Playing Time

[freshler40]

Re: Kaitlyn Chen. How about we give her a chance to adapt to a new system. Afterall, Princeton is a Division I school and her stats and accomplishments don't lie. I'm confident she'll find her way and apparently so is Geno.

Awards:
WBCA Honorable Mention All-America (2024)
Ivy League Player of the Year (2023)
First-Team All-Ivy (2023, 2024)
Ivy League Tournament Most Outstanding Player (2022, 2023, 2024)
Ivy League All-Tournament Team (2022, 2023, 2024)
USBWA Ann Meyers Drysdale Award Watch List (2024)
Becky Hammon Mid-Major Player of the Year Watch List (2023)
NCAA.com Starting Five (Dec. 20, 2023)
USBWA National Player of the Week (Feb. 20, 2024)
Ivy League Player of the Week (Feb. 28, 2022, Feb. 6, 2023, Mar. 6, 2023, Dec. 19, 2023, Feb. 5, 2024)
CSC Academic All-District (2024)
Academic All-Ivy (2024)
Intersport Women's College All-Star Game Watch List (2024)
Metropolitan Basketball Writers Association Player of the Week (Dec. 19, 2023, Feb. 5, 2024)
Ivy League Rookie of the Week (Feb. 21, Feb. 28, Mar. 7, 2022)
Fort Myers Elevance Health Women's Fort Myers Tip-Off All-Island Division Team (Nov. 25, 2023)

2023-24: Posted 17 points and six dimes vs. Columbia in the Ivy Tournament Championship (Mar. 16) ... Scored 18 points in the Ivy Tournament Semifinal vs. Penn (Mar. 15) ... Fourth career Double-Double with 19 points, 11 assists along with seven rebounds vs. Penn (Mar. 9) ... Corralled 13 points, seven assists and six rebounds vs. Harvard (Mar. 1) ... Efficient 7-of-9 shooting for 18 points along with six dimes at Yale (Feb. 17) ... Third career Double-Double with 17 points and 10 rebounds at Brown (Feb. 16) ... Picked up 20 points at Penn (Feb. 10) ... Contributed 17 points, six rebounds and four helpers vs. Yale (Feb. 3) ... Posted 27 points and five dimes vs. Yale (Feb. 2) ... Second career Double-Double with 12 points and 10 assists vs. Cornell (Jan. 27) ... Dished out seven assists and stole five passes at Cornell (Jan. 6) ... Scored 17 points including her 1,000th career point at Vermont (Dec. 29) ... Snagged 19 points vs. Rutgers (Dec. 13) ... Impressive outing with 31 points at Villanova (Dec. 11) ... Dished out 10 assists vs. Quinnipiac (Dec. 6) ... Scored 21 points vs. Seton Hall (Nov. 29) ... Collected 20 points vs. No. 20 Oklahoma (Nov. 23) .. Game-high 24 points at No. 3 UCLA (Nov. 17).

Amazing resume for sure and against some solid teams. She has shown a low turnover rate while having the ball in her hands a lot. Kaitlyn also rebounds well for her size and provides some offensive power. A fine package and a quick study. We have impressive backup in KK and Paige if needed. The options are wonderful.

The ND match-up, their two great penetrating guards, will be the test of the season. Perhaps we won't shut them down but hold them to below their averages and that might be the difference. ND also has other fine players so this game will be a late season preview.

 

[freshler40]

Amazing resume for sure and against some solid teams. She has shown a low turnover rate while having the ball in her hands a lot. Kaitlyn also rebounds well for her size and provides some offensive power. A fine package and a quick study. We have impressive backup in KK and Paige if needed. The options are wonderful.

The ND match-up, with their two great penetrating guards, will be the test of the season. Perhaps we won't shut them down but hold them to below their averages and that might be the difference. ND also has other fine players so this game will be a late season preview.

 

[Tonyc]

If UConn could take a few charges that would cut down on their penetration and foul trouble would stifle their defense.

 

[oldude]

If UConn could take a few charges that would cut down on their penetration and foul trouble would stifle their defense.

Nobody better than Aubrey at drawing a charging foul.

 

[Doctor G]

I think the point guard position will stay undecided (committee of 3) until March. Morgan was great for Archbishop Mitty. Can you imagine a 6'2" point guard with handles, rebound ability and 3 point shooting?

While there isn't a Mariah Jefferson-level PG on the squad, I think the point guard situation is settled. Chen is the starter (even though she is not a natural point guard) and KK is the sub bringing energy and an attack mentality that is difficult gear-shift to deal with after a steady diet of Chen. Chen is a better scoring threat at all 3 levels than KK; she clearly improved her 3-point shot since last season and her hard work is already paying dividends. Chen is also starting to be more aggressive on offense and is reducing the number of times she picks up her dribble pointlessly or forces the ball needlessly.

Once UConn's shots really start falling, then the spacing Azzi, Paige, Chen, Strong and Ice can maintain will be difficult to defend (and the players Geno brings of the bench aren't too shabby in the spacing department either).

I thing Morgan is a future superstar. She is -- and always has been -- a playmaker with an outstanding b-ball IQ and a winner who makes plays and makes her teammates play better. Anyone who ever saw Morgan play in high school knows she is special. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see her get some minutes in big games this year, and I can definitely see a lot of the offense running through her in the years ahead; however, great as she is , I don't believe she is UConn's point guard of the future (of course, Morgan is so good that I could be completely wrong, too!).

 

[Bone Dog]

I can definitely see a lot of the offense running through her in the years ahead; however, great as she is , I don't believe she is UConn's point guard of the future (of course, Morgan is so good that I could be completely wrong, too!).

We could be watching the Morgan & Sarah for the next few years.

 

[Bigboote]

I thing Morgan is a future superstar. She is -- and always has been -- a playmaker with an outstanding b-ball IQ and a winner who makes plays and makes her teammates play better. Anyone who ever saw Morgan play in high school knows she is special. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see her get some minutes in big games this year, and I can definitely see a lot of the offense running through her in the years ahead; however, great as she is , I don't believe she is UConn's point guard of the future (of course, Morgan is so good that I could be completely wrong, too!).

Morgan isn’t likely THE point guard of the future, but UConn should be able to have two point guards on the floor for most of every game for the next few years with KK sticking around for two more years, Morgan for three, and Kelis Fisher arriving next year.

 

[Cuango]

Morgan isn’t likely THE point guard of the future, but UConn should be able to have two point guards on the floor for most of every game for the next few years with KK sticking around for two more years, Morgan for three, and Kelis Fisher arriving next year.

And hopefully Kate Harpring after that!

 

[PacoSwede]

I thing Morgan is a future superstar. She is -- and always has been -- a playmaker with an outstanding b-ball IQ and a winner who makes plays and makes her teammates play better. Anyone who ever saw Morgan play in high school knows she is special. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see her get some minutes in big games this year, and I can definitely see a lot of the offense running through her in the years ahead; however, great as she is , I don't believe she is UConn's point guard of the future (of course, Morgan is so good that I could be completely wrong, too!).

that's exactly the vibe i pick up. think you've hit the target. the type of player every team wish they had, & geno loves!

 

[Blueconn]

There has been alot of discussion on who should start, how many minutes each player should get, and who should be playing at certain times. Well we have a very talented roster and everybody needs to be developed. Depending on how fast they develop will depend on the minutes they play and what games they play in. We have some experienced players with seniority that need to be developed to get ready for their professional career. Theyve paid their dues and have earned that right. Our underclassman need to be developed because they will be taking over for those who graduate. Those players that are coming off injury, need minutes to get back up to speed. Their minutes will depend on their health/doctors orders. Everything depends on where they are in their development and will they help the team in crucial situations or not and whether Geno can take a chance with them in those situations at this point in their career. He doesnt want to set them up for failure, he wants to set them up for success. Success builds confidence. There are alot of things to consider when discussing playtime.

Those that are healthy right now need to share time with each other. These kids didnt come here to sit. They are to good for that. They are top ranked players coming out of high school. Depending on how the game is going will dictate who is playing and who is not. Against a top team in a tight game we have shorter rotations. The reason being the inexperience of some players will not help the team and could hurt the team and their confidence. In games against weaker teams we will see a longer rotation. More inexperienced players will get their experience in those games. Their chance for being successful is much better in those games.

We have some prolific scorers. In big games they will be the go to players who we depend on to score. In games against weaker teams that holds true too however Geno can mix and match the inexperienced players giving them the opportunity to gain experience while working with the more experienced players.

In some games we need a player who can play defense against an opponents top scorer. So you may see someone other then a starter get more minutes . There are alot of situations, much like a chess match where certain players will see more playtime or less playtime then they would in different games. Thats Genos decision. He assigns them different jobs depending on the game.

A player such as Azzi coming back from injury most likely will not play long minutes. She may not be physically able to. Geno needs to manage her minutes. So if you start Azzi she may only play a certain amount of minutes because she is coming back from an injury. So due to the minutes limitation do you start her or have her come off the bench? Thats Genos decision.

Looking ahead is very important. Planning for later on this season and the following season is very important. You have to look at who you can depend on later in the season and next season. Who will be your key players. Who can you depend on and who is ready to step up. You have to give enough players enough experience so theyre ready for that. Why in a big game do some players score less then in other games? Most likely because Paige Sarah and Azzi are the go to players. Other players may be considered complementary players especially in big games. When theyre ready they may considered to do more. In big games coachs depend on their star players to score. Thats why you have them. They are your go to players.

We are in the middle of a very tuff part of our schedule. We most likely will have a short bench in those games. Against Holy Cross Geno will have a chance to work on some things. He will be able to challenge some kids to see where they are. I can guarantee that if somebody comes into the game and starts jacking up shots without Genos ok they may be sitting quickly. I expect Geno is looking for the kids who can execute his game plan. Based on their ability to execute will dictate to him their assignment for the game. He is looking for kids who are making the cuts, and making plays on both sides of the ball. That will increase their playtime. If you cant execute the game plan then your most likely looking at turnovers and making turnovers loose games. Later on in the season we will see who emerges as a scorer. Everybody has a part to play in each and every game. If your asked to play defense against a key opposing player you may not score as much as you would against a weaker opponent. Geno gives you an assignment based on what he knows you can do and wants you to do.

Over the next few weeks we will have some tuff competition. We need are stars to shine and that means our defensive stars as well as our offensive stars. Each player will have their assignments. We have a great talented team and it takes time for the chemistry to develop. It takes time for the transition from high school to college to develop. Geno will play players against weaker teams until he feels theyre ready for a tougher team. When it all comes together we should be in Tampa in April.

Tony…does this resonate : a dozen or so HS AA, State POYs, etc.
200 minutes. Just < 18 mpg. But 5 must deserve at least 20 each. The other 7 then get > 14+ ppg.
And they became National Champions and lived happily ever after.

 

[Skeets]

After the last few seasons, it is very heartening to see three players waiting to come in at the scorer's table. I may have seen four at one point against Holy Cross.

I'm sure the kids like it, but hockey line changes might not always produce excellent team basketball. Although I will admit that if you practice it enough you are bound to get good at it.

 

[Skeets]

Nobody better than Aubrey at drawing a charging foul.

Perhaps that is why her arm is in a sling?

 

[oldude]

Perhaps that is why her arm is in a sling?

Ayanna’s arm is in a sling. Aubrey has been warming up with the team and the word is she’s very close to being able to play in games.

 

[Skeets]

Ayanna’s arm is in a sling. Aubrey has been warming up with the team and the word is she’s very close to being able to play in games.

Oopsie, right you are.

 

[Bone Dog]

I think of Morgan as “Big Evina.” If she can steady a team when their knees go wobbly the way Evina often did, she’ll be one of Geno’s favorites.

 

[yhun89]

I want to see Morgan try against Olivia against ND. She's got some good length, which we know helps big on defense. That's half the reason Sonia is so good on PB, she's got speed, and she's got the length to cover Paige efficiently. Morgan would have a height advantage and a good wingspan that can cut Miles off on the drive, block her court vision on the lanes, etc. She can match Sonia's length and height.

Another example of lengthy defenders doing well on PGs is Chloe Moore at Indiana last year. She covered Clark and completely obscured her passing vision and made it harder for her to get teammates involved. Leading to a big Indiana W.

 

[cgshuskie]

I'm glad that the post is picking up on Morgan. A true future super star. With Sarah will make up the dominance o the future. Just needs to work on her mid range game. She has one but just needs the confidence to use it in the college game, ( as she did in HS). The Morgan/Allie duo will lead Uconn for the coming years.

 

[OldSchooler]

And hopefully Kate Harpring after that!

Definitelty high on Kate. HS Class of '26. Has already received an offer from UConn in late October.

 

[OldSchooler]

While there isn't a Mariah Jefferson-level PG on the squad, I think the point guard situation is settled. Chen is the starter (even though she is not a natural point guard) and KK is the sub bringing energy and an attack mentality that is difficult gear-shift to deal with after a steady diet of Chen. Chen is a better scoring threat at all 3 levels than KK; she clearly improved her 3-point shot since last season and her hard work is already paying dividends. Chen is also starting to be more aggressive on offense and is reducing the number of times she picks up her dribble pointlessly or forces the ball needlessly.

Once UConn's shots really start falling, then the spacing Azzi, Paige, Chen, Strong and Ice can maintain will be difficult to defend (and the players Geno brings of the bench aren't too shabby in the spacing department either).

I thing Morgan is a future superstar. She is -- and always has been -- a playmaker with an outstanding b-ball IQ and a winner who makes plays and makes her teammates play better. Anyone who ever saw Morgan play in high school knows she is special. It wouldn't surprise me at all to see her get some minutes in big games this year, and I can definitely see a lot of the offense running through her in the years ahead; however, great as she is , I don't believe she is UConn's point guard of the future (of course, Morgan is so good that I could be completely wrong, too!).

Were it not for Sarah, who is in a class of her own, Morgan would definitely be my favorite among the newbies. Even in high school, she was -- like Paige is -- not just a great player, but a great teacher for her teammates. Much more outgoing than Sarah, the kind of team player the UConn coaches appreciate.

 

[MooseJaw]

And hopefully Kate Harpring after that!

Yes, heck yes!, it's a wink of agreement.

 

[MooseJaw]

I want to see Morgan try against Olivia against ND. She's got some good length, which we know helps big on defense. That's half the reason Sonia is so good on PB, she's got speed, and she's got the length to cover Paige efficiently. Morgan would have a height advantage and a good wingspan that can cut Miles off on the drive, block her court vision on the lanes, etc. She can match Sonia's length and height.

Another example of lengthy defenders doing well on PGs is Chloe Moore at Indiana last year. She covered Clark and completely obscured her passing vision and made it harder for her to get teammates involved. Leading to a big Indiana W.

Naw I don't think so, you referenced it above, speed while I love me some Morgan, her foot speed is no match for Olivia. She has traits that make her an outstanding Husky, but she at this time does not match Olivia for speed.

 

[Zonepress]

If UConn could take a few charges that would cut down on their penetration and foul trouble would stifle their defense.

The whole concept of team defense has changed as players have become more proficient at shooting three-point shots
historically the idea was to double team the player going to the basket(take a charge ) and force the ball to go outside.
This is no longer always the best strategy


Players are now taught to stay “at home “and cover the three point shooters

I suspect this has a lot to do with not taking charges

 

[Zonepress]

I want to see Morgan try against Olivia against ND. She's got some good length, which we know helps big on defense. That's half the reason Sonia is so good on PB, she's got speed, and she's got the length to cover Paige efficiently. Morgan would have a height advantage and a good wingspan that can cut Miles off on the drive, block her court vision on the lanes, etc. She can match Sonia's length and height.

Another example of lengthy defenders doing well on PGs is Chloe Moore at Indiana last year. She covered Clark and completely obscured her passing vision and made it harder for her to get teammates involved. Leading to a big Indiana W.

I think, putting Morgan in the game guarding all American on the road very early in her career(when she has played six minutes in a competitive game, )while interesting would be a real reach
And if she were to play who in the rotation who , would you put to the bench?
That being said, if she gets extensive minutes in the Louisville game, what do you suggest could very well happen

 

[ERWUC65]

Naw I don't think so, you referenced it above, speed while I love me some Morgan, her foot speed is no match for Olivia. She has traits that make her an outstanding Husky, but she at this time does not match Olivia for speed.

Actually they are quite similar. To fairly judge Morgan you must look at her work prior to UConn, and note that the speed on ND is HH, not Olivia.