In Search of a 3rd Guard

[oldude]

I think everyone knows that and knows what he meant. Boring is the new classy, I guess. I prefer a little spice.

And I think Rocky and just about everyone else knows that my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek when I typed that post. For those who didn’t understand, I’ll be sure to include an emoji the next time I type a similar post.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Perhaps Molly is this version of the Huskies' Saniya. She hung in there and ended up with a pretty decent senior year as I recall. I just hate the thought of throwing away an 19 or 20 year old kid that works as hard as she does.

Molly is this year's version of TLaw.

 

[oldude]

I'm having a bit of a problem understanding the issue. On offense, we have a true PG in CD and a true center( increasingly her focus) in Z. The rest including KLS, Kia, Gabby, MW and Phee can play wing in a motion offense and each has a range of 15 plus feet and some with a range of 20 plus. All of them can post up if Z clears out and all can take the ball to the hoop. In addition, all can get out on the break either with the ball or on a wing. KI is increasingly fitting in while we wait for MC and BC to develop.
On defense, if Kia and or CD need a rest and if we are playing man, both Gabby and MW are quick enough to guard opponents shooting guard and most point guards. In that case we would have KLS, Phee, and Z guarding the opponents 3,4 and 5. No problem.
Now next year the calculus is a bit more intriguing but we will have a dynamic CW to put into the equation.
As an aside, it seems as if basketball is moving away from slotting players into the 1,2,3 ,4 and 5 positions. If you have a strong, quick ball handler to control tempo and distribution and a shot blocker/rebounder the rest can be wings that are somewhat interchangeable.

I basically agree with your post, particularly the part about the move away from the traditional 1-5 spots. The difference between having 2 pure guards on the floor vs having Lou or Gabby play the 2 is subtle, and deals primarily with balancing the floor on offense.

If Lou or Gabby are playing guard, they are unlikely to post up (either high or low) where they are both extremely effective. The other element is that in case of a missed shot you always want at least 2 players back immediately on defense. While that does not necessarily need to be the 2 guards, more often than not it is the 2 guards. Here again, if Lou or Gabby are playing guard, there’s less opportunity for them to crash the boards on offense.

The final reason why I believe it’s important to find a 3rd guard is really about next year. Kia will graduate and while CW may be one of those rare freshmen who is so good that she can contribute on day one, I’m sure that Geno would feel much better if he returns at least two experienced guards he can count on next season.

 

[hoophuskee]

Geno needs another guard. He made it clear Wednesday that he really wants an 8-player rotation with 3 guards. UConn has 5 of the most talented front court players ever assembled on the same team in Gabby, Lou, Pheesa, Z & MW. They also have two really talented starting guards in Kia & Danger. What they don’t have is a 3rd guard that can spell the starting guards and run the offense. The Huskies have spelled Kia and Danger for a few minutes with either Lou or Gabby, but that’s not an ideal situation because it reduces the effectiveness of Lou and Gabby. Even last season, when UConn had almost no depth, the Huskies had 3 guards that could play significant minutes and run the offense.

.

I predict there will be no 3rd guard in big games other than the combo of Lou and Walker and Gabby. UCONN doesn't "need" Coombs or AEH or Molly. This is Geno being Geno. He's a coach. He's played predominantly 6 players before. UCONN will blow out a lot of teams. He doesn't need it. He'd like it but that's a big difference.

On your thread of Rushmore -- this is one of things Lou can do. She can be a 2guard. And do it well. Part of the problem is that Pheesa and AZ are shooting miserably from 3. Thus when you don't have the 2 guards in and Lou - it's easier to clog the post. It's not that UCONN needs a guard as much as they need one of AZ or Pheesa to start knocking down some 3 pt shots. The beauty of Pheesa and AZ is that they can shoot well from 3. Lou and Gaby are great passers. If they are able to hit open AZ and Pheesa and if both can shoot like they are capable, then you also have a great defense rather than rely on an inconsistent frosh such as Coombs or AEH or soph Molly and then hold your breath in a big spot.

 

[Longtime fan]

Early on you were touting Coombs, I didn't see it. More recently---I saw glimpses of her potential. In one exciting glimpse I saw her see a developing play, took the anticipated pass, and like lightning to the basket for a score.

I dont know for "positions", there are some Geno obviously can't use for Posts but other he can use at the traditional guard position.Walker has been subbing for KIA is a good to better defender, rebounder, scorer and handles the ball well, in ECU game blazed a quick trail from the end line to set up a play. She has the skills Geno is missing and the kid has no fear, much like AEH.

Back to Molly, my girl, Molly has all that Geno needs--she's wrapped in a plain brown package, no flash, no show boat, just plain.\Molly has all the skills--I'll bet she burns up the floor in practice--what she is missing is what Irwin has loads of --CONFIDENCE--if that ever appears Geno will have a very good 3rd guard.

I'm not dropping Alexi out of mix just yet--I don't know what Genos issues are with Alexi, nor do I care--from all I see, an that is only a tiny bit, Alexi has all it takes to make a good Uconn Guard, Im sure Geno sees that.

I don't think Alexi is a guard. She is described as a " wing" which is a euphemism for forward.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Who is Alexi?

 

[bags27]

Geno needs another guard. He made it clear Wednesday that he really wants an 8-player rotation with 3 guards. UConn has 5 of the most talented front court players ever assembled on the same team in Gabby, Lou, Pheesa, Z & MW. They also have two really talented starting guards in Kia & Danger. What they don’t have is a 3rd guard that can spell the starting guards and run the offense.

Kids today call this a "first world problem." We basketball fans call this a problem that only the #1 team in WCBB by a fair amount would have. Does UConn really "need" a guard who would play maybe 12 minutes in most games along with 4 starters (pick any 4 of the first 6) who are among the top 7 or 8 players in all WCBB? Maybe Geno brought this up to protect the privacy and deflect questions about AEH? Or maybe he's trying to motivate the rest of the bench with prospects of getting more playing time if they deserve it? I can't believe he's losing any sleep over this, and we might think of it as an opportunity for Meg to get comfortable at the 2, which, if she does, sets next year's starting line-up. That is, unless there are still folks who believe she can't shoot....

 

[oldude]

Kids today call this a "first world problem." We basketball fans call this a problem that only the #1 team in WCBB by a fair amount would have. Does UConn really "need" a guard who would play maybe 12 minutes in most games along with 4 starters (pick any 4 of the first 6) who are among the top 7 or 8 players in all WCBB? Maybe Geno brought this up to protect the privacy and deflect questions about AEH? Or maybe he's trying to motivate the rest of the bench with prospects of getting more playing time if they deserve it? I can't believe he's losing any sleep over this, and we might think of it as an opportunity for Meg to get comfortable at the 2, which, if she does, sets next year's starting line-up. That is, unless there are still folks who believe she can't shoot....

I agree that Geno may just be able to scrape by this season without a 3rd guard , but I don’t think he would object to having a third guard he could give 10-15 minutes a game, as much as anything to develop some depth at guard for next season after Kia graduates.

During the 2012-13 season that’s exactly the roll that Mo filled. Mo’s performance as a freshman was inconsistent to say the least, but she was ready to step into a starting role as a sophomore and the rest is history.

Come to think of it, that same scenario applies to Crystal.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Based partly on what I saw in the Jordan Brand game, I thought that Mikayla would compete for minutes and might even be ahead of Meg. I was wrong on the last point, but I still see Mikayla’s extreme athleticism and glimpses of solid play, including on the defensive end. Andi got more PT and did ok—not great, not badly. Molly’s hard work has not translated to the court yet. I think the problems are in her head, including lack of confidence. We’ve seen that with Brianna Banks and Charde Houston. The easier conference schedule and cumulative practice time may allow someone to emerge. I thought Meg would play SG, but I was wrong on that too.

Next year, Geno will be hard on CWill, but she could be a starter. We have had freshmen guards start when there was a need: Renee, Tiffany, Caroline, and Bria.

Gabby and Kia will be much harder to replace than I thought would be the case in November 2016.

 

[bags27]

Gabby and Kia will be much harder to replace than I thought would be the case in November 2016.

True, for sure. But with Crystal, Lou, Pheesa, Z, and Meg a year older, it won't be hard to "hide" the weaknesses. That's something that Geno talks a lot about, too.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I don't think Alexi is a guard. She is described as a " wing" which is a euphemism for forward.

You are most likely correct. I do however submit that Geno will use her in the capacity that suits him--ala Gabby. Unfortunately, for me, I haven't seen enough to make any determination--the tiny be seen doesn't give me much to go on. Now with Mikayla a tiny burst showed a lot, AEH made the most of her minutes. Thanks for the heads up on Alexi--I believe the four will be very good before their UC careers are done.

 

[BroadwayVa]

True, for sure. But with Crystal, Lou, Pheesa, Z, and Meg a year older, it won't be hard to "hide" the weaknesses. That's something that Geno talks a lot about, too.

If you note when Geno uses and where he uses Megan Walker you can see a seamless entry into the game --as asset he has with few other, AEH is close. Everyteam has weaknesses--when I read "won't be hard to hide weakness", my brain only sees weakness--hiding them is near impossible--covering them is do able. He did that all last year. Too small, no real point guard, no back ups at nearly every position--that wasn't hidden--Geno found ways of making what he had work--until the end. Thank goodness for Z's arrival. Now with AZ, Walker, maybe AEH, maybe touly hiding won't be necessary.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I predict there will be no 3rd guard in big games other than the combo of Lou and Walker and Gabby. UCONN doesn't "need" Coombs or AEH or Molly. This is Geno being Geno. He's a coach. He's played predominantly 6 players before. UCONN will blow out a lot of teams. He doesn't need it. He'd like it but that's a big difference.

On your thread of Rushmore -- this is one of things Lou can do. She can be a 2guard. And do it well. Part of the problem is that Pheesa and AZ are shooting miserably from 3. Thus when you don't have the 2 guards in and Lou - it's easier to clog the post. It's not that UCONN needs a guard as much as they need one of AZ or Pheesa to start knocking down some 3 pt shots. The beauty of Pheesa and AZ is that they can shoot well from 3. Lou and Gaby are great passers. If they are able to hit open AZ and Pheesa and if both can shoot like they are capable, then you also have a great defense rather than rely on an inconsistent frosh such as Coombs or AEH or soph Molly and then hold your breath in a big spot.

ga

Your last sentence is accurate--Geno can't and won't be teaching in BIG games. First Para--in terms of 3rd guard you listed the 3, say what you want--Gabby is an athletic guard--.
The need for back up at any position isn't needed in blowouts--they are needed in the unforseenyy, unexpected poorly called games where a post or 2 and a guard or 2 is in game changing (for the player) foul situation. Geno usually gambles on a few minutes out will shorten the game for that player and they will perform at the end. It works but at times the sitting cools off a hot player. It is always better to prepare you bench talent to be ready if and when needed.

 

[chrissaran]

With AEH out, that has set UConn back in finding the third guard. Hopefully she'll be back soon. Andra showed a lot of promise. She's fearless, which you have to be to be successful at UConn.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I basically agree with your post, particularly the part about the move away from the traditional 1-5 spots. The difference between having 2 pure guards on the floor vs having Lou or Gabby play the 2 is subtle, and deals primarily with balancing the floor on offense.

If Lou or Gabby are playing guard, they are unlikely to post up (either high or low) where they are both extremely effective. The other element is that in case of a missed shot you always want at least 2 players back immediately on defense. While that does not necessarily need to be the 2 guards, more often than not it is the 2 guards. Here again, if Lou or Gabby are playing guard, there’s less opportunity for them to crash the boards on offense.
Dude
The final reason why I believe it’s important to find a 3rd guard is really about next year. Kia will graduate and while CW may be one of those rare freshmen who is so good that she can contribute on day one, I’m sure that Geno would feel much better if he returns at least two experienced guards he can count
on next season.

The nice thing/bad thing is: With the Motion offense Geno loves to use, everyone moving, who ever is with in range had better crash the boards, regardless of position. Dangers and Walker rebound are no insignificant.

Rocky

Molly is a mystery. She's highly conditioned. In high school she was a heady, complete player with good moves inside and a more than good outside game and an adept floor leader. Something is getting in the way and Geno et al have not unlocked the mystery. 'Course, just the other day Geno was ruing Kia's "hair on fire" floor presence too. He's not Svengali.

Does Svengali coach a Div 1 or a Div 2 team---I got to look him up.

 

[BroadwayVa]

With AEH out, that has set UConn back in finding the third guard. Hopefully she'll be back soon. Andra showed a lot of promise. She's fearless, which you have to be to be successful at UConn.

\
Don't jump to conclusions------All reports indicate it's a FAMILY issue no way will that hold her back.

 

[oldude]

\
Don't jump to conclusions------All reports indicate it's a FAMILY issue no way will that hold her back.

Other than the fact that she’s missed several weeks of practice.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Other than the fact that she’s missed several weeks of practice.

Didn't seem that long with the holidays and exams. You BOTH are correct that could be Geno factor. But should her development no be injured that much--she still is my favorite to be next after Walker.

 

[my2cents]

I think MW is our third guard. She handles the ball really well, and IMHO will show some real growth over the conference season.
I think Geno is looking for his next point guard. From what I have seen, Mikayla Coombs seems to be the best candidate.
Molly just has not shown Geno much in her opportunities , at this point.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

And I think Rocky and just about everyone else knows that my tongue was firmly planted in my cheek when I typed that post. For those who didn’t understand, I’ll be sure to include an emoji the next time I type a similar post.

Of course, but P's heart was in the right place.

 

[Shorty Dee]

I am hoping Mikalya can work her way into rotation. Mikayla is another player who is going to be special. I like what I have seen from Andy also, but Mikayla has my heart. I am also hoping for a 8-9 player rotation. The 8 - 9 player rotation would include Mikayla and Batouly.

 

[YellwJcket999]

I've been team Coombs for a while. She impressed during the McD's AA game. She has a very high BB I.Q. She reads the strengths and weaknesses of her team and the opposition very well. Having said that, I believe Coombs will be CD's backup and AEH is a replacement for KN. Geno never thinks this way but this is my read.

Geno has learned over the years that an injury or two can totally derail a team with specialist players. He emphasizes multipurpose players who can play several positions. This allows a significant margin to account for injuries. Last year Chong and Nurse played the 1 and 2. This year more or less CD and KN are doing the same. Gabby/NaPheesa/Azura can fill in at the 3-5. KLS/MW can fill in 2-4.

Andi and Mikayla are being groomed to also be multipurpose. I believe the race for the third guard is between the two of them. Bent puts in tons of effort but her in game mistakes are slowly taking her out of the running.

As far as next year and CW, as talented as she is, she will have to come in and instantly get it like MW in order to be same conversation as Coombs and Hunter. Not to mention if Coombs and Hunter make a sophomore leap like Dangerfield.

Olivia will have to compete with Irwin, and Batouly for p.t. and that's not going to be easy as both will have three years of college experience.

The best thing out of all of the scenarios is that Uconn has enough talent that we won't suffer like ND if injuries rears its ugly head. Multiple players able to play multiple positions is the thing of the future in WBB.

 

[JustinesGuy]

Molly is this year's version of TLaw.

100% right

 

[Boreifs]

I'm having a bit of a problem understanding the issue. On offense, we have a true PG in CD and a true center( increasingly her focus) in Z. The rest including KLS, Kia, Gabby, MW and Phee can play wing in a motion offense and each has a range of 15 plus feet and some with a range of 20 plus. All of them can post up if Z clears out and all can take the ball to the hoop. In addition, all can get out on the break either with the ball or on a wing. KI is increasingly fitting in while we wait for MC and BC to develop.
On defense, if Kia and or CD need a rest and if we are playing man, both Gabby and MW are quick enough to guard opponents shooting guard and most point guards. In that case we would have KLS, Phee, and Z guarding the opponents 3,4 and 5. No problem.
Now next year the calculus is a bit more intriguing but we will have a dynamic CW to put into the equation.
As an aside, it seems as if basketball is moving away from slotting players into the 1,2,3 ,4 and 5 positions. If you have a strong, quick ball handler to control tempo and distribution and a shot blocker/rebounder the rest can be wings that are somewhat interchangeable.

Well said. This whole thread is a search for a solution to a non-existent problem.

 

[TitleTown]

\
Don't jump to conclusions------All reports indicate it's a FAMILY issue no way will that hold her back.

According to who?