Instilling Panic and Fear

[Tonyc]

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.

 

[Bills Fan]

Tony, one minor question or correction. I wasn't aware that OV played professional ball overseas like Popovic and Blanca. Since I don't follow overseas basketball, I might be mistaken, but I thought she only played for her parents' European national team, not in a pro league.

 

[oldude]

Tony, one minor question or correction. I wasn't aware that OV played professional ball overseas like Popovic and Blanca. Since I don't follow overseas basketball, I might be mistaken, but I thought she only played for her parents' European national team, not in a pro league.

The Big O played for the Croatian National team in each of the past 3 years in the FIBA U16, U17 & U20 levels respectively.

 

[Bills Fan]

The Big O played for the Croatian National team in each of the past 3 years in the FIBA U16, U17 & U20 levels respectively.

I know she played on those National teams, but is that considered to be playing professional ball? Playing for your National team, like Sarah has done, seems a lot different than playing in a pro league on a pro team, like Popovic and Blanca have .

 

[diggerfoot]

Why do we need to instill panic and fear? Aren’t we good enough to beat anyone without needing that psychological advantage? And don’t the opponents who try their hardest against us unencumbered by panic and fear make for a more enjoyable game to watch?

With about 5 minutes left in the game 3-4 players from both teams went all out diving for a loose ball. That was great to watch, even though we did not win that particular battle. Love, love, love teams who aren’t afraid of us, but are unable to prevail against the poetry of basketball our team plays.

 

[oldude]

Why do we need to instill panic and fear? Aren’t we good enough to beat anyone without needing that psychological advantage? And don’t the opponents who try their hardest against us unencumbered by panic and fear make for a more enjoyable game to watch?

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.

 

[diggerfoot]

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.

That does not negate that there are teams, including overmatched mid-majors, who make for more enjoyable games to watch because they are not instilled with panic and fear. See my edited add on.

And I challenge your assumption that Auriemma uses deliberate psychological tactics to instill panic and fear. Why would psychological tactics be necessary? Unless you think demanding perfection is not for perfection’s sake but to instill panic and fear. He plays psychological games to be sure, but mainly on his own players,

 

[oldude]

That does not negate that there are teams, including overmatched mid-majors, who make for more enjoyable games to watch because they are not instilled with panic and fear. See my edited add on.

And I challenge your assumption that Auriemma uses deliberate psychological tactics to instill panic and fear. Why would psychological tactics be necessary? Unless you think demanding perfection is not for perfection’s sake but to instill panic and fear. He plays psychological games to be sure, but mainly on his own players,

Geno has mellowed over the years, to be sure. But if you think he wasn’t up to baiting opponents, go back and look at some of the pregame press conferences before TN or ND games.

 

[diggerfoot]

Geno has mellowed over the years, to be sure. But if you think he wasn’t up to baiting opponents, go back and look at some of the pregame press conferences before TN or ND games.

? How does baiting opponents instill panic and fear? Baiting Tennessee and Notre Dame had the opposite effect. Clearly there is a difference of interpretation here.

 

[oldude]

? How does baiting opponents instill panic and fear? Baiting Tennessee and Notre Dame had the opposite effect. Clearly there is a difference of interpretation here.

Geno’s baiting played on his opponents insecurity. It drove both Pat & MM crazy. IMO, to be your best as a HC and prepare your team to face a challenge, you need to be calm and confident.

Think of last year when Cory Close was pacing back and forth like a caged animal or Dawn was firing off F-bombs during the FF. I saw the same kind of “what do I do now” image with Gottlieb yesterday.

Geno is absolutely aware of how he and his team affect opposing coaches and their teams, and he absolutely uses it to his advantage.

 

[FanSince17]

Why do we need to instill panic and fear? Aren’t we good enough to beat anyone without needing that psychological advantage? And don’t the opponents who try their hardest against us unencumbered by panic and fear make for a more enjoyable game to watch?

With about 5 minutes left in the game 3-4 players from both teams went all out diving for a loose ball. That was great to watch, even though we did not win that particular battle. Love, love, love teams who aren’t afraid of us, but are unable to prevail against the poetry of basketball our team plays.

Defensive pressure is tangible, not intangible. Then it becomes the latter.
Jazzy had the dribble on the elbow, spun toward the baseline as she maneuvered around a screen, pulled up for the J as she anticipated being open, and she got stuffed by Serah. The block was so emphatic and total that Jazzy sat down on the court from the block as the quarter horn sounded. Players remember stuff like that for a long time.

 

[diggerfoot]

Geno’s baiting played on his opponents insecurity. It drove both Pat & MM crazy. IMO, to be your best as a HC and prepare your team to face a challenge, you need to be calm and confident.

Think of last year when Cory Close was pacing back and forth like a caged animal or Dawn was firing off F-bombs during the FF. I saw the same kind of “what do I do now” image with Gottlieb yesterday.

Geno is absolutely aware of how he and his team affect opposing coaches and their teams, and he absolutely uses it to his advantage.

What you describe is not instilling panic and fear. Being angry is not the same emotion as panic and fear. A coach feeling hopeless from in game performance is not a psychological tactic, it’s a reaction to the performance. Plus, both have to do with coaches, not players battling on the court.

In any case, I rather teams we play did not have panic and fear, even though some do. Not, however, your examples of Tennessee nor Notre Dame. Those players never had panic or fear in the prime of those programs, which contributed to why they gave us problems. Bringing up those teams is really a counter to your point, which is why we must have different definitions of panic and fear.

 

[diggerfoot]

Defensive pressure is tangible, not intangible. Then it becomes the latter.
Jazzy had the dribble on the elbow, spun toward the baseline as she maneuvered around a screen, pulled up for the J as she anticipated being open, and she got stuffed by Serah. The block was so emphatic and total that Jazzy sat down on the court from the block as the quarter horn sounded. Players remember stuff like that for a long time.

For some players that may instill “panic and fear,” for others it instills learning and determination. We have witnessed and played against both kinds. It’s more enjoyable for me watching the latter. I’m guessing Davidson will prove to be the latter type as well.

 

[FanSince17]

For some players that may instill “panic and fear,” for others it instills learning and determination. We have witnessed and played against both kinds. It’s more enjoyable for me watching the latter. I’m guessing Davidson will prove to be the latter type as well.

Reminds me of Tiger Woods’ stare down back in the day. It was a “chicken or egg” scenario. Did his psychological domination lead to more victories or did more victories lead to the psych job he employed. He didn’t win every time, remember Rich Beem, just most of the time.
Apparently Gottlieb wasn’t intimidated, as she didn’t seem to have any game-planning or any answers.

 

[BobbyJ]

Geno’s baiting played on his opponents insecurity. It drove both Pat & MM crazy. IMO, to be your best as a HC and prepare your team to face a challenge, you need to be calm and confident.

Think of last year when Cory Close was pacing back and forth like a caged animal or Dawn was firing off F-bombs during the FF. I saw the same kind of “what do I do now” image with Gottlieb yesterday.

Geno is absolutely aware of how he and his team affect opposing coaches and their teams, and he absolutely uses it to his advantage.

LOL, all I can think of when watching her is Chris Farley as motivational speaker Matt Foley delivering his message.

 

[rugbymate]

After watching the USC coach and players post game press conference I’m not sure the description of “ panic and fear” is what I was hearing. Our stifling defense takes the opponents out of their comfort zone and gives them less time to find a quality shot. They have to play quicker to find a good shot…that leads to lower FG % and more turnovers. Our quality of coaches and players and depth allow us to play a different kind of game. USC will learn from the experience and be better next time.

 

[HopJim]

Why do we need to instill panic and fear? Aren’t we good enough to beat anyone without needing that psychological advantage? And don’t the opponents who try their hardest against us unencumbered by panic and fear make for a more enjoyable game to watch?

With about 5 minutes left in the game 3-4 players from both teams went all out diving for a loose ball. That was great to watch, even though we did not win that particular battle. Love, love, love teams who aren’t afraid of us, but are unable to prevail against the poetry of basketball our team plays.

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.

 

[oldude]

What you describe is not instilling panic and fear. Being angry is not the same emotion as panic and fear. A coach feeling hopeless from in game performance is not a psychological tactic, it’s a reaction to the performance. Plus, both have to do with coaches, not players battling on the court.

In any case, I rather teams we play did not have panic and fear, even though some do. Not, however, your examples of Tennessee nor Notre Dame. Those players never had panic or fear in the prime of those programs, which contributed to why they gave us problems. Bringing up those teams is really a counter to your point, which is why we must have different definitions of panic and fear.

I think we are disagreeing over semantics. Does anyone argue that UConn frequently has a psychological advantage over their opponents. Whether we call that panic, fear, anger or insecurity really doesn’t matter. None of those emotions are conducive to playing good basketball.

 

[huskeynut]

I disagree with the "panic and fear." It's intimidation. It's the bring it on, we dare you.

I've seen in UConn's eyes live. And their is a pride
in the way they play defense.

 

[BobbyJ]

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.

Then you're assuming that many teams and players lack competitive fire like a lot of fans do. Even at the lowest levels of college ball it's not that the kids aren't highly competitive, it's just that they lack the talent level needed to compete and win against much better teams. There are plenty of lower and mid major schools that wouldn't be intimidated or back down.

 

[msf22b]

Defensive pressure is tangible, not intangible. Then it becomes the latter.
Jazzy had the dribble on the elbow, spun toward the baseline as she maneuvered around a screen, pulled up for the J as she anticipated being open, and she got stuffed by Serah. The block was so emphatic and total that Jazzy sat down on the court from the block as the quarter horn sounded. Players remember stuff like that for a long time.

True enough Azzi had a great defensive game against Jazzy and the team D more or less completely shut her down
But:
This kid is definitely a ”baller;” she plays aggressive “D” in addition to her offensive skills.
She’ll be fine…she just can’t carry the team by herself against an opponent like us (and shouldn’t try).

 

[Boreifs]

I know she played on those National teams, but is that considered to be playing professional ball? Playing for your National team, like Sarah has done, seems a lot different than playing in a pro league on a pro team, like Popovic and Blanca have .

Olivia is in high school. She has never played professionally, but she has played with and against professionals in international competitions. That certainly counts for something.

 

[BobbyJ]

Olivia is in high school. She has never played professionally, but she has played with and against professionals in international competitions. That certainly counts for something.

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.

 

[huskyd]

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.

You know, Tony, one phrase of yours ("a complete beating down") reminded me of a feeling I got in quarter 4 in which I was suddenly believing that guarding USC was not the real goal of the Husky defense. The real goal was to annihilate them, crush them into dust. I was really fearful that the Trojans were on the verge of disappearing. This is, of course, ridiculous, but it seemed that the shut-down was so energetic and intense that only utter destruction would do. Never had that feeling before. Whew. Scary.

 

[EricLA]

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.