4 points, 7 rebounds and an assist in 9 minutes? Geno will take that every game. I think he is just limiting her minutes right now probably because of an injury or condition as you allude to.
Oh she will get every chance to be in the rotation.
She had 6 turnovers, almost half of the team's total, against an overmatched opponent. Against a top team playing like that, she will hardly be on the floor.
Suspect that Blanca will be a strong bench player in the future but given her performance against undersized, lower-level guards, there is little evidence that it will be early in the season. Lack of decision making, rushes shots, and relies too much on just athletic prowess. Happy she came to UConn but too many other D1 level players with proven skills out there. Remember, UConn has done exceptionally well with 3-4 guard lineups the past few years and most teams today run a 3-guard offense. Until Blanca slows down and relies less on her athletic ability and more on her basketball IQ, suspect her minutes may be limited.
Very tactful post. I would say Ducharme and Patterson HAVE significant upside but as stated, are still not in 100% basketball shape. Significant team upside since UConn doesn't need them to win but with them would be hard to touch. Same message on Morgan if she can recover by year end. Her skills match up perfectly with the needs to this year's team.
First let me say that I am a big Jana fan. Just watch her on the bench when a teammate makes a good play! You can't help but love her attitude and enthusiasm.
Turnovers can be fixed. Some of them were non-UCONN type passes. I see tremendous potential in her. She is as tall as Sarah, uses both hands, has multiple shots, good instincts with long arms on defense, and is strong and athletic. She will be a weapon and a half come tourney time. It is a big adjustment for her, especially playing Geno ball.
I'm not disagreeing vs. top teams, but Geno did say specifically that they're going to let Blanca play through her mistakes. I don't remember him ever saying that about someone else. Evidently her upside is so far up that he'll be more forgiving about turnovers and missed assignments.
I was also surprised at Kelis' size and frame and also her poise. She is like lightning out there at times.
That 5-some is not going to allow them to press when (if) they are ever on the court at the same time. In fact, other than in mop up time, I would bet we never see a front line of Blanco, ICE and Jana while the game is in question .
No Jana, no backup center?! Jana will be in the mix for sure. Only Jana can play defense against the really big Bigs such as Betts, Crooks, Beers etc.
Geno's trust will come more slowly.
I really think she is being undervalued in this thread. It's the second exhibition game for her coming from a different style of basketball an ocean away now on the best team in the country. Yes it was herky jerky out there but 3 blocks and 3 steals, 12 points, in 21 minutes ain't bad. Plus, 7-8 from the line is solid. I hope you are wrong and I am right because if I am, we will be a whole lot better when she is.
Says a lot to me.
I see subtle signs of improvement, mostly in more fluid offensive takes around the basket and better speed to the ball on rebounds though she needs more. Still makes basic mistakes but at 6'5" and wide, she has a tremendous upside and as you say is a lovable and supportive teammate.
More fun for me. That press is a relentless machine.
It has another meaning as well. I think the context of what Geno meant is best described as "belted" "hit hard" or "knocked on your butt".
We can easily press for an entire game, kind of like a hockey line. The starters played confidently, the second and third lines had positioning problems and gave up a number of potential offensive rebounds to much shorter players in this game. Until the new players know the offensive patterns well such as a double high post w/pick and rolls Geno may have to keep at least two starters on the floor. The early exhibition games were the perfect time to try combinations.
I was responding to someone posting that she should be starting ahead of Shade. Not at this point.
