanford will offer much more resistance. We truly won't be able to judge how these two teams match up until February.

 

[easttexastrash]

I was impressed with Destiny Williams last night. Solid game.

She is similar to Tuck only without the 3 pointer.

She was very solid. Incredibly efficient and cleaned up on the boards. I'm looking forward to seeing Tuck take on TAMU, which is a very young team. I expect them to look a bit ragged. However, TAMU typically has very good guard play and they do have some good bigs that always played BG very tough.

 

[doggydaddy]

It's almost as if Williams and Pope are being forgotten. Both are playing some incredible ball this year and can drop big numbers. Pope is actually playing up to her lofty HS ranking. Now that Pope is not an offensive liability she will be on the floor a lot more, bringing great defense and rebounding. If Prince is healthy she is going to add something special to the guard rotation. Johnson entered the game very early in the UK game and will probably be ready to give Sims a little relief.

Obviously UK was not up to the challenge. I doubt that Stanford will offer much more resistance. We truly won't be able to judge how these two teams match up until February.

Hey...I mentioned Williams!!!

Pope? Still question about her in my mind. Otherwise she would get 20+ minutes in the rotation. Maybe that will change as the season progresses.

The interesting thing will be how Baylor handles Stanford's 6'3", 6'3" and 6'3" diverse front line.

If UConn plays Dolson, Stewart and Tuck at 6'5", 6'4" and 6'2", Stanford might show some weakness that UConn can exploit.

 

[OneTrickPony]

I was impressed with Destiny Williams last night. Solid game.

She is similar to Tuck only without the 3 pointer.

I agree...and I have to think that Tuck is bigger, more mobile and a better shot inside and out. I can't wait to see them go at each other...I suspect the Honorable Mention All American (Williams) will have all she can handle and then some...

 

[easttexastrash]

Hey...I mentioned Williams!!!

Pope? Still question about her in my mind. Otherwise she would get 20+ minutes in the rotation. Maybe that will change as the season progresses.

The interesting thing will be how Baylor handles Stanford's 6'3", 6'3" and 6'3" diverse front line.

If UConn plays Dolson, Stewart and Tuck at 6'5", 6'4" and 6'2", Stanford might show some weakness that UConn can exploit.

You did! Good eye. Our posts crossed in cyberspace.

It will be interesting to see what Tara does, although nobody outside of Hawaii will get to see it since there is no coverage. It will also be interesting to see how Mulkey adjusts to what Stanford threw at BG in the FF. BG really is a good enough shooter to step away from the basket more than she has in the past. She is, dare I use the word, an "underrated" shooter.

 

[EricSD]

Well Griner is a really good FT shooter so it's not like you want to play hack-a-Brit... I was very impressed with Baylor. I thought Kentucky would offer more resistance (15-20 point loss instead of the huge beatdown), but Kentucky lacks an outside game, and clearly they can't score around the basket with block-a-Brit hanging out in that area...

Both UCONN and Baylor have different strengths and weaknesses (duh). Even tho Baylor has Simms, I think UCONN has stronger guard/wing play and are deeper in that area too. Baylor obviously has stronger post play as I doubt Stef, Kiah, and Heather combined will score much over 10 points between them this year.

To me, Baylor's key will be to try to limit UCONN's outside shooting and midrange game while UCONN's will be to do their best to limit Simms and Griner (ie. try to slow them and make the rest of the team beat them). Both teams have until February to adjust, tweak, grow, etc. I think it will be an epic game - like Ali vs. Frasier when both were at their best.

UCONN has more quality depth and IMHO the x-factor will be Stewart - she has more range and is taller than anyone else on Baylor save for Griner. Bree could kill most teams with her Augustus-like mid range game.

 

[sarals24]

Woah, you don't think Stef will score more than 10 points a game this year? You're nuts! Especially if Kiah starts to get more minutes....With Stewie outside keeping defenses honest, I think Stef gets lots of easy buckets.

Unless you mean that they won't score 10 points between them in the Baylor game, in which case, I agree.

 

[Tonyc]

Well we saw what Tina did to Griner. I expect Stewart to do the same. UConns post players will get (Dolsen Stokes and Stewart) will get more then 40 pts againest Baylor. It will be interesting to see how Stewart puts UConn on her back and wills them to victory. I dont see Griner having the effect she had on Kentucky who has no size, having that impact on Dolsen and Stewart and Stokes. I do see Stewart Dolsen and Stokes making it very difficult for Griner to score. I dont see Griner getting those turn around jumpers without an occassional block or steal. I dont see Griner dribbleing making layups uncontested. Geno has a defensive game plan for Griner and Simms which will make them more passers then shooters. Dont forget UConn wasnt at the line with an 11 pt lead last season. This season theyre a much different team and will get to the line.

One thing Simms turns the ball over. By not allowing her to dribble all over the place, and pressing Baylor and getting the ball out of her hands I expect alot more TO's. I dont see Simms drivng the lane uncontested either. Uconn has alot of scorers, Baylor depends on Simms and Griner alot.

Uconn brings in a different type game this season. I think fans will be very surprised as Geno weaves his magic on this game. The UConn press is going to make it difficult for Baylor to score as they dont have many outside shooters and with their bigs, Griner will have problems getting position underneath. UConn by double digets.

 

[EricSD]

Woah, you don't think Stef will score more than 10 points a game this year? You're nuts! Especially if Kiah starts to get more minutes....With Stewie outside keeping defenses honest, I think Stef gets lots of easy buckets.

Unless you mean that they won't score 10 points between them in the Baylor game, in which case, I agree.

I meant I don't think they score much over 10 points between them IN the Baylor game (i'd guess between 10-12 or so). I don't count Stewart as a center type which is where I was making my comparisons - Dolson, Buck and Stokes vs. Griner. I think Stef will average about 15 PPG this year and Kiah probably about 5-6. So I'd say about 20 points from our "center" position this year.

The key to stopping UCONN will be to limit ALL the scoring options on the team because if you take away one thing, another will bite you. We will be like a hydra this year - a multi-headed monster that scores from every position on the court. The only time i think we struggle scoring is those last second shots at the end of the first half from mid-court, and even then, I wouldn't be surprised to see this team make those too...

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

As an "outsider" - Baylor is very good. All reports say UConn is very good. If you played tomorrow, I would consider it close to "even-up" with perhaps a slight edge to Baylor.

Since your game is so far down the road I can't see prognosticating. Certainly UConn can beat Baylor and vice-versa. As the season progresses (and hopefully no injuries to either team) and the players and team play develops, it will be a better time to make guesses as to how the game might go.

 

[magic]

I was not impressed by Kentucky last year, and after watching last night's painfully boring game, nothing has changed my mind. Kentucky played so poorly, I could not even take away an honest assessment of Baylor. Noone put any pressure on Sims at all. Quite frankly, I don't know what the Kentucky game plan was. It was my opinion last year that Sims was the key to Baylor's success, and I still believe this to be the case. Yes, Griner gets her points, but Sims makes everyone else look better than they are. Williams is the " garbage man (lady)". I will be interested to see what kind of toughness Stanford brings to Baylor later this week.

 

[VAMike23]

Well we saw what Tina did to Griner. I expect Stewart to do the same. UConns post players will get (Dolsen Stokes and Stewart) will get more then 40 pts againest Baylor. It will be interesting to see how Stewart puts UConn on her back and wills them to victory. I dont see Griner having the effect she had on Kentucky who has no size, having that impact on Dolsen and Stewart and Stokes. I do see Stewart Dolsen and Stokes making it very difficult for Griner to score. I dont see Griner getting those turn around jumpers without an occassional block or steal. I dont see Griner dribbleing making layups uncontested. Geno has a defensive game plan for Griner and Simms which will make them more passers then shooters. Dont forget UConn wasnt at the line with an 11 pt lead last season. This season theyre a much different team and will get to the line.

One thing Simms turns the ball over. By not allowing her to dribble all over the place, and pressing Baylor and getting the ball out of her hands I expect alot more TO's. I dont see Simms drivng the lane uncontested either. Uconn has alot of scorers, Baylor depends on Simms and Griner alot.

Uconn brings in a different type game this season. I think fans will be very surprised as Geno weaves his magic on this game. The UConn press is going to make it difficult for Baylor to score as they dont have many outside shooters and with their bigs, Griner will have problems getting position underneath. UConn by double digets.

Love the tonyc optimism ....!

However,

1. "Well we saw what Tina did to Griner. I expect Stewart to do the same." Tina was a senior, Griner only a frosh. Now Griner is a senior. She is vastly improved. We will not beat Baylor by having our freshman Stewart--however gifted--taking it directly to senior Griner the way Tina did. Stewie will be huge key to the game but it will be a group effort.

2. Sims looks better to me, and so does the Baylor supporting cast. They have improved over last year for sure. By February, with not only our new players but our in-season experience, we will have improved more (hopefully). It will be a true battle. IMHO if we matched up today on a neutral court, we would lose. We need some more time to get this group more experience. The key cogs in the Baylor machine--Griner and Sims--are entering their third year together on the court, and it shows. The rest of the machine has been upgraded.

 

[Tonyc]

I feel UConns high low will have an affect on Baylor and Griner. I also think UConns height will cause alot of problems for Baylor to get inside on Uconn and they are not a good outside shooting team. I like Stewart and Dolsen inside/high low etc. Baylor will have alot of problems executing their offense. It will be tested to the highest degree. UConns press will not allow Simms to break it by dribbleing through it and leaving her defenders behind trying to catch up. This UConn team can do it all. They dont depend on one or two players to bail them out. They have alot of players who can put up alot of points and demand one on one coverage. Yes with Griner standing in the middle it allows defenders to take chances but again remember last season when defenders often laid off one of UConns players to double someone else. That wont hurt Uconn this season. UConn will be able to score from every position this season. I look forward to seeing UConns big attact the basket. Uconn is the best coached team in WCBB and they are the most disiplined. Much like military disipline. As big as Griner is Uconn has the answers this season.

For those who like comparisions I think UConn couldve beaten Kentucky by 50+ last night too.

Just checked Baylors games this season and even the exhibition games show poor 3 pt shooting . Pack in the defense and make them shoot the ball. We have the defense to keep the ball from getting inside.

 

[easttexastrash]

This UConn team hasn't really played a game that would allow for an objective analysis. I suspect that Stewart will perform well against TAMU. I'll have to reserve judgement on Tuck and Jefferson until they've played against a higher level Div I team.

 

[doggydaddy]

This UConn team hasn't really played a game that would allow for an objective analysis. I suspect that Stewart will perform well against TAMU. I'll have to reserve judgement on Tuck and Jefferson until they've played against a higher level Div I team.

So, does A&M count?