Our Sights are on Number 12

[hookshot]

In the NCAA Tournament sometimes a very good team will run up against superior talent, happens every year. Can UConn survive against a team with superior talent ? That's why they play the games, to find out.

I'm not seeing a team with "superior talent" to Uconn (ND comes closest). Th question is just can Uconn show out when the chips are down

 

[ERWUC65]

It’s my day off, so naturally I’ve been watching replays of games from this season. I’m on a sabbatical year so technically every day is a day off for me. Anyway, I watched the UNC game, the Louisville game and both Seton Hall games, the last two in highlights. And the thing that really stands out on the offensive side is the passing. UConn’s passing is simply more complex than what their opponents are doing.

Of course, the victory depends as much on the switching defense. But the sophistication of the passing game is really indicative of what goes into being a Husky.

So many of the other teams play simple iso-plays and clearouts much of the time. Why can’t they run a motion offense comparable to what Geno has his kids doing? My guess is it starts with recruiting. He looks for kids who are willing to commit to team defense, and this is probably related to running a complex offense. No ‘hero ball.’ No razzle dazzle. Just relentless off ball movement and reading the floor.

To your point I have noticed that some of the top teams, in particular, ND & USC, under pressure, get away from their team game, ignore the coach and go ISO with their best player(s), which quickly proves to be self destructive. These teams are unbalanced in that they rely on a singular special player, which can be defended. The other top teams, such as TX and UCLA rely on height and post scoring and play more of a half court offense than a transition style which can be more difficult to manage as we do not see that very often in the BE. That leaves SC as being the outlier as they play true team baskeball, but are vulnerable this year from a lack of height and offensive rebounding as noted in their loss at us in Columbia.

 

[Cuango]

Me!

I'm not completely convinced
Mind you, I love this team
Wonderful bunch of lovable characters.
and huge talent that will be on display for years to come...
But aside from SC, they didn't display the killer instinct
that great teams trend to regularly put on display...We're it, watch out

Important cogs have been passive from time to time
great shooters have been inconsistent.
the post is a work in progress...
(Mind you...the insanely positive appearance of Ice Brady may change that equation).

So...in conclusion...

There its nothing I would enjoy better that a hard earned Natty
But I think that other talented teams are more hungry.

I don’t think so. I think every player on our team desperately wants to win #12! They want it for the school, for themselves, for Paige, Aubrey, and Geno, and for the fans as well! This team has grown tremendously this season and I believe they are ready to show everyone that they are ready for anything that comes their way! Are we a lock? Of course not, but I believe (and more important, they believe) that their destiny is in their hands. If this team can play up to their capabilities these next three weeks, #12 is clearly within our grasp! Geno is possibly the best ever at having his team ready for the tournament. Again, there are no guarantees in life, but I believe we are as ready as any team in the country and if we can simply play our best in the tourney, we do not need to fear any team in the country!

 

[PacoSwede]

It’s my day off, so naturally I’ve been watching replays of games from this season. I’m on a sabbatical year so technically every day is a day off for me. Anyway, I watched the UNC game, the Louisville game and both Seton Hall games, the last two in highlights. And the thing that really stands out on the offensive side is the passing. UConn’s passing is simply more complex than what their opponents are doing.

Of course, the victory depends as much on the switching defense. But the sophistication of the passing game is really indicative of what goes into being a Husky.

So many of the other teams play simple iso-plays and clearouts much of the time. Why can’t they run a motion offense comparable to what Geno has his kids doing? My guess is it starts with recruiting. He looks for kids who are willing to commit to team defense, and this is probably related to running a complex offense. No ‘hero ball.’ No razzle dazzle. Just relentless off ball movement and reading the floor.

agree with your points, but even more important is how they can avoid abysmal shooting (on excellent shots), which has been the cause of each loss this season!

 

[Tonyc]

agree with your points, but even more important is how they can avoid abysmal shooting (on excellent shots), which has been the cause of each loss this season!

I believe now with Azzi and Griff healthy we have players to pick up those having an off shooting nite. Also you can focus all your attention on Paige and Sarah. We now have Azzi Griff Kaitlyn and Ash as well as KK showing promise. Thats 7 scorers who shoot at a pretty good percentage. This is why Im so high on our offense.

 

[Conndog]

To your point I have noticed that some of the top teams, in particular, ND & USC, under pressure, get away from their team game, ignore the coach and go ISO with their best player(s), which quickly proves to be self destructive. These teams are unbalanced in that they rely on a singular special player, which can be defended. The other top teams, such as TX and UCLA rely on height and post scoring and play more of a half court offense than a transition style which can be more difficult to manage as we do not see that very often in the BE. That leaves SC as being the outlier as they play true team baskeball, but are vulnerable this year from a lack of height and offensive rebounding as noted in their loss at us in Columbia.

Both ND and USC’s top players (Hidalgo, Watkins) make a living at driving to basket and hurling themselves against defender to draw fouls. If refs allow that to happen and reward them, so much the better for their team’s chances. Maintaining defensive position isn’t easy against them, but they do favor one side when driving- have to overplay them to some extent to deny that lane. UConn is playing great basketball on both sides of the ball. I’m intrigued by Ice’s return- she is one more big who may be very effective in the tourney. She looked quicker than I remember- certainly she’s in best shape and conditioning that I can recall. UConn is really deep this year, all healthy and hungry!

 

[Bone Dog]

Maintaining defensive position isn’t easy against them, but they do favor one side when driving- have to overplay them to some extent to deny that lane

so true. I think UConn did a good job denying Hannah her dominant hand, and the result was that almost all of her points in that game came from the perimeter. She was on fire from 3 that game, so all that good defensive work went for nought. I'd say it was an important bit of work she and Miles did over the summer working on their perimeter shooting, and good coaching from Niele.

Juju is the same way -- very much prefers her right hand, and last season UConn contained her by cutting off the right. She still got her points, but didn't take over that game. Same thing in the second half of this season's defeat. But Juju also deserves credit for working on her perimeter game and also practicing with her left all summer. By next season, it may be that no scout will find a way to contain her.