UConn to open with Stanford

[Carnac]

Why Does Kim Mulkey dodge UConn?

When you're trying to build confidence in your team (especially a young one), a win will do that better than anything else, plus it gives you something to build on for the next game. We've shared thoughts and ideas as to why Mukey schedules "soft" opponents every year. It maybe because she wants to assist some of the smaller programs in the area that could really use the financial $tipend they get from Baylor for traveling to Waco for a game.

It could be (as some have suggested here) that Mulkey uses the pre-conference portion of the season to train, coach and develop the new incoming players on her team. Using these games to develop rhythm and chemistry. It also provides them fresh game film to watch and critique. Showing her players the good and bad things they did against someone else beside follow teammates in practice.

Or, maybe she wants to begin conference play with a perfect 13-0 record. She's done that the last few years, and has received a #1 seed each time. Regardless of what you may think about Mulkey, know this, she's not stupid. She is very good coach that knows the game, and knows exactly what she is doing.

ANYTIME you play UConn, there is a real good chance you're going to get beat. Depending on the severity of the loss, it may push you all the way back to square one. Some coaches don't want to suffer that kind of humiliation and defeat. You run and practice hard all week, only to have your butt handed to you on a plate, with a 50+ point loss, it can be very humbling.

Some teams play UConn and use the experience as an opportunity to learn (and grow) how to play at the next level. Who better to learn that from than UConn?
It's much different watching a game from the floor, than from the stands. Lubbock Christian played an exhibition game against the huskies to begin the 20115-2016 season. They took a 95-39 arse whuppin and parlayed that experience into an undefeated 35-0 championship season in Division 2. So, go figure.
One more reason Mulkey shies away from UConn, she doesn't like to lose.

 

[cbraarj]

That was then this is NOW.
If we want to go backwards and look at losses---well , ND won 7 of 8 in the 2012/13 era--
But We don't want to go there, do we?? Uconn took care of that with the NC victory over Diggin's ND team.

Did you read why I posted that! Bags said they NEVER lost to Stanford in the !st or 2nd game of the season! 2014 They did!

 

[Zanzman]

Did you read why I posted that! Bags said they NEVER lost to Stanford in the !st or 2nd game of the season! 2014 They did!

You need to see the sarcasm emoji

 

[BroadwayVa]

Im glad none of you are coaching uconn because M Jefferson would've road the bench her 4yrs.

I suggest those that think Danger is more of a liability than Moriah as a Frosh---please look at the ND games in her frosh year 2013--Moriah that that is! I was as much, maybe a bit more, of a Moriah booster than as I am now a Danger supporter-- Also look at the OOC games last fall that Danger was in--they are enlightening.
The amount of time Danger was given in those games--is an indicator of Geno's belief in Danger; as does the NCAA games Elite 8, FF minutes Danger endured .
I don't believe Danger would have rode/ridden the bench much longer than Moriah did as a frosh--not a statistician so I don't have numbers, excluding her concussion, to back this up--just re-watching the games mentioned above.
The road Danger has taken to get better should preclude her riding the bench--as Geno rides her about her abilities to play.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Danger's defense and shot are still issues for me. The ankle was definitely a factor in U 19 though, so I'm cautiously optimistic.[/QUOTE\\

I tend to agree that Danger's defense isn't comparable to Moriah as a Junior or senior--or Gabby's right now. She has a lot to learn, and she is learning. Her real liability is her size and unlike Moriah--she doesn't jump and stuff--or at least we haven't seen it yet.
But if you'll look as some of the final 6 or so game Dangers had a nice jumper and a less often used 3. But here too you are correct--we have not seen her shot very often--over the years, other than top Uconn stars, freshmen as did less often used players--in tough situations pass the ball in circles (a CPTV segment) with none wanting to take the shot. Erwin is one bright exception.
Obviously, my expectations for Danger are high, not Moriah high, but high. I tend to believe Geno has the same level of expectation based on his words this summer and the amount of big game time Danger played last spring and winter. I will not bet the house on this expectation--but I have high hopes. (Few to day want to purchase a tumbled down shack in the Virginia hinterland)

 

[nwhoopfan]

as they are not returning 4 starters and 3 All Americans

Huh? 3 All Americans? Who? I think they had maybe 1, and they didn't lose 4 starters. They will definitely miss McCall and Samuelson. Roberson is easily replaceable. Sniezek has been a part time starter during her 2 years and is a much better PG than Roberson ever was. McPhee and Johnson are returning starters, and by the end of last season Smith was actually their best post player, not McCall. So they have a core of 4 very experienced players, 2 Sr. and 2 Jr., who almost certainly will be starters next year. Add to that 3 highly touted rising sophs and 3 highly touted freshmen, and you've got plenty of talent and plenty of experience. They will probably get better as the season progresses, as most teams do, but they should be competitive right out of the gate.

 

[Tonyc]

Just a couple of notes on Height on the team. Last season imo Geno showed how great of a coach he is because he didnt have height and beat teams who believe they need to stack their teams with height. True many of those tall players cant shoot consistently outside a few feet from the basket. When I look at Steph Dolsen and how Geno developed her into a very good inside player, passer and into a consistent outside shooter well you dont need to say much more. She made the WNBA and looking at her freshman year and looking at her now the improvement is amazing.

As for Ohio St. Like a few programs in WCBB it is a mess. We'll leave it at that. Top players transfering like some other programs is an indication to me that the problems are internal. One other point. UConn would beat Ohio St by 50. Stanford would offer a much more conpetitive game. I dont think Ohio St losing by 50 is something they want to entertain. JMO

This season UConn is far above any other team in WCBB. With the incoming class and transfers its a Great Big WOW. Once again the only way imo UConn loses if they play poorly. There isnt a team that can beat them this season. Foul trouble this season shouldnt be a problem because of UConns depth. Barring injuries this year should be another undefeated season and most likely so will the following year. UConn has a few players who could be NPOY and a couple of freshman who will be in the running for NFOY. Geno continues to raise the bar in WCBB and no other teams are even close to reaching it. Geno continues to beat his best. It seems everytime he sets a record with his team his team breaks it. Talk about over achieving. So now we wait til the season beings.

 

[meyers7]

No such thing.
Sarcasm is strictly grad-level material.

So it would seem.

 

[Geew1992]

Huh? 3 All Americans? Who? I think they had maybe 1, and they didn't lose 4 starters. They will definitely miss McCall and Samuelson. Roberson is easily replaceable. Sniezek has been a part time starter during her 2 years and is a much better PG than Roberson ever was. McPhee and Johnson are returning starters, and by the end of last season Smith was actually their best post player, not McCall. So they have a core of 4 very experienced players, 2 Sr. and 2 Jr., who almost certainly will be starters next year. Add to that 3 highly touted rising sophs and 3 highly touted freshmen, and you've got plenty of talent and plenty of experience. They will probably get better as the season progresses, as most teams do, but they should be competitive right out of the gate.

I think the poster meant Uconn has 3 all Americans and 4 returning starters

 

[meyers7]

[QUOTE="nwhoopfan, post: 2295622, member: 7894"]Huh? 3 All Americans? Who? I think they had maybe 1, and they didn't lose 4 starters. They will definitely miss McCall and Samuelson. Roberson is easily replaceable. Sniezek has been a part time starter during her 2 years and is a much better PG than Roberson ever was. McPhee and Johnson are returning starters, and by the end of last season Smith was actually their best post player, not McCall. So they have a core of 4 very experienced players, 2 Sr. and 2 Jr., who almost certainly will be starters next year. Add to that 3 highly touted rising sophs and 3 highly touted freshmen, and you've got plenty of talent and plenty of experience. They will probably get better as the season progresses, as most teams do, but they should be competitive right out of the gate.[/QUOTE]
That would be Williams, Samuelson and Collier. You may want to read that post again. It was pretty early in the morning, maybe you were half asleep.

"they (meaning Stanford) are not returning 4 starters and 3 All American (like UCONN is)"

 

[Jim R]

Just a couple of notes on Height on the team. Last season imo Geno showed how great of a coach he is because he didnt have height and beat teams who believe they need to stack their teams with height. True many of those tall players cant shoot consistently outside a few feet from the basket. When I look at Steph Dolsen and how Geno developed her into a very good inside player, passer and into a consistent outside shooter well you dont need to say much more. She made the WNBA and looking at her freshman year and looking at her now the improvement is amazing.

As for Ohio St. Like a few programs in WCBB it is a mess. We'll leave it at that. Top players transfering like some other programs is an indication to me that the problems are internal. One other point. UConn would beat Ohio St by 50. Stanford would offer a much more conpetitive game. I dont think Ohio St losing by 50 is something they want to entertain. JMO

This season UConn is far above any other team in WCBB. With the incoming class and transfers its a Great Big WOW. Once again the only way imo UConn loses if they play poorly. There isnt a team that can beat them this season. Foul trouble this season shouldnt be a problem because of UConns depth. Barring injuries this year should be another undefeated season and most likely so will the following year. UConn has a few players who could be NPOY and a couple of freshman who will be in the running for NFOY. Geno continues to raise the bar in WCBB and no other teams are even close to reaching it. Geno continues to beat his best. It seems everytime he sets a record with his team his team breaks it. Talk about over achieving. So now we wait til the season beings.

You are being generous when you limit it to last season. When was the last time we had two starters 6'3" or taller? Unlike some of our opponents, other than the Lobo/Walters teams, while we've have some outstanding "5"s, (Centers - Charles & Dolson to name couple - not to mention Stewie's freakish length, but, as we know, while she patrolled the paint, she was anything but a "5"), we've never really had the dominant height of many of our opponents. And, as mentioned in a previous post, while it seemed they simply wanted it more than we did, Miss St exploited our lack of size, as well as any team has. It says a lot that we've, for the most part had special 5'10"-6'2" players like Maya, Tuck, Asjha, Tamika, Ashley, Kalana, and many other undersized front line players, winning the battle on the boards, time and again, against bigger opponents. Now, don't get me wrong, rebounding is about a lot more than height, but, it certainly helps. Like any contest, you've got to have the foundation of fundamentals, excellent coaching, and the want to - heart, and our staff and culture bring out the best in our teams. But, truth be told, I'd sure like a bit more height - let's just call it a "hedge bet". Having said that, its hard to argue with Geno's championship formula. Again, with this season approaching, we can enjoy the speculation on just how good this version of our UCONN Huskies will be

 

[Carnac]

LOL! Well, I'm not sure I have the answer but I'll give it a shot...

There are very few teams who have 6'4" or 6'5" TRUE centers - big players who have no shot outside of 3' around the basket (basically layups). UCONN almost ran the tables last year with no post player taller than 6'1". They did it with Gabby and Napheesa patrolling the paint - sometimes 1 on 1, sometimes double teaming. And in spite of that, with virtually no bench depth, they were a hair away from the NC game.

When I talk about depth, I am referring to legit players who Geno could rely on in big games. Last year he basically went 6 deep, 7 if you count Butler. Against Miss State, Butler logged only 6 minutes. Danger logged 17 minutes. This year IMHO he will have 9 legit players who he will be able to rely on in big games - 4 returning stars of Nurse, Pheesa, KLS, and Gabby. Then 4 top level newbies in Azura, Batouly, Megan and Mikayla. And then sophomore leap from Danger. I am not discounting contributions from the other 4 - AEH, Gordon, Bent or Irwin, but unless they come to campus showing something dramatic that we've never seen before, they won't see the court against the likes of SC, Texas, Baylor, ND, Stanford, OSU, etc.

Regardless of who you think starts, we add 2 players 6'2" or taller. I don't know how Geno will deploy his defense, but given that we don't have Charli Collier this year (a true post presence), Geno will have to mix and match. UCONN has traditionally had the best defense of any team in WCBB, and it's something they do literally every year. Without the luxury of a 6'5" true center, as usual, Geno will be the master of getting his team to play the best defense in the nation, and that's not even counting the danger these kids will present for other teams on offense. The talent we have is so superior to every other team out there that even a lesser coach could probably win the NC with that. THAT'S how confident I am of this team.

Real depth is a wonderful and meaningful asset for any team to have. As you stated, last year, UConn had none. Dangerfield and Butler, that was it. Geno and staff knew the short comings and limitations of that team. That's why he kept saying early in the season, that a big loss would serve that team well. He was right. But that loss came too late. The timing could not have been worse.

That's why he just smiled after the final buzzer against Miss St, because he knew that team over achieved all year, and they came within two games of pulling off a very improbable run.

At the beginning of the season, few envisioned UConn even getting to the final four, let alone arriving there undefeated. Most of UConn's OOC games should be decided midway through the 4th quarter. As you said, I also expect the bench to see limited spot duty during the first 13 games. Camara and Dangerfield/Stevens (which ever of these two that does not start) will be the 6th & 7th man off the bench. The bench players will cut their teeth on conference games. Barring injury, this year's team should live up to its expectations, and the NC should be UConn's for the taking.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

That's why he just smiled after the final buzzer against Miss St, because he knew that team over achieved all year, and they came within two games of pulling off a very improbable run.

At the beginning of the season, few envisioned UConn even getting to the final four, let alone arriving there undefeated.

Undefeated, no. Final Four, possibly. But I don't agree with the idea that the run was improbable or that a loss had to occur. There were many unknowns heading into the season but it was clear after a while that they were the best team in the nation and all the metrics bear that out. Certainly no case can be made that South Carolina or Mississippi State were better teams than UConn.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Didn't UConn finish the season ranked 3rd behind South Carolina and Mississippi State? Clearly some thought UConn was not better than those two teams.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Didn't UConn finish the season ranked 3rd behind South Carolina and Mississippi State? Clearly some thought UConn was not better than those two teams.

Pretty sure you know the final rankings were a result of who made the title game. What makes either of those teams better than UConn? The fact that MSU eeked out an overtime win?

 

[UConnCat]

As Geno said after UConn defeated Notre Dame in the FF semis in 2013, "that's what's great about the NCAA tournament . . . for just this one night we needed to be better than them and we were."

 

[Carnac]

Undefeated, no. Final Four, possibly. But I don't agree with the idea that the run was improbable or that a loss had to occur. There were many unknowns heading into the season but it was clear after a while that they were the best team in the nation and all the metrics bear that out. Certainly no case can be made that South Carolina or Mississippi State were better teams than UConn.

I'm going back to last summer. In the weeks leading up to the beginning of the season, I do remember many posters and commenters here in the yard, as well as media columnists that I read, with the exception of a scant few extreme UConn pessimists, no one believed that UConn was going to go undefeated or win championship #12. Our most learned, informed, realistic and respected long time posters here in the yard did not believe UConn was going into the Christmas break without a loss or two. Baylor was the elephant in the room early in the season because they were game #2 on the schedule. They were thought to be too big, too experienced for UConn to beat. There was also Notre Dame and Maryland. Florida State was thought to be formidable, (and they were), but was not thought to be a real threat (only a last second block by Collier preserved the win). UConn played 7 top 25 programs before conference play. Nobody saw the Feb 18 "scare" at Tulane that UConn very nearly lost (63-60) coming. NOBODY saw the Florida State or Tulane game as near losses when the schedule came out.

With the loss of 3/5 of their starting line up, UConn was seen as "toothless" and vulnerable by some observers. You had no returning All-Americans coming back, and you had no depth. It was not known at the time who the 3 new starters would be. Saniya Chong was NOT a consensus to be one of the 3 starters that would join Nurse and Samuelson. Most thought Butler for sure, and some even thought Dangerfield would start. I read every post last summer (here in the yard) concerning and predicting UConn's performance that year.

I know you're close to the program, a lot closer than me. But I do remember all but the most far out on the fringe optimistic posters saying that UConn would lose at least two games, and that a FF appearance was doubtful.
These debates went on daily. I remember Carnac predicting that "no team would go undefeated that year". I thought he was stepping way out there with that one, but he was right.

UConn didn't really know what kind of team they had until they beat Texas and Notre Dame. AFTER the ND win, then they started to realize what they had, and for the first time thought it might be possible to run the table, but they still had to get by Maryland and South Carolina (with the vaunted twin towers). Unlike THIS summer, that type of thinking was not prevalent. If you remember, according to Tom Creme, Notre Dame was ranked #1 going into the season followed by Louisville, South Carolina then UConn at #4. Followed by Texas Baylor and Maryland.

Creme wrote: "The season that the rest of women's basketball has waited for will finally arrive. The reign of Connecticut, at least as the dominant, immovable force in the game, is over. The 2016-17 season looks to be as wide open as any season in more than a decade (even in 2011, when Texas A&M and Notre Dame met for the championship, UConn and Baylor entered the season as big favorites). Certainly teams can change before next season tips off, with player transfers, coaching changes and injuries. But it's time to start looking ahead". Creme's analysis of UConn's team last year was shared by many in the media, as well as WCBB fans around the country.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I agree with what you are saying Scoop. Just saying that the perception of the team changed over the season, and rightly so.

 

[Carnac]

I agree with what you are saying Scoop. Just saying that the perception of the team changed over the season, and rightly so.

I agree....................as the season progressed.

 

[nwhoopfan]

Oops, I failed reading comprehension on this one. My apologies to Gate81.

 

[MebaneUCWBfan]

UConn's 13-game non-league schedule will also have it hosting California-Berkeley (Nov. 17), Maryland (Nov. 19), Notre Dame (Dec. 3), and Louisville (Feb. 12), visiting UCLA (Nov. 21), Nevada (Nov. 28), DePaul (Dec. 8), Texas (Jan. 15), and South Carolina (Feb. 1), and neutral site games with Michigan State in Eugene, Oregon (Nov. 25), Oklahoma at Mohegan Sun Arena (Dec. 19), and Duquesne in Toronto (Dec. 22).

The Huskies' 16-game American Athletic Conference schedule will have them playing five schools -- Central Florida, Memphis, South Florida, Temple and Tulane -- home and away, hosting Cincinnati, Tulsa, and Wichita State, while visiting East Carolina, Houston, and SMU.


Schedule switch: UConn to open with Stanford

Know when they'll announce dates? Need that ECU game date.

 

[Golden Husky]

Just a couple of notes on Height on the team. Last season imo Geno showed how great of a coach he is because he didnt have height and beat teams who believe they need to stack their teams with height. True many of those tall players cant shoot consistently outside a few feet from the basket. When I look at Steph Dolsen and how Geno developed her into a very good inside player, passer and into a consistent outside shooter well you dont need to say much more. She made the WNBA and looking at her freshman year and looking at her now the improvement is amazing.

As for Ohio St. Like a few programs in WCBB it is a mess. We'll leave it at that. Top players transfering like some other programs is an indication to me that the problems are internal. One other point. UConn would beat Ohio St by 50. Stanford would offer a much more conpetitive game. I dont think Ohio St losing by 50 is something they want to entertain. JMO

This season UConn is far above any other team in WCBB. With the incoming class and transfers its a Great Big WOW. Once again the only way imo UConn loses if they play poorly. There isnt a team that can beat them this season. Foul trouble this season shouldnt be a problem because of UConns depth. Barring injuries this year should be another undefeated season and most likely so will the following year. UConn has a few players who could be NPOY and a couple of freshman who will be in the running for NFOY. Geno continues to raise the bar in WCBB and no other teams are even close to reaching it. Geno continues to beat his best. It seems everytime he sets a record with his team his team breaks it. Talk about over achieving. So now we wait til the season beings.

Lose three All-Americans--the top three selections in the WNBA Draft, no less--lack height, depth and experience and still finish 36-1, coming within an overtime bucket of playing for the National Championship?Last season may have been Geno's greatest coaching achievement.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I agree with what you are saying Scoop. Just saying that the perception of the team changed over the season, and rightly so.

I posted early last four that Uconn would make the FF--in every big game I started doubting--that damn bench was an issue.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Lose three All-Americans--the top three selections in the WNBA Draft, no less--lack height, depth and experience and still finish 36-1, coming within an overtime bucket of playing for the National Championship?Last season may have been Geno's greatest coaching achievement.

An improbably basket, too many fouls, no one on the bench that could provide relief---and yet --as you say--in OT one louzy basket by the shortest kid on the floor--who da thunk it?? All in all a super great season by 12 great kids gave u us fun and excitement for 8 months

 

[oldude]

An improbably basket, too many fouls, no one on the bench that could provide relief---and yet --as you say--in OT one louzy basket by the shortest kid on the floor--who da thunk it?? All in all a super great season by 12 great kids gave u us fun and excitement for 8 months

Forget about OT. A single made free throw in regulation puts UConn in the national final last season. (the Huskies uncharacteristically missed a bunch of FT's vs MS St)

 

[BroadwayVa]

Forget about OT. A single made free throw in regulation puts UConn in the national final last season. (the Huskies uncharacteristically missed a bunch of FT's vs MS St)

t
The missed FT's most likely indicated : 1. Tired physically and mentally (long tough season no real bench) 2. Emotionally taken out of the game by MS early rather large lead. There is one other that I hesitate to list--those that actually watched the game can surmise what than may be.

 

[Carnac]

Lose three All-Americans--the top three selections in the WNBA Draft, no less--lack height, depth and experience and still finish 36-1, coming within an overtime bucket of playing for the National Championship?Last season may have been Geno's greatest coaching achievement.

Bridgeman, I think another one of Geno's best or finest coaching achievements was the 2010-2011 season. The No. 1 Huskies' historic win streak ended at 90 that year with a loss to Stanford, 71-59. They made it to the final four that year with only one loss. They lost again to Notre Dame in the semi-finals 72-63. Why was this season one of Geno's finest?

Because he went the the second half of the season using only 6 players. The starters: Dolson, Faris, Hayes, Moore and Hartley. Samarie Walker transferred to Kentucky at the Christmas break. Doty and Buck were injured, and did not dress. The bench consisted of Lauren Dixon, Michala Johnson and Lauren Engeln. Dixon was the 6th player, and the only player that came off the bench for the most part after the Christmas break.

With only six players, that meant the starters were expected to play 38-40 minutes EVERY GAME. No one could: get tired, get in foul trouble or get hurt. UConn went 36-2 that year. I don't remember if he did or not, but I though Geno EARNED, and should have received "Coach of the Year" for his team's performance that season.

How many other coaches in D1 WCBB could produce that kind of results, and go as far as UConn did that year (any year) with only 6 players? I believe Johnson and Englen transferred at the end of the season. I've always thought THAT season was one of Geno's finest ever. He got every ounce of potential from that team.

 

[UConnCat]

According to this Stanford release from August 26, the reasons for the change in opponent were "television logistics and team travel." My interpretation of this is that ESPN wanted the UConn game to be shown on its primary network channel (ESPN) in the 1:30 time slot. Doing so, however, would have meant that the Stanford v Louisville game would have to be the 2nd game of the doubleheader, or 4 pm which may have prevented Stanford from leaving Columbus that evening. Remember, Stanford will be in Columbus to play Ohio State on Friday night, November 10. I also suspect the event organizers wanted the host team, Ohio State, to play in the 2nd game to maximize the crowd for both games.

Cardinal to Play UConn

Matchups have changed for the Countdown to Columbus event at Nationwide Arena on Nov. 12 and Stanford will now face Connecticut instead of Louisville. The game between the Cardinal and Huskies will tip at 1:30 p.m. ET/10:30 a.m. PT and air on ESPN.

Team travel and television logistics required a change in opponents. When the Countdown to Columbus was first announced in April, the original matchups were Stanford against Louisville and Ohio State against Connecticut. The Cardinals and Buckeyes will now play following Stanford and Connecticut.

 

[WestCoastPup]

I also suspect the event organizers wanted the host team, Ohio State, to play in the 2nd game to maximize the crowd for both games.

Your comment is huge and true. Back in ~ 95 or 96 UConn played in a tournament at Stanford, where Stanford played in the first game and UConn in the second. The crowd was VASTLY smaller for the UConn game, which was televised and was a bit of a black eye for host... The arena had only a couple hundred people, while the Stanford game has a couple thousand...
I'm glad the home team is being a good host and helping maintain the crowds for both games.