Providence Post Game Thread

[Carnac]

I think all interviews with players and coaches, at every level of sport, is a waste of energy. And often embarrassing. No one answers a question with honesty....not in season, and not after a player is long gone. It is waste of time. Every one is trained to give generic, team-focused answers.

VERY FEW professional players would do media interviews if they were not contractually compelled to. Neither would most coaches. We know Bill Belichick wouldn't. He's heard so many dumb a#$ questions over the last 30 odd years, he knows what coming. The dumb/thoughtless questions don't change, just the people asking them.

 

[MSGRET]

gotcha Carnac!

I think most of the time, NM is just rushing it, fearful of the block. It really is the only part of her game thus far that she is not composed at. Unfortunately, it is an important part but yet an easy part to fix.

I'm really impressed with her composure in this last game, which is why I'm not concerned about the missed layups....that's the easy part. making nice pin-point passes in traffic is a lot more difficult and NM makes that look easy...

I also believe that she is still bothered by her foot injury. I had one in JR High and it took me half of the season to finally forget about it. It hampered my shooting and rebounding because I was always thinking that I might re-injure it if I landed wrong or stepped on someones foot when I was coming down with the ball. This might explain why she is short arming some of her shots. Once she gets past the mental part I believe she will have some breakout games. Geno did sing her praises before the injury and has said that she is still not 100%.

 

[Carnac]

I think Aubrey has , for sure, earned a starting role. And she plays not only fast, but she plays " big." Her leaping ability and athleticism gives us superior rebounding in that starting five. Hitting that outside shot was huge. If that element is in her game ( which I assume it was in high school) she cannot be stopped. It is the first one I have seen her convert. But she has started to look more confident at the foul line, which is an indicator of shooting accuracy. And Anna may be more of a force off the bench anyway. A big key is to get Christyn going.......to remember why she was high school player of the year. Lots of talent on this team.

The more Aubrey plays, the better she will get and perform. It's as simple as that. She was 6th man last year, but didn't know the system. Geno put her out there (because of lack of bench depth) and told her to just "go play. Do the best you can". This year she has a much better idea of what she's doing. The more she plays, the more she plays.

 

[Carnac]

I also believe that she is still bothered by her foot injury. I had one in JR High and it took me half of the season to finally forget about it. It hampered my shooting and rebounding because I was always thinking that I might re-injure it if I landed wrong or stepped on someones foot when I was coming down with the ball. This might explain why she is short arming some of her shots. Once she gets past the mental part I believe she will have some breakout games. Geno did sing her praises before the injury and has said that she is still not 100%.

All she needs is for that first one to fall. It's off to the races after that.

 

[FridaFriend]

Do we think that Evina is in a lot of discomfort? I watched her during the game and she seems to make a great aggressive play and then come up with a slight limp. She sometimes falls like Morgan Tuck used to and then appear uncomfortable and back off on following plays. I'm not sure if I'm seeing things. I see her do great moves and then disappear.

 

[jazz]

The more Aubrey plays, the better she will get and perform. It's as simple as that. She was 6th man last year, but didn't know the system. Geno put her out there (because of lack of bench depth) and told her to just "go play. Do the best you can". This year she has a much better idea of what she's doing. The more she plays, the more she plays.

It seems to me that GA is trying hard to figure out a way to get AG more playing time within the existing offense he has. He has posted her up and used her as a baseline to baseline defender and at the top of the zone. So these are specific roles he has carved out for her. Then she does what she does as part of the normal offense and with her instincts and athleticism.

I just think that she has that street ball play about her and it is hard to harness that in a structured offense. She is a movement player, going where her instincts tell her. Structure is not her best suit. I'm not saying she can't do it, but it doesn't come naturally to her.

I don't think it is in Geno's nature to get away from his movement offense for long so it is hard to see how she fits until she can play consistently within the offense. A big part of this is being a threat from 12-15 ft. Maybe she goes from baseline to post-up to foul line and keep rotating that way....

In saying that, I think you just run the offense and create specific post ups for her and then just let her do her thing. But you need consistent outside shooters. It may not be conventional, but it could still be effective. I'd like to see her get big minutes against a top team...just once and see how it goes....

IMHO, she needs to play and she DESERVES to play. Put it another way, it is unfair not to play her...

 

[Dokey]

I think Aubrey has , for sure, earned a starting role. And she plays not only fast, but she plays " big." Her leaping ability and athleticism gives us superior rebounding in that starting five. Hitting that outside shot was huge. If that element is in her game ( which I assume it was in high school) she cannot be stopped. It is the first one I have seen her convert. But she has started to look more confident at the foul line, which is an indicator of shooting accuracy. And Anna may be more of a force off the bench anyway. A big key is to get Christyn going.......to remember why she was high school player of the year. Lots of talent on this team.

Aubrey is good spark coming off the bench but as Geno indicates the team jells better with Anna on the floor.

 

[jazz]

Aubrey is good spark coming off the bench but as Geno indicates the team jells better with Anna on the floor.

I'd like to see how a lineup with Liv, AG, AM, EW and PB would be. AM still guards the 4 assuming she isn't 6'4 and AG guards the 3 or even the 2 if EW can't handle the 2. But, if she had to, is EW quick enough to handle the off guard 2 yet? CW for EW would work if she is hitting the three.

 

[Alydar]

While we see her defensive potential in an opposite light, I do think the staff believes she is capable of filling a role that benefits the team. Defensively I don’t feel that the staff wants PB to have to defend the other team’s best small, even though her on ball defense is improving each game, and I am also not sure EW, after her physical issues, is capable of that role either. That leaves CW and Nika to handle that unenviable chore. PB is obviously the key offensive player, will be the straw that stirs the drink for the team, and would be the player you would least like to see in foul trouble. Time will tell if I am completely off base here, because I have no inside information, and is complete conjecture on my part, but I can see her filling a role much like Kia Nurse did a few seasons back. She will need to perform in a similar manner since her offense isn’t going to earn her more minutes. Nika had offers from Oregon and Louisville, who were in her final four, so they also saw a lot of potential in her play, and it would be interesting to have their coaches ”scout”, along with Geno’s, on the exact role they saw her filling in their program.

The analogy to Nurse is excellent. When Nurse was entering her freshman year there were lots of fans yawning basically because she didn't play HS ball in the US. Too slow, can't jump, no outside shot, never played at an elite level. When I pointed out that she played on the national team against adult competition in the FIBA America's I was informed that the competition there was weak, and they said that at the same time that they were praising other UConn recruits for their play against teenagers in another U-something America trials.
Muhl is already a better defender than several past UConn freshmen that went on to start and star. I don't think shooting was a high priority for her at home but given her obvious athletic ability and her work ethic I don't see that being a problem next season. And until then I like having a backup pg who can pass, dribble and play defense. And she's feisty.

 

[Monte]

Yes. I thought that was unnecessarily "mean" of Geno. I'm sure he simply regarded it as a higher priority to get more court time for someone else than the walk-on. Autumn must not have shown enough yet.

Yeah, 45 seconds is a LOT of court time.

 

[Argonaut]

I often marvel at some of the questions that the media asks athletes. They think the question is thoughtful and relevant, but it doesn't always come out that way, or is perceived that way by others. Sometimes I cringe at the questions put to Geno during his post game pressers.

One of the worst questions I heard asked to an NBA coach was "who is to blame for tonight's loss?" That sounds to me like a writer looking for fodder, ammunition and validation to put someone (a fall guy) in their sights for their pending column.

How can you single out one player in a team sport, and put the blame on their shoulders? Any coach worth his/her salt will always take the blame for a loss. Former NFL head coach Rex Ryan was always good at that.
He ALWAYS said "put this loss on me". You NEVER hear a coach or a player throw a player(s) under the bus, unless it's Brenda Frese (Maryland). She's thrown her players under the bus, then put in reverse.

Maybe that's how players know when it's time to leave Maryland -- they start to hear the bus's backup alarm and know Brenda's on the way.

 

[Carnac]

Maybe that's how players know when it's time to leave Maryland -- they start to hear the bus's backup alarm and know Brenda's on the way.

LOL!!! Best comment I’ve read today!!

 

[jazz]

Maybe that's how players know when it's time to leave Maryland -- they start to hear the bus's backup alarm and know Brenda's on the way.

I can't stop laughing at that....good stuff Argonaut and good advice to Maryland players!

 

[Carnac]

Do we think that Evina is in a lot of discomfort? I watched her during the game and she seems to make a great aggressive play and then come up with a slight limp. She sometimes falls like Morgan Tuck used to and then appear uncomfortable and back off on following plays. I'm not sure if I'm seeing things. I see her do great moves and then disappear.

If what you say is true, and I have no reason to believe it’s not, she may be forced to return next year whether she wants to or not. She’s got to prove (through her play this year) that she’s healthy, can play, and endure the rigors of a 34 game WNBA season.

The expectations for you to be available, play and perform are greater at the next level because you are being paid. You can’t make the club “in the tub”.

 

[oldhusky]

You might be right, but I am confused, with all her flaws that you point out, why is Nika still getting so many minutes on the floor each game?

How many D-3 players got selected for the NBA world players camp in Tampa at the 2019 NCAA Women's Basketball Championship? Nika was one of the attendees. The NBA paid for all expenses except for any merchandise that they bought.

I will also add that i believe she was recruited

Man, it is going to be great when Nika makes her first layup and it will be epic when she makes a three.....

Amen!

 

[Carnac]

I can't stop laughing at that....good stuff Argonaut and good advice to Maryland players!

I can’t stop laughing either because when I read it, I got a visual.

 

[ABCDFE]

Coco - You are a treasure on this board, since the first time I came to the BY (reading your back and forth with Charlieball on recruiting and Geno) I've always marveled at your knowledge and length of time you spend on research/fact checking. Plus your doggedness and unrelenting effort is unrivalled here.

I kind of wonder (don't take this the wrong way), whether your time and talents couldn't be used to do more spectacular things for this country than to contribute to the BY. I'd hate to see less of you here but man some people's feathers are brighter than others. Kind of like Good Will Hunting, you kind of gotta leave "Boston" to fulfill your potential.

This post is not meant to be negative/sarcastic in any way, more complimentary after being on the BY for only a few years.

 

[jazz]

Coco - You are a treasure on this board, since the first time I came to the BY (reading your back and forth with Charlieball on recruiting and Geno) I've always marveled at your knowledge and length of time you spend on research/fact checking. Plus your doggedness and unrelenting effort is unrivalled here.

I kind of wonder (don't take this the wrong way), whether your time and talents couldn't be used to do more spectacular things for this country than to contribute to the BY. I'd hate to see less of you here but man some people's feathers are brighter than others. Kind of like Good Will Hunting, you kind of gotta leave "Boston" to fulfill your potential.

This post is not meant to be negative/sarcastic in any way, more complimentary after being on the BY for only a few years.

Don't worry ABCDFE, once Nika hits a three, I'm gonna start a Nika fan club and nominate Coco as the Pres.....

 

[CocoHusky]

Coco - You are a treasure on this board, since the first time I came to the BY (reading your back and forth with Charlieball on recruiting and Geno) I've always marveled at your knowledge and length of time you spend on research/fact checking. Plus your doggedness and unrelenting effort is unrivalled here.

I kind of wonder (don't take this the wrong way), whether your time and talents couldn't be used to do more spectacular things for this country than to contribute to the BY. I'd hate to see less of you here but man some people's feathers are brighter than others. Kind of like Good Will Hunting, you kind of gotta leave "Boston" to fulfill your potential.

This post is not meant to be negative/sarcastic in any way, more complimentary after being on the BY for only a few years.

No offense taken whatsoever. I'm glad I stumbled on the BY and this wonderful bunch of opinionated like minded folks that love UCONN women's basketball. I've done plenty and will continue to do more for this country. What you refer to as fact checking and doggedness my wife often refers to as petty minutia so its not all gravy.

 

[Tonyc]

What we need is better outside shooting other then Paige. Right now its not there. Nika is a really good facilitator and needs to score. We need to set some plays where she can get her first basket and then a couple of more. Maybe the couple of extra late in a blowout. Everybody else has got to work on their outside shooting.

Next we need to work on going strong and undercontrol to the basket. If we get fouled so be it. Make layups and if you get fouled go to the line. I would like to see Liv up top feeding the more stronger and bigger Edwards down low. Two reasons. Liv can get pushed around down low and Liv has a good 15 footer. Continunity is essential in big games. If Anna doesnt start we need someone who knows what to do and with a young team we may not be there yet. Lets face it. We are young, lacking experience in college ball as well as lacking experience in Genos rotation. It will take time. We can win alot of different ways and we need to be able to depend on 8-9 players to score. Right now its Paige and little bit from everybody else.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Another on of these proliferating Paige highlight edits - this one out the 9th by Swish. 10,772 views

 

[jazz]

Do we think that Evina is in a lot of discomfort? I watched her during the game and she seems to make a great aggressive play and then come up with a slight limp. She sometimes falls like Morgan Tuck used to and then appear uncomfortable and back off on following plays. I'm not sure if I'm seeing things. I see her do great moves and then disappear.

I'm not sure and haven't heard about any discomfort. She does seem to lack reactionary quickness sometimes which may have something to do with her injury. I also think she is a stiff player, especially in the upper body which compromises her creativity going to the hoop.

On the other hand, she is so skilled and has such a high BBQ along with some good length, that I think she is growing into a potential force week by week. She is another great story at UConn and I really hope she can make a difference in big games against top competition.

 

[DefenseBB]

So, let me recap what I heard directly from Geno on the pregame and postgame discussions regarding Nika, Mir and Evina:
Pregame plan was to get Nika more minutes (20ish) and he indicated this was to be the plan going forward.
Postgame on Mir and Nika, Geno stated he KNOWS they will bring energy to the floor, whether or not they contribute in scoring or defense, he's not sure but he does like that energy.
Postgame on Evina is the knee is still a day to day issue with her and drives how long she can practice. The knee issue is not going away so let's just assume she's uncomfortable at most times and deals with it. She did seem to drive to the basket more in this PC game more so than any other UConn game and looked more like her for LV self doing that.

So to me, I would say Geno sees something in Nika at the practices that he wants to see in games, not as a BE tryout per se' as suggested but as his view she can/should contribute. While I do think @CocoHusky can come across a tad harsh at times, I do think he is observant and he doesn't "hate NM", he just wants evidence in games of the skills we all tout-fair enough, I say and hopefully Wednesday is the day we see everything on display-assists, defense, layups and outside shooting!

Mir was the pleasant surprise coming in so soon and showing her energy and contributions. Hopefully it stays consistent.

 

[CocoHusky]

Another on of these proliferating Paige highlight edits - this one out the 9th by Swish. 10,772 views

If they were giving out PHDs in the UCONN offense then the might as well award Paige a PHD right now. Remarkable growth in her understanding of the read and react UCONN offense and how to become a Shot Hunter Deluxe. As a benchmark it took KLS a full season to get to this level of understanding of how to hunt shots. The key to being a shot hunter in the UCONN offense is to be constantly working towards the ball.
This is how you draw it it up when teaching read and react, this is what you show kids about how to back cut when overplayed and post up when you have a size advantage or when to break off a cut because you already have the defense beat.

 

[CocoHusky]

Do we think that Evina is in a lot of discomfort? I watched her during the game and she seems to make a great aggressive play and then come up with a slight limp. She sometimes falls like Morgan Tuck used to and then appear uncomfortable and back off on following plays. I'm not sure if I'm seeing things. I see her do great moves and then disappear.

You are not seeing things.

 

[jazz]

So, let me recap what I heard directly from Geno on the pregame and postgame discussions regarding Nika, Mir and Evina:
Pregame plan was to get Nika more minutes (20ish) and he indicated this was to be the plan going forward.
Postgame on Mir and Nika, Geno stated he KNOWS they will bring energy to the floor, whether or not they contribute in scoring or defense, he's not sure but he does like that energy.
Postgame on Evina is the knee is still a day to day issue with her and drives how long she can practice. The knee issue is not going away so let's just assume she's uncomfortable at most times and deals with it. She did seem to drive to the basket more in this PC game more so than any other UConn game and looked more like her for LV self doing that.

So to me, I would say Geno sees something in Nika at the practices that he wants to see in games, not as a BE tryout per se' as suggested but as his view she can/should contribute. While I do think @CocoHusky can come across a tad harsh at times, I do think he is observant and he doesn't "hate NM", he just wants evidence in games of the skills we all tout-fair enough, I say and hopefully Wednesday is the day we see everything on display-assists, defense, layups and outside shooting!

Mir was the pleasant surprise coming in so soon and showing her energy and contributions. Hopefully it stays consistent.

I haven't listened to what GA said, but I'm happy to hear that it is mirrors what I and others think here. But keep in mind, that GA may not be telling everything he feels about his players.

It is early so we will see how it pans out, but I'm sure energy will not be enough later in the year. Players need to hit shots and make plays.......I think they will.

For many coaches, they may not give a darn if the freshie understands the offense and would just throw freshies out there and they may score and look better in the short run than they would with Geno. Geno makes them understand BB and his offense isn't easy to learn. He is a stickler for this! For example, I think if AG were on most teams, she would play major minutes and be a double double machine day in and day out.

I think GA's style of coaching lends to get a lesser team early on and a better team later one, in comparison to what other coaches may get out of the same players.

 

[jazz]

If they were giving out PHDs in the UCONN offense then the might as well award Paige a PHD right now. Remarkable growth in her understanding of the read and react UCONN offense and how to become a Shot Hunter Deluxe. As a benchmark it took KLS a full season to get to this level of understanding of how to hunt shots. The key to being a shot hunter in the UCONN offense is to be constantly working towards the ball.
This is how you draw it it up when teaching read and react, this is what you show kids about how to back cut when overplayed and post up when you have a size advantage or when to break off a cut because you already have the defense beat.

I agree but KLS was not much of a creator for herself. PG can get her shot anytime she wants thus far...hopefully she can still to do the same against better competition,

 

[DefenseBB]

I haven't listened to what GA said, but I'm happy to hear that it is mirrors what I and others think here. But keep in mind, that GA may not be telling everything he feels about his players.

It is early so we will see how it pans out, but I'm sure energy will not be enough later in the year. Players need to hit shots and make plays.......I think they will.

For many coaches, they may not give a darn if the freshie understands the offense and would just throw freshies out there and they may score and look better in the short run than they would with Geno. Geno makes them understand BB and his offense isn't easy to learn. He is a stickler for this! For example, I think if AG were on most teams, she would play major minutes and be a double double machine day in and day out.

I think GA's style of coaching lends to get a lesser team early on and a better team later one, in comparison to what other coaches may get out of the same players.

One word of advice to the “newbie” -PITHY...

 

[CocoHusky]

I agree but KLS was not much of a creator for herself. PG can get her shot anytime she wants thus far...hopefully she can still to do the same against better competition.

You mixing up your apples and mangoes here. Read and react is equal opportunity, not designed to "create your own shot" and is what UCONN does. Create your own shot is more isolation basketball the design of which is usually to get your better player into a mismatch at a specific spot on the floor. Kentucky runs isolation with Rhyne Howard.

 

[jazz]

One word of advice to the “newbie” -PITHY...

yeah I hear ya DefenseBB, I do struggle with that....may apologies...I'll work on it.