What Did We Learn From The First Exhibition?

[JoePgh]

I just got back from seeing the game in person. Here are my major impressions:

1. Kia Nurse seems to be a LOT better than she was last year. She showed no sign of any injury, and she displayed a pull-up jump shot from 10-12 feet that looked like Bria Hartley in her best moments. And she shot well from the 3-point line. She did pick up 3 quick fouls for being aggressive, and she will have to watch that. She played point guard a lot with Moriah on the bench, and looked totally comfortable.

2. Stewie shot well from 3 as well as from everywhere else, and completely outclassed her opposition. She does look like she could be noticeably better this year than last year. On defense, I saw her playing a lot on the perimeter in this game, which surprised me. I would think that against teams with a major inside game, she will play center on defense as she did last year.

3. Gabby played extremely well, as a guard on defense and a wing on offense. She didn't show more shooting range than she had last year, but her free throw shooting seemed to be much better. Quite late in the game, she got injured and was limping. They had to call a timeout to get her out of the game (and bring Stewie back in even with a 40-point lead). The injury appeared to be to her knee or ankle. She stayed on the bench and did not seem to be in major pain. I'm hoping that it is a minor sprain or tweak. Assuming that she will be physically healthy for the Ohio State game, I would say (based on this evening's performance) that she has the inside track for the 5th starter position.

4. Moriah was her usual self, although I don't believe she attempted any 3's. She could drive to the basket almost at will, and she did. I agree with those who say that she will easily be the best point guard in America this year.

5. The freshmen who played (Lou and Napheesa) were both clearly experiencing first-game jitters. It is odd that Lou can play for the World U-18 championship, representing the USA, and have ice in her veins and make 3-point shot after 3-point shot, but gets flustered in an exhibition game against the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals. She calmed down by the middle of the second half and played better, but don't think she is ready for major minutes against Ohio State. I doubt now that she will start that game.

Napheesa has a physique that is Maya-like, and her game seems similar to Maya's (minus the long-distance shooting). Tonight, she also had the jitters, and was missing short shots that I am sure she will normally make -- she finally made one at the end of the game. But she is very strong and runs like a gazelle. I did not notice any defensive issues (which cannot be said of Lou). I think she will be ready for major minutes before Lou is, but I don't think she will be as immediately productive as Gabby (assuming Gabby is healthy).

6. Courtney played 15 minutes and to my eyes she did not look different than last year. She missed several jump shots badly, and was slow on defense. Mentally she appeared to be in the game and trying to do the right thing, but there is just a limited physical talent there. I would compare her to Meghan Gardler, but with less strength on the boards.

It is unfortunate that we were not able to see Natalie, Saniya, or Dejenae except in warm-up suits on the bench. That did lead to the starters playing more minutes than I'm sure Geno would have preferred. But it also meant that Lou and Napheesa got a ton of minutes, and maybe worked their way through the jitters.

Finally, considering it was D-II, Lubbock Christian was a worthy opponent. I'm sure that playing them was a different and possibly more difficult challenge than daily practice, and everyone learned some things. The game served the purpose of a first exhibition game -- which is all that anyone should expect.

 

[stwainfan]

Do you like the four quarters after seeing it? I know it was a exhibition game. Did it goes as expected?

 

[Kaizen]

Photos of the game:
http://www.uconnhuskies.com/view.gal?id=185494

 

[johnnyc]

Do you like the four quarters after seeing it? I know it was a exhibition game. Did it goes as expected?

95 points. Elite team like UConn doesn't matter how you break up the segments.

 

[CocoHusky]

You had me with number 1! It's official UCONN has 2 locks MoJeff & Stewie as First Team All American and another 2 very very strong contender in Kia and Morgan. For the rest of WCBB that is going to be a minimum of 4 major problems every game. Throw in a Butler, a Gabby and any of the 3 Freshmen and that makes as many as 7 major problems every game.

 

[UcMiami]

Watching streaming, the whole team looked pretty crappy for the first 5 minutes -
Stewart had three really terrible turnovers on bad passes to start the game but then settled down and was as you say the class on the court for the night. And her three was falling. Stewart had some really sweet assists from the top of the key as well as scoring herself.
Mo was Mo like off the dribble and buried the first three of the second half - think she ended 1-2 from three. A joy to watch as always.
Kia brought her international style to the college game and got called for some over aggressive fouls - her shooting picked up as did the whole team in the second half. Some really nice short jumpers and a couple of threes.
Morgan had a bit of a strange game, and did not play in the second half - hope it was just precautionary or the flu or something. Did some nice work down low with a couple of sweet shots and a couple of head scratchers.
Williams was dynamic, and did take a sweet 12 footer in the lane - I think she still comes off the bench as the change of pace. She landed awkwardly near the basket in the second half, just a little scary - hope it was just a tweaked ankle.
Samuelson started and except for missing all her shots in the first half looked pretty comfortable and I though played quite well on defense.
Collier was short arming everything until she finally buried a 10 footer on a rebound - did good work on the boards, but think she will see her time giving Tuck/Stewart breathers off the bench.
Ekmark didn't distinguish her self either positively or negatively - good hustle but nothing that particularly stood out. She looks better than last year, but needs to start hitting her shot.
For a team that scored 95 points it was generally a rough game - the third quarter was the only really good looking quarter when they scored 35 points and gave up only 14. The other quarters they scored 18, 25, 17. That quarter started: 3 by Mo, 3 by Kia, 2FTs by Gabby, layup Stewart, layup Mo, layup by Mo, 3 by Lou - for a 17-0 run! Not a bad way to come out of the locker room.
Lots of work to do, but not a bad start.

 

[MilfordHusky]

We learned a few things:

Stewie is WNBA ready. Right now.

Moriah is possibly the second best player in the country. She's a force.

Kia Nurse is on her way to becoming a Canadian All-American.

Gabby Williams is on her way to becoming a Nevadan All-American.

I thought those four, plus Morgan in limited minutes, "got the most done" (to use Geno's phrase). They were head and shoulders better than anyone else on the floor.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

“I’ve seen it all in exhibition games,” commented Auriemma. “It’s the first time you’re actually out there playing. I thought our effort was pretty good. What we’ve been working on looked pretty good. Gabby (Williams) came in and played great. She’s a completely different player than she was this time last year. That was really encouraging. And Kia Nurse. That’s exactly how Kia practices. I’d say that those two, for sure, brought what they’ve been doing on the practice court to the game.”

 

[mrmojack]

I have to give Lubbock Christian credit, they competed, even though they were over matched.
They started the game with a couple blocked shots/fouls. The experience will benefit this team
over the course of the season. They did a good job and I'm sure they enjoyed the experience of
competing at the XL Center against the @1 Div 1 team.

 

[nd2tty]

Yeah, I second that take on Lubbock: they were consistently (through the 4th quarter) trying to run their stuff, not getting flustered, doing interesting stuff. I would even say they took it a level beyond "they competed". That's a solid DII school.

 

[huskyd]

I just got back from seeing the game in person. Here are my major impressions:

1. Kia Nurse seems to be a LOT better than she was last year. She showed no sign of any injury, and she displayed a pull-up jump shot from 10-12 feet that looked like Bria Hartley in her best moments. And she shot well from the 3-point line. She did pick up 3 quick fouls for being aggressive, and she will have to watch that. She played point guard a lot with Moriah on the bench, and looked totally comfortable.

2. Stewie shot well from 3 as well as from everywhere else, and completely outclassed her opposition. She does look like she could be noticeably better this year than last year. On defense, I saw her playing a lot on the perimeter in this game, which surprised me. I would think that against teams with a major inside game, she will play center on defense as she did last year.

3. Gabby played extremely well, as a guard on defense and a wing on offense. She didn't show more shooting range than she had last year, but her free throw shooting seemed to be much better. Quite late in the game, she got injured and was limping. They had to call a timeout to get her out of the game (and bring Stewie back in even with a 40-point lead). The injury appeared to be to her knee or ankle. She stayed on the bench and did not seem to be in major pain. I'm hoping that it is a minor sprain or tweak. Assuming that she will be physically healthy for the Ohio State game, I would say (based on this evening's performance) that she has the inside track for the 5th starter position.

4. Moriah was her usual self, although I don't believe she attempted any 3's. She could drive to the basket almost at will, and she did. I agree with those who say that she will easily be the best point guard in America this year.

5. The freshmen who played (Lou and Napheesa) were both clearly experiencing first-game jitters. It is odd that Lou can play for the World U-18 championship, representing the USA, and have ice in her veins and make 3-point shot after 3-point shot, but gets flustered in an exhibition game against the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals. She calmed down by the middle of the second half and played better, but don't think she is ready for major minutes against Ohio State. I doubt now that she will start that game.

Napheesa has a physique that is Maya-like, and her game seems similar to Maya's (minus the long-distance shooting). Tonight, she also had the jitters, and was missing short shots that I am sure she will normally make -- she finally made one at the end of the game. But she is very strong and runs like a gazelle. I did not notice any defensive issues (which cannot be said of Lou). I think she will be ready for major minutes before Lou is, but I don't think she will be as immediately productive as Gabby (assuming Gabby is healthy).

6. Courtney played 15 minutes and to my eyes she did not look different than last year. She missed several jump shots badly, and was slow on defense. Mentally she appeared to be in the game and trying to do the right thing, but there is just a limited physical talent there. I would compare her to Meghan Gardler, but with less strength on the boards.

It is unfortunate that we were not able to see Natalie, Saniya, or Dejenae except in warm-up suits on the bench. That did lead to the starters playing more minutes than I'm sure Geno would have preferred. But it also meant that Lou and Napheesa got a ton of minutes, and maybe worked their way through the jitters.

Finally, considering it was D-II, Lubbock Christian was a worthy opponent. I'm sure that playing them was a different and possibly more difficult challenge than daily practice, and everyone learned some things. The game served the purpose of a first exhibition game -- which is all that anyone should expect.

I repeatedly hear that practices are much tougher than games, so that playing the games is in some ways easier than practice--and more fun. This is a many year refrain.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I just got back from seeing the game in person. Here are my major impressions:

1. Kia Nurse seems to be a LOT better than she was last year. She showed no sign of any injury, and she displayed a pull-up jump shot from 10-12 feet that looked like Bria Hartley in her best moments. And she shot well from the 3-point line. She did pick up 3 quick fouls for being aggressive, and she will have to watch that. She played point guard a lot with Moriah on the bench, and looked totally comfortable.

2. Stewie shot well from 3 as well as from everywhere else, and completely outclassed her opposition. She does look like she could be noticeably better this year than last year. On defense, I saw her playing a lot on the perimeter in this game, which surprised me. I would think that against teams with a major inside game, she will play center on defense as she did last year.

3. Gabby played extremely well, as a guard on defense and a wing on offense. She didn't show more shooting range than she had last year, but her free throw shooting seemed to be much better. Quite late in the game, she got injured and was limping. They had to call a timeout to get her out of the game (and bring Stewie back in even with a 40-point lead). The injury appeared to be to her knee or ankle. She stayed on the bench and did not seem to be in major pain. I'm hoping that it is a minor sprain or tweak. Assuming that she will be physically healthy for the Ohio State game, I would say (based on this evening's performance) that she has the inside track for the 5th starter position.

4. Moriah was her usual self, although I don't believe she attempted any 3's. She could drive to the basket almost at will, and she did. I agree with those who say that she will easily be the best point guard in America this year.

5. The freshmen who played (Lou and Napheesa) were both clearly experiencing first-game jitters. It is odd that Lou can play for the World U-18 championship, representing the USA, and have ice in her veins and make 3-point shot after 3-point shot, but gets flustered in an exhibition game against the Lubbock Christian Chaparrals. She calmed down by the middle of the second half and played better, but don't think she is ready for major minutes against Ohio State. I doubt now that she will start that game.

Napheesa has a physique that is Maya-like, and her game seems similar to Maya's (minus the long-distance shooting). Tonight, she also had the jitters, and was missing short shots that I am sure she will normally make -- she finally made one at the end of the game. But she is very strong and runs like a gazelle. I did not notice any defensive issues (which cannot be said of Lou). I think she will be ready for major minutes before Lou is, but I don't think she will be as immediately productive as Gabby (assuming Gabby is healthy).

6. Courtney played 15 minutes and to my eyes she did not look different than last year. She missed several jump shots badly, and was slow on defense. Mentally she appeared to be in the game and trying to do the right thing, but there is just a limited physical talent there. I would compare her to Meghan Gardler, but with less strength on the boards.

It is unfortunate that we were not able to see Natalie, Saniya, or Dejenae except in warm-up suits on the bench. That did lead to the starters playing more minutes than I'm sure Geno would have preferred. But it also meant that Lou and Napheesa got a ton of minutes, and maybe worked their way through the jitters.

Finally, considering it was D-II, Lubbock Christian was a worthy opponent. I'm sure that playing them was a different and possibly more difficult challenge than daily practice, and everyone learned some things. The game served the purpose of a first exhibition game -- which is all that anyone should expect.

I don't know why I feel so defensive for KLS but I do. Katie played USA BB with "her" group of guys and a bit more familiar. Being in the Uniform of the Biggest/Greatest WBB program (probably in the world) in front of their fans--Wow at 18, how many could do that well?
Collier played well, and better with KLS.
Gabby impressed (me) hit 6 of 7 free throws--rebounded 10 , got 16 points, assists, steal, etc--superb first game of the year.
Courtney--hopes, desires --she plays a bit of the Banks role--she is a utility player in College.
The word was Gabby Tweeked her ankle and didn't need more than a look see from Rosemary.
Stewie hitting consecutive 3's is a plus--for a while last year I thought she lost her touch.
My take is way too many blocks by Lubbock . That won't happen again.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I repeatedly hear that practices are much tougher than games, so that playing the games is in some ways easier than practice--and more fun. This is a many year refrain.

Yep that's a Geno-ism. Heard from many former players.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I have to give Lubbock Christian credit, they competed, even though they were over matched.
They started the game with a couple blocked shots/fouls. The experience will benefit this team
over the course of the season. They did a good job and I'm sure they enjoyed the experience of
competing at the XL Center against the @1 Div 1 team.

So they lost--they were expected to lose. But they presented themselves well--gave Uconn a game in the first quarter. Think of the stories they can tell their friends and relatives about playing the GIANT and block some shots in the Giants own lair. If LCU does not end up this year at one or two in their league --it won't be because these kids don't compete.. Loved their spirit.

 

[Aluminny69]

We learned a few things:

Stewie is WNBA ready. Right now.

Moriah is possibly the second best player in the country. She's a force.

Kia Nurse is on her way to becoming a Canadian All-American.

Gabby Williams is on her way to becoming a Nevadan All-American.

I thought those four, plus Morgan in limited minutes, "got the most done" (to use Geno's phrase). They were head and shoulders better than anyone else on the floor.

This is what will make it difficult for certain UConn players to get significant playing time. ( Define significant = over 15 minutes per game. ) I'm thinking specifically of Chong and Ekmark. As good as they are, or even if they improve, they will always pale in comparison to the starting four. Heck, the rest of the country pales in comparison to the starting four. Basically, you have seven players vying for that final starting spot. Even if Geno decides to play eight for significant minutes, that is still seven players vying for four spots. Of course, injuries will always play a factor, they have already.

 

[CocoHusky]

This is what will make it difficult for certain UConn players to get significant playing time. ( Define significant = over 15 minutes per game. ) I'm thinking specifically of Chong and Ekmark. As good as they are, or even if they improve, they will always pale in comparison to the starting four. Heck, the rest of the country pales in comparison to the starting four. Basically, you have seven players vying for that final starting spot. Even if Geno decides to play eight for significant minutes, that is still seven players vying for four spots. Of course, injuries will always play a factor, they have already.

I agree and have come around to Sluconn's way of thinking about this. As much as we we like to over analyze, this last exibition did little to prove which player(s) does not deserve significant playing time. Three players (Butler, Chong & Boykin) who may deserve significant playing time did not play & and two new comers to the team KLS and Collier did not eliminate themselves from consideration for signigficant minutes. The four ruturning starters (Tuck, Stewie, Mojeff & Kia) & Gabby all deserve significant minutes based on performance from last year. That is 10 quality players that could deserve "significant" playing time and 3 other scholarship players all saying, "put me in coach" & coach saying "yea but who do you want me to take out to get you in the game".

 

[TWG236]

I agree with Milford Husky, after Stewart, Jefferson and Tuck, MS Nurse will be the next name/number added to "The Wall." She is even more aggressive driving to the hoop then Brea was and like Brea has the ability to make mid range pull-up shots. With both her and Mo playing defense together, it is going to be very hard to bring the ball up the court or find an easy pass.

MS Williams is going to take minutes away from several players. She reminds me of Nina Davis from Baylor, undersize but a great rebounder and scorer around the basket.

Also as Sluconn and Coco Husky have indicated, one exhibition game really doesn't show who will or should be playing major minutes. Geno has voiced how good all three freshman are doing well in practice and have the abilities to help this team. He will utilize film of this game to show them their mistakes and explain how to make corrections and improve their overall game. As both KLM and Stewie had some poor shooting games in her freshman year, I would speculate that KLS will also have her ups and downs shooting this year. But overall she will be a big plus in our three point shooting and as she gets stronger she should also help in rebounding. I would imagine that by NCAA Tournament time, all three will be ready to contribute for our run at number 11.

 

[BroadwayVa]

This is what will make it difficult for certain UConn players to get significant playing time. ( Define significant = over 15 minutes per game. ) I'm thinking specifically of Chong and Ekmark. As good as they are, or even if they improve, they will always pale in comparison to the starting four. Heck, the rest of the country pales in comparison to the starting four. Basically, you have seven players vying for that final starting spot. Even if Geno decides to play eight for significant minutes, that is still seven players vying for four spots. Of course, injuries will always play a factor, they have already.

Starting for one's ego is many times a low priority. Playing time is much more important. As addictive as BB is for a young (YOUNG) player the game is the game.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I also went to the game and was quite pleased at the results! Besides the expected rustiness and jitters I thought all who played equated themselves very well!
It bothers me when we start getting injuries and or sickness! Butler/Chong/ Boykin DNP & Tuck only played 12 minutes because her knee was sore!
We have 4 players that are without a doubt the best at their position in the nation Division I. Stewart, MoJeff, Tuck & Nurse are the top of ANY LIST at SF, PG, PF/C, & SG and it will be a shame when only 2, maybe 3 make an All-American Team!
Gabby was great and hit 6 of 7 FT's, WOW! An AA in training!
KLS & Collier after early jitters showed a little of what they've done in the past!
We must get those dinged-up healthy again ASAP!
If we can get healthy and can remain healthy we will be awesome come post Xmas and early January!

 

[ed4ourgirls]

We learned that someone is determined to keep dressing our kids in those ugly grey uniforms.

Is there some sort of contractual obligation to use whatever uniforms Nike (or whoever) wants
us to use?

Bring back the classic white with blue letters and numbers with red trim, and stop "experimenting"
with ugly uniforms.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

The above post was made before I saw the uniform thread. Looks like a lot of folks would
prefer the classic white home uniforms.

 

[chrissaran]

JoePgh, you judge players based on one exhibition game? The whole team was horrible the first quarter. How many turnovers did Breanna have? Save the judgments. I'm sure Geno, Chris, Shea and Marissa will figure it out.

 

[CocoHusky]

JoePgh, you judge players based on one exhibition game? The whole team was horrible the first quarter. How many turnovers did Breanna have? Save the judgments. I'm sure Geno, Chris, Shea and Marissa will figure it out.

I did not get that (Judgement) from Joe's post. Quite the opposite: I got this:
"The game served the purpose of a first exhibition game -- which is all that anyone should expect."

 

[CocoHusky]

We learned that someone is determined to keep dressing our kids in those ugly grey uniforms.

To quote Lauryn Hill writing for Aretha Franklin and paraphrasing Shakespeare " A rose is still a rose". Our beautiful young ladies dressed in ugly grey uniforms are still our beautiful young ladies. No?

 

[ed4ourgirls]

. . . Our beautiful young ladies dressed in ugly grey uniforms are still our beautiful young ladies. No?

To be sure.

But I think they'd look even better (and perhaps more imposing to the opposition) in traditional whites
as opposed to "blah" grey.