So who looked good in Q2

[cohenzone]

Do u think a 30-40 year old Geno would have handled last night differently? In game and/or post game?

He’s been old and cranky for a few decades.

 

[JustinesGuy]

He’s been old and cranky for a few decades.

Yeah. My dad and I joke he walks like every step is a chore now ha

 

[iri10]

Do u think a 30-40 year old Geno would have handled last night differently? In game and/or post game?

The younger Geno was maybe a bit over the top from time to time. I believe he blames himself in part for the 2001 team's loss to ND in the Final Four, where they went to halftime with a large lead and he still spent the break yelling at them over relatively trivial things.

Also I seem to recall a story where he was so dismayed by the practice going on, that he hid himself under the bleachers for the duration.

Geno's too old for such antics now...though not too old to make his point in exceedingly blunt ways, like hockey-substituting his bench in out of the blue.

 

[j66kicker]

I would be interested in wondering who is officially concerned that Megan Walker is not going to become the player we hoped?
Or do we think " Ah no worries she's learning and has great talent in front of her, she'll be fine".

She will be a superstar

 

[JustinesGuy]

The younger Geno was maybe a bit over the top from time to time. I believe he blames himself in part for the 2001 team's loss to ND in the Final Four, where they went to halftime with a large lead and he still spent the break yelling at them over relatively trivial things.

Also I seem to recall a story where he was so dismayed by the practice going on, that he hid himself under the bleachers for the duration.

Geno's too old for such antics now...though not too old to make his point in exceedingly blunt ways, like hockey-substituting his bench in out of the blue.

One point to bring up again is: Geno did this to himself. What did Geno expect when he put all four bench players in at same time? The best chance at success would have been to sprinkle one a few bench players with the starters.

I agree with some other posters he did this to prove a point. " You guys want the bench here they are". Then throw in gabby, Lou and CD injuries and you get what u got! That simple I think.

 

[CPD016]

She will be a superstar

Watch how she "manhandles" the player trying to guard her - thats one husky that won"t be pushed around

 

[HopJim]

Molly had a few good moments. Megan was very active defensively in spurts and got her hands on the ball a few times. It will come for her.

Megan has an uncanny knack to get open and know where ball is going on defense. At times when she got ball, spacing was poor and others pulled their defender in her way. Not sure if Megan or other issue but seems to have high basketball IQ that didn't fully translate last night.

 

[dogged1]

One point to bring up again is: Geno did this to himself. What did Geno expect when he put all four bench players in at same time? The best chance at success would have been to sprinkle one a few bench players with the starters.

I agree with some other posters he did this to prove a point. " You guys want the bench here they are". Then throw in gabby, Lou and CD injuries and you get what u got! That simple I think.

Respectfully disagree. Geno wasn't trying to prove a point to anyone on the boneyard. He was trying to prove a point to the subs. That's why they were all thrown in at once. He expected them to do it their way and fail.

 

[JustinesGuy]

Respectfully disagree. Geno wasn't trying to prove a point to anyone on the boneyard. He was trying to prove a point to the subs. That's why they were all thrown in at once. He expected them to do it their way and fail.

Exactly. As I mentioned at the end of my post. That was one crazy game. Interesting to see who's healthy and not healthy for next game and who plays and who doesn't.. Good times.

 

[Golden Husky]

And this is why I keep scratching my head. Why didn't Geno play 3 starters and 2 benchers in each of the final 3 quarters, thereby giving some structure to the game and giving the benchers opportunity to play with the starters? It's not as if he's trying to develop a 2nd line, like DePaul.

Yes, as the erudite Bags delineates, it's difficult to make an assessment because the reserves are playing with each other. If Geno is looking for a player to become part of the rotation, wouldn't a truer test be for each reserve to play 10+ minutes with four of the six regulars?

That said, I feel foolish offering advice to Geno and now will slink into a corner and quietly repent.

 

[drweo]

If I had to choose, I would say Walker. Even Z looked discombobulated playing with the other 4. If Geno really wants to develope a bench, he needs to rotate Walker, Coombs and Bent in with the other starters so at least 60% on the floor KNOW what they are doing. Doing wholesale swapping out 5/5 does not really help build skills. Notice how Molly played with 3 of the core 6? Much better than with soley the other subs.

I couldnt agree more. If any of the bench players are going to help the team in close games, they have to have experience playing with at least some of the starters. I thought that was what Coach Auriemma was beginning to develop in a couple games prior to the Texas game. I hope he goes back to that.

 

[Longtime fan]

I would be interested in wondering who is officially concerned that Megan Walker is not going to become the player we hoped?
Or do we think " Ah no worries she's learning and has great talent in front of her, she'll be fine".

I think it is possible Megan will not emerge as a star for UCONN, but not likely. It depends more on her "psyche " than her talent ( no one questions her talent ).

Geno expects a player like Meg ( nation's top rated women's BB player last year ) to respond positively to his disparaging remarks, and extended time on the bench. He has undoubtedly seen it before. She apparently, like the other reserves , cannot do the " right thing" twice in practice yet, and we are in Mid-January. And we have to believe him.

But she could be a kid who responds to praise rather than negativity. If so, she made the wrong choice of school, and she will not emerge as a super star, with her name on the wall at UCONN. I certainly have confidence that Geno knows what he is doing. And I hope that this team, led by a huge contribution from Megan, will get better. Just as an aside, has anyone ever seen her smile?

But the message from yesterday, for all the world to see ( on court interview; press
conference ), will not serve well as a recruiting tool ( except for our competitors ), and might not work as a motivational tool either. Geno communicated an attitude which suggested, " I made a mistake recruiting these kids because they won't listen to me. And I have lost my patience with them. I won't bother trying to coach them anymore because I have tried that, and you saw the result ( the most disgraceful example of basketball I have seen here in my 32 years, and everyone who paid to see us should get their money back). So I am done."

This is not the message we are used to seeing and hearing from coach, or from anyone at UCONN. It conflicts with the previously consistent message where, " the UCONN staff brings out the best in players on the court and off. The staff is demanding and the players have to work hard. But the results are worth the effort."

Combine the taste in everyone's mouth from yesterday's game and player assessments, however, with the recent ( and as yet unexplained) departure of AEH, and the seeds of doubt begin to grow. I cannot recall a season that began with such optimism ( great starting five, re-juvinated Crystal, Azura and Camara eligible, and a recruiting class including the number 1 and number 16 players in the country, and a "chip" on UCONN's shoulder ), and which now sits in such disarray and doubt.

As we sit here today, digesting yesterday's performance and coach outburst, it is easy to experience this
undefeated ( as yet ) team as a loser in most every aspect of the word. Hard to believe. And we likely should not think this way.

But fascinating to watch.

 

[DefenseBB]

One point to bring up again is: Geno did this to himself. What did Geno expect when he put all four bench players in at same time? The best chance at success would have been to sprinkle one a few bench players with the starters.

I agree with some other posters he did this to prove a point. " You guys want the bench here they are". Then throw in gabby, Lou and CD injuries and you get what u got! That simple I think.

We are absolutely on the same page with this and I liked the way you stated it-"sprinkle one of the bench (removed few) players in with the starters" so they have continuity. That you have 3/4 players who know exactly what to do, how to switch and how to move the ball. I, in particular, was watching Lexi when she went in the game with the 4 other subs and due to the subs scrambling on defense-not sure when to switch, Lexi in particular was scrambling too late and that's why the 3 point shooters were wide open. And then when they managed to get there with the leaving their feet, the Tulsa team drove past them for the layups that Geno was irritated with Z about. That doesn't happen with Kia, Gabby, Pheesa, KLS and Crystal Dangerfield. So if the issue is to get KLS and Crystal Dangerfield rest due to bumps and other issues, than he needs to work Megan and Coombs into this rotation. Personally, I think Batouly would be a strong presence with better quickness down on the block but she didn't even get in the game yesterday. Very odd to me. But what do I know, my resume has 0 conference titles let alone any NCAA titles so I will gladly defer to Geno.

 

[jaundicedeye]

"...But the message from yesterday, for all the world to see ( on court interview; press conference ), will not serve well as a recruiting tool ( except for our competitors ), and might not work as a motivational tool either. Geno communicated an attitude which suggested, " I made a mistake recruiting these kids because they won't listen to me. And I have lost my patience with them. I won't bother trying to coach them anymore because I have tried that, and you saw the result ( the most disgraceful example of basketball I have seen here in my 32 years, and everyone who paid to see us should get their money back). So I am done."

This is not the message we are used to seeing and hearing from coach, or from anyone at UCONN. It conflicts with the previously consistent message where, " the UCONN staff brings out the best in players on the court and off. The staff is demanding and the players have to work hard. But the results are worth the effort."

Combine the taste in everyone's mouth from yesterday's game and player assessments, however, with the recent ( and as yet unexplained) departure of AEH, and the seeds of doubt begin to grow. I cannot recall a season that began with such optimism ( great starting five, re-juvinated Crystal, Azura and Camara eligible, and a recruiting class including the number 1 and number 16 players in the country, and a "chip" on UCONN's shoulder ), and which now sits in such disarray and doubt. ...."

I agree with so much about what Long Time Fan has written. There is no need for Geno to be so public with his negative comments. I am sure his practices and comments during the practices are hard enough on the younger players. I see more risks incurred on so many fronts by making his harangue so public. It smacks of ego and by this point in his life he should have that under control, IMO.

 

[j66kicker]

We’re DOOMED!!

 

[Linart]

Ah, remember the good old days--like at the beginning of the season--where the most pressing question was "With all this talent, how will Geno find enough minutes for all his players?"

Let's see:
5 starters, 3 are injured.
2 transfers, 1 is injured.
4 heralded freshmen, 1 left. The remaining 3 plus the 2 sophs are hardly lighting up the night sky.

I think we can put that question to rest.

 

[JustinesGuy]

I think it is possible Megan will not emerge as a star for UCONN, but not likely. It depends more on her "psyche " than her talent ( no one questions her talent ).

Geno expects a player like Meg ( nation's top rated women's BB player last year ) to respond positively to his disparaging remarks, and extended time on the bench. He has undoubtedly seen it before. She apparently, like the other reserves , cannot do the " right thing" twice in practice yet, and we are in Mid-January. And we have to believe him.

But she could be a kid who responds to praise rather than negativity. If so, she made the wrong choice of school, and she will not emerge as a super star, with her name on the wall at UCONN. I certainly have confidence that Geno knows what he is doing. And I hope that this team, led by a huge contribution from Megan, will get better. Just as an aside, has anyone ever seen her smile?

But the message from yesterday, for all the world to see ( on court interview; press
conference ), will not serve well as a recruiting tool ( except for our competitors ), and might not work as a motivational tool either. Geno communicated an attitude which suggested, " I made a mistake recruiting these kids because they won't listen to me. And I have lost my patience with them. I won't bother trying to coach them anymore because I have tried that, and you saw the result ( the most disgraceful example of basketball I have seen here in my 32 years, and everyone who paid to see us should get their money back). So I am done."

This is not the message we are used to seeing and hearing from coach, or from anyone at UCONN. It conflicts with the previously consistent message where, " the UCONN staff brings out the best in players on the court and off. The staff is demanding and the players have to work hard. But the results are worth the effort."

Combine the taste in everyone's mouth from yesterday's game and player assessments, however, with the recent ( and as yet unexplained) departure of AEH, and the seeds of doubt begin to grow. I cannot recall a season that began with such optimism ( great starting five, re-juvinated Crystal, Azura and Camara eligible, and a recruiting class including the number 1 and number 16 players in the country, and a "chip" on UCONN's shoulder ), and which now sits in such disarray and doubt.

As we sit here today, digesting yesterday's performance and coach outburst, it is easy to experience this
undefeated ( as yet ) team as a loser in most every aspect of the word. Hard to believe. And we likely should not think this way.

But fascinating to watch.

This is really a fantastic post. Much respect

 

[JustinesGuy]

We are absolutely on the same page with this and I liked the way you stated it-"sprinkle one of the bench (removed few) players in with the starters" so they have continuity. That you have 3/4 players who know exactly what to do, how to switch and how to move the ball. I, in particular, was watching Lexi when she went in the game with the 4 other subs and due to the subs scrambling on defense-not sure when to switch, Lexi in particular was scrambling too late and that's why the 3 point shooters were wide open. And then when they managed to get there with the leaving their feet, the Tulsa team drove past them for the layups that Geno was irritated with Z about. That doesn't happen with Kia, Gabby, Pheesa, KLS and Crystal Dangerfield. So if the issue is to get KLS and Crystal Dangerfield rest due to bumps and other issues, than he needs to work Megan and Coombs into this rotation. Personally, I think Batouly would be a strong presence with better quickness down on the block but she didn't even get in the game yesterday. Very odd to me. But what do I know, my resume has 0 conference titles let alone any NCAA titles so I will gladly defer to Geno.

Great post. Thank u

 

[my2cents]

Whats interesting to me, is that he puts in the "Bench" ....not individual subs as needed. The "Bench" has NO point guard. The passes that are made are late and telegraphed, tipped or stolen. The "Bench" then looks lousy. The guard who won't shoot causes the player guarding her to play back, clogging the lane for everyone else.

 

[Los24]

I thought Molly looked good. Unfortunately, she also looked bad. I did like her intensity.

It is hard to get a fair assessment when ALL the subs are together, because they are at a disadvantage of not playing with the starters (better players.)

Z - is like a starter (type) so not much to comment on
MW - I would like to see an impact player as she has already shown she could be, but it needs to be consistent. I personally think she is a player that would benefit (confidence and timing) from more run, and conference games would be perfect.
Molly - I will just say that I do not feel confident with the ball in her hands (especially at a fast pace) but root for her because I know she cares and tries very hard.
Kyla - If she can come in and just hold her own doing the basics for this year in big games I would take that... she can grow to be an impact player but not a star.
Combs - I think she has a tremendous upside. I think she can contribute and not just fill in, even this year if she continues to improve.

I think she'll be fine too. I was just wondering what our boneyard friends think.

I think she will be AA by junior year... at that time we will look back to remind ourselves 99% of the players struggle quite a bit in their freshman year. I am holding out that she will be making an impact in March.

 

[Bama fan]

Tulsa (to answer your thread question)

That is funny

 

[Bama fan]

All due respect to you, that’s not true and is why Geno yanked her out so soon in Q2 and didn’t reinsert until after the others in the 4th. She tried to force multiple passes into the post when double covered instead of moving the ball to the other side. She also forced up an ill advised shot and didn’t move her feet well in the paint. On the bright side she didn’t commit any fouls tonight. Justine may have to get another guy...just sayin..

Kyla got yanked and she got a one on one when she got to the bench. And I really feel that Justine must be feeling completely abandoned lately. Too bad as she seems like a nice kid!

 

[jdb50]

I tuned into the game at 8PM. I saw a team with tired legs, especially the first 6. You can say it was the tough Texas game and the trip home but I think not. Having to be perfect can not be an easy mental stress to deal with for 4 years. Geno can run those 6 into the ground claiming no one else practices well but that would really be an ego problem. Putting in all the 7-10 reserves with Stevens was a baby game by Geno. You put those players in to spell starters that need a rest or/and are injured in ones and twos. Freshman need time. Give them a chance to get some confidence.

 

[Kaizen]

They all look good, Megan, Kyla, Molly, Mikayla and Alexis.
But they don't score, except Megan's 4 FTs and Molly's 1 3-pt.

 

[NEforceUConn]

After reading the posts and other threads hers are my thoughts:

Geno had a purpose for what he did.

For possible bench strength it's a tie right now with Molly/Coombs. Megan is an enigma.

I hope the Molly/Coombs test continues with Megan in the mix.

Lastly regarding Justines guys posts I disagree with everything you post. Sorry to say but you are frankly wrong all the time

But geno has it under control and the answer will be if he feels like he has 7 to go in march. That answer will be Molly/Coombs/ MW. Unfortunately he needs a big to come in off the bench and he does not have one.

 

[RogueDave]

A lot of interesting thoughts on the players and various basketball aspects relating to the team have been well stated...

I was thinking this years team is missing something else from last year I had overlooked...

Tierney Lawlor brought a lot to the team she loved...this team needs a great Walk-On to contribute to team chemistry...

Nothing like having someone without any hope of contributing in a game demonstrate a positivity in practice giving an all out effort everyday in every drill with the only payback being the appreciation and respect of her teammates...

An ever present symbol of dedication and selflessness standing alongside...

I imagine the more talented players ahead of her found it within themselves to be engaged and focused during practice going by her example...

 

[ballhawk]

It was so disheartening listening to Geno last night. By putting the four subs in at the same time Geno knew they would fail and they failed. Great. That's a good way to instill confidence. Boneyarders are always attacking the Duke coach for throwing her team under the bus. Well, Geno did the same thing with the reserves. Geno recruited them, he coaches them and if they don't play well he can't just discard them. If the subs aren't getting it maybe Geno needs to change his coaching strategy with them. When the starters discussed the subs they were all very positive and encouraging. After hearing Geno last night I thought we had lost by fifty. As others have written I wonder what message this sends to future recruits.

 

[huskyrob1]

Megan has an uncanny knack to get open and know where ball is going on defense. At times when she got ball, spacing was poor and others pulled their defender in her way. Not sure if Megan or other issue but seems to have high basketball IQ that didn't fully translate last night.

If she has a good practice he'll give her major minutes, if not then she sits.

 

[HopJim]

We are absolutely on the same page with this and I liked the way you stated it-"sprinkle one of the bench (removed few) players in with the starters" so they have continuity. That you have 3/4 players who know exactly what to do, how to switch and how to move the ball. I, in particular, was watching Lexi when she went in the game with the 4 other subs and due to the subs scrambling on defense-not sure when to switch, Lexi in particular was scrambling too late and that's why the 3 point shooters were wide open. And then when they managed to get there with the leaving their feet, the Tulsa team drove past them for the layups that Geno was irritated with Z about. That doesn't happen with Kia, Gabby, Pheesa, KLS and Crystal Dangerfield. So if the issue is to get KLS and Crystal Dangerfield rest due to bumps and other issues, than he needs to work Megan and Coombs into this rotation. Personally, I think Batouly would be a strong presence with better quickness down on the block but she didn't even get in the game yesterday. Very odd to me. But what do I know, my resume has 0 conference titles let alone any NCAA titles so I will gladly defer to Geno.

Respectfully disagree regarding driving the lane. Most teams have done this to UConn the past 2 years no matter if its Crystal, Gabby, etc. guarding them. Texas and Tulsa the most recent examples.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

It was so disheartening listening to Geno last night. By putting the four subs in at the same time Geno knew they would fail and they failed. Great. That's a good way to instill confidence. Boneyarders are always attacking the Duke coach for throwing her team under the bus. Well, Geno did the same thing with the reserves. Geno recruited them, he coaches them and if they don't play well he can't just discard them. If the subs aren't getting it maybe Geno needs to change his coaching strategy with them. When the starters discussed the subs they were all very positive and encouraging. After hearing Geno last night I thought we had lost by fifty. As others have written I wonder what message this sends to future recruits.

I disagree. I believe he put them into a situation in which they had an excellent opportunity to shine. These were top-rated recruits, one the top player in the nation last year in high school, some of the best in the nation, they were halfway through their season, and he put them in against a height-challenged, under-manned underperforming Tulsa team. They had every opportunity of really sticking it to that second-division team in a second-division conference. He gave them an opportunity to really tough it out, and give the injured players a breather.

Instead, they blundered, couldn't outscore Tulsa, and forced Geno to bring back his injured, tired starters.

It's no wonder that he was frustrated. And the starters should be even more ticked off at them than their coach. These kids (KLS, Crystal, Gabby, Batouly) need rest, they need support. Yet all they got was a dismal performance against a dismal team.