Allie has two of the best mid-range, pull up jump shooters in the country to learn from, Azzi and Kayleigh. Love that she is starting to drive to basket. Once she forces defense to play off her more, her outside shots will become shorter and easier.
I doubt that there are many players in the college ranks with as many physical skills as Blanca. That being said, UConn is a bit short on consistent outside shooters this year and does have other guards and 3's that are strong defenders. Positive problem to have but as the tough games develop, wondering who will get minutes. Difficult based on the games so far to translate how Blanca's basketball skills align with her physical talent.
And imperfect layup stats, which were so horrible. Why, you’d almost think that a small, overmatched team that had no prayer of staying in the game unless they bumped and grabbed shooters was playing against the Huskies
Great observation. On drives to the basket, Azzi pushes with her body to create space and prevent blocks. She is also one of the best now in the hand to hand combat needed to get around screens or when she needs to slow the player she is guarding. Azzi not only has special shooting skills but each year has worked on all the little offensive and defensive techniques few at her level invest in.
Yes, a lot of fans think that all shots within 5 feet with bodies bumping and hands slapping are the same as pregame layup lines.
Agree with everything you said, plus I also noticed Allie talking it up in a couple of on-court huddles. Her defense has really improved and she looks to be coming into her own. Her 3's are what we all expect but she has been making deliberate, successful drives to the basket when she is closely guarded on the perimeter and her scoring not just shooting 3's will get even better as she earns more playing time.
I don't think she learned anything from Kayleigh regarding shooting. Do you remember she was rated higher than Kayleigh in high school for a number of reasons, one being her accurate shooting from inside, mid-range and three-point shooting.
Finally, a team UConn could outscore in the 4th qtr. Best said about this game is: nothing.
In addition to donating tickets UConn will on rare occasions to upgrade folks to the lower bowl. I was upgraded to a seat right behind Geno one time. If there wasn't a cop siting between me and Geno, I could have tapped him on the shoulder and given him some advice 🙂. By the way, if you want to watch the game, that's a miserable seat. I couldn't see the court, but I did feel like I was in every huddle. They talk in code.
From what I have seen, they do.
Shade is definitely being chased by Heckel and Allie for playing time. They each are making a strong case that they belong on the court.
"Be quick, but don't hurry." Wise words.
He just FOUND something. It's good for the rest of the team to see her get chewed occasionally also. And she understands it too.
Agreed, but at the same time we saw a little of the balletic style that was so much fun to watch in the Maya-Stewie eras.
Was thinking the same thing....how funny it is to see Candace talk UConn. By the way, she is totally right, you don't have to like everyone. On her podcast, she did agree with A. Boston that Sarah is the best player in the country.
And vice versa!
I honestly don't think the "Suits" is the reason for all the "empty seats at Gampel" last night. On the whole, in my communications with the ticket office (as both a PBA and Gampel season ticket holder for both teams), there is not many "Suits" with season tickets at Gampel for the Women's games, more at PBA but not nearly as many corporate seats as the men's games. Many businesses have stopped the practice of "client" give aways as was prevalent in the 80's, 90's and 00's. My current company gave up all of their season tickets to all sporting events and only have a few community passes (Zoo, Aquarium. Museum, etc). I do think many local businesses in Hartford have tickets to use or give away but Storrs is NOT Hartford.
Agree. It was an amazing shot which as you say is a "ho-hum" to us now. If Blanca had finished that spin move though that would have been my first place instead.
No, she is coming along great. Be patient. She has more moves than last year, is more aggressive and stronger and has a left hand now. She had 9 rebounds. She is a baby jumper and a little more fluidity away from being a huge asset.
wow! those who didn't use their tix must be living on easy street -- and don't care a fig for fans who would love to fill their seats. pretty thoughtless & selfish if they didn't decide to give up their tix. but maybe i'm mssing something -- i'd be happy to hear another side of the story.
Some of those rebounds were "Moses Malone" boards. Missed lays and rebounds from that. Maybe 5 legit. Also rebounds on opponents' missed 2nd shots, in which ideally she would have rebounded the initial shot. "Coming along great". OK. For some reason, we have short memories here. UCLA was her coming out party. SC not bad as well. I want to build on that.