Post game vs. Xavier (merged)

[Fairfield Fan]

great job! Thanks

I'm no doctor, but recalling the comments by my orthopedist when I had an ankle sprain, a "stress reaction" is a fracture. It's either a "displaced" or a non-displaced" fracture. I believe he said that a stress reaction constituted a "non-displaced fracture." In other words, it's a broken bone.

He said the same with a "sprain." In my case, a sliver of bone that was attached to the ligament had pulled away from the larger bone. So the "sprain" is a non-displaced fracture.

Again, no doctor. Just sayin' what he told me....

 

[genzhusk]

You should have warned "Spoiler Alert". I have not finished watching it. Also, I think Dorca is getting a bad rap for not scoring enough. She can't score if her teammates don't get her the ball when she is open. One ball she fumbled yesterday was a pass at her knees. I have seen players look at her when she has her man pinned and not pass her the ball. I would think that when reviewing the game, the coaches would address that.

Exactly this. It is overlooked how much poor guard play impacts the posts. Being able to sag so far off of shooters clogs the paint. The guards not being able keep their man in front of them means the posts have to recover out of position and try to guard their man. I know we don’t have any stephanie dolsons out there just yet but people should acknowledge a lot of the post’s woes are exacerbated by poor guard shooting or poor perimeter defense. The posts end up taking the brunt of the scrutiny.

 

[Huskee11]

Something I haven’t noticed in this thread (I could have missed it) is that Meg said Nika is the best communicator on the floor. That may be another reason the team seems better coordinated on both offense and defense lately.

I was at the game. I don`t know how obvious her communication is when watching on television, but in person you cannot help but notice it. And I`m not all that close to the action (unfortunately).

She has kind of a high pitch to her voice on the court, and you hear her chirping constantly. Example, while covering their point guard and anticipating picks, "talk to me, talk to me!".

Almost always getting the team together after a dead ball. Talking to Geno during free throws. Constantly encouraging and congratulating teammates. Nonstop.

A real team player.

She played very aggressively on defense without fouling. Constantly moving, challenging passes, looking for an opportunity to swipe the ball, staying in position. The one foul she did pick up involved some pushing off by her opponent and I thought, watching in real time, that it was going to be called the other way. To her credit, Nika remained deadpan. I think she has gotten the message about questioning foul calls.

Another skill not appreciated much is her ability to get passes off quickly, accurately, and with pace. It is part of the reason her teammates on the wing seem so wide open when they get the ball.

A skill that is more appreciated is her ability to push the ball. When she gets the ball on the defensive end - as she did a lot with steals and rebounds - it is go time.

She does need to shoot better, and hopefully that will come. I have been a proponent of her developing a midrange game and watching the warmups before the game, it is apparent that she is working on that aspect of her game as well.

In the postgame radio interview I listened to while driving home, Chris Dailey mentioned that Nika is "learning on the fly". That comment took me aback a bit, but thinking about it, it makes sense. Some of these players come to UConn with so much coaching that they are practically finished products. Nika is not one of those players.

 

[HopJim]

Two nits from the game:
-ONO did not slap down on her blocks, eliminated fouls. I have screamed at the TV for her to do this for 4 years and for the past few games she has shown outstanding form.
-We did not see any tickey tat traveling fouls. Not sure I remember many the previous game as well. Caroline in particular was a major beneficiary.

 

[JellyBean]

Got the chance to watch the replay. I am just happy that the team was able to get these three games but more importantly, those Butler and Xavier games. Those two games, with the lineup change, and the blow out fashion, can only boost their confidence going forward, especially for Monday's game. The team needed these two games. Heck even the coaching staff needed this game! Coach G is going to be Coach G. Seeing him at halftime, jokingly making his usual comments, was a joy. But the line-up change has been a needed adjustment and it seems to be working out well.

Team:
Offense: Loving the tempo. I have stated since the 1st game, we are better in the open court. Once we get into the halfcourt stuff, we struggle. Not every team can do it all. Just gotta go with your strengths and the open court (Transition Game) is our bread and butter. We got the speed and we gotta use it.

Defense: Halfcourt defense has greatly improved. Glad that we are doing a little more full court pressure. Even though it is soft pressure, it is still applying some pressure and that allows for players like C-Dub and Nika to use their quickness. That back line of Caroline and Dorka, with their length, is decent and then you have the anchor of Liv providing some rim protection. Defense, especially full court pressure is going to be nice once everyone returns and is healthy. Use that bench depth.

Players:

I am just proud of these young ladies!! With all that has happened and continue to happen, these young ladies just show up and give 100% out there. From Nika and C-Dub pushing the pace on offense. To Evina coming off the bench and still being in attack mode. To AE, Liv, Dorka continued hustle plays, blocking, playing the passing lane, and rebounding. They are stepping up and doing well out there. To Amari and Piath making the most of their opportunities out there. Keep it up, ladies!!

Up next, Oregon. Just keep playing with this level of confidence and intensity. We believe in you all!

Let's go, Huskies!!

 

[BobbyJ]

I was at the game. I don`t know how obvious her communication is when watching on television, but in person you cannot help but notice it. And I`m not all that close to the action (unfortunately).

She has kind of a high pitch to her voice on the court, and you hear her chirping constantly. Example, while covering their point guard and anticipating picks, "talk to me, talk to me!".

Almost always getting the team together after a dead ball. Talking to Geno during free throws. Constantly encouraging and congratulating teammates. Nonstop.

A real team player.

She played very aggressively on defense without fouling. Constantly moving, challenging passes, looking for an opportunity to swipe the ball, staying in position. The one foul she did pick up involved some pushing off by her opponent and I thought, watching in real time, that it was going to be called the other way. To her credit, Nika remained deadpan. I think she has gotten the message about questioning foul calls.

Another skill not appreciated much is her ability to get passes off quickly, accurately, and with pace. It is part of the reason her teammates on the wing seem so wide open when they get the ball.

A skill that is more appreciated is her ability to push the ball. When she gets the ball on the defensive end - as she did a lot with steals and rebounds - it is go time.

She does need to shoot better, and hopefully that will come. I have been a proponent of her developing a midrange game and watching the warmups before the game, it is apparent that she is working on that aspect of her game as well.

In the postgame radio interview I listened to while driving home, Chris Dailey mentioned that Nika is "learning on the fly". That comment took me aback a bit, but thinking about it, it makes sense. Some of these players come to UConn with so much coaching that they are practically finished products. Nika is not one of those players.

Some do but many don't. Like shooting. I don't understand how Muhl and Edwards for instance can be two years into a D1 program and have very little understanding of shot mechanics and arc, shot footwork, and how to move and dribble into a shot. And they're not alone, non shooters are everywhere. If a kid is motivated enough to work hard and play at that level which they are, then find an instructor and use a summer to become a better shooter. The best shooters were doing that while they were being recruited.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Some do but many don't. Like shooting. I don't understand how Muhl and Edwards for instance can be two years into a D1 program and have very little understanding of shot mechanics and arc, shot footwork, and how to move and dribble into a shot. And they're not alone, non shooters are everywhere. If a kid is motivated enough to work hard and play at that level which they are, then find an instructor and use a summer to become a better shooter. The best shooters were doing that while they were being recruited.

If it was easy, anyone could do it! How come all PGA pros aren't great putters? What's the difference between Tom Brady and Jalen Hurts in terms of passing efficiency? How can Dwight Howard and Shaq be only 50% FT shooters? How come every pitcher in the league can't have the control of Greg Maddux? Come on, it's a skill! And it's hard!

 

[Crossover]

I was at the game. I don`t know how obvious her communication is when watching on television, but in person you cannot help but notice it. And I`m not all that close to the action (unfortunately).

She has kind of a high pitch to her voice on the court, and you hear her chirping constantly. Example, while covering their point guard and anticipating picks, "talk to me, talk to me!".

Almost always getting the team together after a dead ball. Talking to Geno during free throws. Constantly encouraging and congratulating teammates. Nonstop.

A real team player.

She played very aggressively on defense without fouling. Constantly moving, challenging passes, looking for an opportunity to swipe the ball, staying in position. The one foul she did pick up involved some pushing off by her opponent and I thought, watching in real time, that it was going to be called the other way. To her credit, Nika remained deadpan. I think she has gotten the message about questioning foul calls.

Another skill not appreciated much is her ability to get passes off quickly, accurately, and with pace. It is part of the reason her teammates on the wing seem so wide open when they get the ball.

A skill that is more appreciated is her ability to push the ball. When she gets the ball on the defensive end - as she did a lot with steals and rebounds - it is go time.

She does need to shoot better, and hopefully that will come. I have been a proponent of her developing a midrange game and watching the warmups before the game, it is apparent that she is working on that aspect of her game as well.

In the postgame radio interview I listened to while driving home, Chris Dailey mentioned that Nika is "learning on the fly". That comment took me aback a bit, but thinking about it, it makes sense. Some of these players come to UConn with so much coaching that they are practically finished products. Nika is not one of those players.

I like everything about this post, but particularly wanted to second your observation about how quickly, accurately, and pacefully (is that a word?) Nika passes to her teammates. The extra second or two that she provides her targets is invaluable.
passes.

 

[Bigboote]

She played very aggressively on defense without fouling. Constantly moving, challenging passes, looking for an opportunity to swipe the ball, staying in position. The one foul she did pick up involved some pushing off by her opponent and I thought, watching in real time, that it was going to be called the other way. To her credit, Nika remained deadpan. I think she has gotten the message about questioning foul calls.

Yeah, seeing it on TV from a couple of angles, the other player really had her arm extended, but that seems to be the norm these days.