I thought Patterson gave UConn some pretty good minutes off the bench
- Thread starter toadfoot
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Patterson and Ines both had quality minutes today. Between them and Caroline, maybe we’re actually going to be able to rely on the bench to help out in the upcoming games. And hopefully Azzi will be part of that reliable bench next weekend.
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She played a great game...at the perfect time!
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it's amazing what happens when bench players are given an opportunity isn't it? If only that was done earlier
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I agree... her best, most aggressive game of the year. But, she did not show that before today... glad she brought it today in key moments.
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They were given opportunities many times this season. Usually they didn't capitalize on them.
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I don’t think it’s a coincidence that the bench is playing better now that that Caroline is back. The injuries hurt bench development because they needed to do more than they were capable of. Now Patterson need come in and bring rebounding and defense. Ones just needs to play solid.
She has demonstrated very limited game skills but used her time to good advantage today - hopefully she will continue to develop and compliment her physical skills with game skills. Maturity, rather than opportunity, appears to be the issue - she has time (it's great to be young)
MilfordHusky
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Ayanna was the most energetic player in blue. She banged with Morrow, blocked a shot, got tough rebounds, and made a bucket on her only shot. She helped us get over the hump. I hope to see more of that!
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Ayanna is going to be so good it's almost scary. Once she starts to get more minutes, more experience, and develop her offensive gave, she's going to be a real problem. I think Ayanna should always think "drive to the basket first, pull up jumper as a second option". Ayanna can easily average 9 points per game just on the free throw line. That should be her goal, to get to the free throw line and complete and ones. She goes for rebounds with freaking authority. I hope Geno uses her a lot more.
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The problem at the moment is she never considers creating a shot or taking a shot. She doesn't want to dribble or move with the ball. I'm with you. She needs to be told " take some damn shots !"
Papa33
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I thought she was given some opportunities earlier in the season-- not copiously-- but she looked lost out there. Today, much better, which should give her more confidence and more clarity on where to be and how to use both the opportunities and her particular talents.
I have no opinion right now on how good a player Patterson can or will become. It seems every player that commits to Uconn becomes the second coming with little consideration given to the tremendous gap between HS, AAU, and big time D1.
She has had chances and for the most part has been tentative, which is not remotely unusual or unexpected. But I cannot blame that on the coaches, this is big time basketball and players need to earn their way on the court. Confidence can just as easily be destroyed as developed by giving minutes when players are not ready.
Patterson played well today, aggressive rebounding, a nice and very much needed putback; most importantly, stood up to and very much competed with Morrow when assigned to her. One of the more impressive things to me was that she didn’t “stick out” today, she blended in to the game, looking like she “belonged”.
But I don’t agree with the idea that she should have gotten more time earlier simply because she had a positive impact on the game today. Should she get some time next game? IMO, without a doubt, because that is what I think she earned today.
She has had chances and for the most part has been tentative, which is not remotely unusual or unexpected. But I cannot blame that on the coaches, this is big time basketball and players need to earn their way on the court. Confidence can just as easily be destroyed as developed by giving minutes when players are not ready.
Patterson played well today, aggressive rebounding, a nice and very much needed putback; most importantly, stood up to and very much competed with Morrow when assigned to her. One of the more impressive things to me was that she didn’t “stick out” today, she blended in to the game, looking like she “belonged”.
But I don’t agree with the idea that she should have gotten more time earlier simply because she had a positive impact on the game today. Should she get some time next game? IMO, without a doubt, because that is what I think she earned today.
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Well put @Littlemin ... I agree with you. Ayanna, Amari and Ines have all been given opportunities earlier in the season but looked tentative and sometimes "lost" as to their role in the offense and defense. Tentative play does not earn more playing time. Amari looked better in the St Johns game with her defense (2 blocks) in her limited minutes but was not any help on the offensive end. Today, Ayanna looked like a different player...aggressive to the ball, tough D on Morrow, and aggressive to the basket. She has "grown up" over the season . Ines looked "scared" early in the year... to be expected with her late call to join UCONN...especially given her stated knowledge of how significant the program has been in NCAA WBB. The last few times on the court she has looked calm and collected... she has played in the flow of the offense and defense and given some valuable minutes.
It's all coming together at the most important time of the Season!!! Add one Azzi and the rest between BE and NCAA tournaments, and who knows how far this team can go!!!
Love the UCONN HUSKIES!!!
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yes but that's how you learn, from mistakes in game. But if someone makes a mistake once and they don't see the floor again for 20 games how is someone suppose to improve?
That’s part of what practice is for
Not necessarily, first you earn minutes in practice and then get to learn from your game mistakes if you also do some positive things in games to deserve minutes going forward. Most players understand and accept that’s the way it is.