Louisville Postgame Thread

[Bald Husky]

Just got back from the game so I haven't had a chance to read all the posts, so we will see what happens. I told my friend that even if Caroline just scored 6 points that this girl could be something special for us. I love how aggressive she is, you could see on every play that finding a way to score is her first priority. As Diana was, this girl is a scorer, and no matter who gets back in the line up, Caroline will continue to start. Again Dorka showed up, not so much in the scoring department, but rebounding and defense. ONO, well when she gets the ball in the high post and stands there for 5+ seconds, we are not going to score. EW and CW just have too many turnovers, and CW back and forth dribbling just wastes the shot clock. What happened to moving the ball around the perimeter looking for a great shot? The young kids are our future, but I think the future is now. Get Amari in there now, get her playing experience, so when Paige gets back we will have a team of youngsters with Caroline, Nika, and Azzi. I don't think we should wait until next year for these kids to make a difference, cause as I said, the future is now.

 

[BobbyJ]

I agree, but not quite the perimeter shooter as KLS, and much better on the dribble drive--she's a great slasher and shoots well with either hand....

KLS benefitted from playing with several excellent passers who understood how to draw the defense and kick out, swing the ball on the perimeter quickly, and skip pass crosscourt without hanging it halfway. CD will be very good when she has the time to set her feet like KLS did.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Postgame news conference:

 

[cwaduke]

When they get healthy, time to hand the ball to all the youngsters.

 

[tchalla1]

Just got back from the game so I haven't had a chance to read all the posts, so we will see what happens. I told my friend that even if Caroline just scored 6 points that this girl could be something special for us. I love how aggressive she is, you could see on every play that finding a way to score is her first priority. As Diana was, this girl is a scorer, and no matter who gets back in the line up, Caroline will continue to start. Again Dorka showed up, not so much in the scoring department, but rebounding and defense. ONO, well when she gets the ball in the high post and stands there for 5+ seconds, we are not going to score. EW and CW just have too many turnovers, and CW back and forth dribbling just wastes the shot clock. What happened to moving the ball around the perimeter looking for a great shot? The young kids are our future, but I think the future is now. Get Amari in there now, get her playing experience, so when Paige gets back we will have a team of youngsters with Caroline, Nika, and Azzi. I don't think we should wait until next year for these kids to make a difference, cause as I said, the future is now.

Well said--it is obvious the strength of this team is the underclassmen--except for Evina and marginally, Liv, we gain nothing with their experience. I say we play the freshmen and all during conference play and let them gain experience. You see what little time it took CD to become meaningful, let's do the same with Amari and when she returns, Azzi too--let's move on....I appreciate the loyalty Geno shows his seniors but it's time to pass the baton...

 

[Papa33]

She acts like she cant wait for season to be over. Acts very lethargic . . . .

I have my own criticisms of CW's style of play, but I don't see any signs that she doesn't care and doesn't try, doesn't give full effort. That is a serious kind of criticism.

 

[ABCDFE]

When they get healthy, time to hand the ball to all the youngsters.

I think if the seniors, especially CW can’t show her mettle now when we are decimated by injury, and you get outplayed by a freshman on your own team, I don’t think anyone will have any problems if Geno plays Azzi and Caroline more minutes over CW.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Gosh. Caroline Ducharme is REALLY good.

Oh, @Magy Cannon. Aren't you the sly contrarian! Don't you know you're supposed to be bad-mouthing everybody and their parakeet because UConn lost a game they could have won? Did you not get the communique?

And those seniors! Special treatment for them. And Geno. He continues to fall short with his recruiting, player management, game management, and offensive strategy. Woe is to all.

Seriously, I appreciate your well-timed, positive-only post. Keep 'em comin'.

 

[SJF]

1st let’s hope this season finishes. I am concerned that with Covid cancellations coming and possible teams shutting down. But thru this adversity playing shorthanded I see great things happening. I see this team becoming elite by NCAA’s regardless of seeding.

 

[Happydad745]

When Azzi, Nika, and Paige return the minutes need to come from CW. No way CD does not start going forward.

If everyone was healthy right now, I would start PB, AZ, DJ, CD, ONO....that would be an aggressive group of players.

 

[fan4eva]

I’m not a fan of moral victories but given the loss of two point guards, I’ll take it.

Caroline and Dorka have shown consistent effort the last two games. The seniors, not so much.

I totally agree the seniors, especially CW is a big disappointment Evina is doing her best to run the point even tho she's not a true point guard and Liv is at least rebounding and passing with a little shot blocking but, CW is supposed to be a shooting guard and as a former #1 recruit she is not effective at all she can't create her own shot her jumper is off and she can't make free throws. The teams needs her alleged scoring prowess and right now she's a husky with all bark and no bite. She's a projected #10 pick in the upcoming WNBA draft. I for one don't see the value. hopefully she'll snap out of it because if Azzi and Nika come back strong and deliver then maybe CW should be on the bench.

 

[Viet Vet]

Normally, I do not subscribe to the "good loss" narrative. But...............today we verified two valuable additions to the squad that will strengthen our bench when Paige, Azzi and Nika return. Dorka and Caroline deepen the bench considerably..........and maybe add a sixth and seventh "starter".

We may look back, in March, to the injuries as a blessing..............the opportunity to broaden our options.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Don't feel like talkin', so I'll just give the circumstances a weary sigh.

 

[Husky fanatic]

Why does AE attempt anything but layups? She needs a lot of work on making those. Although she did make them today. CW wastes so much time dribbling to nowhere. Olivia just ok along with E. Probably saw Caroline’s season high today although I hope not. We need scorers. I thought overall I thought the effort was there just not the results. But when you shoot 50 plus% from 3 most times you win. Unless its 1 of 2

 

[eebmg]

I think if the seniors, especially CW can’t show her mettle now when we are decimated by injury, and you get outplayed by a freshman on your own team, I don’t think anyone will have any problems if Geno plays Azzi and Caroline more minutes over CW.

More minutes yes but I don't think it is in Geno's MO to put Seniors who have contributed alot in the past to the bench. Start the first 4_ minutes and then have a quick hook ready if the play is not at the level needed.

 

[UC77]

I'm Tired of Sub Par Performances by the Big Three. Westbrook(6), Williams(10) and Nelson-Ododa(5). They combined for 21 points. Williams disappeared on offense from midway 2nd Quarter to less then a minute to go in the game. This has happened too frequently in UConn's big game over the last three years. If they get their average, UConn wins by Double Digits. Prior to Paige's injury team relied on Paige, now it looks like Geno is going to have to rely on Caroline Ducharme for points. This was a game for the taking if the Experienced Seniors Showed up in the 2nd Half..

TOTALLY AGREE!!!

 

[phil sampieri]

As I have written at least a couple of times before, I had it beaten into my head that players should not start dribbling until he/she knows where he/she is going with it and what it will help accomplish. Never start dribbling until both those targets are clearly in mind. Alas, CW has not yet learned that. And as she does aimless, back and forth dribbling, everyone else waits,sometimes motionless, until it becomes clear where she might be going . . . and why. It paralyzes the offense and lets the defense off the hook. Compare her and her effect on the Uconn offensive movement to the several compliments on Carolyn and her use of the dribble (and cuts) and their effect on the team offense.

I couldn’t have said it better. Spot on

 

[npignatjr]

The Edwards/Nelson/Dorka/Williams/Ducharme combo worked well. Westbrook was lost .. Williams is a sad Husky. She never really developed into a force ...

Yes, but why to start the 4th did Geno put ew back in the momentum they had at the end of the 3rd stopped. EW wax baf.

 

[victor64]

As I have written at least a couple of times before, I had it beaten into my head that players should not start dribbling until he/she knows where he/she is going with it and what it will help accomplish. Never start dribbling until both those targets are clearly in mind. Alas, CW has not yet learned that. And as she does aimless, back and forth dribbling, everyone else waits,sometimes motionless, until it becomes clear where she might be going . . . and why. It paralyzes the offense and lets the defense off the hook. Compare her and her effect on the Uconn offensive movement to the several compliments on Carolyn and her use of the dribble (and cuts) and their effect on the team offense.

An obvious question. How can a four year player in Geno's system still do that? I am not blaming Geno but the mistake you are observing is a high school mistake, maybe lower.

 

[MSGRET]

During the press conference I believe Geno did a little dish on CW when asked about Caroline's hustling in today's game.

 

[tower1]

I find it distasteful to see so much negativity around CW. Can't you see she's doing everything she can to contribute? She's trying her best. It's not a situation where she isn't trying. Her game is just not suited for playing against zone defenses. She's certainly trying and in some environments she would be more suited. She's still a great player. Not every game is going to be an all star performance for any player.

CW was a #1 recruit and a senior. I do expect her to contribute more. She can't shoot she seems lost out there. Evina plays a little too fast and makes too many mistakes.

 

[hart2hart]

For me, the seniors needed to step up and they did not. Seriously, not good. CD and Dorka kept the game close. After the break let’s hope Fudd and Muhl are back. Geno needs to also let Deberry play a little more..,,,,Seriously. Also, Geno needs to re-group the kids better at timeouts. Here’s to the next game! Go UCONN love these girls!!

 

[tchalla1]

I have my own criticisms of CW's style of play, but I don't see any signs that she doesn't care and doesn't try, doesn't give full effort. That is a serious kind of criticism.

I agree--that's a criticism of one's character. I think what he is mistaking for a "doesn't care" attitude is CW's unresponsiveness at times with Geno's directives. She's heard it so many times over four years, the same thing and I think it gets a bit nauseating for both her and Geno...

 

[tower1]

For me, the seniors needed to step up and they did not. Seriously, not good. CD and Dorka kept the game close. After the break let’s hope Fudd and Muhl are back. Geno needs to also let Deberry play a little more..,,,,Seriously. Also, Geno needs to re-group the kids better at timeouts. Here’s to the next game! Go UCONN love these girls!!

Why do other teams come out after halftime and play better? They adjust better than we do.

 

[Bills Fan]

The focus on CW has caused us to overlook that Aaliyah continues to be a non factor. Only 16 minutes.

And doesn't seem to be able to shoot the ball from outside 6-8 feet.. She barely played for Canada and it looks like it had quite an affect on her game.

 

[KY Card Fan]

Good game between two really good teams. I had not seen Ducharme before. She was very impressive. If Fudd is better than Ducharme....

Proud of my Cardinals for hanging in there through that abysmal first quarter and for surviving the first half without Engstler. And for knocking down the key shots late.

 

[HuskyNan]

I don’t consider this game a moral victory. If our seniors showed up and played well but lost to a better team, then I would call it moral victory. But if they showed up today against a good not great Louisville team, it would have been an outright victory.

How does CW just disappear like this?

We don’t take advantage of opponents weaknesses. When Louisville puts 4 short players, why not get our 3 bigs in there and get the ball inside? That’s where our mismatches were.

In the second half , Geno had Aaliyah, Olivia, Dorka, Caroline, and Christyn in. That is a big team.

 

[TeamFirst!]

Caroline highlights:

 

[Fairfield Fan]

The problem is not the loss. the problem is the abysmal performances from the seniors. Williams doesn't even attempt a 3-point shot in the entire game? that's a complete loss of self-confidence. And ONO's performance wasn't "OK", or anything close to it. For the starting center to total just five points and five rebounds, while playing with so little aggression that she gets to the free throw line a grand total of- once? Awful. And what in the world has happened to Edwards? She is a shadow of the player we saw a year ago. Even the player we saw in the Olympics! It just doesn't make sense.

These are the players who are supposed to step up. The ones who are supposed to at least try to improve. Instead, the team is being carried by a freshman and a transfer, while the veterans are lost in space. It's not the loss, it's the way the players counted upon have given up.

 

[tchalla1]

When they get healthy, time to hand the ball to all the youngsters.

Geno makes a very meaningful statement at 6:45 mark: "I say the same thing to Caroline that I say to everyone else--Caroline takes it heart and others don't" ...I won't name names but I know exactly who he is referring to--tells them the same thing coming out a time out and they go and do the same dumb thing he told them not to. Yes, the difference between this team and past teams, the talent is there but not the basketball I.Q.--it's not there. Plus unlike Caroline, some apparently refuse to listen to Geno....