Just back from the game

[EricLA]

Others answered JoePgh's comments effectively, but the thing that most surprised me is that "housekeys" actually clicked "like" on that post!

One thing I'd like to add - UCONN has 5 kids on the team who can hit the shot with 30+% accuracy, some over 40%. One over 50%. Hartley, Banks, KML, Tuck, Stewart, and Chong. I agree in theory you want your PG to be able to hit outside shots in order to draw defenders, but she's so darn fast, I think her gifts will be on full display this year.

 

[MarlboroughMike]

One observation that slightly concerns me: Moriah took no 3-point shots. In fact, I don't recall her taking any jump shots -- her scoring was entirely on penetration. She won't be the real answer as a point guard, despite her obvious skills, unless she demonstrates that she can drain an open 3 with some level of reliability. Otherwise, teams will simply leave her open and cover everyone that she might pass to. That was an issue last year, and last night's game provided no evidence that it has been resolved.

I realize that she was a great 3-point shooter in high school, but that has not yet been in evidence in her college career.

I actually watched the three point shooters during the warm-ups and she was one of the best, if not the best and her shot looked good. I know it's warm-up and it's an unguarded situation, but she can hit the shot.

 

[UcMiami]

I actually watched the three point shooters during the warm-ups and she was one of the best, if not the best and her shot looked good. I know it's warm-up and it's an unguarded situation, but she can hit the shot.

Was going to say the same thing.
And just a separate note - Whalen is not known for her outside shooting - she can on occasion get hot, but her strength is going to the basket and dishing/running screen and roles/forcing teams to switch defensive assignments and get out of alignment and she is so good at it that she is on the Olympic team over a lot of 'point guards' that are much better long distance and mid-range jump shooters.
MoJef had a very good game, drew 4+ fouls on the defense, scored 13 points, led the team in assists and steals I think. So obviously until she takes and hits a 3 pointer on a consistent basis this team is in deep do-do. Not!

 

[sTu]

An old song here for me, but this is a new year and to base concerns based upon one game against an opponent in which h the highest scoring opportunities were not from the perimeter and clearly inferior seems to be unwise. Mo had six assists!

 

[baggerbob]

As with FIBA, you don't want Jefferson to take a lot of shots, but distribute to the players who should, KML, Stef, Bria, Breanna, Morgan, that's why she's a point guard.