If you're right and UConn wins, Bone Dog, I'll be very happy for the Huskies. However, your scouting report on Hawkeyes is fraught with misconceptions.
You should be better than that.
Excellent post, hoophuskee!
... such as?
Well, for one, I would say that Affolter is an all-around better player than Warnock.
Hmmm? She’s improved a lot this season with more playing time. But the stats suggest she’s a slightly weaker player. The primary bright spots are that she now shoots at a high percentage, has doubled her 3pt percentage and rebounds pretty well. But Warnock was a bit better in all categories, and took more 3s. Now I suppose you could say Warnock benefited from playing next to Czinano. But this cuts both ways, since Stuelke may leave more rebounding and inside scoring opportunities for others.
There are lies, damn lies and then statistics.
I worry about Kate Martin, as she can easily hit a bunch of 3’s. I remember her doing so the last time both teams played at the Nike Tournament, in Portland, Oregon. That’s the game where Caitlin Clark told her teammates about a girl (Nika) stuck to her face, while Azzi displayed her talent. Iowa’s Gabby Marshall is no fluke either as she helps stabilize their scoring strength. But although both teams’ rosters are different, I believe in UConn and will continue to cheer them on, no matter the outcome. Go UConn! Go Huskies!
Every time I mention that game as an indicator of what this game might be like, a chorus of voices (ok mainly @The deacon) tells me the teams are so different now. Now I say, if they’re different then let it be that Martin doesn’t shoot as well. I mean, she couldn’t shoot any better than she did in that previous game.
The Huskies had great ball denial vs USC. The best defense is keeping the ball out of Caitlin’s hands. You can’t force her to a spot where she’s uncomfortable unless you can make her stop at midrange so the Huskies should try to force other to take the shots from spots where they’re uncomfortable shooting
This sounds right. Also, it’s hard to play ball denial if Caitlin already has it, which is true of most of their sets. She’s the pg, she brings the ball up the floor, which is also why pressing doesn’t really work well against Iowa. But UConn can limit who she can pass to. She’ll get her points — I have no doubt — but if Paige & Co can slow down Martin and Stuelke they have a good shot at winning.
...except for one.
Don't know who will win - another “pick em’.” In regard to UCONN they haven't blown out anyone since rd 1. IMO very, very small chance for a comfortable win by UCONN. A win certainly possible – pick ‘em.
On Massey site he shows Iowa having a 44% chance of winning and giving UConn a 56% chance of winning. His final score is 80-77 UConn.
I assume you mean Clarke. I matched her with Bueckers. It’s my opinion, so I take Bueckers. All are entitled to their own. I’m sure Nika will have the lions share of guarding Clarke though. Makes me like my choice even more.
No, I mean Clark. The best WCBB player of all time.
You are welcome here but please remember you’re a guest on a UConn site.
Sorry, she hasn't even won a championship, let alone a final four MOP. The only thing that she is good at is shooting the ball, that doesn't mean she makes them. So far in 37 games she has had 840 attempts with 386 made shots. 508 of those attempts have been 3 pointers making 193 for a 38% clip. While on her 2 point shots she is 193 out of 332 which is a 58% clip, most of her 2 point shots are lay ups. She is proficient at the line shooting 86.2% making 218 of 253 FT's. Has a high average of assists per game because most teams try to double team her. Last year one person forced her to shoot only 9-24, 2-11 from 3, that very same person will be guarding her on Friday.
So you have no appreciation for her passing ability? Definitely taking your opinions with a grain of salt.
I have to watch what I say or just understand that everyone here will be biased? I can live with both.
I would argue she isn't even the best UConn player of all time (there are a few others to consider).
Not sure she'd be an all-time top 5 UConn player.
Yes there are quite a few to choose from Connecticut's storied history, but a four-time national champion, four-time final four most outstanding player seems like a pretty good place to start.
Surrounded by five star talent. I could only imagine how much pressure that would take off of Caitlin and how many more assists she would have (beyond being the third most all-time, after scoring as much as she has).
You know that Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi played for UConn right? Ever seen them pass? They didn’t set NCAA records because they played together for 2 years.
I would like to hear more about what you think of the matchups. I am just learning to think about these things and would appreciate the input.
I was responding to the comment that the only thing Caitlin does well is shoot. That is highly inaccurate as she is the NCAA's #3 all time assist leader for women.