Ok...they better get Uconn this year!

[Buzzyboy]

I think Nurse is a given and Lil CD has it in her DNA, so I call for the unleashing of the Chong to give us a better chance at a 12th NC. I hope she hears my call. CCCCCHoooooooooong!

I am not nearly as much into Nurse as some of the other Boneyarders. This is not to say that she isn't solid but I don't think I'd ever consider her a go to type player. She is a nice piece but I'm really a lot more likely to think that Dangerfield would be that special player that could make a difference. Nurse can make a special defensive play or a key shot from time to time but I definitely don't think she's THE PLAYER I'd ever depend on at crunch time. Insofar as Chong, her inconsistency and lack of confidence have been a hallmark of her time here. She's a good teammate and has also had her moments but with nowhere near the consistency level of Nurse.

 

[Buzzyboy]

As to Doris Burke - Because I like Doris Burke, I tend to ignore most of her idioms that seem to irritate others. Burke can can a game for me anytime.

As to Isiah Thomas - I've been around the block a few times, but I had never heard anyone use that phrase before I heard him say it. I believe he was an analyst on a sports talk TV program when he uttered that phrase. Others may have said it. He probably got it from someone else, but Isiah was the first person that I heard say that phrase, so I have to give him the recognition of doing so. I've heard others say it since.
I don't question the way people talk, or their dialects. Everybody is from somewhere else, thus we all don't talk the same. Folks from Texas & Louisiana sure don't talk like folks from Boston or New York, yet we're all born in the same country, speaking the same language.

There are so many commentators who have beaten some of their pet phrases into the ground that don't seem to get the criticism of Doris Burke which confounds me. I happen to be a fan and like her broadcasts appreciably more than most commentators I've heard covering women's basketball and even men's basketball. Yet she gets hammered her often. Why, I'm not sure!

 

[Uconnsdabest]

With Chong, it's always had to do with her defense. She can score offensively. But she gets into Geno's doghouse by not defending well at all times. Very talented woman though and hope she has a breakout year. We can use it!

 

[Sonny44]

Speaking of all other women's teams. And yet, they still might challenge for a title. But I expect the transition with the guards, to be a little bit of a struggle. Unless Saniya breaks out! But...that 2017-18 might be the deepest Uconn team yet. With Dangerfield being seasoned a little and the upper classmen along with transfers! Not to mention recruits...

Wouldn't it be funny if we won it all in "Get back at UCONN year"? Now that would be good for WCBB.

 

[JordyG]

As to Doris Burke - Because I like Doris Burke, I tend to ignore most of her idioms that seem to irritate others. Burke can can a game for me anytime.

As to Isiah Thomas - I've been around the block a few times, but I had never heard anyone use that phrase before I heard him say it. I believe he was an analyst on a sports talk TV program when he uttered that phrase. Others may have said it. He probably got it from someone else, but Isiah was the first person that I heard say that phrase, so I have to give him the recognition of doing so. I've heard others say it since.
I don't question the way people talk, or their dialects. Everybody is from somewhere else, thus we all don't talk the same. Folks from Texas & Louisiana sure don't talk like folks from Boston or New York, yet we're all born in the same country, speaking the same language.

Yet I am uncomfortable giving Thomas credit for anything positive on a WBB forum. Sorry, to me he's still a turd.

 

[mdakota]

With Chong, it's always had to do with her defense. She can score offensively. But she gets into Geno's doghouse by not defending well at all times. Very talented woman though and hope she has a breakout year. We can use it!

Isn't offense where they would normally score?? Just busting your chops

Welcome to the BY

 

[mdakota]

Chong is too stagnant at the 1. She holds the ball or dribbles too long at the top of the key. She makes a better 2 guard.

 

[Carnac]

With Chong, it's always had to do with her defense. She can score offensively. But she gets into Geno's doghouse by not defending well at all times. Very talented woman though and hope she has a breakout year. We can use it!

You hit the bullseye dead center. There's no conspiracy against Saniya. No one in our fan base (that I know of) is rooting against her. Saniya's inability to play defense to Geno's satisfaction is whats keeping her off the floor. That's not my opinion, it's a fact. Geno has said it several times on his own show (The Geno Auriemma Show) on SNY. I would love to see Saniya start, and play the entire season. BUT.........................If she has not improved her ability to play defense to Geno's satisfaction between now and November, she'll continue to languish on the bench. You've noticed that Collier & Williams (a freshman & a sophomore) get off the bench before she does. Why have they moved ahead of her on the depth chart?

In my humble opinion, Geno still does not trust her. If you noticed this past season, she rarely got in before garbage time. We can have all of the good wishes for her we want to, but it will be up to her whether or not she plays. I personally don't have a preference who Geno starts. I'm just a fan. Geno is no different than any other coach. He's going to put his 5 best players on the floor to start the game. I'm going to root and cheer for whoever is on the floor at any particular time as long as they have on a UConn uniform.

Somebody is going to take Jefferson's spot, that we know. What we don't know right now is who. If you recall the dreaded Stanford game. Chong started, played the whole game and scored 20 points, but as Geno said afterwards, her man scored 30. He benched her and Stokes, and replaced them with Nurse and Tuck. Nurse and Tuck remained starters the rest of the season. That was also the last game UConn lost. Nurse can keep her man in front of her. Geno rarely keeps a player on the floor that's a defensive liability.

KML was not a defensive stalwart. But because of her offensive prowess and capabilities, he could not keep her on the bench. I've seen her man go by or around her too many times to be told other wise. Admittedly, she had her moments on defense from time to time. I like KML, (she's my little home girl, and I still follow her progress in Seattle) but it is what it is. There are 3 openings in the starting lineup. We'll see if Chong can get one of those spots. I hope she can. But remember, Geno employs the old "Smith Barney wealth management company" philosophy (as told in commercials by the late John Houseman) with respect to players getting floor time: "They EARN it".

 

[Carnac]

Wouldn't it be funny if we won it all in "Get back at UCONN year"? Now that would be good for WCBB.

It would be funny to us, but devastating to the rest of WCBB. I'd love it!!

 

[cabbie191]

As to Doris Burke - Because I like Doris Burke, I tend to ignore most of her idioms that seem to irritate others. Burke can can a game for me anytime.

As to Isiah Thomas - I've been around the block a few times, but I had never heard anyone use that phrase before I heard him say it. I believe he was an analyst on a sports talk TV program when he uttered that phrase. Others may have said it. He probably got it from someone else, but Isiah was the first person that I heard say that phrase, so I have to give him the recognition of doing so. I've heard others say it since.
I don't question the way people talk, or their dialects. Everybody is from somewhere else, thus we all don't talk the same. Folks from Texas & Louisiana sure don't talk like folks from Boston or New York, yet we're all born in the same country, speaking the same language.

I don't know C - I listen to some of the political mishmash going on in other states and sometimes wonder if we really do live in the same country... Said with a saddened heart.

 

[Carnac]

Yet I am uncomfortable giving Thomas credit for anything positive on a WBB forum. Sorry, to me he's still a turd.

JordyG, I understand your position, and why. I'm not mad at you.

 

[HGN]

If UConn can get M. Walker, UConn will be unstoppable in 2017-18

Kaizen , I couldn't agree more. Walker , IMHO , holds the key to multiple NC's in the near term for a UConn class that could be rated No.1. Other programs will
drop their collective heads in disgust , knowing that UConn will again go on FF consecutive runs , if Walker becomes a Husky.

 

[bags27]

f UConn can get M. Walker, UConn will be unstoppable in 2017-18

She'd be a freshman! Maybe make a significant impact and maybe not.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Isn't offense where they would normally score?? Just busting your chops

Welcome to the BY

Hopefully he won't take offense and get defensive.

 

[Zorro]

Well, remember, the best offense is a good defense, and vice versa.

 

[tony yusef]

UConn got great post defense out of Stewart and Tuck in both those SC games; Tuck doing a terrific job against Coates and Stewart against Wilson. And you're talking about two freshmen dominating on the perimeter. Let's wait and see how they do.

UConn did a great job defending the high/low play that SC runs with Wilson and Coates, I also think Coates is one of the most overrated players in the game. She really has no back to the basket game, she scores on put backs and drop downs. If she can't muscle you out of the way she is ineffective. Tuck holding her own physically was no surprise. As for Wilson, in her defense got hurt in the 2nd game and missed some action when she was in she scored when she wanted to there is little Stewart could've done to impede that. Aja Wilson is the real deal.

No one said anything about freshman guards dominating on the perimeter, but they both come into Storrs with the reputation for playing in your face defense. I also think you're selling KLS, Collie, Gabby, Butler short. They will continue to get better on both ends of the floor from this point going forward I don't see their post defense as much of a concern.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I also think you're selling KLS, Collie, Gabby, Butler short. They will continue to get better on both ends of the floor from this point going forward I don't see their post defense as much of a concern.

Unless something changes out of necessity, Gabby basically plays perimeter defense now. I don't see KLS playing inside defense much either. Butler is the wide body they need for some stability but she had a lot of foul issues despite rarely playing against starters or high-quality teams. Stewart's ability to change/block shots as well as switch and recover made a really good defense great.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

IMHO I see Saniya & Natalie working their butts off in the off season and coming back ready to succeed!
If UCONN can remain healthy I fully expect them to go to the FF!
Their defense is going to take them as far as they want to go! Some add-ons but the defensive philosophy remains the same, so they'll still hold teams between 42 and 48 PPG and that will ignite the offense which will be scoring 70+ PPG!

 

[Carnac]

If UConn can get M. Walker, UConn will be unstoppable in 2017-18

She'd be a freshman! Maybe make a significant impact and maybe not.

Huh.....Mr. Bags, Yes, Megan Walker will be a freshman somewhere in 2017. Every ranked school in Division one hopes she matriculates to their campus. How much of an impact she will have (as you well know) will depend on where she goes. If she (Heaven forbid) goes to a school that does not have the talent level of the huskies, then she may very well start as a freshman. Some players are quick to make that high school to college transition. The more time she spends on the floor, the faster she'll evolve.

I suggest to you that MOST recruits that are ranked #1 in their class, are #1 for a reason, and as such, are highly skilled and highly motivated the day they arrive on campus. In most cases, they make significant contributions to the team that year. Promises made to her (and her family) by other coaches (above or below the table) may also cause her to lean in a particular direction. Every boneyarder knows that Geno does not make deals or promises. Walker will be a prized recruit where ever she goes. We're all holding our collective breaths until September, when she says she will announce her decision. We're all hoping she catches a bad case of "Husky fever" between now and then (if she hasn't already).

I do agree with your observation that if Ms. Walker should choose to bring her talents to Storrs, Geno's 2017-2018 squad would be even more formidable than it's currently projected to be. A pre-season ranking of #1 would not be unrealistic, and I think UConn would take the ball and run. They should be the front-runner the entire season, with the rest of Div. 1 WCBB teams reluctantly giving chase.

It's interesting (and very entertaining) to read the comments of the Boneyarders when an announcement is made that UConn has received a commitment (Dangerfield/Gordon), or has accepted a transfer (Camara /Stevens). We go nuts. I said "we". I'm in the we too. I was extremely happy the rest of the day when the news about Stevens broke. I had to explain to my wife why I was in such a good mood that day. She's not a UConn fan, and has no idea who Stevens is, or her impact/importance on joining the program.

If Walker comes to UConn, this board will go absolutely crazy. Predictions of national championships and record breaking winning streaks will abound. The coaching staff will be praised and toasted if they can reel her in, and get her in the boat. We'd all be grinning like a Cheshire cat. I continue to be encouraged and hopeful by the reports and comments I read here in the yard, that UConn has a very good chance of landing her. We can only hope.

 

[bags27]

Just to be clear, Carnac, and I'm sorry for the formatting of my previous response, I was quoting (and responding to) another poster who said UConn would be unstoppable with her. My point is that freshmen have entirely unpredictable learning curves. If Stewie hadn't really put it all together in the tournament, we wouldn't have thought her freshman year was so great. No one can predict how a freshman adapts to D-1 competition, college life, and much more intensive coaching, however highly they're praised or ranked in high school.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

If Stewie hadn't really put it all together in the tournament, we wouldn't have thought her freshman year was so great.

True, but part of that was unrealistic expectations, something Walker will have to deal with no matter which school she chooses. Fortunately, UConn will have plenty of talent already in place if she decides to come.

 

[vtcwbuff]

UConn has Auriemma (and CD and Shea and Marissa) and they don't. They WILL contend for the NC next year. and if Chong and Butler can get their together it will be just like this year.

 

[CPD016]

I look at it as a game of chess with Geno as THE grandmaster. Last year he had the following pieces in play - King=Tuck , Queen=Stewie , Bishop=Lou , Bishop=Collier , Rook=Mo , Rook=Kia , Knight=Gabby. The rest were Pawns. This year he must try and turn the Pawns into the missing major playing pieces by tournament time. Unfortunately there is no Queen among the Pawns - c'est la vie.

 

[hoophuskee]

Unless something changes out of necessity, Gabby basically plays perimeter defense now. I don't see KLS playing inside defense much either. Butler is the wide body they need for some stability but she had a lot of foul issues despite rarely playing against starters or high-quality teams. Stewart's ability to change/block shots as well as switch and recover made a really good defense great.

I don't agree with this as an "absolute" statement. You used the word “need” when referring to Butler. They can still win many many games and be a contender threat with a “not very good” Butler. S0 maybe you’re right if it is just “spot minutes” – a “not very good” player still could be “needed.”


And- other things -- Gabby does not basically play perimeter defense - she plays it as needed. If she played perimeter defense then it would have meant that KLS was playing inside defense which you seem to imply she can’t play. Because when she subbed for Morgan Tuck then who was the pf? You can’t have it both ways here. One or the other played inside defense.


Secondly, I'd be very surprised that KLS isn't "aware" that she needs to be more physical which means I'd be surprised if she isn't working on her strength until she can play. Though her leg(s) will be weak - she should be one year stronger (as will Collier). The kids will work on getting stronger.


Third- there are different ways to combat size, - one is through a zone. Two is through a sagging defense like a zone. Three is a gimmick defense like a box-and one or triangle and two. Four- you can double team the post. Five- is to leave a player on opposing team wide open (which even in the final four 2014) that happened when BOTH Notre Dame and Stanford left MoJeff WIDE OPEN daring her to shoot. I’m pretty sure though not certain in 2015 that Notre Dame did that too in 2015 to Kia Nurse. We know if Stokes touched the ball from outside the ft line no one guarded her. So we’re talking about super great teams which opposing teams left others wide open. Why couldn’t this UCONN team do it? It’s not like we’re going against a 2014 or 2015 UCONN team every night.


I think sometimes there gets this belief that the game hasn’t changed. The three ball has changed the game to an extent. But even as far back as the 70’s Tommy Heinsohn spoke about how to combat size is with speed. He spoke of how size can affect the inside 6 feet but there is still another 84 feet. And defense such as double teams – there can be a misperception that if you double the opposing team will automatically swing the ball perfectly and nail the open shot – especially from 3. We aren’t playing pros though. And this college game – the opponent isn’t going to have the luxury of a 7 game series to counter whatever we do (and ofc vice-versa I realize).


Fourth- if the Golden State Warriors who play Draymond Green at center for most of the time at 6.5 – 6.6 in height (see link below his height listed) and get away with it vs 6’10 and 7 foot centers – then the UCONN women in wcbb can get away it too. Yeah they might not win a title because of it- but you aren’t supposed to steamroll every team every year. But we still have a chance to persevere this season even if Butler isn’t very good and/or doesn’t get that many minutes.


2012 NBA Combine: Measurements | NBADraft.net

 

[Kibitzer]

I think sometimes there gets this belief that the game hasn’t changed. The three ball has changed the game to an extent.

The other night, Golden State destroyed Cleveland in Game 4, 2nd half, and won going away. Guess who scored the most field goals in that one-sided and decisive half?

Yup. Cleveland.

And you shouldn't need Dick Vitale to tell you how the Warriors did it.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I don't agree with this as an "absolute" statement. You used the word “need” when referring to Butler.

Just a figure of speech to note that she's the one large, wide body player they have to defend inside.

And- other things -- Gabby does not basically play perimeter defense - she plays it as needed. If she played perimeter defense then it would have meant that KLS was playing inside defense which you seem to imply she can’t play. Because when she subbed for Morgan Tuck then who was the pf? You can’t have it both ways here. One or the other played inside defense.

Well, players aren't fixed to one spot on the floor so anyone not a small PG or large C usually defends different places at different times. That said, I'd wager that Williams and KLS defended the perimeter far more often than not last year. There are not many inside post threats in women's NCAA basketball. Gabby's a difference-maker on the outside.

Third- there are different ways to combat size, - one is through a zone. Two is through a sagging defense like a zone. Three is a gimmick defense like a box-and one or triangle and two. Four- you can double team the post.

Geno rarely uses those tactics those he will zone a few minutes here or there. The inside defense issue isn't just 1-on-1 defending but cutting off driving lanes, switching, and recovering for those on the perimeter. Those are things that Tuck and especially Stewart were terrific at the last two or three years.

I agree with the point about the game changing, size, etc. I'm not saying bunch of interior players are going to back down smaller UConn players deep in the lane. That's not really a part of the game. Just don't underestimate the impact the two seniors had in various ways as a second line of defense.

 

[Carnac]

I look at it as a game of chess with Geno as THE grandmaster. Last year he had the following pieces in play - King=Tuck , Queen=Stewie , Bishop=Lou , Bishop=Collier , Rook=Mo , Rook=Kia , Knight=Gabby. The rest were Pawns. This year he must try and turn the Pawns into the missing major playing pieces by tournament time. Unfortunately there is no Queen among the Pawns - c'est la vie.

The 2016-2017 season will be interesting for several reasons, the least of which is, as you suggest (and Geno has already stated), "there are no transcendent (Stewie type) players on this year's roster".
The offense generated by the BIG 3 , will now have to come from someone else. Stewie, Tuck and Samuelson where the first three options on offense. Two-thirds of that trio will have to be replaced.
Geno is blessed with an embarrassment of riches, which means he has more than enough capable players that can score at his disposal, that he can plug in.

There will be a drop off next season not only in expectations, but on both ends of the court. The question is: how much of a drop off? A lot, a little, barely noticeable? THAT'S what the basketball world is waiting to see.
You don't lose three players as UConn just did, without there being some residual effect. Some programs can lose one or two seniors and fold like a tent. If, and how soon those team leaders can be replaced determines how fast a program recovers.

Breanna Stewart, Moriah Jefferson and Morgan Tuck were all dynamic forces on both ends of the court. During their four years here, we got use to them, and the things that they could do, to the point of taking them or granted. "We've got Stewie, Morgan and Mo, and you don't". Players like Stewie, Diana Taurasi, Maya Moore, Rebecca Lobo, Candace Parker, Cheryl Miller, Jackie Styles (the all-time career leading scorer in Div. 1 WCBB - 3,393 pts. Lynette Woodard, scored 3,649 points at the University of Kansas before their women's basketball program was Division I. ), Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson, Pete Marovich, The good Doctor Julius Irving, Bill Walton, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James, Steph Curry etc., don't come around everyday. They're special. And if you are lucky enough to have one for a time, you're lucky.

UConn has players that have waiting patiently in the wings for their turn, now it's time for them to make their grand entrance, and showcase their skills as starters. I have no doubt we'll be more than pleased with their performance and effort. Personally, I think we'll be just fine next season, better than most folks think, and much better than the pre-season polls would have you to believe.

 

[hoophuskee]

The other night, Golden State destroyed Cleveland in Game 4, 2nd half, and won going away. Guess who scored the most field goals in that one-sided and decisive half?

Yup. Cleveland.

And you shouldn't need Dick Vitale to tell you how the Warriors did it.

huh?

You realize Cleveland lost game 4, right? So what's your point?

 

[Kibitzer]

huh?

You realize Cleveland lost game 4, right? So what's your point?

My point is that although GS did not get the most baskets, they got the right baskets - three-pointers - and lots of them.

That is why Golden State won and why (yes, I do realize) Cleveland lost.

Yet another indication of the continuing change in basketball.

 

[hoophuskee]

Just a figure of speech to note that she's the one large, wide body player they have to defend inside.



Well, players aren't fixed to one spot on the floor so anyone not a small PG or large C usually defends different places at different times. That said, I'd wager that Williams and KLS defended the perimeter far more often than not last year. There are not many inside post threats in women's NCAA basketball. Gabby's a difference-maker on the outside.



Geno rarely uses those tactics those he will zone a few minutes here or there. The inside defense issue isn't just 1-on-1 defending but cutting off driving lanes, switching, and recovering for those on the perimeter. Those are things that Tuck and especially Stewart were terrific at the last two or three years.

I agree with the point about the game changing, size, etc. I'm not saying bunch of interior players are going to back down smaller UConn players deep in the lane. That's not really a part of the game. Just don't underestimate the impact the two seniors had in various ways as a second line of defense.

1-- You think Butler is more of value because a team needs to defend her inside vs her having her have an ability to defend? IMO her biggest value will be what she can do defensively.

2-- I don't agree at all with your statement with Gabby. Again I'll ask when Tuck comes out of the game and Gabby usually replaced her, who was defending inside? Was it KLS or Gabby? It HAD TO BE one of them. When games "counted" at that moment - not 30-50 point leads -- but the moment Tuck was pulled- one of the two WAS guarding inside.

3-- When you speak "generally rarely uses those tactics"= he "rarely" uses them because he is rarely "outmanned" so badly. But he absolutely DID use them when he felt threatened inside like for example when Ruth Riley was in the paint. He did throw double teams at her. Ruth used to speak of how for her 1strs UCONN would send different players at her sometimes and other times they wouldn't. She'd get confused. Geno uses tactics that will win. He just isn't going to let them score layups for long. He will double or play gimmick defenses if that's what's needed for a win.

I agree with you - that he had great help defense in the past several years with shot-blocking size and quickness etc. That's even more reason that he may need to do the zones or double-teams or junk defenses etc this year. Because that's the way to combat size if you don't have bigs or the bigs aren't good enough. You can beat size with skill.