Seton Hall Postgame Thread

[Plebe]

really doesn't do much good to beat up on noncompetitive Big East teams and then have to go play Oregon, Tennesse and South Carolina........those teams get tested every week, sometimes two or three times a week ,once their conference schedule starts.......it's a big advantage for them.......

This narrative is so trite and overplayed.

Do you seriously think UConn, with the players who were available, would have fared better against Oregon if they were in a different conference?

I'm forever amazed at how people are so willing to forgo rational thinking just to pander to this narrative.

 

[TeamFirst!]

I'm definitely playing Caroline against South Carolina but SC has Amihere, Boston, Saxton and Cardosa all dominating the boards. If we miss, they get the rebound. I'm open to competing against that with more size in the lineup and if that means 3 forwards sometimes I think we should consider it. I like Caroline, Azzi or Paige firing it up from outside and 3 forwards banging the boards sometimes. I agree that Caroline has got to play and probably 30 minutes. Christin may be fatigued as it will be her first game back and with no Paige or possibly Azzi maybe a big lineup has some merit for some of the game. As it did today.

 

[Boreifs]

I agree.
Tonight’s game was a high energy effort from all players except one.
Perhaps that’s why Piath got into the game well before her.
Amari was a top ranked player coming out of high school, but she has not played like one.
She looks a little lost and lackadaisical.
Hopefully soon the light will go on.

I read these comments and looked at the replay. Granted, The view is better at the game, but Amari wasn’t any slower than her teammates from my vantage point. She has an unusual running style Bb that may look like a jog to some, but she is covering just as much ground as her teammates. Evina was very complimentary in the post game presser; I choose to trust her judgment.

 

[Skeets]

You can only play the teams on your schedule. UConn didn’t ask to be left behind in conference realignment. The Power Conferences just didn’t want UConn FOOTBALL.

Fixed it for you.

 

[freshler40]

Dorka...like Liv isn't really a 5. Granted they don't always get the ball to Dorka in the post ( I counted 3 times I THOUGHT Ducharme passed her up) I think she should forgo posting and just get the ball on a cut to the basket. Her balance and power is negated because she doesn't have great balance. She doesn't look anywhere close to being comfortable playing with her back to the basket. UCONN would score 10 more points alone if after the ball was thrown to the post...someone cut down the lane. Dorka did once...and scored. To me AE's issue is ...space and pace. In the open court...she's comfortable. In the half court...especially with LIV at the 5...lot of traffic under the basket. Last couple of games...they have her flashing to the foul line where there's more space. So far...she has usually opted to take the mid range jump shot...versus go down hill to the basket. Something they have to figure out. BTW...having Edwards flash to the foul line gets her space, but here's the other problem. This is a Princeton (read and react) offense and it doesn't work well AT ALL if the big at the foul line isn't a good passer or doesn't make quick decisions with the ball. It stalls because the timing for everyone else...is thrown off. You can see Edwards catch there and hesitate quite often. Took Liv awhile to catch on. Stef Dolson was the master.

Good analysis. This was and is a slow-down offense especially with Westbrook running the point. Seemed like Geno was trying to cut down on errant passes and control the pace. There were numerous 2nd half opportunities to pass inside to a well positioned big that didn't happen. Much too tentative nothing passing finishing with a desperation shot. We run the shot clock down ourselves. Nobody cuts! Without Williams or similar on the break we are a different team.
Perhaps this new pace is our future until all key players are back. Geno often plays several games ahead if the opponent allows that. That will only be successful if we hit threes at much better than a 10-20% pace IMO. Even our mid-range game was suspect. Hoping for offensive rebounds against the top ten women's teams won't be the 80% efficiency of the last two games. It clearly worked here. Kados to coaches for the game plan.

 

[VaConnFan11]

Regardless of who the players are on the floor, shooting below 50% against weak Big East opponents is not a good sign.

 

[Stymie]

@Charliebball ... not looking for an argument, but curious... IF your Child or Grandchild was on the Team...and they had the experience like they did against Oregon, and then came back and played an overall solid TEAM FIRST game against Seton Hall, What would you say to your Child/Grandchild??? Would you help build their confidence with positive feedback, or would you further diminish their confidence with something like... "Yeah, it was a big win, but you beat a really weak team." Just wondering.


No problem, I'm happy to answer your question but first tell me what you think Geno said to the team after this game? Did he spend a lot of time congratulating the team for their efforts tonight? Maybe for about two minutes........I'm pretty sure he expected to win that game big and so did the players.........I bet many of them aren't even particularly pleased with their performances..........and that's a good thing.......

My older daughter played competitive basketball from the age of six through her senior year in high school and played summer ball at NBS in South Jersey ......she could have continued playing at the lower D1 level but chose not to mainly due to nagging injuries which had taken their toll......she played against some of the best players in the NJ/NY area including Dara Mabrey, Faith Masonius, Diamond Miller, Leilani Corea, Michelle Sidor etc and she often was forced to cover some of these players with shall we say not the greatest of results...........so yes I know what it's like to see your kid get their ass kicked and then come back against a mediocre team and shine........it's a really nice feeling indeed but it doesn't take away from the fact that you didn't do it in the games that count the most against the best competition............not that big a deal to my daughter but when you are playing at UConn it means everything.........when you can play to your abilities in those games, against the toughest competition you have done something extra special.........of course she was also taught that basketball is just a game and that life involves a heck of a lot more important things and that's what really counts......she's currently a physical education/health major and is hoping to coach girls grade school basketball in a couple of years......I think she's going to be an awesome coach.............

Basketball is just a game, I agree.
But ALL competitions are a microcosm of life.
I competed in multiple sports-one for years at the highest level (all amateur).
The enduring value is that, hopefully, one develops pride, the drive to persevere, to move forward and the ability to “get the hell back up “ when knocked down.
And life surely knocks us all down at one time or another.
This team is learning all of the above.
It ain’t pretty, and sometimes the going gets tough.
Not all lessons are learned in the classroom.
Kudos to the woman of UCONN Basketball.
Fine effort!

 

[Geew1992]

The team did not seem to miss CW as much this game. I enjoyed the Dorka/Liv assault on the post, I really hope DJ stays for another year.

They had a chance to practice without her unlike monday

 

[Geew1992]

Good analysis. This was and is a slow-down offense especially with Westbrook running the point. Seemed like Geno was trying to cut down on errant passes and control the pace. There were numerous 2nd half opportunities to pass inside to a well positioned big that didn't happen. Much too tentative nothing passing finishing with a desperation shot. We run the shot clock down ourselves. Nobody cuts! Without Williams or similar on the break we are a different team.
Perhaps this new pace is our future until all key players are back. Geno often plays several games ahead if the opponent allows that. That will only be successful if we hit threes at much better than a 10-20% pace IMO. Even our mid-range game was suspect. Hoping for offensive rebounds against the top ten women's teams won't be the 80% efficiency of the last two games. It clearly worked here. Kados to coaches for the game plan.

I would think the slow down pace is to save energy. Since there’s only 2 guards and 6 players with significant playing time, I would think Geno is making sure they get some kind of rest even if not on the bench

 

[eebmg]

I was actually pleased with some of the passes into the post area in the 2nd half. Specifically, the discovery of the bounce pass which I think of as a staple of the old UConn teams. Maybe some guys are dusting off the archives.

 

[jazz]

It seems Gabriel is a one trick pony though. At least she knows what she is and does it. Positions herself well on the right side for that patented layup.

true but if she can be great at the one trick, she will help us down the line. she gets the ball up quickly and that is because she doesnt bring it down. she needs more playing time with other players.

 

[jazz]

Ono had another great game. We are consistently using her in the low post which is a change from having her at the elbow all game. She has this attitude to give her the ball and go to the hoop. Hope it continues.

DJ had a good game as well. I'm not sure NM is getting the credit she deserves here for the play she has had since coming back. It wasn't long ago that everybody thought she was 'slow'. I've always said that I'd never say she was especially quick but I wouldn't call her slow either. I think she isn't sitting on the opposition's first move as hard as she used to, and therefore can change directions a better. She still got beat by Park-lane a couple times, but tell me who doesn't get beat by park-lane. NM also made her presence felt on the boards and continues to play good D and do a good job of bring the ball up. Most impressive is that she is making good decisions with the ball as well. Decision making is huge for any point and NM is doing very well in this regard. She gave a good floor game and workman like player. Then she hits a few threes as well. That is really rare to have that good of a backup point on your team.

CD was off again from three but at least 4 of those shots she will never take when PB and company return. I will say again, this is the least of my worries. I am confident she will drain open threes once she can settle into the third option. Smart, fearless player and getting better at just being a BB player. Liked the early move to get the foul at the low post. Reminded me of adrian dantely. I am afraid she will struggle against SC but that is coming fast and we will see.

Terrific defense by the team and they were exception on the offensive glass. They are really switching and communicating well. That is saying a lot when you are down both your starting guards!

 

[Charliebball]

Thanks @Charliebball for the response.
To answer your question, I think Geno's comments to the Team were something like:
Great Team Game.... You exercised the Game Plan as intended.... You communicated great... You made good decisions with the ball and on defense. You made it very hard for them to do what they wanted to do and what they are good at... You held them under 40 points... You held their top 2 scorers to almost nothing to the point they really weren't a factor. Congrats on the Win! Now, having said that, we can't be satisfied...we need to keep improving, every day, every practice, every game. We need to play with the players we have and keep our focus on the next game...then the next game, and so on. When we get Paige, Chrysten and Azzi back we will see how that will impact our game plan. But until they can contribute, You are who we have to put out on the floor. Continue play like you did today and to rise to the occasion each and every game and we'll see what happens....but I like our chances.

I was a baseball Dad. My son played from Tee Ball (4yrs old) through high level High School Baseball in Tidewater, Virginia, and Babe Ruth baseball going to the World Series Championship, ending up 2nd in the Country. In high school he played against David Wright (NY Mets 3rd Baseman for many years), a guy named Clayton Rapada (pitcher for NY Yankees and a few other teams for a few years) and more. His High School Team won their District his Junior Year [my son hit a walk off homerun in extra innings vs David Wright's HS Team... Now that was really Cool!!!]... took 2nd in the regional tournament and went to the VA State Tournament. Over those 14 years I was often the Coach or Assistant Coach of his teams in local little league, etc. There were games when we got knocked down pretty hard (like the Oregon game). And there were games when we put the whuppin' on some teams that were not all that good. My son and I always talked about what went well and not so well. And we talked about what he could do better to help the team. He knew when a team was weaker, but he always had suggestions and ideas for how He could do better in future games. This often led to me throwing hours and hours of batting practice to him...contributing in a big way to the arthritis in my throwing shoulder that I enjoy now as an old "ex-coach".

I think we agree far more than we disagree.................I'm not saying that we shouldn't praise the team after a victory, any win is a good win especially under the present circumstances but if the team beats up on most of the Big East teams and then some of the very same players don't show up against better competition what have they gained? The team is only as good as their ability to compete at the highest level...........this is UConn not some average program and if that sounds entitled so be it......

 

[SVCBeercats]

Olivia has finally, after almost four seasons, learned not to put the ball on the floor while making a post move. What a difference proper form makes. Maybe Dorka’s example has rubbed off on her. She is so much better with just that adjustment.

Coach Dorka is doing a good job helping Liv. Mow if Coach Dorka can help Liv learn a jump hook. Wonder why it took Dorka do little time to teach Liv when Geno and CD have had 3.5 years of failure?

 

[Huskee11]

Piath did a nice job getting position down low. She also ran the court well and got a putback basket due to her hustle. She draws fouls.

I think she may be further along offensively than defensively. The team plays zone defense only when she is in the game.

Against Xavier, she wasn`t getting to the shooter at the foul line and they made a few over her. She seemed to challenge the shooters a bit more last night but she needs to learn to anticipate where the ball is going better. She has very long arms and should be able to alter those shots.

 

[oldhusky]

It surprised me, but this far into the season, I think this is the first game where the Huskies exceeded my hopes and expectations. There have been a couple that met expectations, and those expectations change for every player that is missing, but this was the first time I thought, wow I didn't expect to win by that many.

Even before the injuries the team was under-performing expectations, but in this game things seemed to click. The defensive game-plan was sound and well executed, we rebounded the heck out of the ball, got it inside at least to Liv, and because overall play was good won by a lot despite another poor shooting night.

Shooting may continue to be an issue for a bit, but at least there we know help is on the way with Azzi and Paige.

 

[cohenzone]

I think we agree far more than we disagree.................I'm not saying that we shouldn't praise the team after a victory, any win is a good win especially under the present circumstances but if the team beats up on most of the Big East teams and then some of the very same players don't show up against better competition what have they gained? The team is only as good as their ability to compete at the highest level...........this is UConn not some average program and if that sounds entitled so be it......

Saying “this is UConn “ with 40 points and the best guard in the country unavailable is like saying this is South Carolina with Boston and two of their other top scorers out. The logo on the uniform isn’t quite what makes a team competitive. Geno coached a great game yesterday and his available players - certainly quite capable - responded really well, which bodes well for when the program is back to mostly full strength, remembering Griffin would make us even more versatile. We are definitely entitled to nothing and the field of competition is much better and deeper than ever.

 

[BBallF]

That was the best game from Nika in a long time. 11 points, 7 boards, 4 steals and 3 assists is a very good stat line for a PG. Her defense on Park Lane was stifling and she has emerged as the team's vocal leader on the court and maybe off of it.

Evina just has to not think. I am glad she started driving and shooting the floaters. They are her best moves. There is simply no reason for her, in this reconstituted line up, not to have 15-20 per game. If her 3s start to drop at a 35% rate, as in 3 for 8 and not 1 for 8, it changes everything for her because it will open up her driving. I was just happy she didn't go into a "pass only shell" when she started missing. She just has to square up more on her shots by taking her time. There is no real mystery here. On this team, everybody has to be responsible for scoring so stay in the gym until you are confident with your shot. Paige ain't out there.

Liv's evolution in her senior year is a pleasure to watch. If you examine her outside shot closely, you will see how much more confident and smoother it is. Also, 5 assists and 3 steals from the 5 position is all gravy and she has been getting those numbers regularly in the last few games. She is on a path to POY in the Big East by dominating games at both ends of the court.

CD was due for a game like last night. It just happens. As was pointed out, she has to set her feet on her 3s, I mean so does Steph Curry. I expect her to bounce back big tomorrow. What can you say about her? She is a real find, a player, and has a great business like demeanor on the court.

Dorka is still adapting and still improving within the system and is a very experienced basketball player who does many of the little things very well for a big man. She is a smart player.

Piath is really improving every game. You can see she wants to be a very good player. Amari has a lot of natural talent. She just doesn't have to shoot first and pass second especially when she is capable of throwing a pass like she did to Piath last night.

All in all, a very solid performance, highlighted by great team defense, unselfishness and teamwork. Hey, we are without our 2 best shooters in Paige and Azzi, our best passer and scorer, our leading active scorer in CW, and our best defender and floor player in Aubrey. But something is happening. CD has become a legit starter and emerging star, Liv has become a tougher and different player, and now Nika is getting her groove back.

Sure Seton Hall ain't Oregon, but the defense we played last night is potable. Just go out there and play and don't be afraid to lose and keep shooting please. It's still a long way to March and the only thing that matters is what you have become as a team then.

 

[#12in21]

Great team response after a bad loss on Monday. Controlled pace, low turnovers, shut down opponents' top players and rebounded well. I thought both E and Nika showed great bounce back after getting the harshest critique from Geno after Oregon game. Put it behind them and both played like the team needed them to. Well co-ordinated efforts by all with more intentional ball movement on offense and good communication and energy on defense. Park Lane who had been on a roll was very frustrated in being forced to roll to the opposite of her preferred side and was then faced with one of our bigs. She never got into any rhythm, either did AEH.

Kudos to Nika for taking the shots when she had them, putting up seven attempts on threes and hitting on three of them. As a whole our offensive production still needs to continue to improve but with four out of five starters in double figures and the lone one not being Caroline (who has been our leading scorer recently) this was a good indicator we are moving in the right direction. Olivia continued playing at a really great level.

Interesting to hear Geno's take on Nika being the best communicator on the team and his observation as to how the team listens to her. That observation was picked up on by the press in the questioning of the players with both Olivia and Evina affirming it in their responses. Nika in response, for the first time I can recall in a presser, actually appeared a bit flustered and quickly redirected things to the team and that she always tries to bring energy. As you all know I love the kid, such a ball of energy, great teammate and a great personality. Missed her usual drop of a bit of humor during the presser although a smile began to break out a couple times.

Bring on the Johnies and continued good play!

 

[PAHuskeyFan]

I think we agree far more than we disagree.................I'm not saying that we shouldn't praise the team after a victory, any win is a good win especially under the present circumstances but if the team beats up on most of the Big East teams and then some of the very same players don't show up against better competition what have they gained? The team is only as good as their ability to compete at the highest level...........this is UConn not some average program and if that sounds entitled so be it......

Agreed... BUT... the Team that played vs Oregon was NOT the TEAM. They were already missing Paige (best player in the land, etc) and Azzi, and then found out Chrysten could not play when it was too late to plan for that. No team game plans or practices for that scenario. So, they get punched in the gut, and have their next highest scorer unavailable... a senior and solid defender out with zero prep time...and the have to play a team with everyone back and they are hungry to get into the national conversation. This is a major psychological blow...as well as physical. Hard to play like UCONN fans expect with that kind of situation. IMHO

 

[Charliebball]

Saying “this is UConn “ with 40 points and the best guard in the country unavailable is like saying this is South Carolina with Boston and two of their other top scorers out. The logo on the uniform isn’t quite what makes a team competitive. Geno coached a great game yesterday and his available players - certainly quite capable - responded really well, which bodes well for when the program is back to mostly full strength, remembering Griffin would make us even more versatile. We are definitely entitled to nothing and the field of competition is much better and deeper than ever.

I agree with you but when you still have two number one ranked high school All Americans, two other number six ranked players, and a 15th ranked player, an All Big Ten player and a member of the Canadian National Team member on your available roster the expectations should still be fairly high...........I'm not saying they should be expected to win against the best competition, especially under the circumstances but they should be really competitive both individually and as a team...........

 

[SLY63]

I feel really sorry for the forwards who work so hard for position in the half court game and in transition and never see an entry pass. Dorka in particular. By the end of the game Dorka has taken such a pounding she stops working off the block.

I notice this frequently with both Dorka and AE. I think the only 2 players we have that can pass into the post are Paige and Liv. It must be very frustrating for Dorka and AE.

 

[Bigboote]

true but if she can be great at the one trick, she will help us down the line. she gets the ball up quickly and that is because she doesnt bring it down. she needs more playing time with other players.

Walter Johnson was also a one-trick pony. As Ty Cobb said (from memory, which is fallible)’ “The best thing about Walter Johnson is, you know a fastball is coming. The worst thing is, knowing it doesn’t help.”

 

[Stymie]

It seems Gabriel is a one trick pony though. At least she knows what she is and does it. Positions herself well on the right side for that patented layup.

I’ll tell you what.
Maybe she is.
And maybe Coach can teach her some more tricks.
I LOVE the fact that she plays totally unafraid.

 

[donalddoowop]

I think Ducharme is getting tired. She did not play this much in high school, and she has got to get used to it. Also, she took only nine shots when she has been taking 18 t0 20 shots a game. She sometimes misses more shots than eight but takes enough to score in the teens. She will be fine, especially when the other players return. As far as the way the team looks sometimes, ND looked terrible in a loss to Louisville the year they won the NC, worse than UConn did against Oregon. So, there is still hope for the Huskies.

 

[cohenzone]

I agree with you but when you still have two number one ranked high school All Americans, two other number six ranked players, and a 15th ranked player, an All Big Ten player and a member of the Canadian National Team member on your available roster the expectations should still be fairly high...........I'm not saying they should be expected to win against the best competition, especially under the circumstances but they should be really competitive both individually and as a team...........

And they are. But none of the #1 ranked players played yesterday or against Oregon against whom they had to make another no
practice adjustment following one day off, a delayed cross country flight and a relatively early start. I’m just saying being UConn doesn’t tell the story. Take just Maya Moore and Loren Dixon off the floor and make Kelly Faris miss the season and the 2009/10 unbeaten team would have some difficulties despite Tina Charles, Kalena Greene and Tiffany Hayes. Meaning being UConn would’ve been a lot less formidable. This year’s program is having to make a bunch of key adjustments and I’m hoping that when we are full strength, Fudd will catch up and play as touted, Paige will be Paige, Christyn will continue her renewed energy and the others will build on the confidence they are gaining in the meantime. Go Huskies.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Geno said something in his postgame presser that I found illuminating. Maybe it is not new but it is to me. It was about Nika. I don't know that he has come close to saying this before. " When she's on the floor she's the voice of our team Other people may think they are but they're not. " He went on to say everyone on the team listens to that voice. She knows what she's talking about and plays harder that everyone else on the team. You can understand why foul trouble for Nika is a serious team problem. Vocal leaders have been hard to come by in recent years. It is one big element that contributes to Geno saying we are a different team when Nika is out there.

 

[JellyBean]

Just a joy to watch this team! This game, the ball movement was superb. Passes were on the money, for the most part. Only 10 turnovers. That was pretty impressive. Nika. We all love that young lady and this game it was super special seeing her shots falling. So happy for that young lady. Just an all around great game by everyone. From the decision making on down to the post entry passes. Even seeing Piath and Amari out there getting some floor time was nice. They need more minutes out there, especially when we play South Carolina next week.

Great game, Huskies!!

 

[Charliebball]

Saying “this is UConn “ with 40 points and the best guard in the country unavailable is like saying this is South Carolina with Boston and two of their other top scorers out. The logo on the uniform isn’t quite what makes a team competitive. Geno coached a great game yesterday and his available players - certainly quite capable - responded really well, which bodes well for when the program is back to mostly full strength, remembering Griffin would make us even more versatile. We are definitely entitled to nothing and the field of competition is much better and deeper than ever.

Actually I was referring to CW and EW both of whom have had up and down seasons so far.............I'm not sure where all the anger is coming from because I simply pointed out that playing well against average talent doesn't mean as much as playing equally well against far better talent....... UConn wins championships when good players play great and when great players play great against the best competition.......I'd like to think everyone here is in agreement with that........

 

[Boreifs]

Just a joy to watch this team! This game, the ball movement was superb. Passes were on the money, for the most part. Only 10 turnovers. That was pretty impressive. Nika. We all love that young lady and this game it was super special seeing her shots falling. So happy for that young lady. Just an all around great game by everyone. From the decision making on down to the post entry passes. Even seeing Piath and Amari out there getting some floor time was nice. They need more minutes out there, especially when we play South Carolina next week.

Great game, Huskies!!

Substitute except for especially and the last sentence will be accurate. If they see the floor in that game, it will be because someone was injured or a blowout.