UConn-SCSU postgame thread | Page 3 | The Boneyard

UConn-SCSU postgame thread

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A few observations,
Paige Bueckers looks like a completely different person
Her increase in size and strength was kind of shocking
Even though it was a physical mismatch her ability to play through contact better than previous seasons
Was evident
Additionally, she didn’t show any signs of hesitation

Caroline seemed to be moving well an not showing signs of previous injuries

Was curious ito watch the freshman play
few thoughts
Ice Brady has excellent skills Was very impressed on a postop move, where she faked one way and pivoted, and came back to her right hand her off hand
Been a while, since Uconn has had a player with this kind ofpost up skills

She’s certainly physically ready to play the college game, but I suspect she may have a little trouble defensively guarding players away from the basket

Both kk Arnold and s shade and are also physically ready for the college game and are in a perfect position to be complementary players this year
Arnold has a great feel for the game displays lots of confidence and despite some things I’ve read that she plays only one speed it’s too fast. I didn’t see that today as she played very much under control and use change of pace very well.
My sense is that she can get by people very easily

Shade looks like she can really defend shoot it well enough and rebounds very well from the guard position

K Samuels seems to have good instincts
Potentially a good 3 pint shooter
The physical nature of the college game will be her challenge

Lots of players to talk about this season but to me it begins and ends with Paige Bueckers
And while I was somewhat surprised to hear Genos comments, that P B
Was a significantly better player than her freshman year after having seen her today. Hard to disagree.

Who knows how the season will turn out but it’s going to be a joy to watch them play
 
My guess is that the starting lineup will eventually change and evolve. I was surprised by how small we started the game! Loved seeing Caroline start, as that signals she’s looked good in practice. Her at her best is another great asset to the team. Could eventually see Ice of Aubrey starting as well. It’s great to have so many options.

Paige being back is monumental. She played few minutes, but her presence was huge.

Agree the rotation will probably be 8, including todays starters, Ice, Aubrey, and KK.

Overall glad to be back and excited to see how this season goes.
Be prepared to be continually surprised. With how thin the team is in bigs, Edwards and Brady will almost never be on the floor together, particularly with how much talent the team has at the guard and wing positions. Carol and Aubrey will be taking turns at the four all season unless something dramatic happens; if they are not, the team is in big trouble.
 
And when we're talking about rotations, let's not forget about Ayanna. We may see her next week. She has tremendous potential but last year seemed a little unsure of herself.
She hasn't been able to practice at all. Don't hold your breath waiting for her. Besides, where would she it in? Whose minutes would she take?
 
I hope that’s the reason. I would love to see her get to where she can consistently give us 10-15 minutes per game of non garbage time!
Whose minutes would you take away to give her 10-15?
 
I attended the game in person, and I've read all the posts in this thread. Generally I agree with them, but I'd like to add a few more observations that may not be as gung-ho as most of the posters in this thread. I'm focusing mostly on the "newbies" (i.e., freshman + Ice). I think all of the veterans except Amari looked outstanding and ready to go for the season.
  1. Is Ashlynn Shade really Kelly Faris V2.0, as many Boneyarders have suggested? I don't think so. Obviously, she is similar insofar as she plays intelligently, has the same ruggedness because she is in such good physical shape, knows her role and sticks to it, and always gives 100% hustle. But to my eyes she is much less athletic than Kelly was (running speed, quickness in changing direction, leaping ability). She is also an inch or two shorter than Kelly. That means she is unlikely ever to defend on the perimeter or rebound as well as Kelly did. She will be a valuable member of the team for four years, and she may turn out to be a better outside shooter than Kelly was before her senior year, but there is a definite ceiling on her realistic contributions.
  2. Can K.K. Arnold live up to her press releases? I say "unqualified yes" to this question. She is just as lightning-fast, quick, and relentless on defense as she has been described. Two skills that I saw which I don't recall seeing in the advance press are her ball-handling in traffic and her passing. There were several times when she had contested possession of the ball, where it could easily have been stolen from her, but she came out of the scrum with the ball. And she made some finishing passes that Paige or Nika would be proud of. The only thing that I didn't see from her was outside shooting. If that is a real problem and defenses figure it out, it will limit her minutes because no one will guard her closely.
  3. Is "Q" (Qadence Samuels) an Aubrey-in-waiting? I say Yes. I think she will have a year very similar to Aubrey's freshman year, with the same assets and limitations. She may be a better 3-point shooter than Aubrey is even now.
  4. Is Ice going to be in the top echelon of UConn forwards by the time she graduates (just as Aaliyah will be)? I say Yes to this question also. Ice is already a strong rebounder (as best as can be determined against this outmatched opposition). When she rebounds the ball, it stays rebounded. She plays intelligently and is not intimidated (again we need to see if this will be the case against top competition). I think Geno will eventually decide that UConn needs two "real" bigs against top competition, and therefore will play Aaliyah and Ice at the same time for long stretches. I would expect to see Aubrey and Caroline mostly at the "3", with roughly equal minutes. The "true" guards (Paige, Nika, Azzi, KK, Ashlynn, and Ines) can split the minutes at the 1 and 2 positions, with the first four of those obviously getting the dominant share against good competition.
  5. I am mystified by the mere 7 minutes given to Amari in a lopsided game. The only conclusion that seems plausible is that Geno still does not have confidence in her, based on her practice performance. In a game as non-competitive as this one, you would think he would give her enough minutes to get the rust out and develop some confidence. I guess that hasn't happened in the practices to date. So I hope that when Ayanna returns, she is much higher in Geno's pecking order.
 
Whose minutes would you take away to give her 10-15?
1-2 from everyone ? Just a thought. The same way everyone gets minutes. Execute in practice and execute when you're in a game.

Geno has said many times that we had players who had to play too many minutes last year and they won't be playing nearly as many minutes this year.

I'm expecting to see interesting lineups & combinations of talents on the floor. As long as we have kids with healthy bodies.

Tournament time, coach will be playing the best combination of player to get the win.
 
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Be prepared to be continually surprised. With how thin the team is in bigs, Edwards and Brady will almost never be on the floor together, particularly with how much talent the team has at the guard and wing positions. Carol and Aubrey will be taking turns at the four all season unless something dramatic happens; if they are not, the team is in big trouble.
I don’t think so but we’ll see
 
I attended the game in person, and I've read all the posts in this thread. Generally I agree with them, but I'd like to add a few more observations that may not be as gung-ho as most of the posters in this thread. I'm focusing mostly on the "newbies" (i.e., freshman + Ice). I think all of the veterans except Amari looked outstanding and ready to go for the season.
  1. Is Ashlynn Shade really Kelly Faris V2.0, as many Boneyarders have suggested? I don't think so. Obviously, she is similar insofar as she plays intelligently, has the same ruggedness because she is in such good physical shape, knows her role and sticks to it, and always gives 100% hustle. But to my eyes she is much less athletic than Kelly was (running speed, quickness in changing direction, leaping ability). She is also an inch or two shorter than Kelly. That means she is unlikely ever to defend on the perimeter or rebound as well as Kelly did. She will be a valuable member of the team for four years, and she may turn out to be a better outside shooter than Kelly was before her senior year, but there is a definite ceiling on her realistic contributions.
  2. Can K.K. Arnold live up to her press releases? I say "unqualified yes" to this question. She is just as lightning-fast, quick, and relentless on defense as she has been described. Two skills that I saw which I don't recall seeing in the advance press are her ball-handling in traffic and her passing. There were several times when she had contested possession of the ball, where it could easily have been stolen from her, but she came out of the scrum with the ball. And she made some finishing passes that Paige or Nika would be proud of. The only thing that I didn't see from her was outside shooting. If that is a real problem and defenses figure it out, it will limit her minutes because no one will guard her closely.
  3. Is "Q" (Qadence Samuels) an Aubrey-in-waiting? I say Yes. I think she will have a year very similar to Aubrey's freshman year, with the same assets and limitations. She may be a better 3-point shooter than Aubrey is even now.
  4. Is Ice going to be in the top echelon of UConn forwards by the time she graduates (just as Aaliyah will be)? I say Yes to this question also. Ice is already a strong rebounder (as best as can be determined against this outmatched opposition). When she rebounds the ball, it stays rebounded. She plays intelligently and is not intimidated (again we need to see if this will be the case against top competition). I think Geno will eventually decide that UConn needs two "real" bigs against top competition, and therefore will play Aaliyah and Ice at the same time for long stretches. I would expect to see Aubrey and Caroline mostly at the "3", with roughly equal minutes. The "true" guards (Paige, Nika, Azzi, KK, Ashlynn, and Ines) can split the minutes at the 1 and 2 positions, with the first four of those obviously getting the dominant share against good competition.
  5. I am mystified by the mere 7 minutes given to Amari in a lopsided game. The only conclusion that seems plausible is that Geno still does not have confidence in her, based on her practice performance. In a game as non-competitive as this one, you would think he would give her enough minutes to get the rust out and develop some confidence. I guess that hasn't happened in the practices to date. So I hope that when Ayanna returns, she is much higher in Geno's pecking order.
Quadence seems to be a talented player
But don’t see any comparison to aubrey
No where near the size or explosiveness
Aubrey even as a freshman had dominant
Athleticism
 
I attended the game in person, and I've read all the posts in this thread. Generally I agree with them, but I'd like to add a few more observations that may not be as gung-ho as most of the posters in this thread. I'm focusing mostly on the "newbies" (i.e., freshman + Ice). I think all of the veterans except Amari looked outstanding and ready to go for the season.
  1. I am mystified by the mere 7 minutes given to Amari in a lopsided game. The only conclusion that seems plausible is that Geno still does not have confidence in her, based on her practice performance. In a game as non-competitive as this one, you would think he would give her enough minutes to get the rust out and develop some confidence. I guess that hasn't happened in the practices to date. So I hope that when Ayanna returns, she is much higher in Geno's pecking order.
Perhaps this was the plan, based on the fact that she had back surgery this past summer?
 
I am just happy to see the team playing, especially Caroline. She was out there for 23 minutes, going hard. Love it!! Great to get everyone some minutes on the floor. I agree with everyone, the freshmen are going to be NICE!! KK and her on the ball defense. Ash with her toughness and rebounding. Q with her smoothness and confidence. I am loving Ice and her command of the post. She is going to be NICE as well. But I was just happy to see the team playing.
 
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I just finished watching the after game press conference and I’ve gotta say, Aaliyah is really an impressive young lady. I think she’s going to be a huge star in this game for a long time. I listened to her speak about the little girl who dressed up like her and it really opened my eyes as to what a great person she is.
The other thing that struck me was just how close this team is. They were very generous and solicitous of Ashlynn and her first game experience (Aaliyah actually reached over and patted her approvingly) and were laughing uproariously about Geno ranting about 20 fouls when they really only had 8! Aaliyah and Azzi both were so articulate and generous even in their answers to the reporters. I just can’t help but think this team is exceptional in ways far beyond their obvious basketball skills.
 
I attended the game in person, and I've read all the posts in this thread. Generally I agree with them, but I'd like to add a few more observations that may not be as gung-ho as most of the posters in this thread. I'm focusing mostly on the "newbies" (i.e., freshman + Ice). I think all of the veterans except Amari looked outstanding and ready to go for the season.
  1. Is Ashlynn Shade really Kelly Faris V2.0, as many Boneyarders have suggested? I don't think so. Obviously, she is similar insofar as she plays intelligently, has the same ruggedness because she is in such good physical shape, knows her role and sticks to it, and always gives 100% hustle. But to my eyes she is much less athletic than Kelly was (running speed, quickness in changing direction, leaping ability). She is also an inch or two shorter than Kelly. That means she is unlikely ever to defend on the perimeter or rebound as well as Kelly did. She will be a valuable member of the team for four years, and she may turn out to be a better outside shooter than Kelly was before her senior year, but there is a definite ceiling on her realistic contributions.
  2. Can K.K. Arnold live up to her press releases? I say "unqualified yes" to this question. She is just as lightning-fast, quick, and relentless on defense as she has been described. Two skills that I saw which I don't recall seeing in the advance press are her ball-handling in traffic and her passing. There were several times when she had contested possession of the ball, where it could easily have been stolen from her, but she came out of the scrum with the ball. And she made some finishing passes that Paige or Nika would be proud of. The only thing that I didn't see from her was outside shooting. If that is a real problem and defenses figure it out, it will limit her minutes because no one will guard her closely.
  3. Is "Q" (Qadence Samuels) an Aubrey-in-waiting? I say Yes. I think she will have a year very similar to Aubrey's freshman year, with the same assets and limitations. She may be a better 3-point shooter than Aubrey is even now.
  4. Is Ice going to be in the top echelon of UConn forwards by the time she graduates (just as Aaliyah will be)? I say Yes to this question also. Ice is already a strong rebounder (as best as can be determined against this outmatched opposition). When she rebounds the ball, it stays rebounded. She plays intelligently and is not intimidated (again we need to see if this will be the case against top competition). I think Geno will eventually decide that UConn needs two "real" bigs against top competition, and therefore will play Aaliyah and Ice at the same time for long stretches. I would expect to see Aubrey and Caroline mostly at the "3", with roughly equal minutes. The "true" guards (Paige, Nika, Azzi, KK, Ashlynn, and Ines) can split the minutes at the 1 and 2 positions, with the first four of those obviously getting the dominant share against good competition.
  5. I am mystified by the mere 7 minutes given to Amari in a lopsided game. The only conclusion that seems plausible is that Geno still does not have confidence in her, based on her practice performance. In a game as non-competitive as this one, you would think he would give her enough minutes to get the rust out and develop some confidence. I guess that hasn't happened in the practices to date. So I hope that when Ayanna returns, she is much higher in Geno's pecking order.
Agree with everything but the Farris/Ashlyn comparison. I don’t think they are anything alike but I do think Ashlyn is much more athletic than Farris. A better comparison for Ashlyn imo is Shea Ralph. Obviously not as good but similar styles of play.
 
Great to see the team actually playing a game. Loved the announcing and they had the score, etc. It was great camerawork, and clear etc. Thanks to the UCONN staff or whoever for putting it all together!

Loved seeing our 5 starters our there. Caroline getting the start over Aubrey was a surprise to me. But the core 8 - just wow.

Everyone had their moments. No need to be overly analytical as it's the first real game in the States. Wonderful to see them all out there!!

OF the kids we haven't seen before, flashes from all of them. Ice and KK - they are gonna be part of the core players. Super bright future. Q and Ashlynn showed flashes, but putting all the subs on the floor together is NOT a good look at this time. Ashlynn plays HARD and when she knocks down some shots, can be very good on the floor as well. Q also plays hard and has a nice stroke.

Oh and kudos to SCSU for making the trip. They have some good shooters and play solid fundamental basketball!
Your last sentence paragraph---KUDOs! I agree a highly out classed in talent, but played like PRO's and effort to the end. If they don't make their league standup and shout--shame on their league--I'm still standing for their effort.
KK and many of the Sophs and Frosh impressed me with their Passing. Q, Quedence Samuels--I like she never quits shooting. Ice, Miss Indiana Slade, I like, When the first 7 are not performing--Geno has a lot to use. I hope 2, 12, 25 see lots of PT early because they can be factors come April. Paige I worried about, 33 Caroline I worried about--Not so much after this.
 
Be prepared to be continually surprised. With how thin the team is in bigs, Edwards and Brady will almost never be on the floor together, particularly with how much talent the team has at the guard and wing positions. Carol and Aubrey will be taking turns at the four all season unless something dramatic happens; if they are not, the team is in big trouble.
I have to agree. With no Jana and Amari looking the same, it appears the strategy is that Edwards and Ice will trade off at the 5. I still think they could play together in short stints if neither are in foul trouble.

Then it looks like Aubrey and Caroline at the 4 with probably Patterson eventually working her way there to get into the mix. This could allow Caroline some minutes at her natural 3.
 
If Coach makes that conscious decision, I'm with you all the way, that could work great with this talent. But do you think it's an approach he's historically been very comfortable with? There's a difference between having a starting five and three players who routinely get early minutes vs. an 8 player rotation.
Fans are locked in on Geno's 8 rotation--very much like:
1. Geno shall never play UTenn
2. Geno shall never uses Transfers--Lou, Dorka??
3. Geno's lock into an 8 rotation--not on your life\
Geno just when you think you have him figured out. Changes.
Guess what? Geno is human, humans evolve, humans change, humans are NOT predictable.
AND Geno isn't always Right. Nor does he motivate the un motivate-able if recorded history is correct!
 
.-.
  1. Is Ashlynn Shade really Kelly Faris V2.0, as many Boneyarders have suggested? I don't think so. Obviously, she is similar insofar as she plays intelligently, has the same ruggedness because she is in such good physical shape, knows her role and sticks to it, and always gives 100% hustle. But to my eyes she is much less athletic than Kelly was (running speed, quickness in changing direction, leaping ability). She is also an inch or two shorter than Kelly. That means she is unlikely ever to defend on the perimeter or rebound as well as Kelly did. She will be a valuable member of the team for four years, and she may turn out to be a better outside shooter than Kelly was before her senior year, but there is a definite ceiling on her realistic contributions.

You are a tough critic! Already putting a ceiling on a freshman's contribution after 1 (exhibition game).

  1. Is "Q" (Qadence Samuels) an Aubrey-in-waiting? I say Yes. I think she will have a year very similar to Aubrey's freshman year, with the same assets and limitations. She may be a better 3-point shooter than Aubrey is even now.

I also don't see the similarity between Qadence's and Aubrey's games at all. Qadence is a shooter and is not shy about taking the open shot, even in her first game, something Aubrey is still hesitating even today in her 5th year.
 
While this team doesn't have a Stewart, Stokes type of shot blocker underneath, this team has the potential to be scary good on defense. With Muhl's on-ball defense and then Paige and Ducharme's length in the passing lane, they can be very disruptive. Edwards and Brady look solid underneath. Fudd looks like she is the most vulnerable on defense, but her approach is solid. The freshman bring energy and speed and look like they are going to be pests and then you have Griffin who can be a nightmare for opposing players.

I just hope they stay healthy because this team could be really fun to watch.
 
I was at the game. Good attendance for an exhibition game, and student section filled top and bottom.

Player introductions seemed a little different - "basketball capital of the world" flag unfurled on the floor and mini fireworks shooting over two UConn signs on the floor. Don`t remember that from last year. Like the new court.

Paige was introduced last and the noise was tremendous. As it should have been. Goose bump time.

High points - Paige`s first hoop in front of the student section and mini celebration with them. Man, do they love her. Aubrey stealing the inbounds pass to begin the second half and going in for the score - so the team on defense had scored at the 9:55 mark.

Low point - Ines` behind the back pass that didn`t connect. Oops.

No injuries! Nika took a couple of awkward falls but got up ok. She was flexing her left leg on the bench after the second one but I don`t think it is anything. Paige was in a bit of a scrum right before she came out but she looked fine as well.

Paige looks bigger and Caroline has trimmed down. Watched Caroline closely in warmups, she was making everything. Boom, boom, boom. This team could score 120 on a hot night.

The freshman, including Ice, were impressive. KK especially, she is a ball of energy. Plenty to work on, but they can contribute because they can all play defense. KK and Ashlynn are both quick, strong, aggressive, and form a formidable backcourt defensively. They can contribute on the offensive end as well, but it would be wise to pair them with proven scorers when they are on the court for now. It looks to me like this group is further along on the learning curve defensively than offensively. But the offense will come with them, they are certainly capable.

The veterans look absolutely raring and ready to go. Aaliyah and Aubrey were dominant. Azzi disappears for a while and then shows up and starts making everything. Paige is at another level. Nika is what we know her to be and that`s awesome.

Sign of the times, there were 126 shots taken and 69 were threes, or 55%. A lot of it was that that was what Southern`s offense could produce, but 49% of UConn`s shots were threes. Lots of layups, too. Midrange, not so much.

UConn was 18-22 from the foul line, including 9-10 from our new players. Southern was 1-1. UConn outrebounded Southern 53-25.

Looking forward to Dayton. Would not be surprised if ten players see action in the first half.
 
I don’t get too fussy about the frosh this early in their career. What struck me about all of them is that they did not seem intimidated or gun shy. That is a great sign. Obviously KK seems ready to be a prime time player and Ice has the build and skill to contribute major minutes. Shade and Samuels don’t disappear. Granted it was SCSU, it was still a game against decent players. Maybe the Europe trip has played a part in their feeling comfortable. There should be plenty of games, especially in conference, when they get to play some extended minutes and not just with each other like today which was bound to be a little ugly.

Paige, can we sign her to a 10 year deal? So good. Such great vision. .
 
In defense of Ashlynn, since I’m probably the first person to make the comparison to Kelly Faris, it’s true that she’s not as quick and is a little shorter 5’9” vs 5’11”. Speed is not her thing. She’s also probably a better perimeter shooter, at least at this point in her career, though I think Ashlynn will turn out to be absolutely better from 3.

But the main thing about her that reminds me of Kelly is that she is a total ball hawk. Somehow she’s always around loose balls, and she has really strong hands. Once she gets her hands on the ball it doesn’t usually come loose.

She’s also a sure handed ball handler, like Kelly was. She may not have KK’s twitchy quick first step, but when she gets the ball in her hands, it is safe. She’s used to being the go to player on a team, and that means ball security is high on her list of priorities. There were a couple of times when she ended bringing the ball up the floor and it seemed to settle everything down. I wouldn’t look for her to lead a fast break. But in a half court set I think she’ll be very reliable.

So, she’s not exactly like Kelly was. But they share that same salient feature of being ball hawks. Somehow, I think that matters more than all the rest.
 
I was at the game. Good attendance for an exhibition game, and student section filled top and bottom.

Player introductions seemed a little different - "basketball capital of the world" flag unfurled on the floor and mini fireworks shooting over two UConn signs on the floor. Don`t remember that from last year. Like the new court.

Paige was introduced last and the noise was tremendous. As it should have been. Goose bump time.

High points - Paige`s first hoop in front of the student section and mini celebration with them. Man, do they love her. Aubrey stealing the inbounds pass to begin the second half and going in for the score - so the team on defense had scored at the 9:55 mark.

Low point - Ines` behind the back pass that didn`t connect. Oops.

No injuries! Nika took a couple of awkward falls but got up ok. She was flexing her left leg on the bench after the second one but I don`t think it is anything. Paige was in a bit of a scrum right before she came out but she looked fine as well.

Paige looks bigger and Caroline has trimmed down. Watched Caroline closely in warmups, she was making everything. Boom, boom, boom. This team could score 120 on a hot night.

The freshman, including Ice, were impressive. KK especially, she is a ball of energy. Plenty to work on, but they can contribute because they can all play defense. KK and Ashlynn are both quick, strong, aggressive, and form a formidable backcourt defensively. They can contribute on the offensive end as well, but it would be wise to pair them with proven scorers when they are on the court for now. It looks to me like this group is further along on the learning curve defensively than offensively. But the offense will come with them, they are certainly capable.

The veterans look absolutely raring and ready to go. Aaliyah and Aubrey were dominant. Azzi disappears for a while and then shows up and starts making everything. Paige is at another level. Nika is what we know her to be and that`s awesome.

Sign of the times, there were 126 shots taken and 69 were threes, or 55%. A lot of it was that that was what Southern`s offense could produce, but 49% of UConn`s shots were threes. Lots of layups, too. Midrange, not so much.

UConn was 18-22 from the foul line, including 9-10 from our new players. Southern was 1-1. UConn outrebounded Southern 53-25.

Looking forward to Dayton. Would not be surprised if ten players see action in the first half.
They did the large banner and fireworks during introductions last year.
 
.-.
Pretty good effort by the ladies this afternoon. My take away is that the team has a got a lot of talent. I'll refrain from making any predictions based on one game against an over matched team, but I definitely now know that KK has the "it" factor.
 
Agree with everything but the Farris/Ashlyn comparison. I don’t think they are anything alike but I do think Ashlyn is much more athletic than Farris. A better comparison for Ashlyn imo is Shea Ralph. Obviously not as good but similar styles of play.
? On a team that had M. Moore, Auriemma once referred to Faris as his most athletic player. She probably defended the PF Alyssa Thomas and the PG Chelsea Gray better than any other wcbb player could. Gray was particularly demoralized, and we’ve seen what kind of pro she is.

Maybe you can excel at just defending small, quick guards without being particularly athletic, or just big, strong posts. To do both definitely requires a high level of athleticism.
 
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