UConn-Xavier postgame thread

[CTrefugee]

We agree about the 4 players I listed. Fisher, Ziebel, Heckel and definitely Blanca. (That's the excellent bench) All four will be starters eventually.

Re: Jana

I will be honest. I really couldn't stand Dolson her freshman year. For me that year was very frustrating watching her play. I was screaming about why Geno would recruit her...I kept screaming for Geno to get her off the court because she was killing us everytime she came near the ball. (He usually did remove her too)

Then something happened the next year. She got in great shape, learned the game of basketball and became a National Champion and ALL American by the time she was done. Then I loved her because she dominated everyone.

That is where I am with Jana.

I have never seen a player overcome "bad hands."

 

[CTrefugee]

no presser today ?

 

[fomalhaut]

Has anyone ever seen a quadrupole double? Here at UConn? Anywhere else? Sarah today with more minutes.
Points, bounds, steals, and assists.

Five (unofficially six) in women's NCAA history. Shakyla Hill of Grambling is the only player with two, and they're the two most recent (2018 and 2019). Details are in the NCAA record book (p. 3).

NCAA Record Book Women's DI Basketball

 

[mudcat]

On the downside:

I have zero confidence in Jana.

She was the starting center on our national champion team and, if I recall correctly, played some pretty good ball (esp. defensively) in the Final Four

 

[Bone Dog]

The thing that catches my eye about Allie -- I mean apart from the shooting and her improved defense -- is that she is a sure-handed dribbler. It's not what you expect from someone her size, but she seems to know when to pull the string and pivot away from pressure or a blindside defender. I have a feeling this instinct comes from being the go-to player on her high school teams for a few years. Ash has this, too, though she is not a good enough passer to be a PG. When it comes to Allie, I suspect she could handle the PG spot if needed. We've already seen her used as a press-breaker, and she knows how to get to the rim

 

[dtbtbtb]

Few Thoughts:
*Real nice game against a totally outmatched opponent
*The 3rd quarter for Allie was magical. it was quick, precise, beautiful.
*I was really impressed by Kellis. Her passes to the bigs for easy shots were on point and it was clear to see her potential as a top-notch PG.
*Azzi and Sarah are so steady in their greatness.
*Was good to see Shade and K9 finding their 3-point shot.
*it was one of the better games of Serah so far. Hopefully she becomes more and more comfortable in the UConn system.
* A rare game in which practically everyone on the 13 players, played well even if i wish Jana would have a better showing.
*it does seem that in big games Geno will go only 8 deep (the starting 5 + Allie, Blanca and K9).
On to South Florida

 

[ConnMotors]

Wouldn't mind seeing Ziebell in the starting lineup replacing Shade.

Maybe in two years

 

[Dugway]

This was a real “nail biter” early on…

Well, the first two possessions when neither team scored it was at least a good game. After that… it was a track meet; a total one sided track meet!

 

[1974yankees]

She was the starting center on our national champion team and, if I recall correctly, played some pretty good ball (esp. defensively) in the Final Four

Didn't I just say that? Re-read my post.

I said her freshman year was a disaster basically and I questioned why "Geno recruited Dolson"...

Then I said the "next year everything changed and she became an all American and National champion eventually" And I "loved Dolson at the end"

That is exactly what I said..

Sorry but I am not gonna sugar coat Jana. Especially after Geno told everyone "she reminded him of Stewart" and everyone got excited about that prospect.

Well I have seen every game that Stewart ever played in and every game that Jana has played in and I don't see one similarity at all. But maybe it's just me lol.

But it is what it is. We are in year 2 with Jana.

I guess I am hoping that Jana becomes another Dolson... But there is only one Stewart...

 

[WBBZen]

The thing that catches my eye about Allie -- I mean apart from the shooting and her improved defense -- is that she is a sure-handed dribbler. It's not what you expect from someone her size, but she seems to know when to pull the string and pivot away from pressure or a blindside defender. I have a feeling this instinct comes from being the go-to player on her high school teams for a few years. Ash has this, too, though she is not a good enough passer to be a PG. When it comes to Allie, I suspect she could handle the PG spot if needed. We've already seen her used as a press-breaker, and she knows how to get to the rim

At the very beginning of the season, Ash was bringing up the ball more along with KK in transition. Now, it has shifted to Azzi and KK (or K9). I do agree that Allie can handle the ball well, and she is also a more confident passer, which makes her a better replacement for Azzi next year. We might even see a KK/Allie/Ash/Blanca/Sarah line up next year, and push Sarah back to the 5. But anyway, that's next year's problem! 😄

 

[joea]

TV feed intro had the seal and logo for Xavier High school in Manhattan. Nice.
It has to be hard to keep focus in games like this, but they do.

 

[uconnfan68]

Hopefully that's a joke because that (quality of league opponent) has been known, so it had nothing to do with today's game. We certainly didn't expect Xavier to be the second coming of South Carolina!

I’m snarky enough to say that about any league we’re in, but… this year’s version of the BE seems especially weak. Without injuries, I don’t see any losses. And they haven’t even figured out a rotation yet. We have Sarah and Azzi and about 8 interchangeable pieces to mix and match.

 

[BobbyJ]

Didn't I just say that? Re-read my post.

I said her freshman year was a disaster basically and I questioned why "Geno recruited Dolson"...

Then I said the "next year everything changed and she became an all American and National champion eventually" And I "loved Dolson at the end"

That is exactly what I said..

Sorry but I am not gonna sugar coat Jana. Especially after Geno told everyone "she reminded him of Stewart" and everyone got excited about that prospect.

Well I have seen every game that Stewart ever played in and every game that Jana has played in and I don't see one similarity at all. But maybe it's just me lol.

But it is what it is. We are in year 2 with Jana.

I guess I am hoping that Jana becomes another Dolson... But there is only one Stewart...

You have quite an imagination. Auriemma never said that about El Alfy publicly and good luck ever finding a link to him ever making that statement. Other delusional people may have said it but it certainly wouldn't be Auriemma, he knows better.

 

[Ozimoto]

Besides the meh first half of the second quarter, not much to be upset about. Yes, Blanca had a "freshman" game but didn't do anything detrimental to the overall performance of the team. Nice to see Gandy get some time and she made the most of it, thanks to a nice assist from Kelis.

 

[1974yankees]

You have quite an imagination. Auriemma never said that about El Alfy publicly and good luck ever finding a link to him ever making that statement. Other delusional people may have said it but it certainly wouldn't be Auriemma, he knows better.

Here is Genos exact quote.


AI Overview

+6



Yes, UConn coach Geno Auriemma
compared Jana to Breanna Stewart, specifically in terms of their potential for impact and skill set.
Auriemma made the comparison while discussing another player, Paige Bueckers. He noted that while Bueckers is often compared to Diana Taurasi, she shares more on-court similarities with Stewart.
He stated:

He said Jana compares to Stewart because she "has the same impact and skill set"

But I am sure you can find the long posts about this topic from a few years ago here...

Of course Geno has always been known as a huge wine enthusiast lol...

 

[Cuango]

Sooo.. I guess we know that Heckel is the better player than Kelis Fisher because she has shown that in practice. Right? Or she gets the minutes because she has a year of experience. That might be it? I realize that we don't see Kelis necessarily against opponents best players, but she looks to handle herself really well whenever she's out there. Her penetration and drop passes were rather impressive today. I would love to see her earlier in a game, just for the sake of comparison.

Kelis looks to me like future star! I know this will sound weird but when I watch her run, she reminds me of Deion Sanders in his NFL prime. She has that same sort of gliding stride. She doesn’t look like she’s going that fast but then you realize she is passing everyone!

 

[Cuango]

Seems clear that Jana is behind Serah. Even so, she is valuable against certain teams as proven by last year's UCLA game. Geno is intent on developing Serah as her potential for a solid double figure scorer is very high. There is room for both with Jana having several more years of eligibility a major plus. Both these players need to clean up their reach-in fouls and finish shots!

Agreed! I hope people are not getting down on Jana. Give her some time, (a little more now that we have Serah) she will be a star for us before her time here is over. I am convinced Jana could put up essentially the same numbers as Serah has to date. However, Serah has already proven herself to be a near double double machine while Jana has not yet reached that level. With Serah Geno merely has to bring something out that he knows is already there whereas with Jana, he has to teach her everything! I’m pretty sure Jana will get there but she just needs time and minutes. Minutes she will hopefully get during non conference play!

 

[siouxzieb]

I was at the game. About 2 hours from where I live. $25 for a ticket that got me a seat at half court. Fifteen rows up. Free parking.

Things I noticed that I would have never noticed on TV.

About half the crowd were UConn fans. Azzi’s parents made the trip.

They had a decent shooting percentage and put up 104 but they got an open look or two on nearly every possession. 120 was certainly within reason. Their ball movement and passing is way more advanced than 99% of women’s teams. It is obvious live.

Xavier may have been missing some key players but they struggled to even get a shot off. They could not handle the pressure or the switching that are staples of the defense.

Blanca did not have a good first half. Xavier beat the press three times in a row because she was no where near where she was supposed to be. She forced some shots and had some dumb fouls. It has been said before but up close I was still surprised how tall she is.

I remember Ayanna as a freshman as being strong and thick. She probably is as strong but now she is lean almost thin. She is player many teams would love to have (she would never leave the floor for Xavier) but with this team she has to wait for her chance.

CD needs to knock down the open looks she is getting. I think she is moving well defensively and is still a good passer but she won’t get Geno’s attention until those shots start to fall. I still think the complete miracle comeback can occur. I am pulling for her.

Xavier pressing the second team down by 50 is not a unique tactic against UConn. Heckel and Kelis handled it well. Maybe X knew they could not press the first team.

Kelis must struggle with something in practice. I have no guesses. However, she gets my attention every time she is on the floor. It seems the staff doesn’t do much with shot mechanics once they arrive on campus but watching her warmup, her release is so low that it is easy to contest.

It is about the fourth time I have seen them live. The aura, precision and discipline remind me why I am such a huge fan.

You had me at $25 & half court. Almost worth driving to Cincinnati lol

 

[MilfordHusky]

Regarding the comment about Azzi's parents, my local girl is in her 5th season and has missed about 70 games covering 4 seasons. The Fudd family has been at almost every game, including away games, even when Azzi was out with an injury. Tim and Katie are really dedicated to Azzi.

 

[hoophuskee]

Here is Genos exact quote.


AI Overview
View attachment 114058

+6



Yes, UConn coach Geno Auriemma
compared Jana to Breanna Stewart, specifically in terms of their potential for impact and skill set.
Auriemma made the comparison while discussing another player, Paige Bueckers. He noted that while Bueckers is often compared to Diana Taurasi, she shares more on-court similarities with Stewart.
He stated:

He said Jana compares to Stewart because she "has the same impact and skill set"

But I am sure you can find the long posts about this topic from a few years ago here...

Of course Geno has always been known as a huge wine enthusiast lol...

He also compared another recruit player to Hakeem Olajuwon.

I still recall the year after DT left he spoke how high he was on all the players and overall the team. that team was among his worst.

Geno exaggerates. I still recall back in the day Geno ripping Tina Charles for not averaging a double-double at halftime.

What have you got on Dolson being a bust/disaster as a freshman? Comments from anyone? Her overall High School ranking was #39 as a senior. What would you expect out of a center that is the number 39 ranked recruit in her frosh year for a team that got to the FF in which she had no legit backup center by the end of the year? And if I recall correctly she got into foul trouble in the FF forcing Maya to play center because there was no one else. I believe vs ND the game they lost she got into foul trouble, if I recall correctly typical vs Notre Dame she breathed on a couple of players and the refs manufactured some calls against her.

The 2 games prior vs ND she played 40 and 34. Odd isn’t it when she only played 24 and UCONN lost that the player you are calling a disaster at the time was out of the game for more minutes than the prior and it resulted in UCONN playing worse?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMO some of the younger fans don’t have patience and they blast away at freshmen and soph for not being some type of superstar. Today's game is easy everyone is happy. Minor complaints. But just wait until they only win by 30. Benoit Blanc will be for hire.

 

[veivoli]

Regarding the comment about Azzi's parents, my local girl is in her 5th season and has missed about 70 games covering 4 seasons. The Fudd family has been at almost every game, including away games, even when Azzi was out with an injury. Tim and Katie are really dedicated to Azzi.

Plus Katie's parents are normally there as well.

 

[bayern7]

Hoping this game is a before and after kind of game for Allie. We could really use the consistent shooting prowess she could offer. Hopefully we see this against a couple more competitive opponents. Was really nice to see that Sarah-Allie connection

 

[msf22b]

I hate to pour cold water on you, but I didn't think the team looked very good on either side of the ball. Yes, they can turn over weak guards, and the wide open threes looked pretty but they were wide open shots against a very weak defense. They're going to feast on poor competition. But, the things I'm looking to see, helpside defense in the paint, post play that's on the same page as the rest of the offense. Williams plays under the basket but they don't have a system to get her the ball where and when she can score. Jana came in and spent some time above the free-throw line, also out of sync, but at least it's some of the offense we loved in the tournament last year. I guess that's not William's game. I do agree that some of the individual play was good. However, Blanca has not found a role. Strong and Fudd weren't needed, but we didn't see the whole process move forward. The top teams have great players, a lot of size, and experience. This still doesn't look like a Geno team. There is time, but I wouldn't celebrate a game like this.

I had some of the same feelings, but less emphatically.
Xavier had much too many offensive rebounds for my taste...
And they’re not as bad a team as they looked or that the score indicates.

Where I take issue is the threat of the “top teams."
I’m not sure what teams Bedford is speaking of but I haven’t seen anyone that can
seriously challenge us...

Geno’s job….not so easy this season, is to find a role for the multitude of players and meld them into the UConn “way."
Not so easy, eh? and quite different from what he’s been dealing with the last decade. He’s re-developing dormant chops.

Most of the posters have forgotten the good minutes of Kayleigh…She had a couple of games in which she seemed “lost.” Not last night.
And Ayanna was fierce in her few minutes…and I haven’t given up on Caroline

Lots and lots and lots of exceptional ballers…I have hopes that Geno can meld them all…or most... into a singular powerhouse.

 

[maple]

Regarding the comment about Azzi's parents, my local girl is in her 5th season and has missed about 70 games covering 4 seasons. The Fudd family has been at almost every game, including away games, even when Azzi was out with an injury. Tim and Katie are really dedicated to Azzi.

They are awesome parents and fantastic reps for the program.

 

[oldhusky]

Just got home from mandatory family stuff and delighted to see Ash and Kayleigh wishes pretty much achieved. My seer rating is improving. Right!

Someday I have to understand the whole +/- thing.

Haven't read the whole thread in case someone else brought it up, but +/- as I understand it is simply the point margin for the team while you are in the game. If the margin increased by 5 points while you were in the game your +/- would be plus 5.

Having everyone with a positive plus minus including the tail end of the bench is pretty unusual, but even more so, I noticed that every player had a plus minus that was more than the number of minutes they played. That is pretty incredible and of course can only happen in a big blowout. In essence we were averaging more than a 40 point blowout pace no matter who was in the game.

 

[HopJim]

10 points, 6 rebounds, 3 stocks, +35 on 3/5 from the floor in 19 minutes is underwhelming?

While disappointed in Serah's early season performance, in each recent game we have seen her working and improving on key parts of her game. As she gains confidence, her overall physicality and reactions seem to be improving. Its still early in the year and while there may be a tendancy to anoint some players as future All Americans after just a few games against low level competition, the opposite is true as well. As long as the trend line is positive, we (myself included) need to take a few deep breaths and enjoy this year's team.

 

[HuskyNan]

He also compared another recruit player to Hakeem Olajuwon.

I still recall the year after DT left he spoke how high he was on all the players and overall the team. that team was among his worst.

Geno exaggerates. I still recall back in the day Geno ripping Tina Charles for not averaging a double-double at halftime.

What have you got on Dolson being a bust/disaster as a freshman? Comments from anyone? Her overall High School ranking was #39 as a senior. What would you expect out of a center that is the number 39 ranked recruit in her frosh year for a team that got to the FF in which she had no legit backup center by the end of the year? And if I recall correctly she got into foul trouble in the FF forcing Maya to play center because there was no one else. I believe vs ND the game they lost she got into foul trouble, if I recall correctly typical vs Notre Dame she breathed on a couple of players and the refs manufactured some calls against her.

The 2 games prior vs ND she played 40 and 34. Odd isn’t it when she only played 24 and UCONN lost that the player you are calling a disaster at the time was out of the game for more minutes than the prior and it resulted in UCONN playing worse?

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

IMO some of the younger fans don’t have patience and they blast away at freshmen and soph for not being some type of superstar. Today's game is easy everyone is happy. Minor complaints. But just wait until they only win by 30. Benoit Blanc will be for hire.

He also said Maya couldn’t guard a chair and that Tina was the worst post player in America

On edit: My apologies for derailing this thread further. Let’s stay on topic

 

[and one]

I had some of the same feelings, but less emphatically.
Xavier had much too many offensive rebounds for my taste...
And they’re not as bad a team as they looked or that the score indicates.

Where I take issue is the threat of the “top teams."
I’m not sure what teams Bedford is speaking of but I haven’t seen anyone that can
seriously challenge us...

Geno’s job….not so easy this season, is to find a role for the multitude of players and meld them into the UConn “way."
Not so easy, eh? and quite different from what he’s been dealing with the last decade. He’s re-developing dormant chops.

Most of the posters have forgotten the good minutes of Kayleigh…She had a couple of games in which she seemed “lost.” Not last night.
And Ayanna was fierce in her few minutes…and I haven’t given up on Caroline

Lots and lots and lots of exceptional ballers…I have hopes that Geno can meld them all…or most... into a singular powerhouse.

I am a real fan of Kayleigh's game. She has had a few shakey moments here and there but for the most part plays a solid, hard-nosed game. She doesn't lack confidence and the day will come when she takes and makes important shots. Kelis looked good yesterday but her time is next year.

 

[ERWUC65]

The thing that catches my eye about Allie -- I mean apart from the shooting and her improved defense -- is that she is a sure-handed dribbler. It's not what you expect from someone her size, but she seems to know when to pull the string and pivot away from pressure or a blindside defender. I have a feeling this instinct comes from being the go-to player on her high school teams for a few years. Ash has this, too, though she is not a good enough passer to be a PG. When it comes to Allie, I suspect she could handle the PG spot if needed. We've already seen her used as a press-breaker, and she knows how to get to the rim

Allie has made a giant step forward from last year. She was and still is a great shooter from distance and now her ball handling has improved to the point she is now a viable option to be first in off the bench. That said, she still lacks the foot speed and athleticism necessary for PG, especially in transition and on defense.

 

[Fairfield_1st]

....instead of who?

Great question. I don't have an answer.