Is UConn's Roster A Forward Short?

[Charliebball]

My daughter is a junior at Syracuse.

OK then ...................your liking Syracuse is excused...................

 

[easttexastrash]

I think that comparison between Lou and Gabby doesn't take account of the difference in their roles on the team this year. Gabby thought she was going to be a guard when she came to UConn, and was basically told to play in the front court -- and she has learned to like it. Lou thought of herself as a guard and would certainly be more comfortable there -- and that role was available to her while Stewie and Morgan were on the roster. But next year Geno won't have that luxury, and (absent roster surprises or amazing development by Natalie or Kyla) Lou will have to recognize that on defense, the team needs her in the paint. I think she will embrace that as an opportunity to become a more versatile and useful player than she already is.

In next year's Baylor game, how will Geno defend Brown or Mompremier? I predict it will basically be the same story as it was with Griner, or as it was this year with Boyette and Hamblin. He will have his biggest player behind her in a blocking position, and bring a double by a smaller forward or a guard to make the entry pass difficult and make a dribble impossible once the opposing big gets the ball. That won't shut down Brown or Mompremier if they are playing well, but it should hold them below their average.

I predict that the player in back of the opposing big will be Lou, and the player in front will be either Gabby or Kia.

Brown and Mompremier will often play together next season. Brown will be the one that Geno can use that strategy on but he will have to deal with the other big, also.

 

[BroadwayVa]

It is not a "potential shortage of forwards" it is the reality of the roster for next year. Many of us have been saying this for a while now and don't assume this is a 1 year problem either. UCONN needs to sign a contributing PF/C soon.

Geno had hopes probably some expectations and lots of desires on a few bigs these past two years--he did a full court press and kept his hat in the rings but he can't make kids want Uconn who don't want Uconn.
Geno didn't fail!! I'm typically a worrier, cup half full but if this coaching group couldn't bring home a big--bigs didn't want to come.
So--Coco--if Juco isn't it and transfers apparently are out--is there anything in Europe that speaks Geno's language (basketball)??? Stipends, is that the issue???

 

[BroadwayVa]

I realize I'm confused most of the time, but I've become MORE confused than usual.
UCONN has just lost 2 bigs, both AA's Stewart at 6'4" Forward and Tuck at 6'2" Foward/Center. Not only are there openings at Forward/Center but it's with the best team in WCBB with the best coaching staff in Div. I. Lauren Cox #1 HS player at /C signs with Baylor who has 3 very talented bigs that are 2 freshmen , and a sophomore that are all 6'4" or taller! Limiting Cox's PT to about 12 to 18 minutes a game.
Now A. Stevens a 6'6" very talented sophomore is transferring from Duke and rumor has it she might be interested in SoCar where they have 3 very talented freshmen and sophomores, all 6'4" or taller. An her playing time will be cut also.
What are these and other big girls afraid of, and I know some say they want to stay close to home, but when a kid goes to college he/she is making the break and they basically won't go home again to stay, they'll graduate get a regular job or go on to play pro BB either in the WNBA or for a Foreign team. They've become an adult and cut the strings.
IMHO this is an easy out, they'll still have individual glory, their WCBB team might have a slim chance to win a National Title, and they can coast through 4 years but they don't have to give everything they've got every second of every practice and every game!
I also know I'll be condemned here on the BONEYARD because I'm being nasty to 18 & 19 year old girls, but it's an easy choice really, there are openings at UCONN for talented Forwards & Centers and there's not many players with guts to sign on for the hardest but best experience they'll have in WBB!

I am SHOCKED some (unnamed ) personages on the BONEYARD actually condemned you?? Wasn't any one cutting and pasting your postings to make them sound as something other than you said? Was anyone picking Nits in your posting? I'm shocked. J. T. C. (join the crowd). BTW--some nit picker will tell you 18-19 year old females are WOMEN (yep it's a different politically correct world). In my opinion (yes some are allowed) --it is widely known that Uconn isn't for everyone--only the dedicated should apply. (I'll be nit picked over that (again))

 

[BroadwayVa]

Most Uconn recruits can play multiple positions. And if they can't when they are recruited.. they learn by the time they leave. Ekmark and Nurse could potentially move over to the Fowards... Gabby wasn't a forward when she was recruited... Nothing to worry about... Geno knows what he's doing

Nurse "could" play forward/guard. I'm not going to bury Ekmark or Chong here and now--but from the last 7 games of the season these two will have to have VAST improvements in many area's to fill one of the "starting' / first off the bench positions.
My beliefs are in Dangerfield and Erwin (Irwin?) and hopefully Bent will live up to the expectation put on her my the media. Irwin/Erwin is 6ft 2 and good size, good enough to fill Tucks role at some level. But who fills the role of 6 ft 4 inch with 7ft 6 wing span?? Two 3 ft 2in with 3ft 9in wing spans??

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

In Geno's/UCONN's offense there are no set plays, just reactions to what the defense does. so in reality there are no set positions, as everyone runs routes and players pick out the best situation and gets the ball to them. That is why UCONN is so hard to defend opponents don't know where the ball winds up.
In reverse, Geno's defense knows opponent's set plays and covers accordingly. NoCar, Duke, MD, SoCar, have a tough time defensing UCONN but UCONN can stop their offenses.
That is why ND gives us a tougher time they run the same style offense. But their weakness has recently been having only one good big makes it easier to beat ND inside.
Geno is also a master at devising a game plan to shut down the most valuable player on the opponents roster and making adjustments at 1/2 time!

 

[BroadwayVa]

In Geno's/UCONN's offense there are no set plays, just reactions to what the defense does. so in reality there are no set positions, as everyone runs routes and players pick out the best situation and gets the ball to them. That is why UCONN is so hard to defend opponents don't know where the ball winds up.
In reverse, Geno's defense knows opponent's set plays and covers accordingly. NoCar, Duke, MD, SoCar, have a tough time defensing UCONN but UCONN can stop their offenses.
That is why ND gives us a tougher time they run the same style offense. But their weakness has recently been having only one good big makes it easier to beat ND inside.
Geno is also a master at devising a game plan to shut down the most valuable player on the opponents roster and making adjustments at 1/2 time!

I know this is the general belief that Geno does not RUN Plays--but by his own admissions over the last 15 or so years he admits that he does run plays AND he further stated that he is not above seeing a play run against his team that he will modify to use as his own.
He DOES prefer his players to be intelligent BB players and TAKE what the opposition will give. He has run many "plays" to get KML open and at times he has for other players.. Stewie because she is always moving is impossible for anyone to nail down what she will do next..
But if you watch all the NCAA games you will see actions (plays??) repeated over and over in each game played. Oregon tried to defend against them but because Uconn was so quick the Beavers failed..
Next time Geno is on a TIC or other talk show with call in's---ask him!!!
We shall find out this coming season if ND's offense or Uconn's defense wins the day.. Muffie has so many players on her teams and she is not shy of using freshmen that at times you are playing whole new teams (plus or minus 1).

 

[JoePgh]

Brown and Mompremier will often play together next season. Brown will be the one that Geno can use that strategy on but he will have to deal with the other big, also.

I assume that when they play together, they will play a zone defense? If they don't, defense could be ugly -- I can just imagine them trying to defend any two UConn players on the perimeter (and the same would be true for several other opponents). They would spend much of the evening with their necks turned to watch smaller, quicker players fly past them to the basket. (See, for example, the South Carolina - UConn game this year.)

If they play together and play a zone, then they would probably take away any low-post offense that their opponent might have. But if the opponent is hitting jump shots (mid-range or 3-point range), the opponent could score a lot of points. And they had better be sure that their opponent doesn't get many runouts -- I can imagine Napheesa and Lou rushing down the floor while they are both sucking wind at center court.

 

[Charliebball]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery..........since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year............... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill............even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season...................hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

 

[BroadwayVa]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery.....since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year..... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill..even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season....hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.
But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?
Repeat that question and replace big with forward.
Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done??
We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?
Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master..
Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

 

[BroadwayVa]

The recent news about NC's hip surgery just underlines my level of concern regarding UConn's forwards or lack there of.....I absolutely hope and pray that Ms. Collier has a quick and full recovery.....since she had this injury from the beginning of last season, it's possible that she will be in better shape then she was last year..... if on the other hand the effects of the surgery linger into the regular season, the team will have a gaping hole to fill..even of Kyyla Irwin turns out to be an incredibly quick study, I'm not sure how NC's loss can be overcome through the season....hate to be the voice of doom but I really, really wish they had an additional forward on the roster (yes I know Boykin is the missing piece but that's another story)

Is it mandatory that everyone in North Carolina have hip surgery?? I'm not going there!!

 

[Charliebball]

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.
But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?
Repeat that question and replace big with forward.
Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done??
We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?
Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master..
Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

What can he do now...................pretty much nothing unless he can find a fifth year senior with some ability at this late date..................was it two or three years ago where the team had to advertise for walk-ons due to injuries to core players. One would have thought that might have taught the coaches a lesson that perhaps "carrying"an additional player or two might not be such a bad idea. While not every four and five star recruit is the right fit UConn or visa versa, I find it hard to believe that they could not carry at least one "serviceable" player to cover under circumstances such as these...............injuries happen............last season was remarkable in that so few players missed time.................11 players is just cutting it a bit close for comfort..........I said it when I started this thread.............I sure hope I'm wrong.........................

 

[CocoHusky]

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.


But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?


Repeat that question and replace big with forward.

Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done?? We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?

Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master. Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

IMO Geno and staff should have cast a wider net over the last 3 years with the intent of securing a contributing post player. The approach over the last 3 years has been to go after post thatwere at the top of the class with 3 consecutive misses on Turner/Wilson, Brown, & Cox. To be fair it is quite possible (likely) that the staff did look at the second tier post and decided that none could make a contribution at UCONN. This would be a perfectly good answer. Another answer could be that none of the second tier post were interested in playing at UCONN. The roster has included 2 walkons (guards) for three consecutive years now and for all the apprehension about Natalie, she was not recruited by UCONN coming out of High School. Hard for me to believe that given 3 years that UCONN staff could not convince a second tier post to join the defending national Champion. Someone will inevitable ask for names so I will just give one example. Haley Lorenzen-from Iowa playing at Florida-All SEC freshmen Team in 2015. Her brother played quarter back at UCONN. It is probably too late to do anything about 2016 class but a wider net in ’17 might be the way to go.

 

[Charliebball]

Another post player would be great but we know the good one's are kind of in short supply so I can see why that hasn't happened to some degree...............how about a 6'2+ forward who can rebound and play defense? I would think those players are more readily available.

Just for fun, I went back to do a 2015/16 roster count of some of the teams we all know and..................( next season's are not all finalized)....................in the future, just 1-2 more players.......................please!!!!!!!!!!


UConn - 12
ND - 13
Baylor - 14
South Carolina - 14
Texas - 15
Maryland - 12
Stanford - 14
Tenn - 12
Syracuse - 18 ????
UCLA - 13
Washngton - 13
USF - 15

 

[BroadwayVa]

IMO Geno and staff should have cast a wider net over the last 3 years with the intent of securing a contributing post player. The approach over the last 3 years has been to go after post thatwere at the top of the class with 3 consecutive misses on Turner/Wilson, Brown, & Cox. To be fair it is quite possible (likely) that the staff did look at the second tier post and decided that none could make a contribution at UCONN. This would be a perfectly good answer. Another answer could be that none of the second tier post were interested in playing at UCONN. The roster has included 2 walkons (guards) for three consecutive years now and for all the apprehension about Natalie, she was not recruited by UCONN coming out of High School. Hard for me to believe that given 3 years that UCONN staff could not convince a second tier post to join the defending national Champion. Someone will inevitable ask for names so I will just give one example. Haley Lorenzen-from Iowa playing at Florida-All SEC freshmen Team in 2015. Her brother played quarter back at UCONN. It is probably too late to do anything about 2016 class but a wider net in ’17 might be the way to go.

I always respect your opinions and hypothesis's--your insight is always more in depth than mine!
If you had cut further in your pasting you would have also seen where I said--don't go back 2 years--that's old history and only in flash backs on TV can one go back and recreate the past.
All of what you say was probable. Geno coulda, shoulda, woulda but he didn't.
The most significant QUESTION is : What does Uconn/Geno do now ? Who is available today to fill the bill of a big this fall? Or a big to be available in 17/18 that Geno can get?

 

[Charliebball]

The most significant QUESTION is : What does Uconn/Geno do now ? Who is available today to fill the bill of a big this fall? Or a big to be available in 17/18 that Geno can get?[/QUOTE]




I'm just kidding but here's a technical answer to your question:

Boo Williams Unsigned HS Seniors & J.C. Girls' Basketball Showcase.................I think it's next weekend..............

 

[msf22b]

Freshmen Breanna Stewart had a significant different skill set than KLS. Specifically Breanna had a back to the basket game where she could use a combination of jump hooks and finish with either hand or simply elevate over most defenders. KLS does not have this skill set, athleticism, or the strength to execute a back to the basket post isolation game where as Breanna Stewart might have been the best to ever do it in WCBB history. As far as Geno calling more plays for KLS under the basket this is also not correct. KLS post isolation touches this year= 2 Total. Freshmen Breanna stewart was at least 3 times PER GAME. This idea of taking your tallest girl and putting her closer to the basket (because she is your tallest girl) is very antiquated by big guards and stretch 4s.

I didn't remember Stewie in the post much her freshman year so I went back to the Kentucky elite-8 game to jog my memory,
Coco is quite right about that.

In the first half, Stewie posts up quite a bit, mostly used as a decoy, they don't get her the ball much and at one juncture Moriah is called out by (Beth?) for not getting her the ball in good position.

As the half progresses Stewie increasingly does get the ball inside and starts shredding the D.

Be curious to see whether KLS opts to take over some (any) of that role. Bet Geno pushes her in that direction.

Moriah does a great job face-guarding Jennifer O'Neil...is brought in to do that and is quite successful.
She looks a bit chunky in that game...baby fat that turned into the lean gazelle we've come to so admire.

 

[BroadwayVa]

The most significant QUESTION is : What does Uconn/Geno do now ? Who is available today to fill the bill of a big this fall? Or a big to be available in 17/18 that Geno can get?

I'm just kidding but here's a technical answer to your question:

Boo Williams Unsigned HS Seniors & J.C. Girls' Basketball Showcase.......I think it's next weekend....[/QUOTE]

Isn't that where Geno has sent his assistants and maybe Christine Dailey?
I know the truth is there is no immediate answer to fixing the requirement for a Forward/Center -a BIG
But I surely hope that Geno and company finds a couple of "works in progress" with potential to fill the need for a Big---you can't teach 6 ft 6 inches--can you buy one???

 

[Charliebball]

I'm just kidding but here's a technical answer to your question:

Boo Williams Unsigned HS Seniors & J.C. Girls' Basketball Showcase..I think it's next weekend....

Isn't that where Geno has sent his assistants and maybe Christine Dailey?
I know the truth is there is no immediate answer to fixing the requirement for a Forward/Center -a BIG
But I surely hope that Geno and company finds a couple of "works in progress" with potential to fill the need for a Big---you can't teach 6 ft 6 inches--can you buy one???[/QUOTE]



The Boo Williams Tournament for current high schoolers is being held this weekend............the Unsigned Seniors & JC Showcase is a completely different event and I think it's next weekend.......all kidding aside, I'm sure there will be players there with better skills then walk-ons but I don't think that's what UConn needs at this point...........maybe UConn has to follow USF's lead and start raiding the European national teams.......the talent over there is really good..................I would think European players would love the prestige of playing at UConn

 

[BroadwayVa]

Isn't that where Geno has sent his assistants and maybe Christine Dailey?
I know the truth is there is no immediate answer to fixing the requirement for a Forward/Center -a BIG
But I surely hope that Geno and company finds a couple of "works in progress" with potential to fill the need for a Big---you can't teach 6 ft 6 inches--can you buy one???

The Boo Williams Tournament for current high schoolers is being held this weekend..the Unsigned Seniors & JC Showcase is a completely different event and I think it's next weekend..all kidding aside, I'm sure there will be players there with better skills then walk-ons but I don't think that's what UConn needs at this point......[/QUOTE
Walkon;s insure Uconn students have a sort of vested interest in UConn WBB, but personally I'd like to see a 15 personnel roster. Some may transfer--that/s OK as long as Uconn covers the possibilities of injuries, exits, graduations.
Thanks for the Tourney information--does anyone have a listing of the possible recruits playing in these events?

 

[Charliebball]

The Boo Williams Tournament for current high schoolers is being held this weekend..the Unsigned Seniors & JC Showcase is a completely different event and I think it's next weekend..all kidding aside, I'm sure there will be players there with better skills then walk-ons but I don't think that's what UConn needs at this point.[/QUOTE
Walkon;s insure Uconn students have a sort of vested interest in UConn WBB, but personally I'd like to see a 15 personnel roster. Some may transfer--that/s OK as long as Uconn covers the possibilities of injuries, exits, graduations.
Thanks for the Tourney information--does anyone have a listing of the possible recruits playing in these events?

I'd settle for 12..............................

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'd settle for 12.....

I understand that completely!!! 8/10/12/15 as long as they all play with determination.

 

[Sonny44]

Charlie---I accept your concerns--I'm less positive now hearing about Collier.
But Charles---tell us all what Geno could have should have done to stop this lack of bigs and forwards from happening. Are there a lot , a few, one big that has any talent, that can learn, that wants to play at Uconn?
Repeat that question and replace big with forward.
Geno beat the bushes last year about this time--digging up any and all who met some criteria (aggravated useage). Made a lot of home visits, invited lots to Storrs and games, and first night--short of paying them (which some Colleges are allowed to do) or offering companionship (which some male teams have done) what could Uconn/Geno have done??
We can cry in beer that USC, UTn, Duke, ND, etc get all these players and transfers--what good does it do?
Uconn is what it is, Geno will get what he can and wants (he must want them too) his methods will not change and he will have a measure of success maybe significant success after all he is the master..
Id like a reply on what Geno can or should do NOW--not 2 years ago. Even with time transport only spock could recruit in the past.

He could make a play for Azura as many have noted.

 

[BigBird]

?...What are these and other big girls afraid of, and I know some say they want to stay close to home, but when a kid goes to college he/she is making the break and they basically won't go home again to stay, they'll graduate get a regular job or go on to play pro BB either in the WNBA or for a Foreign team. They've become an adult and cut the strings.

Some good points for discussion. But let's not forget the pressures (subtle and otherwise) for a player to stay close to home so that the support network can watch her play. We have heard this from recruits more than once, right?

And there is no "one size fits all" as to why a recruit does anything under the sun. We guess at it, until they later on confirm the guess or tell us otherwise.

 

[Charliebball]

The most significant QUESTION is : What does Uconn/Geno do now ? Who is available today to fill the bill of a big this fall? Or a big to be available in 17/18 that Geno can get?

I'm just kidding but here's a technical answer to your question:

Boo Williams Unsigned HS Seniors & J.C. Girls' Basketball Showcase.......I think it's next weekend....[/QUOTE]


My bad........it's actually tomorrow..............