The AAAAA Affect

[Tonyc]

Ice is a big too. And so is Edwards. We have 2.

Im very aware. Ice is still learning. Jana and Yana are out for the season and we could sure use another body . Its obvious that the coachs feel that Amari is not ready to start. However you never have enough bodies to play down low. The only point Im trying to make without an argument is we could use another body and if the game presents itself with a big lead throw her into the fire and let her learn. We could use her.

 

[hoophuskee]

There was a scoring play that was successfully executed by Ines & Amari during the TMU game.
It seemed clear to me that the play was designed for Amari to score & it appeared to be rehearsed as if they had worked on the play during practice.
It was a bounce pass to Amari under the basket, & she maneuvered into position to make it happen.
Amari must be working on plays & shooting drills during practice.
It's ridciculous to think that she's not working on any plays & skills with the rest of the team during practice.
IDK why folks think that can't improve her BB skills & learn how to play better.
Maybe their proverbial crystal ball needs new batteries.

Maybe our crstal ball means that "we're ahead of the curve: vs highlighting exhibiton games?

 

[cancontent]

I have hope in Amari. I had heard about her when she was in early in HS. She did not play against much competition in HS then onto AAU ball. If you look at the hoopgurlz rankings coming out of HS she was pretty highly ranked but imo not tested. I watch alot of WCBB and imo there are girls playing with less skills. I would like to see Amari practice against boys to get her up to speed. Much like some other UConn bigs who took til their late junior or senior year to have an impact I think if Amari wants it she will be given a chance. We dont know what she wants. Her team mates love her. Shes 6'6. IMO she is the missing piece to the puzzle to get us to a NC this season. Time is running out this season. She needs to work very hard. I would love the chance to motivate her because at 6'6 she has a future and a career to make a name for herself. At this point playing Amari against lower competition, or when UConn has big leads is giving her a chance. Some players learn by playing in competition. Dont throw her in against SC but against lesser competition when UConn has a big lead would help. You guys know what Im saying. A 6'6 girl is the missing piece to the puzzle this year. If she fails then at least we gave it our all. If she comes around.....................

If I remember correctly, she played with the Philly Belles which was considered a top EYBL AAU before they folded. That team had the likes of Olivia Miles and Sonia Citron on it. EYBL was considered the premier AAU circuit while she was in highschool. She would have been facing the best in the country as Under Armour was just starting.

And as part of USA basketball, she had to train and battle against the likes of Lauren Betts and Aaliyah Moore as she was progressing through the program. She's had plenty opportunities to compete against talent that would challenge her in high school.

 

[hoophuskee]

Im very aware. Ice is still learning. Jana and Yana are out for the season and we could sure use another body . Its obvious that the coachs feel that Amari is not ready to start. However you never have enough bodies to play down low. The only point Im trying to make without an argument is we could use another body and if the game presents itself with a big lead throw her into the fire and let her learn. We could use her.

Did Iowa have enough bodies down low vs South Carolina? This game can't be ignored and as a result shows it's okay to play your best rather than being so fixated on height. So, yes you can have enough big bodies as Iowa has shown.
You were the one that said 'Geno showed he was best all-time" just now. We agree.
And by him not playing Amari right now, isn't he tel;ling you that he probbaly is not going to play her much going forward as well, unless she improves in Practices? So, you would agree with Geno that if he continues to not play her much other than an occasional blowout, that Geno is more likely correct in not playing her? I beleive we can agree on that?

Look at the 55 second mark from below and see how easily Amari loses the player she is guarding. If she is showing this also in Practices, then Geno can't play her other than in blowouts or team injury and/or team fatigue. Just look at between 54 and 53 seconds see how she just bascially "gives up" as if expecting the ball to go in. Bottomline is that you can have enough big bodies if you are continually hustling. Even despite the outcome if you are playing all out-- that's 1,000 times better than playing someone just because they are tall. IMO that's not the UCONN way,

Lombardi once was miquoted/his coment about wining being the only thing was taken way out of context. He meant effort and or a will to win. Amari just never seems to show this. The great coaches frrom UCONN (Geno, Jim Calhoun, and Hurley) build thier teams a large part on effort. Are they to throw that all this way just because a player is taller than the others just because they cna block an occassional shot (which isn'the object of the game anyway.)? Part of the puzzle is effort - and it should also be in Practices.
She just has to show it instead of it be handed to her. She has the chance every day to beat out Ice in Practices. - Show it.

 

[Skeets]

The thread title had me wondering if there's a new battery size I wasn't aware of for a moment.

Or some kind of new 12-step program.

 

[BBallF]

I find it mildly amusing that you start off by claiming Geno is the greatest coach of all time and then immediately start giving him advice on how to coach his team.

Every true fan is a coach!

 

[Tonyc]

Did Iowa have enough bodies down low vs South Carolina? This game can't be ignored and as a result shows it's okay to play your best rather than being so fixated on height. So, yes you can have enough big bodies as Iowa has shown.
You were the one that said 'Geno showed he was best all-time" just now. We agree.
And by him not playing Amari right now, isn't he tel;ling you that he probbaly is not going to play her much going forward as well, unless she improves in Practices? So, you would agree with Geno that if he continues to not play her much other than an occasional blowout, that Geno is more likely correct in not playing her? I beleive we can agree on that?

Look at the 55 second mark from below and see how easily Amari loses the player she is guarding. If she is showing this also in Practices, then Geno can't play her other than in blowouts or team injury and/or team fatigue. Just look at between 54 and 53 seconds see how she just bascially "gives up" as if expecting the ball to go in. Bottomline is that you can have enough big bodies if you are continually hustling. Even despite the outcome if you are playing all out-- that's 1,000 times better than playing someone just because they are tall. IMO that's not the UCONN way,

Lombardi once was miquoted/his coment about wining being the only thing was taken way out of context. He meant effort and or a will to win. Amari just never seems to show this. The great coaches frrom UCONN (Geno, Jim Calhoun, and Hurley) build thier teams a large part on effort. Are they to throw that all this way just because a player is taller than the others just because they cna block an occassional shot (which isn'the object of the game anyway.)? Part of the puzzle is effort - and it should also be in Practices.
She just has to show it instead of it be handed to her. She has the chance every day to beat out Ice in Practices. - Show it.

I agree with putting in the effort. It has to happen to be prepared in games. That is why I would like to see Amari practice with male players. It would be a process. Something that she needs to do to get better.

 

[HuskyNan]

I agree with putting in the effort. It has to happen to be prepared in games. That is why I would like to see Amari practice with male players. It would be a process. Something that she needs to do to get better.

Tony, the team does practice against men and has for decades.

 

[Tonyc]

Tony, the team does practice against men and has for decades.

Thanks Nan. I know they practice against guys. What I was referring to is after practice for Amari to stay and work on herself against male players. Put in the extra time. I remember Shea getting me and my family into a practice. It was great to see.

 

[TCC Kid]

I sure hope you're right Tony but let's revisit this on January 3rd after the games against Marquette and Creighton.........

What no comment on the number of minutes the FRosh are playing? You and I in time past commented regularly, while others were stating--Geno WON"T play freshman.
The proof is in the playing these past 3 years. Freshmen with talent and experience CAN and do play at a higher level. They that do are called---Basketball players.
Ameri--I wish, I hope, I moan and groan---she becomes what everyone expected her to be.
Merry Christmas Charlie, have a great coming year. I enjoy your comments--and TonyC too.

 

[TCC Kid]

Thanks Nan. I know they practice against guys. What I was referring to is after practice for Amari to stay and work on herself against male players. Put in the extra time. I remember Shea getting me and my family into a practice. It was great to see.

Not to knock your Ameri hope, I too hope for them. However, Geno, Christine, Morgan, et all --don't you think they've tried everything? I won't give up hope, but---there is a limit to the effort you put into ONE player out of 15.

 

[TCC Kid]

I'm just gonna throw this up here for whatever it's worth, but, Amari looks flat footed during games and laconic on the sidelines. Geno has publicly said that they consider body language to be important, so I wonder if that contributes to her lack of playing time.

Ines got some decent minutes in Toronto and did well with them. I feel as if her playing time just suffers from having some extraordinarily talented players who play her position.

For whatever is that worth.

Is it extraordinary TALENT or EFFORT?

 

[TCC Kid]

I just got to watch the Toronto game and I noticed just before the half Geno put Ice in and they was a play where Ice didn't look like she put the effort necessary to get to a rebound. The horn sounded and with 26 seconds left in the half and Amari was in. I think Geno made a decision to try and work Amari in the rotation because as others have said she does challenge those who drive into the paint. Maybe not blocking all the shots but changing them a bit. We don't need 25 minutes from her but if you look at the top of the rankings their are two teams with 6'7" bigs.
When she was in against UCLA for her minutes she did seem to negate Betts. She played with her on the FIBA teams knows her a little bit. South Carolina has plays where Cardosa just stands her the basket and usually from the opposite wing from the block she is standing they just pas the ball over the head of some smaller player trying to guard her. Amari could negate that possibly as well. Cardosa doesn't get up the court as well but Dawn puts up with that.
Boy can those freshman shoot. Ashlynn has learned to get her shot in the offense and looks like she is gaining more confidence each game. KK is starting to pull on her drive into the paint another improvement. Q I love and would like to see her minutes increase. She seems to be able to work in the offense and she works hard on defense and rebounding as well. The intensity of the team seems to be in over drive. Its amazing how quickly they have adjusted.
But now the big PHYSICAL East. Lets see how they adjust to that kind of play. Can't wait to see it!!!!!

Joe JAB steP?

 

[MooseJaw]

Thanks Nan. I know they practice against guys. What I was referring to is after practice for Amari to stay and work on herself against male players. Put in the extra time. I remember Shea getting me and my family into a practice. It was great to see.

Tony, you have made your point many times in this thread and very passionately. If only Amari had the determination and passion, you have shown she would be in the starting lineup. You seem to want her to be someone she has no desire to be. It seems that Amari is either playing up to her potential and can't do more or she doesn't have the heart to be any better. She is what she is, seeming content in her place on the team. We all want Amari to be a bad ass on the court, if only she felt the same way.

 

[HuskyNan]

Thanks Nan. I know they practice against guys. What I was referring to is after practice for Amari to stay and work on herself against male players. Put in the extra time. I remember Shea getting me and my family into a practice. It was great to see.

The NCAA limits formal practice time.

 

[PacoSwede]

RE: Amari

i don't believe any posters know exactly what makes her unable to perform as we hoped. perhaps, PERHAPS, it has nothing to do with desire, fire, motivation, skills and other speculations, including physical issues.

the point is: we don't know why she doesn't perform or whether the problem has a solution ... likely that's true for the coaches, too.

hope things change, but nothing posted here is going to work magic. we fans just have to accept what is.

 

[hoophuskee]

RE: Amari

i don't believe any posters know exactly what makes her unable to perform as we hoped. perhaps, PERHAPS, it has nothing to do with desire, fire, motivation, skills and other speculations, including physical issues.

the point is: we don't know why she doesn't perform or whether the problem has a solution ... likely that's true for the coaches, too.

hope things change, but nothing posted here is going to work magic. we fans just have to accept what is.

"Exactly?" Certainly not.
It's okay to post though and point out some of the issues that we believe.

 

[Notyetready]

I am now skipping over posters who claim absolute knowledge of Amari's future as a player. It's past tiresome. Just like the grief Olivia Nelson-Ododa took and the certainty from many BYers that she didn't have what it took to make it in the WNBA. For those who think circumstances don't change, that human beings don't change, I suggest a little more flexibility in opinions about the future would benefit us all.

 

[LarryLegend]

I am now skipping over posters who claim absolute knowledge of Amari's future as a player. It's past tiresome. Just like the grief Olivia Nelson-Ododa took and the certainty from many BYers that she didn't have what it took to make it in the WNBA. For those who think circumstances don't change, that human beings don't change, I suggest a little more flexibility in opinions about the future would benefit us all.

Nelson-Ododa was an immediate contributor upon arrival as a freshman, and throughout her 4 years.

 

[Skeets]

Nelson-Ododa was an immediate contributor upon arrival as a freshman, and throughout her 4 years.

Yes, I know that. She also took way more than her share of grief from several (many?) of our fellow boneyarders. I pleaded with posters that we should lighten up on her, largely to no avail. I've said while she was playing that we would miss her once she graduated. I don't know about anyone else, but I did.

 

[JellyBean]

I am now skipping over posters who claim absolute knowledge of Amari's future as a player. It's past tiresome. Just like the grief Olivia Nelson-Ododa took and the certainty from many BYers that she didn't have what it took to make it in the WNBA. For those who think circumstances don't change, that human beings don't change, I suggest a little more flexibility in opinions about the future would benefit us all.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

Geno has said on multiple occasions "do what you do best" and sends the player in to make good on their strengths. When they go back to being tentative on what should be automatic (with little to no reaction time), they get pulled until "mop up time" with the game fully in hand.

Hopefully, Amari will show that she understands and will take action very soon to show she can be aggressive and stay aggressive doing what she does best.

I always try to be optimistic and think back to the metamorphosis of one Tina Charles [who is back to "crushing" it as of late]

Positive encouragement goes a long way, but a change of mindset still has to happen internally before improvement can happen in practice, and then during the game!

 

[Zarathustra]

I have hope in Amari. I had heard about her when she was in early in HS. She did not play against much competition in HS then onto AAU ball. If you look at the hoopgurlz rankings coming out of HS she was pretty highly ranked but imo not tested. I watch alot of WCBB and imo there are girls playing with less skills. I would like to see Amari practice against boys to get her up to speed. Much like some other UConn bigs who took til their late junior or senior year to have an impact I think if Amari wants it she will be given a chance. We dont know what she wants. Her team mates love her. Shes 6'6. IMO she is the missing piece to the puzzle to get us to a NC this season. Time is running out this season. She needs to work very hard. I would love the chance to motivate her because at 6'6 she has a future and a career to make a name for herself. At this point playing Amari against lower competition, or when UConn has big leads is giving her a chance. Some players learn by playing in competition. Dont throw her in against SC but against lesser competition when UConn has a big lead would help. You guys know what Im saying. A 6'6 girl is the missing piece to the puzzle this year. If she fails then at least we gave it our all. If she comes around.....................

I'm with the "HOPE SPRINGS ETERNAL" crew. I remember the highlight of Villanova's
Denise Dillon blistering rant at her Wildcats during a timeout against UCONN: "giving up,
IS NOT AN OPTION". She lite a fire under those ladies.... The Wildcats
did not win that day... but they returned to the court with determination and purpose.
I think that Coach Dillon's dad was a speech writer for Winston Churchill during
the "Battle of Britain " (" never have so many owed...." " we will fight them in the
Hedgerows... we will never surrender! ). Get that Fire going, Amari, as Kobe said:
"U CAN"!

 

[Cuango]

Liv always, always, made an effort! Sometimes she messed up, sometimes she made mistakes, but there was never any doubt that she wanted to play and play well. She showed both in practice and in games that she was here to play and to win! Amari has now been here 2 1/2 years and has shown none of that in games and I have to assume she shows nothing in practice as well.
Does anyone here truly believe that Geno would not love to be able to use a 6’6” Amari for 15-25 minutes a game? Or, that he has done everything he knows to try and get her to a level where she might contribute? I have nothing but good wishes for this young woman who is clearly a smart, nice, and classy individual but she is not going to suddenly become the answer to our size problem. There is no answer at this point except increasingly tough defense, steady growth and improvement by Ice in particular and the team as a whole.

As unlikely as it seems that we could get to the Final Four or win a championship with two starting freshmen and an undersized team, let’s not forget what happened last season when an undersized, outmanned Iowa team beat the juggernaut that was South Carolina! Sure, some things are going to have to go well, but can you think of any team that is more deserving of a break than us?
This team is growing right in front of us! I have no doubt that we will be 20-30% better at the end of March than we are now. Ice will be a solid contributor, Q will be way better on defense, and we will be capable of keeping any game close enough to where Paige can lead us to a win! I think it’s eminently possible that this team can progress to a point where we will only need Paige to win one, perhaps two games for us. I mean NC State, SC, Tennessee kind of games!

Every time I‘ve watched this team since they recovered from the Azzi announcement, they’ve gotten better and better! Even now we are once again becoming a team no one is eager to play and it is not yet January! Imagine how good we will be in late March! This team will be a force to be reckoned with by then and don’t forget, never forget, we have something no other team has! We have Geno and we have Paige Bueckers, the best closer in the game! She imo, more than any player in Women’s College Basketball has the ability to take over a game and snatch victory from the jaws of defeat! Granted, we’re not a favorite but don’t kid yourselves, we can win it all!

 

[LarryLegend]

Geno has said on multiple occasions "do what you do best" and sends the player in to make good on their strengths. When they go back to being tentative on what should be automatic (with little to no reaction time), they get pulled until "mop up time" with the game fully in hand.

Hopefully, Amari will show that she understands and will take action very soon to show she can be aggressive and stay aggressive doing what she does best.

I always try to be optimistic and think back to the metamorphosis of one Tina Charles [who is back to "crushing" it as of late]

Positive encouragement goes a long way, but a change of mindset still has to happen internally before improvement can happen in practice, and then during the game!

as was pointed out here
(Ines & Amari)

“Tina won the USBWA national freshman of the year award and was a third team all-American her sophomore year.”

there is no comparison that can be made between Deberry and Tina Charles