I was there and it was worth it. Rough guess, probably about 800 people in the lower sections across from the benches. 13 players were full participants. Cheli was there, no boot, Brady was there with a brace on her right knee. Neither participated. In case there was any doubt, Caroline is a full participant.
The practice went for over two hours and they must have also spent time stretching beforehand. Geno said it was just a general practice to address things that needed attention and that they will focus on Xavier beginning Friday.
It looked like Shade had the second and third fingers of her left hand taped together; KK, fourth and fifth (left also). Serah had her left thumb taped and it looked like Caroline had her right wrist taped. In the course of practice, KK took a hard fall, Ayanna two of them, Blanca tweaked her right ankle and K9 tweaked something leg related (she had a wrap on her left knee). But they all walked them off and were fine.
Lots of controlled scrimmages, some half court, some full court, mostly against practice players. A lot of 4 on 4 half court defensive work against the practice players, offensive drills 5 on 0, then 5 on 5 full court, then 5 on 5 half court. Some shooting drills, some free throw shooting in game type setting with player box outs. But overall, lots and lots of scrimmaging with players rotating in. It was more physical with the practice players than I was expecting.
In terms of individual standouts, Azzi and Sarah will always be at the top of the list and they were today. I also thought Allie looked very good, both with her shooting and showing that she can play at the UConn pace. She has made a big jump.
But it was really the team itself that stood out. They all play the same way and are on the same page. Impressive is my one word summary. Also speed, speed, speed, everything at practice is done at full speed and with intensity. You can see why opponents get blown out early, the speed and intensity just come at you like a tidal wave. Hard to simulate.
I remember Geno saying about one of his teams that the way to get them to quiet down was to put them on a basketball court. However, Geno can't complain about this team being quiet - they are always talking on the court, a very spirited and communicative group. Also, when one set of players are playing half court against the practice players, the others are lined up on the baseline shouting encouragement and exuberantly celebrating successes. It all speaks to the selfless culture at UConn.
The coaches were coaching the whole time but it was all pretty even keel, no shouting or obvious signs of frustration. The practice was very well organized, every drill was timed. Even though it is just November, they looked like a well-oiled machine and well deserving of a number one ranking.
Anyhow, those are my impressions. Other bone yarders in attendance may have different observations.
