Houston Game Thread

[johnnyc]

They were fine w/o Moriah...not so much w/o Morgan.

You're kidding, right? They won by 39 points.

 

[hoophuskee]

When Stewie and Mo were out everyone wondered who would be harder to replace. Tonight showed the most difficult player for Uconn to replace on the floor this season is....Morgan Tuck.
The Huskies could have been out of it from a long plane ride but they all were atrocious from outside in the first half and Morgan's inside dominance and calming effect was sorely missed.
Also, after 2 or 3 very good games, why is Geno again having Saniya riding the bench? Could the Illio-Tibial Band be flaring up again? Chong was played sparingly in the second half. Did not even make an appearance in garbage time.
Just wondering if something is physically wrong or is Geno just resting her or has he put her in the doghouse yet again for something real or imaged? Seems the least little thing and she is on the bench yet some other can play terribly quarter after quarter and game after game and nothing happens to them. Wild drives to the hoop, missed layups, bricks from three, turnstile man up defense and bad fouls that look more like hockey than basketball and yet they staying.

I don't know why she got benched last night. But SC was throwing up bricks from 3 too, right? And her defense couldn't have been that great because as she played a bit in the 1st half - the 1sthalf - that's when the defense was at it's worst, right? I don't know though if it was her but Houston did dictate tempo.

But I think it's because of Chong's limitations. My guess is you are frustrated more that Nurse is playing when she seems to playing badly at times - then why not use Chong more? My guess is - we know Geno thinks Chong plays as you put it turnstile defense (obviously not that bad.). If Chong isn't scoring - what else can she do well? Nurse gives a physicality that UCONN needs which is rebounding and toughness - of which those aren't the strongest team attributes overall for this specific team until Butler arrived.

Only a guess I made up here- other than Chong can do one thing well- which is shoot to score. Passes okay for a guard. the others do other things than shoot to score which Geno seems to have preference for.

 

[HuskyNan]

Did you listen to the game last night? Did you hear that Geno had recommended she go? I don't know why you get so defensive on this? What's the big deal we have a discussion on this? Al that I said was - I'm with Geno on this-- BUT as a fan would LOVE to see her back. Is that so bad? They spoke about it on TV. I didn't create the subject.

Pam Ward didn't say that Geno recommended Morgan go pro; she said he "wasn't so sure" she'd be back. Not exactly the same thing.

 

[Gus Mahler]

When Stewie and Mo were out everyone wondered who would be harder to replace. Tonight showed the most difficult player for Uconn to replace on the floor this season is....Morgan Tuck.
The Huskies could have been out of it from a long plane ride but they all were atrocious from outside in the first half and Morgan's inside dominance and calming effect was sorely missed.
Also, after 2 or 3 very good games, why is Geno again having Saniya riding the bench? Could the Illio-Tibial Band be flaring up again? Chong was played sparingly in the second half. Did not even make an appearance in garbage time.
Just wondering if something is physically wrong or is Geno just resting her or has he put her in the doghouse yet again for something real or imaged? Seems the least little thing and she is on the bench yet some other can play terribly quarter after quarter and game after game and nothing happens to them. Wild drives to the hoop, missed layups, bricks from three, turnstile man up defense and bad fouls that look more like hockey than basketball and yet they staying.

I've been wondering about the Chong situation as well. She was pulled right after that nifty floater midway through the third quarter. I hope it was for rest, but I wonder about something she may have done, or not done, on the defensive end.

 

[UcMiami]

Did you listen to the game last night? Did you hear that Geno had recommended she go? I don't know why you get so defensive on this? What's the big deal we have a discussion on this? Al that I said was - I'm with Geno on this-- BUT as a fan would LOVE to see her back. Is that so bad? They spoke about it on TV. I didn't create the subject.

I don't think he did - the only clear 'horses mouth' on this is from the last Geno show - he definitely said that the players who leave early really don't seem to love the college and academic environment and those that stay do, and Morgan seems to really enjoy it. And Morgan clearly said she is intending to stay and complete a masters.

For any athlete whose first 'job' is going to be an un-guaranteed $50,000 who has the option to get a masters degree for free with free training, medical, room, and board that will improve her future earnings potential after her professional career (worth at least $50,000) it seems like a pretty good deal. Add in the fact that every athletes next game might be their last, it makes even more sense. These are not athletes signing their first contracts for millions of dollars like those entering the NFL or NBA who with that first contract have at least set themselves up for at least a few years should their career end early. Fo Morgan who does not have a clean medical history it makes even more sense to get a masters.

 

[hoophuskee]

Pam Ward didn't say that Geno recommended Morgan go pro; she said he "wasn't so sure" she'd be back. Not exactly the same thing.

Have you heard Geno thinks she should go pro?

 

[hoophuskee]

I don't think he did - the only clear 'horses mouth' on this is from the last Geno show - he definitely said that the players who leave early really don't seem to love the college and academic environment and those that stay do, and Morgan seems to really enjoy it. And Morgan clearly said she is intending to stay and complete a masters.

For any athlete whose first 'job' is going to be an un-guaranteed $50,000 who has the option to get a masters degree for free with free training, medical, room, and board that will improve her future earnings potential after her professional career (worth at least $50,000) it seems like a pretty good deal. Add in the fact that every athletes next game might be their last, it makes even more sense. These are not athletes signing their first contracts for millions of dollars like those entering the NFL or NBA who with that first contract have at least set themselves up for at least a few years should their career end early. Fo Morgan who does not have a clean medical history it makes even more sense to get a masters.

Again I disagree with those of you who just look the WNBA as the primary source of income. I want her to stay too as a UCONN fan. But you can't ignore she will probably be a high draft pick and certainly have an opportunity to play overseas and get some darn good bucks.

And were they talking about her knee last night how it will hold up?

Didn't they say something about "only so many miles in that knee?"

 

[msf22b]

You're kidding, right? They won by 39 points.

See the beginning of the game?
Played like a chicken with their head cut off.
the lack of poise was pretty dismaying
Doesn't matter how much they won by.
the lack of composure was pretty alarming
And I attribute it to the absence of Morgan.
Then they figured out how to reconnect; led by Gabby
the D took over as the boss said
And the game got back into control.

 

[cabbie191]

Personally, I think there are too many unknowns about why Geno sat players yesterday. Could be doghouse time, nagging injuries, caution about aggravating almost healed injuries, persistent illnesses hitting the team, resting players due to the current travel schedule and the possibility of USF giving the team a good run for the money, or some combination thereof.

I realize that speculation is part of the charm and fun of these boards, but as regards why players have found their way to the bench, and whether or not Tuck will come back for her senior year, are matters that I am content to find out as events unfold.

 

[UcMiami]

Again I disagree with those of you who just look the WNBA as the primary source of income. I want her to stay too as a UCONN fan. But you can't ignore she will probably be a high draft pick and certainly have an opportunity to play overseas and get some darn good bucks.

And were they talking about her knee last night how it will hold up?

Didn't they say something about "only so many miles in that knee?"

I am not thinking of only the WNBA, but that is her first paycheck, and with a knee that requires her to rest at times during a 5 month college season, playing a twelve month long schedule of games is probably not a good idea for her, so she will definitely have a choice to make. And the medical and training staff available overseas is spotty at its best, and if you are injured, they just stop paying you.

 

[Icebear]

And yet on TV this week she once again said she is returning.

 

[johnnyc]

Then they figured out how to reconnect; led by Gabby
the D took over as the boss said
And the game got back into control.

All with Tuck still on the bench. And they won by 39.

 

[CocoHusky]

Morgan said very clearly that she "definitely" will return and finish her master degree.
I don't understand why some people here still insist WNBA and oversea have more money and better for her.

Can we just respect Morgan's word and leave her alone?

Overseas definitely has more money compared to WNBA or a masters degree with no experience-that is undisputed. What is best for Moran will be determined by Morgan and her parents-also undisputed. Morgan leaving is a possibility- possibilities lead to speculation until about the second week in April.

 

[j66kicker]

Morgan said very clearly that she "definitely" will return and finish her master degree.
I don't understand why some people here still insist WNBA and oversea have more money and better for her.

Can we just respect Morgan's word and leave her alone?

That's a way over-interpretation of anything she's said. She has said she is definitely planning on coming back. Way short of any sort of commitment or promise or giving her "word."

 

[dtbtbtb]

Why did Gneo pull BS? Her defense was awful. The last basket I believe she allowed the post to go inside without much opposition- didn't body her at all - then Stewie could have kept her near the baseline, all of sudden Stewie over-commits for no reason at all- or maybe she is just trying to block the shot instead of also concentrating on positioning.. The kid is able to now go right and use her left shoulder to fend off Stewie. The announcer said the same thing about she was able to use her shoulder. IMO the announcer probably thought - "Why the hell did Stewie allow that?"

Then I think you can see in the background Geno on the sidelines stomping mad- he immediately signals to the bench for Butler. That play was inexcusable for an experienced player like Stewie. And rightfully so he benched Stewie the rest of the game. OFC once Butler came in things turned. I think others came in.

I thought Butler and Gabby played well.
I thought KLS had a good 2nd half not great but good.
I thought Nurse had a good 4th qtr.

I love KLS - love her - she has to be able to hit 3's- but as much as I love her- boy is Geno going to get on her over the next 3 years or so. On rebounding sometimes and defense overall she goes very soft. Not a little soft. OFC I'm saying while I'm sitting on my fat arse with a bag of doritos.

With KLS it's easy to see the potential of greatness as she clearly got the tools, the hight and the basketball iq. She needs to become stronger physically!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

So, well, finally watched last night's opus not at Houston. Maybe Geno will want to rethink the pre-game meal of ribs. Naugh, just kidding. Every once a whie one of these will come along. As has been mentioned, Natalie's 2 handed outlet off the defensive rebound is very efficient. Gets it, dishes it. KLS continued to do the other things. Gabby, yes, looked like Gabby tonight. Mo came out and demonstrated soundness. ESPN - a question - was that your feed or a local...awful! Well, we can thank them for the big picture. Hey, Polly, loved the running lay up! Loved Natalie getting time in, right to the end.

 

[uconnfan68]

Pam Ward didn't say that Geno recommended Morgan go pro; she said he "wasn't so sure" she'd be back. Not exactly the same thing.

They keep trying to instigate Morgan leaving... wonder why...

 

[Gus Mahler]

So, well, finally watched last night's opus not at Houston. Maybe Geno will want to rethink the pre-game meal of ribs. Naugh, just kidding. Every once a whie one of these will come along. As has been mentioned, Natalie's 2 handed outlet off the defensive rebound is very efficient. Gets it, dishes it. KLS continued to do the other things. Gabby, yes, looked like Gabby tonight. Mo came out and demonstrated soundness. ESPN - a question - was that your feed or a local...awful! Well, we can thank them for the big picture. Hey, Polly, loved the running lay up! Loved Natalie getting time in, right to the end.

Also loved that near-perfectly executed picknpop. Everything was right except her shot went in and out.

 

[Kaizen]

That's a way over-interpretation of anything she's said. She has said she is definitely planning on coming back. Way short of any sort of commitment or promise or giving her "word."

Your quote is from Sept 22, 2015. My quote is from Dec 11. 2015. Who we should trust?

This is Tuck's fourth year at UConn, so she would be eligible for the 2016 draft, just like Stewart and Jefferson. But she expects to be at UConn in 2016-17, too.

"My plan is to stay, definitely," Tuck said. "I know basketball isn't going to last forever, and I could get my master's in a year by being on scholarship. And that's looking really appealing.

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-b...9/morgan-tuck-all-figured-connecticut-huskies

Also in BY board: http://the-boneyard.com/threads/morgan-tuck-5th-year.84649/

 

[hoophuskee]

I am not thinking of only the WNBA, but that is her first paycheck, and with a knee that requires her to rest at times during a 5 month college season, playing a twelve month long schedule of games is probably not a good idea for her, so she will definitely have a choice to make. And the medical and training staff available overseas is spotty at its best, and if you are injured, they just stop paying you.

You don't think she'll play overseas her 1st year? I say she will. Maybe you are right - but sooner or later she will is my prediction. I think she will play overseas her 1st year. And I'm not so sure in her rookie year in the WNBA she is going to get a ton of minutes unless she finds a perfect spot. So if she plays her 1styear in both- WNBA and Intn'l then then $50,000 comment you made is irrelevant, right?

Because right after that - she gets a bigger check. It's as if she is getting a raise the 2nd half of her pro career (or thatshe has a seasonal type of job) which is why I continue to dispute the thought "she would be leaving for only $50K." Then an explanation why $50k is no big deal.
Until she leaves she is not getting the "2nd part" of her salary when she goes overseas. So she isn't leaving for $50k.

 

[Gus Mahler]

You don't think she'll play overseas her 1st year? I say she will. Maybe you are right - but sooner or later she will is my prediction. I think she will play overseas her 1st year. And I'm not so sure in her rookie year in the WNBA she is going to get a ton of minutes unless she finds a perfect spot. So if she plays her 1styear in both- WNBA and Intn'l then then $50,000 comment you made is irrelevant, right?

Because right after that - she gets a bigger check. It's as if she is getting a raise the 2nd half of her pro career (or thatshe has a seasonal type of job) which is why I continue to dispute the thought "she would be leaving for only $50K." Then an explanation why $50k is no big deal.
Until she leaves she is not getting the "2nd part" of her salary when she goes overseas. So she isn't leaving for $50k.

I really don't want to even entertain the notion of her not coming back, but if we were to think about what's best for her, given her knee, if she were to go out, I suggest she would be better off skipping the WNBA season her first year and then joining up with an overseas team. That way she mitigates (mostly eliminates) the risk from playing a heavy, intense schedule right out of school, but makes her larger salary anyway.

 

[j66kicker]

Your quote is from Sept 22, 2015. My quote is from Dec 11. 2015. Who we should trust?

This is Tuck's fourth year at UConn, so she would be eligible for the 2016 draft, just like Stewart and Jefferson. But she expects to be at UConn in 2016-17, too.

"My plan is to stay, definitely," Tuck said. "I know basketball isn't going to last forever, and I could get my master's in a year by being on scholarship. And that's looking really appealing.

http://espn.go.com/womens-college-b...9/morgan-tuck-all-figured-connecticut-huskies

Also in BY board: http://the-boneyard.com/threads/morgan-tuck-5th-year.84649/

Exactly - her plan is to stay. She hasn't committed to stay, promised to stay, or given her word that she is staying.

 

[Kaizen]

Exactly - her plan is to stay. She hasn't committed to stay, promised to stay, or given her word that she is staying.

"her plan is to stay" does not equal " her plan is to stay definitely" .............LOL

 

[j66kicker]

"her plan is to stay" does not equal " her plan is to stay definitely" ...LOL

"My plan is to stay, definitely" = "Definitely, my plan is to stay."

This is not even close to the same as, "I am definitely staying."

 

[hoophuskee]

I really don't want to even entertain the notion of her not coming back, but if we were to think about what's best for her, given her knee, if she were to go out, I suggest she would be better off skipping the WNBA season her first year and then joining up with an overseas team. That way she mitigates (mostly eliminates) the risk from playing a heavy, intense schedule right out of school, but makes her larger salary anyway.

I love that thought but would an overseas team take her and pay decent bucks? Probably. But there is something about being a top-tier pick in the WNBA.

Anyways I'm done with this subject for this thread. I love watching Tuck play - next game coming tomorrow. And I would love to see her another year. I feel like I am betting against my favorite team when I say I think she should go. Those bets are not fun bets.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I love that thought but would an overseas team take her and pay decent bucks? Probably. But there is something about being a top-tier pick in the WNBA.

Anyways I'm done with this subject for this thread. I love watching Tuck play - next game coming tomorrow. And I would love to see her another year. I feel like I am betting against my favorite team when I say I think she should go. Those bets are not fun bets.

Here's where it helps to play for Geno!

I'll stop now, too.

 

[Kaizen]

"My plan is to stay, definitely" = "Definitely, my plan is to stay."

This is not even close to the same as, "I am definitely staying."

Your post is: Exactly - her plan is to stay.
That is different than: Exactly - her plan is to stay definitely.
No need to make the word game and this is the last one I will response you.

 

[Icebear]

That's a way over-interpretation of anything she's said. She has said she is definitely planning on coming back. Way short of any sort of commitment or promise or giving her "word."

Did you hear her comments on TV this week? It was pretty clear, words and tone.

 

[Baroloboy]

Anyone know Collier sat so much?

 

[UcMiami]

You don't think she'll play overseas her 1st year? I say she will. Maybe you are right - but sooner or later she will is my prediction. I think she will play overseas her 1st year. And I'm not so sure in her rookie year in the WNBA she is going to get a ton of minutes unless she finds a perfect spot. So if she plays her 1styear in both- WNBA and Intn'l then then $50,000 comment you made is irrelevant, right?

Because right after that - she gets a bigger check. It's as if she is getting a raise the 2nd half of her pro career (or thatshe has a seasonal type of job) which is why I continue to dispute the thought "she would be leaving for only $50K." Then an explanation why $50k is no big deal.
Until she leaves she is not getting the "2nd part" of her salary when she goes overseas. So she isn't leaving for $50k.

Yes - but will she actually play immediately in Europe? She did not play four weeks this past summer for USA basketball so she could rest her knee even after having had about 2 months of rest. If she enters the draft, a team drafting her will certainly expect her to play immediately with about 4 weeks of rest from the end of her Uconn season, as would her foreign team immediately after her WNBA season - that would be 17 months of continuous play with only maybe 6 weeks of rest during that whole time - not likely a very good way to have a prolonged professional career with a somewhat balky knee.