New steps

[FanFromMaine]

Geno commented yesterday that, while going to the Final Four is old hat for him, it’s not for Blanca, Kaleigh and Serah. I would like to add that it’s also new in different ways for a number of other players.

Azzi is out from under Paige’s shadow so this is her first leadership year. KK and Ashlynn start this year for first time in the biggest games.

The physicality we saw in the last two games also changed the team’s dynamics. As someone said, it was like watching old WNBA play. To my mind there were a lot of “butt” screens which turned into holds.

And finally new rims which to me didn’t affect shooting so much but resulted in some crazy caroms.

What remains constant though is that Geno et al can make adjustments on the fly. They continue to help their players through these next steps.

 

[ojaidave]

... KK and Ashlynn start this year for first time in the biggest games.

I am not sure this is true. I think they both started the FF game against Iowa in 2024.

 

[Centerstream]

I am not sure this is true. I think they both started the FF game against Iowa in 2024.

That's correct. They were starters in that post season.

 

[Old Man UConn]

Going to need more scoring out of Shade and KK to be in better shape as we head thru final 4. People will copy what ND did in not playing Williams or KK offensively, so Shade has to find her shot and Azzi needs to be more assertive and less tentative.
They looked tight due to their impact of the game.

 

[jaundicedeye]

Geno commented yesterday that, while going to the Final Four is old hat for him, it’s not for Blanca, Kaleigh and Serah. I would like to add that it’s also new in different ways for a number of other players.

Azzi is out from under Paige’s shadow so this is her first leadership year. KK and Ashlynn start this year for first time in the biggest games.

The physicality we saw in the last two games also changed the team’s dynamics. As someone said, it was like watching old WNBA play. To my mind there were a lot of “butt” screens which turned into holds.

And finally new rims which to me didn’t affect shooting so much but resulted in some crazy caroms.

What remains constant though is that Geno et al can make adjustments on the fly. They continue to help their players through these next steps.

Talking about butt screens, I can't remember when the last time a moving screen was called. Out front for all to see, the screener has their legs twice as wide as their shoulders and they are moving into the defensive player with their elbows out just as a pulling guard would do in football. There is no pretense of being set.

 

[BBallF]

I am not sure this is true. I think they both started the FF game against Iowa in 2024.

They did as freshmen. They are really veterans at this.

 

[WiseWillie]

Talking about butt screens, I can't remember when the last time a moving screen was called. Out front for all to see, the screener has their legs twice as wide as their shoulders and they are moving into the defensive player with their elbows out just as a pulling guard would do in football. There is no pretense of being set.

It isn't getting better in the tournament and if anything in the NC and ND games it was worse. (Compare the screen "blocks" by ND to that infamous and absolutely ridiculous call in the Final Four against Iowa in the last seconds of the game when Aaliyah ever so slightly stuck out her butt and it was called.) Something needs to be said to the officials as succinctly and directly as possible because the moving screens (ie a block) are b-ball illegal, unnecessary and that type of "uncalled" physicality is both obvious and dangerous.

 

[Next 12]

The fact that being here in the Final Four is old hat for Geno is perfect, as who would anyone NOT want Geno here. His experiences in these games are invaluable for the players as Geno will show them what they need to do to win. AS THE SAYING GOES " YOU CAN'T TEACH EXPERIENCE, YOU HAVE TO LIVE IT ". Geno has lived it and he and the team are ready to live it. GO HUSKIES!!!!!

 

[packwrap]

They did as freshmen. They are really veterans at this.

KK&Ash both started 33 games as freshmen. They will be ready to go vs South Carolina.

 

[EricSD]

Going to need more scoring out of Shade and KK to be in better shape as we head thru final 4. People will copy what ND did in not playing Williams or KK offensively, so Shade has to find her shot and Azzi needs to be more assertive and less tentative.
They looked tight due to their impact of the game.

I think teams will also continue with the extreme fouling to try to slow us down. Maybe the entire coaching staff needs to get 1 tech each to get the refs to get their heads out of their asses.

 

[Urshurak]

UConn needs tought tough defense against SC, especially against Tessa. She absolutely lit it up from 3. If we aren't muzzling her from the start, gonna be a long day...... KK and Ash are great at doing this though. I'm sure thats the plan. If they can find their shot, that would be gravy. I'm more concerned with Azzi, Sarah and Blanca to click. No worries then.

BTW, I watched the Texas game last night also. They absolutely shellaced Michigan. It wasn't even close.........one game at a time though. I anticipate UCLA going home early. We shall see.....

 

[JoePgh]

Talking about butt screens, I can't remember when the last time a moving screen was called. Out front for all to see, the screener has their legs twice as wide as their shoulders and they are moving into the defensive player with their elbows out just as a pulling guard would do in football. There is no pretense of being set.

Moving screens have been called several times in recent games. I remember one such call against Notre Dame in Sunday's game. The screener is allowed to hold her elbows in front, as long as no part of her body is moving into the path of the ball handler. I agree that the "legs wider than shoulders" is usually not called, and I'm not really sure it should be called. Certainly if it has not been called all year, refs should not start calling it in the tournament.

 

[ABCDFE]

I think teams will also continue with the extreme fouling to try to slow us down. Maybe the entire coaching staff needs to get 1 tech each to get the refs to get their heads out of their asses.

Yep. That and initiating contact with excessive driving and flopping from the opposing team. Teams know refs can’t call every single hold and grab on offensive sets by UCoNN. This was the same tactic that the Patriots used against the high flying offense of Rams in 2001