Lou: If she plays like she did today which one of the pre-season best 5 will she knock out for first team All-American? | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Lou: If she plays like she did today which one of the pre-season best 5 will she knock out for first team All-American?

Plebe said:
So you're not comparing Lou to Paige, but you are comparing yourself to Geno?
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Surely you jest. I did no such thing. All I suggested was that it is possible to see someone play the first time and know they have the goods. Except with a few possible exceptions for those in the Boneyard who are always cautious about virtually everything, anybody here who saw Paige play the first time would have recognized that she was a great player.
 
tkaes said:
Surely you jest. I did no such thing. All I suggested was that it is possible to see someone play the first time and know they have the goods. Except with a few possible exceptions for those in the Boneyard who are always cautious about virtually everything, anybody here who saw Paige play the first time would have recognized that she was a great player.
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So then what was the point of bringing up Geno?
 
JBK said:
I know a division 2 team is not a great evaluation sample, but Geno did state he was not surprised, because that how she plays everyday in practice
In practice she is playing against players from the # 6 best team in the country and probably better than that.
I love she can score in multiple ways
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I said she did. But comparing her to Clark off a game against Kutztown is, as I said, a bit amusing. With Paige out, Clark is arguably the best scorer in the country. If Lou can be consistent at a high level comparisons are irrelevant. Let her be the best Lou.
 
Nika had (showed) a growing, Jennifer Rizzotti vibe running up the court in the Exhibition against Kutztown. Confidence and toughness. Determination! Fearlessness.! Nika definately grew since last year. Go NIka!!!!!
 
JBK said:
Agreed
I like that Geno has stated that Lou has been consistent every day in practice. She may have been playing against the starters in practice and seems to be competing at a high level.
With Azzi - Caroline and Lou - we could have the best shooting team in the country.
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It's pretty obvious that Lou should start over Caroline .. we need a dependable starter .. Caroline is just too 'iffy' .. with Caroline, "it's always something", eh? ... Lou is just too good to come off the bench .. and while we're at it, mebbe a few changes to the training staff will help Caroline work her way back ... these constant injuries are very tiresome!
 
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Jingo said:
It's pretty obvious that Lou should start over Caroline .. we need a dependable starter .. Caroline is just too 'iffy' .. with Caroline, "it's always something", eh? ... Lou is just too good to come off the bench .. and while we're at it, mebbe a few changes to the training staff will help Caroline work her way back ... these constant injuries are very tiresome!
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I agree - we have to be a team that gets off to a fast start and the consistency and experience of Lou is needed.
She has not come off the bench in years and she may not respond well —
Caroline may come in for Nika as well —
 
With a lineup that includes Azzi, Lou and Caroline you won't see all those double teams on post players. When Nika is in the lineup you will. Give me players who are great against great players please. Even Geno himself said that lots of those 11 assists came from passing to players who could hit jump shots. Azzi as our PG for 30 plus minutes gives us a team that could potentially win the NC.
 
Jingo said:
It's pretty obvious that Lou should start over Caroline .. we need a dependable starter .. Caroline is just too 'iffy' .. with Caroline, "it's always something", eh? ... Lou is just too good to come off the bench .. and while we're at it, mebbe a few changes to the training staff will help Caroline work her way back ... these constant injuries are very tiresome!
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Don’t know why you can’t prefer Lou without taking a potshot at Caroline
 
TeamFirst! said:
With a lineup that includes Azzi, Lou and Caroline you won't see all those double teams on post players. When Nika is in the lineup you will. Give me players who are great against great players please. Even Geno himself said that lots of those 11 assists came from passing to players who could hit jump shots. Azzi as our PG for 30 plus minutes gives us a team that could potentially win the NC.
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I sort of agree, with a couple caveats. First, kids averaging double figure assists typically means that the offense is designed around a few plays that tend to get them lots of assists. Nika getting lots of assists is not diminished just because she can pass to great shooters, anymore than Clark's assist numbers are diminished by having Czinano to pass to in plays designed to free her up. I don't think Geno meant to diminish Nika's accomplishment, but rather to suggest that it was a joint accomplishment.

Second, our perimeter shooting will free up our post players. I've been saying this for a few weeks now. Brink had a breakout season because she rarely faced double teams. I expect Dorka Aaliyah Ayanna Aubrey to enjoy a similar benefit. I also won't be surprised if our rebounding numbers go up from last year for a similar reason. If opposing teams can't pack the paint, they'll get less rebounding opportunities against our bigs.

But I don't think this effect will depend on having all three of Azzi Caroline Lou in the game at the same time. Any of the permutations we can put out there -- 4 players dividing up 120 mins -- will have the desired effect, and I expect it will be quite disorienting when Nika is out there just because her defensive pressure will mean teams won't want to crash the boards for fear of having to deal with her all the way up the court. Instead, I expect many teams will have a guard leak out when we shoot to have a chance to escape her relentless pressure.
 
We don't give Lou2 enough credit for her achievements at Fairfield. At Fairfield she carried a whole team and learned to be a timely, go to, shooter. With the support of her Uconn teammates, she may not be the focus, but may be at an AA level because of her maturity, timing, discipline and court IQ. She is a tough minded, highly skilled player and may take advantage of the average D1 wbb player. Her experience makes her a dead eyed scorer. I think she'll use her Uconn year to prepare her for the W as a lights out 3 point shooter. She knows what she is up to!
 
Geno has said that it doesn't matter who starts between Caroline and Lou, because they both should get almost the same amount of minutes in the end. He also stated that Nika is the PG with Azzi currently as her backup. I believe that might change later in the season if Ines keeps playing like she did in the 8 minutes against Kutztown.
 
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If Nika gets 11 assists again this year I'll be surprised. Kutztown was an anamoly. What did we score? 115 points overall and we shot close to 57% as a team with 14 successful 3 point shots? How many of Nika's assists were 3 point shots, maybe at least 1/2 of them. That's not going to happen again. If it does it will be in blow out Big East games against bottom rung opponents and who cares what players do in such game? It's irrelevant.
 
MSGRET said:
Yes, she beat Azzi, but it was when Azzi was wearing a boot on her right leg. If I remember correctly Azzi actually made more 3 point shots, but Caroline hit more in the final round.
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Exactly wht I thought
 
TeamFirst! said:
With a lineup that includes Azzi, Lou and Caroline you won't see all those double teams on post players. When Nika is in the lineup you will. Give me players who are great against great players please. Even Geno himself said that lots of those 11 assists came from passing to players who could hit jump shots. Azzi as our PG for 30 plus minutes gives us a team that could potentially win the NC.
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You do realize that for players to be great against great players they actually have to play great defense -not just score points.

Who of those three will be harassing the ball as it comes down court reducing our opponents shot clock? Who among them is going to be as vocal on both ends as Nika (who Geno has said more than once is the voice her teammates listen to on the floor)? Who replaces her energy?

I am not in anyway devaluing what the three you mentioned will add to the success of the team. As many have said all four of the main guard rotation should get solid minutes. You can discount Nika’s contributions as has been a theme with you, but i think many, including her teammates and coaches recognize the value she brings as their point guard.
 
I’m fine with Nika getting 20 minutes PT. It keeps everyone fresh and healthy and it should enable the players out there to move without the ball more, which is absolutely key to this teams success. But they better be moving and talking or they sit.
 
#12in21 said:
You do realize that for players to be great against great players they actually have to play great defense -not just score points.

Who of those three will be harassing the ball as it comes down court reducing our opponents shot clock? Who among them is going to be as vocal on both ends as Nika (who Geno has said more than once is the voice her teammates listen to on the floor)? Who replaces her energy?

I am not in anyway devaluing what the three you mentioned will add to the success of the team. As many have said all four of the main guard rotation should get solid minutes. You can discount Nika’s contributions as has been a theme with you, but i think many, including her teammates and coaches recognize the value she brings as their point guard.
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Other than being loud and agressive, what evidence do we even have of Nika being a better defender than Azzi, Caroline or even Lou? Big deal, she got 5 steals against the worst team we will play this year. And steals are just one metric. Last year which guard was on the other teams top scoring guard? CW. CW had about the same number of steals as well as playing the other team’s top scorer. That alone would make CW a better candidate for big east defender of the year. Look up the numbers. Even Liv warranted it more per the numbers. Again, give me players who are great against great competion. Good luck stopping Rori Harmon.
 
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TeamFirst! said:
Other than being loud and agressive, what evidence do we even have of Nika being a better defender than Azzi, Caroline or even Lou? Big deal, she got 5 steals against the worst team we will play this year. And steals are just one metric. Last year which guard was on the other teams top scoring guard? CW. CW had about the same number of steals as well as playing the other team’s top scorer. That alone would make CW a better candidate for big east defender of the year. Look up the numbers. Even Liv warranted it more per the numbers. Again, give me players who are great against great competion. Good luck stopping Rori Harmon.
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What do you know that the Big East coaches don’t?
 
cometjo said:
Is this the same Caroline who beat Azzi in a three point contest before they came to UConn?
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Yes, she did, but remember Azzi was in a boot... I think Caroline compares favorably to Lou in three-point shooting, but neither IMO are at Azzi's level--not even Paige... I think Paige is a more dynamic scorer though...
 
TeamFirst! said:
Other than being loud and agressive, what evidence do we even have of Nika being a better defender than Azzi, Caroline or even Lou? Big deal, she got 5 steals against the worst team we will play this year. And steals are just one metric. Last year which guard was on the other teams top scoring guard? CW. CW had about the same number of steals as well as playing the other team’s top scorer. That alone would make CW a better candidate for big east defender of the year. Look up the numbers. Even Liv warranted it more per the numbers. Again, give me players who are great against great competion. Good luck stopping Rori Harmon.
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Wow, kind of harsh criticism of a kid who actually epitomizes your moniker! First you point out her assists mean nothing and now double down to trash her defensive value. She's the point guard of our team who seems to have worked hard in the offseason on everything folks felt she needed to, to be in that position. On the offensive side of the game, I believe her skills will be a great compliment to those of the terrific group of scorers we have this season, and her intensity and tenacity will enhance our team defense. Rather than seek any evidence from me , maybe listen to things her teammates and coach have said about her leading up to the start of the season.
 
TeamFirst! said:
Other than being loud and agressive, what evidence do we even have of Nika being a better defender than Azzi, Caroline or even Lou? Big deal, she got 5 steals against the worst team we will play this year. And steals are just one metric. Last year which guard was on the other teams top scoring guard? CW. CW had about the same number of steals as well as playing the other team’s top scorer. That alone would make CW a better candidate for big east defender of the year. Look up the numbers. Even Liv warranted it more per the numbers. Again, give me players who are great against great competion. Good luck stopping Rori Harmon.
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TeamFirst! said:
Other than being loud and agressive, what evidence do we even have of Nika being a better defender than Azzi, Caroline or even Lou? Big deal, she got 5 steals against the worst team we will play this year. And steals are just one metric. Last year which guard was on the other teams top scoring guard? CW. CW had about the same number of steals as well as playing the other team’s top scorer. That alone would make CW a better candidate for big east defender of the year. Look up the numbers. Even Liv warranted it more per the numbers. Again, give me players who are great against great competion. Good luck stopping Rori Harmon.
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WOW.....did Nika step on ur Kitten or something? If so don't let tht cat play around with a ball in front of the young lady, and by the way who do you know tht can stop Harmon? Contain, maybe but stop, naw Rori is tht good. I too tend to go by wht her teammates and coaches say abt her and it's completely 180 degrees from wht ur laying down....jmho
 
TeamFirst! said:
If Nika gets 11 assists again this year I'll be surprised. Kutztown was an anamoly. What did we score? 115 points overall and we shot close to 57% as a team with 14 successful 3 point shots? How many of Nika's assists were 3 point shots, maybe at least 1/2 of them. That's not going to happen again. If it does it will be in blow out Big East games against bottom rung opponents and who cares what players do in such game? It's irrelevant.
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It’s not irrelevant to the recipients of those passes, the team, or to Nika herself! I’m not sure how the type of shot (3 pt, 2 pt, layup) that results from the pass/assist has any relevance here. Is a pass that results in a 3 pt shot somehow less valuable? You just heard Geno predict that Azzi may make 15 in one game! Why would you think we won’t have other successful days shooting threes? It looks to me as if we may have the best three point shooting team we’ve had in years! I’d be willing to bet she has 11 or more at least once more this season and puts up career assist numbers! She loves to pass and now has the best shooting team (by far) she’s ever played on to finish those passes!
 
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Being team first means being objective and putting the team first. I can see that Nika is trying and trying hard and I hope for the best from her but strategically I'd still put the ball in Azzi's hands at the point and enable her to penetrate and dish off as needed or take that pull up or 3. No doubt we will need her depth at point but a couple penetrating drives by Nika against our worst opponent of the year is not indicative of her season. There is little reason to think Nika can finish at the rim or make people defend her at the point, especially compared to Azzi, Lou or Caroline. If she were playing for Geogetown she would still score 10 points a game at best. EVERYONE looks great against Kuztown. Ideally, we need to force the opposing team to play straight up defense or a zone. Objectively, we are a better team for it. And Azzi's defense is just as good overall. Geno is a manager, trying to squeeze productivity out of everyone because he knows he will need it before the season is done. Eventually he will go to team A at crunchtime and at least some of us know it.
 
I want to see Caroline play before concluding Lou should start over her. Caroline has a quick release too, if she played against Kutztown and had the same scoring opportunities, she definitely could have impressed as much. Lou was great, no doubt, ecstatic that she is a Husky, but Caroline is the real deal too and has done it when it counts.
 
JBK said:
Agreed
I like that Geno has stated that Lou has been consistent every day in practice. She may have been playing against the starters in practice and seems to be competing at a high level.
With Azzi - Caroline and Lou - we could have the best shooting team in the country.
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Caroline would have to improve tremendously from last years 29 % 3 point shooting
 
cometjo said:
Is this the same Caroline who beat Azzi in a three point contest before they came to UConn?
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Yes but also the Caroline that shot 29% from the 3 point line last year
 
tkaes said:
If she plays like she did today which one of the pre-season best 5 will she knock out for first team All-American? Of course she won't have the same time and space against the top opponents and we don't know about her defense against the top players she'll face. She can shoot from outside, closer to the basket, she drives and puts it up with either hand, she can pass the ball, and she can grab a few rebounds.

Convince me Clark is better.
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Your not really serious right ?
 
I suppose if she made the layup off of her nice back door, NPOY would be in the discussion. ;)
 
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