USA v Japan 9/10/18 | Page 2 | The Boneyard

USA v Japan 9/10/18

Looks like USA Basketball said enough of this nonsense, we should be whipping up on Japan. USA leads 85-71 with 5 minutes left in the game.
 
Thank you Mike Thibault for saying what no ones seems willing to say publicly. Although he didn't mention names, he was critical of the 3 point guards who chose not to take advantage of the opportunity to earn a spot on USA BB for the world cup and he thinks they're going to regret it. He's right and they will.
 
I like Plum's game a lot. Some people are like "yeah but she's not a true PG". Some people also forget that coming out of HS, Bird was considered a combo guard. She became the starting PG at UCONN after in injury sidelined Kiersten Walters and the rest is history.

Give Plum her due - she can score when needed, but also can involve her teammates. Very similar to what Sue has been the best at doing for many years... For me, she's an easy choice to make the team (along with Wilson and Ogwumike thus far).
 
USA helped themselves by realizing that the wild 40-foot shots were not what was needed. Now, they are ramming the ball into post and fighting it out at close range where they have a major advantage.
 
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UConnCat said:
Thank you Mike Thibault for saying what no ones seems willing to say publicly. Although he didn't mention names, he was critical of the 3 point guards who chose not to take advantage of the opportunity to earn a spot on USA BB for the world cup and he thinks they're going to regret it. He's right and they will.
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Totally agree. And well said by him. Some picked on Pondexter for missing 1 WC and on Parker for missing 2 WC's and many felt that contributed to her being left off the team (1 was for surgery after the WNBA season ended).

If we are going to hold them accountable, then the next generation should be held equally accountable. ANY player who declined to try out because they were tired (or any variation thereof), had other things they needed to do, or wanted to save themselves for their overseas seasons, or any other excuse not related to injury, should be written off as future Team USA members. Look at Dee, Sue, Catch, Leslie, and Edwards have all been on at least 4 Olympic teams (5 for Edwards) and I know Dee and Sue never missed a World Championship (Catch missed 1 with an injury).

I am betting all those players were exhausted, beat up, had nagging pains or injuries, etc etc. and yet they remained committed to Team USA for over 12 years. Their loyalty to the team and commitment regardless of what else was going on is the standard for all other players. Those who can't live up to it can step aside for others who can.
 
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Will be interesting to see the makeup of the Final Team Selection, especially if Stewie, Sue and DT decide not to play in the World Cup.
 
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EricLA said:
Totally agree. And well said by him. Some picked on Pondexter for missing 1 WC and on Parker for missing 2 WC's and many felt that contributed to her being left off the team (1 was for surgery after the WNBA season ended).

If we are going to hold them accountable, then the next generation should be held equally accountable. ANY player who declined to try out because they were tired (or any variation thereof), had other things they needed to do, or wanted to save themselves for their overseas seasons, or any other excuse not related to injury, should be written off as future Team USA members. Look at Dee, Sue, Catch, Leslie, and Edwards have all been on at least 4 Olympic teams (5 for Edwards) and I know Dee, Sue and Catch never missed a World Championship.

I am betting all those players were exhausted, beat up, had nagging pains or injuries, etc etc. and yet they remained committed to Team USA for over 12 years. Their loyalty to the team and commitment regardless of what else was going on is the standard for all other players. Those who can't live up to it can step aside for others who can.
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Actually, Catchings did not play in 2014 in Istanbul (Eric you were there!) as she had a bad back.
 
VaMike23 and I were at the game. Some thoughts that may be a bit incoherent.

First, for only $35, we sat in the first row, about 4' off the floor and were definitely in play. I was 4 people down from Kara Lawson.

I chatted with Kara about 45 minutes before game time. She and I live in the same city. I told her I enjoy her work and that she was my favorite non-UConn announcer. She will be calling the medal round in Tenerife from Bristol. Kara was very cordial.

Geno was chatting while standing behind us for several minutes, but we couldn't get his attention without being rude. We did hear that he said Japan's style would make for an interesting game.

In addition to Geno, CD was there, as was Jen Rizzotti, of course. Jen addressed the crowd in her home arena before the game.

Some VIPs we saw other than Geno, CD, Kara, and Deb: Mike Thibault, Val Ackerman, Lisa Borders, Brenda Freese, and Mel Greenberg. As noted, Sue and Stewie showed up. Chiney was there as well, sitting next to Stewie, though there wasn't much interaction. CD and Sue chatted a lot and laughed as well.

The recruits included the 3 x 3 team of Boston, Bueckers, Brunelle, and Van Lith. They sat in that order from my right to left. Later, Azzi Fudd, mom, and dad showed up. Azzi sat with her friends. Tim did not have an air horn. For the second half, Paige and Azzi sat next to each other and chatted, and the others didn't interact much. I think the closest bond in that group is between Paige and Azzi. There were 1 or 2 other players there, but I couldn't recognize them from a distance. I thought one might be Shakira Austin, because she is local and looked very tall. Horston may have been there, but I'm not sure. The recruits stuck around after we left. Sue and Stewie signed autographs near the exit for a while. During the game, a small group started a chant of "MVP MVP."

Game thoughts coming up a little later.
 
MilfordHusky said:
The recruits included the 3 x 3 team of Boston, Bueckers, Brunelle, and Van Lith. They sat in that order from my right to left. Later, Azzi Fudd, mom, and dad showed up. Azzi sat with her friends. Tim did not have an air horn. For the second half, Paige and Azzi sat next to each other and chatted, and the others didn't interact much. I think the closest bond in that group is between Paige and Azzi. There were 1 or 2 other players there, but I couldn't recognize them from a distance.
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upload_2018-9-10_23-0-3.png


In this picture (clipped from Brunelle's instagram story) working left to right: I believe the blonde in the red shirt is Van Lith. Behind Van Lith, I think that's Malu Tshitenge-Mutumbo. Then clearly it's Sam B waving, Boston next to her, and Fudd at the right of the picture.
 
A few basketball thoughts for tonight, with more to come tomorrow. Does anyone know if there is a replay available online?

In terms of the game, for large portions, the "no autopsy, no foul" rule was in effect. The amount of body contact allowed was phenomenal. The USA seemed to adjust to that fairly well over the course of the game. On three occasions, there was a pass to a Japan guard beyond the top of the key when Tiffany Mitchell went flying at her like a free safety to cause a turnover. All of the plays looked like fouls, but no fouls were called. I think, once Tiffany saw how things were being called, she decided "why not?"

Nneka did her human pogo stick impersonation. She didn't show much with her jumper, but she is a beast inside and gets up as fast as anyone not named Gabby Williams. She got at least a few hoops off nice feeds from Tina. She looks taller than Tina and jumped center. Tina looks ever so slightly hobbled, as she grimaced in pain at least a couple of times. I bet her knees are tired and sore.

A'ja Wilson is like Shaq with a mid-range shooting touch. On at least two occasions, she was surrounded by 2 or 3 defenders. I was yelling to kick the ball out. Instead, she went straight up through contact, made the shot, and also got and made the FT. It doesn't look like a smart play, but it sure works. She is bigger and stronger than anyone I've seen except for Fowles and Cambage. A'ja and Nneka looked like the designated shooters, based on either the game plan or their natural aggressiveness.

The USA shot 1-5 from the arc. The make was from Plum very early in the game. Maybe with Sue, Dee, Maya, Elena, and Stewie missing, we won't shoot many threes. All but Maya should be in Tenerife, which should change things.

Just one thought on the roster for tonight: Based on Saturday's game, I thought that Elizabeth Williams might make the team. She played very little tonight. Sylvia appears to be out, but the USA might have enough height with the following players: Griner, Nneka, Tina, Stewie, and EDD.

More tomorrow.
 
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Orangutan said:
View attachment 34310

In this picture (clipped from Brunelle's instagram story) working left to right: I believe the blonde in the red shirt is Van Lith. Behind Van Lith, I think that's Malu Tshitenge-Mutumbo. Then clearly it's Sam B waving, Boston next to her, and Fudd at the right of the picture.
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I'm not sure about Malu, but that's probably right. I was trying to figure out who that was. The others are correct. Aliyah must be hanging out with Stef, because she changed her hair color to grey.
 
eebmg said:
The difference is Thibault discusses different things while Deb repeats the same thing 50 times.
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Sounds like Thibault would be an excellent "color" commentator if he could be coerced into doing a game or two. The man knows the game. He's a player's coach. Mike Francis Thibault (born September 28, 1950) became the WNBA's all time winning-est coach season with 212 victories. ;)
 
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MilfordHusky said:
Sylvia appears to be out, but the USA might have enough height with the following players: Griner, Nneka, Tina, Stewie, and EDD.
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Are those your 5 post players of choice? Already nixing Wilson after giving her high praise?

If EDD joins, how about slotting her at SF (she’s listed as a G/F on the Mystics roster), and using Wilson as one of the 5 posts?

I like that. I like that a lot.
 
Shades said:
Are those your 5 post players of choice? Already nixing Wilson after giving her high praise?

If EDD joins, how about slotting her at SF (she’s listed as a G/F on the Mystics roster), and using Wilson as one of the 5 posts?

I like that. I like that a lot.
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Damn! It was late. I thought I had forgotten someone. Please add A'ja to that list. She adds height and bulk. That's 6 players of 6'3" or taller:

Tina--outside shot, including 3-pointer, great hook shot, runs the floor, great passer

Brittney--can shoot from 20', has a nice hook, excellent shot blocker

A'ja--great shot up to 15', draws fouls, strong rebounder, very strong body

Elena--stronger than she looks, shot blocker, elite shooter from anywhere, draws fouls, great FT shooter

Stewie--MVP in "God mode" per Sue, does it all, can handle the ball, solid from the arc, nice hook shot

Nneka--rebounder and inside scorer extraordinaire, Energizer Bunny
 
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Deshields, Dolson and O. Sims were dropped off the list today, leaving 16 names:

Sixteen Finalists Named for USA Women's BB Pool - Sept 11, 2018

Bird
Taurasi
Griner
Charles
EDD
N Ogwumike
Stewart
Wilson

the 8 above appear to be locks -- here are the remaining 8 still fighting/scrapping/clawing:

Clarendon
Collier
Loyd
Plum
K. Mitchell
T. Mitchell
Tuck
E. Williams
 
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VAMike23 said:
Deshields and Dolson were dropped off the list today, leaving 16 names:

16 names remaining in pool

Bird
Taurasi
Griner
Charles
EDD
N Ogwumike
Stewart
Wilson

the 8 above appear to be locks -- here are the remaining 8 still fighting/scrapping/clawing:

Clarendon
Collier
Loyd
Plum
K. Mitchell
T. Mitchell
Tuck
E. Williams
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I would take Plum and Loyd for the guards. I wouldn't take either Mitchell's. E. Williams would be a good option in the post. The third person is tough. I would take Collier
 
I would also take Loyd and Plum, the latter based on her recent play. That gives the team Bird, Taurasi, Loyd & Plum at the guard spots.

Stewie & EDD as stretch forwards who give you a lot from both the perimeter and the paint

Nneka O., Wilson and Charles who are strongest from 12-ft and in but are still versatile scorers (and rebounders)

Griner as a true 5 will be needed to match up against Cambage for sure

2 spots left

I think you need a slasher who can put it on the floor and do something in the midrange, e.g. Collier. She still gives you rebounding and defense. Morgan is good at this too and has more exp, but I just give Collier a slight edge here, and I think Dawn likes her a lot. Also she could be more reliable in the medal round where there are 3 games in 3 days.

After witnessing Japan's 3-point heavy offense in DC last night, I would actually be contrarian with my last pick and take Tiffany Mitchell. She is a very impressive athlete in person and works awfully hard on the perimeter. She also rebounds pretty darned well. I think she has the length and motor to make it tough on 3-point shooters that abound in the Int'l game. This is where I would have plugged Tiffany Hayes in for the 12th spot but unfortunately she is not in the pool. If the committee wants another big body for rebounding, offensive boards and paint protection, E. Williams would be the obvious pick. I think it comes down to perimeter D vs. inside D for this last pick (Tiffany Mitchell / E. Williams).
 
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VAMike23 said:
Deshields, Dolson and O. Sims were dropped off the list today, leaving 16 names:

Sixteen Finalists Named for USA Women's BB Pool - Sept 11, 2018

Bird
Taurasi
Griner
Charles
EDD
N Ogwumike
Stewart
Wilson

the 8 above appear to be locks -- here are the remaining 8 still fighting/scrapping/clawing:

Clarendon
Collier
Loyd
Plum
K. Mitchell
T. Mitchell
Tuck
E. Williams
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So Mitchell was kept over Sims whose stock has dropped over the past year. I wasn't impressed with Mitchell this past season for the Fever and here she is with a legit shot at making the World Cup team.
 
Interesting remark from Staley:

“I’m always grateful for every player who made the commitment to come out. Obviously, to be a part of USA Basketball is pretty special. And, to sacrifice your time after your WNBA season, being away from your family for a week, another week, that is pretty special in itself, because not everybody was here, for one reason or another. But the ones who came, chose to come and sacrifice some quality time with their families and that’s why USA Basketball is always a place in which we appreciate those players who are willing to give up their time to help us win.”

(emphasis mine)
 
VAMike23 said:
Deshields, Dolson and O. Sims were dropped off the list today, leaving 16 names:

Sixteen Finalists Named for USA Women's BB Pool - Sept 11, 2018

Bird
Taurasi
Griner
Charles
EDD
N Ogwumike
Stewart
Wilson

the 8 above appear to be locks -- here are the remaining 8 still fighting/scrapping/clawing:

Clarendon
Collier
Loyd
Plum
K. Mitchell
T. Mitchell
Tuck
E. Williams
Expand ...
I agree with your 8 locks. Tina, as we noticed, is not 100%, but she's willing and able to play. Nneka is presumably recovering from mono, but she looked at or near the top of her game. The other 6 are no-brainers. Elena may need treatment, but I expect her to be there.

I think Dee and Britt didn't come to D.C., so that the committee could evaluate the other players more thoroughly. Smart move!

I'm disappointed that Tiffany is not coming. She would have made the team as the lead defensive guard and world-class slasher.

I think there is enough height and bulk with 6 of the 8 locks. If we want additional insurance against Griner, we take Williams or possibly Tuck.

Do we take 4 guards or more? I think a 5th guard is advisable, especially against Spain, the likely Finals opponent. However, I think Elena or Stewie could play SG if needed.

Of the 6 non-locks who are in camp, Plum has been the most impressive to me. I like WNBA or college team pairings on this squad, so Plum together with Wilson makes sense.

I don't see Kelsey Mitchell at all. I'm surprised she made the group of 16.

Clarendon has done fairly well. I don't see her as an elite PG, but she's possible.

I haven't seen much from Tiffany Mitchell on offense, but Dawn likes her and she did play defense last night, including in the crucial 4th quarter.

Given the other candidates, I like Jewell Loyd, especially because she has familiarity with Sue and Stewie.

I think the back-up guards are Plum and Loyd. Of the remaining 6 players for 2 slots, I'd take Tuck or Collier. If they want to go for youth, Collier would be a good pick. I think that Tuck, as a more experienced pro and long-time USAB player, may have the inside track. She could also play the Asjha Jones role against Cambage.

The U.S. had some trouble scoring against Canada. I think one solution to that would have been named Lou. If healthy, she would be on the team, in my opinion.
 
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UConnCat said:
So Mitchell was kept over Sims whose stock has dropped over the past year. I wasn't impressed with Mitchell this past season for the Fever and here she is with a legit shot at making the World Cup team.
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I haven't liked Tiffany's offensive game in Indiana or in camp, but she played hard defense last night, if not over-aggressive. As I noted, she picked up no foul calls when attacking the Japanese guards like a free safety at full speed.
 
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