UConn vs. DePaul post game

[BBallF]

Right. He lost Morrow to the two-headed monster of NIL and Tyler Phommachanh. Without her, this is a different team.

That was supposed to be TP, for Transfer Portal.

 

[Bills Fan]

I think that Clark would be a far better player were she coached by Coach Geno. Rough around the edges, makes too many poor passes and throws up shots that have no chance of going in- even for Clark. Paige has the polish.

Is anyone else surprised that Shade has surpassed KK Arnold's performance this year so decisively? Wasn't Arnold supposed to be the big freshman star?

This is why I hated to read the poll on the BY and was even more disappointed to see SNY do it with a bigger audience during a game. We should not be pitting one of our FR against another of our FR. They are BOTH doing great thing for us earlier in their careers than ever expected. Compare either of them to FR on other teams or Paige to Clark, fine but not against another Husky.

Ashlynn is doing great things but so is KK. They actually complement each others, having different strengths and we are lucky to have them both!

JMO

 

[BBallF]

I don’t think she has. They both are neck and neck to me with alternating good games be quiet games. KKs defense and passing make up for the scoring advantage Ash has imo.

Right. When you are the point guard you have to run the offense, set it up first, and distribute the ball. You are usually at the top of the key. You are not going to get a lot of shots and every time you take it yourself you seem like a ball hog. KK just needs to find that fine line where you shoot only good shots, drive when there is a clear path, and don't ever force it. She is obviously used to blowing by defenders in high school but this is different. A good pull up would go a long way here. She has one but doesn't shoot it enough.

 

[JonathanXIV]

I think that Clark would be a far better player were she coached by Coach Geno. Rough around the edges, makes too many poor passes and throws up shots that have no chance of going in- even for Clark. Paige has the polish.

Is anyone else surprised that Shade has surpassed KK Arnold's performance this year so decisively? Wasn't Arnold supposed to be the big freshman star?

Decisively? Think it's way to early to make that assessment. You only need to go back to the Seton Hall game for evidence to the contrary.

 

[HuskyNan]

Right. He lost Morrow to the two-headed monster of NIL and Tyler Phommachanh. Without her, this is a different team.

Darrione Rogers also transferred to the SEC, to Miss State

 

[BBallF]

It’s amazing how people on this board try to create controversy when there isn’t one
Saying something like Ashland shade has surpassed KK Arnold’s performance, so decisively is just plain silly
Shows a lack of understanding of basketball
I guess you just look at how many points somebody scores and decide there a better player
You can make the case very easily the KK has been the best freshman for UConn given the position she plays point guard, which is the hardest position to play
Additionally, her defense has been stellar
She’s been absolutely a key to Uconn, playing it, up-tempo style, her steals, deflections in ability to push pace and get into the paint has been very impressive at this point. It’s probably a better defensive player than Ashland Shade, who is still good by the way

I think that KK has been a better and more consistent defender all year but that Ash has been a better scorer and I think the reasons are simply that KK is a better defender and Ash is a better scorer. She has a better shot, quicker release, stronger short pull up, and moves better for the ball without the ball than KK. When you are the point you have other responsibilities, you give up the ball, have to distribute it, and have to stay in position to run the offense. KK is a smarter defender, gets through picks, switches better, and gets steals. In a given game, one can be more valuable than the other but I think the race for FOY is definitely still up in the air.

 

[Huskee11]

I was at the game and had the good fortune of being able to see it up and close.

One of the things that struck me today is how well the team plays in the open court and how it ran a "controlled" break today. They had a few breakaways but it was mostly the guards pushing the pace but in a measured way, looking for things to open up (which they oftentimes did) before DePaul had a chance to set up. Nika can push it like a bat out of hell but she has also learned when to wait for the trailing shooters.

I was also struck by how skilled Aaliyah is moving in a very small area right around the basket.

I could see and actually feel the intensity with which UConn plays, especially on defense. It feels methodical, deliberate, coordinated and almost business-like. There is no let up, it is constant, and it wears opponents down. KK and Shade have blended in so well because that is how they play.

I was also struck by watching Doug Bruno before the game. He was sitting on the bench about an hour before the game, appearing to be just soaking the incredible atmosphere in. When the UConn players were introduced, I noticed that he was standing apart, soaking that in as well. He has great admiration for his friend and for the entire program.

Incredibly this was their first game at Gampel since Ball State on December 6. That should not happen.

 

[Bone Dog]

I loved seeing Amari play today. That little baby hook was a thing of beauty. She made some mistakes and was moving slowly after a bit. She also got some rebounds, boxed out, blocked or changed a few shots. 8 points 5 rebounds is light years from where she was a month ago. She's not as mobile as I'd like to see, and she runs the floor stiffly, or maybe it would be better to say gingerly. I might even say she runs like someone whose back still hurts.

At one point, she worked to get low post position and reached for a pass but couldn't get to it. At first, I thought maybe she didn't put out enough effort. But it occurred to me that while she was busy muscling Jorie Allen (iirc) for position, with her legs pushing against Allen, she may not have been able to jump for that pass. She jumped for a few rebounds, so it's not like she's too stiff for that. But I think it's worth considering whether she doesn't still feel a bit limited in her movement, or perhaps isn't still in some discomfort.

 

[HuskyNan]

Paige isn’t the only one that has fans

 

[browns]

Kind of sad seeing DePaul as bad as they are..really overmatched against Uconn

 

[Zonepress]

I think that KK has been a better and more consistent defender all year but that Ash has been a better scorer and I think the reasons are simply that KK is a better defender and Ash is a better scorer. She has a better shot, quicker release, stronger short pull up, and moves better for the ball without the ball than KK. When you are the point you have other responsibilities, you give up the ball, have to distribute it, and have to stay in position to run the offense. KK is a smarter defender, gets through picks, switches better, and gets steals. In a given game, one can be more valuable than the other but I think the race for FOY is definitely still up in the air.

What u say makes perfect sense the kind of informed comment that makes the boneyard
Fun to read(better said than my post.)
Thank you

 

[Zonepress]

Kind of sad seeing DePaul as bad as they are..really overmatched against Uconn

Very hard to recruit in the big east
Especially high school players
Attendance is very low Haven’t looked at Depaul’s numbers but I saw a St. John’s home game that had attendance and I believe 187
Depaul relying on transfers and sometimes that works out and sometimes it doesn’t
Unfortunately, not this year

 

[ed4ourgirls]

Everyone loves Ashlynn.

Me too.

But forgive me for pointing out that she took the same number of shots from the
field today as did Paige, Aaliyah, and KK combined. She had been making 2 point
shots at 76% rate. Over the past two games it's been at a 44% rate. The 76% rate
is probably unrealistically high, but 44% is much lower than I'm sure she would like.

 

[oldude]

Everyone loves Ashlynn.

Me too.

But forgive me for pointing out that she took the same number of shots from the
field today as did Paige, Aaliyah, and KK combined. She had been making 2 point
shots at 76% rate. Over the past two games it's been at a 44% rate. The 76% rate
is probably unrealistically high, but 44% is much lower than I'm sure she would like.

Ashlynn is our “high volume shooter” kind of like that kid from Iowa….

 

[BRS24]

Did anyone catch Jana high five the bench after a made 3 then go behind to high five Aubrey?

 

[ThisJustIn]

If I had a game called against me that way I'd be upset as well. Unusual to see UConn get the benefit of such one-sided officiating like this fora change but thanks anyway: it does not even out.

Fouls are NOT supposed to be called equally on both teams. Doug's players hacked and were called for fouls. Are you suggesting that UConn should be called for fouls when they don't hack?

 

[Cuango]

A most enjoyable game. Finally playing at Gampel. This far into the season to play at Gampel. Inexcusable!!

Defense - outstanding. Continual pressure the whole game, well almost. Nika shuts down Peoples. Love it. Everybody eats!!!! After DePaul's early scoring, it was all over. 6 points in 23 seconds and another 12 - 0 run to close out the quarter. By halftime the game was over.

Most important was the bench getting significant minutes in the second half. Ice is getting there as is Q. Ines and Amari did well.

Next up Marquette.

Probably the best 11 minutes of Amari’s time at UConn! Very happy for her! It doesn’t change anything of course, but still, it surely made her happy and that makes me happy!

 

[Cuango]

It’s amazing how people on this board try to create controversy when there isn’t one
Saying something like Ashland shade has surpassed KK Arnold’s performance, so decisively is just plain silly
Shows a lack of understanding of basketball
I guess you just look at how many points somebody scores and decide there a better player
You can make the case very easily the KK has been the best freshman for UConn given the position she plays point guard, which is the hardest position to play
Additionally, her defense has been stellar
She’s been absolutely a key to Uconn, playing it, up-tempo style, her steals, deflections in ability to push pace and get into the paint has been very impressive at this point. It’s probably a better defensive player than Ashland Shade, who is still good by the way

Have to agree. While Ash had a good game tonight, somethng we’ve grown quite accustomed to, KK has also become a critical part of this team’s success. The fact that Ash tends to score more means nothing. I really don’t want to compare them in that way as both contribute in different but equally important ways to the overall effectiveness of this team! KK provides this team with something we’ve been missing for a long time! That is, of course, speed! Not just ordinary speed either. KK brings speed like we haven’t seen since Mo! My fondest hope is that they will be cowinners of the Big East Rookie of the Year award!

 

[Notyetready]

I found it encouraging that Amari committed only one foul and zero turnovers in her 11 minutes of play. Her hook shot was better and she seemed to have more confidence. Good for her.

 

[Redux]

fouls

You (and others) saw a different game. It happens; no big deal. My opinions sometimes change when I rewatch a game but that didn't happen this time. UConn got a free pass for the afternoon and DePaul got some tickytack and phantom calls. YMMV.

 

[OldSchooler]

Regarding copyright protections, are we SNY-deprived out-of-towners now to assume that there is no longer a way to view legitimately even a 6- or 7-minute video highlight of games?

 

[HuskyNan]

Regarding copyright protections, are we SNY-deprived out-of-towners now to assume that there is no longer a way to view legitimately even a 6- or 7-minute video highlight of games?

Highlights have been posted in another thread.

Are we done talking about the game?

 

[Zarathustra]

I don’t think she has. They both are neck and neck to me with alternating good games be quiet games. KKs defense and passing make up for the scoring advantage Ash has imo.

Teammates complement each other's game. This is not an "EITHER/ OR" but "BOTH".
I agree with hoopsnloops32. Looks like a CO-BIG East Freshman POY (IMO). GO TEAM!!
GO KK!! GO ASH!!

 

[PJCLaw]

Probably the best 11 minutes of Amari’s time at UConn! Very happy for her! It doesn’t change anything of course, but still, it surely made her happy and that makes me happy!

I concur!

 

[npignatjr]

Muhl on Peoples? Sorry about your luck Anaya. Zero points when guarded by Nika.

DePaul is a perfect example of a school that can’t compete with the transfer portal and NIL They just don’t have the talent to match up with UCONN.

I know Caitlin Clark is getting the national commercials and a media darling (and a great player) but I tend to think Paige is better. Paige is a little more consistent and more versatile.

Foul shooting has taken a noticeable upturn. The missed layup issue has returned at least for today.

There are probably some places that are comparable but the home atmosphere at UCONN is consistently the best in the country. A knowledgable, loud crowd that mostly stays until the end.

Ines didn't play great but wow does she have quick hands.

DePaul is a perfect example of a school that can’t compete with the transfer portal and NIL.
With the exception of UConn the schools in the big East can't compete

 

[npignatjr]

Geno on the sidelines said this huge thing: "I play her alot because I trust her." Referring to Ash.

It only took 3 loses and injuries

 

[oldude]

DePaul is a perfect example of a school that can’t compete with the transfer portal and NIL.
With the exception of UConn the schools in the big East can't compete

Sadly, many BE schools, like many “mid-majors” around the country, have effectively become farm teams for P-5 schools, losing their best players to greener pastures elsewhere.

 

[npignatjr]

Sadly, many BE schools, like many “mid-majors” around the country, have effectively become farm teams for P-5 schools, losing their best players to greener pastures elsewhere.

With all the complaints about the AAC those schools are all, across all sports and their venues, trending up much better than the NBE.

 

[oldude]

With all the complaints about the AAC those schools are all, across all sports and their venues, trending up much better than the NBE.

The difference is the additional revenue from D1 football programs. Several AAC schools have migrated to P5 conferences where television revenue leads to alumni collectives that fund very competitive NIL deals for athletes.