Thoughts about the ND game

[UcMiami]

ND had one of the strangest stat lines I've ever seen: 3's 13 of 20 65%, FT's 6 of 10 60%, 2's 10 of 43 41.8% . Overall 31 of 63 49.2%. How do you shoot better on 3's than free throws??

Fun stat for ND as a whole, but I particularly liked Arike's stats in the same vein:

Twos - 1-5 20%, FTs 1-4 25%, 3s 3-4 75%

(I think it was her that launched the half court shot at the end of one of the quarters (after the buzzer) and I was sure based on that stat line that she would hit it - the logical progression being 100% from the half court line. )

 

[RegisteredUconn]

However, unlike DePaul's "prayers" and their 29% 3pt shooting coming into the UConn game, most of the ND 3s were in the flow of the offense (Mabrey Jr's step-back in the first half perhaps excepted), close to the 3pt line, with varying degrees of close-out by UConn, shot by a team that was averaging 41% from 3 before this game.

So, give ND their average shooting % and its now a 25 point loss.

 

[hoophuskee]

Ok, ok, maybe I was a little harsh, because winning is everything....right? When I made my very first post on the boneyard a few months ago, l felt that team chemistry was Geno's biggest challenge. This team is loaded to the gills with talent and deserves to be referred to as perhaps the best ever team in WBB. However, I think Geno is still struggling with this chemistry thing....yes they have won all their games and have demolished most of their opponents, but Geno's substitution pattern seems to reflect a search for the right combination of players for the various game situations he faces. It is still early in the season, so we should give him some time. Just remember this chemistry issue is going to get even more complicated when Natalie comes into the picture. Natalie's presence in the lineup should alter the offensive schemes as well. So let's wait to see what happens there.
I give Muffet credit for her team's performance . Just think what it would be like if Mo had left last year for the WNBA and both Stewie and Morgan could not play due to injuries.

I disagree with a lot of what you say.

1-- Since when do UCONN teams or many other teams "stand still" and not improve quite a bit as the season progresses? It seems like you are expecting perfection to start the season. Or - and this is NOT meant to be mean-spirited I see that you are a gabbyfan. Are you sure you're not letting your personal fandom get in the way a little bit? Because Gabby hasn't done very much the last two games, right? I'll drop that. But just a thought.

2-- Did you really say UCONN was "outcoached" the last two times? So you think Muffett and ND last year felt they had no chance to win? You don't think the entire team was inspired how we beat them down like a drum the prior two times? They were a great team and won in their conference. They came in as a decided underdog. They are going to play INSPIRED. With that said - how did you like Muffett's substitution of pulling Turner later in the 2nd half of last year's finals? Anyhow, regarding this game, is it superior coaching to play us a zone when your posts are out (ND posts out) and then tell your team they need to hit 70% from three? Our threes were open too. We shot 6-18 - they shot 13-20. Same amount of three's. So you really believe, the ND team still has high school all-americans can is so incompetent that they can't get open looks from 20 feet? UCONN is playing it's what- 6thgame? ND isn't incompetent. They have enough talent to move the ball around to get open 3's. Especially since UCONN is only playing it's 6th game.

3-- Chemistry challenge and "complications?"????? Huh? They HAVE won AND demolished most of their opponents. You are breezing over that as if it is nothing. In our AAC conference how many tough games are you expecting that will come down to the wire? Are you saying you are unsure Geno won't have his team humming as the year progresses? If so, based on what? He hasn't given you a good feeling over the years that he can improve super talent?

4-- I agree team needs to work on a lot. But they need to work on a lot nearly every year, right? I do think it's a bit harsh to come after coaches in November and early December unless their teams play very uninspired. And I can't believe any team in early December isn't looking to "work things out." For example, ND spread the floor very well with their small lineup. SO does this now make things very complicated for Muffett now that she has a dilemma whether to play big or play small? OFC the answer is no.

5-- Regarding NB. If she can't defend, she won't play very much. Geno has shown you that over the years with posts, right? If a team goes small and they are missing, NB can stay in, right? But if team has 5 shooters and they are on fire, NB will probably sit, right? Hasn't he for example shown he would do that with even someone like Kiah? So why such trepidation with Geno and Butler? You are confident Geno will make the necessary moves, just like he has always done, aren't you? So why so concerned in early December of chemistry? I can see after MD game then the USC game things stumbling then the concern. IMO until then it is way too early to be "concerned."

 

[RegisteredUconn]

... Geno may decide to move KLS into the starting lineup. ...

In the last two games, when opponents have put the "crunch" in "crunch time," it's been Samuelson that's been on the floor. Not only that, but she's contributed significantly to those wins at the end of the game. There's little doubt in my mind that KLS is inching toward a starting role. When or what Butler does are the questions to be answered.

 

[trb123]

McGraw said after the game that this year's UConn team is better than last year's.

How do I know that she is not fibbing?

Guys, this is sounding really VolNation-like. Maybe everyone should take a deep breath...

2. Kia - Anyone ever hear of the sophomore slump? Last year, some unknown came down from Canada and surprised opponents. Besides, back then opponents were worried about Mo and KML, not the freshman (ahem). This year, Kia is a known quantity and opponents are actually targeting her for a lot of attention. Ditto the Energizer Bunny, Gabby. Kia gets more attention because, as a guard, she has the ball in her hands a lot more but also, forwards on the other teams are worried about the kid with the steely gaze and 7'2" wing span.
3. ND shot 65% from the arc. A team shooting, say, 40-45% is considered to be a really good three point shooting team. Again, much credit goes to the Irish for making those shots but, c'mon, it's unrealistic to think that teams are going to do that with any regularity.
4. Geno outcoached the last two games - LOL. Anyone notice a difference between the first and second half of each game? Geno may be the best at in-game adjustments in WBB. How many points did Marina Mabrey have in the second half? 2.
5. Defense - As fans of other teams like to point out, it's still early. Last night was UConn's 6th game and Geno has been giving Lou and Napheesa a lot of playing time. I'm actually pretty impressed with Napheesa's D most games but last night, well, she was a bit over her head. I feel badly for her in the short term but know, because Geno LOOKS for players like this - she's going to be pissed at her D last night and will double her efforts in practice. I predict that kid will have some great games in a UConn uni.
7. (added this one on edit) DePaul and ND - if there are two coaches that know Geno and know how his teams play, it's Doug Bruno and Muffet McGraw. The teams have only played a thousand times and these three good coaches were going at it with guns blazing and the results were entertaining and energetic basketball games - and one more painful reminder that the Big East was the best women's basketball league ever.

2. Kia - I hope this is the sophomore slump. I hate to regard the best of provincial basketball as a remembrance of things past.

3. ND shot 65% from the arc - DePaul also shot very well from long range. It is a legitimate question to ask why we did not defend well. To say that Bruno and Muffet know Geno and his team does not cut it. Our team had no answer to this (strange considering that 4 starters + Chong & Ekmark returned). I hope they will make up for this in practice.

Before the game yesterday I wanted to know how good our guards are. Not MoJeff. Do we have a Conlon, a Swanier, a Hayes, a Faris or a Montgomery in the making? If MoJeff is injured, do we have the personnel to replace her. And what about next year (I know that Dangerfield and Bent will be here)?

 

[HuskyNan]

How do I know that she is not fibbing?

For the love of Pete. Really?

2. Kia - I hope this is the sophomore slump. I hate to regard the best of provincial basketball as a remembrance of things past.

Yes, because Kia is averaging a mere 9.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 2.8 assists a game, way down from her 10.2 points, 2.8 rebounds, 3.1 assists last year. And as I mentioned, she's now a focus of the defense instead of third fiddle after Mo and KML.

3. ND shot 65% from the arc - DePaul also shot very well from long range. It is a legitimate question to ask why we did not defend well. To say that Bruno and Muffet know Geno and his team does not cut it. Our team had no answer to this (strange considering that 4 starters + Chong & Ekmark returned). I hope they will make up for this in practice.

With Kiah at center last year, Stewie was able cheat off the forwards and help on the perimeter. This year, she's got to stay in the paint while a couple of freshmen help on the perimeter. Give them a little time.

Before the game yesterday I wanted to know how good our guards are. Not MoJeff. Do we have a Conlon, a Swanier, a Hayes, a Faris or a Montgomery in the making? If MoJeff is injured, do we have the personnel to replace her. And what about next year (I know that Dangerfield and Bent will be here)?

Still trying to figure how people are extrapolating next year's results after only 6 games this season or why anyone would think a Geno Auriemma coached team would look the same in March as it would in December. Curious minds want to know.

 

[johnnyc]

One of the thoughts I had after yesterday's game besides that fact that UConn beat ND.....again.....is that Mabrey jr. doesn't like to be guarded.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I must admit to being surprised to see Brianna smiling and even laughing on the Irish bench in the last quarter. Kayla McBride would have been through two boxes of tissues by then . . .

McBride left it on the court, Turner was in street clothes (well warm-ups I think)... lil difference in the reason for emotions

 

[hoophuskee]

How do I know that she is not fibbing?



2. Kia - I hope this is the sophomore slump. I hate to regard the best of provincial basketball as a remembrance of things past.

3. ND shot 65% from the arc - DePaul also shot very well from long range. It is a legitimate question to ask why we did not defend well. To say that Bruno and Muffet know Geno and his team does not cut it. Our team had no answer to this (strange considering that 4 starters + Chong & Ekmark returned). I hope they will make up for this in practice.

Before the game yesterday I wanted to know how good our guards are. Not MoJeff. Do we have a Conlon, a Swanier, a Hayes, a Faris or a Montgomery in the making? If MoJeff is injured, do we have the personnel to replace her. And what about next year (I know that Dangerfield and Bent will be here)?

1-- No offense to you. But I don't think she was fibbing. So if you think otherwise I think you are wrong. Do I know for certain. No way. Just that I think you are wrong if you don't think so.

2-- Nurse not doing that bad. Shooting 46% overall and 35.7% from three. But her assists to turnovers not good. I don't agree though with soph slump caricature. Way too early. So because she isn't playing like she did in Canada it means she is in a soph clump? Nah. Anyhow in her last 3 games shooting 10-19 and 2-5 from 3. Averaging 9 points. Not bad. Those are in line with her last year's numbers.

3-- You may see it as a legit question. It depends on what each person believes is a legit question. Early last year there were the same "legit questions" weren't there? But for those of us that felt that the beginning of the season it was no big deal, some of us feel the same now. Thus we respect your concern but it's yours in which imo it is as hollow just as much as last year's would have been for anyone that had those "concerns."

4-- Regarding injuries. Sure you can take that half-empty look. Why not also throw in Stewie and Tuck too for this year too? Hey if that is your enjoyment to figure out what will happen in tragic situations have at it. You concern is soooo faaaaaarrrr on the bottom of my list of things for me to watch for however thus posts from me and others similar to how I look at things will express that. But if that is what makes you enjoy the game -- all I gotta say is - wow.

Anyhow "IF MO JEFF . . . " - many times teams would change their style if an impact player goes down. In this case we would probably play slower- more halfcourt giving Stewie even more touches - maybe lose a couple of games - and be more apt to play gimmick defenses early on. Playing slower doesn't mean play slow however but we wouldn't have the best pg in the nation any longer. We might lose a couple but would still be a major title threat. Do I need to be so worried about that scenario? Nope. I can't control it. What happens to Golden State or Cleveland if Curry or LBJ goes down?

5-- Want to talk about next year, start a thread. I just would like to add - if you are concernedwith perimeter defense, what makes you think players like Nurse, Gabby and Collier won't be able to defend very well next year? You've never seen Geno's teams improve defensively? Because of these last two games? You are THAT concerned about NEXT YEAR? You are confident enough in your PROJECTION of this year and going into next year you are THAT concerned abot how things will be NEXT YEAR? Wow.

 

[Orangutan]

McBride left it on the court, Turner was in street clothes (well warm-ups I think)... lil difference in the reason for emotions

In the games she's attended since graduating, McBride always looks incredibly nervous and tense if the camera spots her during a close game. It's just her personality.

Turner's just a little bit more laid back. But she's competitive when she's on the court.

 

[Gus Mahler]

"How do I know that she is not fibbing?"

My take is that trb is going for humor here based on Geno's comment from two springs when he said it was not nice to fib during lent.

 

[Sonny44]

If KLS is going to be great, she has to emulate Stewie. That means rebounding, posting up, blocking shots, and doing all those other things Stewie does besides drain 3s like it's her job. KLS is still in that mindset of being the best player on the court and not having to "get dirty." Stewie learned and so shall KLS if she wants to make a mark on this vaunted WCBB program.

Who made up that rule?

 

[donalddoowop]

Mabrey looked really good (until she got a face full of Mo), but it must be incredibly difficult for a kid like Lou to go from being the nation's #1 recruit and scoring 30 points a game to coming off the bench for the defending national champs, desperate for playing time, and knowing that the first dumb play she makes will be her last as she immediately gets yanked back to the bench, not knowing if she'll ever get back into the game.

This uncertainty and fear of getting pulled has to be affecting Lou's head and could very well account for her shooting struggles. Lou is obviously an incredibly talented basketball player. I just hope she has the mental toughness to fight her way through.

Mabrey looked really good (until she got a face full of Mo), but it must be incredibly difficult for a kid like Lou to go from being the nation's #1 recruit and scoring 30 points a game to coming off the bench for the defending national champs, desperate for playing time, and knowing that the first dumb play she makes will be her last as she immediately gets yanked back to the bench, not knowing if she'll ever get back into the game.

This uncertainty and fear of getting pulled has to be affecting Lou's head and could very well account for her shooting struggles. Lou is obviously an incredibly talented basketball player. I just hope she has the mental toughness to fight her way through.

This is NOT true. She stated she knew what it would not be easy as a freshman and did not expect to start. She said she would do whatever it takes to be the kind of player Geno expects her to be. She does not get pulled after making one dumb play. She has a lot to learn and maybe that is affecting the way she is playing but I think the excuses you just made are just that, excuses. Her shots will start falling after more playing experience, imo.

 

[donalddoowop]

Now that is the one statement that you have made on this thread that I agree with! It is a thought-provoking analogy.

Indeed, what if Moriah was gone and Stewie and Tuck were injured, and UConn had to play ND with its full complement of people including Turner and Reimer? What odds would you give on the outcome of that game? If KLS had an amazing game for a freshman and UConn managed to shoot 65% on 3's because of it, making 13 threes, could UConn stay within 10 points of ND in South Bend?

As to how the ND team will react to the loss, I don't think they will say, "Sheesh! We made 13 3's and we still lost??" Instead, I think they will say, "We stayed within 10 points of them on their home floor despite playing without our All-American center and another very good forward. On a neutral court, with both teams at full strength, our chances to win should be very good."

And they would be right about that.

Three of those threes came after the game was already decided and UCONN had stopped attacking. If Tuck had not gone to the bench with UCONN up by twenty, the difference in the score would have been greater.

 

[hoophuskee]

Who made up that rule?

I agree.

I couldn't disagree more with the poster wanting her to be Stewie. She is different

 

[hoophuskee]

This is NOT true. She stated she knew what it would not be easy as a freshman and did not expect to start. She said she would do whatever it takes to be the kind of player Geno expects her to be. She does not get pulled after making one dumb play. She has a lot to learn and maybe that is affecting the way she is playing but I think the excuses you just made are just that, excuses. Her shots will start falling after more playing experience, imo.

Every year it seems we have to hear how Geno is messing / ruining kids with his substitution patters. Just more noise.

 

[hoophuskee]

Now that is the one statement that you have made on this thread that I agree with! It is a thought-provoking analogy.

Indeed, what if Moriah was gone and Stewie and Tuck were injured, and UConn had to play ND with its full complement of people including Turner and Reimer? What odds would you give on the outcome of that game? If KLS had an amazing game for a freshman and UConn managed to shoot 65% on 3's because of it, making 13 threes, could UConn stay within 10 points of ND in South Bend?

As to how the ND team will react to the loss, I don't think they will say, "Sheesh! We made 13 3's and we still lost??" Instead, I think they will say, "We stayed within 10 points of them on their home floor despite playing without our All-American center and another very good forward. On a neutral court, with both teams at full strength, our chances to win should be very good."

And they would be right about that.

No they wouldn't. They lost. haven't beaten us in years. One thing to play loose.

You think ND will be favored to beat UCONN next time we meet if teams are at full strength? Or do you think the game will be pick 'em? You'd take ND for the game? I wouldn't. IMO you'd be losing if you did take ND.

Each game is it's own animal. The styles played. The way the team's approach the game. And not every player is going to improve at the same level.

 

[UcMiami]

Every year it seems we have to hear how Geno is messing / ruining kids with his substitution patters. Just more noise.

I think the Uconn coaches are very clear in their communications with the players - in practice, in private meetings, pre-game, in-game, and post-game. I don't think there is a lot of guess work involved for the players in terms of what they did well, what they did not do well, and what the general plan is for each game.
No sugar coating in this program!

 

[hoophuskee]

I think the Uconn coaches are very clear in their communications with the players - in practice, in private meetings, pre-game, in-game, and post-game. I don't think there is a lot of guess work involved for the players in terms of what they did well, what they did not do well, and what the general plan is for each game.
No sugar coating in this program!

I know. I was just responding to--

This uncertainty and fear of getting pulled has to be affecting Lou's head and could very well account for her shooting struggles

 

[Huskies Rule]

After last year's Stanford LOSS, everyone was running for their nitroglycerin pills. Geno did his thing, made some changes, and the result was NC #10.
After two challenging VICTORIES against DePaul and ND, everyone's gone berserk. Geno will again identify the problem(s) and fix 'em. That's what he does.

 

[NewCorn]

Maybe he should stop making commercials and work on his coaching.

Yeah, he lost a game 44 games ago. He clearly has problems.

 

[NewCorn]

I seriously doubt Geno was saving anything. TLaw is a scholarship player just like Stewie is. Ekmark also. UConn had to play starters until the final buzzer because if they didn't they would have lost the game.

Lou is not a starter.

 

[UcMiami]

I know. I was just responding to--

This uncertainty and fear of getting pulled has to be affecting Lou's head and could very well account for her shooting struggles

I know ... I quoted you because I agreed with what you said and was adding to your comment, not contradicting it - sorry I didn't make that clear.

 

[Gus Mahler]

As long as you know that I know that you know that I know . . .

 

[VAMike23]

With Kiah at center last year, Stewie was able cheat off the forwards and help on the perimeter. This year, she's got to stay in the paint while a couple of freshmen help on the perimeter. Give them a little time.

This is the #1 reason that I'm looking forward to Butler's presence. It won't necessarily be seamless from game 1 (for NB) but by March she should be sufficiently solid in the middle that Stewie can roam and help on the perimeter when she is in a position to do so, and when we need her to. This is not to say she will play tons of minutes every game or that Gabby's role will be drastically reduced. It's just that in certain games and against certain match ups, it will be great to have her. Despite the 4-guard lineup from ND, I think that Butler could have even helped in this game simply by freeing up Stewie a little bit.

Even when Stewie isn't actually closing out to block or alter 3-or attempts, she's helping our perimeter D since her mere presence in the vicinity is enough to keep quite a few shots from going up at all.