Villanova Postgame Thread

[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.

 

[RedStickHusky]

...time as a situational player deserves consideration...

That's fair; I'm just arguing against sympathy minutes...

 

[AzzisBraids]

Another Big East win. Sarah looks like she's getting better every game and Im not sure that was possible. She'll be Player of the Year is she keeps this up and it will be consensus. KK playing at this level changes everything about UConn. If she's defending and scoring, UConn won't lose. Ash's shot is here and there but her effort is always high and she does many little things that add up to big chunks. Blanca attacks the rim so hard, plays so well. She has freshman moments but she's solid.

Azzi is adjusting to being the top perimeter threat again. Defenses are doing so much to deny her and she needs to hold on to the aggressiveness we saw in NCAA tournament. I don't care about her percentages, she needs to shoot with confidence and it will figure itself out.

The bench was masterful and deserves MVP for me. I think I noticed something...this team is bored. Having the OGs in the building brought out a different energy from everyone. Excited to see them in the NCAA tournament. I think they're all waiting to get there and yes, taking it "day by day" but I expect the Notre Dame game to be their best because ranked or unranked, UConn will want to send a message to the team in green.

 

[sun]

This game proved that if anyone "deserves" to be a starter, it's Blanca.
She has too much talent to not be a starter.
If that's true then some current starter certainly is receiving the "gift" of being a starter from Geno.
It can be explained away as it's "better" that Blanca comes in as the 6th player but I really don't know why other than some UConn starters need a phenomenal sub so they can take their break.
Watching Blanca's giant performance in this game, she makes the BB court seem so small.
She plays so much like a superstar that the BB court literally shrinks when she enters the game.

 

[PacoSwede]

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.

give credit to ash in that the shots she takes are always good looks (except for the occasional drive) but she would be truly phenomenal if she shows better, consistent shot-making (esp. because she is great at taking only the aforementioned good, open shots). it's bizarre (and frustrating) that she was a scorer in high school so she must have the stuff to be it in college too. maybe she has turned her focus (due to coaches' influence?) to being glue. she could be both. i hope she gets there.

 

[PacoSwede]

....

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.

yes, that was very apparent at this presser. was it at others?

gotta be sympathetic. i suspect he sustained some specific, recent injury rather than a chronic condition. after all, he's only 71 y.o. (or is it 72?). the chronic stuff hopefully will be avoided for years to come. 🤥 watching him struggling through the presser hurt me!

 

[boontonbomber]

give credit to ash in that the shots she takes are always good looks (except for the occasional drive) but she would be truly phenomenal if she shows better, consistent shot-making (esp. because she is great at taking only the aforementioned good, open shots). it's bizarre (and frustrating) that she was a scorer in high school so she must have the stuff to be it in college too. maybe she has turned her focus (due to coaches' influence?) to being glue. she could be both. i hope she gets there.

If she does have more of an offensive game she better start showing it soon. Otherwise, she will go the route of Kelly Faris post-UConn. Though I think there was more to Faris' game. Ashlynn really has not added much offensively in her time at UConn. She needs plenty of time to get her shot off, and rarely creates a shot. Maybe next year.

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

This game proved that if anyone "deserves" to be a starter, it's Blanca.
She has too much talent to not be a starter.
If that's true then some current starter certainly is receiving the "gift" of being a starter from Geno.
It can be explained away as it's "better" that Blanca comes in as the 6th player but I really don't know why other than some UConn starters need a phenomenal sub so they can take their break.
Watching Blanca's giant performance in this game, she makes the BB court seem so small.
She plays so much like a superstar that the BB court literally shrinks when she enters the game.

BRS24 shared a gift article (Gift article here)
with this Geno quote: “I think we’re in a good place with our rotation and I think we can get even better at it.”

• Geno has Terror Twins Classic in the starting lineup and Terror Twins 2.0 in reserve.
• This is part of the formula why “UConn (at times) looks like one of the best defensive teams in Geno Auriemma's 41 years.”

Yes, Blanca is a better starter. But the 40-minute sequence of rotations suffers, as I explained here. It is strategic. You know, to win games and to win the NCAAT.

 

[Bone Dog]

BRS24 shared a gift article (Gift article here)
with this Geno quote: “I think we’re in a good place with our rotation and I think we can get even better at it.”

• Geno has Terror Twins Classic in the starting lineup and Terror Twins 2.0 in reserve.
• This is part of the formula why “UConn (at times) looks like one of the best defensive teams in Geno Auriemma's 41 years.”

Yes, Blanca is a better starter. But the 40-minute sequence of rotations suffers, as I explained here. It is strategic. You know, to win games and to win the NCAAT.

Excellent post. But this line gave me a chuckle:

• Geno has Terror Twins Classic in the starting lineup and Terror Twins 2.0 in reserve.

Thanks for that!

 

[JellyBean]

Can KK keep wearing the mask? Some players wear the protective mask and their games fall off. The mask throws their game off. Some players wear the protective mask, and their game goes to another level. KK is in that last group. 7 dimes and 4 steals. Throw in her 13 points! Well done, KK

 

[oldude]

Can KK keep wearing the mask? Some players wear the protective mask and their games fall off. The mask throws their game off. Some players wear the protective mask, and their game goes to another level. KK is in that last group. 7 dimes and 4 steals. Throw in her 13 points! Well done, KK

I actually thought Aaliyah played better with a mask on.

 

[Urshurak]

I think KK was sending a message that she is ready for ND. Bascoe is probably the best warm up in the BE to prepare for Hidalgo and she just shut Bascoe down.

Bascoe is no Hidalgo, not by a long shot, but I agree it’s the best we got as far as a warm-up. UConn has gotten pasted two years in a row by Hidalgo. Absolute best down. No sugar coating it.

Time for some pay back……

 

[oldude]

Bascoe is no Hidalgo, not by a long shot, but I agree it’s the best we got as far as a warm-up. UConn has gotten pasted two years in a row by Hidalgo. Absolute best down. No sugar coating it.

Time for some pay back……

While HH was outstanding vs UConn in each of the past 2 years, Citron, Miles, Westbeld, et al were all part of the problem the Huskies had to deal with. HH will be a handful to deal with on Monday. But her supporting cast is not going to provide anywhere near the same challenge.

 

[JellyBean]

I actually thought Aaliyah played better with a mask on.

I agree.

 

[Charliebball]

While HH was outstanding vs UConn in each of the past 2 years, Citron, Miles, Westbeld, et al were all part of the problem the Huskies had to deal with. HH will be a handful to deal with on Monday. But her supporting cast is not going to provide anywhere near the same challenge.

UConn shouldn't have too much of a problem with ND, but they are still capable of putting up a good fight..........UConn needs to stay out of foul trouble guarding Hidalgo and keep ND off the glass.....

 

[RoadMaster]

Big Swipe..

 

[JellyBean]

UConn shouldn't have too much of a problem with ND, but they are still capable of putting up a good fight..........UConn needs to stay out of foul trouble guarding Hidalgo and keep ND off the glass.....

Yep. I agree. UConn should not have any problem with ND. As long as UConn plays to their standards and sticks to the game plan. As John Wooden use to say, "Respect your opponents but never fear none" and if UConn players compete to the best of their abilities, the results will come.