I Think It Was Must Meant To Be, That Kelly. . .

[VAMike23]

He had now other options last, this year he does. If things change then things change. He does not need another big on the court with Stef to make the final four. He didn't last year and doesn't now. The player we are replacing was 6'. KML is 6'. The rest is the same team that made it to the Final Four.

All 6-footers are not created equal -- rebounding and interior defense remain question marks for this team. I mean that as a completely neutral statement; they could end up being good or they could be suspect in these areas against the better teams.

The other 6' player in question was a proven, elite rebounder and help defender in WCBB. The entering 6-footer one was an elite rebounder at the HS level but we don't yet know how strong she will be on the boards for us this year. Moreover, owing to how Geno deploys her on the floor, she may not find herself in position for as many rebounding opportunities as our departed 6-footer had, nor will she play as many minutes.

I still believe that someone besides Stef will have to step up in the areas of interior defense and rebounding, and in practice, I don't think that person will be KML, although she will do just fine at her position. If this does not happen, we are vulnerable to an upset that could prevent us from another Final Four appearance. If we do get it by next March, we might just go all the way. My two cents.

 

[NCorBust]

Did we forget one of the 6 footers was the best college basketball player ever? How quickly we forget. Geno even says his team is incredibly small. He expresses concern playing against the ranked and NCCA tournament teams. Big someone or someones are needed when Stef gets into foul trouble and she will. When she need a rest; a big is needed. Did you notice; no God's gift to women's basketball on this year's team? Even Pollyanna agrees with this!

He had now other options last, this year he does. If things change then things change. He does not need another big on the court with Stef to make the final four. He didn't last year and doesn't now. The player we are replacing was 6'. KML is 6'. The rest is the same team that made it to the Final Four.

 

[Kibitzer]

In response to vctwbuff:

In 1999-2000, Paige Sauer lost her starting position at center to Kelly Schumacker. Both played their hearts out after the change. Shuey blocked nine Tennessee shots in the NC game.

 

[rocky rococo]

It does matter who starts at UConn, but not in the way people may naturally think. Geno wants his steadiest, most reliable people out there at the start. Morgan Valley didn't get a whole ton of minutes, but she started a lot of games. Geno trusted her basketball sense, her steadiness, her ability to help establish the game flow he wanted.

Kelly will get more minutes by far than Morgan, but she also has those same qualities that made Morgan a starter for Geno.

 

[ABachelor6CR]

Geno does not like to change the starting lineup. Excluding injuries, there are very few examples of his doing so.

And he definitely does NOT do situational starting. He will adjust minutes from game to game, but not who starts.

For Geno starting is based on work effort, loyalty, and experience.

Faris may be the hardest working player on the court, and she does all the things - cutting, screening, rebounding - that Geno values the most. She provides a good example for other players. She will continue to start.

Agreed!! Just like the great Casey Stengel once said...."I'd rather have a team of Billy Martins then Mickey Mantels."

 

[ABachelor6CR]

In response to vctwbuff:

In 1999-2000, Paige Sauer lost her starting position at center to Kelly Schumacker. Both played their hearts out after the change. Shuey blocked nine Tennessee shots in the NC game.

That was the wake up call Paige needed....she had been lackluster before that....

 

[Icebear]

All 6-footers are not created equal -- rebounding and interior defense remain question marks for this team. I mean that as a completely neutral statement; they could end up being good or they could be suspect in these areas against the better teams.

The other 6' player in question was a proven, elite rebounder and help defender in WCBB. The entering 6-footer one was an elite rebounder at the HS level but we don't yet know how strong she will be on the boards for us this year. Moreover, owing to how Geno deploys her on the floor, she may not find herself in position for as many rebounding opportunities as our departed 6-footer had, nor will she play as many minutes.

I still believe that someone besides Stef will have to step up in the areas of interior defense and rebounding, and in practice, I don't think that person will be KML, although she will do just fine at her position. If this does not happen, we are vulnerable to an upset that could prevent us from another Final Four appearance. If we do get it by next March, we might just go all the way. My two cents.

I understand that, VA, but My point was simply to point out that simply using things like numbers height and size are to a degree meaningless in saying things like one cannot get to the FF without a big to play beside Stef. Athleticism and fundamentals and basketball IQ like Kelly has, not to mention her focus and determination, are as or more critical. The problem last year was less a post to play beside Stef than one to back up Stef. There are numerous solutions other than depending on size for the person beside her. Texas A&M won last year with little height.

No, I hadn't forgotten the person who I think is the best player to wear a UCONN uniform. Both you and NCor actually make my very point in citing Maya's greatness in that it is her unique attributes while only 6' that make the great 4 that she was. Exactly, my point. Geno and staff's challenge is to figure out the correct scheme with talent at hand.

Kelly will not be the liability at the 3/4 that keeps us from making the FF BECAUSE we need some big post to play BESIDE Stef. Well coached, deeply determined, solid fundamental and great athletes like Kelly will always find a way to get the rebound, get the steal, make the pass, and like Kelly has always done to win. She has already done so against players 2-4" taller than her for two years.

Vulnerable to upset, sure, but the fact you are using the term upset says it all.

 

[vtcwbuff]

In response to vctwbuff:

In 1999-2000, Paige Sauer lost her starting position at center to Kelly Schumacker. Both played their hearts out after the change. Shuey blocked nine Tennessee shots in the NC game.

I remember that Kib, but that was a different situation. Sauer didn't lose her starting job because Schumaker was the better player. IIRC she was in Auriemma's doghouse for lack of effort in practice and he benched her.

I don't think lack of effort will ever be an issue with Faris.

 

[HuskyNan]

I remember that Kib, but that was a different situation. Sauer didn't lose her starting job because Schumaker was the better player. IIRC she was in Auriemma's doghouse for lack of effort in practice and he benched her.

Paige had a nagging ankle injury that never quite healed. She wasn't particularly athletic before the injury, but after it occurred, Paige's lack of mobility hurt her playing time. Still, she was instrumental in the win vs the LVs in Knoxville after Michelle Snow slammed the ball onto the court after Paige fouled her. Senior captain Paige, rather than sulk her way to the bench, made sure the ref was aware of Snow's technical foul. It was a key play in the game and one that showed how much Paige valued the team win over her own misfortunes.

 

[PacoSwede]

I remember that Kib, but that was a different situation. Sauer didn't lose her starting job because Schumaker was the better player. ....

I don't think lack of effort will ever be an issue with Faris.

It seems in this thread there is a theme of Kelly vs. Kaleena. Why????

For those who think Kaleena must/should start because she is so good -- and that's arguable ... arguable that the best should start, not that she is so good -- then how does it follow that Kaleena replaces Kelly?

If you are going to start your best players ... well, then, Kelly has to start. If Kaleena also starts, the obvious odd-girl-out is Caroline. I'd find it very unlikely Kelly would be bumped before Bria, too ... or even Tiff, if she's in a funk or her leadership is lacking. Apparently, some fans don't appreciate Kelly's vital contributions to team success.

 

[Kibitzer]

vtcwbuff and Nan. Touche!

Thanks.

 

[Kibitzer]

Permit me to state that I never meant to infer that Kelly is inferior to the other five players (Caroline, Tiffany, Bria, Kaleena, and Stefanie). For a combination of reasons, it seemed to me that she would logically get her minutes (lots of them) coming off the bench to replace anyone except Stefanie.

I also subscribe to the theory that the "sixth man" is not necessarily the sixth best player. Think Havlicek, who was certainly a better player than one or more of those Celtics in the starting lineup. His versatility (G or F) was a powerful "wild card" for Red to play to energize the team.

 

[John Fryer]

I understand that, VA, but My point was simply to point out that simply using things like numbers height and size are to a degree meaningless in saying things like one cannot get to the FF without a big to play beside Stef. Athleticism and fundamentals and basketball IQ like Kelly has, not to mention her focus and determination, are as or more critical. The problem last year was less a post to play beside Stef than one to back up Stef. There are numerous solutions other than depending on size for the person beside her. Texas A&M won last year with little height.

No, I hadn't forgotten the person who I think is the best player to wear a UCONN uniform. Both you and NCor actually make my very point in citing Maya's greatness in that it is her unique attributes while only 6' that make the great 4 that she was. Exactly, my point. Geno and staff's challenge is to figure out the correct scheme with talent at hand.

Kelly will not be the liability at the 3/4 that keeps us from making the FF BECAUSE we need some big post to play BESIDE Stef. Well coached, deeply determined, solid fundamental and great athletes like Kelly will always find a way to get the rebound, get the steal, make the pass, and like Kelly has always done to win. She has already done so against players 2-4" taller than her for two years.

Vulnerable to upset, sure, but the fact you are using the term upset says it all.

I recall Stef had very serious problems with more athletic centers last year. So far it appears, from descriptions of Thursday's game, that she was running the floor much better than this time last year. But that does not necessarily translate into being able to dominate the post against an athletic post.

Similarly, Kelly has always been a terrific contributor, and she will continue to make major contributions. But she will not make those contributions when guarding bigger and more athletic PFs. In Thursday's game, for example, and according to the box score, she played almost twice as many minutes as Kiah. But she only scored 3 more points and had 3 more rebounds. Assumption's tallest player may have been all of 6'2.

Peace,

John Fryer

 

[semper]

Kelly is a brilliant, do it all basketball player, with a truckload of experience, and icewater in her veins. She will always start, unless she is sick or something.

 

[Icebear]

Assumption's tallest player may have been all of 6'2.

Peace,

John Fryer

Most of the time Texas A&M's tallest player was 6'1" Daniel Adams who led them to the NC.

 

[wire chief]

In response to vctwbuff:

In 1999-2000, Paige Sauer lost her starting position at center to Kelly Schumacker. Both played their hearts out after the change. Shuey blocked nine Tennessee shots in the NC game.

Actually 10 blocks, but she was robbed.

 

[CCinCT]

In response to vctwbuff:

In 1999-2000, Paige Sauer lost her starting position at center to Kelly Schumacker. Both played their hearts out after the change. Shuey blocked nine Tennessee shots in the NC game.

Stacy Hansmeyer also lost her starting spot that same year to Swin Cash, I believe.

 

[pppggg]

NEVER UNDERESTMATE THE HEART OF A HUSKY--- KELLY STARTS!

 

[RadyLady]

in the rest of her career at UCONN, Kelly will start every single game she's healthy. mark that down! She's simply that good and that important to the team...

absolutely true. And, Geno doesn't start freshman unless forced to do so by injury or circumstance. this has been said time and again

 

[Vowelguy]

Stacy Hansmeyer also lost her starting spot that same year to Swin Cash, I believe.

Hansmeyer was 2 years earlier to Svet.

But these examples only prove the points:
(1) Geno rarely changes the starting lineup,
(2) when he does so it is a permanent not game-to-game, and
(3) it is only when the starter is underperforming.

Also I'm pretty sure that the Sauer/Schu change came over the summer, not mid-season.

 

[CCinCT]

Hansmeyer was 2 years earlier to Svet.

But these examples only prove the points:
(1) Geno rarely changes the starting lineup,
(2) when he does so it is a permanent not game-to-game, and
(3) it is only when the starter is underperforming.

Also I'm pretty sure that the Sauer/Schu change came over the summer, not mid-season.

Hansmeyer one year earlier to Svet, 2 to Swin. Injured her ankle in preseason 1998-99 and never regained her starting position (she only started on a regular basis as a soph).

 

[Icebear]

MOVED FROM THE OTHER THREAD: My point is limited only to the point that it is a big who must play beside Stef. The loss last year was not because there was no big available to play beside Stef but because when Stef was out no big was available to play as her backup. I consider the difference between those two things to be huge. Geno, also, identified the issue with the FF loss as centered around over focussing on getting Maya shots, nothing having to do with having two bigs on the floor at the same time.

My response was, specifically, to NCor concerning the need to replace Kelly beside Stef and VA's later comment and their following posts. Hope that helps.

 

[blackbird]

The freshman is not going to replace the five veterans, who have all been to a final four, the last time they started.

There was one starting spot up for grabs, and Geno said he's giving it to Doty.

 

[Phil]

Absolutely. Too many people here are discounting Auriemma's loyalty to his players. I'll admit to being memory challenged, but I cannot remember a player losing their starting job because there is a "better" player waiting in the wings.
Faris starts every game 'til she graduates.

I grant that it is rare, which supports your point, but Hansmeyer lost her starting position to Abrosimova.

 

[Phil]

Stacy Hansmeyer also lost her starting spot that same year to Swin Cash, I believe.

Sveta, I believe

 

[CCinCT]

Sveta, I believe

Arguing about trivia here, but if we can believe the minutes played on Wikipedia, we're probably both wrong and it was to either Tamika or Ashja. Swin doesn't show starter's minutes until 99-00. Svet shows starters' minutes from her freshman year - the year before BamBam's minutes declined.

But to the point - Paige and Stacy DID lose their starting positions.

 

[Vowelguy]

Arguing about trivia here, but if we can believe the minutes played on Wikipedia, we're probably both wrong and it was to either Tamika or Ashja. Swin doesn't show starter's minutes until 99-00. Svet shows starters' minutes from her freshman year - the year before BamBam's minutes declined.

But to the point - Paige and Stacy DID lose their starting positions.

(1) I don't know what you mean by "starter's minutes". Geno does not necessarily play starter's the most. Eg Pam Webber vs Kesha, and Shea vs Amy Duran.

(2) Hansmeyer lost her starting position as a sophomore, when Sveta was a frosh (97-98). There is no inconsistency.

(3) Swin started her freshman year, regardless of what the minutes show. Her time decreased as she played for a while with a stress fracture.

(4) Yes, players sometimes lose their starting spot. However, it is rare and it is because the player is ineffective. Note that both players mentioned (Hansmeyer & Sauer) both saw an increasingly smaller presence after this change was made.

For Faris, you'd have to argue that the game will pass her by and Geno will have no choice but to start someone over her.

 

[CCinCT]

(1) I don't know what you mean by "starter's minutes". Geno does not necessarily play starter's the most. Eg Pam Webber vs Kesha, and Shea vs Amy Duran.

(2) Hansmeyer lost her starting position as a sophomore, when Sveta was a frosh (98-99). There is no inconsistency. INTERESTING TO NOTE THOUGH, THAT STACY PLAYED HER MOST MINUTES AS A SOPHOMORE.

(3) Swin started her freshman year, regardless of what the minutes show. Her time decreased as she played for a while with a stress fracture.

(4) Yes, players sometimes lose their starting spot. However, it is rare and it is because the player is ineffective. Note that both players mentioned (Hansmeyer & Sauer) both saw an increasingly smaller presence after this change was made.

For Faris, you'd have to argue that the game will pass her by and Geno will have no choice but to start someone over her.

BARRING INJURY, THAT AIN'T GONNA HAPPEN.

 

[dtbtbtb]

IMO the only way Kelly does not start is if teams leave her alone and double the other players and Kelly does not make them pay for it on a regular basis.

 

[Icebear]

Vs Assumption

34 Faris, Kelly........ g 4-9 ... 0-3 ... 2-2 ... 2 ... 4 ... 6 ... 1 ... 10 ... 6 ... 3 ... 1 ... 3... 27
.............................................. 3s .... ft .... or .. dr .. rb . pf ... tp ... a ... to .. b ... s ... m

10 points
6 rebounds
6 assists
3 steals
1 foul
=an excellent night

plus taking 3 3s showed a willingness to shoot that shot.