South Carolina Postgame Thread[merged thread]

[hoophuskee]

There’s a world of nuance between “everything is great” and yelling at players. If you are so keen on this method, I suggest having someone criticize and yell at you every time they are unhappy with your performance…for months at a time. Measure your performance at the start of this experiment and then again at the end.

Also, YOU (and everyone else) doesn’t need to visually SEE Geno motivating his players (However he chooses to do that). It is possible for him to motivate his players without it being observable to you.

We’ve come a long in understanding human psychology since the days of constant negative feedback. Unfortunately, too many fields (athletics being one of them) think this is the way to get good performance. There’s plenty of research to show that isn’t true.

Utter nonsense.

 

[JohnFSilver]

And when your team commits one or more fouls every game because they haven't been required to NOT MOVE WHEN SCREENING, there are consequence. You can teach effective, and legal, screening using two words, "Stand Still!" and requiring discipline.

Difficult to criticize anything about this team, but the Coaching Staff needs to do a thorough, and objective, self-evaluation. Then, Geno needs to fix what's wrong.

Geno, needs to start teaching fundamental. Rebounding position is not standing with your arms fully extended. Want proof? Stand with your arms stright up. Now, try to jump. You've eliminated your arms, and that's not a good way to rebound.

It's shocking, and disgusting that believe we are being outcoached starting from the first day of practice. But I think we are.

I know there are those who will disagree, including some who will do so without engaging objective analysis. We all have opinions, but I think its time to remove the blinders. When you're done learning, you're done.

This wasn’t a fundamentals problem. Lol. This was an athleticism problem. South Carolina were way quicker, struggler and bigger than UConn down low.

It was a mismatch inside.

Also, on moving screens, many times that is the offensive dribbler’s issue. Timing is off on those picks.

 

[Cuango]

I know Geno knows best but are you buying what he said at the press conference, about her play post injury.

Why not? Who would know better than him?

 

[jazz]

It was a guard that caused the most trouble

the guard was open in large part due to the attention given to SC bigs. better bigs for us an we dont have to collapse our defense on SC bigs.

 

[giddyup]

It was a guard that caused the most trouble

The rebounding differential killed us more than anything. Our offense was disrupted because they keyed on PB and there wasn’t another player stepping up as a credible secondary scoring threat. The truth is Gino needs to find a reliable pg and needs a good big. I’d say they over performed their talent gaps which were exposed against a faster, more athletic, bigger team.

 

[TouchdownHusky]

Let UConn fans not overreact and be critical. There was a lot to be impressed with tonight. The Huskies played harder than SC all game long. They played at a faster pace. Every ball on the floor, every contested rebound ended up in the Huskies hands. UConn was a balanced team with scoring contributions from everyone on the floor tonight, not just Bueckers. So how was SC too shutdown an offense where everyone was making their shots?
And Geno was outdoing Jim Calhoun at his fieriest, calling a timeout 60 seconds into the game to pull the starters off the floor. He made JC seem subdued the way he stomped and hollared at his team when it seemed that SC might get the odd rebound or loose ball. No, Geno, had them hustling at a frenetic pace and he wasn't gonna take his foot off the peddle, not for a minute. And, all game long his sideline body language "screamed" that this would be a war for the entire 40 minutes, in sharp contrast to that of a dejected and resigned Dawn Staley walking the sideline with her head down. Why he even was working the officials ripping them a "new one" for their contributions as SC's 6th, 7th and 8th players. You sure didn't see that from Dawn Staley. She just didn't seem hungry enough for that. Nope, turns out it was just the lucky bounce and the extra rebound or 25 that conspired against the Huskies.

 

[tchalla1]

Geno will have to start recruiting some longer better talented bigs. Cleary evident that UConn had no answers for Carolina bigs in the frontcourt.

He already has--Wait'll Ice and Patterson hit the courts next year.

 

[tchalla1]

Let UConn fans not overreact and be critical. There was a lot to be impressed with tonight. The Huskies played harder than SC all game long. They played at a faster pace. Every ball on the floor, every contested rebound ended up in the Huskies hands. UConn was a balanced team with scoring contributions from everyone on the floor tonight, not just Bueckers. So how was SC too shutdown an offense where everyone was making their shots?
And Geno was outdoing Jim Calhoun at his fieriest, calling a timeout 60 seconds into the game to pull the starters off the floor. He made JC seem subdued the way he stomped and hollared at his team when it seemed that SC might get the odd rebound or loose ball. No, Geno, had them hustling at a frenetic pace and he wasn't gonna take his foot off the peddle, not for a minute. And, all game long his sideline body language "screamed" that this would be a war for the entire 40 minutes, in sharp contrast to that of a dejected and resigned Dawn Staley walking the sideline with her head down. Why he even was working the officials ripping them a "new one" for their contributions as SC's 6th, 7th and 8th players. You sure didn't see that from Dawn Staley. She just didn't seem hungry enough for that. Nope, turns out it was just the lucky bounce and the extra rebound or 25 that conspired against the Huskies.

Very good commentary on tonight's game--however the Huskies did NOT play harder than SC did--the offensive rebounds and loose balls tell us all we need to know about the level of hustle and desire between the two teams. Following the trajectory of missed shots, you could see the SC players feet in motion and readying to get themselves to the ball. Unfortunately, our players often stood flat-footed. SC was not only the better team but they were more energetic and hungry, and when you have both of those things on your side, usually the game outcome is going to be in your favor....

 

[tchalla1]

Bottom line: The better team won. Bigger, stronger, quicker, more athletic. And they're not going away.

True, but neither will UConn go away....

 

[jchusky]

I think Deberry shoulda started the 3rd quarter, again I'm not going to play coach from the couch but imo next year Big East games need to be treated as tryouts for players that don't play enough. If Deberry had gotten even 20 min vs a team like Xavier or Butler who knows how much confidence and development that would have helped. I know practice is indicator to how someone plays, but for someone who didn't play most minutes this season, she sure didn't shy away from the moment in this game. I think next season we are going to have a real competition for the bigs: Deberry, Dorka, Patterson, Brady.

 

[tchalla1]

a fast small guard put up a career performance does that sound familiar? SC was the best team all season, tip off the cap to them and Dawn Staley is going to be a force in wbb esp after Geno retires.

And I agree with the negativity towards Williams and Olivia need to stop, they did their best and gave 4 years each of great memories to this team. Please be respectful.

I am hoping to strike a balance here: Yes, we don't want to dump everything on CW and Liv but please let's also give some understanding to some of our UConn fans who are thoroughly ND bitterly disappointed with CW and Liv's showing in the biggest game of their lives. It's just happened too many times over the last four years... Incredibly subpar... This time, I won't even attempt to justify their performances and/or give mitigating circumstances for what I saw tonight. So we turn the page and on to the great freshmen and sophs that we have!

 

[jchusky]

I am hoping to strike a balance here: Yes, we don't want to dump everything on CW and Liv but please let's also give some understanding to some of our UConn fans who are thoroughly ND bitterly disappointed with CW and Liv's showing in the biggest game of their lives. It's just happened too many times over the last four years... Incredibly subpar... This time, I won't even attempt to justify their performances and/or give mitigating circumstances for what I saw tonight. So we turn the page and on to the great freshmen and sophs that we have!

Williams was always in a tough spot imo since the getgo, some say her best season was freshman year where she had a big time game vs ND. 2020 she had no help, 21 last season I thought she performed really well in the final 4, this game obviously was her worst, but again it didn't matter in the long run. SC was just not gonna be denied this title, Boston having to go through a year of having to watch her missed layup was motivation. Again I always think it's hard for the post 2016 teams to live up to that 4peat team. Breanna Stewart made it look so easy so everyone just assumed well the next batch of kids are going to make it look easy too and that just won't happen anymore. Just think what it took to get to this final.
An ugly win vs UCF, an Indiana team with 5 srs, a 2 OT game vs Nc st, and then beating the defending champions. And after all that you have to beat the best team in the country. Geno was honest after the post press conference, he said SC was the best team all season and it was going to take a special performance from each player. It didn't happen, but that's just credit to the gamecocks. It's dissapointing for Williams and Olivia right now, but I'm sure they'll remember more good times than bad and + they'll be in the Wnba if they choose too so that's going to be fun to follow their careers professionally.

 

[tchalla1]

Apparently not all players respond to in your face and I suspect Geno knew not to do this with CW.

I think you are correct--if after four years this has had no effect, Geno probably figured it's too late now....

 

[fomalhaut]

Considering Connecticut's injury/illness problems all year (continuing even into this game with Nelson-Ododa and Westbrook and Fudd), it was a miracle they even made it this year and even made a game of it at times (I had visions of a miracle rally when they cut it to 6 late); particularly playing against a strong team which had very few injury issues this year. There's no question South Carolina outplayed them tonight.

However, if this is the best refereeing we can expect in a national championship game, the NCAA has a big problem. 21 fouls to 11 against a much more physical team is ludicrous, and Boston got away with (among others) a walk where she took two steps from a stationary postion (there was another obvious walk early by one of the other South Carolina players), and one of the most blatant moving screens I've seen this year. She's far too talented to get special treatment from the refs.

 

[hoophuskee]

I hate to say this, but I think next year’s team will be better than this year’s.

I agree. UCONN will be much better next year. But I don't hate to say this. Not one bit.

 

[hoophuskee]

i had a feeling they weren't up to it. there's a very troubling trend going on. either they aren't getting good enough players or not the right mix of players (i'm still scratching my head over last years 10-point loss to Arizona (seriously?)). UConn used to be S Carolina where they were the team to beat and when they played a tough/better team, they would at least keep the game close. now they get pummeled. something is missing and has been for a while so hopefully Geno can right the ship.

6 yrs now.. wow!

Right the ship?

They just made it to the finals. Their whole year they were hurt. They missed a valued big - and beat Stanford without it.

Right the ship? Just wow.

***I just knew all the knives would come out after one loss as they usually do. Wow. We lose in the finals and it's "Right the ship" by some. Looking at other teams being stronger yet oblivious that UCONN will be. Just wow.

Others he yells too much. Just wow.

 

[hoophuskee]

I was surprised that I did not see one pump fake tonight. Our guards just shot into the big on them. Azzi better start doing that or she will underperform against good D. Ah well........hope we corral another big. The finesse game in WBB could be at an end. The women are getting too strong and fast.

UCONN loses to one team in which they still suffer injuries and all of sudden everything has changed?

 

[Fossil]

South Carolina was quicker more determined and a longer team than Connecticut is. When you watch free throws and see how our Bigs get pushed around will show the need for a big body center for the future. And even though Boston didn’t have an amazing game she still played well and was a factor. More to the point is that we got burned again by a small speeding guard. McDonald, Agunbowale, Williams. The problem needs to be addressed with recruiting. With that said this Connecticut team should be proud of this season and the way they faced adversity. Not many programs if any could have responded the way they did this year.

 

[JJTB]

She was the one player who had a little fight in her eyes! She got chippy a couple times and tried to walk right through a SC huddle! That’s the fire right there that was needed from our seniors but the freshman said (through her play) I am here to compete!

Loved that spark in her eye. She’s going to be great for us and she will be that leader that’s been missing. And what I mean by that - she will be that other player who will yell and challenge her teammates to fight!! Just you see…

She was on the floor when UConn made it interesting in each half. After her lost month, she held her own. The kid’s a player! It’ll be interesting where she’s slotted next year.

 

[Littlemin]

I thought UConn's chances were about 20%, and that was before it was known Azzi was sick and that apparently Liv was playing hampered.

SC may have won anyway, but that wasn't a fair fight, and nobody being honest thinks it was.

Fudd shot 20-55 for the entire tournament, 36%; 13-32 from 3, 40%. She had 2 assists and 9 TOs for the tournament.

Bueckers shot 39-71, 55%; 5-16 from 3, 31%, but 3-14. She had 17 assists and 14 TOs.

Williams shot 21-76, 28%; 7-32 from 3, 22%. She had 11 assists and 4 TOs.

Westbrook shot 13-36, 36%; 6-19, 32% from 3. She had 8 assists and 8 TOs.

So combined, the guards with the bulk of the minutes shot 93-238, 39% overall; 31-99, 31% from 3; with 38 assists and 35 TOs.

I am an unabashed Muhl fan, her stats are mediocre at best but the team just played better with her on the court, especially at the start of games. She was the spark plug of energy that brought intensity and took the fight to the other team from the start. Uconn had great play and great chemistry going into the tournament with Auriemma acknowledging that several times publicly, lauding the depth of the team. For whatever reason, he decided to change that, altering Muhl and Ducharme‘s roles significantly and changing the persona of Uconn at the start of games. Obviously, I felt and feel it was a very poor decision, don’t fix what ain’t broken.
It has become somewhat of a pattern for Uconn to eventually lose to a team with comparable talent but a willingness to take the game to Uconn. SC was clearly, the better, more aggressive team, as was Arizona last year. For those complaining about the refs, the more aggressive team, the team that takes the fight to the opponent almost always gets the bulk of the calls, it has been that way forever.
Anyway, Uconn fans can again take solace in the war cry of the old Brooklyn Dodger fans, “wait ‘til next year.”

 

[Zanzman]

How about telling me why you disagree? I offered an opinion based on results and game observations, Uconn went from a dominating team at the start of games to a break even one at best in the tournament.
They were outscored in the first quarter by 6 by UCF, 14 by SC, and led by 3 against Indiana and Stanford and 2 against NC State. This after establishing themselves as a completely dominant starting team through the end of the regular conference schedule and the BE tournament; a conference that proved far stronger than given credit for on the only place it matters, the court.
They may not to you but results matter to me when forming my opinions.

Didn’t say I totally disagree just that’s all you post about bring something new to the table Don’t just repeat yourself

 

[CTFIRERETIRED]

It’s not like he hasn’t tried. many of us thought he had Boston in the bag until she committed to South Carolina at the last minute. The biggies all seem to be going to the west coast.

Then, sadly, it must be the coaching? Why is it the better, more talented bigs are NOT coming to UConn?

 

[Ltlrky88]

And when your team commits one or more fouls every game because they haven't been required to NOT MOVE WHEN SCREENING, there are consequence. You can teach effective, and legal, screening using two words, "Stand Still!" and requiring discipline.

Difficult to criticize anything about this team, but the Coaching Staff needs to do a thorough, and objective, self-evaluation. Then, Geno needs to fix what's wrong.

Geno, needs to start teaching fundamental. Rebounding position is not standing with your arms fully extended. Want proof? Stand with your arms stright up. Now, try to jump. You've eliminated your arms, and that's not a good way to rebound.

It's shocking, and disgusting that believe we are being outcoached starting from the first day of practice. But I think we are.

I know there are those who will disagree, including some who will do so without engaging objective analysis. We all have opinions, but I think its time to remove the blinders. When you're done learning, you're done.

Totally agree rebounding is attitude get a body on people and on offense bigs had ball to much on top with every one standing literally on sides no movement

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Fudd shot 20-55 for the entire tournament, 36%; 13-32 from 3, 40%. She had 2 assists and 9 TOs for the tournament.

Bueckers shot 39-71, 55%; 5-16 from 3, 31%, but 3-14. She had 17 assists and 14 TOs.

Williams shot 21-76, 28%; 7-32 from 3, 22%. She had 11 assists and 4 TOs.

Westbrook shot 13-36, 36%; 6-19, 32% from 3. She had 8 assists and 8 TOs.

So combined, the guards with the bulk of the minutes shot 93-238, 39% overall; 31-99, 31% from 3; with 38 assists and 35 TOs.

I'm not sure why this post is in response to mine.

As for the stats, well, nobody was particularly good offensively for UConn during the tournament. That's in part because this isn't a great offensive team, in part because of players being less than 100%, and in part because they played three of the 5 best and four of the 20 best defenses in the nation.

It was always going to be a struggle to score against SC. The way to counter that is to keep the possessions close, and that did not happen. And it's been a pattern. UConn has shot better than their opponent in four of these last five tourney losses.

 

[nastynatty]

Fudd shot 20-55 for the entire tournament, 36%; 13-32 from 3, 40%. She had 2 assists and 9 TOs for the tournament.

Bueckers shot 39-71, 55%; 5-16 from 3, 31%, but 3-14. She had 17 assists and 14 TOs.

Williams shot 21-76, 28%; 7-32 from 3, 22%. She had 11 assists and 4 TOs.

Westbrook shot 13-36, 36%; 6-19, 32% from 3. She had 8 assists and 8 TOs.

So combined, the guards with the bulk of the minutes shot 93-238, 39% overall; 31-99, 31% from 3; with 38 assists and 35 TOs.

I am an unabashed Muhl fan, her stats are mediocre at best but the team just played better with her on the court, especially at the start of games. She was the spark plug of energy that brought intensity and took the fight to the other team from the start. Uconn had great play and great chemistry going into the tournament with Auriemma acknowledging that several times publicly, lauding the depth of the team. For whatever reason, he decided to change that, altering Muhl and Ducharme‘s roles significantly and changing the persona of Uconn at the start of games. Obviously, I felt and feel it was a very poor decision, don’t fix what ain’t broken.
It has become somewhat of a pattern for Uconn to eventually lose to a team with comparable talent but a willingness to take the game to Uconn. SC was clearly, the better, more aggressive team, as was Arizona last year. For those complaining about the refs, the more aggressive team, the team that takes the fight to the opponent almost always gets the bulk of the calls, it has been that way forever.
Anyway, Uconn fans can again take solace in the war cry of the old Brooklyn Dodger fans, “wait ‘til next year.”

Listen, I adore Nika Muhl for everything she brings but I don’t think it was a mistake to insert Paige into the starting lineup. To be fair, it’s not really realistic to compare the team chemistry/flow in the games Nika started vs. the games Paige started because the stakes were higher and the competition was better. I think they needed to put Paige in the starting lineup as soon as she was ready in order to get her as close to 100% (confidence-wise while maybe not physically-wise) for the moments they would need her to come through in the tournament. Without that, I don’t think we see the OT takeover Paige performance from the NC state. And without that, the Final Four streak is dead. If it were up to me, I would have kept Nika in the starting lineup with Paige and sent CW to come off the bench. However, I realize how unlikely that was to happen because she is a senior and was a solid presence for majority of the year.

 

[eebmg]

Then, sadly, it must be the coaching? Why is it the better, more talented bigs are NOT coming to UConn?

I think DeBerry is very talented but she did not seem to have a very aggressive mindset coming in. That often happens in HS when you can get by on talent and size. I think her motivation to get to the next level after how she was relegated to mop up minutes is very high. I see a big improvement in her. With Dorka pushing her, She can do what Liv did in passing and should be a more versatile offensive player (A significant upgrade) . With Aaliyah continuing her progression and newbies Ice and Patterson and Aubrey coming back, we will never be doubled in rebounding again

 

[jdote33]

Fudd shot 20-55 for the entire tournament, 36%; 13-32 from 3, 40%. She had 2 assists and 9 TOs for the tournament.

Bueckers shot 39-71, 55%; 5-16 from 3, 31%, but 3-14. She had 17 assists and 14 TOs.

Williams shot 21-76, 28%; 7-32 from 3, 22%. She had 11 assists and 4 TOs.

Westbrook shot 13-36, 36%; 6-19, 32% from 3. She had 8 assists and 8 TOs.

So combined, the guards with the bulk of the minutes shot 93-238, 39% overall; 31-99, 31% from 3; with 38 assists and 35 TOs.

I am an unabashed Muhl fan, her stats are mediocre at best but the team just played better with her on the court, especially at the start of games. She was the spark plug of energy that brought intensity and took the fight to the other team from the start. Uconn had great play and great chemistry going into the tournament with Auriemma acknowledging that several times publicly, lauding the depth of the team. For whatever reason, he decided to change that, altering Muhl and Ducharme‘s roles significantly and changing the persona of Uconn at the start of games. Obviously, I felt and feel it was a very poor decision, don’t fix what ain’t broken.
It has become somewhat of a pattern for Uconn to eventually lose to a team with comparable talent but a willingness to take the game to Uconn. SC was clearly, the better, more aggressive team, as was Arizona last year. For those complaining about the refs, the more aggressive team, the team that takes the fight to the opponent almost always gets the bulk of the calls, it has been that way forever.
Anyway, Uconn fans can again take solace in the war cry of the old Brooklyn Dodger fans, “wait ‘til next year.”

I basically agree with this whole post and thanks for compiling those stats. It's going to be the what if that some including myself will think about for a long time regarding this team. The only thing is that they did get to the championship game and there's no way of knowing if they would've if they didn't tinker the lineup. Like Paige averaged around 15 during the tournament, I wholeheartedly believe with the right amount of minutes 25-30, CD could've averaged 15 as well but there's no way of knowing. I also agree that SC and AZ the past two years played with an aggressiveness and speed that caused all types of problems for the team. Regardless making it to the championship is a huge accomplishment. Like beating NC State and Stanford with the teams they had this year is a big deal. I thought we'd be able to get over the hump last night but it just wasn't in the cards I guess.

 

[housekeys]

Lot of opinions and views, but the box score tells the real story.

1) Both teams made 22 field goals. Shooting percentages, (UConn - 40.7%, SC -36.7%). Hmmm? Taken alone, this is not indicative of the score and outcome. UConn should have had a better outcome, but...

2) Offensive rebounds (UConn - 6, SC - 21). This typically indicates extra FG attempts at the basket, so SC should have about 15 more FG attempts. And ...

3) Turnovers (UConn -15, SC -14) also typically indicates extra FG attempts. This stat is basically even.

4) Yet, FG attempts where nearly even (UConn - 54, SC - 60). How come? Where did the expected 15 more FG from the offensive rebounds mentioned in 1), go? If UConn had 54, SC should have 69 or more. What gives?

5) The answer: Free throws attempts (UConn - 4, SC - 26). Most of the offensive rebounds manifested themselves (not necessarily resulted) in fouls against UConn and FT attempts for SC. The FT's made (UConn - 1, SC - 17) is basically the margin of victory. SC was called for some fouls at the end, which was "window dressing" by the officials. Too little, too late and of no relevance to the game.

The above results question the legitimacy of a some of the narratives and opinions thrown around. For example:

• "Amazing defense by SC. Best in history". True, but UConn's defense was equal if not better. Note that 3) shows that both defenses caused the same number of turnovers. Good defense also implies missed shots, but UConn shot better as indicated by 1). Defense was even.
• "Officiating was not a factor". As shown in 5) it was a factor. Apparently, not only did UConn allow SC to outrebound them on the offensive glass, but they eventually fouled. The officials rewarded SC aggressiveness and penalized UConn's lack of aggressiveness.
• "SC clearly the better team". The only thing SC was clearly better at was in 2) offensive rebounds and 5) getting officials to call fouls on UConn, while somehow not getting called for fouls themselves. Peculiar, because 1) and 3) indicate both teams played equally tough defense.

There you have it. SC aggressiveness was rewarded. UConn was not aggressive enough. The officials called the game this way and it favored SC. They capitalized on what was given and won the game. Credit to SC.

My conclusion and opinion is that SC deserved the win and they where the better team this night with these officials. But, I do not buy some of the narratives being thrown about. Specifically, they are not "clearly" the better team and not 16 point better than UConn. The Vegas spread is probably more realistic (4points or so favoring SC).

Considering UConn's health issues, it is amazing what UConn accomplished. Bravo to both teams, but, especially UConn.

 

[oldude]

If Azzi was not feeling well, why was she a starter? Caroline Ducharme, given her height and proven record of being able to create her shot, at clutch time, would have been a better choice.

Why are you asking me such a silly question which has absolutely nothing to do with my postgame comment?

 

[faithfulfan]

Bad loss for UCONN, lost in rebounds by 2 to 1, and out shot from foul line 26 to 4!
That's the difference in the game!
One was the fault of UCONN (rebounds), the other was the refs (26-4 foul shots)
Giving any team a 2 to 1 advantage in fouls called affects a game, that reality, and its been a well known secret this year in the SEC that SC doesn't get fouls called against them!
Sour grapes, maybe, but look at the stats in this tournament, every game SC was benefitted with an almost 2 to 1 advantage in fouls called, except one, their closest win! Same for almost every SEC game! Ranting maybe, but Women's basketball this year has really been officiated as a whole not very good!