The Fear of Failure

[Tonyc]

UCLA had no idea what hit them. UConns defense is at a level that most teams have never seen before. They are very quick to get back on switches and never let up. There was alot of concern about UCLAs bigs. They were big and slow which made it tuff to guard us. UConn is very quick and they react to situations very quickly. No team has a Big 3 like UConn and no team plays defense like UConn. UConns attitude towards execution is part of the reason. The other part is never stop defending.

SC is next and I expect much of the same execution. SC is much quicker and more athletic then UCLA. However we did see what our defense did to them and Azzi was on fire. It is very difficult to guard our Big 3 because they can take you off the dribble and hit the trey. They are very efficient at doing it too. UConn as a team never stops moving is another key. Teams have to keep up with us and thats very hard to do. When they miss an assignment we're usually open. Mentally UConn creates doubt in opponents heads. With that comes fear and the fear of failure is what kills momentum and eventually results in losing.

I dont see SC winning this game. We are to efficient in every aspect of the game. We are playing at a level right now which has been coming along since we got healthy.

 

[uh-no]

if y'all think dawn won't have her ladies ready to play, you haven't paid attention the past four years.

 

[msf22b]

Truly, we had a wonderful game against SC
And to say it is no way a predictor of the future is silly
(even though that is what stock traders say)
Nevertheless, they played well under their potential and
It's unlikely that we get that version of them tomorrow

That is...unless, what we've seen the last few nights
and Paige's crystal ball is correct.
That there is yet another, higher level in this team's DNA

If that shows up tomorrow, no one can defeat us.

 

[uconnever]

if y'all think dawn won't have her ladies ready to play, you haven't paid attention the past four years.

They are who they are. Not good enough.

 

[Ouremblem]

I hope Ash is feeling it tomorrow. 4 outside shooters is pretty unstoppable.

 

[Next 12]

This is the FINAL obstacle in Uconn's drive to NO12. As in the UCLA game, I called them an obstacle to over come and we did. Now, the last one and Paige and this more than worthy team will be National Champions. So many years of injury to so many players , robbing them of their potential and place in Women's BB that it was heart wreching to watch it year after year. Now, Finally we are at the game Uconn has been playing for and it's ours for the taking.. GO HUSKIES!!!!!!!!

 

[Conndog]

I hope Ash is feeling it tomorrow. 4 outside shooters is pretty unstoppable.

Ash was fun to watch in the UCLA game. She may not have scored, but she was quick to whoever she was guarding, and she was almost like a muscle provider like Stacy Hansmeyer from way back. She had 3 rebounds and 4 fouls in her 13 minutes of court time- she always hustles and gives 100%. She only had one shot opportunity, but she was the early catalyst last time against SC. Deja vu!

 

[Bone Dog]

When I think about Ash, I’m reminded of her high school years, when she was the ‘big sister’ her team counted on. And she came through for them, ultimately leading them to a state championship.

At UConn, she had to fill a different role, as the ‘little sister’ to Paige Nika and Aaliyah, and later to Paige Azzi and Kaitlyn. I suspect this has been occasionally disorienting and her solution to it has been to clamp down on defense. It’s given her satisfaction without getting in the way of her big sisters. And when she scores, it’s typically been in support of them.

Next season, she’ll have to become a ‘big sister’ again, with Azzi Caroline and KK. I wonder how that will feel to her to be one of the elders on the team. I hope she finds immense satisfaction in the role.