UNC Postgame (merged)

[donalddoowop]

pressing can be overrated vs qua;ity teams that have quality good guards. Or even just "very good teams" that have quality guards if the intent is to trap and push pace. By pressing you leave a player open. Good passing finding the open player can allow too many easy baskets that otherwise would have little chance to have happened if you just played your normal game.

Plus you could be exposing the UCONN bigs to get attacked if a guard or quick forward receives a pass in which they can attack the basket and the UCONN center protecting that basket is exposed vs the quicker attacker.

It could also create steals for UConn and wear down the opponent. It's a good tactic when run right.

 

[hoophuskee]

It could also create steals for UConn and wear down the opponent. It's a good tactic when run right.

When UCONN is superior to an opponent in which they will be the significant favorite other than for 3 or maybe 4 games before NCAA, then why work to do this vs playing normal? Why not work as much as possible playing normal when once Azzi comes back and Sarah starts nailing perimeter shots at high efficiency in which we may very well be the best team? Pressing is "gambling." And if you can't do it vs the top 3 teams then how much emphasis should you put on it vs playing a normal game and if you play normal and if Azzi is like she was and Srah's efficiency game expands, why not challenge "basketball-fundamental-way" vs turning the game to more of "endurance?"

Think of a superor technical boxer with the long reach vs a fighter not as good but still dangerous if they can get easy shots at you inside your reach, why not keep them at arm's length by just playing normal instead of running the risk vs a quality team with quality guards that can fit their style of passing and/or exceptionally quick dribblers?

And if they are a quality team with quality guards, why do you think these kids all in top shape will get "worn down?" Vs the big east teams, sure. But UCONN can't be assured they will "wear down" other extremely fit but high qualty teams. These are kids super fit with quality coaching too. The pont is there is no need to gamble when you have arguably the #1 fundamental team with Azzi and an efficient Sarah.