Midseason thoughts and observations

[victor64]

We are about halfway through the season. Things I am thinking about as we enjoy a great team.

1. Azzi, Sarah and KK could be named on the Big East first team defensive team. One of these three should be the defensive player of the year but I could not pick. Williams and Ash will make second or third team if there is such a thing. Maybe even K9.
2. A decision has to made soon about whether Morgan plays this year or not. Geno has said that he does not plan to redshirt her. But now, this late in the year, is it worth it? The staff will probably leave it up to her.
3. I have more than 100 posts explaining why Gandy is not playing. Reliable, informed posters have indicated that she can’t redshirt. I understand nearly 100% of how this staff runs their program. If Gandy can’t redshirt, the decision to not play her a couple of minutes in blowouts baffles me. i read posts defending the move but I respectfully don’t see it.
4. Geno, in recent years, has not pressed against good teams during the NCAA. He makes the other team beat him in the half court. I wonder if he changes his philosophy this year.
5. Geno’s rotation shrinks during the tournament. Typically he goes to 7. Allie is number 8. She has played really well but will it earn her quality minutes in the tournament? I would guess it depends on the matchup.
6. I think Geno has a small lineup that he likes. I think he would like to have a “big” lineup. He has experimented with some but I don’t he has settled on one yet.
7. Various teams have tried to zone the Huskies but did not have the success Michigan did. I think zone offense will be a big part of tournament game prep.
8. In both games that I have listened to Renee, she mentioned the pressure of being undefeated heading into the tournament. I don’t see a loss on the remaining schedule. I remember after the Tennessee loss last year, the team played with a freed up sense of urgency. Geno has had multiple undefeated seasons and knows how to handle it, of course, but I thought Renee’s comment was interesting.
9. Chris Dailey’s off court value has been documented. I love watching her dynamics on the bench during the games. Geno rarely sits on the bench anymore to talk to players about mistakes. The subbed player always sits next to CD and she takes care of it. I know this has been the case for years. Geno and CD tease each other but the respect and trust he has for her is obvious.
10. When was the last time Geno got a technical? Maybe he has mellowed because the quality of the officiating has certainly not gotten better.

Like many, I enjoy every second I get to watch this team play. Even when they struggle.

 

[Bigboote]

Best substantive post (this side of TonyC) for a long time.

2) I absolutely agree -- if Morgan isn't ready for a couple of minutes now, I can't see her being ready to contribute a lot in a month or two.

5) I don't pretend that I have any insight into Geno's head. But from the eye test, I think Allie will be part of a 9-player rotation. Blanca and Kayleigh are givens, every game. I think that, when healthy, Jana will appear in almost all the tourney games. Serah doesn't tend to play much more than 20 minutes. Allie has been playing about the same minutes as Shade, KK, and Heckel. Like just about any other player, she sometimes doesn't have her A game, but most games she does. If UConn doesn't go 9 deep, it'll be either they're going big and Jana plays or they're going small and Allie plays.

6) We've seen flashes of Serah and Jana on the court together. I think big could be the two of them plus Sarah or one of them plus Sarah and Blanca, both of whom can play bigger than their height.

9) Well said. There's not a player who's come through UConn who hasn't sung her praises.

 

[oldude]

While Serah is doing a solid job and will likely get better by tournament time, and UConn can always go small for a change up, there are 3 important reasons why getting Jana back healthy and part of the rotation is critical: Oldacre, Okot & Betts.

There is not another Big in the country that I am particularly worried about, including Crooks or Beers. But I think it’s necessary to matchup with the Bigs from TX, SC & UCLA with someone every bit as physical as they are.

 

[FanSince17]

While Serah is doing a solid job and will likely get better by tournament time, and UConn can always go small for a change up, there are 3 important reasons why getting Jana back healthy and part of the rotation is critical: Oldacre, Okot & Betts.

There is not another Big in the country that I am particularly worried about, including Crooks or Beers. But I think it’s necessary to matchup with the Bigs from TX, SC & UCLA with someone every bit as physical as they are.

We need a big body on the block. rebounding, screening, making layups, let Sarah play centerfield, not manned up on the bigs you mentioned.
Remember these names: Luc Longley, Bill Cartwright, Bill Wennington- Bulls Dynasty. It's all we need!

 

[Huskee11]

Very interesting post, covers a lot of ground. Some quick reactions, corresponding number referenced:

1. You mention six players deserving of post season recognition, and I agree that they are deserving. But a seventh not mentioned, Blanca, may actually be the most disruptive and intimidating presence on defense. This is not to disagree with your point, but rather to emphasize just how deep and talented UConn is on the defensive end. I am looking forward to seeing how Geno matches up with Notre Dame, would love to see what a Blanca versus Hidalgo matchup might look like. They run a lot of high picks for Hidalgo, so Blanca may end up on her in that instance also.

2. I predict Morgan will redshirt - not enough runway left to ramp up, and while at full strength she would help, not like there is a dire need at the wing position.

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

4 and 5. Geno hasn't really had the numbers to press for long stretches in recent years. And even in the Stewie era, as you note he would rarely play more than seven in the Final Four. My prediction is that he will play in the tournament like he is playing now and will go at least nine deep. That defensive pressure is the calling card of this team, they are really good at it, and it would be a gift to the opposition to go soft on it. But it does require playing the bench more than he typically does at that stage.

6. The "small" lineup was capable of winning the game against South Carolina in the Finals and, notwithstanding Okot, should be able to handle South Carolina this year should that matchup occur. (Remember South Carolina had Kitts.) A bigger lineup will be needed for stretches against UCLA and/or Texas - hopefully not both - but a "smaller" lineup against those teams could also work very well. Who is Oldacre going to cover if we go "small"? Make them adjust to you.

7. I am surprised that more teams have not tried a zone against UConn.

9 and 10. CD also does a good job of dragging Geno off the court and from the brink when he is about to lose it. But, to your point, it is easier to take a bad call when you are up 40 than when you are down two! And for the most part, this has been the season of 40 point leads.

 

[Jim R]

Very interesting post, covers a lot of ground. Some quick reactions, corresponding number referenced:

1. You mention six players deserving of post season recognition, and I agree that they are deserving. But a seventh not mentioned, Blanca, may actually be the most disruptive and intimidating presence on defense. This is not to disagree with your point, but rather to emphasize just how deep and talented UConn is on the defensive end. I am looking forward to seeing how Geno matches up with Notre Dame, would love to see what a Blanca versus Hidalgo matchup might look like. They run a lot of high picks for Hidalgo, so Blanca may end up on her in that instance also.

2. I predict Morgan will redshirt - not enough runway left to ramp up, and while at full strength she would help, not like there is a dire need at the wing position.

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

4 and 5. Geno hasn't really had the numbers to press for long stretches in recent years. And even in the Stewie era, as you note he would rarely play more than seven in the Final Four. My prediction is that he will play in the tournament like he is playing now and will go at least nine deep. That defensive pressure is the calling card of this team, they are really good at it, and it would be a gift to the opposition to go soft on it. But it does require playing the bench more than he typically does at that stage.

6. The "small" lineup was capable of winning the game against South Carolina in the Finals and, notwithstanding Okot, should be able to handle South Carolina this year should that matchup occur. (Remember South Carolina had Kitts.) A bigger lineup will be needed for stretches against UCLA and/or Texas - hopefully not both - but a "smaller" lineup against those teams could also work very well. Who is Oldacre going to cover if we go "small"? Make them adjust to you.

7. I am surprised that more teams have not tried a zone against UConn.

9 and 10. CD also does a good job of dragging Geno off the court and from the brink when he is about to lose it. But, to your point, it is easier to take a bad call when you are up 40 than when you are down two! And for the most part, this has been the season of 40 point leads.

Thought about a separate thread for Blanca, but, since you mentioned it….think she’s certainly the sixth man of the year in the Big East, if not nationally. Mentioned this during last games chat….is there a “big” or front court player you’ve seen in WCBB with a handle better than hers? How about finishing around the basket? How about the use of her left hand? Know its early, but, I think Geno knows exactly what’s he has with a her - an All American in the making. For my money, she’s not quite there yet (a Freshman, really? Oh, wait a minute, she was playing Pro ball in Italy), but, I wouldn’t put her too far behind Madison Booker with her skill set already. I remember Geno’s words about Ash in her Freshman season, and her presence on the court. He simply said, “I TRUST her”….believe he’s almost at that point with Blanca!

 

[bballnut90]

We are about halfway through the season. Things I am thinking about as we enjoy a great team.

1. Azzi, Sarah and KK could be named on the Big East first team defensive team. One of these three should be the defensive player of the year but I could not pick. Williams and Ash will make second or third team if there is such a thing. Maybe even K9.
2. A decision has to made soon about whether Morgan plays this year or not. Geno has said that he does not plan to redshirt her. But now, this late in the year, is it worth it? The staff will probably leave it up to her.
3. I have more than 100 posts explaining why Gandy is not playing. Reliable, informed posters have indicated that she can’t redshirt. I understand nearly 100% of how this staff runs their program. If Gandy can’t redshirt, the decision to not play her a couple of minutes in blowouts baffles me. i read posts defending the move but I respectfully don’t see it.
4. Geno, in recent years, has not pressed against good teams during the NCAA. He makes the other team beat him in the half court. I wonder if he changes his philosophy this year.
5. Geno’s rotation shrinks during the tournament. Typically he goes to 7. Allie is number 8. She has played really well but will it earn her quality minutes in the tournament? I would guess it depends on the matchup.
6. I think Geno has a small lineup that he likes. I think he would like to have a “big” lineup. He has experimented with some but I don’t he has settled on one yet.
7. Various teams have tried to zone the Huskies but did not have the success Michigan did. I think zone offense will be a big part of tournament game prep.
8. In both games that I have listened to Renee, she mentioned the pressure of being undefeated heading into the tournament. I don’t see a loss on the remaining schedule. I remember after the Tennessee loss last year, the team played with a freed up sense of urgency. Geno has had multiple undefeated seasons and knows how to handle it, of course, but I thought Renee’s comment was interesting.
9. Chris Dailey’s off court value has been documented. I love watching her dynamics on the bench during the games. Geno rarely sits on the bench anymore to talk to players about mistakes. The subbed player always sits next to CD and she takes care of it. I know this has been the case for years. Geno and CD tease each other but the respect and trust he has for her is obvious.
10. When was the last time Geno got a technical? Maybe he has mellowed because the quality of the officiating has certainly not gotten better.

Like many, I enjoy every second I get to watch this team play. Even when they struggle.

Thoughts from a non-UCONN fan:
1. I'd probably go with Strong or Arnold for DPOY. Fudd has become an elite defender too though. I guess I can't pick either.

2. If he wants 4 years out of Cheli I think he'd be smart to redshirt her. UCONN has the deepest roster it's had in a long time, I don't think Cheli would crack the rotation or bring a lot of value to this year's team. If I'm her, I'd rather bank this year and play 3 full seasons where playing time should be more abundant.

5. Realistically there'll be 3, 4 games max where UCONN is challenged in the tournament. I think Ziebell probably gets 5-10 minutes per game in the 'higher risk' games unless Shade is struggling. We've seen that so far this year with less minutes against Louisville, Michigan, USC and Iowa even though several of those games were blowouts. He did the same for Gabby Williams when she was a freshman and usually like to ride his starters in bigger games.

8. I'll be surprised if UCONN doesn't enter the tournament undefeated. In terms of pressure, Sarah Strong doesn't strike me as someone who would get rattled by the pressure, neither does Fudd with how well she's played this year. That said, UCONN isn't going to be nearly as battle tested as other #1 seeds though. If UCONN has an off shooting night and squads like Texas, LSU or South Carolina smell blood in the water, an upset could happen.

 

[Vowelguy]

I think Allies tournament usage will be as a 3point specialist. If there’s a zone or Azzi needs a break, then we will see AZ.

Similarly Jana will be for physical post play. If the opponent is guard oriented, I wouldn’t expect to see a lot of Jana.

 

[Cornell Lt]

I'll be very interested in Morgan's situation moving forward and the decision to play her or redshirt. If she is healthy and can contribute 8-10 minutes per game then it might be worth burning a year of eligibility. Only her, her advisors (parents) and the coaching staff know the answer to how it will play out. As much as I'd like to see her on the court, I don't think her availability (one way or the other) will have much of an impact on the success of the current team. From a selfish perspective I'd like to see her play this year.

 

[Bone Dog]

Perimeter shooting is the most direct way to defeat a zone. But it’s not the only way (or is it?). Sarah has already disrupted zones with her drives and interior passing. Blanca has also driven through them. Of course, not everyone can do this. The perimeter threat combined with their size and strength is how these two do it. If it’s just guards on the edge of a zone, these two just shoot over them. If a big comes out to the edge of the zone, they drive and pass or go to the rim. So, I guess I have to take it back: perimeter shooting is at the heart of how you break a zone.

 

[huskeynut]

You are forgetting the other weak point of a zone - the foul line area.

With UConn's motion you can have Azzi, Sarah, KK, Sade, K9, Blanca flash through the middle for a jumper.

 

[Gael]

3. The Gandy situation is mystifying. I wish someone in the media would ask him specifically about the questions you are asking.

Indeed. The issue is so blindingly obvious that the failure to inquire borders on journalistic malpractice. Lobbing the same softballs game after game, year after year, is not journalism or even interesting.

 

[victor64]

Some additional comments:

1. I thought about Blanca on the defensive team. A case could also be made for K9. I just figured no way would 6 or 7 make the team.
2. Jana held her own against Betts in the semis. There is never a good time for a concussion but prior to the injury she had put back to back good games. Hopefully the trend continues when she returns.
3. In what little zone they have seen since Michigan, Sarah seemed to hang out at the high post. It seems like a simple solution because she can do, well, everything.
4. I live in Ohio and follow OSU football closely. Ryan Day gets the same softball questions as Geno. I think there is a trade-off (that the media would deny) that the school will provide access to the coach and players but difficult topics (or any second guessing) will result in lack of access. I think Geno's interviews are interesting but any details are clearly revealed on his terms.

 

[Bone Dog]

You are forgetting the other weak point of a zone - the foul line area.

With UConn's motion you can have Azzi, Sarah, KK, Sade, K9, Blanca flash through the middle for a jumper.

Sade is indeed a 'smooth operator.'

 

[victor64]

Sade is indeed a 'smooth operator.'

This is why I try to read all your posts. Well done.

 

[Cuango]

You mentioned Rene’s comments about the pressure of being undefeated. Geno has described that season as one of his most pressure filled due not only to being undefeated but also because of his desperate desire that Rene should go out with a title. I remember after that final, him describing the intense pressure he put on himself to win the championship for her! I don’t know if that affected the players but he felt it for sure.

 

[Duncan Idaho]

Undefeated and nitpicking but would like to see the team a little more efficient around the basket, and little more from Williams with a less right-side dominant mentality. Her field goal % is better now than at Wisky. I think Azzi seems to shoot better when she just catches and shoots rather than catch, set and shoot which is just amazzing to me. Sarah and Ash just the opposite. TOs are creeping up.

 

[victor64]

Undefeated and nitpicking but would like to see the team a little more efficient around the basket, and little more from Williams with a less right-side dominant mentality. Her field goal % is better now than at Wisky. I think Azzi seems to shoot better when she just catches and shoots rather than catch, set and shoot which is just amazzing to me. Sarah and Ash just the opposite. TOs are creeping up.

No doubt the team is flawed but so are the other chasers. Texas sat Rori Harmon the whole fourth quarter yesterday.