Think Ashlynn

[Forego]

Twelve games to go, twelve wins, twelve national championships. Positive vibes with Ashlynn.

 

[Conndog]

Ash is playing great- she is always excellent with fundamentals like boxing out, and her shooting touch is back! What a dilemma for opposing teams that play UConn- who to guard to prevent scoring? Okay, say they put their best defender on Paige, that still leaves Azzi open to drill 3s. Cover Azzi too? Sarah will kill you, or Ash, or Kaitlyn- they all are potent shooters. The only thing that can derail UConn is a cold shooting night. Their defense is superb too. That game against SC really showed me how well they are playing- against the one team that I feared most and thought defensively was the strongest, UConn just demolished them. Go Huskies!

 

[oldude]

It’s not easy for a player to come off the bench and have an immediate impact on a game, particularly after you’ve been use to starting during both the prior season as well as the start of this season before Azzi was healthy. Ash has done a wonderful job adjusting to that role with the Huskies. She is truly an unsung hero for this team.

 

[my2cents]

It’s not easy for a player to come off the bench and have an immediate impact on a game, particularly after you’ve been use to starting during both the prior season as well as the start of this season before Azzi was healthy. Ash has done a wonderful job adjusting to that role with the Huskies. She is truly an unsung hero for this team.

would double like this if there was another button.

 

[uconnever]

She’s also the key to us winning a title. If she scores like she’s capable, I don’t think we lose

 

[ERWUC65]

Very interesting that Ash has finally settled into her role after early confidence issues. Last 2 games have shown how invaluable she has become in the overall picture. Now we need to see KK do the same. There were many on BY who felt she should start over Kaitlyn, but it evident, especially after the SH game, that KK needs to maximize her minutes from off the bench. When she is at her best she is unique in her abilities to disrupt and defend. Again, like Ash she can be critical to the success of the team if she can manage those abilities.

 

[JellyBean]

It’s not easy for a player to come off the bench and have an immediate impact on a game, particularly after you’ve been use to starting during both the prior season as well as the start of this season before Azzi was healthy. Ash has done a wonderful job adjusting to that role with the Huskies. She is truly an unsung hero for this team.

Well said. It is never easy for a player to come off the bench especially if they were a star on their high school team or in the starting rotation in college but then moved to the bench to make way for a more talented player. It speaks volumes about that players character. Ash is such a team player. If they asked her to work the concession stand during games, while she was playing, she would be the first to volunteer and do both; play and work the stands.

 

[Conndog]

Very interesting that Ash has finally settled into her role after early confidence issues. Last 2 games have shown how invaluable she has become in the overall picture. Now we need to see KK do the same. There were many on BY who felt she should start over Kaitlyn, but it evident, especially after the SH game, that KK needs to maximize her minutes from off the bench. When she is at her best she is unique in her abilities to disrupt and defend. Again, like Ash she can be critical to the success of the team if she can manage those abilities.

Agree- if KK could only develop a pull-up jump shot, she’d be a killer. Her defense is outstanding! When she drives to basket and gets inside the lane, that’s when she could take the short jumper if she had it; the path to the hoop is sometimes blocked by a big

 

[BBallF]

Agree- if KK could only develop a pull-up jump shot, she’d be a killer. Her defense is outstanding! When she drives to basket and gets inside the lane, that’s when she could take the short jumper if she had it; the path to the hoop is sometimes blocked by a big

I've been saying exactly that for 2 years. She has the physical strength to do it. In the off season needs to shoot a couple hundred a day.

 

[JoePgh]

Ashlynn has been shooting well in the last few games, but in this Boneyarder burst of enthusiasm, let's not forget that she was 2-for-9 (and 0-for-3 from 3) for just 4 points in the Tennessee game as recently as February 6. She was 4-8 and 1-4 from 3 for 9 points against Southern Cal, and 0-5 and 0-1 for zero points against Notre Dame in her home state.

So does that mean (as the above posts imply) that she has suddenly "regained her confidence"? Or does it just mean that the Law of Averages is working its will, with a high standard deviation in Ashlynn's case (as also with many 3-point shooters)? I think the latter explanation is more likely. As I watch the Celtics, it is very apparent that even great 3-point shooters like Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser can have very bad shooting nights around their 40%+ averages, and when they do, the Celtics can be vulnerable.

UConn has played two upper-level SEC teams on their home courts in February. They shot very badly in one game and amazingly well in the other. It's plausible to draw the conclusion that this was the decisive difference in the outcome each game. If UConn had shot as well against Tennessee as it did against South Carolina, UConn would have won. If UConn had shot as poorly against South Carolina as it did against Tennessee, it might very well have lost to the Gamecocks.

That implies that the up-and-down pattern of Ashlynn's shooting is likely to continue, against both good teams and bad teams. The same is true of Azzi (albeit with a lower standard deviation from the average), and with Sarah and Kaitlyn. That's why Geno would like, if possible, to develop an inside and mid-range game to complement the 3-point shooting, since that kind of offense should be less subject to wild swings, I.e., it may produce fewer points on average, but it will have a lower standard deviation.

 

[ERWUC65]

Ashlynn has been shooting well in the last few games, but in this Boneyarder burst of enthusiasm, let's not forget that she was 2-for-9 (and 0-for-3 from 3) for just 4 points in the Tennessee game as recently as February 6. She was 4-8 and 1-4 from 3 for 9 points against Southern Cal, and 0-5 and 0-1 for zero points against Notre Dame in her home state.

So does that mean (as the above posts imply) that she has suddenly "regained her confidence"? Or does it just mean that the Law of Averages is working its will, with a high standard deviation in Ashlynn's case (as also with many 3-point shooters)? I think the latter explanation is more likely. As I watch the Celtics, it is very apparent that even great 3-point shooters like Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser can have very bad shooting nights around their 40%+ averages, and when they do, the Celtics can be vulnerable.

UConn has played two upper-level SEC teams on their home courts in February. They shot very badly in one game and amazingly well in the other. It's plausible to draw the conclusion that this was the decisive difference in the outcome each game. If UConn had shot as well against Tennessee as it did against South Carolina, UConn would have won. If UConn had shot as poorly against South Carolina as it did against Tennessee, it might very well have lost to the Gamecocks.

That implies that the up-and-down pattern of Ashlynn's shooting is likely to continue, against both good teams and bad teams. The same is true of Azzi (albeit with a lower standard deviation from the average), and with Sarah and Kaitlyn. That's why Geno would like, if possible, to develop an inside and mid-range game to complement the 3-point shooting, since that kind of offense should be less subject to wild swings, I.e., it may produce fewer points on average, but it will have a lower standard deviation.

Yup, in an ideal world, but this year the inside and mid-range game is not in the cards. Ayanna and Ice are out and Jana is a year away. So, to your point, our success in the tournament will depend on our 3 point shooting, and yes, it will be subject to fluctuations or deviations of a non predictable nature (opposition, site, injury, mindset, etc.). But... recent performances by Ash and Aubrey and the resurgence of Azzi give us great optimism in that regard.

 

[Forego]

Sometimes my posts are a tad cryptic. All I was trying to say was the sun, the moon, the stars and Ashlynn’s jersey number all aligned. I love watching her play and she could be one of the keys to the twelfth championship. Go Ashlynn! Go UConn!

 

[Crossover]

Yup, in an ideal world, but this year the inside and mid-range game is not in the cards. Ayanna and Ice are out and Jana is a year away. So, to your point, our success in the tournament will depend on our 3 point shooting, and yes, it will be subject to fluctuations or deviations of a non predictable nature (opposition, site, injury, mindset, etc.). But... recent performances by Ash and Aubrey and the resurgence of Azzi give us great optimism in that regard.

Are you assuming that Ice is out for the year? Maybe I missed something. Re the mid-range game, it is not solely the province of post players. Think Sue Bird and Renee Montgomery. On the current team, Paige, Azzi, Ashlynn, and Kaitlyn are all good mid-range shooters, although less consistent than I would like. Paige and Azzi used to be more deadly. I hope they recover their magic.

 

[MSGRET]

Ashlynn has been shooting well in the last few games, but in this Boneyarder burst of enthusiasm, let's not forget that she was 2-for-9 (and 0-for-3 from 3) for just 4 points in the Tennessee game as recently as February 6. She was 4-8 and 1-4 from 3 for 9 points against Southern Cal, and 0-5 and 0-1 for zero points against Notre Dame in her home state.

So does that mean (as the above posts imply) that she has suddenly "regained her confidence"? Or does it just mean that the Law of Averages is working its will, with a high standard deviation in Ashlynn's case (as also with many 3-point shooters)? I think the latter explanation is more likely. As I watch the Celtics, it is very apparent that even great 3-point shooters like Tatum, Pritchard, and Hauser can have very bad shooting nights around their 40%+ averages, and when they do, the Celtics can be vulnerable.

UConn has played two upper-level SEC teams on their home courts in February. They shot very badly in one game and amazingly well in the other. It's plausible to draw the conclusion that this was the decisive difference in the outcome each game. If UConn had shot as well against Tennessee as it did against South Carolina, UConn would have won. If UConn had shot as poorly against South Carolina as it did against Tennessee, it might very well have lost to the Gamecocks.

That implies that the up-and-down pattern of Ashlynn's shooting is likely to continue, against both good teams and bad teams. The same is true of Azzi (albeit with a lower standard deviation from the average), and with Sarah and Kaitlyn. That's why Geno would like, if possible, to develop an inside and mid-range game to complement the 3-point shooting, since that kind of offense should be less subject to wild swings, I.e., it may produce fewer points on average, but it will have a lower standard deviation.

So you are saying that Ashlynn has the up and down pattern of shooting while ignoring that during the Tenn game Paige played 35m was 5-16 and 2-6, Sarah 39m was 8-13 and 0-2, Kaitlyn 21m was 1-3 and 0-1, Azzi 29m was 3-9 and 2-4, Jana 11m was 1-4, Ash 19m was 2-9 and 0-3, Aubrey 15m was 3-6 and 0-1, Morgan 6m 1-3 and 0-1 and KK 25m was 5-9 and 1-2. UConn had a 29-72 shooting night and was only 5-20 from 3.

In the USC game Ash 35m 4-8 and 1-4, Sarah 38m was 8-13 and 1-6, Kaitlyn 28m 1-3 and 1-2, Paige 36m 9-22 and 2-8, Ice 13m 0-2, Jana 6m 1-1, Morgan 21m 2-5 and 1-2, KK 15m 2-2 and Azzi 8m 0-4 and 0-1. They were 27-62 and 6-23 from the 3.

In the ND game Ash 21m 0-5 and 0-1, Sarah 35m 6-12 and 2-7, Ice 23m 2-6, Kaitlyn 32m 5-10 and 1-3, Paige 37m 11-20 and 0-4, Jana 15m 2-3 and KK30m 5-8 and 0-1. They were 31-64 and 3-16 from 3.

It wasn't just Ashlynn that had a bad shooting night it was that most of the team had a bad shooting night. When you others having the same type of shooting it puts pressure on everyone to make shoots and disrupts the flow.

 

[Blond D.]

So you are saying that Ashlynn has the up and down pattern of shooting while ignoring that during the Tenn game Paige played 35m was 5-16 and 2-6, Sarah 39m was 8-13 and 0-2, Kaitlyn 21m was 1-3 and 0-1, Azzi 29m was 3-9 and 2-4, Jana 11m was 1-4, Ash 19m was 2-9 and 0-3, Aubrey 15m was 3-6 and 0-1, Morgan 6m 1-3 and 0-1 and KK 25m was 5-9 and 1-2. UConn had a 29-72 shooting night and was only 5-20 from 3.

In the USC game Ash 35m 4-8 and 1-4, Sarah 38m was 8-13 and 1-6, Kaitlyn 28m 1-3 and 1-2, Paige 36m 9-22 and 2-8, Ice 13m 0-2, Jana 6m 1-1, Morgan 21m 2-5 and 1-2, KK 15m 2-2 and Azzi 8m 0-4 and 0-1. They were 27-62 and 6-23 from the 3.

In the ND game Ash 21m 0-5 and 0-1, Sarah 35m 6-12 and 2-7, Ice 23m 2-6, Kaitlyn 32m 5-10 and 1-3, Paige 37m 11-20 and 0-4, Jana 15m 2-3 and KK30m 5-8 and 0-1. They were 31-64 and 3-16 from 3.

It wasn't just Ashlynn that had a bad shooting night it was that most of the team had a bad shooting night. When you others having the same type of shooting it puts pressure on everyone to make shoots and disrupts the flow.

I think Tenn's rims were crooked.

 

[Next 12]

MY TAKE! I predict that Ashlynn will come out of no-where and be a HUGE factor in the NC games. AND when we win No12 Ashlynn will be a BIG part of the reason. She has a few more Iowa State games coming in her that's dying to get out and will amaze every body. MY TAKE! GO ASHLYNN!!!!!

 

[KCD]

More recently, Ash has been more aggressive on the offensive end. She is not waiting for someone else to o take the shot, but is looking for her own. She has also been looking for her mid-range shot more. Both of these are great for her and the team. She is a great mid-range shooter and has a whole bag of different moves if needed from there. She is excellent at squaring herself in the air and is very difficult to block.

 

[Spaceman213J]

I was thinking about the ways she affects games and was wondering if she could be an All-American in the next 2 years. There is a lot of talent in the women's game right now and foreseeable future with Watkins, Hidalgo, Betts, Edwards and her own teammate Strong. But I believe Shade could crack one of the teams with the way she plays.

When she is hitting her shot, she gives them a 4th scorer and if she and Chen can hit shots, it really changes the offense and the way teams will have to guard them.

 

[JellyBean]

I agree with several Yard family members. Ashlynn has been aggressive looking for her shot and being a boss on the rebounding side of things. Our bench is going to play a huge part in how far the team goes this post season and Ashlynn and KK are huge pieces in the process. Also throw in Aubrey. Those three players are going to be that spark we need in tournament play. I can't wait to see Ashlynn continue to assert herself out there. It is a joy!

 

[tomcat]

Her offense is great, but what I really like is the slashing toward the basket to grab rebounds. For a not-very-tall player, she does a very good job of boxing out as well. These are the kinds of really valuable that can make a tremendous difference in tournaments.

 

[oldude]

I think Tenn's rims were crooked.

No, but they were painted that ugly shade of orange that made them extremely difficult to look at when you’re shooting a basketball.

 

[donalddoowop]

I think Tenn's rims were crooked.

Not when Tennessee shot the ball.

 

[DeepThreat]

She's making a good case for 6th MYO award.

 

[hoopsfan22]

Love Ashlynn's effort. She never stops. She's always moving trying to make something happen.