Villanova Postgame Thread

[HopJim]

I said this before and I will say it again. KK is the 2nd best pure pg in the nation to Rori Harmon and it’s close.

Agree although KK likely best defensive guard in nation. When you add the points she takes away from opposition, the two are very close in value.

 

[FanSince17]

I agree with you 100%. Two "bigs" come to mind: Natalie Butler and Jana. IMHO they were/are treated differently.

Come on guys, if it walks like a duck and quacks like a duck, it’s a duck.
Famous Coach at Cal, wrote the Bible on post-moves- Pete Newell. Would be a nice read!

 

[HopJim]

She did contribute a lot. However, on offense , I would like to see more. As a freshman, I thought she made more of her 2 point shots. She is really struggling to put the ball in the basket.

Wow!!! Tough audience, even for Boneyard!

 

[EricSD]

Watched the game twice to really enjoy it. Aside from a 10-0 run by Nova in Q2, there was very little to complain/worry about. I think Nova is well coached and has a good future, but on no planet is anyone but Geno the COY in the BE. Why? He lost Paige and Chen - 2 huge starters. He's got 1 starter who is brand new, and all the core players off the bench are brand new save for Allie (who for a lot of reasons didn't do much last season), and Jana. He's mixed and matched every game, sometimes with poor results, but he's finding what works.

And it's not that this team has "way more talent than anyone else". Sure Sarah is magnificent. Azzi can be at times. Blanca is one of the best freshmen in the country. But KK, Ash, Serah, Allie, Kayleigh, and Jana? Geno and co. have coached the hell out of those guys. And IMHO he deserves to be recognized for getting them all to play more and more total minutes like a well oiled machine. Instead of "pooh-poohing" UConn because they have much talent, people should look at HOW he's gotten them so good this season after losing what we lost and adding so many new pieces (rant off LOL).

For the game... The defense was again elite. The double teams and held balls we caused were so frustrating for 'Nova.

• Sarah. OMG. That under the basket reverse layup was extraordinary. And everything she does is elite. Just wow. NPOY
• Azzi - not concerned, per-se, but her inability to make layups lately is odd. But her defense is elite. I hope she gets some momentum and publicity for DPOY in the BE. It would be deserving
• KK - one of the best PG's in the country IMHO. She's NOT a scoring PG like some who get way more attention, but she is aggressive and scores when open, is a masterful runner of the offense, and plays elite defense every second.
• Ash - off shooting night, but a total dog with a bone warrior. Loved seeing her get those tie-ups, and kind of get into it with one of the Nova players who tried to rip the ball out of her hands. Do NOT mess with Ash LOL. For those few who keep complaining that she should come off the bench, not gonna happen. She does too many good things out there.
• Serah - continues to be competent. But watching her and some of the mistakes she makes - those are freshman mistakes, not senior mistakes.
• Blanca - I hope she gets some scratch as 6th woman of the year nationally. She's for sure one of the top freshmen in the country, and isn't even a starter
• Slowly but surely, Kayleigh seems to be getting a little better every game. SO glad we have her.
• Allie is such a surprise to me this season (maybe not to Geno and the staff tho). So glad she's blossoming.

The bench had a really solid 4th quarter. It seemed like most of it was against Nova's bench, but still, it was nice seeing Yanna and Caroline especially look smooth. Kelis has some terrific drives and scores, but I do wonder how good her PG skills are at this time. Her passes often seem mis-timed or ill advised - something that will come with experience. I really do think she's gonna be a good one.

Bottom line, a really good game especially in prep for the ND game coming up. A really healthy amount of minutes of high quality basketball from the team.

 

[DEpup]

No one disputes Ash's defense and hustle, but a starter needs to contribute more than 2 points to the offense. Trying to alter her shot mechanics to the faster game pace is proving to be a challenge.

Not really with UConn's best teams. Ash's role reminds me a lot of Kia Nurse, Kelly Faris, and Kaleena Greene where they were largely the glue players doing the dirty work and not depended on to be prolific scorers. They often were situational scorers and sometimes dubbed streaky. That often means they scored when that is what the defense gave as the opponent picked their poison. The glue players can often be the smartest on the floor since they are flexible enough to do what's necessary. Carla Berube was a glue player.

I wish folks could come to the realization that Ash does the things necessary for the Sara Strong's of the world to focus on their strengths and be amazing. Trust me, 5 Sara Strongs on the floor would be a hot mess.

 

[FanSince17]

I said “pure pg.”. I know it’s splitting hairs. But I would suggest that Miles is more of a combo guard. In any event Miles isn’t close to KK when it comes to defense.

What is a "pure point-guard"? A point guard who doesn't score? I vote for doing away with the term in today's spread offenses. Same could be said for "pure center".
KK is a key player on this team, the #1 ranked team. We saw what it looked like when she was out. (Nika fouling out versus ND)
Like a perfect recipe, KK is a crucial ingredient. The world could see that and speak about her accordingly. Same could be said about Ash.
I'll make a bet today, regardless of whether this talk remains the same, KK as a top 10 draft pick. I wonder where she would fall if she was able to come out this year. Are "combo guards" a dime-a-dozen?
Like NFL running backs. When we were young, they were the top picks. Now teams fill RB slots off the waiver wire.
Here's a question for us: Would we replace KK with Olivia? Tough one.

 

[HuskyNan]

I see we’re no longer discussing the game. Please either get back on track or I’ll lock the thread

For those introducing new topics, please start a new thread. Other people, who have moved on from last night’s game, might be interested in your topic but would never see it because it’s buried in a game thread

 

[oldude]

One other comment about the game last night. 6 years ago Kylee Watson was the #17 recruit in the nation. Paige was #1. Much was made of the fact that last night Watson had the opportunity to be the only player ever to beat UConn while playing for 3 different teams, having already beaten UConn while on the rosters of both Oregon & ND. Of course that didn’t happen.

But when Watson transferred to Villanova, they were getting a legitimate 6’4” Big and one of the highest ranked players in the BE not playing for UConn. Here’s my question. What in the hell happened to Kylee Watson? I understand she’s had an injury or two. But she was a starter and/or significant role player at both Oregon & ND. At Villanova, she’s an afterthought.

Last night Watson played only 9 minutes. She missed her 2 shots from the floor, hit 2 FT’s, pulled down 1 rebound and committed 1 turnover. One sequence was particularly telling. Sarah drove right at her, pulled up and hit an 8 ft bank shot that Watson barely contested. On the next Nova possession, Watson received the ball in the low blocks, turned to shoot and Sarah easily blocked the shot.

In her 6th year of college basketball, Watson’s impact is surprisingly limited.

 

[boontonbomber]

OK, let’s say Caroline has earned a start. She is most definitely a Wing/forward. You can’t start her at center because that would be a negative mismatch in the post and she doesn’t have the handle to play the guard spot. That leaves two possibilities. So who do you sit: Sarah or Azzi?

Except for the post and point , I think the other 3 are pretty flexible. She handles the ball as well as Shade, certainly can't defend with her, but even at this point I think she offers more offensively. Not gonna happen, so I'm going to put away my wishing and hoping.
By the way, Geno did do some gifting, years ago, to Nykesha Sales. Have to admit that, even though she was one of my very favorite players, I did not think that it was the right thing to do.

 

[RedStickHusky]

I love Caroline and feel for everything she has been through. She is just not athletic enough to make the rotation with the current roster. Different level. Watch Blanca, Heckel - those are the players coming off the bench.
Not saying she couldn’t help if we were hit by a bunch of injuries and I’m happy to see her get 4 th quarter extended minutes in these blow outs. But starting? Or even top 8 player. Not happening. Geno knows what he’s doing.

I can't claim to know this, but I suspect Caroline would not be happy taking a single minute away from one of her teammates. She had some big moments before the injuries and I don't doubt she's crawled through hades to get back on the floor, but her time as a rotation player has passed. I hope she's working on coaching chops.

 

[VA Huskie]

Regarding Caroline: somehow I just wish that Caroline's courage and determination were rewarded by letting her start a game. She might give up a bit on the defensive end, but so what. Offensively, she might even be an upgrade, depending who she started in place of. She seems to be getting stronger, and she just knows how to play the game. She would be thrilled! But , you know it won't happen.

Senior Night!

 

[VA Huskie]

No your wrong..she looks really slow out there on both ends of the court..everyone loves Caroline and appreciates all she has been through but she is the 10th person in the rotation behind Blanka,K9,Jana and Allie for a reason..the speed the way Uconn plays the game there is no way Caroline would fit in ..on top of that she can't shoot..a carreer 28.8% 3 pt shooter with this year shooting a dismal 13.3% and only 31% overall
I'd also say that k9 understands the game quite well also

I remember when Geno started Carolyn Dote every game her senior year…then took her out at the 1st break. He could do that with today’s CD.

 

[VA Huskie]

I thought, at the start of the game, that the 'cats really showed some preparation in breaking the UConn press. On several early occasions they were able to advance the ball into the front court quite handily. But in no time our defense started to wear them down, and that preparation edge seemed to disappear. Our defensive discipline and communication was maintained at a higher level throughout the game than in any other game this season. They're like a swarm of bees. It seemed like every Villanova ballhandler, whether in backcourt or frontcourt, was doubleteamed, to the extent that the ballhandler couldn't even see a possible pass recipient. All I kept thinking about was the countless hours of practice that kind of play takes.

And on offense, the passing seemed crisper than at any time this year. That being said, it's understandable that some passes go awry. I get the feeling that when the offense is clicking on such a high level, Geno doesn't mind if an occasional pass is intercepted.

Can't help but be impressed with this team. And yet, Geno still feels they don't hold a candle to the teams who were being honored last night. I wonder if he'll say the same if they continue to improve and win out this year.

As to Geno, his aches and pains are becoming more noticeable at the post-game pressers, through his frequent stretches and flexing of his left elbow, shoulder and back, his facial grimaces and verbal grunts. What he probably needs is a good, deep massage on a regular basis.

And what we should do is let up on all the speculation about his successor. He's obviously enjoying this team immensely, to say nothing of salivating about the prospects on their way in. Let's sit back and enjoy the genius and his staff work this magic while we can. We're watching basketball history in the making.

Agree with your last point. And we’ve been watching basketball history for over 30 years. We’re the most fortunate fans in the world!

 

[MilfordHusky]

Holy Cannoli! I had seen on social media that Dick Vitale was predicting a Nova upset. Knowing that Nova was the #2 team, I was hoping for a win by 20. When I saw that the point spread was about 35 or so, I was skeptical. But we beat that by 14. Are we lots better than everyone??

Who was the best player in the gym last night: Stewie, Pheesa, or Sarah? Who was the best shooter in the gym last night: Kaleena or Azzi? Who was the best defensive nemesis: Moriah or KK? I think we made the 2015 and 2016 teams proud!

 

[Longtime fan]

Some thoughts on the Villanova game:

• UConn royalty was in the house tonight as the 2015 & 2016 national champions were honored. Someone should ask Geno which team was better: 2015, 2016 or the one he has right now? 🧐
• Denise Dillon is another outstanding coach. Villanova has been the 2nd best team in the BE and they are likely heading to the Big Dance. Some might suggest that UConn’s 49-point win over Villanova demonstrates how weak the conference is. I would suggest it demonstrates just how strong the Huskies are.
• Bascoe is probably the best player in the BE who’s not a Husky. Tonight, against KK (a.k.a. Batgirl) and her UConn teammates Bascoe had a really tough night. For the game, Bascoe was 3/13 with only 8 points.
• Last season, Ash & KK came off the bench to give the Huskies a jolt of energy. This season it’s Blanca & Kayleigh who supercharge the Huskies off the bench, particularly on defense. To Paraphrase Jim Flannery, "Every team in WBB wishes they had Blanca and Kayleigh coming off the bench."
• Sarah is so good, so versatile and so effortless with her play that she racks up stats like she’s in a video game.
• Let’s talk DEFENSE! The Huskies swarm opposing teams like angry bees, doubling whenever an opponent picks up the ball, getting their hands on the ball countless times, diving on the floor for loose balls and locking up opponents who make the mistake of picking up the ball in traffic. The Huskies held the Wildcats to 28% from the floor while forcing 26 turnovers.
• The Huskies were a little better taking care of the ball tonight. But they still committed 14 turnovers, typically when they attempt to force passes through small windows. With that said, KK continues to be 3rd in the nation with an amazing 4.76 A/TO ratio.
• I really appreciate Caroline's steady play as well as her ability to settle down the youngsters when she's on the floor, typically in the 4th qtr.
• Everybody eats tonight!!!! 🤩
• The Irish pay a visit to Gampel on Monday in what is surely MUST-SEE TV!

The play of the game was the bounce pass from Blanca to Kayleigh for a lay up. Jaw dropping in its beauty and audacity. Not to mention; its perfection.

 

[Cuango]

Watched the game twice to really enjoy it. Aside from a 10-0 run by Nova in Q2, there was very little to complain/worry about. I think Nova is well coached and has a good future, but on no planet is anyone but Geno the COY in the BE. Why? He lost Paige and Chen - 2 huge starters. He's got 1 starter who is brand new, and all the core players off the bench are brand new save for Allie (who for a lot of reasons didn't do much last season), and Jana. He's mixed and matched every game, sometimes with poor results, but he's finding what works.

And it's not that this team has "way more talent than anyone else". Sure Sarah is magnificent. Azzi can be at times. Blanca is one of the best freshmen in the country. But KK, Ash, Serah, Allie, Kayleigh, and Jana? Geno and co. have coached the hell out of those guys. And IMHO he deserves to be recognized for getting them all to play more and more total minutes like a well oiled machine. Instead of "pooh-poohing" UConn because they have much talent, people should look at HOW he's gotten them so good this season after losing what we lost and adding so many new pieces (rant off LOL).

For the game... The defense was again elite. The double teams and held balls we caused were so frustrating for 'Nova.

• Sarah. OMG. That under the basket reverse layup was extraordinary. And everything she does is elite. Just wow. NPOY
• Azzi - not concerned, per-se, but her inability to make layups lately is odd. But her defense is elite. I hope she gets some momentum and publicity for DPOY in the BE. It would be deserving
• KK - one of the best PG's in the country IMHO. She's NOT a scoring PG like some who get way more attention, but she is aggressive and scores when open, is a masterful runner of the offense, and plays elite defense every second.
• Ash - off shooting night, but a total dog with a bone warrior. Loved seeing her get those tie-ups, and kind of get into it with one of the Nova players who tried to rip the ball out of her hands. Do NOT mess with Ash LOL. For those few who keep complaining that she should come off the bench, not gonna happen. She does too many good things out there.
• Serah - continues to be competent. But watching her and some of the mistakes she makes - those are freshman mistakes, not senior mistakes.
• Blanca - I hope she gets some scratch as 6th woman of the year nationally. She's for sure one of the top freshmen in the country, and isn't even a starter
• Slowly but surely, Kayleigh seems to be getting a little better every game. SO glad we have her.
• Allie is such a surprise to me this season (maybe not to Geno and the staff tho). So glad she's blossoming.

The bench had a really solid 4th quarter. It seemed like most of it was against Nova's bench, but still, it was nice seeing Yanna and Caroline especially look smooth. Kelis has some terrific drives and scores, but I do wonder how good her PG skills are at this time. Her passes often seem mis-timed or ill advised - something that will come with experience. I really do think she's gonna be a good one.

Bottom line, a really good game especially in prep for the ND game coming up. A really healthy amount of minutes of high quality basketball from the team.

Allie seems to be getting very few looks from three lately. I know she had that one game not too long ago but I’d like to se her getting four a game at least. She is of course almost entirely reliant on passes and this team just has so many weapons that she just doesn’t get a whole lot of opportunities. I am very happy with her aggression to the basket when she does have the ball in her hands though. She’s a pretty strong finisher at the rim. Looking forward to her continued growth and perhaps a very much bigger role next season

 

[Pharos]

Just a couple of observations. Kellis is and will be a holy terror. I'm growing more and more impressed with Kayleigh. She's what I'd call zippy, but she's never out of control or position and her release is very quick. Yeah, I'm appreciating her game more and more.

An intelligent player...

 

[Pharos]

Large crowd, a fun night at Gampel, the pregame ceremony was well done. Sad to see Napheesa on crutches, and happy to see that there is apparently another Pulido on the way. It is always loud there but the sound system seemed especially loud tonight.

All of Notre Dame’s starters played at least 37 minutes and the one sub played nine minutes. So no big secret what UConn will do next Monday, and this was a great game to get that mojo going. The way UConn played Bascoe is undoubtedly what UConn will throw at Hidalgo.

And KK gets the primary credit for keeping Bascoe in check, but it was a team effort. Bascoe got in the lane a few times and tried spin moves, but was always met with another UConn player taking that away. She got a lot of attention and had very little room to operate. Dillon took her out fairly early in the third quarter and she sat for a long time.

Henry is a good player for them, long and quick.

I thought that was the best double teaming on defense that UConn has done all season. That was one reason why we had so many held balls. Heckel is really good at that.

I’d like to see a 30 point game from Azzi one of these nights. As in Monday night.

"I thought that was the best double teaming on defense that UConn has done all season."

Yup

 

[hookshot]

Ash played more minutes last night than anyone. On a team where everyone plays hard, Ash plays harder than anyone. She flies around the court hunting rebounds, closing out on shooters and if you don't cover her, she can kill you from the arc. If we are talking about someone who has earned a starting spot through hard work and effort, no one has earned it more than Ash.

Totally agree, I simply said "if you were going to do it", it would be for Ash - that seems, totally obvious, who would you have otherwise suggested

 

[Suebird10fan]

Kk has been playing incredible basketball.

Every time I see her the number of point guards in the country that I think are better than her gets smaller. One hand with fingers left over for sure.

 

[Suebird10fan]

Allie seems to be getting very few looks from three lately. I know she had that one game not too long ago but I’d like to se her getting four a game at least. She is of course almost entirely reliant on passes and this team just has so many weapons that she just doesn’t get a whole lot of opportunities. I am very happy with her aggression to the basket when she does have the ball in her hands though. She’s a pretty strong finisher at the rim. Looking forward to her continued growth and perhaps a very much bigger role next season

Very strong finisher. I was thinking last night that she needs to tell everyone else how she does it. She seems to be money when she gets near the hoop.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I thought Kayleigh made several SMH plays on offense, but all were well intentioned and some, like bouncing the ball off her foot, can happen to anyone, especially a player trying really hard to impress someone (coach or alum).

That said, I thought she was really sharp with her movements on defense. And such energy!!

 

[hookshot]

I can't claim to know this, but I suspect Caroline would not be happy taking a single minute away from one of her teammates. She had some big moments before the injuries and I don't doubt she's crawled through hades to get back on the floor, but her time as a rotation player has passed. I hope she's working on coaching chops.

Time as a rotational player very likely passed (baring injuries) but time as a situational player deserves consideration. e.g. if Uconn has 3-5 point lead in Nat. Championship game with 1 minute left, I have her in there for the otherwise shakiest foul shooter (Jana, K9, etc) or turn over risk (Q). Caroline would calm the waters, make any / all her free throws, sneak in for offensive rebounds loose balls, be in the right place all the time. For that minute, there is enough other talent on the floor, that I just need my smartest player on the floor to close it out. Now if I'm behind 3-5, its a whole different need - no Caroline - I need 5 people on floor that can cause turnovers, make 3s, handle/ advance the ball (e.g. K9)

 

[oldude]

Totally agree, I simply said "if you were going to do it", it would be for Ash - that seems, totally obvious, who would you have otherwise suggested

I wouldn’t suggest anyone. As much as I like Caroline, she’s currently the 10th or 11th player on the depth chart.

 

[oldude]

The play of the game was the bounce pass from Blanca to Kayleigh for a lay up. Jaw dropping in its beauty and audacity. Not to mention; its perfection.

Funny you mention that play. Last night I must have been getting a beer or something, because I never saw that play until I watched the game replay this morning. My first reaction was that it was one hell of a play.