UCONN - NC State post mortem thread

[FormerCTrez]

I just got home from work, so I didn’t get to watch the game. But based on the results, I’m about to have some humble pie for dessert!! Congrats to NC State!

 

[NEforceUConn]

Initial thoughts.
….
Samuels is essentially a similar build to Ducharme, but she’s show she is capable of knocking in deep shots more consistently….

You might be a great poster, but that sentence is clearly insane.

 

[Plebe]

And last year, NC State was ranked in the top 10. This season, they weren't in the top 40!
That's why rankings are arbirtary & guesswork for the first several weeks.

They were ranked top 10 in the preseason last year. By mid-February they were unranked. A down year by Wes's standards.

 

[SEbluebood]

He’s gone 9-10 deep before

One year (you might be able to find another 1-2) out of thirty years of coaching is certainly the exception and not the pattern. Personally, I don’t think Amari could have been any worse than Ice (and at 3 inches taller might have provided some rim protection our guards were constantly getting beat ) and Ashlynn couldn’t do worse than we saw from any guard not named PB. My real point is that all summer long people waxed poetic about a 10 man rotation when in reality it was always a longshot based on history. I’d love to see that turned around during the season and me proven wrong because that gives us our best chance to compete, especially against teams, like South Carolina, which have tremendous depth.

 

[Fore!]

Ice is returning from an injury and may be in a minute restriction

She was ineffective when subbed in in the first half; more likely Geno didn’t have the confidence in her to put her back in when the game was within reach.

 

[boontonbomber]

That’s a little dramatic. UConn lost a basketball game. The sun will rise tomorrow and UConn will go to practice this week and try be a little better each day than they were the day before. That’s all you can ask from the kids.

He wasn't talking about the players.

 

[NEforceUConn]

I'll take that bet........I think they will be a top 4 team by season's end.

+1

 

[boontonbomber]

Hard to believe Rivers was the best player on the court today. The SG, playing point guard, had her coming out party against us.

These things will Make or Break us this season.

Height
Defense/Rebounds
Shooting
ICE/Aaliyah

The out 3 point shooting the other team by three pointers isn't a sustainable recipe for winning. We have to find ways to get easy buckets that helps keep the opponents off balance.

I Think we found a keeper in Q. She will take minutes if she continues this type of play.

Bad news we have more perimeter players coming in next season.

You forgot coaching.

 

[Fore!]

We lost because two of our starting guards were awful. Guard #1 is known for her scoring and shot making ability played 35 minutes but scored just 9 points and missed about as many shots. She was also a big liability on defense. Guard #2, known for her defensive prowess, was bad, and scored just 4 points, while playing 33 minutes.

Also, Geno’s buddy Dee Kantner did play a role, she and her crew calling UConn for 22 fouls while calling NC State for just 12.

Officiating was not even close to being the reason they lost, even if I may agree it was sub-par.

 

[MechanicalZ]

We didn’t look like ourselves out there today. The whole game, I was waiting for our offense to click and for our defense to make some stops. It felt like everyone was holding their breath or waiting for another player to step up. This team has all of the pieces…it just needs some time and experience to bring it all together. That said, we do need players besides Paige to make plays. I think it’s going to be fine as long as the team realizes that everyone has to significantly contribute in some kind of way to go deep in March.

I mean, it looked like everyone was waiting for another person to make a play until the 4th quarter, right?

 

[Cuango]

Not sure how the NIL thing is Geno’s fault! Some schools just have more money connections!

The conference thing too is not really the issue. We play more headliner games than anyone. I think We have simply been unable to find the kind of Boston like player that both fits into Geno’s and Chris’s requirements. There just aren’t many of those players and the two best ones, both of whom were high character superstars, turned him down. Perception is reality and Dawn won two championships with those two and started the perception that she was a “big” whisperer. Does anyone doubt that had they come to UConn we would not be sitting on at least 13 chips now? Someone else suggested recruiting the occasional lower rated bruiser that we could train up. I think that’s a great idea. I think the LSU girl (del Rosario) was on our radar for awhile. Don’t know what happened but she just faded away. The former Arizona player, Vonleh was available in the portal. She’s kicking some a** at Colorado. Ava Heiden looked awfully good but went to Iowa. I just wish, like everyone else, that we could get an aircraft carrier that could rule the paint for four years! Praying for Vukosa but she’s two or three years away! Losing Jana was devastating!

 

[baggerbob]

First half - we missed a lot of open looks, they made a lot of tough looks. Managed to go into halftime with a lead anyway
Second half - we simply got outplayed. We were scared, they took advantage.

Great game for Paige, she was single handedly keeping us in it for most of the day. Really liking Qadence as well, she's a sniper

The scout is the same. Crash the boards, play physically, and you will put yourself in a position to beat UConn. I don't see a fix for that this year. Jana is out and Amari couldn't get 1 minute today. Focus on recruiting needs to be size and toughness because we play really really soft.

But Paige is Paige, Azzi and AE will be better, and we will always have a chance with those 3. As of today it looks like our potential is very limited because of the size issue. But luckily today is November 12 instead of March 12. Let's give the staff some time to make adjustments. We have a lot of really big games in the next month before BE play to show improvement

The good Uconn teams rebounded, and played good defense. They always had players like Stokes and Stewie who could help on defense.

 

[CL82]

This team is built to beat people with it outside shooting. When our shooters are hot that will also open things up in the paint for Aaliyah, Aubrey, Paige and KK. The problem today was those shots weren't falling. That won't always be the case, but it may be a risk this season.

Still, Geno plays a tough preseason for a reason. It exposes weaknesses. Geno will put today's game film to good use.

 

[JDForever]

A few months ago I wrote a thread elaborating on the difference in women's basketball in just the past ten years, pointing out how the women's game has gotten bigger and that the one area we have not emphasized enough is our size. I was met with a barrage of negative criticism from people who felt our backcourt talent was more than enough to make up for the height difference. The name of the game is now rebounding and several of the teams we will play has made that their strength. Just saying, don't kill the messenger.

Who exactly is the WE?

Us BYers cheer on the teams Geno is able to recruit. Of course we're going to focus on our backcourt strength, when that's what UConn has. We're fans, not recruiters. We emphasize guard play and try to imagine ways in which it might be enough.

But I am far from believing that Geno is not focused on recruiting bigs. To suggest this sounds almost absurd. If anyone criticized you for thinking Geno was not trying to recruit more bigs, it was because of this absurdity. On the other hand, if you were suggesting that we shouldn't cheer on the team he has actually managed to put together, of course fans will bristle at such a suggestion.

That was a very good, very well coached team! As for us, once again we are shown to be simply lacking in toughness! I’ve been worrying about this for a few years now. We just don’t seem to be able to punch back when we get punched in the mouth. Our shooters, the strength of our team, (with the exception of Q and Paige) were terrible! Not only did they miss but many of the misses weren't even close! It looked like they were rattled and uncomfortable from the start! Azzi seemed reluctant to shoot for a long stretch, though she did hit a few pull ups. Finally, if we don’t see a complete turnaround in our rebounding and, to a lesser extent, our defense, we’re not gonna sniff the final four! Pretty disappointing!

I was very disappointed like everyone else here. I thought we were out hustled, outplayed and perhaps most disturbing to me very outcoached. I saw no second half adjustments on Rivers, no defensive changes of any kind of tangible substance. I don't understand why we did not use a Box and 1 with Aubrey or Nika on Rivers and simply face guard her like Kia used to do and make the rest of the team beat us. If we tried it, I didn't see it. Being outhustled is simply not acceptable for UCONN. I also thought that the early substitutions of Q, KK and Brady hurt the team, because it altered the early flow and fluidity of the starters and Aubrey and was counterproductive. We were up by double figures at that point. Finally, while everyone is praising Q here, who deserves it, her defense is weak but it did not stand out because our entire defense is weak, uncharacteristically disorganized, and fundamentally unsound with regard to boxing out and switching at this point. If it doesn't change and fast, it is going to be a long season with several out of league losses. Final note, referees were awful as they usually are in women's basketball. I don't understand how, after last year's NC embarrassment of an officiated game, it just never changes.

 

[Dezoworld]

Lack of size hurts this team alot. And if they aren't hitting shots then that hurts because we dobt get second chances. Guards have to do better defending and keeping other team guards in front of them. They get to the with such ease. But the way geno recruit is nothing but guards who can shoot the ball that seems in the game its like they can't shoot. Need to go after bigs now that we have a good pg in 2025 and of course Allie at sg and you can put Morgan at the 3 but to be fair it just seem kids don't want to play for UConn anymore

 

[triaddukefan]

I'm just trying figure out how NC State wasn't ranked by the AP or Coaches Polls. Massey has them as #8 and he is a lot closer to the truth then the other two.

They were picked #8 in the ACC.

 

[Papa33]

What a humbling game. The scary part is that this team, more than most teams in the nation, should be ready to start the season. Not only did they have the whole summer together (most teams did), but they also went to Europe and had a chance to bond and play 4-ish games.

I get that we have a lot of new pieces, and I suppose the silver lining is that Paige looked great, Q is going to be really good, Edwards had moments (but lost focus for a long stretch), but lordy, we were outplayed in every possible way after Q1. Not a good sign...

By the way kudos to NC State for taking it to us. Great game by them! And Saniya Rivers - wow. Has she developed nicely!

 

[Aluminny69]

He’s gone 9-10 deep before

View attachment 93009

You really can't use season statistics as a measure. It's only the handful of competitive games that matter. It's easy to even out minutes, given the blowouts in the AAC.

 

[baggerbob]

That team had Stewie.

 

[Steelerone]

While I am not ready to terminate the season based on one game I do feel that Geno is going to have to make a few changes in his game planning. Why play your younger players in early exhibition games, praise them, tell us how far ahead of the curve they are, and then set them while the older, slower players who have already shown they have problems with athletic teams, play the majority of the minutes. Like the old credo in baseball goes, if you're going to lose, lose with younger players who at least have a chance of getting better.

 

[boontonbomber]

The players really have taken a beating here. One team on the floor today was prepared to play , one was not. You maybe should lay off the players a bit. Regarding UConn's lack of size: it is what it is. The coaches need to get on with coaching the team they have, which is actually pretty talented, and they and the fans should shut up about the lack of size. You do understand that lack of size didn't lose that game today, don't you?

 

[Ex Nutmegger]

UConn scored 33 field goals to NCST’s 31 field goals. Yes, NCST scored one more 3 point shot; but UConn still outscored them by three points from the field. And yes, I agree with many here that NCST did out-hustle UConn to a degree, and they definitely out-rebounded them. But (and yes, this may sound like sour grapes) I disagree that NCST deserved a fourteen point advantage in points from the foul line.

 

[BigKahuna]

First time poster. Been watching and admiring the UConn ladies for years. Here’s my opinion:
UConn has no real half court offense. They are predictable and easy to defend. Every game we play against quality opponents the other team gets multiple wide open shots and most of our half court possessions are a grind.
The team has to push the ball and run the court to be effective.
Way too often we let the other team dictate pace and run clock. Watching today was just another example. With the depth we have now we should be pressuring the ball full court and rotating our players rather than letting NC State or other good teams walk the ball up court and run clock while we’re down double digits.
Not using Arnold and Shade to instill energy, quickness and defense was a mistake.
I know I’m in the vast minority with this comment but Geno often lets our good opponents have their way by dictating pace and, in my opinion, plays “not to lose” in competitive games rather than aggressively turning our players loose way too often.

 

[Longtime fan]

What a humbling game. The scary part is that this team, more than most teams in the nation, should be ready to start the season. Not only did they have the whole summer together (most teams did), but they also went to Europe and had a chance to bond and play 4-ish games.

I get that we have a lot of new pieces, and I suppose the silver lining is that Paige looked great, Q is going to be really good, Edwards had moments (but lost focus for a long stretch), but lordy, we were outplayed in every possible way after Q1. Not a good sign...

By the way kudos to NC State for taking it to us. Great game by them! And Saniya Rivers - wow. Has she developed nicely!

Rivers was the best player on the floor today. Despite a fine game by Paige. But we are not going to win with Paige and Edwards doing it all. We aren't going to win if Ice Brady is not a force. Not to mention Azzi Fudd and Caroline. And Aubrey regressed as well. But NC State had a lot more than Rivers. They had bigs to rebound and shooters to shoot and defenders to defend. A nice contribution by Qadence, but I am disappointed Geno has no confidence in Shade. I think it because he says she is a great player ( does everything well ) but has no clear role. Give her one. She has no role because she played center ( at 5'11" in HS) and still dominated). But the coaches need her on the floor. And if they just use her when we lead Folksote State by 40, she will be wasted. My worry; Geno has already type-casted her. And his role for her is to do nothing. This was a cold shower. I guess we have to remember; our season begins in March.

 

[Classof87]

I had no illusions that this team would go undefeated, so an early season loss to a (soon-to-be-ranked) NC State team is not the end of the world and I could care less about the rankings in the month of November.

The stat that sticks out the most to me is the rebounding. We got CRUSHED on the boards. AE is not (IMO) a rebounding force, she gets her share but her offense and defense in the post are what she's good at. If she is our only reliable post player, we are in trouble. I think NC State's guards got way too many rebounds - both O & D rebounds. I think we need to work on our team rebounding - send all 5 players to the D boards... Not sure why Ice only got 7 minutes (she only got 10 vs Dayton) I thought her knee was 100%? Geno is too stubborn to put DiBarry in because she doesn't practice well (from what I've read) so our post presence is going to be really thin unless A Patterson can get healthy.

Sometimes, getting your hat handed to you early on is a wake-up call. It certainly isn't a call to panic.

 

[maple]

That team had Stewie.

And MoJeff and Morgan Tuck.

I miss having a solid trio like that.

 

[Viet Vet]

Officiating was not even close to being the reason they lost, even if I may agree it was sub-par.

Here we go again, blaming the officiating. The reason we had more fouls on us is simple...................they were much better down low. Pound it low, you'll draw fouls. Rely on outside shooting (we did), fewer trips to the line.

Stop whining about the refs. They beat us, fair and square.

 

[KnightBridgeAZ]

I know times have changed but the thing I always associated with UConn's offense back in the old BE was a constant motion always moving toward generating an (often open) good shot; on the defensive side I always felt UConn excelled in cutting into the passing lanes and coming up with the steal.

In this game (and more-so than most UConn games I see) the offense didn't seem to be moving and the defense sort of the same, I guess. I was very surprised - I am sure Geno will right the ship pretty quick, though.

 

[TCC Kid]

We learned a lot today:
1. Anyone who thought UConn would go undefeated was wrong.
2. If this team can't beat NCState, they certainly cannot beat SC, which is even bigger
3. Saniya Rivers is a wonderful player
4. UConn has rebounding problems, and the front court weakness that so many have discussed on the BY is very real.
5. Not that anyone questioned it, but Wes Moore sure does know how to coach.
6. NC State should bottle and sell the stuff they used to completely befuddle UConn's defense. I don't think I have seen a UConn team schooled like this in years.
7. When Fudd has shooting problems, the team has shooting problems.
8. Brady is still a freshman, ands often plays like it. Arnold did not look out of place, and where would UConn have been without Samuels?
9. Edwards was not the consistent presence we've come to expect. In the middle of the game, she simply lost all focus,. kind of like when she was a sophomore. Sure hope that is not a trend.

I beg to differ on nearly every point, except Rivers is a terrific player. Great NC game plan well executed.
If you LEARNED something NEW--you weren't looking. The only thing NEW were the NEW kids on UConn. We knew last year with out Dorka and Lou this was a ---marginal team. Expecting Edwards to handle the post alone ---is not being in the real world.
Paige--cannot and should not have to CARRY this team--she has proven, she shall try, but with a decent team (Arizona) she cannot do it--alone. Azzi, is a streak shooter. When she is hitting she can't miss. With a good team defense--Takes Azzi or Paige out and you are home free. NOW--if Caroline's head is in the game--WE WIN. KK is going to be a life saver--but not today. The Bigs who should be winning games SIT--they did last year too.
Geno needs more Q's. Throw caution to the wind--just play the game you know. Good player PLAY to win.
The whys and wherefores belong with GENO and his Practice and Scouting coaches. I saw no GAME PREP. NC did what hey want more often than not---Uconn for 30 years has been noted for DEFENSE---where was it--YOU KNOW who is responsible for TEACHING this team---Pre game PREP at this level is mandatory.

CEO's run SMALL companies--and get $3,000,000 per year--the buck stops with them --not the floor sweepers. Ca

The starting lineup above--meets with my approval--shall Geno approve?
Every ill of this team would be fix with a STOKES kind of player--playing along side of Edwards.
Not one kid on this team OWNS this loss. It belongs to the Coaches, the leaders, then the team. My dad would be fired as a lead carpenter -had he said --my crew built a different house than I told them. Uconn's house is the GAME.

 

[TCC Kid]

I know times have changed but the thing I always associated with UConn's offense back in the old BE was a constant motion always moving toward generating an (often open) good shot; on the defensive side I always felt UConn excelled in cutting into the passing lanes and coming up with the steal.

In this game (and more-so than most UConn games I see) the offense didn't seem to be moving and the defense sort of the same, I guess. I was very surprised - I am sure Geno will right the ship pretty quick, though.

A lot of new kids, not prime time ready, even the Sophs are not really ready. KK--and Q are learning and producing. KK is a great passer. Q had no hold back in her. Love that lady.