Jimbo
Running to Stand Still
- Joined
- Jan 1, 2016
- Messages
- 710
- Reaction Score
- 3,108
Hello Boneyarders,
The beginning of 2016 seemed like an excellent time to stop lurking around this forum multiple times a day and jump into the conversation instead. I've very much enjoyed seeing the insightful and respectful give and take here, so I'm looking forward to joining in. I grew up in Connecticut as the UConn basketball programs were taking off (men's fan since 1990, women's fan since 1995) and eventually I graduated from UConn myself. I'm out of state now but still try to catch as much coverage and watch as many games as I can.
While I'm at it…for what it's worth, I was in the camp of those who thought Butler should be the fifth starter. Whether she starts or not, I do think she'll be important when we face a team with a strong frontcourt or elite center, whether it's South Carolina, Maryland if we play them again, or (especially, imho) Notre Dame if we play them again and Turner is healthy. I don't think it's fair at this stage of Natalie's career to expect her immediately to replicate Dolson's offensive versatility or be as dominant a defender as Stokes was. But if she can provide a strong low-post presence at both ends of the court and do a little bit of everything in the paint, kind of like Kara Wolters did as a sophomore, that will be a huge help, especially to Stewie. And if she can inflict damage from as far out as the free-throw line, as she showed against Cincinnati, all the better!
I don't think the 3-point defense is a major worry; to me it seems mostly a function of hot shooting by certain opponents, working freshmen into the rotation, and perhaps experimenting with a zone more than usual early in the season. Team defense is usually something that Geno's teams improve at as the season goes on, and I expect nothing different this year. I've been slightly more concerned about our 3-point shooting, but I still think we'll eventually be fine. Saniya has been outstanding since she came back (hope she stays healthy!), and I fully expect that Lou's shot will soon start falling more often.
Last thing: I was a little surprised when McGraw didn't try to send us to the line, down 10 with a minute left in the title game last year. I probably would have tried to extend the game a little more at that point, but no, I don't think it would have made a difference in the end. So there, I believe that just about covers most of the major raging controversies I can remember from lurking here the past 6 months or so…
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2016! And let's go, Huskies!!
The beginning of 2016 seemed like an excellent time to stop lurking around this forum multiple times a day and jump into the conversation instead. I've very much enjoyed seeing the insightful and respectful give and take here, so I'm looking forward to joining in. I grew up in Connecticut as the UConn basketball programs were taking off (men's fan since 1990, women's fan since 1995) and eventually I graduated from UConn myself. I'm out of state now but still try to catch as much coverage and watch as many games as I can.
While I'm at it…for what it's worth, I was in the camp of those who thought Butler should be the fifth starter. Whether she starts or not, I do think she'll be important when we face a team with a strong frontcourt or elite center, whether it's South Carolina, Maryland if we play them again, or (especially, imho) Notre Dame if we play them again and Turner is healthy. I don't think it's fair at this stage of Natalie's career to expect her immediately to replicate Dolson's offensive versatility or be as dominant a defender as Stokes was. But if she can provide a strong low-post presence at both ends of the court and do a little bit of everything in the paint, kind of like Kara Wolters did as a sophomore, that will be a huge help, especially to Stewie. And if she can inflict damage from as far out as the free-throw line, as she showed against Cincinnati, all the better!
I don't think the 3-point defense is a major worry; to me it seems mostly a function of hot shooting by certain opponents, working freshmen into the rotation, and perhaps experimenting with a zone more than usual early in the season. Team defense is usually something that Geno's teams improve at as the season goes on, and I expect nothing different this year. I've been slightly more concerned about our 3-point shooting, but I still think we'll eventually be fine. Saniya has been outstanding since she came back (hope she stays healthy!), and I fully expect that Lou's shot will soon start falling more often.
Last thing: I was a little surprised when McGraw didn't try to send us to the line, down 10 with a minute left in the title game last year. I probably would have tried to extend the game a little more at that point, but no, I don't think it would have made a difference in the end. So there, I believe that just about covers most of the major raging controversies I can remember from lurking here the past 6 months or so…
Anyway, thanks for reading, and I hope you all have a very happy and healthy 2016! And let's go, Huskies!!
)
