Louisville Postgame Thread

[donalddoowop]

Louisville won the last 3 quarters by 3 points. If teams shut down KK early on,UConn could be in trouble.

Do you really think that the rest of the UConn team is going to play the way they played tonight? Don't expect KK to score like she did tonight in every game. KK could go scoreless and UConn can win by double digits. She does other things well. UConn's guard position is in good hands for the next few seasons.

 

[donalddoowop]

For me, this was a mixed drink, cognitive dissonance, and a bundle of surprises.

First, I never thought UConn would so dominate the first 10 minutes of the season—as if all rust had been sandblasted away in preseason practice—only to corrode over, and lose, the next 30 minutes. A lot of that was all the missed arc shots (4-26), which probably was mostly a statistical aberration. The wrong tail of the bell curve wagging . . . at probably the right and only time.

Second, I never would have predicted the scoring margin. No, not THAT scoring margin! The margin between the points scored by the two alternating point guards, KK and K9 (27), and the points scored by the two alternating centers, Williams and JEA (6). Give long-stemmed roses to the PGs; Popeye's spinach to the Cs.

One of those centers started on last season's NC team, and other, who took that starting position away, has been predicted to be a top 10 draft pick. There needs to be improvement in getting the paint ball into Serah and Jana when they are in their preferred positions to score. Whatever those positions are. Same with Ice. This is both a teamwork issue and an individualistic post positioning and post move issue. Time and learning will resolve these issues.

There's no such problem with Sarah Strong. Throw the ball anywhere near her zip code when she's in the paint, and she'll catch and deliver the mail. "Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays [that] courier from the swift completion of [her] appointed rounds."

Third, I was surprised at the substitution and play patterns, given the two preseason games. Almost no pressing. Little transition game. No Blanca at all, and no explanations given (that I heard) about her availability. Only six minutes for Ziebell. No minutes for Fisher, Ducharme, Patterson or Malou-Mamel. And for all the height on the team, there was for a while a four guard lineup on the floor with Serah (not Sarah).

The drink could have been better, but it was tasty. And mostly made my mouth water for the much stronger stuff I know will be served in future games.

If the team had been hitting more threes like it is capable, the bench would have gottrn more playing time. Blame the starters, not Geno.

 

[CL82]

That's against the Geneva Convention.

Who are the Genovans to tell us what to do?

 

[ccwarrior]

Dreadful? That's a strong word for Serah Williams' first real game at UConn, against quality competition. She has said that "everything" was more intense than at WI. It was reported that she was still learning the offensive sets and her teammates' tendencies, so I will give her grace and space to grow.

But, her hustle wasn’t there at times and she had much worse hands than I thought given what has been said about her.

 

[Orc]

I think the wing spot is Uconn’s biggest weakness this year. Nothing against Ashlyn but she’s streaky and not someone that can consistently hit wide open shots

 

[Basingstoke]

I thought that there were a lot of structural positives tonight and a bunch of anomalies which will not be the norm (in addition to a bunch of things which will get better in time, such as the effectiveness of the press).
I was very pleased that our 3-headed center(s) got 16 rebounds (unfortunately, at least for tonight, Serah took some of the ugliest shots i can remember), and that Serah seems to be a very willing and good passer.
I think we're in very good shape with our point guards (& will be even deeper in time as Kelis acclimates), though I wish that KK had continued her 1st quarter offensive aggression throughout the rest of the game.
I expect that we'll continue to tighten our defense and that 15% from the 3 point line will soon go the way of the dodo...
Really good first game, in all.

 

[hookshot]

Heckel looks way better than I expected.

This was only the first game and we all know that they will get much better as the season rolls along.

I was hoping to see Blanca but I guess she is hurt? I actually had to go to the roster listing on the Uconn site to see what number she wears. I forgot.

I'm surprised at how many people seemed surprised by Heckel's performance, she was a huge pick-up that has previously shown her potential. I think KK was the bigger surprise; if she can sustain that level of play, the 3 deep PG position is all set. I also think Williams will settle in and better demonstrate the potential she has previously shown. Jana will continue to show some improvement and Brady's reliable floor game looks improved, even if her shooting confidence remains to improve - so I think the Post depth looks promising as well. We know it is Azzi / Sarah's team. But, the final piece of the puzzle is getting offensive consistency from the WG depth, i.e. Ash / Blanca / Alli/ CD. While individual performances may vary somewhat from game to game, team performance will only get better with the depth that is available

 

[AzzisBraids]

I disagree big time to your comments that "Azzi's shot was off" "Azzi needs way more touches"...Azzi was 9 for 20, so she shot almost 50%. How many more touches do you think she needs? There were few games last season where anyone, PB included, had 20 shots, so, again, how many more touches do you think Azzi needs?

She was 2 for 8 from 3 and is typically a 40+% shooter. She'd tell you her shot was off, that isn't a hot take.

A touch is anytime a player gets possession of the ball, even briefly. A shot is when you attempt to score. You kind of merged those two terms together but I used the word touches intentionally. My OP is merely that were opportunities where an Azzi touch would have benefitted the offense because Louisville wanted the ball far and away from her.

 

[Scrutineer]

This won't be a popular opinion, but you're not wrong.

Sera Williams was a first team Big Ten double double machine? You'd never know it from this performance. That was dreadful. At least guard your opposite big and not let them put up a 20/20 game against you with half a dozen open three point shots.

KK great game and hopefully she keeps hitting the open shots. Heckel great game, she's going to be a headache to guard because she's going to have wide open spaces to cut and drive.

Sarah and Azzi will be fine. Ash will be fine. But considering all of that sudden depth at the center position, at least one of them has to at least rebound, box out, play defense and protect the rim. One game isn't a season, but this was alot closer than it should have been.

The B1G has one NC in the last 30 so maybe it's easier to get double doubles in that league OR,

Maybe she's still getting comfortable with a new team and new style of play OR,

Maybe it was just first game jitters.

Let's give her a few games to settle in....

 

[Forego]

Four for thirty from behind the arc? It must have been that Spaulding basketball. We use a Nike. 😃 (with apologies to Dawn)

 

[sun]

There may have been 2 All American candidates playing in this game but I doubt that I saw any NPOY candidates based on this outing anyway.
Some of our players shot like they had tired arms.
There was some good, bad & ugly shooting.
UConn won with their athleticism.
The offense needs to become more efficient.

 

[KCD]

Azzi, Ash, Sarah, and Kayleigh went 3 for 22 from 3 pt land in the game. Azzi and Ash were both 40+% and Sarah and Kayleigh were both upper 30s % from 3 last season. The probability that these four are all cold from three on the same night again is statistically very, very low. The fact that they won by 13 points shooting 26 - 3 pointers at 13.6% bodes very well going forward.

 

[fomalhaut]

The probability that these four are all cold from three on the same night again is statistically very, very low.

It's really not. It happened at least three times last year, and that was with Paige. Teams tend to run hot and cold together; they're not independent events. The best anyone on the team shot in the three losses was 2-4 for Azzi Fudd against Tennessee.

The fact that they won by 13 points shooting 26 - 3 pointers at 13.6% bodes very well going forward.

Yes! All three losses last year were in games where the whole team shot poorly. Nice to see that they did enough good things tonight to win.

 

[Bigpetunia]

As with others, my biggest surprise, and a pleasant one, lay in the nature of Kayleigh's contribution. Her quickness, her aggressiveness, and her ball-handling all exceeded my expectations. the PG position on this team is quite secure.
Nothing that I saw on the floor derails Sarah Strong's inevitable pathway to National Player of the Year!
Perimeter shooting was fairly awful, but I don't worry about where that's headed...that's a boat that will upright itself. On the positive side, Ash, who couldn't buy a bucket for most of the game, has emerged as a far more complete contributor in other ways...some beautiful assists and even rebounding.
My biggest disappointment was with team defense, especially in the second half. For a team that gave up only 54 points per game on average in last season's tournament, while playing three #1 seeds, giving up 66 to a team like L'ville was something of a letdown. The good news is that of all team characteristics, that is the one Geno can, as he always has, do the most with. Given the newfound luxury of the kind of team depth that he currently enjoys, and the ability to put fresh legs on the floor almost at will, I was especially surprised that he never utilized the full-court-press against a young L'ville team.
Overall, a mixed bag, as others have noted, but mostly very positive!

 

[gold2323]

Good first game ….wanted to see Blanca in the mix…the threes was difference for no blowout…it was an anomaly , they will flow in future games…long way to March …this team come crunch time will be as expected …A Force….

 

[Dogdude]

I have pretty much 0 concerns about our shooting percentage. They have all earned a pass through their collective UConn career performances. I loved everyone's energy, and some of the passes (Serah's wrap was spectacular) were off the charts. UConn was cold, and Louisville is going to be really good this year. We've got a really fun team to watch this year, and for a first game, it's a great start.

 

[Skeets]

Explosive first quarter, all shock and awe. After that, not so much. By the 4th quarter shots were not falling for the offense and the defense looker lethargic. The kids looked like they were getting gassed, but I can't believe that.

I'm a little disappointed in Ash's offense, but her defense looked good. Hopefully going forward she puts the ball in the basket a little more often.

 

[msf22b]

Stat of the night - UConn is 396-0 when leading by 20 at the half 😂

Stat of the night - UConn is 396-0 when leading by 20 at the half 😂

My stat of the night:
We were gifted 27points from the point guard position on (about) 55%
Shooting despite K9 missing all 4 of her 3 attempts.

 

[HopJim]

I think the wing spot is Uconn’s biggest weakness this year. Nothing against Ashlyn but she’s streaky and not someone that can consistently hit wide open shots

I am happy to have Ashlyn on the wing-she has proven her ability to shoot in the highest pressure games. Is she an All American, no, but better than anyone else UConn has at this position. Other options, such as Blanca, shot 29% on threes while in Europe. In the future, suspect Geno will develop plays for her near the basket so she can use her athleticism.

 

[Newfie]

I remember last year, especially early in the season, I thought no way were we going to be anything special. I certainly never thought there was a chance in heck we would be winning a national championship.
This team will improve and grow and gel together in time. That’s probably why Geno was not overly critical after the game. I actually think it’s better that they didn’t shoot lights out and win by 40. If it comes too easy, I think it hurts us when we start playing tough teams.

 

[oldude]

I remember last year, especially early in the season, I thought no way were we going to be anything special. I certainly never thought there was a chance in heck we would be winning a national championship.
This team will improve and grow and gel together in time. That’s probably why Geno was not overly critical after the game. I actually think it’s better that they didn’t shoot lights out and win by 40. If it comes too easy, I think it hurts us when we start playing tough teams.

Well said. For all those BY’ers worried about Ash or Serah’s play yesterday I have one thing to say, “Patience grasshoppers.”

 

[Duncan Idaho]

—As many guessed, at least early in the season, KK is going to get multiple open looks. What a plus if teams have to game plan for her scoring.

—Comparing Strong to Jokic I thought was a little bit of stretch when I first heard it. Not so much anymore. Geno saying the other day in jest that he just lets her do what she wants may actually be true.

-K9 is quickly eliminating any concerns about point guard depth.

-I was expecting a little more polish on the low post from Serah. She looks hesitant which is odd considering the credentials she brought from UW. Ziegler outplayed her tonight.

-4-26 from 3 was disappointing but they got so many open looks and move the ball so well that defending them will be a nightmare. If they shoot their normal percentage it is a 30 plus point game easily.

-Under 10 turnovers for a first game is outstanding.

-Other than Blanca being out (bummer), I think this is the rotation we see for a while.

-A little sluggish in the second half but other than the 3 point percentage, a nice start to the season.

Agree on Serah. First time I saw her play. Then looking at her college stats at Sports Reference her scoring went up every year but her shooting percentage dropped every year til she was just barely a 50% shooter last year. Thought a good post player would have a higher number. But first game. So looking forward seeing her develop over the course of the season. Heckel tied her career high against a quality opponent perhaps it will serve a boost in achieving her potential she showed in HS.

 

[BBallF]

Very good post game analyses above as always so just a few additional thoughts.

First- Pleasant surprises: KK's new offensive game, Kayleigh's defense, speed and splendid movement without the ball, Serah's passing ability, especially from in to out, Jana's increase in strength, and both Azzi and Sarah being even better than last year. They are clearly the best duo in the country.

Second- Notes. Serah needs to go straight up after a first dribble when she has the ball underneath. She has a tendency to try to improve her position even when she is able to get a lay up and it resulted in her losing the better position she began with. She also passed up open shots from the foul line which she can make after she missed one. Call it nerves, uncertainty or tentativeness, I think it appropriate to give her a pass for her first game here. When she figures it out it will be lethal.

Jana is stronger but still brings the ball down to a place where it can be grabbed. She also never takes a power dribble to gain space away from the defenders who double her when she gets a rebound. She can be such a dominant player out there. She also is getting at least a half of a pass last night for not playing that much before for an injury.

The offense should go through Azzi and Sarah on every possession. Azzi has to be the one to shoot the ball at the end of a quarter and both All Americans should get a touch on every possession. They are both unstoppable players so why stop them by not giving them the ball.

We are a different team when we press and run but you were not going to see that last night all game long. Up by 21 after 3 quarters by admittedly slowed down by their match up zone and the defense became looser. All easily correctable.

This is a top 20 Louisville team we played and they will only get better considering the number of new players. I will be seeing them at Barclay's on December 20 against Tennessee.

All in all, a lot to be excited about. Hey, we ain't shooting 4-24 from the arc again anytime soon.

 

[Basingstoke]

My stat of the night:
We were gifted 27points from the point guard position on (about) 55%
Shooting despite K9 missing all 4 of her 3 attempts.

Very good post game analyses above as always so just a few additional thoughts.

First- Pleasant surprises: KK's new offensive game, Kayleigh's defense, speed and splendid movement without the ball, Serah's passing ability, especially from in to out, Jana's increase in strength, and both Azzi and Sarah being even better than last year. They are clearly the best duo in the country.

Second- Notes. Serah needs to go straight up after a first dribble when she has the ball underneath. She has a tendency to try to improve her position even when she is able to get a lay up and it resulted in her losing the better position she began with. She also passed up open shots from the foul line which she can make after she missed one. Call it nerves, uncertainty or tentativeness, I think it appropriate to give her a pass for her first game here. When she figures it out it will be lethal.

Jana is stronger but still brings the ball down to a place where it can be grabbed. She also never takes a power dribble to gain space away from the defenders who double her when she gets a rebound. She can be such a dominant player out there. She also is getting at least a half of a pass last night for not playing that much before for an injury.

The offense should go through Azzi and Sarah on every possession. Azzi has to be the one to shoot the ball at the end of a quarter and both All Americans should get a touch on every possession. They are both unstoppable players so why stop them by not giving them the ball.

We are a different team when we press and run but you were not going to see that last night all game long. Up by 21 after 3 quarters by admittedly slowed down by their match up zone and the defense became looser. All easily correctable.

This is a top 20 Louisville team we played and they will only get better considering the number of new players. I will be seeing them at Barclay's on December 20 against Tennessee.

All in all, a lot to be excited about. Hey, we ain't shooting 4-24 from the arc again anytime soon.

I just want to cite two very nice offensive moments from Serah and Jana (aside from "the pass").
Serah made a beautiful step-back shot in the lane, and Jana's "and one" under the basket might be glimpses of even better things to come.
And, again, remember that we got 16 rebounds from our 3-headed center position.

 

[my2cents]

• No Paige to make the team look good when shots aren’t falling
• Shooting 4-26 from three despite many wide open looks
• Ranked opponent on a neutral site
• Still a double digit win

I don’t mean to sound harsh or anything but people that expect postseason form on November 4 should be flogged

LOL. Flogged? Not a verb you hear every day.