I would respectfully suggest that UConn’s lineup changes, particularly with several Bigs in foul trouble had something to do with some of the defensive lapses by the Huskies. I would also say that AR is a team that scores a lot of points. For instance, last season they put up 96 against MD, but still lost by 15.
I agree with you here.
I agree in general. I also feel that to alleviate some of the log jam and it not so much the Paige show to have a A and B squad that way everyone stays limber and game ready, may even help keep the injury bug at bay. They need the minutes to acclimate to game time situations. When you looked at that bench they all looked like their dogged died no animation. They all looked tense even Paige who's usually animated was subdued- looked like the weight of the world was on her shoulders. Need that vibe back.Its amazing the conclusions so many can put forth from one game-- a first game, and a game against a very good team. Remember this team had only one exhibition game prior to its opening. And I hardly think any of the current top teams would have written AK as a sure win on their opening day. I'm going to put myself in that unsavory bin labeled-- Chasing Perfection. Rather than the temping one-- Perfection Achieved.
First, my memories about the Stewart's era failed to show a team that blasted out of the gate with championship written all over the place. Jefferson had issues and Stewart was rightfully benched. In the end, the 5 dominated the minutes and learned to play together as a whole unit. And so that story continued until there were no other places to conquer. Any idea that this current team should steam-rolled AK doesn't make sense for me. Well, it's a wishful desire one may have, but one that will surely end in disappointment.
One un-ease that I have difficulties shaking regarding this current team is the lack of a killer instinct. PB is the only one who is willing and fearless. (CW has some of it and Edwards can, if her hands are not tied) EW has decided (it seems to me) to play a too controlled style, as if she is still suffering from her Tenn years when they dubbed her as a selfish player. She can put points on the board and a lot more would help.
The big danger I hope the team can avoid is that PB (w/ the media) casts such a big shadow that the players-- including the very able ones, settle for the crumbs instead of doing their own baking. Fudd of course could break-out and bring the other freshmen with her to balance PB.
For me, the game went as I might have expected-- jitters from the seniors who are now counting downward; nervousness from the beginners; players rotations and roles/expectations.
Remember. This team won over SC-- a tall and good rebounding team; matched a high scoring Iowa team, even though we were not supposed to be a scoring team; and, it took down Baylor-- a tall, physical and athletic team with seniors headed to the WNBA. And we have more and capable bodies this year.
He's not a God. When Arizona hit him with a great game plan he couldn't respond. I see the same approach every game. He's got a great thing going but not all of it is coaching genius. He has had a lot of talent also. Williams is a great example. Does he appreciate what he has there? Is he managing Ododa that well? Every kid is different. I watched the Stanford game yesterday and they couldn't hit a 3 if their life depended on it. And their coach was ripping a new hole in them. It only made it worse. Haley Jones looked like she was in cardiac arrest by the end of that game. There is a time for pressure and a time for encouragement. Any coach knows that. I'm sure Geno knows that better than almost anyone but as he ages he appears to be forgetting that some. Look at all the teams that have tightened up in the world series and lost when they were better on paper. Being loose and having fun often works. Playing unconsciously often helps those 3 balls splash. In the Arizona game last year their coach was nothing but encouragement and her players ran through walls for her.
That's a reasonable assumption there. The bench thing is creating havoc-things like that mess with team dynamics. CW has been carrying that down in the mouth vibe too with her ups and downs. She's trying to put a positive spin but...I recall in her interviews she would say things like I am under the radar now. I was a number one recruit too but it's okay. I would wonder why she keeps bringing that up and she's played...but let's hope the ship gets righted and the focus returns where it belongs. Geno please yell less encourage more. Boost their morale a little..even soldiers need a morale booster once in awhile. Sheesh
I agree with you. At UCONN there definitely is a "coaching thing." That "coaching thing" is the most consecutive final fours and most championships in the history of the sport. I do hold that HOF coach "accountable" for these things and being the greatest coach WCBB has ever seen.
That gets lost in the moaning, doesn’t it?
That’s another team that’s been in players’, and fans’, heads for a while now.
We sometimes forget that these kids have lives away from basketball with all that entails. Thank you for your perspective.
Welcome to the board! And thanks for some much needed input on the players’ stresses beyond basketball. Too many people here appear to think that the players should be able to shut out everything but basketball and play up to their full ability every night, no matter what’s going on with their personal lives.
So is that zero ?
I was looking for that one, but I couldn't find it.
not recently, in the big games, they haven't been on the short end.
your post is spot on but unfortunately it will fall on some appears. A person judges what a great coach he or she is because they beat UConn by being nicely nicey one game. Hoy many championships does that nice coach have Compared to that ogre .Cmon
Quite a few of my posts fall on some appears.
I've grown used to it.
If you guys are not aware that too much pressure can affect performance then you are missing the point. If a player thinks they are going to get their head ripped off and pulled out of the game if they miss 2 shots what do you think will happen? Do you think that environment is going to help performance? I get that it is sacrosanct to criticize Geno AT ALL on a Uconn blog but for the record I am a fan. i just don't like seeing these kids treated that way. They obviously are trying their best under extreme pressure already. Some kids may need a kick in the pants but it seems that every kid not named Paige gets severe criticism regularly.