Seton Hall Postgame Thread

[clbabson]

ONO did not have the great night that the stats claimed. She had just two rebounds and two points at the end of the first half. She was tentative, missed outside shots, and didn't even make a pretense of going for offensive rebounds. Eight of her thirteen rebounds came in the fourth quarter. Her offensive rebounds seemed to come when Edwards was in the game, causing opposing players to key on Edwards, and leaving ONO open under the basket to rebound, or score. One would like to see ONO play aggressively back-to-the-basket, putting up layups and either scoring, or getting fouled. Her outside shooting just isn't helping. Congratulations to Coach Geno for figuring out how to use ONO in a way that minimizes her liabilities. But as he pointed out again last night, it was Edwards and Griffin who were playing aggressively, and both who provided the offensive rebounding that the team needed. He didn't mention ONO.

First of all - there is only person to say how great of a night someone had and Geno said he was very happy with how she played, especially in the second half.

I don't know if you listened to the presser, but Geno addressed this specifically. He said the movement in the first half was horrible, and in those situations, it's really hard for live to get the ball in a good position and things just get stuck. She had a double-double in the second half when the ball was moving much better. SHE also said that the coaching staff talked to her about that shot and she has the green light, but they'd prefer she take it more towards the end of the shot clock if nothing is developing. Whether she hits all those shots or not, obviously the staff knows she's capable. I also thought she did better at dribbling at that position to draw the defense more. Sorry, but if you're going to pick on a player like this, at least don't misrepresent stuff.

 

[hoophuskee]

Just not sure how you build someone up thru public dismay.

Why are you not sure? Hasn't Geno been doing this for a long time?

 

[MD#12Fan]

In terms of the technical regarding which offense ot set up - I wont argue. However in terms of Paige - Paige is the best player in wcbb. If CWill can't play effectively with her - then you have to live with it.

Isiah Thomas from the Celts could not play with LeBron. You don't change LeBron to make Isiah more effective if LeBron's style is extremely effective.

Jim Calhoun once was asked about playing a big center on his team - he was from Germany-- looking to give him so minutes because the German kid wasn't going to get better sitting on the bench and Calhoun replied that he could play the kid -a nd others that were not playing much - and they would get better - or he could play the current style and try to win as many games as possible. He ended up saying I think fans want us to try to win as many games as possible.

If CWill can't play with effectively with the best player in WCBB - then she isn't that good anyway. IMO if you or others want to put her in different positions or sets - fine. But until others show they can perform with the higher volume of the ball in their hands and produce - the ball has to get into Paige's hands as much as possible in big games. Some games for example, Evina hot -- give her lots of looks too.

In regard to Paige - UCONN just beat the previous number 1 - because they couldn't stop the number 1 player in America. S.C. made their late run when the ball went away from Paige's hands. Tenn made their run when Paige was out. Until other weapons emerge- or are playing well in a big game- if they aren't then in big games - get the ball to Paige as much as possible and dare the opposing team to stop her. That's the best chance to win - as Calhoun mentioned in prior example.

That's pretty much what he's doing. You're just describing the current state of affairs. Maybe this is why we always end up crossing paths. I think we can get better. If playing the big German kid makes your team better, then you have to have the foresight to play the big German kid. It's always about being the best you can be. That's the ultimate prize. It's the best result for everyone. Listen to Pheesa's video on why she came to UConn. It's more than winning games. Like Wooden said, the winning will take care of itself.

 

[Jingo]

All good points. I think we also set incredible expectations for recruits who arrive as the HS POY. Some, like Brianna, Paige, MKL, and Katie ( were Sue Bird and Diana in that category....how could they not be ?), shine "early and often." Williams and Megan Walker didn't really do that. Williams had " the Notre game " game debut, and a few other fine performances....but neither regularly took over a game and won it for UCONN ( not a " big " game, anyway ). So our expectations are deflated whenever a player with a HS POY resume is simply a really good player. And others, like Ionescu at Oregon or Wilson at SC add fuel to that flame. The issue now is, how does Williams return to being a solid and reliable contributor? I think there is only one way; play her and treat her with the respect she has earned.

No .. give someone else a chance .. CW had her chance(s) and didn't deliver .. we have a lot of talent in the wings, eh?
"Bring your game, not your name!"

 

[FridaFriend]

If you look at look at close-ups of Christyn, you will see that it is not really Christyn Williams. Geno has found a lookalike to impersonate Christyn and lull other teams into a false sense of security. He will return the real Christyn to the lineup for the NCAA tournament and we will win the championship. Just look at photos of her from recent games. Is that the Christyn we know and love?

 

[hoophuskee]

That's pretty much what he's doing. You're just describing the current state of affairs. Maybe this is why we always end up crossing paths. I think we can get better. If playing the big German kid makes your team better, then you have to have the foresight to play the big German kid. It's always about being the best you can be. That's the ultimate prize. It's the best result for everyone. Listen to Pheesa's video on why she came to UConn. It's more than winning games. Like Wooden said, the winning will take care of itself.

I don't think the team gets better by going away from the best player in America.

It's not that there is foresight; it's overcoaching/gambling imo.

A big factor in being the best "you can be" is worrying about winning the next game.

In terms of Pheesa- if you want to listen to her- fine. But I'm watching and listening to Geno. And with his style he continues to get players like Pheesa - and recently better . . .

 

[donalddoowop]

Don't agree, Wbbfan1. Everyone always says don't look back. Can't help it. If Andra had stayed, she'd be starting instead of Christyn, and UConn would have a much more reliable 3-point shooter to take some of the pressure off Paige. If only.

She did not play as much at MsSt her second year there because her defense was lacking and has never been good. If she was still at UConn and getting playing time, her defense would have had to improve.

 

[donalddoowop]

I don't think the team gets better by going away from the best player in America.

It's not that there is foresight; it's overcoaching/gambling imo.

A big factor in being the best "you can be" is worrying about winning the next game.

In terms of Pheesa- if you want to listen to her- fine. But I'm watching and listening to Geno. And with his style he continues to get players like Pheesa - and recently better . . .

The best player in America? Have you seen all the players in America? If not, how do you arrive at that conclusion?

 

[CocoHusky]

I like Liv in the post with AE low. There's a line between the foul line and the arc that shouldn't get behind. 15-18 feet she can shoot, 20+ not so much.

The only way to have both of those players in the game at the same time is for one or the other become a reliable shooter for 8-15 feet. Defenses are being down right severely disrespectful in their disregard of that area of the floor for Aubrey, ONO and AE.

 

[Bama fan]

So essentially, using what you said above, Geno gave up on AEH, indicating that he wasn't going to try anymore. Thus, the game she played last night, putting up 15 Points against the # 1 Team in the Country, and essentially holding CW [a Pre-Season All-American] (to whom she was guarding most of the game) to ZERO Points, shows that some "Other Coach" was able to get AEH to do the things that she is capable of doing, that Geno decided he couldn't do.

It could well be that she gave up on Geno. I like to think she has grown up a bit since then and , in her third school, has decided to do what she is told. Great player when she was given a chance, but chose not to take that chance at UConn. I am happy she found herself and wish her well. But I darn sure know it takes two to tango, and Geno leads the band.

 

[Jingo]

ONO did not have the great night that the stats claimed. She had just two rebounds and two points at the end of the first half. She was tentative, missed outside shots, and didn't even make a pretense of going for offensive rebounds. Eight of her thirteen rebounds came in the fourth quarter. Her offensive rebounds seemed to come when Edwards was in the game, causing opposing players to key on Edwards, and leaving ONO open under the basket to rebound, or score. One would like to see ONO play aggressively back-to-the-basket, putting up layups and either scoring, or getting fouled. Her outside shooting just isn't helping. Congratulations to Coach Geno for figuring out how to use ONO in a way that minimizes her liabilities. But as he pointed out again last night, it was Edwards and Griffin who were playing aggressively, and both who provided the offensive rebounding that the team needed. He didn't mention ONO.

Yeah Liv was the player of the game according to many, including me. We were behind Seton Hall until CW was benched, and then we quickly jumped to a ten-point lead with Liv leading the way with points, rebounds, blocks and assists. You're losing your credibility by denigrating Liv for a well-played game with 15points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists & 2 blocks. Player of the game!

 

[MD#12Fan]

I don't think the team gets better by going away from the best player in America.

It's not that there is foresight; it's overcoaching/gambling imo.

A big factor in being the best "you can be" is worrying about winning the next game.

In terms of Pheesa- if you want to listen to her- fine. But I'm watching and listening to Geno. And with his style he continues to get players like Pheesa - and recently better . . .

Disagree with all those points! Who in their right mind has said anything about going away from Paige? You're making this up. Maybe the Pete Maravich analogy isn't so far-fetched as you see it. Maybe it's best for everyone concerned if she just shoots every time.
Over-coaching is when you try to "squeeze blood from a turnip". (Geno could be doing that a tad) Your job as a coach is to have your players GEL as a cohesive unit, playing to their fullest potential individually and as a unit. When you've at least approached or glimpsed at that level of excellence, you know it and they know it and they will never forget it. (Geno knows what it feels like more than almost any mortals) It isn't about wins. Wins take care of themselves. It's wins at UConn because he has created the best program and he is able to recruit excellent players.
Pheesa trusted Geno and the staff and program to get her to where she wanted to go. There is a whole roster over there that has similar sentiments, including the best player in WCBB at the moment.

 

[mattlow710]

All good points. I think we also set incredible expectations for recruits who arrive as the HS POY. Some, like Brianna, Paige, MKL, and Katie ( were Sue Bird and Diana in that category....how could they not be ?), shine "early and often." Williams and Megan Walker didn't really do that. Williams had " the Notre game " game debut, and a few other fine performances....but neither regularly took over a game and won it for UCONN ( not a " big " game, anyway ). So our expectations are deflated whenever a player with a HS POY resume is simply a really good player. And others, like Ionescu at Oregon or Wilson at SC add fuel to that flame. The issue now is, how does Williams return to being a solid and reliable contributor? I think there is only one way; play her and treat her with the respect she has earned.

i dont know other fans , for me is really easy ,
at least 10 points per game , not average 10pts / 10-13 FGA , avoid from 3s Attemp
then play hard at defense
that is a min for CW , dont you think

 

[Bama fan]

Actually I was thinking more like Rick Moranis.

View attachment 64518

Louis Tully Rick, or Seymour Krelburn Rick?

 

[RedStickHusky]

The only way to have both of those players in the game at the same time is for one or the other become a reliable shooter for 8-15 feet. Defenses are being down right severely disrespectful in their disregard of that area of the floor for Aubrey, ONO and AE.

Liv seems to want a little more room for that shot... She's usually very deliberate about taking it, like there's way too much thinking involved.

 

[Bama fan]

Yeah but sometimes he cheats and jumps the gun.... 🤪

He is old dude and understandably in a hurry

 

[NormanDale]

Don't agree, Wbbfan1. Everyone always says don't look back. Can't help it. If Andra had stayed, she'd be starting instead of Christyn, and UConn would have a much more reliable 3-point shooter to take some of the pressure off Paige. If only.

You have NO idea what happened behind closed doors concerning AEH! Coach Auriemma is tough, but he does not have a reputation of running kids out of the program for no reason. I'm sure whatever reason Geno had for severing ties with AEH was valid and goes far deeper than her play on the court, there is a chance that she would have been a distraction if she stayed at UConn and they would not nearly be as good as they are.

 

[CocoHusky]

Don't agree, Wbbfan1. Everyone always says don't look back. Can't help it. If Andra had stayed, she'd be starting instead of Christyn, and UConn would have a much more reliable 3-point shooter to take some of the pressure off Paige. If only.

If only indeed. 3-point shooting is not the only way to help this team though. If AEH were on this current UCONN team Nika, Anna, CW and Evina would all still be ahead of her in the rotation because they are superior defenders to AEH and not significantly behind AEH as measured by career 3Pt FG%. If only AEH could play "some" defense then she might not have seen her minutes and role diminish so drastically at her prior stop. just sayin!

 

[Jingo]

If you look at look at close-ups of Christyn, you will see that it is not really Christyn Williams. Geno has found a lookalike to impersonate Christyn and lull other teams into a false sense of security. He will return the real Christyn to the lineup for the NCAA tournament and we will win the championship. Just look at photos of her from recent games. Is that the Christyn we know and love?

Haha!

 

[freshler40]

Until we can shoot 40% from 3 point land this will continue. Might be a good time to give 10-15 minutes in these unranked opponent games to our new freshman and Mir. We will need them to be more than mop up players. Don't give up on Williams, give her direct play driving opportunities and pullups. With Edwards earning extended inside play along with Griffin, Williams has less opportunity to shine inside but she is clever there and being a lefty is confusing to opponents. We need her experience so find a way to keep her involved.

 

[AmeriConn]

"Whatta chunk o' chocolate."

Old Guys Rule!

 

[CocoHusky]

Until we can shoot 40% from 3 point land this will continue. Might be a good time to give 10-15 minutes in these unranked opponent games to our new freshman and Mir. We will need them to be more than mop up players. Don't give up on Williams, give her direct play driving opportunities and pullups. With Edwards earning extended inside play along with Griffin, Williams has less opportunity to shine inside but she is clever there and being a lefty is confusing to opponents. We need her experience so find a way to keep her involved.

We should be looking to Mir for 3Pt shooting? Reminds me of a story Geno told regarding Kerry Bascom. Kerry had made it through her entire freshman year only attempting three 3Pt shots. Near the end of the season as Geno was walking out of the gym after a practice his curiosity got the best of him. Geno said to Kerry "I just want to see what will happen get behind that line and I'll throw you the ball and you shoot it." The following season Kerry would go on to shoot 126 3Pt and made 47%. You never know....

 

[Zinethar]

I mentioned this during the game chat but no one picked it up so I'll try again for general information. Some here were wondering about what is happening with Anna, myself included. Well during a timeout late in the SH game I happened to notice that Anna was not wearing the boot! That is a good sign that something positive is happening!

I am hoping the discussion of AEH ends after this game.No one knows what actually occurred and it is not our business. I happen to really like other posts by some who won't let this go but if it happens outside this thread I will have to do something I have only done once. I refuse to read any more of this. It is poisoning our group.

Another thing no one seems to even consider. We are watching kids perform. College age kids of course but only young adults. They have issues in their life that are not always team related that could be affecting them. Injury, health, relationship issues, family or other personal problems - all can negatively impact on the game or mental health. Just try to remember that.

Lastly Liv is doing exactly what Geno wants her to do. She is not built like a defensive lineman. Get over it. She is quick, agile, has a soft touch, can pass extremely well, and is being played where she can have success. Come on some of you - she had a double double! I hope her shooting percent continues to improve.

 

[CocoHusky]

I mentioned this during the game chat but no one picked it up so I'll try again for general information. Some here were wondering about what is happening with Anna, myself included. Well during a timeout late in the SH game I happened to notice that Anna was not wearing the boot! That is a good sign that something positive is happening!

Good catch regarding Anna during the game and hopefully she is closer to playing. On a not so positive note Meg mentioned a "back injury" for Evina prior to the last game. My heart skip a beat and I'm almost afraid to go back and confirm what I heard. I hope Meg misspoke and meant Aubrey but I'm pretty sure I heard Evina.

 

[hoophuskee]

Disagree with all those points! Who in their right mind has said anything about going away from Paige? You're making this up. Maybe the Pete Maravich analogy isn't so far-fetched as you see it. Maybe it's best for everyone concerned if she just shoots every time.
Over-coaching is when you try to "squeeze blood from a turnip". (Geno could be doing that a tad) Your job as a coach is to have your players GEL as a cohesive unit, playing to their fullest potential individually and as a unit. When you've at least approached or glimpsed at that level of excellence, you know it and they know it and they will never forget it. (Geno knows what it feels like more than almost any mortals) It isn't about wins. Wins take care of themselves. It's wins at UConn because he has created the best program and he is able to recruit excellent players.
Pheesa trusted Geno and the staff and program to get her to where she wanted to go. There is a whole roster over there that has similar sentiments, including the best player in WCBB at the moment.

One issue at a time. What am I making up? You replied to my posts implying I was wrong, didn't you? It's why you said we always "cross paths?" If we are crossing paths it means we have a disagreement, right? So in this instance specifically regarding Paige - what am I making up?

The last post you re-clarified your position on what you believe. I did the same. You made a point about Collier too - I guessed it was because you want to see more players? If not, then what was the point of Collier?

To restate what I said though-- I don't care what offensive sets are created. I said I'm fine with your or anyone else's offensive sets. I did not argue. I'm indifferent.

All l I said was that I want Paige to be a feature in the offense and get the ball as much as possible in big games. I don't care what kind of offense. But in big games give the ball to Paige unless other players such as Evina and/or CWill get hot. It's what I believe regarding utilizing the best player in America. Just clarifying that point. So what am I making up?

If you agree with this-- then what is it that you think we are arguing regarding Paige?

 

[j66kicker]

Disagree with all those points! Who in their right mind has said anything about going away from Paige? You're making this up.

Hahahahahaha!!! Hoophuskee????

 

[FridaFriend]

Most people here had high expectations of AEH's class and, initially, they thought that she had what it took to be a great contributor. When she decided to leave, most, including Geno, wished her well and she has done well, as witnessed by her performance yesterday. Even though Geno is the best coach in basketball, he is not the best coach for everybody. He has wrestled with Nika Muhl, who wanted to do things her way. It may have been that AEH wanted to play her way as well and would not give in, as Nika evidently has. So AEH and UCONN parted ways. I am happy for her success with her program.

 

[MD#12Fan]

One issue at a time. What am I making up? You replied to my posts implying I was wrong, didn't you? It's why you said we always "cross paths?" If we are crossing paths it means we have a disagreement, right? So in this instance specifically regarding Paige - what am I making up?

The last post you re-clarified your position on what you believe. I did the same. You made a point about Collier too - I guessed it was because you want to see more players? If not, then what was the point of Collier?

To restate what I said though-- I don't care what offensive sets are created. I said I'm fine with your or anyone else's offensive sets. I did not argue. I'm indifferent.

All l I said was that I want Paige to be a feature in the offense and get the ball as much as possible in big games. I don't care what kind of offense. But in big games give the ball to Paige unless other players such as Evina and/or CWill get hot. It's what I believe regarding utilizing the best player in America. Just clarifying that point. So what am I making up?

If you agree with this-- then what is it that you think we are arguing regarding Paige?

I'm not clarifying jack! Reread it if you want to. It's all good!

 

[CocoHusky]

Most people here had high expectations of AEH's class and, initially, they thought that she had what it took to be a great contributor. When she decided to leave, most, including Geno, wished her well and she has done well, as witnessed by her performance yesterday. Even though Geno is the best coach in basketball, he is not the best coach for everybody. He has wrestled with Nika Muhl, who wanted to do things her way. It may have been that AEH wanted to play her way as well and would not give in, as Nika evidently has. So AEH and UCONN parted ways. I am happy for her success with her program.

Not picking on your post but it illustrates one of the reasons why this saga will never end. She did not decide to leave, she was asked to leave. If you even slightly grasp the history of this program you will understand the gravity of that difference.

 

[MD#12Fan]

Most people here had high expectations of AEH's class and, initially, they thought that she had what it took to be a great contributor. When she decided to leave, most, including Geno, wished her well and she has done well, as witnessed by her performance yesterday. Even though Geno is the best coach in basketball, he is not the best coach for everybody. He has wrestled with Nika Muhl, who wanted to do things her way. It may have been that AEH wanted to play her way as well and would not give in, as Nika evidently has. So AEH and UCONN parted ways. I am happy for her success with her program.

I harken back to the interview just posted this week by Pheesa about why she chose UConn. In that piece she advised recruits to choose a school in which they will prosper. As much as some BY'ers think a player is just going to camp behind the 3-point line and jack up 3-pointers for their career, UConn cultivates basketball players.
She obviously is not that. She can hit open 3-pointers but she falls short in basically all other categories. She attempted a few drives yesterday and AG basically took the ball away from her.
Like Pheesa said, AEH found a decent place to play and prosper. Good for her! As hard as we try to put her in a UConn uniform, she'll never have the stuff of a Mir or Nika, or AG.