USF Postgame Thread

[BBallF]

Here is one very important stat that no one has mentioned in this thread:

Ice in 23 minutes had just 2 rebounds, one of which was on offense. Whereas Jana in 17 minutes had 7 rebounds (as many as Sarah had in 25 minutes), and 3 of Jana's rebounds were offensive. That is exactly half of all the offensive rebounds that UConn had in the game.

Ice did play much better today than in either of the two previous games, but the rebounding gap between her and Jana remains stark. Just for that reason, I think Jana needs to start and get the majority of minutes at the center position.

Another key fact: In those 17 minutes, do you know how many fouls Jana had? Exactly zero, nada, zilch. And from in-person observation, I can assure you that it wasn't because she was playing timidly or cautiously (certainly less recklessly than in previous games, however). If that proves not to be a fluke, it will be easier for Geno to play Jana and leave her in the game when the competition level demands it. (BTW, Ice had 3 fouls in her 23 minutes -- too many.)

Good points. I think Geno is bringing Jana along at a very deliberate pace. Ice has never been a great leaper and won't suddenly become one but the one weakness that I saw originally even greater than jumping ability was grasping strength. She was much better at it today than against BU. She can get boards with her body by boxing out and as long as her hands are strong she will do fine. She also can score in and out. As Kara said on the post game show, she needs to becomes the player she was in the BE tourney last year. There was much more confidence out there today.

It's early in the season. We can't use Paige as a standard. She is in Final Four shape already. Jana is going to be a dominating center but coming off the bench is necessary now. She hasn't played extended stretches in a UCONN uniform. You gotta move constantly on offense and defense for Geno so shorter measured playing time is the right prescription for her now. It isn't easy moving a Pyramid at the required Husky pace. To quote Danny Hurley last year "It's coming".

 

[jeff30189]

Ice in 23 minutes had just 2 rebounds, one of which was on offense. Whereas Jana in 17 minutes had 7 rebounds (as many as Sarah had in 25 minutes), and 3 of Jana's rebounds were offensive.

Ice did play much better today than in either of the two previous games, but the rebounding gap between her and Jana remains stark. Just for that reason, I think Jana needs to start and get the majority of minutes at the center position.

You just beat me to it. Definitely nice to see Brady have a decent game, but we really need to see it become the norm or at least the rule rather than the exception. Agreed 100% on Jana being the starter.

Others have said it already but how do you take Ash out of the starting lineup? Let Azzi anchor the second unit, get her 25-30 minutes (when healthy) by spelling Paige, Ash and Kaitlyn. The best part is that huge smile of "did you see what I just did" every time she scores. Her pesky aggressive defensive metamorphosis almost reminds me of Nika.

Between Q, Morgan and Allie someone will emerge as the instant offense and right now it looks like Morgan. Going to have to find her minutes somehow once Azzi and Aubrey are back.

Not to get ahead of ourselves, but how nice will it be to have 10-12 healthy bodies to throw out there in waves? Pressing defense to create turnovers and easy buckets.

 

[BBallF]

Azzi comes off the bench. Ash is a core starter.

If Azzi is healthy and near 100% she starts and so does Ash. Kaitlyn sits.

 

[Skeets]

I think Morgan and Allie both look much more ready to contribute in their roles than Q right now

I sincerely hope we don't go the whole year talking about the potential Q has. Time for her to put that potential on the court. Her classmates and now the freshmen are pushing down the depth chart.

 

[hoophuskee]

Including throwing her body into opponents rather incautiously and getting called for fouls. She had 3 fouls in 15 minutes -- too many. Hopefully it won't take long for her to get her "bull in a china shop" tendencies under control.

IMo Chen's game Offensive game comes down to how well she passes the ball and how well she hits open shots. UCONN doesn't need her to be anything close to what she was at Princeton. An occassional game - sure. But overall UCONN has much more "efficient scorers" for her to be as aggressive as she was at Princeton. So she needs to work on her passing vs taking tough shots.

 

[Skeets]

If Azzi is healthy and near 100% she starts and so does Ash. Kaitlyn sits.

Probably not initially at least. Some players take months, maybe a year, if ever, to get back to where they were. I would give Azzi several games to shake the rust off. After that? Well, it could be a dilemma. Poor Geno...

 

[Charliebball]

Here is one very important stat that no one has mentioned in this thread:

Ice in 23 minutes had just 2 rebounds, one of which was on offense. Whereas Jana in 17 minutes had 7 rebounds (as many as Sarah had in 25 minutes), and 3 of Jana's rebounds were offensive. That is exactly half of all the offensive rebounds that UConn had in the game.

Ice did play much better today than in either of the two previous games, but the rebounding gap between her and Jana remains stark. Just for that reason, I think Jana needs to start and get the majority of minutes at the center position.

Another key fact: In those 17 minutes, do you know how many fouls Jana had? Exactly zero, nada, zilch. And from in-person observation, I can assure you that it wasn't because she was playing timidly or cautiously (certainly less recklessly than in previous games, however). If that proves not to be a fluke, it will be easier for Geno to play Jana and leave her in the game when the competition level demands it. (BTW, Ice had 3 fouls in her 23 minutes -- too many.)

We'll see exactly where Jana and Ice are when UConn plays against UNC with 6'5" Bianca Thomas 6'3" Maria Gakdeng and 6'4" Cierra Toomey.........hoping for a good showing.......

 

[Blond D.]

There are really no negatives today. I actually think South Florida is better than most teams in the big east.

I don’t have Morgan as a shooter. So her being 3/3 from behind the arc this year. I don’t know what to make of that. I would say she has earned some more minutes.

What do you guys think of Morgan and Ziebell coming into the game before Q? Was Geno just looking to squeeze them in because they are new players? Can anything be gleamed from that?

I think Morgan and Allie are better at defense. Q still looks a little lost.

 

[VA Huskie]

USF is a familiar old foe and the outcome was decidedly familiar. A step up from BU, USF is a well coached team, but doesn't have the horses compared to UConn. Geno has always recruited intelligent, talented basketball players, but this year's squad is loaded with high basketball IQ. Again, it's early, but I impressed by the poise of Sarah and Morgan Chelli. They just have a feel for the game. The baseline pass in the second half from Jana (a coaches' daughter) to KK demonstrated her court awareness. She has a high ceiling and will only get better as the season progresses.

Of course it goes without stating that the ultimate high IQ player is Paige. On a team loaded with HS All-Americans, she stands out like the North Star. Kaitlyn Chen is the perfect addition to the team, and her value & importance will grow, deeper into the season. While she may not be the defensive dynamo that Nika was, she adds another dimension on offense.

Ashlynn looks quicker, more athletic and even more fit than last season, if that is possible. We are patiently waiting for Azzi to play, but how do you take Ash off the court? She's so fundamentally sound, her on-ball defense has improved, and she's another one in the high IQ club. Unlike last season, Geno's issue will be finding PT for all the players who deserve time.

North Carolina is another step up in competition and the first road game for the newbies. It will be their first opportunity to see Paige step up and operate in a hostile environment.

Unlike last year, UConn has bench that Geno can tap into for various situations that arise. There are only a few programs that have the luxury of bringing a talent like KK Arnold off the bench. It will be interesting to see how PT is distributed as the season progresses.

NC environment won’t be totally hostile… me and the wife will be there

 

[packwrap]

Azzi comes off the bench. Ash is a core starter.

Even I don't think this is happening.

How quickly injuries make us forget talent.

 

[AJay11]

If Azzi is healthy and near 100% she starts and so does Ash. Kaitlyn sits.

I don't think it really matters until we see Azzi play. Isn't Chen playing point guard? Wouldn't Paige have to play PG then? I would hate to not see Chen in the starting line up. She has hops and passing. Definitely thinks she struggles on defense like Lou, but I love the way she makes up for her height when shooting over taller players. She and KK are ying-yang of each other when it comes to offense and defense. Ugh... definitely biased because I absolutely love the starting guards. Don't hate me, but I want Azzi to come off the bench.

 

[rubymae4]

There was a moment in the 2nd half when Geno took Paige out and the question was...who is going to take over and give the team the leadership it requires and that person was Shade...She was magnificent..

I saw that too. There’s an intensity to Shade that’s apparent even this early in the season. She took Geno’s orders to take more risks to heart, but she’s also stepping out in taking a quiet leadership role when needed. Her growth from last year to this year is striking.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Paige? Meh. Ash? Meh. Sarah? OK, she's really, really good.

But the players who impressed me most were Jana and Morgan.

Re Jana: How about the left-handed hook shot early on? Who was the last player who could do such a thing? Tina Charles? Stef Dolson? Could be. Stewie? Could be. Natalie Butler? Possibly. Liv? Don't think she ever shot a hook, to my chagrin. Dorka? Maybe. Anyway, wow. And Jana seems so comfortable with the rough and tumble around the basket.

Re Morgan: What's the story? I thought 3-point shooting was not her strength. What is she, three for three from three? Looked good shooting them. Also impressed by her rebounding. You go, player!

Re Qadence: I was surprised she played the fewest minutes against BU. Thought she did some good things. Today, not so much, but she did have tape on one of her shoulders. Maybe she got dinged in practice. Hoping for good things from her going forward. [which is really the only direction you can go, when you think about it]

 

[MSGRET]

I believe that Jose and USF will win the American Athletic Conference this year and make it to the dance. Massey has them as the top rated team out of the AAC at 76, 25 slots higher than the second place team Tulane.

 

[Stagnant]

I think Morgan and Allie are better at defense. Q still looks a little lost.

I watched the game again. And Morgan was extremely physical on defense. Any player that she was guarding got jammed if they ran through the key.

 

[hoophuskee]

I don't think it really matters until we see Azzi play. Isn't Chen playing point guard? Wouldn't Paige have to play PG then? I would hate to not see Chen in the starting line up. She has hops and passing. Definitely thinks she struggles on defense like Lou, but I love the way she makes up for her height when shooting over taller players. She and KK are ying-yang of each other when it comes to offense and defense. Ugh... definitely biased because I absolutely love the starting guards. Don't hate me, but I want Azzi to come off the bench.

They (Paige and Chen) are both playing PG. Paige is running the Offense a lot even though Chen is in the game with her. I would prefer Chen playing as she is. Wouldn't we say this game was super how they looked? They shot 67% from the floor and Paige was 9-10 from the floor. The thing is Paige only had 1 assist. WHile CHen had 7. IMO UCONN moves the ball faster with CHen and KK on the flor with Paige (and Shade). Shade was 7-10. I can recall because Chen anxd KK pushed the ball they allowed Paige wide open/easy looks. A wide open look for Paige is better than Paige giving a teammate a wide open look all things being equal unless its a healthy Azzi. Then wide open shooting the ball just in that comparision they are pretty close statistically when healthy.

 

[Steve UConn72]

Bench numbers - 20 points on 9/17 shooting, 17 rebounds, 5 assists & 2 steals. Not bad.

 

[freshler40]

IMo Chen's game Offensive game comes down to how well she passes the ball and how well she hits open shots. UCONN doesn't need her to be anything close to what she was at Princeton. An occassional game - sure. But overall UCONN has much more "efficient scorers" for her to be as aggressive as she was at Princeton. So she needs to work on her passing vs taking tough shots.

Interesting point but taking what the game gives you might be best. Chen has the offensive tools and that sets up others as well. Hard to defend against five offensive players. Chen can create her own shot and is disruptive on offense. It is hard to keep her out of the lane at times, she may get blocked, as does KK, but that type of effort can draw fouls and money from the line. Positionless players among guards is the best way to go IMO.

 

[freshler40]

They (Paige and Chen) are both playing PG. Paige is running the Offense a lot even though Chen is in the game with her. I would prefer Chen playing as she is. Wouldn't we say this game was super how they looked? They shot 67% from the floor and Paige was 9-10 from the floor. The thing is Paige only had 1 assist. WHile CHen had 7. IMO UCONN moves the ball faster with CHen and KK on the flor with Paige (and Shade). Shade was 7-10. I can recall because Chen anxd KK pushed the ball they allowed Paige wide open/easy looks. A wide open look for Paige is better than Paige giving a teammate a wide open look all things being equal unless its a healthy Azzi. Then wide open shooting the ball just in that comparision they are pretty close statistically when healthy.

The player combinations on this team are endless. This really is an opposing coach's nightmare. Our entire team seems invested in what is best for Huskies. Interesting how the two players per position, and understudy roles for some are apparent on both of our basketball teams.

 

[meyers7]

There are really no negatives today. I actually think South Florida is better than most teams in the big east.

I don’t have Morgan as a shooter. So her being 3/3 from behind the arc this year. I don’t know what to make of that. I would say she has earned some more minutes.

What do you guys think of Morgan and Ziebell coming into the game before Q? Was Geno just looking to squeeze them in because they are new players? Can anything be gleamed from that?

I'm thinking, she didn't have a great practice week. Also when she came on she jacked up a couple shots, not really in the flow of the offense. She also got beat or got lost on the defensive end a couple times. The last time, Geno said something to the assist coaches and she came off, not to get back in the game.

She was off this game, from the first game (where she was really good). Hopefully she can get it back together this week.

 

[Kat]

USF tried to beat up the Huskies. Nothing new there, but this team has the size and strength to discourage that approach. You’re going to have to ball to beat UConn.

 

[meyers7]

I watched the game again. And Morgan was extremely physical on defense. Any player that she was guarding got jammed if they ran through the key.

She looking at least early on, like a good all-rounder. Can shoot, pass, rebound. Not superstar at anything, but decent/good at everything. Maybe a glue player.

 

[PacoSwede]

She looking at least early on, like a good all-rounder. Can shoot, pass, rebound. Not superstar at anything, but decent/good at everything. Maybe a glue player.

wasn't morgan one of the last 5 in naismith player of the year race in high school this year? (the winner was sarah)

methinks folks are underestimating her. (i wouldn't count on continuing excellence from 3-land ... but suppose it's possible ... and i have a feeling there is leadership in her, which may emerge greatly when paige is gone)

 

[HuskyNan]

IMo Chen's game Offensive game comes down to how well she passes the ball and how well she hits open shots. UCONN doesn't need her to be anything close to what she was at Princeton. An occassional game - sure. But overall UCONN has much more "efficient scorers" for her to be as aggressive as she was at Princeton. So she needs to work on her passing vs taking tough shots.

Kaitlyn has had to adjust from being the primary offensive weapon at Princeton to passing the ball. There were just a couple instances where she tried to do too much rather than pass to the open shooter, possibly out of habit, but I expect she'll correct that soon. She still had 7 assists yesterday. It's still very early in the season.

 

[Gusaford]

I watched the game again. And Morgan was extremely physical on defense. Any player that she was guarding got jammed if they ran through the key.

Agree on Morgan's extreme physicality. Also impressed by her ability to box out and go get rebounds. My one nit is that she can be a little grabby on defense and, if she plays extended minutes, will likely get called on it with some frequency. Still, I'd rather have to throttle a young player down than try to rev them up . . . .