Shortage of players

[veryolddog]

Why not? The real question is whether or not she is interested in playing basketball. If I am mistaken, she would be eligible for 4 years.

 

[Old Geezer]

Would rather see the coaching staff focus their time on helping players like DeBerry and Patterson get more productive. Likely a result of a confidence issue, DeBerry tends to slow down and Patterson to speed up when under pressure. Both have great skills and could over power defenders if they used their height and physical assets more on both offense and defense.

I agree. The focus needs to be on improving those players that Geno has on the bench. It was DeBerry’s best game in terms of minutes and she has been improving. I’m sure that reviewing the film of times when she wasn’t protecting the ball will help her. Unfortunately right now she’s playing a little bit like the other team isn’t there and it’s practice. I think patterson is like edwards was in her freshman year. Edwards was so hyped up she made silly fouls. That’s where Patterson is now

 

[Plebe]

Would rather see the coaching staff focus their time on helping players like DeBerry and Patterson get more productive. Likely a result of a confidence issue, DeBerry tends to slow down and Patterson to speed up when under pressure. Both have great skills and could over power defenders if they used their height and physical assets more on both offense and defense.

I'm not questioning the deep and abiding love that we all have for our former walk-ons like Pulido and Lawlor, but have any of our walk-ons actually provided meaningful minutes against challenging opponents?

I agree with @HopJim , seems like we should be able to get more production and minutes out of players who were highly rated basketball recruits than someone who has no experience playing competitive basketball at the elite level that UConn requires.

Walk-ons might be helpful for conducting practices and maybe even reinforcing team culture, but anything beyond that seems quixotic at best.

 

[CajunHusky]

I'm not questioning the deep and abiding love that we all have for our former walk-ons like Tierney and Lawlor, but have any of our walk-ons actually provided meaningful minutes against challenging opponents?

I agree with @HopJim , seems like we should be able to get more production and minutes out of players who were highly rated basketball recruits than someone who has no experience playing competitive basketball at the elite level that UConn requires.

Walk-ons might be helpful for conducting practices and maybe even reinforcing team culture, but anything beyond that seems quixotic at best.

I believe Pulido and Lawlor were recruited specifically as practice players on the road. They were rewarded in subsequent years with scholarships.

 

[Argonaut]

Some of y'all crack me up.

Ines literally played on Portugal's junior national team and is sitting in the front seat of the struggle bus, and you think there is some random UConn student (or athlete in another sport) who is going to be as or more impactful? Who hasn't played organized basketball in at least a year? Without any practice in an offense that requires a really high basketball IQ to execute...

It isn't happening.

 

[fomalhaut]

Maybe over thinking it, but volleyball players don't have to run much, could get winded after a couple times up and down the floor.

You've obviously never played volleyball. Volleyball players run plenty, just over shorter distances.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Some of y'all crack me up.

Ines literally played on Portugal's junior national team and is sitting in the front seat of the struggle bus, and you think there is some random UConn student (or athlete in another sport) who is going to be as or more impactful? Who hasn't played organized basketball in at least a year? Without any practice in an offense that requires a really high basketball IQ to execute...

It isn't happening.

Good point. To add to that, Geno did bring in an actual real deal basketball player midway through the season two years ago, and how did that turn out?

 

[Argonaut]

Good point. To add to that, Geno did bring in an actual real deal basketball player midway through the season two years ago, and how did that turn out?

A year and a half later, she's putting together a campaign for SEC freshman of the year.

We also forget that Saylor was coming off of injury and a long time away from basketball -- the fact that UConn and the wbb program wasn't a great fit for her was secondary to all of that.

It could work with the right player (remember, Olivia Miles did the same thing at ND and was fairly successful), but IMO (and like others have stated), it would be a waste of a year of eligibility with our current incoming class.

 

[HopJim]

I believe Pulido and Lawlor were recruited specifically as practice players on the road. They were rewarded in subsequent years with scholarships.

Within a few weeks, likely Muhl, Fudd and Lou will all be playing again. Next year, we will have two more great guard recruits and hopefully Paige will be back. Not sure where you would find a walk on that would want to bust their tail for a few weeks. After that, doubt you would even get much practice time.

 

[pk1234]

I know I’m going to get ripped to shreds, but here goes…
Maybe at a different university with a less than seriously competitive program it would work.
You could even do it by raffle or bid the spot on the roster out allowing sponsorship of a walk on for a charitable donation.
Would make a great story.
Not a good idea at UCONN.
Don’t think that anybody associated with the WBB program, players, coaches, administrators would appreciate the suggestion.
Better to forfeit a game or even two rather than make a mockery of everything accomplished by the Huskies.
Also, even though these young ladies are-when physically sound-strong, fit and durable, not having the minimum number of healthy players is a recipe for additional injuries.
We’re UCONN and have to answer to an even higher authority.
If by some chance some knucklehead in college administration insisted they do it, Geno & CD’s would tender their resignations.
IMHO

Not sure why this is getting downvoted. A mid-season walk-on would not work.

 

[Zarathustra]

I bet she can sky for rebounds

View attachment 81707

#23 any relation to Michael Jordan?

 

[MSGRET]

Oh my....she has to be some athlete.
Maybe over thinking it, but volleyball players don't have to run much, could get winded after a couple times up and down the floor.
Soccer players could handle the running, but too many kicked balls.

Is a header for a basket legal?

 

[ClifSpliffy]

I know I’m going to get ripped to shreds, but here goes…
Maybe at a different university with a less than seriously competitive program it would work.
You could even do it by raffle or bid the spot on the roster out allowing sponsorship of a walk on for a charitable donation.
Would make a great story.
Not a good idea at UCONN.
Don’t think that anybody associated with the WBB program, players, coaches, administrators would appreciate the suggestion.
Better to forfeit a game or even two rather than make a mockery of everything accomplished by the Huskies.
Also, even though these young ladies are-when physically sound-strong, fit and durable, not having the minimum number of healthy players is a recipe for additional injuries.
We’re UCONN and have to answer to an even higher authority.
If by some chance some knucklehead in college administration insisted they do it, Geno & CD’s would tender their resignations.
IMHO

'Better to forfeit a game or even two rather than make a mockery of everything accomplished by the Huskies.'
methinks that u need a liedown, cuz u ain't well.
we're talkin aboot a geno auriemma led squad.
they should call this 'geno's song.'

Feel the city breakin' and everybody shakin'
And we're stayin' alive, stayin' alive.

he's a dancin man, and he just can't lose.

 

[CajunHusky]

Within a few weeks, likely Muhl, Fudd and Lou will all be playing again. Next year, we will have two more great guard recruits and hopefully Paige will be back. Not sure where you would find a walk on that would want to bust their tail for a few weeks. After that, doubt you would even get much practice time.

There are players in the portal ... and with the NCAA relaxing the rules for sitting out who knows?

Women’s Basketball Transfers: D-I, 2022-23 - WBB Blog

Continuously updated rundown of women's basketball transfers and potential transfers (transfer portal) from D-I schools, from August 2022 to July 2023

wbbblog.com

 

[CL82]

I teach an evening class on Thursdays and didn’t get to watch last night. I’m not sure I even have the heart to watch it today. And I’m equally uncertain I will be able to muster the courage to watch on Sunday. But the girls have to have considerably more courage to play in it, so I better pull myself together and watch.

Spoiler alert: we won. You will be fine watching the game.

 

[oldhusky]

Within a few weeks, likely Muhl, Fudd and Lou will all be playing again. Next year, we will have two more great guard recruits and hopefully Paige will be back. Not sure where you would find a walk on that would want to bust their tail for a few weeks. After that, doubt you would even get much practice time.

As you so correctly point out, this is anticipated to be a very short term need. Close to rent a player for a month or two and then no need the rest of this season or in future ones. Where I might differ a little, is while most probably would not be interested under those conditions, I could see how some might. Even if it doesn't lead to something, you can tell people years from now that for a brief period you were part of the Uconn Huskies women's basketball team. That might be enough for somebody, their 15 minutes of fame so to speak.

 

[Bone Dog]

Well, I'm watching it now, and in the 1st quarter, at the 2:30 mark, I see Nika driving the lane and scoring. Yet another indicator of the new offense-minded Nika we all hoped to see this summer. May she return to the lineup soon!

 

[Bone Dog]

Also, in the 1st quarter, Amari has a couple of excellent buckets on smooth post moves. She looks a bit lost on defense, and when she's on offense at the high post. But she can definitely do low-post offense.

 

[CajunHusky]

Also, in the 1st quarter, Amari has a couple of excellent buckets on smooth post moves. She looks a bit lost on defense, and when she's on offense at the high post. But she can definitely do low-post offense.

I think defensively and offensively she is doing a lot of things by rote ... thus the passes on plays where she maybe should have thought twice. I think the light will go on soon. I think I saw somewhere that CD said part of her problem is stamina. Amari does move deceptively quick up and down the court.

 

[my2cents]

You've obviously never played volleyball. Volleyball players run plenty, just over shorter distances.

You made my point, "they run SHORT distances"

 

[uconnever]

I think defensively and offensively she is doing a lot of things by rote ... thus the passes on plays where she maybe should have thought twice. I think the light will go on soon. I think I saw somewhere that CD said part of her problem is stamina. Amari does move deceptively quick up and down the court.

Amari looked good to me last night, she may be on the Kiah Stokes plan. Next year a solid player off the bench. I was happy for her. Her brain farts were fine to me because she never a plays too long in a critical role. Given a chance she will be fine.

 

[uconnfan68]

Amari looked good to me last night, she may be on the Kiah Stokes plan. Next year a solid player off the bench. I was happy for her. Her brain farts were fine to me because she never a plays too long in a critical role. Given a chance she will be fine.

Now you're comparing her to arguably the best rebounder and shotblocker we've had. If Amari could do either of those things like Kiah, she'd be playing a lot.

 

[Rb335]

Yes we’ve been decimated by injury. But I’m choosing to be optimistic.

Dorka was a game time decision. Geno said it’s the mental aspect. She’ll be back very soon.

Nika looks to have a potential concussion. Unless crazy severe, she should be back soon, maybe even by Florida State given the week break after Maryland.

Lou said she’s fine, and it’s been an injury she’s been playing with. Pretty darn well at that. Anyone else realize she’s made more 3s on the same number of attempts as Azzi?! Incredible. She’ll be back soon, if not next game, if I were a betting man.

Azzi has the 3-6 week time table.

I personally won’t panic if we drop another one or two games in December. As long as the injury bug doesn’t strike again, it might not be so terrible.

The biggest concern to me is figuring out Caroline. If she can get back to peak performance, our team when healthy has a shot.

 

[airlac4]

I believe kids in the portal for December 1-15 can transfer and play immediately. See the other thread here. I think Verhulst is good enough to play at the UConn level, but maybe not as many minutes as she wants. There is certainly opportunity in Storrs in the short term.

According to the Louisville Courier-Journal, Payton will have to sit out the rest of the year if she transfers during this current season. I don't know if that is accurate. Even if Payton could play this season, the future doesn't bode well for her if she wants playing time. Assuming everyone is back and healthy next season and with the arrival of Shade, Payton would likely be heavily challenged for playing time.

 

[EasyEd]

Back in our first championship, they had Jill Gelfenbien, a soccer player. And Kelly Schumacher was on the team but I think she ended up doing more in volleyball after UConn than basketball. So hopefully Geno and staff are at least considering looking for a walkon (or two).

 

[stamfordhusky]

Now you're comparing her to arguably the best rebounder and shotblocker we've had. If Amari could do either of those things like Kiah, she'd be playing a lot.

Amari had the same number of rebounds last night as I did, I.e. zero.

 

[pk1234]

Guys this isn't about being pro walk-on or anti walk-on. Walk-ons are great. They maybe should've looked to get a couple before the season.

It would be a waste of everyone's time to take one now, in the middle of the season, and have them have to learn the whole offense, fit in with the team, etc. all while being significantly behind everyone from a skill position. Ines is a legit D1 type of player, albeit not UConn level D1, but she is clearly still trying to play catch-up.

Anyone they would get now as a walk-on would either be D3 level (maybe, if that) or maybe a low D1 level athlete who plays another sport who hasn't touched a basketball in years. It would be better to just forfeit Sunday and regroup.

 

[CajunHusky]

Back in our first championship, they had Jill Gelfenbien, a soccer player. And Kelly Schumacher was on the team but I think she ended up doing more in volleyball after UConn than basketball. So hopefully Geno and staff are at least considering looking for a walkon (or two).

Kelly Schumacher - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[hoophuskee]

Not sure why this is getting downvoted. A mid-season walk-on would not work.

The issue was the other comments and depending on what you mean by "would not work." : Forfeit games? Understood if injuries were a concern which the poster stated too. But the below in bold comments were off. The beauty of sports is about competition. So a game you feel you can't win (but still have chance to or at least give a good fight), you'd rather take the ball and go home rather than competing? So every team UCONN has crushed and had little chance they should have quit before the game too?

I know some fans think it's all about championship or bust. But the name UCONN means a lot more than running away from a challenge. Sometimes how a player conducts themselves you can be proud. If they lose in a super game you can be proud etc. The comments below seem to disregard all that. Injuries which that poster said - sure. If that is the concern. But quitting is what it sound like below. That's pretty bad. So I think the issue is "UCONN doesn't quit" (unless health) should be more of the statement.


"Don’t think that anybody associated with the WBB program, players, coaches, administrators would appreciate the suggestion.
Better to forfeit a game or even two rather than make a mockery of everything accomplished by the Huskies."

 

[pk1234]

The issue was the other comments and depending on what you mean by "would not work." : Forfeit games? Understood if injuries were a concern which the poster stated too. But the below in bold comments were off. The beauty of sports is about competition. So a game you feel you can't win (but still have chance to or at least give a good fight), you'd rather take the ball and go home rather than competing? So every team UCONN has crushed and had little chance they should have quit before the game too?

I know some fans think it's all about championship or bust. But the name UCONN means a lot more than running away from a challenge. Sometimes how a player conducts themselves you can be proud. If they lose in a super game you can be proud etc. The comments below seem to disregard all that. Injuries which that poster said - sure. If that is the concern. But quitting is what it sound like below. That's pretty bad. So I think the issue is "UCONN doesn't quit" (unless health) should be more of the statement.


"Don’t think that anybody associated with the WBB program, players, coaches, administrators would appreciate the suggestion.
Better to forfeit a game or even two rather than make a mockery of everything accomplished by the Huskies."

The resources it would take to bring a walk-on up to speed to the point where they weren't bringing the rest of the team down or risked getting injured would detract from the team's progress during the season. We are all significantly underestimating just how much more skilled and physical the UConn players on the current rosters are than someone off the streets on the volleyball team, or club team.