Is Gakdeng out for Friday's game? | The Boneyard

Is Gakdeng out for Friday's game?

Bone Dog

Bone Dog

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Maria Gakdeng didn't play in UNC's last game, against NC A&T. Let's hope there's nothing serious and she comes back soon. Without her, their front court loses a lot of experience. Thomas and Toomey played 15 minutes each, which means Kara played small ball for at least 10 mins. Alyssa Ustby picked up the rebounding slack with 9, and Laila Hull grabbed 5. Even without Gakdeng, UNC still has some height with two freshmen posts and a trio of big guard/forwards in Ustby (6'1"), Hull (6'1") and Donarski (6'0").

If I had to guess, I'd say Ice and Jana will have an advantage against Thomas and Toomey, especially with Sarah on the floor next to either of them. I kind of hope Gakdeng plays Friday, just because Ice and Jana could use the better challenge. If Geno follows his pattern of the last couple games and sits Paige Sarah and Ash for the 4th quarter, Morgan Allie and Q could play key roles in a more competitive game.
 
Bone Dog said:
Maria Gakdeng didn't play in UNC's last game, against NC A&T. Let's hope there's nothing serious and she comes back soon. Without her, their front court loses a lot of experience. Thomas and Toomey played 15 minutes each, which means Kara played small ball for at least 10 mins. Alyssa Ustby picked up the rebounding slack with 9, and Laila Hull grabbed 5. Even without Gakdeng, UNC still has some height with two freshmen posts and a trio of big guard/forwards in Ustby (6'1"), Hull (6'1") and Donarski (6'0").

If I had to guess, I'd say Ice and Jana will have an advantage against Thomas and Toomey, especially with Sarah on the floor next to either of them. I kind of hope Gakdeng plays Friday, just because Ice and Jana could use the better challenge. If Geno follows his pattern of the last couple games and sits Paige Sarah and Ash for the 4th quarter, Morgan Allie and Q could play key roles in a more competitive game.
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If it’s a competitive game Bueckers, Strong, and Shade won’t be sitting for any of the 4th quarter unless they’re in foul trouble.
 
BobbyJ said:
If it’s a competitive game Bueckers, Strong, and Shade won’t be sitting for any of the 4th quarter unless they’re in foul trouble.
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Since 2 of our Guards are in the vicinity of 5'9" while some of the UNC guards are 6"+, I could see Morgan getting a fair amount of playing time. She is the one 6'2" Guard who has played as a PG in HS and she is showing to be much better as a defender and rebounder than anticipated.
 
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If Gakdeng is out, Ustby will be under the rim 24/7, and she's a big foul baiter. Jana/Ice will inevitably pick up a few fouls trying to grab rebound from her.
 
Bone Dog said:
Maria Gakdeng didn't play in UNC's last game, against NC A&T. Let's hope there's nothing serious and she comes back soon. Without her, their front court loses a lot of experience. Thomas and Toomey played 15 minutes each, which means Kara played small ball for at least 10 mins. Alyssa Ustby picked up the rebounding slack with 9, and Laila Hull grabbed 5. Even without Gakdeng, UNC still has some height with two freshmen posts and a trio of big guard/forwards in Ustby (6'1"), Hull (6'1") and Donarski (6'0").

If I had to guess, I'd say Ice and Jana will have an advantage against Thomas and Toomey, especially with Sarah on the floor next to either of them. I kind of hope Gakdeng plays Friday, just because Ice and Jana could use the better challenge. If Geno follows his pattern of the last couple games and sits Paige Sarah and Ash for the 4th quarter, Morgan Allie and Q could play key roles in a more competitive game.
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Vowelguy said:
Are you sure? I know Banghart is a favorite of @triaddukefan
:D
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:rolleyes:
 
One thing I don’t believe. I don’t believe a team can beat UConn with small ball. I think Gakdeng is crucial for North Carolina if this game is going to be close.
 
I’m sad that Aubrey isn’t active. Ustby is an absolute energizer bunny. Sarah will have her hands full for sure.
 
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Stagnant said:
One thing I don’t believe. I don’t believe a team can beat UConn with small ball. I think Gakdeng is crucial for North Carolina if this game is going to be close.
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They have 6’4 Toomey and 6’5 Thomas this year. They ain’t small. Gakdeng is 6’3.
 
Notre dame has Koval, King, citron, Karlen, westbeld. They have incredible balance. They aren’t playing small ball against UConn.
 
Stagnant said:
Notre dame has Koval, King, citron, Karlen, westbeld. They have incredible balance. They aren’t playing small ball against UConn.
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It isn't clear that Karlen or Westbeld will be available then
 
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It is true Jana & Sarah are also freshmen but that’s where the resemblance ends. I think it’s fair to say that our girls are much further along than Thomas and Toomey. I expect both to be good players for Banghart but Jana and Sarah are on a different trajectory both in terms of what they’ve already done and their future accomplishments on the basketball court.
 
Cuango said:
It is true Jana & Sarah are also freshmen but that’s where the resemblance ends. I think it’s fair to say that our girls are much further along than Thomas and Toomey. I expect both to be good players for Banghart but Jana and Sarah are on a different trajectory both in terms of what they’ve already done and their future accomplishments on the basketball court.
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I tend to believe this, but Blanca Thomas was really good in high school. She already had a very good midrange game and decent post moves. I wouldn't dismiss her lightly. Toomey is coming back from a knee injury, so she's a year out from high school with no D1 experience. I think it'll take her a lot more time to recover even her high school form and consistency.
 
Bone Dog said:
It isn't clear that Karlen or Westbeld will be available then
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Westbeld won't be available for some time. Last I recall it's speculated she would be healthy closer to ACC conference play.
 
Bone Dog said:
I tend to believe this, but Blanca Thomas was really good in high school. She already had a very good midrange game and decent post moves. I wouldn't dismiss her lightly. Toomey is coming back from a knee injury, so she's a year out from high school with no D1 experience. I think it'll take her a lot more time to recover even her high school form and consistency.
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Toomey and El Alfi are both redshirt freshmen coming back from injuries and neither have D1 experience. Both were highly touted coming out of high school. I don't see there being any advantage for either player at this point of the season.
 
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Cuango said:
It is true Jana & Sarah are also freshmen but that’s where the resemblance ends. I think it’s fair to say that our girls are much further along than Thomas and Toomey. I expect both to be good players for Banghart but Jana and Sarah are on a different trajectory both in terms of what they’ve already done and their future accomplishments on the basketball court.
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While I think your assessment is correct, it's a bit premature to make such a definitive statement.........have you seen the UNC pair play so far this season? I have no idea how far along they are, but I do know that all of us at the Boneyard wanted Toomey in a big way and from what I have read Thomas is no slouch......I'm hoping that UConn comes out strong from the jump and takes it to the Tarheels in a big way but I expect a spirited game in front of one of the biggest crowds that UNC has seen in awhile.....
 
Thomas and Toomey played 15 minutes each in their game against NC A&T on Tuesday. Thomas was 1-5 in shooting scoring only 2 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, blocks and PF, 1 assist, steal, and turnover. While Toomey was 3-6, 1-2 in 3pt shots scoring 7 points, grabbing 2 rebounds, and 1 block and foul. Sarah alone almost outplayed the two combined with 13 points, going 5-8, 1-4 in 3pt shots, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals and PF, 1 block and turnover. Sarah did it against a much better team than NC A&T. If Gakdeng doesn't play I believe that UNC is in for a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOONG night.
 
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In an interview today, Banghart was asked about Gakdeng and Nivar. She said they'd be back soon. But it didn't sound like they'd play Friday.
 
Charliebball said:
While I think your assessment is correct, it's a bit premature to make such a definitive statement.........have you seen the UNC pair play so far this season? I have no idea how far along they are, but I do know that all of us at the Boneyard wanted Toomey in a big way and from what I have read Thomas is no slouch......I'm hoping that UConn comes out strong from the jump and takes it to the Tarheels in a big way but I expect a spirited game in front of one of the biggest crowds that UNC has seen in awhile.....
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I hear that Paige has been known to play a "spirited game"!
 
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