Loving the schedule this year

[HuskyNan]

I know there are people who get nervous during close games but you have to admit, they're pretty exciting. I'd much rather see the Huskies gut out a great win over a quality opponent - and we've seen a few this year - than pummel some hapless team by 40. It's so much more satisfying to win over a really good team than a poor one.

There have a been a few threads here and there over the years that have bemoaned the lack of parity. Well, I think we're starting to see it. Gotta love teams that rise to the challenge and make the game a GAME, not layup lines. The folks that prefer the layup lines - you may need to resign yourself to some more competitive games. And better buckle up for next year because UConn's playing pretty much the same schedule. But I'm on the same page as Geno. He's said a million times he doesn't play for undefeated seasons, he plays for championships. If the team is never tested, it may not be fully prepared come tourney time.

I'm loving these games!

 

[vtcwbuff]

I was thinking the same last night. This may be one of the best pre conference seasons that I can remember. Competitive games like last night are so much more enjoyable than the snoozers we'll be seeing in January.

 

[Nuyoika]

I think it has as much to do with other teams getting better as UConn just does what it normally does. They force the rest of the field to get better if they want to compete. Who else has the power to do that?

 

[Aluminny69]

I agree 100%. Pre-season, it looked like SC would be the only competitive game all season. I think some of us fall into trap of thinking UConn will just continue where they left off last year. College doesn't work like that. Graduation and injuries disrupt the continuity. Geno's post game comments summed it up perfectly. We still haven't replaced KML's outside shooting, or Kiah Stokes inside intimidation. Not to say it won't happen, but each year, it takes time for each team to develop it's own identity. Much more exciting and interesting than same old, same old.

We all know that Geno and staff will use the schedule to work on what they need to work on. There has to be some benefit from playing weaker teams.

 

[UcMiami]

It has been an interesting OOC both from the strength of schedule and with the very disjointed scheduling. We are now done with exams, major holidays, and odd travel and scheduling patterns so I expect a little more consistency and clearer development path for the team.

 

[johnnyc]

I know there are people who get nervous during close games but you have to admit, they're pretty exciting. I'd much rather see the Huskies gut out a great win over a quality opponent - and we've seen a few this year - than pummel some hapless team by 40. It's so much more satisfying to win over a really good team than a poor one.

There have a been a few threads here and there over the years that have bemoaned the lack of parity. Well, I think we're starting to see it. Gotta love teams that rise to the challenge and make the game a GAME, not layup lines. The folks that prefer the layup lines - you may need to resign yourself to some more competitive games. And better buckle up for next year because UConn's playing pretty much the same schedule. But I'm on the same page as Geno. He's said a million times he doesn't play for undefeated seasons, he plays for championships. If the team is never tested, it may not be fully prepared come tourney time.

I'm loving these games!

This is what we should be wanting and what Geno has been saying all along. 'Come get us'. Which really speaks to the accomplishments of UConn. I remember Jay Bilas mentioning that he appreciates what UConn does because they are usually getting the best each game from opponents. But blowout or close game I enjoy watching UConn play. There is always something to focus on in blowouts. The greatness of Breanna Stewart or the development of a younger player. Good example was last season.....watching Kiah Stokes play defense was pretty entertaining.

 

[JudgeSCR]

Last night's game is what #1 vs. #6 is supposed to look like. That game had ebbs and flows with both teams showing their athleticism, talent and their fair share of moments they would love to take back. I was glad to see that Maryland didn't wilt in the spotlight and that they forced UConn to dig deep. Games like that help a team realize how they need to improve.

Three things this game showed me: 1) We have not yet found KML's deadly 3 point replacement. Most of us believed it would be Katie Lou. I still believe that it will be. I believe that too many of KLS's 3 point attempts come after she has been standing on the wing waiting for a pass. She needs to move more constantly and her teammates need to find her in the flow of the game so she can shoot in rhythm. Once she develops her confidence ... look out. 2) We need to find last year's Kia Nurse. Both offensively and defensively she is struggling. 3) We need Natalie Butler to get healthy. She will add a needed presence in the middle.

At the end of the day, I have exceptional confidence in this team and their coaches. I look forward to more games like last night's (and the Notre Dame game). It's been too long since I even wondered if they would lose a game.

 

[msf22b]

Amen

 

[TFintheMix]

I think it has as much to do with other teams getting better as UConn just does what it normally does. They force the rest of the field to get better if they want to compete. Who else has the power to do that?

Realistically, UConn is very talented but they haven't had to be so dependent on freshman in a few years. They lost a ton of poise, experience and talent last years. These tough games will only help the freshman grow up faster. Great game.