The press

[JS]

Jamelle remarked that she's never seen UConn so good at the press in all the time she's been around the program.

That's a long time.

Extended use of the press is indeed a new UConn weapon we're seeing this season. Hartley and Faris in particular are driving opponents crazy. Doty chips in with traps and steals, as does Hayes.

You can just see the frustration when the guards struggling to bring the ball up the court end up, one way or another, with the turnover they're so desperately trying to avoid. That moment when they turn forlornly to look at the ball heading the other way provides a guilty nugget of schadenfreude.

We know how it feels from the other side. Some of our most painful memories are of times the Huskies were victimized by presses thrown by RU, and on one notable occasion Duke.

Kind of nice to get the shoe firmly onto the other foot.

 

[pap49cba]

Yep, Geno may have to re-think his pre-season comment that you can't press good teams. It has become a real weapon this year and has been instrumental in getting the team into transition where it thrives.

 

[alexrgct]

Indeed, it's one of our most important freedoms.

 

[EricLA]

i know people wouldn't call Caroline overly athletic at this point, but when you have 5 guards ranging from somewhat athletic to really athletic (Bria, Caroline, Tiff, Kelly Brianna) and players like Kiah and Kaleena (who i've all seen pressing in one form or another), we are deep and athletic enough to make it work. i'll be really curious to see how it works against a team like RU. or the upcoming Duke game.

 

[VAMike23]

How much did we press against Baylor in Waco this year? I honestly don't recall

 

[doggydaddy]

i know people wouldn't call Caroline overly athletic at this point, but when you have 5 guards ranging from somewhat athletic to really athletic (Bria, Caroline, Tiff, Kelly Brianna) and players like Kiah and Kaleena (who i've all seen pressing in one form or another), we are deep and athletic enough to make it work. i'll be really curious to see how it works against a team like RU. or the upcoming Duke game.

I watched the RU-St Johns game and RU handled the St Johns press very poorly. I can't imagine how they will react to the UConn pressure.

 

[Kibitzer]

The full-court press is a terrific offensive weapon and it requires tight teamwork and fresh legs. UConn cannot sustain it with a short bench or tired legs. It will take an "all hands on deck" approach at full speed for 40 minutes to deal with the likes of Baylor or Notre Dame.

This is why the participation of three players now on the cusp of inclusion in the rotation is vital to the team's success in March.

We now have a solid six in the rotation: starters plus KML.

Getting (and earning) more PT are three who are not quite in the rotation: Banks, Stokes, and Buck.

Getting some attention lately: Engeln.

The Stealth sub: Johnson.

If Geno can identify (with confidence) a nine (or even ten!) player rotation for the Big Dance, UConn could run the table.

 

[meyers7]

This is why the participation of three players now on the cusp of inclusion in the rotation is vital to the team's success in March.

Geno mentioned that on the Geno show. Being able to bring offense (KML) and intensity (KML, Stokes, and Banks) off the bench can really cause problems for the opposition.

 

[JS]

Indeed, it's one of our most important freedoms.

Huh. Wise guy.

I actually considered alternative headlines, like "The press -- on-court variety," but then thought, Nah, why have a complicated title? Who'd make anything of the ambiguity?

Now we know who.

Which reminds me, Alex, you don't have a customized nickname yet . . .

 

[Icebear]

I fully believe we should always be free to press. I am a strong advocate of the free press.

 

[alexrgct]

Huh. Wise guy.

I actually considered alternative headlines, like "The press -- on-court variety," but then thought, Nah, why have a complicated title? Who'd make anything of the ambiguity?

Now we know who.

Which reminds me, Alex, you don't have a customized nickname yet . . .

Hey, I'd welcome a customized nickname. As is, "popular poster" is neither unique nor accurate!

 

[Artifact]

Geno always mentioned that he love to have pressing guards on the floor & on the bench in case of foul trouble. his favorite chant was that 'you can never have enough good guards'. Well, this year it seems his wish has come true.

 

[meyers7]

Hey, I'd welcome a customized nickname. As is, "popular poster" is neither unique nor accurate!

Just noticed I have one now. Not sure if it is complementary or not. But it's prolly accurate and much better then "Used Member"....still don't get that one???

 

[JRRRJ]

Just noticed I have one now. Not sure if it is complementary or not. But it's prolly accurate and much better then "Used Member"....still don't get that one???

Consider that your previous sobriquet was "New Member"... ;^)