The Maryland Game

[TerpWomenFan]

TerpWomenFan, please allow me to add my two cents here, and explain our mindset going into this game. I don't expect or ask you to agree with it, just try to understand our thinking here.

What happened last year has nothing to do with next week. THIS UConn team is playing THIS year's Maryland team. In our minds, the score, who played, who left from last year's team/game is not relevant here. We both lost some key players. The "short bench" you referenced is also not in question. We've had that short bench all season, and have incorporated it into each game plan. Our short bench didn't just pop up last week. It won't be an issue.

We've played road games against teams that we feel are as good, maybe better than Maryland. If we were successful against all of them, why wouldn't we feel confident about going into College Park with our A+ game, and coming out with a win?

I apologize for what I'm about to say, because it can't be asked without sounding as though I'm bragging, but I'll try. What is Maryland going to do against UConn that hasn't already been done by other HIGHER ranked teams that have more height?

You make some great points here. I wasn't overly high on UConn at the beginning of the season. I didn't think UConn was going to make the Final 4. But they breeze through the tough OOC schedule and made a believer out of me after the Notre Dame game. I didn't think that game was close at all. Maryland has one advantage and only one advantage in this game. Brionna Jones. I'm sure Geno will devise a game plan to neutralize BJ and have UConn win by double digits. I think the tough game for you guys will be South Carolina. Their two bigs will give you issues. If only they can execute their game plan.

 

[Huskie78]

Throw all the bigs you want at the Huskies (and many have) eventually they just seem to run out of gas.

 

[Rixxx]

TWF, Brionna is my favorite big in WCBB. She has given UCONN fits in the past. However, I believe the quickness of our two bigs, along with Butler's effort, will neutralize Brionna. South Carolina is another story and I agree with your thoughts. If SC can be taken out of their rhythm, via shutting down Coates, or hasseling the guards, SC can be beaten. Tuck took care of Coates the last two years, I believe, which helped in two victories by UCONN. IIRC, Wilson was hurt during the game last year. Anyway, this will be a great game this year. As you said, SC has to execute their plan. They failed the last two years.

 

[SCspur]

TWF, Brionna is my favorite big in WCBB. She has given UCONN fits in the past. However, I believe the quickness of our two bigs, along with Butler's effort, will neutralize Brionna. South Carolina is another story and I agree with your thoughts. If SC can be taken out of their rhythm, via shutting down Coates, or hasseling the guards, SC can be beaten. Tuck took care of Coates the last two years, I believe, which helped in two victories by UCONN. IIRC, Wilson was hurt during the game last year. Anyway, this will be a great game this year. As you said, SC has to execute their plan. They failed the last two years.

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

 

[Charliebball]

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

I have to disagree about the lack of a shot blocker..........Collier is an excellent shot blocker for her size with exquisite timing..............

 

[msf22b]

I was musing about Katie Lou (while practicing Haydn)
Some switch went off in the Nebraska game ;
a new level of fierceness

a delight in her (newish), Breanna like move over the middle).
a ball hawking that I didn't remember in the past.
a new delight in physically, mixing it up in the paint.

This is no Valley Girl any more
She gets it.
Part of the game is pushing people around, of defending her turf,
of smashing to the hoop.

I never thought she'd ever look or play anything like Breanna.
Now I'm not so sure.

 

[JoePgh]

I could understand the heightened level of concern about Brionna Jones if we hadn't already seen UConn neutralize Kalani Brown, Beatrice Mompremier, Kelsey Lang, and Joyner Holmes -- not to mention Briana Turner. It's true that Jones is more experienced than most of them, but she is not a better athlete than Turner or Holmes. And she has shown a problem with stamina that Turner and Lang do not seem to have.

And that was done without major reliance on Natalie Butler.

I expect the Maryland game to look a lot like the Baylor and Texas games. If that proves to be true, then I will expect the South Carolina game to look very much like those three games.

But I am prepared to be surprised.

 

[hoophuskee]

I believe UCONN wins the game but if Gray and Davis are hitting their shots and Coates and Wilson are able to get post touches, then I think SC could make it interesting. One way to beat UCONN is attack them defensively and drive to the whole. No one on your team is a tremendous shot blocker and that's how Lindsay Allen and Alexis Jones got a good bit of their points because they drove to the lane looking for contact. And defensively you must take away their three weapons KLS, Williams, and Collier. I know it's easier said then done but none of them can really create for themselves. They score off screens, backdoors, and curls and the key to defending that is pressuring the player who has the ball giving the pass. You must give them hell until your player can adjust defensively. Also make players like Chong, Nurse, and Butler (who aren't accustomed to taking majority of the shots) make plays. No team this year has been able to do this so I doubt it happens but that's definitely one way to slow them down.

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

 

[Charliebball]

I could understand the heightened level of concern about Brionna Jones if we hadn't already seen UConn neutralize Kalani Brown, Beatrice Mompremier, Kelsey Lang, and Joyner Holmes -- not to mention Briana Turner. It's true that Jones is more experienced than most of them, but she is not a better athlete than Turner or Holmes. And she has shown a problem with stamina that Turner and Lang do not seem to have.es.

But I am prepared to be surprised.

I hope you are right but Jones is a much better offensive player then any of the others you mentioned..........UConn will have their hands full with her and SWK.........

 

[oldude]

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

Last year's SC game, Wilson & Coates struggled to guard Stewie & Tuck away from the basket. Gabby & Pheesa are quicker but they are going to have to hit some outside shots in order to pull SC's bigs away from the basket.

 

[Bigboote]

For the fact that this thread was started tells me you Husky fans are a wee bit nervous about this game . Oh yeah the TERPS win

I'm a native Nutmegger living in Maryland; I've seen quite a bit of both teams.

This year is the third in the past nine years that UMD has had the best recruiting class (I think according to Hoopgurlz). They haven't done an awful lot with that talent. I have always loved Shatori, and Brionna is very talented. And the broadcasts always show Brenda Frese giving these inspirational, impassioned pep talks, but their whole system just comes up short next to UConn's.

"A wee bit nervous" maybe, but nothing compared to the Baylor or Notre Dame games.

 

[JordyG]

So Maryland lost by 10 points on a neutral court with UConn having Stewart, Tuck and Jefferson. UConn has no depth, playing on Maryland's home court yet they will win by double digits. Interesting.

BTW, Maryland beat ASU in Las Vegas. Not on their home court.

I really enjoy reading the friendly give and take between you and we UConn fans. I have to say if you're an example of most Terp fans then I have to tip my hat to your gracious and respectful nature. As far as I'm concerned you're welcome here anytime. Good luck to you Terrapins. Good luck trying to defend Pheesa, Lou and Kia as well. You'll need it. UConn by 16.

 

[Ozzie Nelson]

Anyone here old enough to remember "Jungle Jim" Loscutoff...and the strategy Auerbach employed to use him?

Hometown Report: ‘Jungle Jim’ Loscutoff played a fierce game, talked a fun one---third from left

 

[SCspur]

All three can create for themselves once you give them the ball at the high post.

This team just has some magic. All five players can handle the ball. All five can shoot the ball. Thus anytime any player on UCONN's starting 5 faces the basket, they are a true/ aggressive triple threat ((shoot, pass (for an assist), dribble toward the basket in an "offensive" manner)). I know you're thinking for example Lou isn't much for creating for herself -- but it's not because she can't. It's better for the team overall if she is knocking down 3's.

But Lou is 6'3, once she catches the ball and faces the basket, if the player over commits and tries to get in her grill, they better be on balance because she'll put the ball on the deck and take two or 3 long strides toward the hoop. On the flip side, if Lou turns quickly ready to fire up a quick high post/ free throw jump shot, IF the player isn't in her grill, Lou has such great size and quick release, she is an extreme threat ot be very efficient.
And as for Gabby, she is leading the team in assists for a reason. And Collier is a quick forward being guarded by slower centers - otherwise who does the center guard? It's a conundrum for the opposition. Because Gabby and Collier are so quick and athletic for their size, the big players can't remain in front of them while simultaneously contesting the shot. The bigs can become a defensive liability because they are a bit slower.

For example, can Coates defend quick players that can also handle the ball well while driving and defend the quicker player than also can shoot well from the outside? If Coates needs help- maybe she doesn't which would be extremely positive for USC- but if she does need help-- then she'll need "help." If she needs help, this opens up the game for Lou and Kia. There is your conundrum. The UCONN's frontline of Collier is so quick/athletic and can put the ball on the deck and create, it can open up the 3 point shooters. Conversely, if the defense is too keyed up on the shooters and especially KLS- it opens up the inside for Collier/Gabby.

I wonder if a triangle and two can work. Though I'm not sure if that can work for a team that has a lot of skill at least 4 positions.

If this game was two years ago I would most definitely be worried but Alaina seems to have trimmed down and is a lot quicker on the perimeter. Herbert Harrigan will be used a lot in the UCONN game not just for scoring but she is a quick defender and great shot blocker. Last year Tuck made great moves to the basket on Coates so I won't be surprised to see the same thing from Williams and Collier. I think Aja will guard Collier most of the game so Alaina must match up with Williams. She is also very good at closing out on the perimeter and disrupting shots I just hope she doesn't get into foul trouble.

 

[hoophuskee]

If this game was two years ago I would most definitely be worried but Alaina seems to have trimmed down and is a lot quicker on the perimeter. Herbert Harrigan will be used a lot in the UCONN game not just for scoring but she is a quick defender and great shot blocker. Last year Tuck made great moves to the basket on Coates so I won't be surprised to see the same thing from Williams and Collier. I think Aja will guard Collier most of the game so Alaina must match up with Williams. She is also very good at closing out on the perimeter and disrupting shots I just hope she doesn't get into foul trouble.

Okay I gotcha. I was just responding to the point the Huskies Big 3 can't create on their own. For example, you realize that Gabby Williams is actually a guard/wing with ball-handling capabilities, right? Just because she is defending bigger players - it doesn't change what she is. While she is playing pf and center for UCONN, she really is a guard/wing and not a stationary guard/wing but someone good at using her quickness that can put the ball on the floor. Doesn't shoot the 3 like a guard but has quickness with the ball to be a guard. That's what makes her special. She's leading UCONN in assists for a reason.

So while Coates may have trimmed down, if USC does what you say, she'll be at a similar disadvantage now than she was with Tuck. Gabby is quicker and a better ball handler than Tuck. OFC Gabby will struggle more with Coates size than Tuck did along with UCONN not having Stewie. ANd Gabby doesn't shoot the 3 like Tuck. But it still doesn't take away from the other end that Coates will have to give Gabby open 15 foot shots if she is playing her man-to-man. Coates can't defend her tight. Gabby has guard-like quickness. The quickness between the two is like night-and-day just like the size between the two is night-and-day. But if this is the matchup, Gabby can create her own shot (which was my initial point) and facilitate shots for others especially if her 15 foot shot is going in a bit.

 

[Kibitzer]

Hometown Report: ‘Jungle Jim’ Loscutoff played a fierce game, talked a fun one---third from left

L. to R. Red, Frank Ramsey (the original "sixth man"), Luscotoff, Russ,Tommy Heinsohn, and Cooz. (Four Hall of Famers, at least five numbers retired.)

 

[msf22b]

L. to R. Red, Frank Ramsey (the original "sixth man"), Luscotoff, Russ,Tommy Heinsohn, and Cooz. (Four Hall of Famers, at least five numbers retired.)

Where is Bill Sharman?
Had he retired?

 

[SCspur]

Okay I gotcha. I was just responding to the point the Huskies Big 3 can't create on their own. For example, you realize that Gabby Williams is actually a guard/wing with ball-handling capabilities, right? Just because she is defending bigger players - it doesn't change what she is. While she is playing pf and center for UCONN, she really is a guard/wing and not a stationary guard/wing but someone good at using her quickness that can put the ball on the floor. Doesn't shoot the 3 like a guard but has quickness with the ball to be a guard. That's what makes her special. She's leading UCONN in assists for a reason.

So while Coates may have trimmed down, if USC does what you say, she'll be at a similar disadvantage now than she was with Tuck. Gabby is quicker and a better ball handler than Tuck. OFC Gabby will struggle more with Coates size than Tuck did along with UCONN not having Stewie. ANd Gabby doesn't shoot the 3 like Tuck. But it still doesn't take away from the other end that Coates will have to give Gabby open 15 foot shots if she is playing her man-to-man. Coates can't defend her tight. Gabby has guard-like quickness. The quickness between the two is like night-and-day just like the size between the two is night-and-day. But if this is the matchup, Gabby can create her own shot (which was my initial point) and facilitate shots for others especially if her 15 foot shot is going in a bit.

I understand that lol I was just saying Coates is better then most Centers guarding the perimeter but she by any means can't keep up with Williams. That's really why I said Herbert Harrigan could log some valuable minuets guarding Williams and Collier. I've watched all of UCONN games against every ranked opponent this year and what I meant by Williams, Collier and KLS not being able to create their own shot was the fact that they play without the ball. They use backdoors, down screens, curls, and v cuts. Even though Williams is a guard/wing she doesn't have significant ball handling skills but she is very capable of driving to the whole. In fact the only players who I think could really handle the ball for you guys is Crystal Dangerfield. I've been around Basketball for 30 years as a spectator, player, and coach to know good ball handling when I see it. Once Nurse, Chong, and KLS recieve the ball at the top of the Key I would apply extreme pressure on them to make turnovers. In the Fl St, Baylor, and ND games I have seen KLS try to dribble and create her own shot but couldn't because her ball handling skills haven't developed yet. Force their guards who make the passes to KLS, Collier, and Williams into TOs and that will pay huge dividens in the game.

 

[HopJim]

I hope you are right but Jones is a much better offensive player then any of the others you mentioned.....UConn will have their hands full with her and SWK....

My concern is with the outside play of Maryland. We don't have a Montgomery that can completely shut down a hot guard. UConn guards likely to be spending time doubling near basket. While virtually every UConn player can guard a 1 though 4, Crystal and Chong a step slower than what UM saw in past years.

 

[hjoerring]

Let me preface the comments below with the certainty that Coach will start his regular 5 against MD:
Start Natalie Butler against Maryland on the 29th.

The assumption here is that one player can send us packing- that hasn't shown itself to be true; yet, this fictive scenario keeps many of us every game. Second, changing the lineup is not as easy as people think. While Butler is a big body she is not a r-ebounder and and her hands are not as sure as they should be. The bottomline, all must stay out of foul troubles. And Lou should keep calm and hold people in front of her. This a game where the better team will win!

 

[hjoerring]

I understand that lol I was just saying Coates is better then most Centers guarding the perimeter but she by any means can't keep up with Williams. That's really why I said Herbert Harrigan could log some valuable minuets guarding Williams and Collier. I've watched all of UCONN games against every ranked opponent this year and what I meant by Williams, Collier and KLS not being able to create their own shot was the fact that they play without the ball. They use backdoors, down screens, curls, and v cuts. Even though Williams is a guard/wing she doesn't have significant ball handling skills but she is very capable of driving to the whole. In fact the only players who I think could really handle the ball for you guys is Crystal Dangerfield. I've been around Basketball for 30 years as a spectator, player, and coach to know good ball handling when I see it. Once Nurse, Chong, and KLS recieve the ball at the top of the Key I would apply extreme pressure on them to make turnovers. In the Fl St, Baylor, and ND games I have seen KLS try to dribble and create her own shot but couldn't because her ball handling skills haven't developed yet. Force their guards who make the passes to KLS, Collier, and Williams into TOs and that will pay huge dividens in the game.

I think you are underestimating Chong's ballhandling skills. She is quick and have made cuts and directional changes I have not seen from other guards in other programs. But Uconn's guards are not required to come down and overpower their opponents.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Lots of good posts as usual. The key element mentioned by only a few posters was---Maryland is starting two freshman. Since we all know that BB is a team game, it seems to be a long shot that those two frosh will make Maryland the "Best Team." In addition, one of the new starters is the point guard. Saniya will probably start so we do have the experience and skill edge. Also, Danger was the #1 point guard coming in this year so I will take UConn at that key spot. (I know Slocum is very good)
Final point - with 3 or 4 big time games against teams with BIGS, UConn has not only learned how to play against Big girls, but they have proven that they can defeat them handily. IMHO the game will be close at the half (maybe even UConn behind a few) but UConn will pull away for the win. And yes, I am always wary of good teams who have had success over the years.

Merry Christmas Coach!!

Jones is their Big--but not really big in the tall sense of the word she is more the Adam's type--physically strong and shoots well.
Not something Uconn has seen this year that I remember Lang came close .

As to Uconn being close or behind at the half---to me that works into Geno's plan--now he has something to shake up the team and refocus them on Defense or a particular player. Geno in most first halves does not expose his best defense until after half time--that keep the opponents from making halftime fixes--and it usually works.
The typical starting 5--shall start --no benefit in changing that. Halfway thru the first half--enter Butler on Jones--unless Gabby/Napheesa are containing Jones without fouls. Walker is a scoring machine--but alone can't do the job. Combine and allow : Slocum, Walker, Jones to score--the outcome could be unpleasant.

 

[reno tony]

I'm a native Nutmegger living in Maryland; I've seen quite a bit of both teams.

This year is the third in the past nine years that UMD has had the best recruiting class (I think according to Hoopgurlz). They haven't done an awful lot with that talent. I have always loved Shatori, and Brionna is very talented. And the broadcasts always show Brenda Frese giving these inspirational, impassioned pep talks, but their whole system just comes up short next to UConn's.

"A wee bit nervous" maybe, but nothing compared to the Baylor or Notre Dame games.

I'm not sure what you mean by this. I know they have been to the Final Four two of the last three seasons. Tough crowd with N.D. and UCONN there so I think they did pretty well. They are doing well this year, although against less than stellar competition, and should be in the conversation as a Final Four team. December 29th game should tell a lot. I am looking forward to it.

 

[Charliebball]

I'm not sure what you mean by this. I know they have been to the Final Four two of the last three seasons. Tough crowd with N.D. and UCONN there so I think they did pretty well. They are doing well this year, although against less than stellar competition, and should be in the conversation as a Final Four team. December 29th game should tell a lot. I am looking forward to it.

Maryland's easy out of conference schedule may come back to haunt them as this year's team has yet to experience anything near what UConn has to offer........
I'll keep my trap shut in the future about their wimpy schedule if Brenda pulls this one off...............................

 

[hoophuskee]

I understand that lol I was just saying Coates is better then most Centers guarding the perimeter but she by any means can't keep up with Williams. That's really why I said Herbert Harrigan could log some valuable minuets guarding Williams and Collier. I've watched all of UCONN games against every ranked opponent this year and what I meant by Williams, Collier and KLS not being able to create their own shot was the fact that they play without the ball. They use backdoors, down screens, curls, and v cuts. Even though Williams is a guard/wing she doesn't have significant ball handling skills but she is very capable of driving to the whole. In fact the only players who I think could really handle the ball for you guys is Crystal Dangerfield. I've been around Basketball for 30 years as a spectator, player, and coach to know good ball handling when I see it. Once Nurse, Chong, and KLS recieve the ball at the top of the Key I would apply extreme pressure on them to make turnovers. In the Fl St, Baylor, and ND games I have seen KLS try to dribble and create her own shot but couldn't because her ball handling skills haven't developed yet. Force their guards who make the passes to KLS, Collier, and Williams into TOs and that will pay huge dividens in the game.

But who is Coates going to guard? You said she was going to guard Williams. If she guards Williams, she has "significant enough ball handling skills" to cause significant problems for Coates. Williams doesn't need to be Curly Neal to be effective.

I don't know enough about your team but I know of generalities. One is, it will be tough for a freshman (Harrigan) ranked 95 by hoopgulrz the year before to guard an impact player like Williams. Note- I said "tough" -- it's not like Williams is a pro. But if she is in the game, you have to take either Coates or Wilson out, right? If you keep all 3 in, then why wouldn't UConn just play a zone or double off of Harrigan? The point is-- how many minutes can Harrigan effectively play?

As far as Chong, how often have you seen her catch the ball at the top of the key? Unless you are talking about above the top of the key and you want to press UCONN? Basically Chong is a ball swinger. Looking to make the next pass, not dribble. And similar with Nurse. I don't believe your style would work. I'm not sure what you mean by "extreme pressure" but if you mean trap, if your trap is unsuccessful it more than likely means that Lou will get an open 3 and you open up the floor for Williams and Collier. A two-man trap doesn't work from my experience. If a trap is employed, for it to be overall successful the entire 5 players on the court must also be aggressive otherwise it won't work. Therefore I don't believe Coates is capable of being a part of a successful trapping team against UCONN.

I do agree if you are able to pressure the ball - UCONN or any team can be susceptible. I'm just not sure "pressure" to force turnovers is the right way to go. The more you "extreme" pressure, the more you open up the floor. But surely it can be done. The UCONN women aren't pros. But I don't think it can be done with your two bigs in the lineup. If you want "extreme pressure" one will have to sit. FOr example if you are trapping the guards then Coates man will always be available for a safe outlet. She's not as quick as Collier or Williams. And trying ot trap/force Nurse into turnovers - I don't think that plan will work. She is physically strong with the ball and she is tall for a guard.

As far as Lou, you and I seeing the ND game through different eyeglasses. I thought once UCONN put her at the elbow vs Young, Young struggled mightily. But we shall see. One thing is that UCONN isn't playing against pros either. There usually is at least one weak link on defense. And for example, not everyone is "Michael Cooper" on defense when defending Lou. If you allow Lou to catch the ball at the elbow, the defender better be tall otherwise Lou will just shoot over her and if the defender is too tight, Lou has a decent 1st step. We shall see.