The Maryland Game

[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.

 

[alexrgct]

In honor of what we all hope and pray would be Win #87 in a row, I think UConn will win 87-78. There will be some days of Christmas and Hanukah left, and a win here would be Geno's gift to his true love: his fan base.

Be confident: between Lou 'n Phee, we WILL beat UMD. Natalie will battle the opponents in the post and make the Terps toast. Gabby will be Fabby once again. Crystal will unload her pistol, and of treys, she'll hit a fistful...even if of the old Big Three we'll remain wistful.

we'll be in and a land of stately heaven when the huskies will themselves to 87.

Go UConn !!!

 

[turtlespeed]

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 think you are way off if you think Maryland has had the best recruiting class in 3 of the past 9 years. As far as I'm aware Maryland has had the best recruiting class only in 2016, unless you can show me differently. As a matter of fact, Maryland isn't even in the top ten recruiting classes during that period.

 

[Bigboote]

Turtlespeed --

I did hear that on an ESPN broadcast during the playoffs last year. The announcer may have misspoken. I can only find back to 2012, and as you said, UMD is only #1 this year, however, they have been in the top ten two more times.

2016 Women's Basketball Class Rankings

So we're both wrong.

 

[CajunHusky]

I think you are way off if you think Maryland has had the best recruiting class in 3 of the past 9 years. As far as I'm aware Maryland has had the best recruiting class only in 2016, unless you can show me differently. As a matter of fact, Maryland isn't even in the top ten recruiting classes during that period.

I think the way they decide top recruiting class has some flaws in it. Most particularly the number of recruits gets equal or even more weight than the actual ranking. For example I think Louisville has had some high ranked classes but that was contributed to in large part by having 5 or six recruits. Maryland in 2016 had a very large recruiting class and granted they had two or three high ranked recruits as well but their top ranking was due in large part to just having a large number of recruits.
I personally think the recruiting class ranking would be best served if they limited the computation to the top three in each school's class. The ranking would then be more realistic.

Maryland had the top class based on a total of 6 ranked recruits. If you limit to the Top 3, Maryland would have the third ranked class behind Texas and Baylor.

 

[Longtime fan]

In every team sport, there exists only one, true Holy Grail, and that, of course, is each season’s National Championship. Consecutive game win streaks are nice, and almost unbelievable insofar as the lofty numbers UConn repeatedly establishes are concerned. Likewise for undefeated regular seasons, however beyond all reasonable preseason expectations it is that such an accomplishment now seems within possible reach of our favorite team in this of all years. Still, at the “end of the day,” only one goal carries ultimate meaning.

Put in that context, and given the fact that The Huskies have already proved themselves to be a worthy Final Four candidate for this season, the upcoming game against The Terps is not freighted with all that much meaning, unless UConn gets blown out, which just ain’t gonna happen. Nevertheless, all of us are looking forward to it quite eagerly, for obvious reasons. In my opinion, this game challenges Geno with the single toughest matchup conundrum of the season to date: how, given lack of dominant size, and given the relative shortness of the bench, to defense Brionna Jones, the one player who really gave them fits last year.

Gabby Williams, I think we all would agree, must stay out of serious foul trouble. Do my fellow posters think that on that basis Geno starts Natalie in this game, letting her play Jones as physically as possible, even at the potential cost of fouling out herself? I, obviously, am not Geno, but I think I would. What would you do?

I don't think he would start Natalie. Geno must have seen in the Nebraska game that Natalie is an offensive liability. The one thing he doesn't want is for UCONN to fall way behind, early. If we have a 10 point lead, he'll bring Natalie in ( until the lead is fully eroded). Uconn can win this game, even with the thin bench. But we cannot keep demanding 40 minutes out of Gabby, Lou, Naphessa and Kia. Crystal has to get better, fast. And Soniya has to step up. I don't see any help yet from Molly or Irwin.

 

[turtlespeed]

Turtlespeed --

I did hear that on an ESPN broadcast during the playoffs last year. The announcer may have misspoken. I can only find back to 2012, and as you said, UMD is only #1 this year, however, they have been in the top ten two more times.

2016 Women's Basketball Class Rankings

So we're both wrong.

No, either you misinterpreted or I didn't say it correctly. I did not mean that they were not in the top 10 in any other year. What I meant was that on average over that period you mentioned, Maryland would not have even been in the top 10 classes on average over that period. So I was not wrong about that.

I did go back in Hoopsgurlz for the 9 years you mentioned and I'm pretty sure that Maryland was not ranked with a # 1 recruiting class except for the 2016 year.

 

[turtlespeed]

I think the way they decide top recruiting class has some flaws in it. Most particularly the number of recruits gets equal or even more weight than the actual ranking. For example I think Louisville has had some high ranked classes but that was contributed to in large part by having 5 or six recruits. Maryland in 2016 had a very large recruiting class and granted they had two or three high ranked recruits as well but their top ranking was due in large part to just having a large number of recruits.
I personally think the recruiting class ranking would be best served if they limited the computation to the top three in each school's class. The ranking would then be more realistic.

Maryland had the top class based on a total of 6 ranked recruits. If you limit to the Top 3, Maryland would have the third ranked class behind Texas and Baylor.

I totally agree with you. I have never understood how the number of recruits has so much weight in measuring the ranking of the recruiting classes. I would have ranked schools with more top 10 or top 20 recruits higher than some with just more numbers.

 

[HuskyNan]

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.

I think you're forgetting Kia, who is one of the best, if not the best, defenders on the team.

 

[Checkmate]

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......

The easy OOC conference schedule (and weak conference) helps Maryland. When you have only 6 challenging games during the regular season it is to prepare and rest for the big games. They have about a week to get ready for UConn.....not including the last 12 months since the last game.

They have men to practice against too. If they can figure out the defensive rotations etc.

 

[oldude]

I think you're forgetting Kia, who is one of the best, if not the best, defenders on the team.

In addition to Kia, unless MD plays 2 true bigs (Jones + 1), the Huskies can have Lou guard a forward & put Gabby on Walker-Kimbrough. Gabby can guard just about anyone.

 

[Huskie78]

In addition to Kia, unless MD plays 2 true bigs (Jones + 1), the Huskies can have Lou guard a forward & put Gabby on Walker-Kimbrough. Gabby can guard just about anyone.

"When Gabby Williams guards you, you're guarded." - Geno A.

 

[bags27]

In addition to Kia, unless MD plays 2 true bigs (Jones + 1), the Huskies can have Lou guard a forward & put Gabby on Walker-Kimbrough. Gabby can guard just about anyone.

+1
And Natalie is key. Can she give 18 quality minutes against Jones?

 

[donalddoowop]

The game Thursday is scheduled to be shown on ESPN2 in St. Louis. However the time shown is 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Daylight time. No college game will last just one hour. Does anyone have a different time showing on your provider showing the full time schedule?

 

[JordyG]

The game Thursday is scheduled to be shown on ESPN2 in St. Louis. However the time shown is 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., Central Daylight time. No college game will last just one hour. Does anyone have a different time showing on your provider showing the full time schedule?

I've got 6 pm EDT so I'd assume it's 5 pm CDT.

 

[Los24]

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 know quite a few folks already replied but the one thing to remember is that UCONN basketball is not about creating your own shot. That is what Notre Dame, which is much better offensive team than SC, tried to do and was their down fall. What's a higher percentage shot? Creating your own or the ball flowing to an open shooter/slasher? SC has the players to win, but so does UCONN which is a more consistent team that will be on their home floor.

 

[Tonyc]

Maryland imo has played a not so tuff schedule so far this season because they are dependent on a few freshman. They also want to be a number 1 seed in the NCAAs so thus a OOC schedule that isnt as tuff as UConns because MD has a tuffer in conference schedule then UConn. That could be a liability in a game against UConns defense. The game is a MD which could work for MD but UConn is UConn. Heck many thought UConn wouldve lost a couple of games by now and now many are thinking UConn will loose the MD game. Not me. Hey the might but if theyre healthy and out of foul trouble they will win. The inexperience of the freshman and UConns defense which will put so much pressure on the frosh that will make it difficult for MD to make good crisp passes. I like UConn by double digits.

 

[Los24]

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 dividends in the game.

Gotta disagree. Watch ND game and along with Muffet's postgame comments, because Lou took the ball to the rack when the defender tried to come up hard to defend the shot. People think because she is not as athletic as some of the other players she can not create, and remember that she is usually at least a few inches taller than her defender. While she is not a PG with the ball she is usually very good not turning it over. If NC is anywhere in the paint she can score one-on-one, I believe on just about anyone. That fade away is $$$ : - )

 

[donalddoowop]

I've got 6 pm EDT so I'd assume it's 5 pm CDT.

Thanks for responding. However, I want to know if your schedule shows the game will be televised for only one hour. My schedule shows coverage lasts for only one hour.

 

[Plebe]

Thanks for responding. However, I want to know if your schedule shows the game will be televised for only one hour. My schedule shows coverage lasts for only one hour.

ESPN's posted television schedule (ESPN TV Listings - ESPN) shows the usual two-hour time window for the game:

 

[TerpWomenFan]

No, either you misinterpreted or I didn't say it correctly. I did not mean that they were not in the top 10 in any other year. What I meant was that on average over that period you mentioned, Maryland would not have even been in the top 10 classes on average over that period. So I was not wrong about that.

I did go back in Hoopsgurlz for the 9 years you mentioned and I'm pretty sure that Maryland was not ranked with a # 1 recruiting class except for the 2016 year.

Looking back at history, Maryland had the #2 class in 2007, #2 in 2010 (the Alyssa Thomas class) but only the 2016 was #1.