Just some thoughts and observations

[Tonyc]

What Im seeing is a very quick athletic UConn team with balance depth and size. What separates the starters from their teammates is their quickness. There arent enough minutes is something we continue to hear. How do you get minutes when the players in front of you have earned their minutes and are not making enough mistakes to allow somebody else to take their minutes??? They will get minutes because most games are and will be blowouts.

I see more then the Big 3 now that Serah Allie Blanca and Kayleigh are emerging as qualified players on both sides of the ball. Blanca is becoming a genuine Superstar, and I feel will be an AA and 1st team AA at some point and could be talked about as a NPOY. Blanca does not hesitate. She gets the ball and knows what she wants to do. She is both a great shooter and great scorer and a terrific defender. Her athleticism and quickness allow her to be what she is.

UConns execution is built around getting their scorers their shots and many of those shots less then contested. Because of their quickness opponents need to back off a little. The one thing that separates UConn from most other teams is their help defense. If someone gets beat someone else picks it up. If the ball goes down low someone is there for a double team. Their defense is all over the place. Opponents who are not quick, who dont have balance imo dont have much of a chance against UConn.

UConn is healthy again and loaded again and with Jovana and the Big O coming in next year it doesnt look like Geno is letting up. Another point is Geno is recruiting overseas. This negates the NIL money and leaves more for American players. That doesnt mean outside companies can't use non-American players in their ads. IMO we will see more of that. The biggest part of UConns recruiting is Geno attracts the type of player he wants. The opportunity is there for all players who want it and are willing to work for it. At UConn nothing is handed to you, you have to prove yourself and earn it,

Geno has been able to hold his standards very high. No compromising. You come to UConn you know what you're getting into. There is an unsaid loyalty and trust between the coaches and players. We saw it last season after the Tenn loss. UConn reached another level after that game and hasnt missed a beat since. What they are doing to good teams is hard to believe and it will continue as they get better. The nucleus is there from last season, and everybody is getting better and more confident.

We are at a good place right now getting better. We are not dependent on one or two players. We have go to players and we have reliable players who we can count on. We are a very well-oiled machine with the capabilities to reck havoc in any game. We've witnessed it last season and are still amazed at what we can do and what we're doing. Many of us are in awe. If you think we're good now just think where we were in November, where we are now, and where we're gonna be in a few more weeks. Enjoy the ride. This team will make more history.

 

[MSGRET]

What's scary is that they are this good after the first 11 games and are only going to get better down the road. I thought there would be some drop off with the loss of PB, KC and AG at the beginning, with some close games until the team settled in. They've won every game by double digits except for the Michigan game when they went off the rails in the third quarter. The newcomers are starting to settle in and produce, yesterdays game had 12 players play and everyone of them scored. This game against Iowa will most likely be their toughest game left and I see a another double digit win even on a neutral court.

 

[Tonyc]

Let me add One more thing. The only difference between UConn and every other university is that Geno is the Engine that makes them Go

 

[oldude]

What's scary is that they are this good after the first 11 games and are only going to get better down the road. I thought there would be some drop off with the loss of PB, KC and AG at the beginning, with some close games until the team settled in. They've won every game by double digits except for the Michigan game when they went off the rails in the third quarter. The newcomers are starting to settle in and produce, yesterday’s game had 12 players play and everyone of them scored. This game against Iowa will most likely be their toughest game left and I see a another double digit win even on a neutral court.

Honestly, after watching the Iowa-Iowa St game, I think the Huskies beat up the Hawkeyes by 20-30 points. The only game that still concerns me is TN. The LV’s are athletic and they press for the entire game, using their “hockey line” substitutions to stay fresh. After last year’s close loss in Knoxville, I suspect UConn will be ready for TN this year in Hartford. But that’s still the one game on the schedule that gives me heartburn.

 

[meyers7]

What's scary is that they are this good after the first 11 games and are only going to get better down the road. I thought there would be some drop off with the loss of PB, KC and AG at the beginning, with some close games until the team settled in. They've won every game by double digits except for the Michigan game when they went off the rails in the third quarter. The newcomers are starting to settle in and produce, yesterdays game had 12 players play and everyone of them scored. This game against Iowa will most likely be their toughest game left and I see a another double digit win even on a neutral court.

TN will probably be tough.....because it's TN. (not that they are any better than Iowa)

 

[Gael]

Another point is Geno is recruiting overseas. This negates the NIL money and leaves more for American players. That doesnt mean outside companies can't use non-American players in their ads. IMO we will see more of that.

It may be tangential to your main point, but the emphasized sentence is generally incorrect under current U.S. immigration law.

Most foreign college students, including student-athletes, are on F-1 visas. F-1 visas prohibit their holders from earning money in the U.S. other than from limited on-campus jobs and from certain off-campus jobs in approved instances of academic-curricular training or approved circumstances of severe economic hardship. See HERE and HERE.

There is currently a lawsuit being brought by LSU basketball player Last-Tear Poa in which she is arguing that she should qualify for a P1-A visa, which would allow certain specified international athletes to earn some income in the U.S. This case is currently alive but in early procedural stages. Some info on her case is HERE.

It may very well be that U.S. student-athlete immigration laws will eventually change to be more in line with the NIL and sponsorship income now permitted to American student-athletes, but the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the U.S. government have not yet so evolved.

 

[ERWUC65]

Honestly, after watching the Iowa-Iowa St game, I think the Huskies beat up the Hawkeyes by 20-30 points. The only game that still concerns me is TN. The LV’s are athletic and they press for the entire game, using their “hockey line” substitutions to stay fresh. After last year’s close loss in Knoxville, I suspect UConn will be ready for TN this year in Hartford. But that’s still the one game on the roster that gives me heartburn.

TN not as good as last year. Same style of play, but markedly more frenetic. No superstars, no discipline, questionable coaching strategy. Not scared about this one compared to TX and SC right now. Also waiting on watching LSU in Jan to see if they are real.

 

[Bone Dog]

The only game that still concerns me is TN. The LV’s are athletic and they press for the entire game,

I know what you mean. I’m very impatient for this one to be over. I have a feeling Geno will play his main rotation a bit longer in this one. Of course this would probably raise stamina issues, but I have a feeling Geno will be wary of a late run from Tennessee if he empties the bench in the 4th quarter.

 

[azfan]

There is currently a lawsuit being brought by LSU basketball player Last-Tear Poa in which she is arguing that she should qualify for a P1-A visa, which would allow certain specified international athletes to earn some income in the U.S. This case is currently alive but in early procedural stages. Some info on her case is HERE.

It may very well be that U.S. student-athlete immigration laws will eventually change to be more in line with the NIL and sponsorship income now permitted to American student-athletes, but the legislative, judicial and executive branches of the U.S. government have not yet so evolved.

Poa has been a key to the turnaround at Arizona State led by Molly Miller. Along with Gabby Elliott Paula has provided calm leadership to the 13 and 0 Sun Devils.

 

[WiseWillie]

Honestly, after watching the Iowa-Iowa St game, I think the Huskies beat up the Hawkeyes by 20-30 points. The only game that still concerns me is TN. The LV’s are athletic and they press for the entire game, using their “hockey line” substitutions to stay fresh. After last year’s close loss in Knoxville, I suspect UConn will be ready for TN this year in Hartford. But that’s still the one game on the roster that gives me heartburn.

Mark your calendar, olddude, to take some Rolaids on or about noon on Feb 1 then sit back and enjoy the "avenge win" at Peoples Bank Arena shouting out with all of us, "UConn! UConn! UConn!"

 

[BBallF]

Honestly, after watching the Iowa-Iowa St game, I think the Huskies beat up the Hawkeyes by 20-30 points. The only game that still concerns me is TN. The LV’s are athletic and they press for the entire game, using their “hockey line” substitutions to stay fresh. After last year’s close loss in Knoxville, I suspect UConn will be ready for TN this year in Hartford. But that’s still the one game on the roster that gives me heartburn.

I agree. The weakness on Iowa is the guard ball handling which becomes glaring with our pressure and press. Tennessee is a difficult team with their pressure all game. I will give a full scouting report after Saturday's game.

 

[oldude]

TN not as good as last year. Same style of play, but markedly more frenetic. No superstars, no discipline, questionable coaching strategy. Not scared about this one compared to TX and SC right now. Also waiting on watching LSU in Jan to see if they are real.

I wouldn’t underestimate the LV’s. Barker, Cooper, Spearman & Robertson are all capable of big games.

 

[Ozimoto]

My question is, how will TN handle UConn's press? I don't think the Vols have played anyone who can, if they choose to, play their own game against them.

 

[BBallF]

I wouldn’t underestimate the LV’s. Barker, Cooper, Spearman & Robertson are all capable of big games.

They are also very well coached.

 

[Tonyc]

JMO UConn will handle the Vols. I am very confident. No team has what UConn has.

 

[Bone Dog]

My optimism leads me to think Azzi will do to Talaysia what she did to Jazzy, Sarah will outplay Zée, Serah will cancel out Janiah and Blanca will be simply unmanageable. And then it’s just up to KK Kayleigh and Ash to take out their guard corps. If you look at the game from that perspective, Tennessee doesn’t have the weapons to run with us. Of course, there will be tons of switching. But some sort of ‘games within the game’ like this will play out.

 

[WiseWillie]

They are also very well coached.

Granted it's never a good game plan to underestimate an opponent (Need to keep a killer instinct) but we have the recognized absolute best college womens' basketball coaches bar none, plus Sarah, Azzi, Serah, Blanca, KK, Ash, Kayleigh, Allie, Jana and more and they don't. TN should be worried.

 

[BBallF]

Can we just focus on Iowa right now? One game at a time. The important thing is that things are starting to really evolve. Ash finding her shot, Serah becoming comfortable and being a scorer, rebounder and defender, Jana becoming an offensive threat and better rebounder, Kayleigh improving every game, Blanca being a more frequent "wow" every game, Allie getting back to form, Kelis getting a lot of confidence and even Caroline scoring twice last night. Plus the defense has been remarkable. If we keep going in the upwards direction with so much progress already, that is all that really matters. Having said that, I truly hate the color orange.

 

[EricLA]

I know what you mean. I’m very impatient for this one to be over. I have a feeling Geno will play his main rotation a bit longer in this one. Of course this would probably raise stamina issues, but I have a feeling Geno will be wary of a late run from Tennessee if he empties the bench in the 4th quarter.

I'll be interested to see how UConn manages that game. I think he presses them right back as it's a huge part of our defense. We will see how Tennessee handles a team with better players who plays at a similar pace and with similar style. Given that Jana is not a fast paced player, I expect to see a lot of Blanca and Kayleigh off the bench, but will be interested to see how he uses Allie and if anyone else sees the floor.

I think it would be a mistake to sink back into a primarily half court defense strategy as our press creates so many problems as well as turnovers for other teams, but of course Geno and co. are smarter than I am and will have a plan.

 

[Charliebball]

I'm very pleased with the team's performance so far, but we won't know how good UConn really is until they reach the big tournament and defeat truly talented teams like South Carolina, Texas, UCLA and LSU.......in the meantime, I'm just enjoying the ride......

 

[YKCornelius]

What's scary is that they are this good after the first 11 games and are only going to get better down the road. I thought there would be some drop off with the loss of PB, KC and AG at the beginning, with some close games until the team settled in. They've won every game by double digits except for the Michigan game when they went off the rails in the third quarter. The newcomers are starting to settle in and produce, yesterdays game had 12 players play and everyone of them scored. This game against Iowa will most likely be their toughest game left and I see a another double digit win even on a neutral court.

I think this how Geno and staff approach this game will be extremely insightful into their mindset for the rest of the season. To be more specific, this game is the ONLY game on the schedule for the rest of the regular season that has an opponent who will bring multiple, talented bigs on the court at the same time. Hence, Geno has a choice of two alternative approaches to this game.

First, does he utilize this somewhat unique opportunity to work/evaluate Serah/Jana offensively and defensively against Heiden/Steulke/Hays in order for them to be ready down the road for South Carolina, Texas, UCLA, or Oklahoma who also can (and will) put multiple, talented bigs on the court? He hasn't had the opportunity to evaluate this year's team under these conditions up to this point.

Or, alternatively, does he work his small ball dynamic against the same opponent scenario? Said differently, the small ball cadre has also not played against two quality bigs on the court at the same time this year.

In my opinion, Tennessee will also be able to put multiple bigs on the court at the same time, but the Lady Vol bigs are not in-the-paint, work-the-ball-inside-and-kick-it-out type of old-school bigs that Iowa has. Hence, Saturday's game provides a different opportunity that the team will not see until the NCAA tournament. Choices, choices, choices.....