Loyola Postgame Thread

[BBallF]

Do fans of other teams have as many complaints when their teams win by 54 points, I wonder

Haha. So true. It is an almost an addiction here. I thought we would be better this year after winning #12. Not even close.

 

[BBallF]

That's what I said. UConn has a huge upside. We can be more realistic and objective about what we're seeing and still enjoy the journey.

That's right it is a journey, both individually and as a team. You are talking about a future AA in Blanca I am sure so I am willing to give her at least a few more games. Jeez.

 

[Longtime fan]

To me UCONN played a fairly disjointed game, playing down to the level of the competition. I'm certainly not criticizing effort, but, aside from what has been noted already about the offense needing some work (to some extent a reflection of all the different combinations Geno was throwing out there), I thought that the defensive rebounding should have been more dominant and there were times when 3 point shooters were just left alone without effective coverage or closeouts.
But...
If Ohio State looks at a video of this game and thinks they spot vulnerability in UCONN, I think they'll be in for a rather rude awakening (I hope I'm right).
A few observations:
Kayleigh took a beating tonight - I hope she's ok.
Allie looks great out there on both sides of the ball (I love her use of her left hand when attacking the basket).
I thought Ash was great tonight: flying around with aggression and purpose and unleashing more of her offensive arsenal.
Though I loved seeing so many players getting time tonight, I hope that Ice hasn't gotten lost in the shuffle. There will be games when she'll be really needed.
I can't wait to see how they handle the press on Sunday and to see UCONN REALLY unleash their own full court press!

I wondered the same thing about ICE. Did I miss an announcement that she was ill or, for some other reason, would not be playing? She has been as good as anyone up until now. I mean, I was aware of no on court reason why Geno would sit her. I didn't see her on bench. But I didn't really look hard.

 

[Longtime fan]

I was impressed!

Slow down, just a bit, please. Blanca does not look close to starting for UCONN, much less moving to the pro level of the game. It is fun to watch her develop, and she may be ( as advertised ) a special talent. But she is an out of control player at the moment. Let's not cal her a bigger, faster Maya Moore just yet.

 

[BBallF]

She's just interesting to watch when she's out there. It's a little bit uncanny. She seems to decide that she wants to do something with the ball...and then it just happens, with scary speed and surprising coordination in someone who's 6'2" and not at all dainty.

That (the speed part especially) can't be taught, and it's probably a big part of why Geno is keen on getting her plenty of time to get acclimated.

The bit that can be taught and has to be taught before she fully reaches her potential: the actual decision-making. She doesn't always make the right choice with her drives, passes, etc. I'm confident that she'll pick this up eventually. Then the real fun begins.

Yes I agree. There was one play last night where she drove and had nowhere to finish so she just shot a great form fall away jumper that just rimmed out. That takes a lot of strength. I think she was just used to going all the way in all the time so there will be an adjustment. She is a smart passer already however and a team player. She is very talented, strong and coordinated with great length and that length helps her defend on the dribble tightly. She has every shot and I believe she is going to have her name up on the wall someday and play in the W. I know she was called the "X" factor by oldude before the season began but I never thought she would be this talented and this athletic. Again, we all have to just wait and watch as fans.

 

[Longtime fan]

Do fans of other teams have as many complaints when their teams win by 54 points, I wonder

Nan, do you know any reason why Ice Brady did not play? was she ill or injured?

 

[HuskyNan]

Nan, do you know any reason why Ice Brady did not play? was she ill or injured?

Geno said she has some inflammation in her knee but didn’t seem worried about it

 

[DEpup]

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.

I completely agree that she can have whatever thoughts about Geno and UConn she wants. She's an individual just like all of us. I was just commenting on the entertainment I got from watching it play out on TV. Its the same laugh I get when Geno and Muffet talk about each other. I find it funny when you sense someone being very deliberate with their word choices.

 

[Bedford fan]

She's just interesting to watch when she's out there. It's a little bit uncanny. She seems to decide that she wants to do something with the ball...and then it just happens, with scary speed and surprising coordination in someone who's 6'2" and not at all dainty.

That (the speed part especially) can't be taught, and it's probably a big part of why Geno is keen on getting her plenty of time to get acclimated.

The bit that can be taught and has to be taught before she fully reaches her potential: the actual decision-making. She doesn't always make the right choice with her drives, passes, etc. I'm confident that she'll pick this up eventually. Then the real fun begins.

She is taller than Sarah, no way she's 6'2. She could play in the paint if they needed her. And she is all fast twitch. She is going to be really special, an AA before she leaves

 

[hoophuskee]

Did Blanca even play tonight? Unless I missed something, I didn't even see her on the court.

I see she played 14 minutes, but I kept flipping channels because of the blowout. It must have been the 14 that I missed.

Sorry you missed her.

She came into game in 1st qtr. and very quickly she contributed.

One play she caught a pass in the backcourt went near coast-to-coast all-the-while two defenders tried to squeeze her at halfcourt. She drove between them and when she got close to the basket made a beauty bounce pass to Sarah but she blew the layup.

A short while later she made a very good steal by denying the low post pass, stole the ball, rushed up the court and made a beauty shovel pass to Sarah for a layup.

A short time later the opposing team had their forward dribble just past the halfcourt line. Blanca had her stop dribbling/made her pick up the ball then knocked the ball away from her for a steal/layup.

Late in the 1st half with about 5 seconds left she caught a pass from the right side of the floor, she was close to baseline than center of the court, she threw an opposite floor pass from right-to left to hit Allie who was on the left side of the floor in which Allie hit a 3 at the buzzer.

In the 2nd half it looked like she planned the move by dibbling on right side of the lane from the outside, she made a spin move in the lane and tossed up a short left shot in which she missed. You could hear the crowd gasping and the move was not out of control.

In the 2nd half she drilled her only 3. Unlike the exhibition game in which several 3's "bricked," the shot she took looked so soft the moment it left her hand. That shot looks easily repeatable.

Just off-topic -- your post is very odd. If you don't like blowouts then why bother to turn on the game? Did you really expect a close game? If it was a close game, would you have kept it on? If by some miracle it was close, it would have been an absolute horror of a game to watch, wouldn't it?

 

[Gael]

Does everyone here realize what a weapon Blanca is?

She is very talented, strong and coordinated with great length and that length helps her defend on the dribble tightly.

A short while later she made a very good steal by denying the low post pass, stole the ball, rushed up the court and made a beauty shovel pass to Sarah for a layup.

Blanca Q(uick):

 

[donalddoowop]

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.

Allie has made the sophomore jump that we hope for for so many players. She looks more confident and is definitely is playing better defense than last year.

I remembered Heckel at USC so I suspected that she would be an impact player. She definitely has met that expectation. I expect her to continue to get better every game. She's got incredible skills and just needs her decision-making to adjust to the context of the UConn mindset/scheme.

Shade may well be my favorite player on the team. She is incredibly focused and intense every minute she's on the court. I can see why Geno has said that he feels "more comfortable" when she's out there. She consistently seems to position herself to get rebounds, plays very tough defense and is a good facilitator looking to get other players the ball in a position to score. That said, she needs to find her three-point shot again. Last year she was the best player from deep after Azzi, if I recall correctly. Right now she doesn't seem that confident in her shot. It may be because last year's performance has left her toward the top of the opponent scout and they are not leaving her as much time to shoot. To compensate, she, smartly, is driving by more aggressive defenders and taking the ball to the basket. If I had a nit to pick, it would be that even when she has a lane she seems to look to dish off those drives.

Ashlynn is an excellent player who would start for the vast majority D1 teams, but there are two players on the bench behind her who are making a great case for playing time. If she wants to stay on the floor longer, she needs to find her offense again. Of course that's based upon a very small sample size.

If Kelis was 6’2” she and Blanca might be twins. Overall sloppy play on offense. My fave Jana got me thinking of switching Fave’s after missing her 3rd layup.

I have seen Betts, Beers and other top-rated players miss as many or more than three layups in a game and they are upper classmen. They also bring the ball down when they catch it, something Boneyarders constantly complain about Jana.

 

[BobbyJ]

She is taller than Sarah, no way she's 6'2. She could play in the paint if they needed her. And she is all fast twitch. She is going to be really special, an AA before she leaves

You're right, she's about 6-3 and the same height as Brady. Extremely athletic and her game right now is built on instincts. With so much access to pro games on tv in the US she can pick up some offensive moves and shots just by observing and applying. If coaching her I'd give her little goals to stretch her natural ability like challenging her use it to get 10 rebounds a game or something. She's going to be a sponge and I'd like to see her be able to hook up with a shooting/skills trainer for a couple of weeks each offseason like Fudd and Bueckers did because her ceiling is ridiculously high.

 

[donalddoowop]

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.

She has benefitted from practicing with Serah. She blocks shots differently now and last night made moves to the basket with fewer steps. She, barring injury, is going to be a terror on the court before she graduates, imo

 

[BBallF]

Sorry you missed her.

She came into game in 1st qtr. and very quickly she contributed.

One play she caught a pass in the backcourt went near coast-to-coast all-the-while two defenders tried to squeeze her at halfcourt. She drove between them and when she got close to the basket made a beauty bounce pass to Sarah but she blew the layup.

A short while later she made a very good steal by denying the low post pass, stole the ball, rushed up the court and made a beauty shovel pass to Sarah for a layup.

A short time later the opposing team had their forward dribble just past the halfcourt line. Blanca had her stop dribbling/made her pick up the ball then knocked the ball away from her for a steal/layup.

Late in the 1st half with about 5 seconds left she caught a pass from the right side of the floor, she was close to baseline than center of the court, she threw an opposite floor pass from right-to left to hit Allie who was on the left side of the floor in which Allie hit a 3 at the buzzer.

In the 2nd half it looked like she planned the move by dibbling on right side of the lane from the outside, she made a spin move in the lane and tossed up a short left shot in which she missed. You could hear the crowd gasping and the move was not out of control.

In the 2nd half she drilled her only 3. Unlike the exhibition game in which several 3's "bricked," the shot she took looked so soft the moment it left her hand. That shot looks easily repeatable.

Just off-topic -- your post is very odd. If you don't like blowouts then why bother to turn on the game? Did you really expect a close game? If it was a close game, would you have kept it on? If by some miracle it was close, it would have been an absolute horror of a game to watch, wouldn't it?

Great summary. The spin move was Paigesque. I was most heartened however with her by the two passes to Sarah and the long perfect pass to Allie. Tells me she is a team player, is conscious of the clock, knows how to set up a player for a score, and is already being unselfish. That was just a glimpse of the future. Pretty, pretty, exciting.

 

[DEpup]

Not always pretty and not a 75 point win but I came away thinking that was basically a public practice where the coaches clearly wanted to work on certain things to build towards March..

I felt there was a concerted effort to get Serah going and acclimated. I thought progress was made. I have a suspicion that Geno had words with Sarah at one point on how S and S executed specific plays. Strong and Azzi have a great connection and I think the two Sa/erahs need to develop too.

I also think there was a clear intention to get Blanca out there and building after being out with injury. I also think the coaches discussed shot selection with her and she made better choices. I saw positive movement there too since she is a key towards #13. I think positions 6-10 are going to decide #13 more than 1-5 this year. IMO.

I also think they've made a decision to play up tempo and it keeps getting better and better. I'll take a 50+ win over a 75+ win in November if it helps build pieces towards March. March is when we want the perfect games.

 

[BBallF]

She has benefitted from practicing with Serah. She blocks shots differently now and last night made moves to the basket with fewer steps. She, barring injury, is going to be a terror on the court before she graduates, imo

I totally agree. She is much more aggressive this year and ready to have a 20 point game this year. Just needs a baby jumper to complete the array and a little more quickness and fluidity.

 

[BBallF]

She is taller than Sarah, no way she's 6'2. She could play in the paint if they needed her. And she is all fast twitch. She is going to be really special, an AA before she leaves

Agree. Said it above about her name getting on the wall in the future. I was thinking the same thing about her height. When she stood next to Sarah she looked an inch taller. .

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Went back to watch a rerun and there was something that had snuck by me for all 3 games. Our Huskies are BIG and darn FAST. I know, how could I have missed big and fast. Now what goes with those 2 is sometimes we are too fast, but I expect that to be no big thing as the team wears itself in as the season advances.

 

[DemonDeac22]

It was great to see Blanca in the game last night and surprising that she was in the early part of substitutions. Lots of talent and her size and quickness is a scary combination. She’ll keep growing every week, learning as she goes, so 2026 will be exciting for us fans. And did anyone see that offensive spin move? My oh my…

 

[hoophuskee]

So there are a lot of knowledgable and perceptive posts above so I am only going to say one thing. Does everyone here realize what a weapon Blanca is? What I saw last night were a couple of moves that were W level and we have her for 4 years?

I'm surprised some fans found the game boring. or quite a few others complained/agreed with the complaints. And as far as Blanca, she handles the ball like a guard ,she has court vision like a guard, she passes like a guard, she penetrates in the lane like a guard, she appears to be a decent free throw shot like a guard, has the speed like a guard, with strength more like a power forward, while seems like being taller than Sarah, and yet wider built than Serah as though she is a small center, --- yeah but watching that type of player is really boring. Who wants to watch a young player from early on grow? LOL.

And I agree with you as well with Jana. My perception I think is in-line with yours. Jana looks much stronger than last year.

 

[1974yankees]

Sorry you missed her.

She came into game in 1st qtr. and very quickly she contributed.

One play she caught a pass in the backcourt went near coast-to-coast all-the-while two defenders tried to squeeze her at halfcourt. She drove between them and when she got close to the basket made a beauty bounce pass to Sarah but she blew the layup.

A short while later she made a very good steal by denying the low post pass, stole the ball, rushed up the court and made a beauty shovel pass to Sarah for a layup.

A short time later the opposing team had their forward dribble just past the halfcourt line. Blanca had her stop dribbling/made her pick up the ball then knocked the ball away from her for a steal/layup.

Late in the 1st half with about 5 seconds left she caught a pass from the right side of the floor, she was close to baseline than center of the court, she threw an opposite floor pass from right-to left to hit Allie who was on the left side of the floor in which Allie hit a 3 at the buzzer.

In the 2nd half it looked like she planned the move by dibbling on right side of the lane from the outside, she made a spin move in the lane and tossed up a short left shot in which she missed. You could hear the crowd gasping and the move was not out of control.

In the 2nd half she drilled her only 3. Unlike the exhibition game in which several 3's "bricked," the shot she took looked so soft the moment it left her hand. That shot looks easily repeatable.

Just off-topic -- your post is very odd. If you don't like blowouts then why bother to turn on the game? Did you really expect a close game? If it was a close game, would you have kept it on? If by some miracle it was close, it would have been an absolute horror of a game to watch, wouldn't it?

I love it when people misinterpret posts on social sites....Never did I say that I don't like blowouts. In fact I enjoy watching Uconn blowout teams.....

I said I missed Blanca and her 14 minutes of playing time because I was flipping channels since it was a blowout. (I had to check something else out)

I also missed most of the first quarter because I didn't get home until 8pm..

But I am glad she played well.

For the record I probably watched about 25 minutes of the 40 minute game.. Unfortunately, those were probably the minutes that Blanca wasn't in the game.

 

[mainerhuski]

I'm curious, do you consider this a good stat?
For layups, anything under 35 of 40 is sad, IMO.

Depends on how many of those misses led to foul shots.

 

[hoophuskee]

I love it when people misinterpret posts on social sites....Never did I say that I don't like blowouts. In fact I enjoy watching Uconn blowout teams.....

I said I missed Blanca and her 14 minutes of playing time because I was flipping channels since it was a blowout. (I had to check something else out)

I also missed most of the first quarter because I didn't get home until 8pm..

But I am glad she played well.

For the record I probably watched about 25 minutes of the 40 minute game.. Unfortunately, those were probably the minutes that Blanca wasn't in the game.

Not for nothing but you did say -- "I see she played 14 minutes, but I kept flipping channels because of the blowout." You made it sound like you didn't like blowouts. Anyhow that was a very small part of my post - but most of the other part regarding Blanca and the 14 minutes you missed - it sounds at least for now pretty exciting, doesn't it? Damn, she looks good!

 

[1974yankees]

Not for nothing but you did say -- "I see she played 14 minutes, but I kept flipping channels because of the blowout." You made it sound like you didn't like blowouts. Anyhow that was a very small part of my post - but most of the other part regarding Blanca and the 14 minutes you missed - it sounds at least for now pretty exciting, doesn't it? Damn, she looks good!

I liked the rest of your post because it filled me in on how Blanca did... I have yet to see her play .... She is all I have been hearing about for 6 months....

I do like Uconn blowouts lol. But I figured I wasn't going to miss much (especially against this opponent) if I finished a movie I was watching for a few minutes.

What really happened.. I missed most of the first quarter so as I am watching the game Uconn is blowing this team out.. So I figured she was still hurt. Thats the only reason I flipped the channel.