Is Gakdeng out for Friday's game?

[Bone Dog]

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.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

UNC is coached by Courtney Banghart. Kara coaches the Dookies.

 

[Bone Dog]

UNC is coached by Courtney Banghart. Kara coaches the Dookies.

D’oh!

 

[BobbyJ]

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.

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.

 

[Centerstream]

No answer yet?????

 

[yhun89]

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.

 

[Vowelguy]

UNC is coached by Courtney Banghart. Kara coaches the Dookies.

Are you sure? I know Banghart is a favorite of @triaddukefan

 

[triaddukefan]

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.

Are you sure? I know Banghart is a favorite of @triaddukefan

 

[Stagnant]

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.

 

[darrell]

I’m sad that Aubrey isn’t active. Ustby is an absolute energizer bunny. Sarah will have her hands full for sure.

 

[Stagnant]

I thought Paige handled Utsby pretty well last year.

 

[yhun89]

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.

They have 6’4 Toomey and 6’5 Thomas this year. They ain’t small. Gakdeng is 6’3.

 

[huskeynut]

Both Toomey and Thomas are freshman. Gakdeng is a senior.

I'll take Ice, Jana and Sarah and let's play.

 

[yhun89]

Both Toomey and Thomas are freshman.

Jana and Sarah are also both freshman.

 

[Vowelguy]

One thing I don’t believe. I don’t believe a team can beat UConn with small ball.

ND will test that.

 

[Stagnant]

Notre dame has Koval, King, citron, Karlen, westbeld. They have incredible balance. They aren’t playing small ball against UConn.

 

[Bone Dog]

Notre dame has Koval, King, citron, Karlen, westbeld. They have incredible balance. They aren’t playing small ball against UConn.

It isn't clear that Karlen or Westbeld will be available then

 

[Cuango]

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.

 

[Bone Dog]

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.

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.

 

[cancontent]

It isn't clear that Karlen or Westbeld will be available then

Westbeld won't be available for some time. Last I recall it's speculated she would be healthy closer to ACC conference play.

 

[cancontent]

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.

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.

 

[huskeynut]

Jana and Sarah are also both freshman.

I'll stick with my post.