Kiah and Morgan

[UcMiami]

I get the feeling that most posters are a little disappointed in Kiah so far this year - not that she isn't playing well, but that they were expecting even more. And of the three freshman Morgan is the least 'noticeable' in her contribution. My take:
I think the two players, the team, and the coaches haven't quite figured out how these two players fit into the offense. All the other players have pretty clearly defined roles that play to their strengths and especially the other two post players (Stef and Stew) but watching Kiah and Morgan on offense in games they and their teammates seem to be a little unsure - Morgan, is she supposed to spot up for three, post low, play the high post, slash to the basket? Kiah - the same except instead of the three, the elbow or baseline 15 footer. And where should the other players be getting them the ball. Just seems to be a little confused at the moment, and I hope the roles develop over the next month.
This is not meant to be a criticism of the players as I think they are contributing a lot to the team, just not as much as they should be able to.
I did find it interesting in the second half against Colgate when Uconn went to a small line-up that Tuck was the 'center' on the team for a extended run.

 

[EricLA]

Good stuff. For me personally, I'm not disappointed in any of the players. Kiah is playing behind an AA (IMHO) center in Dolson. She's not asked to play 30 minutes and anchor the post. I get the feeling that she the light bulb hasn't completely gone on for her, but she is solid out there and her defense has been really good.

Morgan, to me, was never one of those players who will make plays that fans see and go "wow". She's quietly a solid player who even as a freshman, rarely makes mistakes or plays she shouldn't. Her 3-point shot "exists", but it's not really a weapon or dependable at this point (and yet at 33% it's better than Moriah's). And yet, she's 4th on the team in scoring in only 19+ MPG. Honestly when I started typing this post I did not know that. Just goes to show how "quiet" her game is. Quiet assassin I guess!

 

[Forty_four]

Good stuff. For me personally, I'm not disappointed in any of the players. Kiah is playing behind an AA (IMHO) center in Dolson. She's not asked to play 30 minutes and anchor the post. I get the feeling that she the light bulb hasn't completely gone on for her, but she is solid out there and her defense has been really good.

Morgan, to me, was never one of those players who will make plays that fans see and go "wow". She's quietly a solid player who even as a freshman, rarely makes mistakes or plays she shouldn't. Her 3-point shot "exists", but it's not really a weapon or dependable at this point (and yet at 33% it's better than Moriah's). And yet, she's 4th on the team in scoring in only 19+ MPG. Honestly when I started typing this post I did not know that. Just goes to show how "quiet" her game is. Quiet assassin I guess!

That's the part that fustrates/disappoints me about her performance to date. Would rather not wait for it to go on like we waited for Tina.

 

[ju6381]

Let's not forget that Kiah missed several months after surgery and is only getting back to 100%

 

[RadyLady]

I am not disappointed in eithet

Sent from my SGH-T769 using Tapatalk 2

 

[HuskyFan1125]

I guess I see it differently!

I think Kiah is doing exactly what she needs to do. And quite well I may add. She is shot blocking/rebounding when she comes in and doing it well. Thus far I have seen her play the 4/5 positions along side Dolson/Stewart. You can tell they have been working on the hi/low game because she posts up and Dolson/Stewart have made some passes inside to her that she finishes. I think Kiah is only going to get better!!!


I also think that as Stewarts ball handling and outside shot improves she could slide into the 3 spot and let Kiah and Stefanie take care of the paint. Stefanie can also set high picks and let Stewart drive to the basket. If she misses, Stokes is there to clean up.

As far as Tuck goes.........

I have absolutely no problem with anything she does. I have been a fan of hers here in Chicago for years. I think she is the best sub off the bench for any of the 3/4/5 spots. Yes, she can shoot the 3. She can post up. She can drive to the basket. She can score in the lane. Her talent and scoring options are limitless. She is a quiet productive Husky! I think she will flourish with GA and staff. I just cant say enough about her. I think she rebounds well and I am still impressed with her handle. She can dribble very effectively and she is very patient in the lane. She gets her defender on her hip and then goes up to score. She knows what she is doing and GA and staff have repeatedly said that she is the most consistent post player in practice. I think she enters the game to do what needs to be done. If its score, she will. If its rebound, she will. If its defend, she will.

I am glad she is a UCONN gal........

 

[Biff]

I guess I see it differently!

I think Kiah is doing exactly what she needs to do. And quite well I may add. She is shot blocking/rebounding when she comes in and doing it well. Thus far I have seen her play the 4/5 positions along side Dolson/Stewart. You can tell they have been working on the hi/low game because she posts up and Dolson/Stewart have made some passes inside to her that she finishes. I think Kiah is only going to get better!!!


I also think that as Stewarts ball handling and outside shot improves she could slide into the 3 spot and let Kiah and Stefanie take care of the paint. Stefanie can also set high picks and let Stewart drive to the basket. If she misses, Stokes is there to clean up.

As far as Tuck goes.........

I have absolutely no problem with anything she does. I have been a fan of hers here in Chicago for years. I think she is the best sub off the bench for any of the 3/4/5 spots. Yes, she can shoot the 3. She can post up. She can drive to the basket. She can score in the lane. Her talent and scoring options are limitless. She is a quiet productive Husky! I think she will flourish with GA and staff. I just cant say enough about her. I think she rebounds well and I am still impressed with her handle. She can dribble very effectively and she is very patient in the lane. She gets her defender on her hip and then goes up to score. She knows what she is doing and GA and staff have repeatedly said that she is the most consistent post player in practice. I think she enters the game to do what needs to be done. If its score, she will. If its rebound, she will. If its defend, she will.

I am glad she is a UCONN gal........

THIS!!!!! (well with the exception of me being a fan of hers in Chicago....but everything else)

 

[HuskyFan1125]

THIS!!!!! (well with the exception of me being a fan of hers in Chicago....but everything else)

I got my first like from a MOD!!!!!

I think I have a tear

 

[freekimchee]

Neither one is a disappointment. IMO both are they doing exactly what's expected of them. I have been a fan of Morgan's as well since her Bolingbrook days and I have no doubt that by her junior year this kid will be an AA for us.

 

[Shenandoah]

Add me to the "I'm not disappointed in either of them, at all" category. Kiah has been an absolute beast on defense. She's also hit a few 15 footers, is rebounding in traffic, and is passing the ball well. As for Morgan, I like the "quiet assassin" reference. You don't really notice her as making the spectacular plays, but at the end of the game, her stat sheet is filled up...

 

[Icebear]

Nor am I disappointed.

 

[JoePgh]

Count me as being disappointed with Kiah (definitely not with Morgan). Yes, she does some good things, particularly rebounding and defense. But it is SO far short of what she is capable of. She could easily outperform Stef if she put forth the same effort.

The big improvement from freshman to sophomore year that is so obvious in Brianna Banks is not evident with Kiah. The competitive attitude is what's missing.

 

[msf22b]

I've noted previously that when Morgan comes in, she often misses her first 2 or 3 shots, but by the end of the game is around 50%. If and when she gets over that, posters will have a completely different impression.

 

[UConnCat]

Why in the world would anyone use the word "disappointment" when discussing any of the players on this UConn team? I understand we like to dissect the play of each of the players, but we're 6 games in to what's looking like a truly special season. Let's not make perfection of the enemy of good (or great in this case).

 

[glenn fisk]

Please remember,that the focus of the freshmen is mostly on Stewart.If breanna wasn't here,Morgan may be more in the spotlight,and we may have seen more attention-getting play.I agree,she will become an exceptional Huskie before she is done.
As for Kiah,I wish I knew what everyone expects.Bigs usually excel later than earlier,and since her present forte seems to be defense at this time,I applaud her game,so far.Besides,she is not needed as much on the offensive end,with the weapons the team has.Again,I am expecting more from her her junior and senior years,offensively,and lock down defense by then.

 

[EricLA]

Why in the world would anyone use the word "disappointment" when discussing any of the players on this UConn team? I understand we like to dissect the play of each of the players, but we're 6 games in to what's looking like a truly special season. Let's not make perfection of the enemy of good (or great in this case).

I agree. As I said, not disappointed with any player on the team.

Kiah seems to fall under the category of "she doesn't realize how good she could be". For people who look at the stats and think "not so good", remember Kiah is averaging 14 minutes per game. Put her on any team not in the top 10 who doesn't have an elite center and she'd be averaging a double double in 30 minutes per game. She's not ASKED to do those things on this UCONN team.

Plus, as the backup to Stef, who is playing out of her mind this year, I think Kiah is doing exactly what is asked of her. She's not needed to score 15 points every game. Neither is Stef for that matter, but she looks unstopable at times. Kiah looks much more athletic, but Stef appears to move better in and around the post, to me. Stef is blowing my mind this year. She and Brianna are the biggest surprises to me thus far...

 

[connboy77]

People tend to forget that Tina Charles did not develop into a great center until her junior year. Kiah is still learning and there is no doubt in my mind that she will be an excellent if not great player in the future. She just needs additional time to develop.

 

[Vowelguy]

I've been very pleased with Stokes. Remember that if Geno is displeased he won't play her. The fact that Stokes has gotten as many minutes as she has given the depth of this year's team, shows that she's doing a bunch of things right. In particular, one of her past criticisms was effort in practice. She definitely would be riding the pine if that were still the case -- there's more than enough bodies to pick up her minutes.

Harder to comment on Tuck. Prior to her arrival, folks were talking about her like she'd be an immediate impact player, and that has not been the case so far.

 

[doggydaddy]

The team stats are right there for people to see. Who could be disappointed in Stokes?

She is 9-12 from the floor. Is the problem that she is not shooting enough for some? Ridiculous.

She is also averaging 3.2 minutes per rebound. Compare that to 3.0 minutes per rebound for Stewart, 5.1 minutes per rebound for Lewis and 4.2 minutes per rebound for Dolson.

And her 11 blocks lead the team.

All in only 14 minutes per game.

I repeat, who could be disappointed in Stokes?

 

[pap49cba]

All I know is Tuck and Stokes are keepers.

 

[Scotter]

I've thought Kiah has played pretty well so far this season. In evaluating her play it needs to be taken into account that for the most part she has been playing in less than ideal lineup combinations. She's mostly played in 3 post lineups with limited spacing, and with inexperienced guard play.

I have been surprised, not disappointed just surprised, to see Morgan forcing so much offensively to start her career. The other two freshman have played pretty much like I anticipated, but coming into the season I expected Morgan to have the look the most comfortable in the offense from day 1.

 

[doggydaddy]

I've been very pleased with Stokes. Remember that if Geno is displeased he won't play her. The fact that Stokes has gotten as many minutes as she has given the depth of this year's team, shows that she's doing a bunch of things right. In particular, one of her past criticisms was effort in practice. She definitely would be riding the pine if that were still the case -- there's more than enough bodies to pick up her minutes.

Harder to comment on Tuck. Prior to her arrival, folks were talking about her like she'd be an immediate impact player, and that has not been the case so far.

I guess I would define "impact" differently than you.

She is averaging 10.4 points, 4.3 rebounds, has a positive A/TO ratio, and playing close to 20 mpg.

Total impact.

 

[JoePgh]

Kiah's stats would be solid if she were still a freshman or if she were a less talented player. But for someone of her Tina-level talent, they are just above mediocre.

Perhaps the most important stat is 14 minutes per game. Why do you suppose her minutes are that meager?

By the way, if Tina as a sophomore were on this team, she would deservedly be playing about 14 minutes a game for the same reason. And Geno would be making the same comments about her unfulfilled potential, and I would be expressing disappointment on the Boneyard.

 

[Vowelguy]

Kiah's stats would be solid if she were still a freshman or if she were a less talented player. But for someone of her Tina-level talent, they are just above mediocre.

Tina-level talent?

I don't think so.
Tina is probably the best C in UConn history. Not many like her.

 

[SWHuskyFan]

I put Kiah in the not enough minutes to go around category. I think she'd be having a huge year had Ms Stewart not come along. That being said, having your backup center playing as well as she's played, hard to feel disappointed. She's going to have a big game at some point this year and save our bacon.

I feel like Morgan is playing like a very talented freshman. She's had some really good games and she has been just OK in others. She'll find consistency, hopefully sooner rather than later.

Some of this is just the nature of the beast with a team this deep. Everyone can't put up 20/10 every night.