Today (10/26) is Media Day for UConnWBB

[UConnCat]

 

[mhshuskies]

What to report?

 

[UConnCat]

The New Haven Register Blogs: Elm City to Eagleville: A couple players missing at today's UConn practice

Gabby missed practice with a migraine and Batouly still out with knee sprain/bone bruise. Gabby expected back soon and Batouly may miss the exhibition games.

 

[MilfordHusky]

It's Media Day, and all we learn is that Batouly has a sore knee and Gabby has a migraine?

 

[UConnCat]

Duke transfer Azura Stevens eager to make her UConn debut

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said that other than All-American Katie Lou Samuelson, this year's team might not have a more naturally gifted shot maker from the perimeter than the 6-foot-6 Stevens. However, he is looking for her to be more than somebody who drains several jumpers each game.

“I hope we can get her a lot of shots,” Auriemma said. “Even without breaking a sweat she is capable of getting 25 every night easy, which would probably put her one or two short of what her man is going to get, so we are trying to fix the other part."

Stevens has been challenged to improve her low-post game offensively but especially defensively as her combination of length and athleticism is something last year's UConn team lacked.

 

[UConnCat]

Geno Auriemma Happy With UConn's Aggressive Mentality

But what has always been a hallmark of Auriemma’s team is defense. And there were times during last season when Auriemma bemoaned the defensive deficiencies of his roster, even as the Huskies were marching through the schedule unbeaten until the Final Four.

This season?

“We’ve talked a lot about having a certain aggressive mentality,” Auriemma said. “Trying to create some stuff off our defense, like we have. We’re a little bit older and I think a little bit smarter a team. Maybe we can do some things that we haven’t done in the past.”

 

[Alydar]

she is capable of getting 25 every night easy, which would probably put her one or two short of what her man is going to get

Love it !

 

[JordyG]

“Even without breaking a sweat, she’s (Stevens) capable of getting 25 [points] every night,” Auriemma said. “I mean, easy. Easy. Which will probably put her just about one or two short of what her man’s going to get. So we’re trying to fix the other part.”

I'm guessing he's saying at this point she can't guard an even taller chair than usual.

 

[bags27]

Ah, that's basically what he said about Lou last year, and he kept her in until she almost dropped. Probably said worse about D. You can always tell when Geno is smitten with one of his players--he keeps trashing her. Worse comes to worse, they'll throw up a zone, and good luck shooting over that.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Ah, that's basically what he said about Lou last year, and he kept her in until she almost dropped. Probably said worse about D. You can always tell when Geno is smitten with one of his players--he keeps trashing her. Worse comes to worse, they'll throw up a zone, and good luck shooting over that.

Geno is not going to let them cheat their talent. He tries to make everyone into a complete player.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Duke transfer Azura Stevens eager to make her UConn debut

UConn coach Geno Auriemma said that other than All-American Katie Lou Samuelson, this year's team might not have a more naturally gifted shot maker from the perimeter than the 6-foot-6 Stevens. However, he is looking for her to be more than somebody who drains several jumpers each game.

“I hope we can get her a lot of shots,” Auriemma said. “Even without breaking a sweat she is capable of getting 25 every night easy, which would probably put her one or two short of what her man is going to get, so we are trying to fix the other part."

Stevens has been challenged to improve her low-post game offensively but especially defensively as her combination of length and athleticism is something last year's UConn team lacked.

Yay! More substance from Jim. Azura needs to learn to play more inside, as Maya, Stewie, and Lou did before her. She'll get there, though Geno will be vocal about it.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Geno Auriemma Happy With UConn's Aggressive Mentality

But what has always been a hallmark of Auriemma’s team is defense. And there were times during last season when Auriemma bemoaned the defensive deficiencies of his roster, even as the Huskies were marching through the schedule unbeaten until the Final Four.

This season?

“We’ve talked a lot about having a certain aggressive mentality,” Auriemma said. “Trying to create some stuff off our defense, like we have. We’re a little bit older and I think a little bit smarter a team. Maybe we can do some things that we haven’t done in the past.”

As several folks have noted, with our depth, Geno can play more aggressively this year.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Geno saying the freshmen are behind in UConn-level effort, still in high school mentality. Could be a pretty short bench for a while, especially if Camara is out for any length of time.

 

[CocoHusky]

Ah, that's basically what he said about Lou last year, and he kept her in until she almost dropped. Probably said worse about D. You can always tell when Geno is smitten with one of his players--he keeps trashing her. Worse comes to worse, they'll throw up a zone, and good luck shooting over that.

Exactly! Geno said almost the exact thing last year about Napheesa during a national televised game. Geno has definitely said worse about Tina and Rebecca. Geno is definitely smitten by Azura he just trying to keep her working hard and humble.

 

[DishNSwish]

It was not media day, it was a regular media availability for the writers. Not a big dog and pony show media day.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Geno saying the freshmen are behind in UConn-level effort, still in high school mentality. Could be a pretty short bench for a while, especially if Camara is out for any length of time.

Which frosh can catch on first?

In terms of Geno's confidence, it seems as if we have some groupings:

The Core 4

Crystal is close to them

Azura is a little farther back, largely due to her defense

Batouly, Kyla, and Molly

The 4 Freshmen (was that a '60's group??)

 

[JordyG]

Which frosh can catch on first?

In terms of Geno's confidence, it seems as if we have some groupings:

The Core 4

Crystal is close to them

Azura is a little farther back, largely due to her defense

Batouly, Kyla, and Molly

The 4 Freshmen (was that a '60's group??)

It seems so with Z first off the bench and spelling all three up front. That could mean significant PT for Z, and with some teams very significant time.

 

[MilfordHusky]

It seems so with Z first off the bench and spelling all three up front. That could mean significant PT for Z, and with some teams very significant time.

I think Z comes in for Pheesa, Gabby, or Lou.

In one of the interviews, either Geno or Crystal said they were practicing with Crystal at PG and also with Kia as PG. That makes total sense. I view Kia as an elite SG now and the backup PG. Who comes after them? Molly or Mikayla?