USA Postgame Thread

[cbraarj]

To begin with it is not really reliable to attempt to come to conclusions using comparative scores. All teams play varies from day today. If one is objective some information can be gleaned. Allot depends on how well we know the teams involved. Do we know them well enough to discern where on a sliding scale each effort reflected? Were their shots dropping? Were the misses a result of good defense or just cold shooting? We will just have to wait till Monday to find out the result.

I can and will point out some mistakes on your part. While the number of players remains the same the only constant is the core group of the USA team. Basically DT, Bird, Nneka. C. Gray, Diggins, Fowles, Augustus and Della Don. Della Don played in neither and is probably out because of injury. DT did not play at Uconn but played at Oregon. Augustus also played at Oregon. Other players are added according to availability. For the Uconn game the emphasis was on adding former Uconn players. Charles, Stewie ( who probably would not have played yet except for this game ) and KLS.

In respect to practice- The Oregon game was the last of three games in a row with basically the core group together except they lost Wilson. They had practiced for about a week before their first of three games so they were not really rusty. This group that played Uconn had not been together for a time and it was basically their first practice together as a group. It showed on defense more than offense.

In respect to shooting. Team USA did not shoot well and their percentage was pretty bad until the fourth Quarter. And it was not usually because Uconn played good defense.

Some things I noticed. It appeared that team USA had decided they would not attack Uconn at their weakness by taking the ball inside. Although they did so in the fourth quarter at will. They also gave Uconn a handicap from the very beginning. KLS was Uconn's most valuable player in the game. Her defense created most of the open looks that Uconn enjoyed in their 2nd Q comeback. Part of it was more than likely because she had never practiced with the team, but a major part was that she is just a weak defender. I can see why she did not get much time on the court with her team. Teams can usually compensate for defensive weaknesses via the defensive scheme, but the team really didn't have the time to do so. Even so, most players were eating her alive when she was one on one with them. Especially Anna.

KLS has been practicing with the National team for awhile. She is part of the USA program. Should she be on the team in 2020. No!

 

[nwhoopfan]

Stewies first game in 10 months.

I'll give her a pass. It looked like she was moving well, her length was useful on defense. Of course she's not going to be in peak form coming back from an injury and not playing for so long.

Charles looked like she was continuing her poor shooting from last WNBA season.

 

[willtalk]

KLS has been practicing with the National team for awhile. She is part of the USA program. Should she be on the team in 2020. No!

There is a difference between the National Team and this pre-Olympic qualifying team. Most of the core Pro's did not practice with the National Team. They took off this Euro league season to do just that now.

 

[cbraarj]

There is a difference between the National Team and this pre-Olympic qualifying team. Most of the core Pro's did not practice with the National Team. They took off this Euro league season to do just that now.

They do practice with each other at times. Like when Geno had team USA at the Werth Center in Stewies Sr. year. They had about 20 players for 3 days.

 

[uconnfan68]

You know Griner, Wilson and EDD didn't play tonight either, right?

Stewie and Charles grabbed some boards but they sure didn't hit many shots.

Napheesa didn’t play either. My point was that the USA frontcourt was mostly missing. That is Oregon’s strength beside Ionescu, who is WNBA level. We have some that will be at that level, but really none that are now. We played ok. I wasn’t expecting a win, and they had some good moments into the start of the 4th quarter.

 

[eebmg]

One more thing: UConn FT is 15 - 21, 71% .

They were 4-8 in the beginning Q when their nerves were particularly showing. Pretty good recovery stats.

 

[eebmg]

What? USA sent out 11 pro players to wear us down. You don't think there was good reason to be tired in this game?

Again, physical fatigue is hard to gauge and I generally do not buy into it. But in this case, mental and emotional fatique with EVERYTHING going on was very understandable.

 

[eebmg]

Here is a video of Lou talking about Kobe and Gigi. The audio isnt clear. However, in the background you can see Anna meeting DT and getting a hug. I think one of the UConn staff(woman in white sweater) pushes Anna over to meet her.

Great photo analysis. I think I would have missed it.

 

[HopJim]

I think what happened in the 4th Quarter besides Team USA flipping the Switch is some UConn players saw an Opportunity to win the Game. A couple of players tried to do too much and didn't let the Offense Flow. Then when UConn missed or had a Turn over, Team USA went down the court and scored a basket. All of a sudden a one possession game was a 4 or 5 possession game.

UConn had numerous open shots they missed in the 4th. Shots that went in most of the game weren't close in 4th. Up to Geno to figure out why.

 

[HopJim]

Again, physical fatigue is hard to gauge and I generally do not buy into it. But in this case, mental and emotional fatique with EVERYTHING going on was very understandable.

Not sure if its fatigue, mental toughness, or how the team sets up the offense in 4thQ of both the Baylor and USA games. Seems when under pressure, they set up well beyond the 3 point line and players, particularly Williams, get the ball so far from basket its difficult to start their normal offensive sets. Against the Tulsas of the world, they set up near the foul line.

 

[chrissaran]

Exciting basketball for UConn through 3 quarters. They only trailed by one point at the end of 3.

 

[my2cents]

Oh my goodness...it was an exhibition game for pete's sake.
Our ladies played a solid game and can take a lot of positive things from it.
I am sure they were thrilled to play against their idols...
'Nuff said.

 

[Carnac]

I’ll keep it short:

• This game was a celebration of WBB in general and UConn WBB in particular. At the same time, Geno and many of the players are hurting because of the tragedy that took the lives of Kobe and Gigi yesterday. One of the many great things about sports, is that for a couple of hours when you’re playing the game you can set aside some of life’s burdens, at least for a little while.
• As an exhibition, the best thing about this game is that everybody got through it in one piece.
• It looked as if all the players had some fun and, hopefully, Anna got to take a selfie with her childhood idol.

UConn kept the game closer than I thought they would. I enjoyed it for what it was, an exhibition.

 

[Carnac]

Same point difference as UConn-Tenn. But unlike Tenn, UConn seemed to be on an even keel. Didn't notice any panic runs. Special props to Megan & Anna Mak. Tenn was in somewhat of a funk after the loss to UConn; I don't think this game will have the same effect on the UConn team & especially those two. Hopefully it doesn't impact CD & CW, who were often frustrated by the pro play. For an elderly point guard past retirement age, Bird can really do some damage & she defended the younger & faster Crystal quite well. Be interesting to see how US does against Kentucky. Wonder if any US players or potential players are trapped in China because of the various quarantines. Is there a thread on players playing in China?

The shorter time-clock combined with the size of the US Team (and their speed) caused problems for the team. CD especially seemed to have been affected fighting off 2 first class guards in Bird & Plum, plus Big Syl was like Lauren Cox on steroids (just a metaphor!).

Despite her 3 pt foul on Crystal, Plum's shooting burned UConn in Q4. Nice to see Stewie getting her sea legs, and she hasn't lost her competitive edge.

Also really nice to see Bent & Evelyn doing some excellent subbing, even though the US bench had (ahem) somewhat more depth. Griffin's play sometimes forced cheery noises from me. Olivia Nelson Odah-dah (per the elderly half time commentator's regional pronunciation) did not seem overwhelmed to me, and her FT shooting was the best I've seen in some time; plus she contributed some pretty good passing.

Nice night; cheered me up a little after all the Kobe & his daughter news.

Interesting that Andy Landers still can’t pronounce Liv’s name correctly.

 

[mbr33ct]

Also ran out of gas late in the game. Troubling trend.

If you had 11-12 Team USA (WNBA) players chasing you around, would you be gassed also?

 

[hart2hart]

Can one of you lovely boneyarders post the full box score? USAB won’t open! Thanking you in-advance.
P.S. Fairfield Fan must have been watching a different game then we all were. Seriously.

 

[NanaN]

If you watch Geno's Presser on the UCONN site the last question he gets was apparently asked by a former player. I could not however, tell who it was. Does anyone have any idea? Geno had some fun with them.

I believe it was Kaili McLaren!

 

[Kaizen]

Ar first I don't know what it means to have #2 jersey in a seat. Now I know and feel so sad ..
Gigi, next generation you will be a Husky, R.I.P. we love you forever.

 

[Kaizen]

 

[HuskyNan]

Can one of you lovely boneyarders post the full box score? USAB won’t open! Thanking you in-advance.
P.S. Fairfield Fan must have been watching a different game then we all were. Seriously.

 

[Dillon77]

Some quick-hitters from the Dome:

- Really fine night of basketball. Congrats to all concerned.
- UConn put in a focused, determined effort and the players should be commended. I fully expected Geno and Chris to have them ready, but it's up to the players to, well, play. And that can be intimidating when every player you face may or may not be someone you admire. A lot. That said, they dug down and went for it.
- Megan was the fulcrum, in my humble opinion. Her consistent and gradual improvement is noted by this Irish fan. Anna Makurat seemed very at home (international rules?). She's getting better all the time. Darn.
- Thought Liv had her moments, but it's tough going against USA bigs: Sylvia Fowles, puts on a national uniform and just attacks the rim. If Tina had her touch last night, whew.... And then just imagine when Griner and EDD show up and Stewie is back in game shape.
- Speaking of Stewie, it was great, just great, to see her in action last night. Despite what she did to the Irish during the course of her career, she's one of my favorite hoopsters. Admire, respect and enjoy her game.
- Along those lines, it was great to see another fave (and fellow Alum) - one Kayla McBride - off the ND coaching bench and back in the US of A uniform last night. Once she got warmed up, K-Mac dropped a few of her laser-like 3's and also played some subtle, but tough, defense, accumulating 3 steals in 20+ minutes.
- Kelsey Plum got in later in the game and made some definite contributions with 8 points (3 of 5 shooting) and 5 assists in 17 minutes.
The Aces connection with K-Mac & Plum was evident.

Once again, tip of the hat to current and alum Huskies and USA basketball.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

What? USA sent out 11 pro players to wear us down. You don't think there was good reason to be tired in this game?

Can I point out that UConn has run out of gas against other teams late in the game? Baylor, for example? Let DePaul get much closer? It isn't just against Team USA.

 

[Zinethar]

One thing that stood out to me in the last couple games is the total change in Adebayo. She can and now is playing well. Confidence sure is a big help.

 

[UConnCat]

Can I point out that UConn has run out of gas against other teams late in the game? Baylor, for example? Let DePaul get much closer? It isn't just against Team USA.

Of course you can. We would expect nothing less from you. If there’s a negative trend, real or imagined, you will tell us about it. You’ve settled nicely in to that role here.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Some quick-hitters from the Dome:

- Really fine night of basketball. Congrats to all concerned.
- UConn put in a focused, determined effort and the players should be commended. I fully expected Geno and Chris to have them ready, but it's up to the players to, well, play. And that can be intimidating when every player you face may or may not be someone you admire. A lot. That said, they dug down and went for it.
- Megan was the fulcrum, in my humble opinion. Her consistent and gradual improvement is noted by this Irish fan. Anna Makurat seemed very at home (international rules?). She's getting better all the time. Darn.
- Thought Liv had her moments, but it's tough going against USA bigs: Sylvia Fowles, who puts on a national uniform and attacks. If Tina had her touch last night, whew.... And then just imagine when Griner and EDD show up and Stewie is back in game shape.
- Speaking of Stewie, it was great, just great, to see her in action last night. Despite what she did to the Irish during the course of her career, she's one of my favorite hoopsters.
- Along those lines, it was great to see another fave - one Kayla McBride - off the ND coaching bench and back in the US of A uniform last night. Once she got warmed up, K-Mac dropped a few of her laser-like 3's and also played some subtle, but tough, defense, accumulating 3 steals in 20+ minutes.
- Kelsey Plum got in later in the game and made some definite contributions with 8 points (3 of 5 shooting) and 5 assists in 17 minutes.
The Aces connection with K-Mac was evident.

Once again, tip of the hat to current and alum Huskies and USA basketball.

I was very impressed by Team USA's passing: crisp, fast, and a level of professionalism that was like watching a top European soccer team on tour in the US. A thing to behold!

 

[BBallF]

The first half was UConn's best game (half) of the season. They played aggressively, weren't intimidated. They drove to the basket, rebounded aggressively. Looked great!

But too many mistakes, especially unforced turnovers. And Makurat ran out of magic- 2 for 8 from outside.

But honestly, I wonder whether Team USA isn't getting too old for this. The older veterans were on the bench late in the second half when USA started sticking it to UConn. Wonder whether some older players are just not going to make the team this year....

But exciting, exhilarating basketball from UConn in the first half!!! YEAHHHHH!!!!

As for the older players and Team USA, you can bet the house that the starting backcourt in the Olympics will be Sue and Diana, the best women's backcourt in history. I think Eric Frede and Rebecca were right, the coaching staff was checking out the borderline players. Plum, McBride and Ogumike looked really good. As for us, CD (Crystal) is right. If we can do that against the best players in the world, we can do it against anyone. Look for a huge blowout against Cincy heading into Oregon!

 

[oldude]

Can I point out that UConn has run out of gas against other teams late in the game? Baylor, for example? Let DePaul get much closer? It isn't just against Team USA.

What you refer to as “running out of gas” is more accurately the challenge that comes from trying to execute effectively down the stretch in a close game. There are a number of close games this season when UConn did in fact execute effectively down the stretch: tOSU, Seton Hall, Memphis & TN. In fact, prior to the TN game Geno spoke about this very issue. He anticipated a close game and said that he expected the team to do a better job down the stretch vs TN than they had vs Baylor.

UConn’s level of fitness is as good or better than any team in the country. The Huskies don’t get gassed. They lost to Baylor and the USA team because those extremely talented teams executed better down the stretch. Against TN, UConn used only 6 players the entire 2nd half against a 9 player rotation by TN and they didn’t get “gassed.”

You really need to give this argument a rest.

 

[hart2hart]

I live in Fairfield County and we were SO proud of the way our UCONN gals competed last night! I suspect that Fairfield Fan lives in la la land. Positivity Please!

 

[Calbysdad]

Some quick-hitters from the Dome:

- Really fine night of basketball. Congrats to all concerned.
- UConn put in a focused, determined effort and the players should be commended. I fully expected Geno and Chris to have them ready, but it's up to the players to, well, play. And that can be intimidating when every player you face may or may not be someone you admire. A lot. That said, they dug down and went for it.
- Megan was the fulcrum, in my humble opinion. Her consistent and gradual improvement is noted by this Irish fan. Anna Makurat seemed very at home (international rules?). She's getting better all the time. Darn.
- Thought Liv had her moments, but it's tough going against USA bigs: Sylvia Fowles, who puts on a national uniform and attacks. If Tina had her touch last night, whew.... And then just imagine when Griner and EDD show up and Stewie is back in game shape.
- Speaking of Stewie, it was great, just great, to see her in action last night. Despite what she did to the Irish during the course of her career, she's one of my favorite hoopsters.
- Along those lines, it was great to see another fave - one Kayla McBride - off the ND coaching bench and back in the US of A uniform last night. Once she got warmed up, K-Mac dropped a few of her laser-like 3's and also played some subtle, but tough, defense, accumulating 3 steals in 20+ minutes.
- Kelsey Plum got in later in the game and made some definite contributions with 8 points (3 of 5 shooting) and 5 assists in 17 minutes.
The Aces connection with K-Mac was evident.

Once again, tip of the hat to current and alum Huskies and USA basketball.

Plum, IMO, was the most assertive player on the floor while she was in. I was very impressed. I thought UConn handled themselves well for the most part. Some of the nitpicks were due to playing the, uh, NATIONAL TEAM...

1. I feel UConn gets stuck at times in half court offense. The ball stops for too much time and there seems to be a lot of thinking as opposed to doing - making them seem a step slow. This isn't as prevalent in normal play but having the incredible defense of the national team in front of them definitely made it challenging.

2. The national team was ungodly quick with their hands. Not many passes made it inside, either on post ups or cuts, without it being deflected or stolen.

3. The size and strength of the national team was tremendous even without the full roster suited up. Made ONO and Griffin look smaller (both height and physical size). Later in the second half, US started to flex their inside muscle and it was impressive. I have the feeling if they played an inside out game and really pounded us, the score would have been significantly different.

As I said, this is not your average opponent. Some of the positives I noticed:

1. Megan looked like she belonged. I was close enough to hear the players and she was incredibly vocal barking out instructions to the others. She looked great and turned the corner multiple times. Her quickness hurt the defender.

2. Anna matched up well size wise. This was my first game this year (live in NH with two athletic boys so scheduling can be a challenge) and I read that she looks bigger in person and this is so true. Her shots and form were great. Most all taken in the offensive flow. Her misses were barely off.

3. Griffin also looked like she belonged. She banged against bigger opponents and frequently held her own. Her leap is just jaw dropping and I feel she is going to be one of the most important pieces going forward.

4. Crystal was fantastic. Her speed was on par with anyone on the floor. My only quibble was a few passes that got tipped but, again, the hand speed of the US team was ridiculous.

This game was such a pleasure to watch. The US bench was so into it - DT was chirping with an official - and was often three feet onto the court cheering and (probably) trash talking UConn. When Megan got the intentional foul, the whole bench jumped up and went crazy. It was pretty cool. Kelsey Plum was chippy the second half. Very physical and frequently chirping with UConn.

Did anyone see Geno try to run Ogwulike over on an inbound play? He kept bumping into her. Pretty hilarious.

 

[NanaN]

If you watch Geno's Presser on the UCONN site the last question he gets was apparently asked by a former player. I could not however, tell who it was. Does anyone have any idea? Geno had some fun with them.

It was Kaili McLaren