Ohio State Game Thread

[CocoHusky]

Yes clearly here you are right and I am wrong. I however stand by my argument about these players on this team at this time are playing more minutes and are under greater risk. Again, during her first three years she avoided the pounding big 5/s would hand her because of Dolson and occasionally Stokes. The last season she was older and her body was more mature. Still, when there was a big 5 that job would often go to Tuck and/or they would switch off. Where is that luxury this year? Stewie would average far less during games against teams like Chattanooga or LSU and Geno would play her during games against ND skewing that average. Geno hasn't that advantage this year.

That luxury ( if you want to call it that) is named Natalie Butler. Since you brought up Kiah Stokes, Kiah averaged 18.3 Mins/game during her senior year.
Just so I'm not doing all the research for both of us, how many minutes per game is Natalie averaging so far this year?

 

[JordyG]

That luxury ( if you want to call it that) is named Natalie Butler. Since you brought up Kiah Stokes, Kiah averaged 18.3 Mins/game during her senior year.
Just so I'm not doing all the research for both of us, how many minutes per game is Natalie averaging so far this year?

Actually the debate is not whether Natalie is getting enough minutes, its whether the big 3 are getting too much. For the record that's 16.5. About right for a big three all of which are averaging close to 30.

 

[hoophuskee]

Ten games does not even half a season make. Keep your enthusiasm and your good karma. And who is questioning Geno's strategy? This is the team he has, and in reality he has not choice. As I've said before, it is my hope that Kyla and Molly step up, not for the team to take a step down.

Yes, during the big games and during the NCAA's, but not every game during the regular season.

Please read all the posts below from this thread alone not to mention (but I will) the many other threads in which posters say fro example - "molly should be playing more" or "We should work more of the offense into Butler." They questioned Geno's strategy in these cases him (and the people that liked the posts). Now I have to say buzzyboy is being super-respectful to Geno overall. And very complimentary as well and to all the players. ANd his 8:54 post is showing that he understands Geno not playing them. At least it seems that way. But then at 9:07 - his post is clearly "urging" Geno to play other players for the good of the team. THAT is questioning his strategy as are the others. Titeltown was definitely by all but saying Geno was blowing it because he isn't subbing.. One of your posts on this thread skirts the line hen you say Kyla and Molly must get significant minutes. I won't put it into the classification of criticizing Geno's strategy because "significant minutes" could mean 3 minutes in a big game. Or the next game vs Nebraksa we could blwo them out by 40-50 points and they play quite a bit. Or once we get into the AAC - they will play more. But anyhow here are the posts that you asked for questioning Geno's strategy - other than buzzyboy's 8:54 post which almost contradicts his 9:07 post - I don't understand why he felt a need urge Geno to play players in which he has been told that Geno simply doesn't trust them yet. He acknowledged the understanding of that point yet he urges Geno to still play them. You don't classify that (and other posts below) as questioning Geno's strategy? And you don't think others have questioned Geno's strategy this year on this site as well? My post that you responded to was also questioning more than just the one game.


From titletown at 7:46 PM Don't call a TO Geno whatever you do. Give them another 11-0 run in the last minute because we are tired.



From buzzyboy at 7:59 PM I can't imagine that Bent wouldn't be a bit of an asset to just give Dangerfield or Nurse a breather. I can't imagine her doing any worse than what happened in the last two minutes of the half where we were outscored 8-0



From buzzyboy at 8:37 pm. The poster warbler 13 likes this comment: I'm thinking maybe the entire team has got tired legs. Bringing in Bent or someone else to give these kids a breather sure wouldn't hurt.



From buzzyboy 8:54: The new girls (other than Dangerfield) must really be practicing horribly for Geno not to have any faith in them in this kind of circumstance. It's obvious based on the sloppy play and bad shooting that the team is affected by the amount of minutes they're playing. Pretty frustrating.



From buzzyboy at 9:07 pm. NOI33 and Kaizen liked the post: I respect that UConn is wonderfully conditioned but they can't continue to play 38 to 40 minutes a night and not have it have some impact on them. Come on, Geno, give the other kids a chance in game conditions. How bad must they be playing in practice not to give them some opportunities to play, particularly in the latter part of the fourth quarter????

 

[JordyG]

Please read all the posts below from this thread alone not to mention (but I will) the many other threads in which posters say fro example - "molly should be playing more" or "We should work more of the offense into Butler." They questioned Geno's strategy in these cases him (and the people that liked the posts). Now I have to say buzzyboy is being super-respectful to Geno overall. And very complimentary as well and to all the players. ANd his 8:54 post is showing that he understands Geno not playing them. At least it seems that way. But then at 9:07 - his post is clearly "urging" Geno to play other players for the good of the team. THAT is questioning his strategy as are the others. Titeltown was definitely by all but saying Geno was blowing it because he isn't subbing.. One of your posts on this thread skirts the line hen you say Kyla and Molly must get significant minutes. I won't put it into the classification of criticizing Geno's strategy because "significant minutes" could mean 3 minutes in a big game. Or the next game vs Nebraksa we could blwo them out by 40-50 points and they play quite a bit. Or once we get into the AAC - they will play more. But anyhow here are the posts that you asked for questioning Geno's strategy - other than buzzyboy's 8:54 post which almost contradicts his 9:07 post - I don't understand why he felt a need urge Geno to play players in which he has been told that Geno simply doesn't trust them yet. He acknowledged the understanding of that point yet he urges Geno to still play them. You don't classify that (and other posts below) as questioning Geno's strategy? And you don't think others have questioned Geno's strategy this year on this site as well? My post that you responded to was also questioning more than just the one game.


From titletown at 7:46 PM Don't call a TO Geno whatever you do. Give them another 11-0 run in the last minute because we are tired.



From buzzyboy at 7:59 PM I can't imagine that Bent wouldn't be a bit of an asset to just give Dangerfield or Nurse a breather. I can't imagine her doing any worse than what happened in the last two minutes of the half where we were outscored 8-0



From buzzyboy at 8:37 pm. The poster warbler 13 likes this comment: I'm thinking maybe the entire team has got tired legs. Bringing in Bent or someone else to give these kids a breather sure wouldn't hurt.



From buzzyboy 8:54: The new girls (other than Dangerfield) must really be practicing horribly for Geno not to have any faith in them in this kind of circumstance. It's obvious based on the sloppy play and bad shooting that the team is affected by the amount of minutes they're playing. Pretty frustrating.



From buzzyboy at 9:07 pm. NOI33 and Kaizen liked the post: I respect that UConn is wonderfully conditioned but they can't continue to play 38 to 40 minutes a night and not have it have some impact on them. Come on, Geno, give the other kids a chance in game conditions. How bad must they be playing in practice not to give them some opportunities to play, particularly in the latter part of the fourth quarter????

When I said "who" I meant I'm not questioning his strategy. I'm not a coach and I don't see the players every day, nor am I intimate with what they can or cannot do.

 

[hoophuskee]

Another specious argument. And how many minutes did Stewie average during her career? Year after year she averaged about 20 minutes a game. These girls are averaging close to 80% more than that.

I disagree

Please look at the links below: Steiw's frosh year 23.4 minutes. Then 30.5, then 28.3, then 29.1.

When KML played with Stewie, KML was the sf. She didn't guard posts. Also when Lou played with Steiw, Lou wasn't guarding the low posts. And while the situation isn't exactly the same, STeiw predominantly played the power forwards in which we would hear often in her early years "she'll get beat up by the power forwards so she should be used more as a small forward." While she did play some wing, the points some would make on here that that should be her #1 position because of getting beat up so much imo was way over-exaggerated.

This team no doubt has more risk of wearing down -- but you must realize after two more games, they won't need to be playing the 35-40 minutes per game that you were so worried about on this thread. Si when you KNOW this, you KNOW our conference will not be much - why are you so worried they'll wear down? There minutes will decrease overall. Heck-- Geno BENCHED TUCK AND STEWIE. He could bench a star player here or there too if he benched them. Or is it that you're scared we might lose vs Md or SC? Sure we might lose but we could just as easily lose by not playing well. We're not supposed to be going on these insane streaks. This is HISTORY.

******an off-subject post -- for those that get nervous and don't enjoy being nervous this year. I can't understand that. You know we are going to be amazing next year. Enjoy the moment now!!! What a great great great performance these great ball players are giving us!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the other teams that have the pressure. Every rebound from Nat I love. Every assist from Gabby - and it goes on-and-on.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2012-2013/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2013-2014/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2014-2015/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2015-2016/teamcume.html

 

[JordyG]

I disagree

Please look at the links below: Steiw's frosh year 23.4 minutes. Then 30.5, then 28.3, then 29.1.

When KML played with Stewie, KML was the sf. She didn't guard posts. Also when Lou played with Steiw, Lou wasn't guarding the low posts. And while the situation isn't exactly the same, STeiw predominantly played the power forwards in which we would hear often in her early years "she'll get beat up by the power forwards so she should be used more as a small forward." While she did play some wing, the points some would make on here that that should be her #1 position because of getting beat up so much imo was way over-exaggerated.

This team no doubt has more risk of wearing down -- but you must realize after two more games, they won't need to be playing the 35-40 minutes per game that you were so worried about on this thread. Si when you KNOW this, you KNOW our conference will not be much - why are you so worried they'll wear down? There minutes will decrease overall. Heck-- Geno BENCHED TUCK AND STEWIE. He could bench a star player here or there too if he benched them. Or is it that you're scared we might lose vs Md or SC? Sure we might lose but we could just as easily lose by not playing well. We're not supposed to be going on these insane streaks. This is HISTORY.

******an off-subject post -- for those that get nervous and don't enjoy being nervous this year. I can't understand that. You know we are going to be amazing next year. Enjoy the moment now!!! What a great great great performance these great ball players are giving us!!!!!!!!!!!!! It's the other teams that have the pressure. Every rebound from Nat I love. Every assist from Gabby - and it goes on-and-on.

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2012-2013/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2013-2014/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2014-2015/teamcume.html

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2015-2016/teamcume.html

Unfortunately you're already too late to reprimand me on this point. However I stand by my other arguments dealing with those minutes and the minutes the big 3 are getting. See my response above. Yes, I also hope those minutes will decrease. But who knows?

 

[hoophuskee]

I'm a worrier by nature, so no surprise that I'd say this. I agree with those who think these young women cannot play 35 minutes a game, day in and day out. Yes, the Chong problem is causing some of it, but even with her, it's still not a deep rotation at all. I'd feel better if one of the other freshmen (besides Crystal, I mean) could play some minutes here and there. Not likely to happen, but still....

I disagree with the BYer above who suggested the team is "scary good." Last year's team was scary good. This year's is better than most of us thought it would be, granted, but is seriously flawed by a lack of depth and somewhat flawed by a lack of first-team height. Most nights those things won't matter, but let's see how they do against Maryland and later, SC, as well as (as one BYer above mentioned) South Florida. I worry about the conference tournament and especially the Big Dance. Will they have enough left in the tank to carry them through? Sure hope so.

We just have issues of what the words "scary good" mean. A team that has beaten 9 out of 10 opponents by 10 or more and played without a doubt the toughest schedule in all of wcbb is "scary good." They could lose and still be "scary good." IMO one of the greatest college teams of all-time was Phi Slamma Jamma. Jim Valvano's Wolfpack knocked them off but that Houston team was "Scary good." Or when Duke beat The Runnin Rebs. Or When the UCONN Men beat Duke for their 1st title. Duke was "scary good." If you lose - you still can be "Scary good."

When we won the titles a few years while ND was right there with us, - ND was "scary good" weren't they? This team is a threat to win a title. THAT makes them SCARY GOOD imo.

So you don't think the player's minutes drop quite a bit overall once they enter the AAC?

 

[Kibitzer]

@hoophuskee: I rest your case.

And speaking o f r e s t . . . . . . . .

 

[hoophuskee]

Yes clearly here you are right and I am wrong. I however stand by my argument about these players on this team at this time are playing more minutes and are under greater risk. Again, during her first three years she avoided the pounding big 5/s would hand her because of Dolson and occasionally Stokes. The last season she was older and her body was more mature. Still, when there was a big 5 that job would often go to Tuck and/or they would switch off. Where is that luxury this year? Stewie would average far less during games against teams like Chattanooga or LSU and Geno would play her during games against ND skewing that average. Geno hasn't that advantage this year.

It will be tougher no doubt yes I agree -- we don't have the superstar combined with experience of those other teams too. But again - we are in a soft conference. So you do acknowledge Stewie not playing big minutes vs the weaker teams, why don't you also acknowledge this will happen in the AAC?

Right now we have the toughest sched in wcbb. It will drop during the season after we play MD, won't it? We'll have one tough game vs SC and then maybe one or two games in our conference someone gives us a scare or two. Our players will improve enough that we will be the without a doubt the best team in the conference, right? SO why not look at things the same way in terms of Geno playing Stewie in big games skews the average, then why not say the same thing after the MD game?

 

[hoophuskee]

Unfortunately you're already too late to reprimand me on this point. However I stand by my other arguments dealing with those minutes and the minutes the big 3 are getting. See my response above. Yes, I also hope those minutes will decrease. But who knows?

Barring injury ---I do. I just don't think you can predict injuries beucase of minutes. I recall Mel Thomas just turning her leg / coming to a quick stop etc.

What more can I say? -- I'm 100% confident their minutes will decrease in the AAC.

So if I'm 100% confident -- how should I express that to those that aren't?

 

[Naples Husky]

A Side Note to this conversation Can we remember just a few games a go that we were wondering who is going to foul out?
Geno has taught these ladies how to play hard defense for 35/40 minutes against the best teams in the country, without fouling out. I think you will see Molly and Kyla get some time in when AAC play starts.

 

[Kmoney]

This is just an observation and not my opinion on this matter.

Name a recent team that in search of a win record, faded at the end and lost the championship?

I bring you the Golden state Warriors.

 

[Suebird10fan]

I'm a worrier by nature, so no surprise that I'd say this. I agree with those who think these young women cannot play 35 minutes a game, day in and day out. Yes, the Chong problem is causing some of it, but even with her, it's still not a deep rotation at all. I'd feel better if one of the other freshmen (besides Crystal, I mean) could play some minutes here and there. Not likely to happen, but still....

I disagree with the BYer above who suggested the team is "scary good." Last year's team was scary good. This year's is better than most of us thought it would be, granted, but is seriously flawed by a lack of depth and somewhat flawed by a lack of first-team height. Most nights those things won't matter, but let's see how they do against Maryland and later, SC, as well as (as one BYer above mentioned) South Florida. I worry about the conference tournament and especially the Big Dance. Will they have enough left in the tank to carry them through? Sure hope so.

Wow. You are a worrier. Sure the team has a very thin bench and the starting five lacks height. But IMO it's very clear they are the best team in the country. Very beatable, but less beatable than all the other teams. Isn't that enough after losing the top 3 players in the WNBA draft, not to mention knowing that all their weaknesses will be fixed one year hence?

 

[nyfanofwbb]

Is there anyway to see a replay of the game since it was CBS sports? I missed the first 3 quarters . And what is with those uniforms???

 

[JSB60]

Coaching involves calculated risks, and so far the short bench, long minutes strategy has worked perfectly. But it's certainly interesting to watch for the future. No question that the starters are in superb condition, and that is coaching. I actually think a lot more programs could and should do it, as many young women who are athletic enough to play at a high division 1 level can be conditioned to be able to play 35-40 minutes with proper training. Although last night might have shown some fatigue since OSU made runs at the end of the first and second quarters.

What always has worried me more is foul trouble. If you don't play your bench much and several players foul out, you have to go to players that aren't experienced in close games and maybe even haven't broken a sweat in that game yet. I know Geno does a superb job of coaching players not to foul, but that might not always work because it also depends on an uncontrollable factor (referees). On the other hand, maybe Geno is using a game theory approach where the value of using your best players for more minutes is guaranteed, while losing time due to fouls at the end is something with a much lower probability.

 

[Biff]

Is there anyway to see a replay of the game since it was CBS sports? I missed the first 3 quarters . And what is with those uniforms???

Usually within 48 hours you can find a replay on this site
2016-2017 Women’s Basketball Game Replays
that's a good URL to bookmark.
As far as the uniforms, apparently Nike thinks that drab grey is hot stuff. I guess it's popular with the younger crowd.
Many don't agree but they (Nike) gets to call the shots it seems as part of the uniform deal.

 

[Rayvin56]

Is there anyway to see a replay of the game since it was CBS sports? I missed the first 3 quarters . And what is with those uniforms???

Not up yet, but keep checking back... 2016-2017 Women’s Basketball Game Replays

 

[nyfanofwbb]

Usually within 48 hours you can find a replay on this site
2016-2017 Women’s Basketball Game Replays
that's a good URL to bookmark.
As far as the uniforms, apparently Nike thinks that drab grey is hot stuff. I guess it's popular with the younger crowd.
Many don't agree but they (Nike) gets to call the shots it seems as part of the uniform deal.

Thank you

 

[nyfanofwbb]

Not up yet, but keep checking back... 2016-2017 Women’s Basketball Game Replays

Thank you

 

[UcMiami]

This whole thing about minutes played is crazy - and it is crazy to look at past full year averages to compare to the current team because none of those full year averages come anywhere close to this year's strength of schedule TO DATE. We have played ten games - 70% of those games have been against top 25 teams and another 10% against top 50. And according to Sagarin the other 20% have been against top 100 teams. We have yet to play a Cinci or a Houston or a Tulsa, or a Memphis or in the old days a Pitt or a Providence, or a Seton Hall or a Hartford or a Holy Cross.

If you want to compare minutes to history look at the minutes Kia, Breanna, Moriah, and Morgan played against Notre Dame, and SC, and DePaul, and MD last year (144, 152, 142, 149) and that was with our current darlings Lou, Napheesa, and Gabby available to fill in the fifth starter and bench minutes as well as a junior Saniya. Those four games the four starters average 37 minutes a game. The current big four are averaging 32 minutes a game, and the difference is represented by the few easier contests in the midst of this tough schedule. The bench is one (two for some games with the two concussion protocols) shorter this year than last, but the minutes for the 'big four' are pretty similar.

This is what Uconn always does in tough games - they ride their horses until the game is truly over. With a team like Ohio State that proved they could score 10 points in two minutes twice in the game already, you don't take chances in the fourth quarter with a 17 point lead.

 

[CocoHusky]

Every aspect of this opinion written 10 full months ago was validated by this game last night.

Great question FF, I'm not at all sold on Kevin McGuff as a coach, but the transfers are all there this season and practicing so I don't see it as much of an issue. Shayla Cooper's transition and incorporation was pretty seemless. The type of young women Mavunga, Calhoun, and Holland appear to be I don't see any problems with them. If Coach McGuff can get his team to commit to the defensive end of the floor I believe they may be able to make some noise. Many people in WCBB are licking their proverbial chops in anticipation of UConn having a down season, what team wouldn't after graduating 3 first-team AA's with 4 consecutive Nattys(yes I believe Morgan will leave after this season, there are only so many games left in her knees) Geno will have a surprise ready for the nation and sourpuss Kim Mulkey, who's perpetually angry at the world for some reason will be sorry she signed that two-year deal.

 

[BroadwayVa]

You are confused. Absolute trust is and has always been the standard for a UCONN player to get on the floor regardless of the size of the team. This is a binary calculation you are either trusted (playing) or not trusted (not playing). All players are conditioned to play beyond the required 40 minutes.

I agree (mostly) but I'd remove one word ALWAYS. Geno USUALLY does not play a player he can"t trust. 2 come to mind---Stanford game and Geno's overhear words--you can't trust her!
And way back in history--when Charde was playing--Geno TRUSTED that she'd screw up--travel, foul,
do something stupid--but the kid could score--and he didn't have scorers. So Charde played. Reluctantly.

That's an either=OR --programming function---play or sit!! Geno win's many games because his team is better conditioned.

 

[BroadwayVa]

This whole thing about minutes played is crazy - and it is crazy to look at past full year averages to compare to the current team because none of those full year averages come anywhere close to this year's strength of schedule TO DATE. We have played ten games - 70% of those games have been against top 25 teams and another 10% against top 50. And according to Sagarin the other 20% have been against top 100 teams. We have yet to play a Cinci or a Houston or a Tulsa, or a Memphis or in the old days a Pitt or a Providence, or a Seton Hall or a Hartford or a Holy Cross.

If you want to compare minutes to history look at the minutes Kia, Breanna, Moriah, and Morgan played against Notre Dame, and SC, and DePaul, and MD last year (144, 152, 142, 149) and that was with our current darlings Lou, Napheesa, and Gabby available to fill in the fifth starter and bench minutes as well as a junior Saniya. Those four games the four starters average 37 minutes a game. The current big four are averaging 32 minutes a game, and the difference is represented by the few easier contests in the midst of this tough schedule. The bench is one (two for some games with the two concussion protocols) shorter this year than last, but the minutes for the 'big four' are pretty similar.

This is what Uconn always does in tough games - they ride their horses until the game is truly over. With a team like Ohio State that proved they could score 10 points in two minutes twice in the game already, you don't take chances in the fourth quarter with a 17 point lead.

For UConn fans---that was a mere or tiny lead of 17 points---spoiled aren't we???

 

[BroadwayVa]

Barring injury ---I do. I just don't think you can predict injuries beucase of minutes. I recall Mel Thomas just turning her leg / coming to a quick stop etc.

What more can I say? -- I'm 100% confident their minutes will decrease in the AAC.

So if I'm 100% confident -- how should I express that to those that aren't?

A few observations: 1. Minutes alone are not indicators of injuries. But prolonged playing/fatigue has a part in many injuries.
2. Your confidence in the decrease in PT of Napheesa, KLS, Gabby is pretty much a given during AAC games--yet they shall get 20 minutes or more to maintain skills and conditioning. Also, Geno has hopes/expectation for Molly, Dangerfield, Natalie and Irwin so he'll give them all the time they EARN. 3. None of this will have any effect IF the Concussions keep coming--A new wrinkle coaches must now live with--rightly..

 

[trb123]

Coaching involves calculated risks, and so far the short bench, long minutes strategy has worked perfectly. But it's certainly interesting to watch for the future. No question that the starters are in superb condition, and that is coaching. I actually think a lot more programs could and should do it, as many young women who are athletic enough to play at a high division 1 level can be conditioned to be able to play 35-40 minutes with proper training. Although last night might have shown some fatigue since OSU made runs at the end of the first and second quarters.

What always has worried me more is foul trouble. If you don't play your bench much and several players foul out, you have to go to players that aren't experienced in close games and maybe even haven't broken a sweat in that game yet. I know Geno does a superb job of coaching players not to foul, but that might not always work because it also depends on an uncontrollable factor (referees). On the other hand, maybe Geno is using a game theory approach where the value of using your best players for more minutes is guaranteed, while losing time due to fouls at the end is something with a much lower probability.

Good points. Geno recruits a special group of players such Gabby Williams whose dad once said that his daughter would sell tickets if that's what Geno wants (or something to that effect).
Many coaches do not/cannot recruit team players and they do not have the luxury that Geno has. How would this policy of conditioning your A team go into effect across the league?

NCAA may introduce a 30 or 35 min playing time limit to get WCBB closer to parity (Uconn Rule) when the Huskies do not have a bench. I am not suggesting that they do it and passing it could have many bad effects. Next year Geno will be implementing it himself with 14 players and 200 min of playing time.

I am glad that finally we are discussing how much wear and tear these young girls' bodies can take because I was getting worried. Providentially, we have the Nebraska game next which was probably scheduled when Yori was the coach. Now Nebraska is a very weak team and the starters can rest a lot more.

 

[jennyo70]

I never expected tOSU to beat Uconn, but I was hoping for a game. Even with the close margin at halftime, OSU never really seemed to be in it.
I was disappointed to not see a more competitive game, however, it is not too surprising. Such talent on paper, but too much of one-on-one play. Not to negate the coaching of Geno and tough play of Uconn players, but, OSU is their own worst enemy.

Uconn looked like Uconn, and as usual, adjusted great at halftime to contain Mitchell.
I don't see Maryland beating you all. I think SC is the only legitimate threat left on the schedule, minus some fluke of a game, but that is just so rare from the Huskies.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Okay, Mitchell has skills, but to me she is over rated. An illustration is found with about 6:20 to play in the first quarter: she makes one of her patented charges to the hoop, but upon getting there she flings it straight up in the air and UConn takes it to the other end. She goes by everybody but is out of control and if she doesn't get bailed with a foul it is what it is - the play of an out of control guard. You see more of this later and last year's game had a few examples too. Can she dish it off? She's going too fast apparently.

 

[CocoHusky]

Okay, Mitchell has skills, but to me she is over rated. An illustration is found with about 6:20 to play in the first quarter: she makes one of her patented charges to the hoop, but upon getting there she flings it straight up in the air and UConn takes it to the other end. She goes by everybody but is out of control and if she doesn't get bailed with a foul it is what it is - the play of an out of control guard. You see more of this later and last year's game had a few examples too. Can she dish it off? She's going too fast apparently.

She is skilled but severely undisciplined and lacking BB IQ and fundamentals which makes her the worse kind of teammate possible. tOSU got the ball to end the 3rd quarter with about 17 seconds to go. UCONN ran two defenders at her. Better BB IQ and fundamentals would tell her if have two UCONN defenders on you someone got to be open. Instead she dribbles towards a 3rd UCONN defender, keeps dribbling for 15 of the 17 seconds before finally passing the ball to Sierra Calhoun with virtually no time left on the clock and 30 feet away from the basket. If I'm Sierra I'm give her back the ball-not so politely!

 

[oldude]

She is skilled but severely undisciplined and lacking BB IQ and fundamentals which makes her the worse kind of teammate possible. tOSU got the ball to end the 3rd quarter with about 17 seconds to go. UCONN ran two defenders at her. Better BB IQ and fundamentals would tell her if have two UCONN defenders on you someone got to be open. Instead she dribbles towards a 3rd UCONN defender, keeps dribbling for 15 of the 17 seconds before finally passing the ball to Sierra Calhoun with virtually no time left on the clock and 30 feet away from the basket. If I'm Sierra I'm give her back the ball-not so politely!

In the past I quoted Doug Collins comment about Carmelo Anthony that Melo was, "a ball movement killer." That same quote is applicable to Mitchell. Clearly OSU's coach buys into handing her the ball and letting her do whatever she wants with it. I was very surprised that he brought her to the post game presser. I would have thought she would have been in the locker room icing her shooting arm after hoisting up all of those moon shots from beyond the arc.

 

[Schoup]

In the past I quoted Doug Collins comment about Carmelo Anthony that Melo was, "a ball movement killer." That same quote is applicable to Mitchell. Clearly OSU's coach buys into handing her the ball and letting her do whatever she wants with it. I was very surprised that he brought her to the post game presser. I would have thought she would have been in the locker room icing her shooting arm after hoisting up all of those moon shots from beyond the arc.

Phil Jackson has made comments that he holds the ball to much as GM of the Knicks. This must irk a coach who perfected the triangle offense winning multiple Championships with the Bulls and Lakers.