How come Dorka only played 3 minutes?

[Stinger92860]

Geno had a group he trusted in the 3rd quarter that just decimated IU. AE played possessed after she was mugged and no foul was called and Liv was playing great. As said above, Dorka looked tentative. Iirc in the second half Geno want to a 4 guard lineup more than usual which cut out some minutes for the bigs. So I’d say there was just less opportunity this game.

If you can only play 2 bigs, and they are in danger of picking up #4 or fouling out, then you have almost no choice to play 1 and go small. We need Dorka, she allows us to play 4/1 or 3/2. We need her back.

 

[Stinger92860]

Nika helps us out by fouling a lot so that gets us to get somebody else in the game. But everyone has a role to play on our team. And it depends on what night it is, what your role is going to be that night, which is what I really like.

Nika’s 3rd foul was right in front of us. On the inbound she basically hit the Indiana player with 2 hands in the chest/shoulders, very much like a football CB playing bump and run. Mind you the girl was running from baseline to outside and had her back to the ball. She was not setting a screen and was in no way going to be an issue at that point in time. It was a head scratcher. And it’s too bad because Nika certainly raises the energy level when she comes in.

 

[Urshurak]

I think most of you nailed it. Dorka has been waaaaay off last couple games. 3 shots point blank range and NEVER even hit the rim. Geno had lots of choices, so she wasn’t working out. I do expect things will change for her. Hopefully Monday.

 

[Geesworld]

I understand why she was pulled first half. I just would like to see a player who works hard, to be able to get another chance at redeeming them self while in the midst of pressure. See where their focal point and resolve is once they've had a chance to think about it. Dorka was lights out when she became the starter. I hope that's not part of her glitch. One thing for certain, the bench is the penalty box for Geno. Rule by fear.

 

[HuskyNan]

I understand why she was pulled first half. I just would like to see a player who works hard, to be able to get another chance at redeeming them self while in the midst of pressure. See where their focal point and resolve is once they've had a chance to think about it. Dorka was lights out when she became the starter. I hope that's not part of her glitch. One thing for certain, the bench is the penalty box for Geno. Rule by fear.

Read his quote. These aren’t learning games, these are the games you have it bring it from the first minute you come onto the court. He needs the people that are playing their best that game.

 

[Urshurak]

Read his quote. These aren’t learning games, these are the games you have it bring it from the first minute you come onto the court. He needs the people that are playing their best that game.

This exactly. Geno explained it very well during the post game yesterday. If people haven’t watched it, they should.

 

[ClifSpliffy]

ummm ....cuz we didn't need her?
dorka is great. lot's of the team is great, and it's coach's job to figger out who is great today. of course, geno is great all the time in his job as 'decider in chief.'

 

[CTisballers]

I think you nailed it. Not only were ONO and AE playing one of the best games of their career but when the other subs came in, they immediately performed well. ONO and AE got their rest without Dorka.

That wasn’t near the best games of their career for neither. Did they give effort? Yes Did they defend and rebound Yes. But AE was out of control at times Liv was also missing layups and getting block by a much smaller player. They has have to develop a hook shot going right and left.

 

[psconn]

"Well, I made a concerted effort, I wanted to play nine players today. I wanted to play nine players. We got nine in. Just some people sometimes when they get in are more effective than others, so you've got to watch and see what do they have today.

But unfortunately some people need a lot of minutes to be effective. But unfortunately in the NCAA Tournament you don't have time. So you've got to get it done right away. So it's kind of -- it's just nobody's fault, it just is what it is."

Listening to Geno say this at the time, I thought this was a direct, albeit veiled, reference to Dorka.

One thing I noted was that when Dorka was in a pregame presser talking about her experience playing against Indiana she was practically breathless with (I assume) excitement. I thought at the time that she was either going to maul her former Big10 rivals or she might toss a few shot attempts over the backboard. I think she was totally over-hyped leading up to the game and when she was inserted into the lineup. She may be an experienced player, but she's new to this pressurized environment. If I'm right about this, she somehow she needs to relax and slow the game down in her head. She's a really good player with a skill set that is complimentary to the other bigs. We need her and all hands contributing to do what everybody wants to get done Monday.

 

[oldhusky]

I think Geno in a way likes the idea of a 9 player rotation even against top competition, but in the tough games he has a very short hook. If he inserts a player who has a bad first minute or two they may be done for the day. My question that I don't know the answer to, is how do you build confidence in a player?

Dorka, Aaliyah, and at times Caroline have seemed to be nervous and rushed on shots around the basket. I understand the teaching aspect, namely if you do something wrong you sit, and in the long run you will learn and be a better player as a result. But if the issue is more nerves, confidence, and the pressure of the moment what is the best solution?

You could give that player a little more rope, and hope they settle down and get into the game, not being paranoid that they are one mistake away from an early hook. Maybe if they don't settle down and make more mistakes, you yank them then, but give them a chance to right the ship themselves, at least for a little longer.

Isn't there a difference between what kind of problem it is. Not hustling? get them out, same thing for not following the game-plan, too many missed assignments on defense etc. But if it is nerves or a lack of confidence couldn't a quick hook be pouring gasoline on the fire? It seems to me very one of the 9 players in a full rotation have earned their place there over the course of the season.

Caroline for example was hardly used in the beginning of the season, then because of injuries Geno had to use her, playing her 40 minutes in at least one game, and for a stretch you could argue she was our best offensive player. Dorka was a starter for much of the year when Aaliyah was struggling and did a good job. Haven't they proven themselves enough to not warrant a quick hook if they make a mistake or look a little nervous in their first couple of minutes?

Many coaches learn how all their players are different, and you push different buttons to motivate different players, and I have no idea what that is for players like Dorka or Caroline, but it seems like Geno publicly touts the merits of a deep rotation, while looking for a quick reason to abandon it. He probably knows better, but i just don't get it.

 

[psconn]

Read his quote. These aren’t learning games, these are the games you have it bring it from the first minute you come onto the court. He needs the people that are playing their best that game.

Yeah, Geno was messaging Dorka there I think.

 

[AgStatesman]

Geno's system is a meritocracy. Everyone plays, but you sure as hell better deserve it. Go in and make your layups, you are part of the rotation. Go in and miss layups or make stupid fouls and your services aren't needed today, enjoy the game from the best seats in the house. He is giving them all a chance and if you deserve it, you play and if you stink up the joint you watch from the bench. It's a fantastically fair system that puts the onus on the players to prove they belong out there. They are playing for a national championship. There is no room for playing people just to make them feel good.

 

[JellyBean]

Geno's system is a meritocracy. Everyone plays, but you sure as hell better deserve it. Go in and make your layups, you are part of the rotation. Go in and miss layups or make stupid fouls and your services aren't needed today, enjoy the game from the best seats in the house. He is giving them all a chance and if you deserve it, you play and if you stink up the joint you watch from the bench. It's a fantastically fair system that puts the onus on the players to prove they belong out there. They are playing for a national championship. There is no room for playing people just to make them feel good.

Well said.

 

[FfldCountyC]

Genos choices yesterday were pretty pitch perfect in terms of rotation. I remind everyone that for Dorka or Nika or Caroline to play the minutes we want - Liv Aaliyah Paige CW or Azzi (or multiple of them) need to be out during all those minutes.

This is the NCAA tournament. You need to be making a consistent positive impact nearly immediately on the game to stay in. It’s not personal.

 

[BBallF]

I was there yesterday and the place was rocking when they went on that run to start the 3rd quarter. I didn't see the defensive lapses by Dorka but her two outside shots were nervous shots and her lay up was just unfortunate. We will definitely need her size Monday night and if she can make outside shots it will change the game because the middle will open up.

I also wanted to see Caroline more. She is a 100% basketball player. In 8 minutes she had 4 points, a rebound and 2 assists. She can be a major weapon going forward. She has appeared tentative at times though and I don't know if it's the injury, being a freshman in the Big Dance ,not starting, or a combination thereof.

At halftime I turned to my wife and remarked that CW only had 5 points and was going to get going in the second half. She just goes to the basket like no one else and is unstoppable with a head of steam.

I think I just have to get used to the fact that with Aaliyah you are going to get basketball pluses and minuses every game. If she ever gets to that zone of basketball completeness it will be something very special. She just seems to need a better awareness of exactly where she is and others are on the court. In that last play before halftime she lost sight of her man and stayed underneath instead of being on her and she made the 3.

I thought Evina contributed solidly on defense and the two breakaways on steals made the place roar. She had a turnover but it didn't lead to a basket and made some great set up passes that were hockey assists.

Liv was just great all around. She really wants it and I hope she stays out of foul trouble on Monday. Nika was Nika, a crowd favorite with a bomb of a 3, and Paige and Azzi were really good even on a somewhat off night. I hope we get to see the 2 of them both really "on" together on Monday and hopefully beyond. That layup by Paige off the cut hand off was picture perfect form.

That devastating run was defense and going to the basket and being opportunistic. The Hoosiers were shellshocked and their timeout when the lead was 13 was closing the barn doors after the horses had run out. Their season was over because they were not coming back.

I wanted us to play ND because of Paige but NC State is a very good team with a very good offensive inside player. We won't have to be perfect, just 1 point better.

 

[msf22b]

Caroline came in made a great move under the basket, made the pass of the game to Liv, was yanked shortly thereafter and hardly got in again

I can understand the Dorka issue, not Caroline

 

[my2cents]

https://asaptext.com/orgs/marchmadnesswomens/1385/transcripts/118804.pdf

Q. While you're still playing -- you mentioned Paige is getting closer to what she was. What do you like about this five that you seem to be kind of sticking with? They're rolling, and obviously you're not going to break it up when it's going well, but what do you like about this core?

GENO AURIEMMA: Well, I made a concerted effort, I wanted to play nine players today. I wanted to play nine players. We got nine in. Just some people sometimes when they get in are more effective than others, so you've got to watch and see what do they have today.

But unfortunately some people need a lot of minutes to be effective. But unfortunately in the NCAA Tournament you don't have time. So you've got to get it done right away. So it's kind of -- it's just nobody's fault, it just is what it is.

Nika helps us out by fouling a lot so that gets us to get somebody else in the game. But everyone has a role to play on our team. And it depends on what night it is, what your role is going to be that night, which is what I really like.

How novel. The coach actually making decisions during a game as to who should play based on how they are playing. You would think that he is trying to win the game?

 

[HuskyNan]

Listening to Geno say this at the time, I thought this was a direct, albeit veiled, reference to Dorka.

One thing I noted was that when Dorka was in a pregame presser talking about her experience playing against Indiana she was practically breathless with (I assume) excitement. I thought at the time that she was either going to maul her former Big10 rivals or she might toss a few shot attempts over the backboard. I think she was totally over-hyped leading up to the game and when she was inserted into the lineup. She may be an experienced player, but she's new to this pressurized environment. If I'm right about this, she somehow she needs to relax and slow the game down in her head. She's a really good player with a skill set that is complimentary to the other bigs. We need her and all hands contributing to do what everybody wants to get done Monday.

I thought it was a reference to Caroline. Still only a freshman, Caroline needs some time to settle into a game and find her groove. She’s a great player, though, and will learn. She’s incredibly coachable - Geno says she’s the only one that listens to him.

 

[BBallF]

That the Big East is a good conference with 2 teams in the E8 and a 3rd in S16?

I remember BYers lamenting that this was going to be another AAC which was being blamed for our FF loses. Those of us who were BE men's fans always knew what the conference was. It is only going to get even better and quickly on the ladies' side. The transfer portal and the Covid year will continue to impact and of course recruiting just took a quantum leap forward for Creighton and Nova and maybe DePaul and The Hall. It's a basketball conference with a lot of intersecting older rivalries and that will show itself in the women's game even more. I mean 2 teams in the top 8 so soon is sick. Let's not forget that we lost to Nova this year. Sure we were down, but we still lost. Now that's a separate women's rivalry too. How many years will that game be brought up every time we play?

 

[Stinger92860]

Caroline came in made a great move under the basket, made the pass of the game to Liv, was yanked shortly thereafter and hardly got in again

I can understand the Dorka issue, not Caroline

Caroline came out after her turnover in the circle. You could see Geno was upset. Honestly, he played all of the right people for the right amount of time yesterday. This is crunch time.

 

[psconn]

I thought it was a reference to Caroline. Still only a freshman, Caroline needs some time to settle into a game and find her groove. She’s a great player, though, and will learn. She’s incredibly coachable - Geno says she’s the only one that listens to him.

Obviously we don't know who was in Geno's mind when he said that, but the case for it being Dorka is that she never got anywhere close to "effective" and put in only 3 minutes. Caroline actually played pretty well in her 8 minutes - 2 for 3, a rebound and 2 assists. I saw her minutes more limited by her match-ups on the other end with IU's experienced guard corps.

Caroline is definitely a good player... a sophomore leap waiting to happen.

 

[JoePgh]

.... Caroline actually played pretty well in her 8 minutes - 2 for 3, a rebound and 2 assists. I saw her minutes more limited by her match-ups on the other end with IU's experienced guard corps.

Caroline is definitely a good player... a sophomore leap waiting to happen.

Barring a huge surprise such as a miraculous recovery by Aubrey, complete with a newly minted jump shot, I think it's safe to pencil in Caroline as the starting "3" next season. And she will be perfect for that role. My hunch is that Geno is thinking along the same lines.

 

[hoophuskee]

I think Geno in a way likes the idea of a 9 player rotation even against top competition, but in the tough games he has a very short hook. If he inserts a player who has a bad first minute or two they may be done for the day. My question that I don't know the answer to, is how do you build confidence in a player?

Dorka, Aaliyah, and at times Caroline have seemed to be nervous and rushed on shots around the basket. I understand the teaching aspect, namely if you do something wrong you sit, and in the long run you will learn and be a better player as a result. But if the issue is more nerves, confidence, and the pressure of the moment what is the best solution?

You could give that player a little more rope, and hope they settle down and get into the game, not being paranoid that they are one mistake away from an early hook. Maybe if they don't settle down and make more mistakes, you yank them then, but give them a chance to right the ship themselves, at least for a little longer.

Isn't there a difference between what kind of problem it is. Not hustling? get them out, same thing for not following the game-plan, too many missed assignments on defense etc. But if it is nerves or a lack of confidence couldn't a quick hook be pouring gasoline on the fire? It seems to me very one of the 9 players in a full rotation have earned their place there over the course of the season.

Caroline for example was hardly used in the beginning of the season, then because of injuries Geno had to use her, playing her 40 minutes in at least one game, and for a stretch you could argue she was our best offensive player. Dorka was a starter for much of the year when Aaliyah was struggling and did a good job. Haven't they proven themselves enough to not warrant a quick hook if they make a mistake or look a little nervous in their first couple of minutes?

Many coaches learn how all their players are different, and you push different buttons to motivate different players, and I have no idea what that is for players like Dorka or Caroline, but it seems like Geno publicly touts the merits of a deep rotation, while looking for a quick reason to abandon it. He probably knows better, but i just don't get it.

In terms of building confidence in a player; if you have 6-7 or 8 other players that are confident, why risk the NCAA Tourney game for the player that isn’t?

In terms of the best solution; if a player is nervous in the NCAA Tournament when you can get easily eliminated, the 11 time National Championship coach and 13 straight Final Four coach has told you what the best solution is. If you are implying another solution then obviously he thinks that solution is wrong and he is going to go with the solution that has brought him many years of unparalleled success.

Instead of pouring gasoline on a fire, it could be preventing a fire from spreading that could have otherwise been easily avoided. For me, I happen to agree with Geno’s approach. As a result, when you speak of who has earned their right to play in an NCAA Tourney game, obviously we disagree. And I think Geno’s way is the best and imo overall numbers throughout have proven this to be true.

And when you use CD as an example; imo it shows what Geno is doing is correct. She did fine yesterday. And AE only proves the point when early he was tough on her and now she has been a beast. There is no sign of gasoline spillage here.

When you speak of what you don’t get; and please this is not a slam; I don’t understand how you don’t get all the winning under his philosophy and why you think your philosophy would be better when his has been the best ever in wcbb. In a respectful way, I don’t get it in terms of what you don’t get.

To further that, in other words, because of all the winning, its apparent that the spilled gasoline you refer to; very little has been spilled.

 

[Gus Mahler]

We are down to what is theoretically the hottest 16 teams left. There is little room for error. She has missed something like her last 9 shots, and her last 6 layups, or something close. She received an excellent pass and was in position to go straight up and score. Instead she complicated the play and missed badly not even hitting the rim. Mind you, she was standing right next to the rim, on her right side, which is her strong hand.

When she came out, as she was approaching Geno, he said nothing but was shaking his head. I’d rather see her shot blocked while going up strong, sticking her butt out for space, versus what happened.

I think the hesitation might well be why she was pulled. If she had gone up right away she probably would have made it, but if it had rolled around and out she might not have been pulled.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I understand why she was pulled first half. I just would like to see a player who works hard, to be able to get another chance at redeeming them self while in the midst of pressure. See where their focal point and resolve is once they've had a chance to think about it. Dorka was lights out when she became the starter. I hope that's not part of her glitch. One thing for certain, the bench is the penalty box for Geno. Rule by fear.

I thought he would put Dorka back in late in the game to get her a few more minutes on the court. That said, I was surprised but pleased that Amari got a minute or so. If nothing else, he should reward her for being such a fun and high-energy cheerleader.

 

[oldhusky]

In terms of building confidence in a player; if you have 6-7 or 8 other players that are confident, why risk the NCAA Tourney game for the player that isn’t?

In terms of the best solution; if a player is nervous in the NCAA Tournament when you can get easily eliminated, the 11 time National Championship coach and 13 straight Final Four coach has told you what the best solution is. If you are implying another solution then obviously he thinks that solution is wrong and he is going to go with the solution that has brought him many years of unparalleled success.

Instead of pouring gasoline on a fire, it could be preventing a fire from spreading that could have otherwise been easily avoided. For me, I happen to agree with Geno’s approach. As a result, when you speak of who has earned their right to play in an NCAA Tourney game, obviously we disagree. And I think Geno’s way is the best and imo overall numbers throughout have proven this to be true.

And when you use CD as an example; imo it shows what Geno is doing is correct. She did fine yesterday. And AE only proves the point when early he was tough on her and now she has been a beast. There is no sign of gasoline spillage here.

When you speak of what you don’t get; and please this is not a slam; I don’t understand how you don’t get all the winning under his philosophy and why you think your philosophy would be better when his has been the best ever in wcbb. In a respectful way, I don’t get it in terms of what you don’t get.

To further that, in other words, because of all the winning, its apparent that the spilled gasoline you refer to; very little has been spilled.

That could be. The gasoline on the fire part is directed at how do you fix nervousness, a lack of confidence, or rushing things. Is it by showing a lack of confidence in that player with a quick hook?, or by letting them work thru it a little bit? I'm not sure what is best, but what I fear is that this kind of quick hook reinforces whatever lack of confidence a player has, and might make them even more nervous the next time they are called on, because despite how they have performed all season, they know one screw up in the first few minutes and they are gone.

I hope the players respond well to whatever technique Geno applies, and he knows them and I don't, so that is a given too, but if it is basketball or something completely different, I don't understand how potentially destroying confidence with a quick hook helps build confidence if that is the issue affecting play that needs to be improved. We all know Geno's records they speak for themselves, I hope all nine get over their jitters and play with confidence. When the problem is most other things I think the stick probably works great, and has for Geno many times. When it is nerves, or a lack of confidence seems like the carrot might be more appropriate. But people are different and react in different ways so who knows.

 

[meyers7]

I was at the game, and IMO it was a combo of Dorka missing a point-blank layup and AE/ONO playing inspired. I think Geno has made up his mind that will go with 5-9 who best match up and bring their A game on that given day.

Agreed, I think a lot of it had to do with how well Edwards and ONO were playing.

 

[Martin]

I think Geno in a way likes the idea of a 9 player rotation even against top competition, but in the tough games he has a very short hook. If he inserts a player who has a bad first minute or two they may be done for the day. My question that I don't know the answer to, is how do you build confidence in a player?

Dorka, Aaliyah, and at times Caroline have seemed to be nervous and rushed on shots around the basket. I understand the teaching aspect, namely if you do something wrong you sit, and in the long run you will learn and be a better player as a result. But if the issue is more nerves, confidence, and the pressure of the moment what is the best solution?

You could give that player a little more rope, and hope they settle down and get into the game, not being paranoid that they are one mistake away from an early hook. Maybe if they don't settle down and make more mistakes, you yank them then, but give them a chance to right the ship themselves, at least for a little longer.

Isn't there a difference between what kind of problem it is. Not hustling? get them out, same thing for not following the game-plan, too many missed assignments on defense etc. But if it is nerves or a lack of confidence couldn't a quick hook be pouring gasoline on the fire? It seems to me very one of the 9 players in a full rotation have earned their place there over the course of the season.

Caroline for example was hardly used in the beginning of the season, then because of injuries Geno had to use her, playing her 40 minutes in at least one game, and for a stretch you could argue she was our best offensive player. Dorka was a starter for much of the year when Aaliyah was struggling and did a good job. Haven't they proven themselves enough to not warrant a quick hook if they make a mistake or look a little nervous in their first couple of minutes?

Many coaches learn how all their players are different, and you push different buttons to motivate different players, and I have no idea what that is for players like Dorka or Caroline, but it seems like Geno publicly touts the merits of a deep rotation, while looking for a quick reason to abandon it. He probably knows better, but i just don't get it.

The part I find odd is Caroline did this while Paige was out and the rest of the team literally playing their worst basketball of the season.

 

[Longtime fan]

I'm looking at the UCONN vs Indiana box score and see Dorka only played 3 minutes.
Does anyone know why? Was she sick or hurt?
If this has been spoken of previously I haven't heard!
Thanks in advance!

My guess is because Liv and Edwards were " beasts." They were both playing extremely well. And Dorka did have a slow start when she entered. Remember, at Geno's press conference, he said "in this tournament there is not enough time to give players (who need a decent amount of court time) to get their game on." He needs players who can step on the court and produce immediately. Against Indiana, Dorka didn't look like she was immediately on her game. I don't think she is hurt at all. She didn't hit her shots and blew a lay-up. Can't do that. Not now. My question is why Caroline got so little time. She made two of three shots and looked active on defense. Probably, just not enough room for Williams, Paige, Azzi, Westbrook and CD. Even though AZZI was way off in the second half.

 

[Fossil]

Sorry to disagree. Geno most assuredly would use nine players if he had nine players who he trusted to perform in a game where it’s win or go home. He played all nine players in prime time yesterday and certainly could have used more time from Dorka to spell Liv & Aaliyah yesterday.

Unfortunately, after really playing well towards the end of the season, Dorka has been playing “rushed” in each of the last 2 games, missing a bunch of layups. That earned her a seat on the bench. Yesterday, many of Dorka’s minutes were assumed by Evina who did a really good job matching up with IN’s bigger forwards.

I really hope Dorka regains her confidence and settles down, so that Geno can trust his 9 player rotation again. It would make a world of difference in the games ahead.

I just wish Gino would have given her more minutes even if it was later in the game when Connecticut was up double digits. Three minutes is not a lot of time to let her settle down. If you’re looking to build her confidence this was definitely not a way of doing it I just hope it didn’t shoot down her confidence even more and put more pressure on her to perform when she plays next time. Playing rushed and under more pressure may only build upon bad habits she’s already seems to have picked up I just hope this didn’t discourage her and destroy her confidence. Very similar to Caroline not playing and she appeared to be OK in her limited minutes. Fingers crossed because we will definitely need her in the following games