Observations on tonight's game

[bballnut90]

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

1. Jefferson and Nurse make up on heck of a backcourt. Both are standouts defensively and are dynamic threats in that they can beat you off the dribble and hit from the perimeter. I don't think they're at the level of Bird/Taurasi, but I think Bird/Taurasi would have a hard time keeping up with these two. These were the two best players on the court tonight IMO.

2. Stewart was great tonight. For some reason I notice the shots she misses more than the ones she hits. I don't think of her being as efficient as a player like Jefferson or even Tuck, but she always puts up monster stat lines and makes a huge impact defensively with her length and shot blocking.

3. I'm not sure how Natalie Butler figures into this lineup when she gets healthy if Williams continues to play like she did tonight. Williams is an incredible leaper and has a great nose for rebounds. She also runs the floor well and looked much more in sync offensively. I haven't seen Butler play, but from what I gather people are hoping she'll be a Dolson 2.0. When you have a backcourt of Williams, Jefferson and Nurse along with Stewart/Tuck in the front court who can get up the court in a hurry, I don't see a real place or need for Butler. Similar to Stokes in many regards last year, where Kiah filled her role well but realistically UCONN still rolls to a title without her playing.

4. KLS did not look like the #1 recruit in the country. She could very well wind up being another KML, but she didn't show it tonight. Collier looked very good in the minutes she played. Seems to be a good team player who fills her role well and can step up but ultimately is comfortable wherever she needs to be put.

5. Tuck looked like the Tuck of last year but with a better perimeter shot.

6. UCONN as a team just overwhelms opponents and teams mentally self destruct. Once they start to struggle, teams for whatever reason just cannot get into any rhythm and seem to struggle to find that spark and extra energy to make big plays or show all out hustle. The players are so visibly deflated and don't think they have a shot to win the game, and that shows in their play. That was the case tonight after UCONN stormed ahead 24-15 and never looked back. Watching them play SC, there was a lot more intensity and passion in their play which led to a better performance. Against UCONN, it's difficult to play with that intensity and passion since UCONN gets defenses so flustered and frustrated.

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

 

[msf22b]

Great Post

Don't worry
Geno will make good use of Butler...and DeJanae and Chong and Courtney and...
And KLS will come around.

I think Geno is already thinking about next season
And is starting to play combinations that will take over when the senior class graduates.
He had four plus Mo on the floor in the first half.

 

[uconnfan68]

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

1. Jefferson and Nurse make up on heck of a backcourt. Both are standouts defensively and are dynamic threats in that they can beat you off the dribble and hit from the perimeter. I don't think they're at the level of Bird/Taurasi, but I think Bird/Taurasi would have a hard time keeping up with these two. These were the two best players on the court tonight IMO.

2. Stewart was great tonight. For some reason I notice the shots she misses more than the ones she hits. I don't think of her being as efficient as a player like Jefferson or even Tuck, but she always puts up monster stat lines and makes a huge impact defensively with her length and shot blocking.

3. I'm not sure how Natalie Butler figures into this lineup when she gets healthy if Williams continues to play like she did tonight. Williams is an incredible leaper and has a great nose for rebounds. She also runs the floor well and looked much more in sync offensively. I haven't seen Butler play, but from what I gather people are hoping she'll be a Dolson 2.0. When you have a backcourt of Williams, Jefferson and Nurse along with Stewart/Tuck in the front court who can get up the court in a hurry, I don't see a real place or need for Butler. Similar to Stokes in many regards last year, where Kiah filled her role well but realistically UCONN still rolls to a title without her playing.

4. KLS did not look like the #1 recruit in the country. She could very well wind up being another KML, but she didn't show it tonight. Collier looked very good in the minutes she played. Seems to be a good team player who fills her role well and can step up but ultimately is comfortable wherever she needs to be put.

5. Tuck looked like the Tuck of last year but with a better perimeter shot.

6. UCONN as a team just overwhelms opponents and teams mentally self destruct. Once they start to struggle, teams for whatever reason just cannot get into any rhythm and seem to struggle to find that spark and extra energy to make big plays or show all out hustle. The players are so visibly deflated and don't think they have a shot to win the game, and that shows in their play. That was the case tonight after UCONN stormed ahead 24-15 and never looked back. Watching them play SC, there was a lot more intensity and passion in their play which led to a better performance. Against UCONN, it's difficult to play with that intensity and passion since UCONN gets defenses so flustered and frustrated.

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

Ok, I'll say it... I think we have at least 2 more losses last year without Kiah. She was simply the best shot-blocker, rebounder, and interior defender in the country.

 

[bballnut90]

Ok, I'll say it... I think we have at least 2 more losses last year without Kiah. She was simply the best shot-blocker, rebounder, and interior defender in the country.

What games does UCONN lose? She was, but even without her UConn was still a top 4-5 interior defensive team, and their core starting 5 were all significantly better offensively than Stokes.

 

[UcMiami]

Butler AVERAGED a double double as a freshman so with a year of seasoning at Uconn she should be a good rebounder with the muscle to own the paint and to score efficiently around the basket. For teams like SC that have great size having that kind of offensive and defensive presence will be a big help - against them with Stewart sitting with 4 fouls, it could be a big problem for us without Butler.
Word is Lou had some illness tonight, but thought she and Collier both played well - looking forward to her first 5-6 from three which will come, but they both saw good minutes in this game which should help them. Collier actually reminds me of Tuck.
#6 is very true for most teams, especially those seeing uconn for the first time - it has been something like 20 years since a first time opponent has beaten Uconn. It is one reason why teams like SC want to get us on their schedule - familiarity is the first step to learning how to deal with that pressure. Good move by OSU, they aren't ready yet, but ...

 

[Bigpetunia]

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

1. Jefferson and Nurse make up on heck of a backcourt. Both are standouts defensively and are dynamic threats in that they can beat you off the dribble and hit from the perimeter. I don't think they're at the level of Bird/Taurasi, but I think Bird/Taurasi would have a hard time keeping up with these two. These were the two best players on the court tonight IMO.

2. Stewart was great tonight. For some reason I notice the shots she misses more than the ones she hits. I don't think of her being as efficient as a player like Jefferson or even Tuck, but she always puts up monster stat lines and makes a huge impact defensively with her length and shot blocking.

3. I'm not sure how Natalie Butler figures into this lineup when she gets healthy if Williams continues to play like she did tonight. Williams is an incredible leaper and has a great nose for rebounds. She also runs the floor well and looked much more in sync offensively. I haven't seen Butler play, but from what I gather people are hoping she'll be a Dolson 2.0. When you have a backcourt of Williams, Jefferson and Nurse along with Stewart/Tuck in the front court who can get up the court in a hurry, I don't see a real place or need for Butler. Similar to Stokes in many regards last year, where Kiah filled her role well but realistically UCONN still rolls to a title without her playing.

4. KLS did not look like the #1 recruit in the country. She could very well wind up being another KML, but she didn't show it tonight. Collier looked very good in the minutes she played. Seems to be a good team player who fills her role well and can step up but ultimately is comfortable wherever she needs to be put.

5. Tuck looked like the Tuck of last year but with a better perimeter shot.

6. UCONN as a team just overwhelms opponents and teams mentally self destruct. Once they start to struggle, teams for whatever reason just cannot get into any rhythm and seem to struggle to find that spark and extra energy to make big plays or show all out hustle. The players are so visibly deflated and don't think they have a shot to win the game, and that shows in their play. That was the case tonight after UCONN stormed ahead 24-15 and never looked back. Watching them play SC, there was a lot more intensity and passion in their play which led to a better performance. Against UCONN, it's difficult to play with that intensity and passion since UCONN gets defenses so flustered and frustrated.

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

A couple of observations regarding your analysis:

There exist obvious rationales for how Natalie Butler ultimately figures into this lineup. I have been a consistent advocate for the unique dimension that Gabby W. brings to the game, and felt that she would likely start ahead of an even-healthy Butler. But the dimension that Butler offers is hugely important, probably equally important...just different. I believe that last season's experience solidified in Geno's mind that the traditional and fairly rigid assumptions regarding the importance of classic 1 through 5 floor positions are becoming somewhat outmoded. He loves storming out of the gate with his five best athletes on the floor, playing highly up-tempo, with withering defense. Then, bringing on the presence of a beastly rebounder and shot blocker becomes mightily demoralizing for a now somewhat winded opponent. It is similar to what Kiah brought to the floor last year after she overcame her earlier inconsistency, with devastating effect.

After watching them play over the summer, I felt that Napheesa was a more college-ready player than KLS. Their early showings have justified that thought. But I also felt that Lou's #1 ranking was fully deserved, and she will ultimately demonstrate why. Playing for a team that is so talented that little Freshman pressure is placed upon her, allowing her game and confidence to gradually develop and mature, will pay off in a big way. Future opponents who are thinking that she was overrated and that she will not fulfill her promise are going to be sorely disappointed!

 

[HuskyNan]

What games does UCONN lose? She was, but even without her UConn was still a top 4-5 interior defensive team, and their core starting 5 were all significantly better offensively than Stokes.

Possible at Notre Dame. Kiah had 15 defensive rebounds, 18 overall, and UConn was able to run on the Irish rather than get stuck in a half court slug fest.

She also single-handedly flustered that big girl for Texas in the NCAA Regionals. Kiah made the kid do a double clutch a few times, and caused the Longhorn guards to do a U-Turn in the lane when they saw Kiah guarding the basket. Kiah reduced Texas to jump shooters and it was all over for them at that point.

 

[Husky25]

I don't seek out the UCONN women but I'll watch a game if it's on. From the bits and pieces I saw last night, OSU lost that game as soon as the came out for warm ups. They were intimidated on their own floor. UCONN completely outclassed the #6 team in the country. They were at least a step slower and woefully unprepared. It was painfully obvious during UCONN'S 20-6 run to close out the half.

 

[HoopsFan21]

I don't seek out the UCONN women but I'll watch a game if it's on. From the bits and pieces I saw last night, OSU lost that game as soon as the came out for warm ups. They were intimidated on their own floor. UCONN completely outclassed the #6 team in the country. They were at least a step slower and woefully unprepared. It was painfully obvious during UCONN'S 20-6 run to close out the half.

When UConn went up 33-18 you could see a change in their attitude and effort. A couple of the talking heads made that same observation. That's the moment in my mind where they threw in the towel.

 

[Sonny44]

Yes, that was very obvious. We wear them all down sooner or later.

 

[wire chief]

Ms. Collier already looks like a fine 6th-person insert.
Gabby had her double-double, including the top rebound score of 11, in just 22 minutes. She will drop our jaws this year.
I see no problem with Natalie not starting, filling a Kiah type role this year. She'll then have 2 years as a starter, with projected more offense than Kiah. This squad is downright sacred.

 

[Kibitzer]

Best aftermath quote' Jim Messie, wroting in the Columbus Dispatch:

"Playing UConn is a lot like spending a day with 7 or 8 hungry polar bears."​

I could hardly keep reading.

 

[ochoopsfan]

Best aftermath quote' Jim Messie, wroting in the Columbus Dispatch:

"Playing UConn is a lot like spending a day with 7 or 8 hungry polar bears."​

I could hardly keep reading.

Icebear approves of your post

 

[msf22b]

One tiny unnoticed moment:

When I think of Shea (not knowing her...just observing her appearance on the bench mostly through TV coverage), I think of one of the most intense woman I've ever encountered. Virtually throughout, a most concentrated, concerned, visage.

And yet

Just prior to the start of yesterday's festivities, as the team broke huddle, Shea gave someone (all?) the most maternal smile I've just about ever seen. So striking in contrast to her more usual expressions.

This woman is more complex than I imagined.

 

[ThisJustIn]

Love love love his writing. Bucking for him to get the Mel Greenberg Award....

 

[msf22b]

Best aftermath quote' Jim Messie, wroting in the Columbus Dispatch:

"Playing UConn is a lot like spending a day with 7 or 8 hungry polar bears."​

I could hardly keep reading.

The next line was pretty good too.
"Oh, the Humanity."

 

[Ouremblem]

Butler AVERAGED a double double as a freshman so with a year of seasoning at Uconn she should be a good rebounder with the muscle to own the paint and to score efficiently around the basket. For teams like SC that have great size having that kind of offensive and defensive presence will be a big help - against them with Stewart sitting with 4 fouls, it could be a big problem for us without Butler.
Word is Lou had some illness tonight, but thought she and Collier both played well - looking forward to her first 5-6 from three which will come, but they both saw good minutes in this game which should help them. Collier actually reminds me of Tuck.
#6 is very true for most teams, especially those seeing uconn for the first time - it has been something like 20 years since a first time opponent has beaten Uconn. It is one reason why teams like SC want to get us on their schedule - familiarity is the first step to learning how to deal with that pressure. Good move by OSU, they aren't ready yet, but ...

Lou will be fine. One thing that really did impress me is Gabby got the 2 early fouls and never fouled again. I am so impressed how quickly she adjusts to everything. I think she can be a female James Worthy once she perfects her outside shot. Explosive first step and leaping ability. Butler and Boykin on the way. Ohio state fans are complaining they missed easy lay ups. True, but next time they see us Butler will be inside taking those lay ups away and KLS will be draining 3's. Be scared, opponents. You haven't taken our best shot yet.

 

[rugbymate]

The three guard system of Mo, Kia and Gabby last night was , IMO, one of the most effective displays of offensive/defensive balance I've ever seen. Defensively, they wreaked havoc with OSU's guards and effectively shut down what some thought of as one of the best guard tandems in the country. In addition, our guards created a great deal of easy transition offense through defense by using their incredibly quick hands and understanding of passing lanes. On offense, they simply dictated the tempo of the game. We will see this throughout the year and I can't wait until the SC game.
Having said that, one of the vulnerabilities is that Stewie has to play the 5 spot which leaves her somewhat foul prone. While there will be plenty of playing time for the freshmen in most games, against the the very best teams Natalie will be very important in the 4-5 rotation with Tuck and Stewie. So I have a smidge of concern that until Natalie gets healthy, we have a bit of a cross your fingers situation with Stewie in the 5.
Lucky us... An embarrassment of depth, talent, attitude and flexibility.

 

[geordi]

This was the first game I've watched with four quarters instead of two halves. It seemed to me that going to four quarters is going to benefit us more than most other teams in the country. We seem to be able to keep our starting 5 out there longer - close to the full 10 minutes - then get them some rest between quarters . Then they go straight out again. Imaging some team - any team - playing against our intensity and ability for 40 minutes a game. I know Geno will substitute throughout, but in close games that could be a big advantage.

 

[UcMiami]

This was the first game I've watched with four quarters instead of two halves. It seemed to me that going to four quarters is going to benefit us more than most other teams in the country. We seem to be able to keep our starting 5 out there longer - close to the full 10 minutes - then get them some rest between quarters . Then they go straight out again. Imaging some team - any team - playing against our intensity and ability for 40 minutes a game. I know Geno will substitute throughout, but in close games that could be a big advantage.

Agree - the four quarters actually make the game seem longer, partly because there are fewer breaks within the quarters. An added benefit is coaches want to save their time-outs as they become more valuable with the rule advancing the ball to mid court at the end of the game eliminating additional stoppages during the run of play.

 

[JoePgh]

Geno mentioned in his postgame comments that Lou had been "under the weather" recently, and that could have been a factor in her play. As I said elsewhere, I thought her play was fine except for the 2 missed 3's (and that is not a large sample).

I think it would be fine if Lou spends this year becoming a productive player in every aspect of the game EXCEPT 3-point shooting, and only takes the 3-point shot when it is clearly the right play. I think she could be a very productive player even without making an unusual percentage of her 3's, and when she finally does that, she could become a dominating player.

I agree with those who say Gabby should continue to start even after Natalie returns, and that Natalie can fill the Kiah role off the bench, to provide a breather for Stewie and "Tuck" (can't get used to that naming convention). Against teams like South Carolina, Natalie may get more minutes (30 instead of 20), but she still shouldn't start.

Gabby is earning her starting spot even without taking any 15-footers. As with Lou, she can continue to play that way productively, and when she finally does start making those shots, she can potentially dominate also.

 

[ndmb]

This was the first game I've watched with four quarters instead of two halves. It seemed to me that going to four quarters is going to benefit us more than most other teams in the country. We seem to be able to keep our starting 5 out there longer - close to the full 10 minutes - then get them some rest between quarters . Then they go straight out again. Imaging some team - any team - playing against our intensity and ability for 40 minutes a game. I know Geno will substitute throughout, but in close games that could be a big advantage.

There's actually less rest time in the new system. Instead of a media timeout every 4 minutes, it's every five minutes (so instead of 8 scheduled, non-halftime breaks in the game, there are 6). On top of that, each team has one less timeout.

 

[uconnever]

I agree about Lou. She is a little out of sync, and doesn't seem sure of herself yet. I think she needs to start doing other things and we all know that shot will come. She seems to be thinking 3 most of the time. Stewie had a bad first half of her frosh year also, so this actually means nothing.

 

[DobbsRover2]

What games does UCONN lose? She was, but even without her UConn was still a top 4-5 interior defensive team, and their core starting 5 were all significantly better offensively than Stokes.

I guess we watched different games last season. I'm not going to be silly enough to project any one game that UConn would have definitely lost without Kiah going in to disrupt the opponents. In many games last year, Kiah went in midway in the first half with UConn in a very tough situation and not looking good, then suddenly they're up by 20. You can say they would have won all those games, but Stanford is the prime example of what can happen when you let a team hang around. But what-ifs are silly to ask about because no one can prove anything, and generally made-up minds tend not to be open to facts.

Secondly, on the "UConn was significantly better offensively without Kiah," that's just ludicrous. As noted, how many times did Kiah come into the lineup and suddenly UConn was running away with the game after an avalanche of scoring, even though Kiah sometimes didn't contribute a single basket? Why? Obviously that is the way basketball works, a game-changer like Kiah comes in and the opponent is stretched in many ways that opens the door for a MoJeff bucket, a Stewie layup, a KML open look bomb.

Even if all Kiah did on the offensive end during a 5 minute 20 point UConn run was to tip a ball to a teammate to keep it alive, if you are a knowledgeable UConn fan you should still give her some credit for the UConn onslaught and not just say, "Oh, it's just a coincidence that the score went from 20-18 to 40-18 in the time she was out there." That's what +\- numbers are about, because some fans will just say, "Player A is the best offensive player in the country because she scored 20 ppg even though she shot 44%, while Player B is a drain on her team's offense because she scored 4.5 ppg even though she shot 57% and was a key player in a lot of her teams big scoring runs."

In basketball, you really need to look beyond ppg and observe the bigger picture of how a team plays in different situations.

 

[TitleTown]

I agree about Lou. She is a little out of sync, and doesn't seem sure of herself yet. I think she needs to start doing other things and we all know that shot will come. She seems to be thinking 3 most of the time. Stewie had a bad first half of her frosh year also, so this actually means nothing.

Exactly right. Samuelson needs to get down on the blocks and use her height advantage against undersized defenders. If she is able to score down in the post that will open up her outside shot. Right now it seems that she kind of just wanders around the perimeter. She is a great player and IMHO it is only a matter of time before she starts playing like it.