Instilling Panic and Fear

[cabbie191]

Many years ago, during one of UConn’s back to back championship runs, an acquaintance of mine had a daughter playing for either Ball State or Valparaiso. It was a home game for his daughter and Mel drove to Indiana to see the game. UConn won by around 40 IIRC.

After he got back I asked how his daughter’s team felt about their experience. He said they were upbeat and appreciated the opportunity. Prior to the game they had set a goal to not lose by more than 50 so mission accomplished.

My point is I don’t really think UConn’s opponents are likely to be either fearful or panicky. They may come to a point of resignation but that isn’t the same thing.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Multiple times over the years I have listened to the beat down coaches saying how it was a wonderful learning opportunity and on either side of them sits a player who looks like they have just been made to eat a cat's hairball. And I wonder how was practice in the week leading up to the game, with the players thinking : "It's the only time I'm going to be on national TV and it's to be the Christian in the Circus Maximus." Seriously, I am sure some kids come in just thrilled to be in it, but I will bet 2 Tacos and a cheeseburger most of them are thinking I'll take a pass if it's all the same to you.

 

[Boreifs]

No, the only international competitions she's played in were for Croatia in the FIBA youth U16, U17, and U20 tournaments which are strictly amateur only.

There are plenty of young players who play in the professional leagues; Blanca for example. They are amateurs in name only.

 

[diggerfoot]

Why can't both be true? UConn is definitely good enough to beat anyone, most by a wide margin. Having likely seen many UConn replays, I doubt many teams would want to play them if there was an option. Other teams knows how good they are, that they need a perfect game to win, etc.

Not sure what you mean by both, since goalposts have been moved, strawmen introduced, but let me recap.

I started off questioning the need to instill panic and fear, since we are so good we can beat teams without it. Elsewhere I acknowledged that some players become intimidated, some don’t, and I prefer watching the determined players that don’t.

The goalpost was then moved from players on the court being affected by performance to coaches off the court being affected by psychological games. An odd example of Auriemma baiting Tennessee and Notre Dame was brought up, which induces anger instead of fear, and likely had the opposite effect of making those teams more determined to beat us, as evidenced in the results.

I suspect that was actually the point of the “baiting.” Auriemma has demonstrated he wants to play the best at their best. Contrast this with what you know about people in general, perhaps thinking back to high school will help. There is a different mindset between people that need to instill panic and fear in people and the mindset of a perfectionist, which is Auriemma. There may be fans that want to get less than a team’s best by instilling panic and fear, but not Auriemma.

Auriemma coaches his players towards perfection, sometimes using psychological tactics on his players. Perfection is best measured by being challenged by the best teams playing at their best. When the talent and depth is there, Auriemma’s coaching towards perfection leads to beat downs. Some players are intimidated by those beat down performances delivered byUConn players, some are not. Again, I prefer watching the ones who are not. Fwiw, I believe that is Auriemma’s preference as well.

 

[Kat]

It's a basketball game. No one is instilling panic or fear. That's just ridiculous.

 

[BobbyJ]

There are plenty of young players who play in the professional leagues; Blanca for example. They are amateurs in name only.

True but they (she) are still legally amateurs because unlike some of their teammates, they don't get paid a salary, live with host families, and have to attend HS.

 

[Bigboote]

Why do we need to instill panic and fear?

In The the Art of War, Sun Tzu said something to the effect, defeating your opponent’s army can only be truly accomplished if you first break their will. 2500 years on, his book is still relevant.

“This isn’t war!” you say? Tell that to Bugs Bunny. 🐰

 

[topogigio]

Don’t kid yourself. Geno has been effectively employing UConn’s psychological advantage for years. UConn has beaten a lot of good teams before the opening tip.

Spot on, think back to the undefeated run years when the opposing team knew they were beat the moment UConn took the court. The opponent was psychologically defeated because they knew a beatdown was inevitable. This year's team, I believe, will do the same!

 

[Tonyc]

The UConn Defense is intimidating, causes fear of losing the ball and being bottled up which causes opponents to panic. I feel UConn most likely will not lose a game this season and most likely next season. There was a time when teams feared UConn and some coaches did not schedule UConn. I believe we are very close to that reputation again.

 

[oldude]

The UConn Defense is intimidating, causes fear of losing the ball and being bottled up which causes opponents to panic. I feel UConn most likely will not lose a game this season and most likely next season. There was a time when teams feared UConn and some coaches did not schedule UConn. I believe we are very close to that reputation again.

Tonyc, I think UConn may be bad for women’s basketball once again….. 😎

 

[huskeynut]

UConn women's basketball is bad for basketball again.

It started after the Tennessee loss last year. 28 point beat down of South Carolinaon their home court. And it ran right thru the annihilation of the teams in the tournament.

 

[oldude]

So there is some credence to the idea that UConn is bad for women’s basketball.” At a time when everyone is trying to promote the competitive growth of WBB, if UConn beats their nearest competitors, i.e. UCLA & SC by 30+, it’s difficult to make a case for parity in WBB. Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to wait until Geno retires…., 😉

 

[Tonyc]

Tonyc, I think UConn may be bad for women’s basketball once again….. 😎

Maybe it's just me but this team has such a strong chemistry and complement each other so well that watching them execute is like watching a will oiled machine. The only way to slow down UConn is to get them in early foul trouble. With that said UConn still has players coming off the bench who can jump right in. This might be why Geno has so many guards. He can interchange them without losing a beat. The real problem would be if our key scorers got into foul trouble. Azzi Sarah and Blanca are our top scorers. Ash Serah and Allie are beginning to show signs of becoming more impactful as scorers. KK Kayleigh Jana and Kelis have shown signs of improving and looking to score when it presents itself. There is no team in WCBB that has a Big 3 like UConn has. Texas is close but thats it. Our next big game is Iowa in NYC and that will draw alot of fans from the area. Genos connections with CTK and so many other coaches in the NYC area as well as potential recruits.

 

[huskeynut]

The "UConn women are bad for basketball" phrase is actually good for the game.

Most fans will not admit it but they like the dominant team. They like a dynasty. They like a team to root against. They will not admit that parity is not good. I didn't hear any complaints about Dawn and South Carolina being dominant the last 5 to 6 years. In fact, she was the darling of the press. It was not bad for the game. Dawn proved it can be done. I applaud her.

Tennessee's dynasty along with South Carolina and UConn's decades run is a good thing. It puts the onis on other schools to rise to the challenge and improve their programs.

Like it or not, Geno and UConn have set the standard for women's basketball.

 

[Boreifs]

True but they (she) are still legally amateurs because unlike some of their teammates, they don't get paid a salary, live with host families, and have to attend HS.

And you think I didn’t know that?!

 

[BobbyJ]

And you think I didn’t know that?!

It didn't look like it since you originally claimed that Vukosa had played with and against professionals in those competitions which is untrue.

 

[donalddoowop]

Maybe it's just me but this team has such a strong chemistry and complement each other so well that watching them execute is like watching a will oiled machine. The only way to slow down UConn is to get them in early foul trouble. With that said UConn still has players coming off the bench who can jump right in. This might be why Geno has so many guards. He can interchange them without losing a beat. The real problem would be if our key scorers got into foul trouble. Azzi Sarah and Blanca are our top scorers. Ash Serah and Allie are beginning to show signs of becoming more impactful as scorers. KK Kayleigh Jana and Kelis have shown signs of improving and looking to score when it presents itself. There is no team in WCBB that has a Big 3 like UConn has. Texas is close but thats it. Our next big game is Iowa in NYC and that will draw alot of fans from the area. Genos connections with CTK and so many other coaches in the NYC area as well as potential recruits.

LSU has a big three every bit as good as UConn's.

 

[sno-cat]

LSU has a big three every bit as good as UConn's.

I wouldn't bet on that if I was you.

 

[browns]

Maybe it's just me but this team has such a strong chemistry and complement each other so well that watching them execute is like watching a will oiled machine. The only way to slow down UConn is to get them in early foul trouble. With that said UConn still has players coming off the bench who can jump right in. This might be why Geno has so many guards. He can interchange them without losing a beat. The real problem would be if our key scorers got into foul trouble. Azzi Sarah and Blanca are our top scorers. Ash Serah and Allie are beginning to show signs of becoming more impactful as scorers. KK Kayleigh Jana and Kelis have shown signs of improving and looking to score when it presents itself. There is no team in WCBB that has a Big 3 like UConn has. Texas is close but thats it. Our next big game is Iowa in NYC and that will draw alot of fans from the area. Genos connections with CTK and so many other coaches in the NYC area as well as potential recruits.

Texas besides Booker and Harmon have Cunningham the 6'4" forward who is pretty dominating

 

[BRS24]

John Wooden once said, "be quick, but don't hurry". Google AI summarized it by saying - playing with speed, purpose, and control, emphasizing deliberate action and quick decisions without rushing into mistakes, a philosophy built on preparation and focus rather than frantic haste, allowing for peak performance and less errors.

What it means in practice:

• Urgency with Control: Move fast and decisively, but stay centered and focused, avoiding panic.
• Preparation: Quickness comes from intense practice and discipline, allowing you to react instinctively without needing to think on the fly.
• Sharp, Deliberate Actions: Make sharp passes, cut with purpose, and move off-ball effectively, rather than just running around aimlessly.

Avoiding Errors: Rushing leads to careless mistakes; being quick but not hurried means executing flawlessly at a high tempo.

(on edit, the last point, Avoiding errors, should be in the bullet list but it got a lil wonky)

When I think about UConn, both on offense and defense, much of this comes to mind. We move the ball quickly on offense, whether it be a breakout after D rebound, or when running the offense. When the team is on defense, we communicate well, switch when warranted, and generally disrupt what the opponent is trying to do, which is the antithesis of being quick and not hurrying.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

What happened to USC yesterday was UConns defense caused and instilled Panic and Fear. With that said USC was unable to focus on execution because their fear what UConns defense was doing to them. They were paralyzed. The result was a complete beating down. Create the panic and fear in opponents is what makes their defense so effective. By creating panic and fear opponents lose the ability to execute and focus on what they want to do. This paralyzes them and makes them easy prey. When you're worried about what can or about that will happen has a negative effect on you and you saw the result yesterday. USC could get nothing going because of the impact of UConns defense. USC is not a cupcake but UConn made them look like one. While other teams are playing cupcakes and winning by 20+ UConn has shown what they can do against top ranked teams. USC is a very good team and what UConns defense did to them was amazing. Again, we saw that in the NCAAs and FF last season.

This defense just didnt happen. We saw it late last season begin to form. In the FF we saw what it did to the top teams in country. It was not luck it was built on hard work and great great coaching that led to the team's belief in the system and the execution of team ball. We see those results now and its only December. Just think about where it will be in a few more weeks and months.

The 3rd qtr raised some questions. What I saw was UConn with a 38+ pt lead. Then Geno went deeper into the bench, and I believe it was because some of our key players were in foul trouble. When Geno went deeper into the bench we saw our weak side defense seem to be missing. That along with some questionable calls and non-calls allowed USC to creep into our lead. When you're in foul trouble you have to back off from playing tight defense which allows your opponent to go right at you. When Geno went to the bench those players werent playing the same weak side help as the players they replaced. This is something that will be worked on in practice. With some easier games coming up it will allow for our non-starters more playtime and they will be able to work on their defense in real games. The 3rd qte showed what can happen when UConn has key players get into foul trouble. This cannot happen early in any game.

There has been alot of talk about our Big 3. We saw yesterday that we could have more than just 3. That's scary. It looked like breakout games for Serah KK and Ash. Jana and Kayleigh showed improvement. That is directly related to being able to execute. Whether shots are falling or not being able to execute is the key because at some point the shots will fall. Let me bring up Blanca. When we heard Blanca was coming, I was told she was a combination of Tamika Catchings and Naphessha Collier. I was told that by my cousin who's daughter Sarah Scalia (point guard at Indiana) played with Blanca in Italy. Well Blanca is becoming a dominate SuperStar on both sides of the ball. She is playing at a level that is far above everybody else. I can only think what next seasons international players (The Big O and Popovic) will bring playing professional ball as teenagers overseas just like Blanca did.

UConn is scary. They terrorize opponents. The biggest difference yesterday was everybody was hitting their shots. They were able to hit those shots because USC was double teaming Azzi and Sarah. Another point is UConn got Serah going early. This team is blossoming and not everybody has reached their potential yet. I believe the competition amongst each other in practice is bringing that out. Many felt with such a talented roster Geno had his hands full getting everybody playtime. Well, he's managing that and as everybody else improves they will get their minutes. We will see that moving forward when we play teams that are not ranked.

UConns only weakness could be early foul trouble to key players. To avoid that Geno will have other players up to speed over the next few weeks. Who will be those players? We dont know yet. They will emerge based on their performances. UConn has alot of talent on the bench and they will emerge. UConn creates panic and fear on opponents and having that ability is what separates them from everybody else. Geno has created a Monster in this team. They are having fun playing, and you can see that by the smiles on their faces. Azzi Sarah and Blanca are at a different level than anybody in WCBB because they play at the highest level on both sides of the ball. IMO that makes them Superstars. Other teams have shooters and scorers and defenders, but no other team has an Azzi Sarah and Blanca who can do it all.

UConn has not piqued yet and that is in direct relation to having short- and long-term goals that they are striving for. They're playing with confidence right now and it will be hard to break that confidence because of what theyre striving for with so many options on their team. They are fun to watch because they're having fun doing what they're doing and thriving to get better. Let's enjoy the ride.

Just wait until the "pique and roll" is done at full speed with Jana and Blanca, and the referees don't call fouls on Jana as the opponents can't tell the difference between "rocks and hard places." 😎 🔥🔥😍🔥🔥😎

This edition of Huskies appears to be unmatched on both the offense and defense, and I have to think back to Stewie, Morgan, and MoJeff in their Junior & Senior years to envision anything close to what I am seeing on the screen.

All I can say is: "Enjoy the journey Huskie Nation!"

Go Huskies!!!

 

[The CDR-Ret]

A few thoughts.

UConn has often come out and smoked teams in the first quarter, then gone on to have a relatively close rest of the game. TBH I'm not sure fear has much to do with it, especially against quality opponents. I think they relish the opportunity to play against one of the best, but unfortunately for them, it's hard to emulate in practice what UConn does in games on defense. I really think that's the biggest thing. Hard to practice for the intensity and skill we bring on both offense and defense.

And TBH, we don't always jump out to big leads out the gate.

• L'ville - 18-4 partway thru Q1
• FSU - 8-8 at the 5:00 mark
• tOSU - 27-24 at the END of Q1
• Michigan - 22-5 after Q1, but they outscored us by 15 in the 2nd half
• USF - 16-8 at the 3:00 mark in Q1 - USF hardly was scorched early on
• USC - 39-17 at halftime, but we "only" outscored them by 6 in the 2nd half.

My point is that in half of our "bigger" games vs. OOC foes, UConn hardly blew the doors off the competition early on. Our opponents came out focused, intense, and intent on taking it to us. I think tOSU gave us the toughest 1st quarter so far this season as the Cambridge sisters could not miss.

IMHO what happened in several of those games is that we adjusted, OR wore them down. The Cambridge sisters started missing tons of shots short. In the close early games vs. FSU and USF, our defense seemed to click into another gear (oftentimes coinciding with bringing in Blanca), and we went on a tear.

Bottom line, I think there is too much parity in the game. I really do believe often when we come out and demolish a team in the first 5-7 minutes it's more because they are just unable to handle our defensive and speed/intensity, and less because they are scared. L'ville has played us tough in the past and seen us in many games. Last season, USC gave us the toughest game WITHOUT Juju in our NC run.

Maybe when we face Loyola of Chicago there is some fear factor. Other teams, I'm not so sure.

Great points Eric.

Another interesting piece is that Louisville and tOSU are making a steady rise in the Top 25 after being out or knocked out following their loss to UConn this season. I thought each team has been underrated for most of the year

Now it is a matter of UConn getting better faster than all the teams that the Huskies have defeated as we approach the Tournaments.

Go Huskies!!!

 

[The CDR-Ret]

So there is some credence to the idea that UConn is bad for women’s basketball.” At a time when everyone is trying to promote the competitive growth of WBB, if UConn beats their nearest competitors, i.e. UCLA & SC by 30+, it’s difficult to make a case for parity in WBB. Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to wait until Geno retires…., 😉

Let the parity appear in the #2-15 portion of the rankings, and let them be shuffled in weeks 6-18.

If the Huskies are "bad for women's basketball," so be it! I am happy to enjoy the journey!! Long live the reigning Champions and their amazing coaches, Geno, CD, & Company!!!

Go Huskies!!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

So there is some credence to the idea that UConn is bad for women’s basketball.” At a time when everyone is trying to promote the competitive growth of WBB, if UConn beats their nearest competitors, i.e. UCLA & SC by 30+, it’s difficult to make a case for parity in WBB. Oh well, I guess we’ll just have to wait until Geno retires…., 😉

I think the transfer portal and NIL makes more than a bit of an argument for the concentration of talent in the top 20-25. The losers in that are the other 225. That is facetious of course, but I think it is a real issue for the 2d tier 20 to 40. A kid comes in, was under scouted and tears it up, and the portal and NIL have them fly away. Parity itself is a big word. There is already chatter that the Final 4 have altready identified themselves which suggests that parity is a very shallow pond indeed.

 

[hoophuskee]

Many years ago, during one of UConn’s back to back championship runs, an acquaintance of mine had a daughter playing for either Ball State or Valparaiso. It was a home game for his daughter and Mel drove to Indiana to see the game. UConn won by around 40 IIRC.

After he got back I asked how his daughter’s team felt about their experience. He said they were upbeat and appreciated the opportunity. Prior to the game they had set a goal to not lose by more than 50 so mission accomplished.

My point is I don’t really think UConn’s opponents are likely to be either fearful or panicky. They may come to a point of resignation but that isn’t the same thing.

+1. i only played measly H/S basketball but was on a very good team. One time I goit a chance to go against a bigtime pro was best player in NYC, ALL-AAMerican, Gold medalist and played many years in the NBA. I was a "defender" and he crushed me. His summer league team crushed ours. And I still am thriled that I did it. IMO I wouldn't think much of the competitive spirit of players, especially scholarship players,if they didn't look forward to playing against UCONN, unless it's a must win. A scholarship player means you've worked your butt off your whole life and enjoyed competition. If you are playing a sport in college you dont want anything handed to you. You want to pit yourself at least once agaianst the very best. It's an honor.