UConn women’s basketball prepares for the 2021-22 season with the most post depth in years

[SVCBeercats]

Early in the article Alexa contrasts today team with the team two years ago. I liked it.

UConn women’s basketball prepares for the 2021-22 season with the most post depth in years

It wasn’t even two years ago that the UConn women’s basketball team started then-sophomore Olivia Nelson-Ododa and senior Kyla Irwin in the frontcourt for more than half of the season. …

www.courant.com

 

[MilfordHusky]

I'm trying to interpret this:

“Liv has gotten a lot better at the things she knew she needed to get better at,” Auriemma said. “She has spent a lot of time playing away from the basket and being able to make shots so that we have another threat other than people just really putting a lot of pressure on our guards, and that’s going to be a big key."

Will she be playing at the FT line or perimeter, while Liya and Dorka are banging inside?

 

[Charliebball]

I'm trying to interpret this:

“Liv has gotten a lot better at the things she knew she needed to get better at,” Auriemma said. “She has spent a lot of time playing away from the basket and being able to make shots so that we have another threat other than people just really putting a lot of pressure on our guards, and that’s going to be a big key."

Will she be playing at the FT line or perimeter, while Liya and Dorka are banging inside?

I'm thinking a tandem of ONO at the key and Edwards down low.........Dorka can handle either position

 

[Zinethar]

That was a great article with some insights into some of the players we rarely see mentioned. Yes I've seen several of the comments before but it was collected in a manor that put it all together well.

 

[eebmg]

I'm trying to interpret this:

“Liv has gotten a lot better at the things she knew she needed to get better at,” Auriemma said. “She has spent a lot of time playing away from the basket and being able to make shots so that we have another threat other than people just really putting a lot of pressure on our guards, and that’s going to be a big key."

Will she be playing at the FT line or perimeter, while Liya and Dorka are banging inside?

I hope it means she will be a threat out to the FT or further for shots or high/low action but also regularly dives into the post or drive from further out. Just overall versatility.

 

[Boreifs]

I hope it means she will be a threat out to the FT or further for shots or high/low action but also regularly dives into the post or drive from further out. Just overall versatility.

Dorka has already shown she can do that. She is the key to the team’s success.

 

[SVCBeercats]

I'm trying to interpret this:

“Liv has gotten a lot better at the things she knew she needed to get better at,” Auriemma said. “She has spent a lot of time playing away from the basket and being able to make shots so that we have another threat other than people just really putting a lot of pressure on our guards, and that’s going to be a big key."

Will she be playing at the FT line or perimeter, while Liya and Dorka are banging inside?

Well, there you have it! Geno, the great communicator! No wonder poor Olivia has struggled to reach her full potential. If you are having trouble interpreting this, just imagine the storm of confusion in Olivia's head.
Olivia will playing the high post with Aaliyah or Dorka in the low post. For example on a pick and roll if both defenders move with the cutter than Olivia is to make a jump shot from the high post. If she is successful, then the pressure on the guard is less, since Olivia now has to be guarded. Were UCONN's guards heavily pressured in the Arizona game? Was Olivia ineffective? Arizona found a weakness and exploited it. Also Olivia is just better away from the basket. Also she could be an assist machine!

 

[Inthepaint]

Using the vision her height gives her, screening and rolling to the basket, passing inside from the high post, Using her quickness to spin around defenders under the hoop, have all been her strengths. There are qualities that have kept her out on the court and starting the last two years. Her shortcomings don't automatically cancel out the positive contributions she makes.
Not providing the scoring required to pull defenders off Christyn, Paige & Evina in tight games, not being able (willing?) to impose herself in the low post (see Liya) against quality bigs, committing dubious fouls, are the major causes of our collective eye-rolling in the past.
Not sure who is currently working with the front court players (CD, Jamelle, Morgan?) to let them know what is expected of them, not only individually, but in the various combinations that will be appearing during a game.
Liv and Liya, Liya and Dorka, Dorka and Liv, Liv and Caroline, so forth and so on.
Our bigs will be juggling different responsibilities depending on who's on the court with them.
If we have the people to go in and take care of some aspects while leaving Liv to continue to do the things at which she excels (and gives the other team headaches) , why not use every weapon at our disposal rather than benching somebody ?

 

[eebmg]

Dorka has already shown she can do that. She is the key to the team’s success.

Does not mean Liv cant work on providing some of that as well while still being the best post defender / hoop protector and runner of the floor. Lot's of Keys

 

[Ozimoto]

I am anticipating how this all works out. On paper, the team should have few weaknesses (if any) and identified shortcomings in team makeup have been addressed. The ingredients are there. We just have to see how the master bakery chefs put together the ingredients and how the cake turns out.

(This post was put together with our gastronomically focused board members in mind. )

 

[D J B]

I am anticipating how this all works out. On paper, the team should have few weaknesses (if any) and identified shortcomings in team makeup have been addressed. The ingredients are there. We just have to see how the master bakery chefs put together the ingredients and how the cake turns out.

(This post was put together with our gastronomically focused board members in mind. )

 

[oldhusky]

I'm thinking a tandem of ONO at the key and Edwards down low.........Dorka can handle either position

This is a good analysis. Edwards is someone you can just dump the ball inside to. Dorka can post up or hit the mid-range jumper and as you state handle either position. With Dorka the question might be is she a good passer from the key. with Liv is she a good enough shooter from there.

By the way Aaliyah might be able to play either role as well, although I think that would only be considered when teamed with Dorka. Like Dorka passing would be the question, but I think the mid-range shot is coming along.

 

[UcMiami]

I'm trying to interpret this:

“Liv has gotten a lot better at the things she knew she needed to get better at,” Auriemma said. “She has spent a lot of time playing away from the basket and being able to make shots so that we have another threat other than people just really putting a lot of pressure on our guards, and that’s going to be a big key."

Will she be playing at the FT line or perimeter, while Liya and Dorka are banging inside?

Think Tina and Stef and Morgan and Gabby - Geno's preferred post players threaten from 15-20 feet so they pull defensive players out of the paint - McCowan trying to defend Morgan at the top of the key. Liv has displayed the shot but hasn't seemed to trust it yet.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

“Aubrey’s kind of in a unique situation,” Auriemma said. “She’s not your typical ball-handling guard who makes plays for other people, and she’s not a 6-3 post player that you can just throw the ball [to] in the post. She’s one of these kids who can play a lot of places on the floor and just has to find her comfort level right now.”

What the heck does that mean? Luckily he was not asked to comment on` Mir.

 

[#12in21]

Just finished watching a replay of the 12/8/98 game against Notre Dame. Similarities in terms of rooster size and depth of talent between that squad and this season. Geno had ten players rotating in and out throughout the game, with a few others added in the second half. Notre Dame had 21 turn overs in the first half and were facing double teamed players passing into another double team. Stifling defense, lots of deflections and steals. Uconn countered with a fast moving, tight passing offense with lots of finishes in the paint and threes dropping. Finished with 106 points, sixth 100 point game in first seven of the season. As an example of the quality of the depth of that team, sophomore Kelly Schumacher saw her first action in just over the last minute left of play, finishing with five consecutive points. Notre Dame finished with 81 points.

I'm pretty sure Geno and Chris remember how to get the most out of a deep talented rooster. Let the games begin!

 

[D J B]

Just finished watching a replay of the 12/8/98 game against Notre Dame. Similarities in terms of rooster size and depth of talent between that squad and this season. Geno had ten players rotating in and out throughout the game, with a few others added in the second half. Notre Dame had 21 turn overs in the first half and were facing double teamed players passing into another double team. Stifling defense, lots of deflections and steals. Uconn countered with a fast moving, tight passing offense with lots of finishes in the paint and threes dropping. Finished with 106 points, sixth 100 point game in first seven of the season. As an example of the quality of the depth of that team, sophomore Kelly Schumacher saw her first action in just over the last minute left of play, finishing with five consecutive points. Notre Dame finished with 81 points.

I'm pretty sure Geno and Chris remember how to get the most out of a deep talented rooster. Let the games begin!

You really, really don't want to mess with a deep talented rooster. They can be nasty.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Just finished watching a replay of the 12/8/98 game against Notre Dame. Similarities in terms of rooster size and depth of talent between that squad and this season. Geno had ten players rotating in and out throughout the game, with a few others added in the second half. Notre Dame had 21 turn overs in the first half and were facing double teamed players passing into another double team. Stifling defense, lots of deflections and steals. Uconn countered with a fast moving, tight passing offense with lots of finishes in the paint and threes dropping. Finished with 106 points, sixth 100 point game in first seven of the season. As an example of the quality of the depth of that team, sophomore Kelly Schumacher saw her first action in just over the last minute left of play, finishing with five consecutive points. Notre Dame finished with 81 points.

I'm pretty sure Geno and Chris remember how to get the most out of a deep talented rooster. Let the games begin!

Always remember: It's not the size of the rooster in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the rooster. [j/k]

 

[D J B]

You really, really don't want to mess with a deep talented rooster. They can be nasty.

Always remember: It's not the size of the rooster in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the rooster. [j/k]

So, anyone have any ideas about what and when Geno is going to name his rooster?

 

[#12in21]

So, anyone have any ideas about what and when Geno is going to name his rooster?

I'm thinking Nika but his mule is already named that!

 

[D J B]

I'm thinking Nika but his mule is already named that!

Oh boy. Geno, the Italian farmer. He has dawgs, goats, roosters, birds, mules, and a 'page' from a Steinbeck story.

 

[FormerCTrez]

I'm thinking Nika but his mule is already named that!

Lol I love your sense of humor!

 

[Shorty Dee]

Using the vision her height gives her, screening and rolling to the basket, passing inside from the high post, Using her quickness to spin around defenders under the hoop, have all been her strengths. There are qualities that have kept her out on the court and starting the last two years. Her shortcomings don't automatically cancel out the positive contributions she makes.
Not providing the scoring required to pull defenders off Christyn, Paige & Evina in tight games, not being able (willing?) to impose herself in the low post (see Liya) against quality bigs, committing dubious fouls, are the major causes of our collective eye-rolling in the past.
Not sure who is currently working with the front court players (CD, Jamelle, Morgan?) to let them know what is expected of them, not only individually, but in the various combinations that will be appearing during a game.
Liv and Liya, Liya and Dorka, Dorka and Liv, Liv and Caroline, so forth and so on.
Our bigs will be juggling different responsibilities depending on who's on the court with them.
If we have the people to go in and take care of some aspects while leaving Liv to continue to do the things at which she excels (and gives the other team headaches) , why not use every weapon at our disposal rather than benching somebody ?

Morgan Valley will be working with the front court.

 

[Shorty Dee]

Morgan Valley will be working with the front court.

Correction: Backcourt is coached by Coach Morgan Valley, and the Frontcourt is coached by Coaches Chris Daley a.k.a. C.D. & Jamelle Elliott.