Impressions after the Temple game

[tomcat]

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

 

[uconnever]

didnt

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

havent watch the game yet, but your two cents are the same as mine. we are gonna have lots of growing pains for the next two years or so.

 

[bags27]

-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Great thoughts here, and maybe this is the most important. She played A LOT of summer ball; she carried the Canadian team on her back. She could use a week or two off, but not gonna happen.

 

[HuskyNan]

-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.

Just my $.02 worth.

The whole team seemed a step slow today for some reason. At least Natalie did a decent job of clogging the middle on defense and even if she didn't grab rebounds she at least tapped the ball out into play. This was one of her better outings after she was thrown into a game under tough circumstances.

 

[hoophuskee]

1-- Gabby - Couldn't agree more.

2-- Natalie- Yes she does. A poster asked last year what are we going to do when Butler goes out? What we can see is that vs many quick teams that play small ball, maybe she won't play as much. Be interested to see hwo she matches up vs teams with big posts - though vs SC Geno didn't trust her.

3-- Tuck- I wonder if this type of team - VERY SMALL BUT EXTREMELY QUICK- in which the coach told Peck at the start she was focused on stopping Tuck, is the type of team and defense to give her troubles.

4-- I don't agree that The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. Throw in Tuck then I'll agree. Two fo the last three times we've played ND - I heard from the terrific ND coach say the name "Morgan Tuck" as someone o her team couldn't handle. And the USC game - just one game ago - did you forget that already? She was a beast.

5-- KLS needs to be a scorer next year. This year she needs to hit open shots as the 4th or 5th option. Next year she can't be "Ann Strother." And her 3-ball has to be much much better. I don't see how KLS can be much more than that this year. Just like I was surprised when Geno said during DePaul late - can we trust" KLS? That question to me was always bizarre. This time his postgame comments that he is surprised KLS not as much in the offense- I'm not sure what he expects. When Stewie and Tuck touch the ball- they are looking to score quickly. The offense is built for them as the 2 scorers. They are 1t team all-americans that you want taking brunt of shots. KLS plays off of them. Nurse isn't hitting outside shots consistently and teams will pack inside because of BS and MT. Next year she'll be much bigger part of scoring. As long as she can overall hit 3's UCONN will be fine.

6-- Yes Temple played well. Great Tanya!!!!!!!!!!! Very happy for her!!!!

 

[Carnac]

Great thoughts here, and maybe this is the most important. She played A LOT of summer ball; she carried the Canadian team on her back. She could use a week or two off, but not gonna happen.

Agreed, Rest is highly underrated regardless of the duration. Look what it did for Tuck. You can push the body only so far. If they're are going to give Nurse a rest for any length of time, that time is NOW!!! They can rest (8 days) her the next two games (Cincy & ECU).
That would give her SMU, Tulane & USF to get ready for the tournaments. A rest of this nature and duration may do more good than harm.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I think Geno took the team out for Italian last night. Morgan Tuck and Kia Nurse probably got some bad zuppa di vongole.

I don't know what would explain the Dick Stuart hands though. And how can you almost get outrebounded by a team that averages 5'2" in height?

 

[Sonny44]

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

I'm just as concerned about Collier. Once a starter she is now on a very short leash. She came and a minute later was pulled for Gabby. Never returned until just minutes left and the win was assured. I had predicted she would be the star of this year's crop, but she seems to be steadily losing ground over the last month. I still think she'll be a great one, but chances of her making an impact this year seem to be waning.

 

[bags27]

I'm just as concerned about Collier.

I think Geno is giving her a short leash this year, because he can afford to. With Gabbie already coming off the bench and playing crazy good and having enough energy for three players, it's not obvious where Napheesa is going to get lots of important minutes. But next year, she will emerge.

 

[Ellie]

I think Geno took the team out for Italian last night. Morgan Tuck and Kia Nurse probably got some bad zuppa di vongole.

I don't know what would explain the Dick Stuart hands though. And how can you almost get outrebounded by a team that averages 5'2" in height?

Agree, Morgan and Kia look tired ... sluggish and could use a shot of Geritol. Italian food can be tricky. Mo, Stewie and KLS went with the dandelion salad and it showed. Gabby headed for the Espresso Machine and is probably playing a pick-up game somewhere in Philly as the Boneyard reflects on this 25 point cliffhanger ...

 

[Blueballer]

The whole team seemed a step slow today for some reason. At least Natalie did a decent job of clogging the middle on defense and even if she didn't grab rebounds she at least tapped the ball out into play. This was one of her better outings after she was thrown into a game under tough circumstances.

Geno said in the post game that he thought the team looked mentally and physically tired. Yeah I didn't have a problem with Natalie. It was helter skelter out there and she fought well. Her, Collier and Lou will all be fine.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I think the team starts slowly in noon games. They play better at 1 or 2 PM. Seriously.

Also, they must have had cheesesteaks for breakfast. They were slippery-handed much of the game.

 

[vtcwbuff]

"Also, they must have had cheesesteaks for breakfast."

I was thinking "hands of stone" ala Dick Stuart but cheese whiz slippery is probably a better explanation.

Pat's or Geno's? Or even greasier (and better) a Philly roast pork - wet. Old Original Nick's of course. Have a great roast beef and a roast pork for dessert. Served with a 6" stack of paper napkins and a Yuengling.

 

[vtcwbuff]

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

Me too. It looked to me that for just a little while Tonya outcoached the master.

 

[bags27]

"Also, they must have had cheesesteaks for breakfast."

I was thinking "hands of stone" ala Dick Stuart but cheese whiz slippery is probably a better explanation.

Pat's or Geno's? Or even greasier (and better) a Philly roast pork - wet. Old Original Nick's of course. Have a great roast beef and a roast pork for dessert. Served with a 6" stack of paper napkins and a Yuengling.

Making me salivate. The perfect pre-game meal (for a caveman).

 

[magic]

Right now would be a great time for Geno to give Kia some time off. She could return on 2/27. She is a finely tuned athlete, but getting her back mentally refreshed will be huge for the tournament. Kia seems completely out of sync right now. She plays hard on every play !

 

[Kibitzer]

QUOTE="vtcwbuff, post: 1580608, member: 1197"]I was thinking "hands of stone" ala Dick Stuart[/QUOTE]

Dick Stuart was a slugger who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in that magical 1960 World Series victory over the powerful NY Yankees, climaxed by The Mazeroski Home Run.

Stuart was renowned for his legendary ineptitude as a first baseman. The likable Stuart was eventually traded by the Bucs to the Red Sox, where his rep as a lousy fielder was, if anything, enhanced by his sustained erroneous performance afield.

Legend has it that during one dull meaningless afternoon game, a hot dog napkin was drifting slowly across the infield, distracting batter and pitcher alike. The affable Stuart strolled over from his position at first base, snagged the wafting napkin cleanly and jammed it into his uniform pocket.

The Fenway faithful rewarded him with a resounding ovation.

 

[tony yusef]

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

I think Gabby is talented enough to be THE player in every game situation, her ceiling is enormous. I also think it's very hard for underclassmen to be consistently aggressive when your team has all-time seniors on it. The only thing that concerns me about Gabby is her knees, other than that I think she leaves this program a great player.
I don't think there is anything ever to be worried about the game of Morgan Tuck, and when you mention crunch time her name has to be mentioned with Stewie and Mo.
I too am a little disappointed in what I've seen from Natalie Butler, she does have some obvious skills. There is also a learning curve coming into this program, but I don't doubt that Geno will mold her into major player going forward.

 

[HuskerDo]

Dick Stuart's nickname: "Dr. Strangeglove."

 

[seeya27]

Kia Nurse has played high level basketball for at least a year straight. I am sure Geno knows this...but visually it shows in her energy. (This comes from a lay basketball fan).

 

[mrmojack]

I think if Morgan leaves, Kyla Irwin is going to see some minutes. I am not sold on Natalie
Butler's play the last few games. She looks slow and has had trouble hanging onto the ball.

Gabby was great. 19 points (9 for 9 shooting) 11 rebounds in 23 minutes. Morgan looked
like she was having trouble with smaller quicker players guarding her. I can't ever complain
about Morgan, she has been a rock all season.

The bottom line is Tonya has done a nice job with the team she has. I sure hope she
makes the NCAA Tournamnet. Her kids really competed today and they gave the Huskies
problems. My hat is off to Tonya. I hope she lands a big job soon.

 

[wbfree]

A few impressions from someone who hadn't seen UConn play live for a few games (and it's never the same on tape):

-- Gabby Williams sure can play under the right circumstances. Not sure she's THE player for every game situation, but the talent is there.
-- Natalie Butler looked disappointingly slow. I know you should never expect too much from someone in her first year, especially a transfer, but I really thought she would be more with the program by now. I'm thinking not Stef Dolson, more Page Sauer, but I sure hope I'm wrong. I'm not sure what the configuration is if Morgan graduates and Natalie can;'t be a full-time center.
-- I know Morgan is a lot better than she showed today.
-- The team really is all about Stewie and Mo at crunch time. That's not a bad thing, but it highlights how different the team will be next year.
-- Cannot quite figure out what KLS's role will be as time goes on, but she certainly has a great shooting style.
-- Wasn't Temple something? Really enjoyed this game. Especially after the blowout the last time, these kids played their hearts out and game UConn plenty of game.
-- Could it be that Kia is tired? She looks like she's hit a wall of some kind. She has all the skills and temperament to be dominant, and she's not.

Just my $.02 worth.

I think we're better with Gabby on the floor.
We're spoiled with Mo and Stewart. They are really good.
I wish Butler was as good as Sauer. Very slow. No quicks. No strength.
Collier is getting the Chong treatment.
Kia is everyone's golden child. Everyone is always making excuses for her poor play. 3 turnovers in the first five minutes against SC. 6 turnovers today. Chong 4 min.
Tuck did not look right today.

 

[cohenzone]

Dick Stuart's nickname: "Dr. Strangeglove."

QUOTE="vtcwbuff, post: 1580608, member: 1197"]I was thinking "hands of stone" ala Dick Stuart

Dick Stuart was a slugger who played for the Pittsburgh Pirates in that magical 1960 World Series victory over the powerful NY Yankees, climaxed by The Mazeroski Home Run.

Stuart was renowned for his legendary ineptitude as a first baseman. The likable Stuart was eventually traded by the Bucs to the Red Sox, where his rep as a lousy fielder was, if anything, enhanced by his sustained erroneous performance afield.

Legend has it that during one dull meaningless afternoon game, a hot dog napkin was drifting slowly across the infield, distracting batter and pitcher alike. The affable Stuart strolled over from his position at first base, snagged the wafting napkin cleanly and jammed it into his uniform pocket.

The Fenway faithful rewarded him with a resounding ovation. [/QUOTE]

When I was in hs, saw a Yankee-Sox game in NY that included a play that cost the Sox big time. They were tied with NY for first. Stuart was playing first. Sox led by one or two. Yanks has bases loaded and two down, later inning. My friends and I, all NY fans, sat behind first. Berra at bat. Hits a slow roller to first and we are uttering oaths. Stuart, near the bag, bends to field the weak grounder. Next thing we see is the ball emerge behind Stuart and dribble to the right field corner. Three runs score, Yanks hang on to win and Boston never again is in first place.

 

[cohenzone]

I wouldn't take too much away from this game relative to Butler, and to an extent, Tuck and Collier. Temple was unusual, playing 5 quick guards. Butler doesn't have great foot speed, and that was exaggerated by Temple's size and style. More concern is Geno's unwillingness to use Butler against USC. She'll be important against big teams next year.

Meanwhile, Stewie shows just how good she is when Temple's style didn't really faze her. She's a great athlete on top of her great skill. She was probably a bit more winded than usual, but she made Cardoza's scheme problematic because Stewie used her size to great advantage.

 

[Kaizen]

Butler and Collier played only 6 and 9 mins. I think it is very difficult to judge a play "good or no good" in just 6 or 9 mins.

Also, this their 1st year playing UConn I don't expect them play great for every game. Give them more time ~~~