Playing Time

[huskyd]

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.

Call me Ishmael. Is this the start of a book, Tony?
W/out contributing too much to what is already too much, let me say that I do not for a minute believe that colleges are in the business of preparing players for the pros. Never heard Geno even suggest that he was playing someone to get them ready for the next level. Getting everyone ready for March is the goal.

 

[Plebe]

The Irish are playing 3 games in 8 days, #4 Texas, at Syracuse then UConn. While UConn is playing Louisville @Barclays and @ND in 5 days. UConn plays between 8 and 11 players while so far this season ND plays 7 to 8 players. UConn players have averaged between 8.6 to 29.9 minutes a game, while ND averages between 5.3 to 36.9 minutes a game, with 6 players playing 28.4 to 36.9 a game. UConn has only 2 players playing above 28.4 minutes, they are Sarah at 28.7 and Paige at 29.9. With all of the extra players I believe they will wear down ND by the middle of the 3rd quarter if not sooner.

Hidalgo played all 45 minutes last night, and Miles and Citron each played over 40, and yet I didn't notice any of them looking fatigued in overtime. Koval is far from being a 40-minute type of player, but she gets her rest time when Prosper comes off the bench.

 

[Tonyc]

A couple of things I picked up on in the ND TX game.

Koval is not a good shooter away from the basket dont go out and defend her
Dont let the ND guards penetrate
We've got outside shooters unlike TX they will have to come out and guard us
Sarah will be an asset down low along with Ice and Jana
Koval gets in foul trouble take it at her ND only plays 6 deep. If they have to use their bench thats an advantage for us

I like our chances alot

 

[EricSD]

A couple of things I picked up on in the ND TX game.

Koval is not a good shooter away from the basket dont go out and defend her
Dont let the ND guards penetrate
We've got outside shooters unlike TX they will have to come out and guard us
Sarah will be an asset down low along with Ice and Jana
Koval gets in foul trouble take it at her ND only plays 6 deep. If they have to use their bench thats an advantage for us

I like our chances alot

You make some excellent points, but for some reason ND games always seem super tough to me. They play us with intensity and pressure, and Hidalgo, Miles and Citron will be hard to stop. If Paige has an off shooting game, it could be a long night as this team sometimes has a tendency to sit back and wait for Paige to do something in tough games.

It's early in the season and they team is still finding itself. It seems that Geno and the staff are working on developing individual confidence for all the players so they FEEL they can do "things", instead of waiting on Paige to be the hero (I believe Geno specifically mentioned something like that related to Ice and Sarah). That will bode well for the team as the season progresses.

If both teams play their "A" games, I like our chances as well as we have much more quality depth, and I'd stack Paige, Azzi, and Sarah up against any other starting 3 in the country. However, we can't afford to have 2 out of the big 3 have bad games... The first half of the Holy Cross game did nothing to boost my confidence in this team...

 

[Tonyc]

UConn as a team is growing each game and growing in confidence. Now with Azzi back I expect others to begin to show signs of improvement. I feel that because of the pressure Azzi's presence will have when she is on the floor. Her presence will take off them.

 

[Zonepress]

A couple of things I picked up on in the ND TX game.

Koval is not a good shooter away from the basket dont go out and defend her
Dont let the ND guards penetrate
We've got outside shooters unlike TX they will have to come out and guard us
Sarah will be an asset down low along with Ice and Jana
Koval gets in foul trouble take it at her ND only plays 6 deep. If they have to use their bench thats an advantage for us

I like our chances alot

Like our chances as well
Nd will I am quite sure plays zone
Texas was awful attacking the zone
The 3 point shot was open but Harmon
Refused to shoot
It allowed ND to clog the lane and make it difficult
For Tx inside game
Texas also took forever to get a shot against the zone This slowed the game down kept Notre Dame out of foul trouble, and allow them to get away with 6 players
Coach Ivey is a very good in game coach
She outcoached coach Schaefer last night
And quite honestly did the same thing against UConn last year
To me the key for the huskies will be to attack the zone quickly and shoot the ball well from three
Unlike Texas, pretty sure you’ll see a lot of Sarah, Strong and Paige flashing to the Painted area right under the foul line
Notre Dame will will score their points The key is to make them pay for playing zone
Looking Foward to the game!!

 

[ERWUC65]

Hidalgo played all 45 minutes last night, and Miles and Citron each played over 40, and yet I didn't notice any of them looking fatigued in overtime. Koval is far from being a 40-minute type of player, but she gets her rest time when Prosper comes off the bench.

Both teams walking 4th period and OT. Compare to SC vs Duke and you will see the difference.

 

[HuskyNan]

Why are all the threads turning into ND threads?

 

[uconnfan68]

The Irish are playing 3 games in 8 days, #4 Texas, at Syracuse then UConn. While UConn is playing Louisville @Barclays and @ND in 5 days. UConn plays between 8 and 11 players while so far this season ND plays 7 to 8 players. UConn players have averaged between 8.6 to 29.9 minutes a game, while ND averages between 5.3 to 36.9 minutes a game, with 6 players playing 28.4 to 36.9 a game. UConn has only 2 players playing above 28.4 minutes, they are Sarah at 28.7 and Paige at 29.9. With all of the extra players I believe they will wear down ND by the middle of the 3rd quarter if not sooner.

Watched a minute or 2 of TX-ND, and it was extremely physical (and not many calls). A true ND home job.

 

[boontonbomber]

Why are all the threads turning into ND threads?

Oh,you know that answer to that.

 

[oldhusky]

The distribution of minutes, I believe, is going to be an undercurrent issue with some of our players. They all buy into the "do it for the team/winning" concept, but I find it hard to fathom that 18-22 year olds, who started or played substantial minutes last year are feeling good about their current roles. I hope I am wrong!

It could be, but the argument pertains to more than just players that started last year. We have right now 9 players that have been regular starters already in their careers, and one (Jana) who could be in the near future. Caroline and Aubrey were starters and arguably better than Ash and KK were as starters last year. Kaitlin of course came in as a starter, and Sarah and Ice established themselves as starters this year. Azzi everyone pretty much assumed would regain her starting role she lost due to injury.

My point is if everyone was healthy and playing, we would have at a minimum four former starters getting backup minutes, and if Jana ever beats out Ice it would be five. Just the way it is. Perhaps even more frustrated might be very talented players who can't even get in the rotation for contested games. This year everyone on the roster was a highly regarded prospect. Some unhappy campers might be expected with that kind of a roster.

Having said that, from the outside this team appears to be a pretty tight group, so we will see.

 

[Steelerone]

When we start to play real teams, not the fill-in's scheduled every November, at that point we will begin to see which players Geno wants on the floor. And right now he's probably pondering on putting Paige at Center because I don't think he's seen any other player on the floor capable of playing the position against top teams.

 

[Bone Dog]

I don’t think freshmen typically are aggrieved for not getting minutes in tough games. They may even be relieved to avoid the possibility of letting the team down. It’s bound to be different for upperclassmen.

 

[Bills Fan]

When we start to play real teams, not the fill-in's scheduled every November, at that point we will begin to see which players Geno wants on the floor. And right now he's probably pondering on putting Paige at Center because I don't think he's seen any other player on the floor capable of playing the position against top teams.

Center? Surely you jest.

 

[The deacon]

I don’t think freshmen typically are aggrieved for not getting minutes in tough games. They may even be relieved to avoid the possibility of letting the team down. It’s bound to be different for upperclassmen.

Perhaps not typically, Bone Dog, but do you think Morgan Cheli and Allie Ziebell wouldn't want to play vs. ND, et al? I believe in their minds, and probably justifiably, they're exceptional players with exceptional collegiate potential. I believe they would want to show Geno what they can do, at risk.

 

[Bone Dog]

Perhaps not typically, Bone Dog, but do you think Morgan Cheli and Allie Ziebell wouldn't want to play vs. ND, et al? I believe in their minds, and probably justifiably, they're exceptional players with exceptional collegiate potential. I believe they would want to show Geno what they can do, at risk.

I disagree when it comes to Allie, and it’s probably also true of Morgan. They are not arrogant egotists who think they can do anything. You may not have noticed but Geno tends not to recruit those types. I only express a caveat about Morgan because she seems to me, at least, to be a bit closer to entering the rotation than Allie is. I will not be surprised to see Morgan get some minutes against ND and USC, and not just in garbage time. Her conditioning and foot speed is better than Allie’s and she tends to hit her shots on defense better than Allie does, so far.

Another thing to remember is that these girls play against each other in practice all the time. They see how they measure up against their heroes, Paige and Azzi. The bar those two set is really high, and you’d have to think these kids are fools not to recognize this. They also see the difference between what they are capable of and what Sarah can do. This is surely not lost on them.

Maybe if I frame it in terms of your hero, Caitlin, you’ll understand: there wasn’t more resentment of her as a freshman at Iowa because she proved herself in practice every day. Allie and Morgan didn’t become top recruits because they lacked self-knowledge.

 

[Cuango]

I think both would want to play but are also smart enough not to be resentful if they don’t play in the “big” games right now! I would guess they are looking at getting their playing time during the conference games while at the same time hoping to demonstrate to Geno that they are capable of being in the rotation for March!

 

[boontonbomber]

When we start to play real teams, not the fill-in's scheduled every November, at that point we will begin to see which players Geno wants on the floor. And right now he's probably pondering on putting Paige at Center because I don't think he's seen any other player on the floor capable of playing the position against top teams.

Sarah can play anywhere on the floor.

 

[sun]

I'd like to see UConn win some tipoffs.

 

[MooseJaw]

When we start to play real teams, not the fill-in's scheduled every November, at that point we will begin to see which players Geno wants on the floor. And right now he's probably pondering on putting Paige at Center because I don't think he's seen any other player on the floor capable of playing the position against top teams.

Your post would have validity if all great teams were center driven. Truth is that there are very few teams with dominate centers. Look at the top 25, how many have better 5's then UCONN, I'll name one, UCLA I'd like to see Others on the BY list who they think have a better center situation than we do. Does ND? I don't think so. I also think we are better suited at the 5 than SC, either one.
If we are so insufficient at center we are doomed.

 

[oldude]

I'd like to see UConn win some tipoffs.

Bring back Gabby Williams who almost never lost an opening tip, even against players up to 6’6” tall.

 

[MooseJaw]

I disagree when it comes to Allie, and it’s probably also true of Morgan. They are not arrogant egotists who think they can do anything. You may not have noticed but Geno tends not to recruit those types. I only express a caveat about Morgan because she seems to me, at least, to be a bit closer to entering the rotation than Allie is. I will not be surprised to see Morgan get some minutes against ND and USC, and not just in garbage time. Her conditioning and foot speed is better than Allie’s and she tends to hit her shots on defense better than Allie does, so far.

Another thing to remember is that these girls play against each other in practice all the time. They see how they measure up against their heroes, Paige and Azzi. The bar those two set is really high, and you’d have to think these kids are fools not to recognize this. They also see the difference between what they are capable of and what Sarah can do. This is surely not lost on them.

Maybe if I frame it in terms of your hero, Caitlin, you’ll understand: there wasn’t more resentment of her as a freshman at Iowa because she proved herself in practice every day. Allie and Morgan didn’t become top recruits because they lacked self-knowledge.

Another post right to the point, nice post Bone Dog, you get it.

 

[Steelerone]

Your post would have validity if all great teams were center driven. Truth is that there are very few teams with dominate centers. Look at the top 25, how many have better 5's then UCONN, I'll name one, UCLA I'd like to see Others on the BY list who they think have a better center situation than we do. Does ND? I don't think so. I also think we are better suited at the 5 than SC, either one.
If we are so insufficient at center we are doomed.

If you check the listing of the past four or five National Champions you will find their strength was in the paint at center and forward.

 

[Steelerone]

Sarah can play anywhere on the floor.

You are absolutely right, but she is one player out of five on the floor. Do you think she can do all of the work in the paint??

 

[hoophuskee]

If you check the listing of the past four or five National Champions you will find their strength was in the paint at center and forward.

In Paige's frosh year - Stanford won the title and Arizona was right there to win it all. They were not "low post" teams.

The next 3 years, the greatest guards have either been on non-power teams (Clark), or their team was ripped apart by injury (Paige/Azzi).

If the top 3 posts these past several years, Boston, Reese, and Cardoso were to have been hurt or played on non-power teams or their teams were ripped apart by injures vs healthy power teams, while Paige and Clark for example were healthy and played for high powered teams, that they wouldn’t have been the ones with titles?

 

[boontonbomber]

You are absolutely right, but she is one player out of five on the floor. Do you think she can do all of the work in the paint??

Don't want her doing all the work in the paint. Just saying she could be effective down there ;she is so very talented. I think Ice and Jana can also be effective , but hasn't looked to me like getting the ball down low has been much of a focus(forever) for these coaches. Why have this size if you're not going to get the ball in their hands 1 step away from the basket? If for no other reason might help to get the opponents' big people in some foul trouble.

 

[MooseJaw]

Don't want her doing all the work in the paint. Just saying she could be effective down there ;she is so very talented. I think Ice and Jana can also be effective , but hasn't looked to me like getting the ball down low has been much of a focus(forever) for these coaches. Why have this size if you're not going to get the ball in their hands 1 step away from the basket? If for no other reason might help to get the opponents' big people in some foul trouble.

How about defense, or rebounding, or facilitating others. Oh, oh maybe just for clogging the lane. Let's face it UCONN is different than most teams, yes, they have a point guard bring the ball up court, once that's done in most cases it's positionless ball. As such no player is always in one spot, the rest should be obvious.

 

[hoophuskee]

Don't want her doing all the work in the paint. Just saying she could be effective down there ;she is so very talented. I think Ice and Jana can also be effective , but hasn't looked to me like getting the ball down low has been much of a focus(forever) for these coaches. Why have this size if you're not going to get the ball in their hands 1 step away from the basket? If for no other reason might help to get the opponents' big people in some foul trouble.

Because other teams have scholarship players too. They arent going to let you get the ball 1 foot from the basket very often.
Also, why is it good to slow the game down while at this moment UCONN has been undefeated?
Third why take the shots away from Paige and Azzi for less efficient players (Jana and Ice)?
Fourth, why is it good for UCONN to have Jana get fouled and be put at the free throw line? How is that beneficial for UCONN at the moment?

 

[boontonbomber]

How about defense, or rebounding, or facilitating others. Oh, oh maybe just for clogging the lane. Let's face it UCONN is different than most teams, yes, they have a point guard bring the ball up court, once that's done in most cases it's positionless ball. As such no player is always in one spot, the rest should be obvious. :

"As such" , Sarah will not be in one spot all the time, and another spot she could be in might be down low. And she would be very effective there. Hey, if she's passing thru there, throw the ball to her. Only good things will happen. That much is obvious to me.