Louisville Post-Game Thread

[Zanzman]

14 pts 6 rebs 4 assts and 3 steals and that’s a down game I’ll take that a lot of days Napheesa

 

[Los24]

somebody help me out here: besides hoisting up lots of shots, what else is so good about Asia Durr's game? I saw very little ballhandling, passing( 2 assists in 40 minutes), rebounding. certainly can shoot, but ????? I looked at her season stats, and she has almost as many turnovers as assists. not even in the same ballpark as Samuelson.

JordyG probably can explain since he had her as the player of the game...

To be fair she getting most of the defenses attention so she helps her teammates by getting double teamed. Also she is playing a top 5 defense in UConn. Lastly, she is able to create her own offense. Many of those shots she hit were pretty amazing. I didn't think she stood out on defense at all but could have missed something.

 

[BobbyJ]

Funny, but that's not how games are decided.

Durr took 19 shots and was 3-12 on 3-pointers. Of course she's good, we knew that. But she had to work extremely hard for her shots and 3-12 on three-pointers is not a winning formula for her team. Oh, and Lou is pretty good too. In fact, Lou was better tonight.

I'm sure Louisville will take positives from this game. That's what losing teams try to do. If these teams meet again this season it won't be on Louisville's home court (last I checked) and it will be with a lot more pressure so we'll see who makes shots and who doesn't. Overall, UConn's defense was pretty good.

All that said, folks here still need to lower the expectations a bit. There's a lot of talent on this team but there's an obvious weakness in the lane. Azura isn't a strong finisher at the rim and doesn't have back-to-the-basket moves. I wish she did but she doesn't. Funny, I watched some video today of Stewie over in China and she made a couple of jump-hooks. My first thought was: why doesn't Azura have that move? The answer probably goes back a few years but maybe she can develop one by next year.

We should enjoy the tremendous success of this team while understanding that there are weaknesses that can be exposed down the road.

Overall, a good win.

Good points about Stevens. I said awhile back that I couldn't understand how she could practice with these coaches for almost 2 years now and still have no semblance of a turnaround jumper or jump hook. She does a real good job of keeping the ball high on offensive rebounds and entry passes but seems to lose track of where she is when in the lane. Hope it's a point of emphasis for her this summer.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Good points about Stevens. I said awhile back that I couldn't understand how she could practice with these coaches for almost 2 years now and still have no semblance of a turnaround jumper or jump hook. She does a real good job of keeping the ball high on offensive rebounds and entry passes but seems to lose track of where she is when in the lane. Hope it's a point of emphasis for her this summer.

Just about 4 years of college ball in the books for Z. At this point in her college basketball career she is what she is. I think we need to be practical in our expectations.

 

[shizam]

somebody help me out here: besides hoisting up lots of shots, what else is so good about Asia Durr's game? I saw very little ballhandling, passing( 2 assists in 40 minutes), rebounding. certainly can shoot, but ????? I looked at her season stats, and she has almost as many turnovers as assists. not even in the same ballpark as Samuelson.

Asia really is a terrific player but if she doesn’t hit her shots she normally doesn’t impact a game other ways. Did you notice she didn’t “blow by” anyone to the rim?She is not really fast on her feet. In fact she and Arica Carter are actually a bit slow running WITH the ball. Asia depends on her quick release but she wasn’t going to be able to shake Kia and UConn gave her few good looks. Playing a box and one was an obviously good strategy. L’ville needed Asia to counter the onslaught in the first quarter. She was scoreless and the game was over. The whole team was shell shocked.
Wasn’t it 26-4 at one point?

 

[HuskyNan]

From my “oh by the way” department, the first charging call against Lou was totally bogus. I re-watched in slo-mo and frame-by-frame. The defender did not have either foot planted and slid to a position that was almost in front of Lou. Almost. Another peculiar call from Dee Duh Ref, who was five feet away.

That was a make up call. The charge against Louisville in the previous play was a bad call.

 

[HuskyNan]

Did anyone find that last-second shot by Durr incredibly low basketball IQ for a player of her caliber? No one was really guarding her with 3 seconds left in the game so she decided to make a gratiuitous basket. Napheesa put up a token defense, Durr made a fancy shot to score but ended up falling on her hip, apparently injuring herself. How silly was that, weeks from the post-season?

 

[LasVegasYank]

<<Did anyone notice how physical #23 was with KLS in the 2Q?>>

Louisville stepped up their physical game from that point on, witness the umber of fouls they committed (and a few more that should have been called).

UConn needs to develop a strategy to deal with that, including some "payback" work. Just a little nasty is all I'm looking for. Maybe a bench player who can "give" a foul or two would send a message.

 

[Wbbfan1]

While UConn MIGHT have the most talented starting five, I think Baylor and Miss St will cause this team serious problems. Mainly due to their Superior Size in the Post and the physicality of their game. Azura' Stevens was supposed to be the player that would help counteract Baylor and Miss St's superior size. So far she's fallen short in that role.
Also I was hoping Camara would provide minutes and be a rebounding presence, but she's also been a disappointment. At the beginning of the year, didn't think I would say this, but the team could really use Natalie Butler. Her size and physicality is missed even if it was at the same level as she played at UConn.

Not saying the team can't beat Baylor or Miss St, but they'll give this team the most match up problems. Hopefully they'll be in the same region and team will only have to face one of them if they make it to the F4. I"m thinking the #1 seeds in order are UConn, Miss St, Notre Dame or Louisville and Baylor. If seeds held, UConn would first face Baylor and if they won, then have to face Miss St for the Championship.

I agree about the starters. Our starting five look good and I don't think there is a better starting five out there. But when you sub, and even Geno has to at some point, yikes. I like the starting five being roughly the same height, 4 of the 5 can shoot the 3, they can all defend, spacing tends to very good, everyone is fast enough to run the fast break, or cut for back doors, etc. When they sub in Z everything is disrupted.

 

[Centerstream]

It seems like Wilson is the heavy favorite for POY though she hasn’t shown up in any big game and Lou has every time. How is Wilson the favorite?

She is heavily endorsed by the media (specifically ESPN analysts and broadcasters) and has been since last year's NC game. IMO.

 

[the Q]

From my “oh by the way” department, the first charging call against Lou was totally bogus. I re-watched in slo-mo and frame-by-frame. The defender did not have either foot planted and slid to a position that was almost in front of Lou. Almost. Another peculiar call from Dee Duh Ref, who was five feet away.

No question, that call was atrocious. But it also looked like Collier had her heel in the semi circle on the other end.

 

[the Q]

Good points about Stevens. I said awhile back that I couldn't understand how she could practice with these coaches for almost 2 years now and still have no semblance of a turnaround jumper or jump hook. She does a real good job of keeping the ball high on offensive rebounds and entry passes but seems to lose track of where she is when in the lane. Hope it's a point of emphasis for her this summer.

I'd be happy if she learned how to use the backboard more often.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

It seems like Wilson is the heavy favorite for POY though she hasn’t shown up in any big game and Lou has every time. How is Wilson the favorite?

It's called UConn fatigue.

 

[hardcorehusky]

Couple of thoughts sitting in the stands last night:

1. Louisville looked shell shocked early and we took advantage. Big Time
2. Lou has really developed her game. She was bumped on every cut and plays better D and looks to rebound much more than ever. She is evolving from a great shooter to a great player in front of our eyes and we need to appreciate that development.
3. Gabby is an athletic mismatch every night but has a high basketball IQ. If she takes and makes a few more foul line jumpers, she will open up the low post passing lane even more and also a driving lane for herself much easier.
4. Kia was amazing defensively- Durr can flat out shoot with a quick release and Kia stuck with her like glue. Kia did not have a chance to rebound since Durr never went near the paint and offensively, Kia was not needed as other players had mismatches they could take advantage of.
5.The problem for the bench is similar to Natalie Butler's problem last year. The 5 starters are virtually interchangeable offensively. Megan is still trying to figure out her role in this offense as a freshman. Instead of learning 1 position, she is trying to integrate herself into a position less offense and that is a steep learning curve. Azura flows through pretty much like Napheesa's spot and will always be open at the 3 point line. Geno likes his players taking open shots within the flow of the offense. This year, Azura can't hit those with regularity.
6. Azura had the stars in the eyes moment in the first half- but competed really well in the fourth quarter.

Overall, no complaints as we are what we are. Kudos to the crowd and the team for an entertaining night.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Couple of thoughts sitting in the stands last night:

1. Louisville looked shell shocked early and we took advantage. Big Time
2. Lou has really developed her game. She was bumped on every cut and plays better D and looks to rebound much more than ever. She is evolving from a great shooter to a great player in front of our eyes and we need to appreciate that development.
3. Gabby is an athletic mismatch every night but has a high basketball IQ. If she takes and makes a few more foul line jumpers, she will open up the low post passing lane even more and also a driving lane for herself much easier.
4. Kia was amazing defensively- Durr can flat out shoot with a quick release and Kia stuck with her like glue. Kia did not have a chance to rebound since Durr never went near the paint and offensively, Kia was not needed as other players had mismatches they could take advantage of.
5.The problem for the bench is similar to Natalie Butler's problem last year. The 5 starters are virtually interchangeable offensively. Megan is still trying to figure out her role in this offense as a freshman. Instead of learning 1 position, she is trying to integrate herself into a position less offense and that is a steep learning curve. Azura flows through pretty much like Napheesa's spot and will always be open at the 3 point line. Geno likes his players taking open shots within the flow of the offense. This year, Azura can't hit those with regularity.
6. Azura had the stars in the eyes moment in the first half- but competed really well in the fourth quarter.

Overall, no complaints as we are what we are. Kudos to the crowd and the team for an entertaining night.

Disagree with the bolded. Unless one of the starters really needed a break longer than the five minute one you get between quarters, subbing to start the second quarter was effectively taking the foot off the gas. They had them on the ropes and were close to breaking their spirit and taking their soul. So close to a TKO at that point, but we let them get up off the mat. The announcers even made a comment during that 19-0 run that as Louisville players were coming down the floor they had that defeated look or something to that effect.

 

[HopJim]

That was a make up call. The charge against Louisville in the previous play was a bad call.

More of the ticky tacky calls went against UConn while Huskies took some hard shots that weren't called. Seems to becoming so typical it doesn't even get Geno excited anymore. I used to enjoy watching CD hold him back.

 

[HopJim]

I'd be happy if she learned how to use the backboard more often.

While I agree with many of the comments about Z's potential to expand her game, seems in all the close games she positions herself perfectly for layups when most needed. Last year, this role was played by Collier who got All American mention. Z typically gets criticized for the other things she doesn't do.

 

[chrissaran]

Aja will have big numbers because of the team she's on. It's apparent that no one will average 20 points per game this year, unlike last year when both Napheesa and Lou did. Would you rather Lou win the POY or UConn win a 12th championship? I'll take the 12th championship and so will Lou and her teammates.

 

[scubadog]

As the game wore on Louisville obviously decided to give Gabby the 15 footer. I love watching Gabby play, but in 4 years at UConn she still has not developed any confidence in that shot. Frankly, I am disappointed . Any good team will pack it in against the huskies and force Gabby and Chrystal to beat them from the perimeter. I'm also growing very tired of Geno's refusal to play MW. I haven't rewatched the game yet, but I don't remember any glowingly bad play by her when she played in the 2nd quarter. Geno however doesn't have a problem with Z or even Phees taking a 20 foot jumper after one pass, just because they are open. I won't even get into the officiating. Let's just say the glaring makeup charging calls were ridiculous. The announcing was better last night than in recent games , paying more attention to player substitutions.

 

[VA Huskie]

Disagree with the bolded. Unless one of the starters really needed a break longer than the five minute one you get between quarters, subbing to start the second quarter was effectively taking the foot off the gas. They had them on the ropes and were close to breaking their spirit and taking their soul. So close to a TKO at that point, but we let them get up off the mat. The announcers even made a comment during that 19-0 run that as Louisville players were coming down the floor they had that defeated look or something to that effect.

I think Geno’s just preparing for the tournament. He knows exactly what he’s doing when he “takes his foot off the gas”.

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

Aja will have big numbers because of the team she's on. It's apparent that no one will average 20 points per game this year, unlike last year when both Napheesa and Lou did. Would you rather Lou win the POY or UConn win a 12th championship? I'll take the 12th championship and so will Lou and her teammates.

Agree... And Lou would too. Did you hear the crazy question put to Lou in post game presser by one of the regulars... "Do you feel you staked your claim for NPOY with how you played tonight?" Lou's face as question being asked was like... I am going to smack you for asking this... then her response... first a chuckle, then, "No, haven't even thought about that. It's all about Team...especially after the way last season ended. We want to finish the job. Any thing else that comes along will come, but NC is what's important for all of us." Or words to that effect

 

[Bill In Georgia]

UConn clearly took their foot off the gas.... I wonder if that was on purpose.

Absolutely ...20 points up, and a tired team, coach slowed it down, in a 25 second passing game, one could easily replenish oxygen, and if the spread got to 10 points the gas would be turned on...traded 2 for 1 pts, and won the game going away..Just Brilliant.

 

[Phil]

From my “oh by the way” department, the first charging call against Lou was totally bogus. I re-watched in slo-mo and frame-by-frame. The defender did not have either foot planted and slid to a position that was almost in front of Lou. Almost. Another peculiar call from Dee Duh Ref, who was five feet away.

I haven't watched it frame by frame but I believe you. His what I think happened:

With 7:06 left they called an offensive foul on Fuehring.

A little over a minute later at 5:43 the next foul called was An offensive foul on Hines-Allen

The very next foul situation at 4:17 was the play involving Samuelson.

I think the refs felt that if they had three consecutive charge block decisions to make, and every one of them favored the Huskies, it might look bad. The rest will dispute this – they will claim that they call every play like they see them, but I think they are human (don't hold me to this) and given the situation, not just back to back offense of fouls called on Louisville but what looked to be like a blowout in progress, and they made a close call the other way.

 

[CocoHusky]

Couple of thoughts sitting in the stands last night:

1. Louisville looked shell shocked early and we took advantage. Big Time
2. Lou has really developed her game. She was bumped on every cut and plays better D and looks to rebound much more than ever. She is evolving from a great shooter to a great player in front of our eyes and we need to appreciate that development.
3. Gabby is an athletic mismatch every night but has a high basketball IQ. If she takes and makes a few more foul line jumpers, she will open up the low post passing lane even more and also a driving lane for herself much easier.
4. Kia was amazing defensively- Durr can flat out shoot with a quick release and Kia stuck with her like glue. Kia did not have a chance to rebound since Durr never went near the paint and offensively, Kia was not needed as other players had mismatches they could take advantage of.
5.The problem for the bench is similar to Natalie Butler's problem last year. The 5 starters are virtually interchangeable offensively. Megan is still trying to figure out her role in this offense as a freshman. Instead of learning 1 position, she is trying to integrate herself into a position less offense and that is a steep learning curve. Azura flows through pretty much like Napheesa's spot and will always be open at the 3 point line. Geno likes his players taking open shots within the flow of the offense. This year, Azura can't hit those with regularity.
6. Azura had the stars in the eyes moment in the first half- but competed really well in the fourth quarter.

Overall, no complaints as we are what we are. Kudos to the crowd and the team for an entertaining night.

Brilliant analysis with a positive outlook. Please... please... stick around and keep it coming otherwise we'll drown in a sea of negativity.

 

[scubadog]

Couple of thoughts sitting in the stands last night:

1. Louisville looked shell shocked early and we took advantage. Big Time
2. Lou has really developed her game. She was bumped on every cut and plays better D and looks to rebound much more than ever. She is evolving from a great shooter to a great player in front of our eyes and we need to appreciate that development.
3. Gabby is an athletic mismatch every night but has a high basketball IQ. If she takes and makes a few more foul line jumpers, she will open up the low post passing lane even more and also a driving lane for herself much easier.
4. Kia was amazing defensively- Durr can flat out shoot with a quick release and Kia stuck with her like glue. Kia did not have a chance to rebound since Durr never went near the paint and offensively, Kia was not needed as other players had mismatches they could take advantage of.
5.The problem for the bench is similar to Natalie Butler's problem last year. The 5 starters are virtually interchangeable offensively. Megan is still trying to figure out her role in this offense as a freshman. Instead of learning 1 position, she is trying to integrate herself into a position less offense and that is a steep learning curve. Azura flows through pretty much like Napheesa's spot and will always be open at the 3 point line. Geno likes his players taking open shots within the flow of the offense. This year, Azura can't hit those with regularity.
6. Azura had the stars in the eyes moment in the first half- but competed really well in the fourth quarter.

Overall, no complaints as we are what we are. Kudos to the crowd and the team for an entertaining night.

Personally, I think Geno got spoiled coaching the Olympic team. He wants 5 all americans on the floor at all times. This is just not realistic in WCBB. After rewatching the couple of minutes MW was in the game, I am " I " just don't get " IT " ! She set screens . played solid defense and seems to be trying to fit in with the other 4 players. I saw nothing wrong with her play.

 

[the Q]

Brilliant analysis with a positive outlook. Please... please... stick around and keep it coming otherwise we'll drown in a sea of negativity.

I try to be positive but I think guys get sick of me going on and on about how amazing gabby is. Lol

 

[VAMike23]

Did anyone find that last-second shot by Durr incredibly low basketball IQ for a player of her caliber? No one was really guarding her with 3 seconds left in the game so she decided to make a gratiuitous basket. Napheesa put up a token defense, Durr made a fancy shot to score but ended up falling on her hip, apparently injuring herself. How silly was that, weeks from the post-season?

When I saw that play and saw that she was possibly injured on it, I thought WOW

-- if I were a Cards fan I would have stroked out, to potentially lose the team's star that way. Just wow.

 

[CocoHusky]

I try to be positive but I think guys get sick of me going on and on about how amazing gabby is. Lol

Then that's their problem not yours or mine. I never get tired of hearing how amazing Gabby is!

 

[CocoHusky]

Did anyone find that last-second shot by Durr incredibly low basketball IQ for a player of her caliber? No one was really guarding her with 3 seconds left in the game so she decided to make a gratiuitous basket. Napheesa put up a token defense, Durr made a fancy shot to score but ended up falling on her hip, apparently injuring herself. How silly was that, weeks from the post-season?

Was a very silly play by Durr. I still hope she OK tough. Classic case of flash over substance that basket gave her 20 points for the game which is all the national media will remember-that she scored 20 points against UCONN.

 

[the Q]

Was a very silly play by Durr. I still hope she OK tough. Classic case of flash over substance that basket gave her 20 points for the game which is all the national media will remember-that she scored 20 points against UCONN.

Idk if she knew that. But there's a reason why people usually throw it up from the cheap seats that late.

It's a lot harder to get hurt shooting long range jumpers.

That being said, I have to point out that 3 quarters were closed out by a Louisville basket. 2 of them mostly uncontested.

Ok, now that I'm done Genoing out.

Gabby's D. The versatility....just wow.

She is the best all around in college basketball. Male. Female. Doesn't matter. No one is as well rounded as she is.