What's the likelihood of going undefeated?

[rugbymate]

I see this team being very similar to the 2012-13 team that lost 4 games (3 to ND) but with a little help(like a Louisville upsetting Baylor in the semi's) going on to have a realistic shot at #12.

 

[alexrgct]

This team is fun and lovable, but the law of averages, even if you ignore a tough schedule, seems to warrant a loss. I'd be blown away and ecstatic with another trip to the Final Four.

And I love how this roster projects for next season. This era is still pretty darn golden.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Using the logic of two results and one has to happen then that makes it a 50% chance they will be undefeated and 50% they will have a lose.

This not the place for LOGIC and mathematics skills--- you are of course correct.

 

[BroadwayVa]

This team is fun and lovable, but the law of averages, even if you ignore a tough schedule, seems to warrant a loss. I'd be blown away and ecstatic with another trip to the Final Four.

And I love how this roster projects for next season. This era is still pretty darn golden.

If all are Uconn fans--then those fans should be SAYING --UC shall win, regardless of the realities--if you had held a negative view of the first 4 games--you must realize that by probabilities UConn could go to the Final 4 or even the NC. Everything is possible --until it isn't.
Then Reality set in!!

 

[dtbtbtb]

If those hard games the team is about to play in December would have been in February/march I would have felt better about the chances of going un defeated but it's hard for me to believe that this young team as good as they were playing till now will be able to it at this point. I see them loosing to ND, Maryland and SC. I hope they prove me wrong !!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

It would be the ugliest undefeated NC of Uconns 7.[/QUOTE

Ugly or pretty--it all ends up in the W column---I can live with ugly (win) season. Uconn hasn't lost until it loses--I'll worry then.

 

[MJL243]

It would be the ugliest undefeated NC of Uconns 7.

This jogged my memory. From Frank Deford's article
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style

"at the start of the 2003-04 season: The team was made up of
Diana, some holdover subs, two redshirts and some callow frosh.
The coaches were figuring six, eight, maybe even 10 losses. The
first day of practice was a debacle. Afterward, though, Diana
blithely bubbled, "This is going to be the ugliest undefeated
team in history."
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style A pair of paisans at UConn share a passion for hoops that makes a perfect match of cocky coach and fearless player

 

[cbraarj]

This jogged my memory. From Frank Deford's article
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style

"at the start of the 2003-04 season: The team was made up of
Diana, some holdover subs, two redshirts and some callow frosh.
The coaches were figuring six, eight, maybe even 10 losses. The
first day of practice was a debacle. Afterward, though, Diana
blithely bubbled, "This is going to be the ugliest undefeated
team in history."
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style A pair of paisans at UConn share a passion for hoops that makes a perfect match of cocky coach and fearless player

I stole that from Diana! By the NCAAs they were alot better after the 1 loss in the BE Final to Villanova. That 70 game streak was over and they could just play.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Now that UCONN is 4 & 0 looking at the next set of games:
1. Chattanooga - Jim Foster takes another hit to the chin from his buddy!.
2. DePaul - Best friend Doug Bruno always gives Geno a tough game but as good a shooting team as they have, traditionally they've been slower and UCONN out runs them to a victory!
3. Texas - Tall & athletic but slower and not as good defensively yet to beat UCONN!
4. Notre Dame - Geno still has The Muffett's number! Same game plan as before. The G's are about even, and they only have one good big, and her game is limited to 8' to 10' from the basket. Our bigs are more talented and can stretch the court from basket to 3 point line, so we have more ways to score! Our defense is starting to round into shape, watch out Golden Domers!
5. Kansas State - Better but still not in UCONN's league!
6. The Ohio State - Lots of talent especially adding the transfers, but they're not a great defense team so Geno shuts down top scorer and UCONN wins!
7. Nebraska - Traditionally good shooters but slow, so UCONN speed & defense comes out on top by 20+!
8. Maryland - Geno doesn't like Miss Pep Talk so he'll find a way for his players to pull a victory out!
9. South Carolina - If they get this far undefeated they would have ironed out their defensive problems and established a pecking order on offense and SoCar still seems to have a problem scoring 70+ points vs good opponents so I'd like UCONN's chances in this game! UCONN has a lot of possible scorers!
Not easily but if healthy they have 9 really good athlete's that play UCONN style BB and they do have that "chip on their shoulder!"

 

[BroadwayVa]

This jogged my memory. From Frank Deford's article
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style

"at the start of the 2003-04 season: The team was made up of
Diana, some holdover subs, two redshirts and some callow frosh.
The coaches were figuring six, eight, maybe even 10 losses. The
first day of practice was a debacle. Afterward, though, Diana
blithely bubbled, "This is going to be the ugliest undefeated
team in history."
Geno Auriemma + Diana Taurasi = Love, Italian Style A pair of paisans at UConn share a passion for hoops that makes a perfect match of cocky coach and fearless player

Wow!!! Thanks that was great===I knew much of that--but not in the detail. Speaks volumes about DT Taurazi---and many volumes about Lugi, I mean Geno. I'm gushing , but it was great--Thanks..

 

[BroadwayVa]

Now that UCONN is 4 & 0 looking at the next set of games:
1. Chattanooga - Jim Foster takes another hit to the chin from his buddy!.
2. DePaul - Best friend Doug Bruno always gives Geno a tough game but as good a shooting team as they have, traditionally they've been slower and UCONN out runs them to a victory!
3. Texas - Tall & athletic but slower and not as good defensively yet to beat UCONN!
4. Notre Dame - Geno still has The Muffett's number! Same game plan as before. The G's are about even, and they only have one good big, and her game is limited to 8' to 10' from the basket. Our bigs are more talented and can stretch the court from basket to 3 point line, so we have more ways to score! Our defense is starting to round into shape, watch out Golden Domers!
5. Kansas State - Better but still not in UCONN's league!
6. The Ohio State - Lots of talent especially adding the transfers, but they're not a great defense team so Geno shuts down top scorer and UCONN wins!
7. Nebraska - Traditionally good shooters but slow, so UCONN speed & defense comes out on top by 20+!
8. Maryland - Geno doesn't like Miss Pep Talk so he'll find a way for his players to pull a victory out!
9. South Carolina - If they get this far undefeated they would have ironed out their defensive problems and established a pecking order on offense and SoCar still seems to have a problem scoring 70+ points vs good opponents so I'd like UCONN's chances in this game! UCONN has a lot of possible scorers!
Not easily but if healthy they have 9 really good athlete's that play UCONN style BB and they do have that "chip on their shoulder!"

I like the way you think!!!

 

[SCspur]

Now that UCONN is 4 & 0 looking at the next set of games:
1. Chattanooga - Jim Foster takes another hit to the chin from his buddy!.
2. DePaul - Best friend Doug Bruno always gives Geno a tough game but as good a shooting team as they have, traditionally they've been slower and UCONN out runs them to a victory!
3. Texas - Tall & athletic but slower and not as good defensively yet to beat UCONN!
4. Notre Dame - Geno still has The Muffett's number! Same game plan as before. The G's are about even, and they only have one good big, and her game is limited to 8' to 10' from the basket. Our bigs are more talented and can stretch the court from basket to 3 point line, so we have more ways to score! Our defense is starting to round into shape, watch out Golden Domers!
5. Kansas State - Better but still not in UCONN's league!
6. The Ohio State - Lots of talent especially adding the transfers, but they're not a great defense team so Geno shuts down top scorer and UCONN wins!
7. Nebraska - Traditionally good shooters but slow, so UCONN speed & defense comes out on top by 20+!
8. Maryland - Geno doesn't like Miss Pep Talk so he'll find a way for his players to pull a victory out!
9. South Carolina - If they get this far undefeated they would have ironed out their defensive problems and established a pecking order on offense and SoCar still seems to have a problem scoring 70+ points vs good opponents so I'd like UCONN's chances in this game! UCONN has a lot of possible scorers!
Not easily but if healthy they have 9 really good athlete's that play UCONN style BB and they do have that "chip on their shoulder!"

Idk if you were paying attention but through the first 4 games SC has been avg over 90 ppg. We beat OSU 92-80, Hampton 92-38, Maine 79-42, and St. Peter's 93-38
. tOSU is not good defensively so a good test to see where our Offense is would be vs Louisville sunday. if we score more then 70 points in that game then our offense would definitely be legit.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Idk if you were paying attention but through the first 4 games SC has been avg over 90 ppg. We beat OSU 92-80, Hampton 92-38, Maine 79-42, and St. Peter's 93-38
. tOSU is not good defensively so a good test to see where our Offense is would be vs Louisville sunday. if we score more then 70 points in that game then our offense would definitely be legit.

What was the score against that other High School???

 

[BroadwayVa]

If every team on UCONN's schedule had to pick one game they would likely lose..... who do you think they would pick? Then let's make it so! Undefeated season coming right up.

Thanks Reno-Tony: You got my "lack" of LOGIC!! After i posted it I wasn't certain you'd get it but you did. Thanks.

 

[Sonny44]

Idk if you were paying attention but through the first 4 games SC has been avg over 90 ppg. We beat OSU 92-80, Hampton 92-38, Maine 79-42, and St. Peter's 93-38
. tOSU is not good defensively so a good test to see where our Offense is would be vs Louisville sunday. if we score more then 70 points in that game then our offense would definitely be legit.

If Coates and Cuevas sit out you may have a chance against us, but you won't get to 75. We would have to have a bad shooting night.

 

[triaddukefan]

If UConn goes undefeated this season I'll walk on my tippy-toes from the XL Center to Gampel wearing only a Tutu

Posts like this make me glad I dont live in Connecticut

 

[SCspur]

What was the score against that other High School???

My grandmother always told me don't bite off more than you can chew......

 

[SCspur]

If Coates and Cuevas sit out you may have a chance against us, but you won't get to 75. We would have to have a bad shooting night.

I love the confidence but we are not Baylor balance scoring all around, this is not the same offensive team from the two prior years this team can score in bunches and can put up 90+ a night it would take a hell of a lot to keep them from scoring over 75 points but we'll see soon.

 

[bschwartz]

Fun Fact: If they are undefeated going into the SC game, the streak would be at 99. They would have to beat the Gamecocks to make it triple digits.

 

[victor64]

I read the whole thread and nothing is mentioned about the Huskies staying healthy. When Danger is in the game, it is as good as any starting five in the country. Other than Saniya and Nat against FSU the other four have not done much. They have to find some trustworthy, consistent minutes from the remaining four. They will suffer at least one loss because of the lack of depth. If any significant injuries occur, the staff is wonderful but not miracle workers.

 

[Buzzyboy]

I know everyone will get mad at me for asking this question, so please refrain from negative comments in that regard....but after watching the first several games of the year, I think it's definitely plausible. Talent wise, I don't think there's a team that has better talent than Connecticut with the exception being potentially South Carolina. You have:

Williams/Collier-extremely athletic forwards who can defend multiple positions, score from 3 point land, mid ranger and in the paid, both rebound well and both are equally comfortable being scorers or role players.

Chong/Dangerfield-one of the better point guard combos in the nation. Dangerfield is one of the better freshman point guards we've seen in a while. She looks so steady and confident out there. Always under control, a capable scorer, can run the offense and beat you off the dribble. She looks like Jefferson as a seasoned sophomore. Chong isn't quite as dynamic as Dangerfield, but she is quietly very very good. They make a great 1-2 punch.

KLS-one of the better forwards in the nation. A great shooter who looks confident and aggressive this year. Averaging 22 a game.

Natalie Butler-a blue collar big player who can hit shots inside, fights for rebounds and is physical. Adds a different dimension off the bench. She isn't a go to player, but she plays her role well.

Nurse-A bit underwhelmed by her to start the year, but she brings physical play and toughness. I expect she'll pick up her shooting as the season goes on. At least she isn't jacking up bad shots, she's just missing good looks.

Besides SC, no other team has a lineup quite like UCONN's where there are 4 players who could easily lead team in scoring night in night now. Most importantly, UOCNN plays really cohesive basketball together. In 3/4 games they've had a positive A/TO ratio, including both wins against a highly ranked team. They shoot well and play hard 100% of the time. Defensively, they aren't great but they'll improve as the year goes on. On an off day, I think there are only a few teams that can hang with or beat UCONN.

Looking at the schedule, the only teams left with talent to compete with UCONN are:
Texas (H)....they have talent but they just don't appear to be a good team. I don't see them hanging within 15 of UCONN.


Notre Dame (A)...definitely a game UCONN could lose. Ogunbowale is one of the best guards in the nation, Allen might be the best point guard in the nation, and everyone in the lineup can score. If ND shoots well from deep, it'll be a tough win for UCONN.

Ohio State (H)....I don't see it happening. Ohio State doesn't play well enough as a team to hang with UCONN IMO. And the game is in Connecticut.

Maryland (A)...another game that could be lost. Maryland is quite good and they have one of their best rosters this year. I don't think they'll upset UCONN because they don't defend particularly well, but it could be a tight game.

South Carolina (H)....definitely a game that UCONN could lose. SC has 4 outstanding scorers, each of whom can create matchup problems for Connecticut. They also play great defense. However, SC is traditionally a bad offensive team. They have more weapons this year, but if they struggle to score against Connecticut, they wont win.

If UCONN can get past those big 3, they'll be undefeated entering the NCAA tournament, and will likely waltz to the Final Four in typical UCONN fashion. At the Final Four, anything could happen this year with the talent spread, but I'd still bet on UCONN to win.

I'd put the odds right now at about 40%. It may seem high, but UCONN has lost one game in the last 3 years and this team looks good. You have Geno running the show, and no one else in WCBB has looked all that amazing to start the year. Teams will improve as the year goes on, but UCONN will too, and the Huskies have as much upside as anyone considering they are still figuring out roles and systems without Tuck/Jefferson/Stewart. I think Notre Dame is the biggest hurdle. If they can knock off Notre Dame, odds jump up to 60-70% in my book.

I really feel that Nurse can be the reason they DO NOT go undefeated this year. She has real limitations shooting the basketball and I'd much rather see Gabby in the lineup. She's so athletic and a great rebounder and it looks as if her shooting has improved appreciably. I know Nurse is solid defensively but I don't think there would be much of a difference in Gabby on the defensive end of the court. JMHO!

 

[Buzzyboy]

Fun Fact: If they are undefeated going into the SC game, the streak would be at 99. They would have to beat the Gamecocks to make it triple digits.

I continue to think that South Carolina isn't a cohesive team and is limited offensively. They remind me a great deal of the Tennessee teams in the past ten years where they were primarily a good defensive team and a strong rebounding team but with very limited flow in their offense and with sporadic shooters.

 

[SCspur]

I continue to think that South Carolina isn't a cohesive team and is limited offensively. They remind me a great deal of the Tennessee teams in the past ten years where they were primarily a good defensive team and a strong rebounding team but with very limited flow in their offense and with sporadic shooters.

We are not fully together yet but every game they are getting better defensively and offensively, offensively we have 5 scorers capable of scoring double digits so I don't know how were limited offensively. the offensive scheme is coming together just fine and when the figure it out you better look out they are going to be hard to stop.

 

[hoophuskee]

I read the whole thread and nothing is mentioned about the Huskies staying healthy. When Danger is in the game, it is as good as any starting five in the country. Other than Saniya and Nat against FSU the other four have not done much. They have to find some trustworthy, consistent minutes from the remaining four. They will suffer at least one loss because of the lack of depth. If any significant injuries occur, the staff is wonderful but not miracle workers.

You mean between Saniya, Nat, Molly and Kyla?

You didn't think Nat played pretty well vs Baylor (6 rebounds and two blocks)? And I didn't think she was too bad vs Dayton, was she? In 16 minutes had 9 pts 4-7 from the floor with 9 rebounds and two blocks.

I think Chong is nice insurance. One thing she can do is shoot the basketball. Thus her presence is a minor deterrent to try to use gimmick defenses against UCONN (ie a triangle-and-two or similar).

And when Danger is in the game, as she progresses she is going to "deliver the ball" to a player like Butler in her sweet spots.

I think similar to you it is too much to ask to be undefeated but The Real Danger's addition to being so darn good so early in which her strength is passing but can shoot and can score- it makes all the players that surround her that much better and more dangerous. Potentially she can do wonders for a player like Butler.

 

[CL82]

Uh, my vote is:

We're Doomed!

Don't tempt the fates.

 

[victor64]

You mean between Saniya, Nat, Molly and Kyla?

You didn't think Nat played pretty well vs Baylor (6 rebounds and two blocks)? And I didn't think she was too bad vs Dayton, was she? In 16 minutes had 9 pts 4-7 from the floor with 9 rebounds and two blocks.

I think Chong is nice insurance. One thing she can do is shoot the basketball. Thus her presence is a minor deterrent to try to use gimmick defenses against UCONN (ie a triangle-and-two or similar).

And when Danger is in the game, as she progresses she is going to "deliver the ball" to a player like Butler in her sweet spots.

I think similar to you it is too much to ask to be undefeated but The Real Danger's addition to being so darn good so early in which her strength is passing but can shoot and can score- it makes all the players that surround her that much better and more dangerous. Potentially she can do wonders for a player like Butler.

As far as Butler, I really want to see what you see because she works so darn hard. Setting that aside, I too often see a kid that is off balance, falling away, a step slow on defense and a bit shy of the coordination needed to be a consistent contributor. She has to play because Kyra isn't ready but I was hoping to see a lot "smoother" play out of her and other than a few extended moments I have not. Finally, as far as Danger, I can remember a couple of times at least so far where Danger has fed her perfectly and Nat's hands were quick enough to handle it. Passes that Collier devours. To repeat, I really hope that Dailey's magic with the post players continues because to reach the height's that many are starting to predict, they need Nat.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I love the confidence but we are not Baylor balance scoring all around, this is not the same offensive team from the two prior years this team can score in bunches and can put up 90+ a night it would take a hell of a lot to keep them from scoring over 75 points but we'll see soon.

SCspur- - - -SoCar will not meet any team before Feb. 13th that plays the type of defense that UCONN can bring game after game! That has been the one constant through the years! Cuevas is a loose-cannon as a point guard and is a detriment vs a UCONN 40 minute defense! SoCar has great height but so did Baylor and they went down! SoCar will be lucky to score 55 to 60 points and their defense cannot hold UCONN under 70 points, so chances are low for SoCar to pull this game out! Remember the last 2 years we, at the BONEYARD have heard that "wait till February SoCar is going to run all over UCONN" and the Huskies have won by 20+ points in CT and then last year at SoCar where you SoCar fans said "UCONN couldn't win on our home court!"
None of the 4 teams you listed as SoCar showing their offensive chops haven't played defense in a dozen years, so the GameCocks scoring in the 90's and 76 points don't prove anything vs a UCONN defense that has been consistently tough through Geno's and CD's tenure at Storrs!
No team in Division I WBB sells out on defense for the full 40 minutes like UCONN does!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I really feel that Nurse can be the reason they DO NOT go undefeated this year. She has real limitations shooting the basketball and I'd much rather see Gabby in the lineup. She's so athletic and a great rebounder and it looks as if her shooting has improved appreciably. I know Nurse is solid defensively but I don't think there would be much of a difference in Gabby on the defensive end of the court. JMHO!

Buzzyboy- - - Nurse has shown in the past both with UCONN and the Canadian team that she is an offensive threat. IMHO she is trying too hard to be Stewie, MoJeff & Morgan in one package, instead of just being Kia Nurse! The last couple games since her talk with Geno in his office she has shown to be more relaxed and letting the game come to her! I have faith that slowly but surely her offense will join her defense as first rate!
Gabby, Saniya, Nurse, Collier and Katie Lou have been starters so far this season so Gabby wouldn't be coming in for Kia. Crystal Dangerfield comes off the bench for Saniya to add speed to the offense! UCONN needs Kia to play large amount of minutes for her defensive skills, as her offense comes back!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

As far as Butler, I really want to see what you see because she works so darn hard. Setting that aside, I too often see a kid that is off balance, falling away, a step slow on defense and a bit shy of the coordination needed to be a consistent contributor. She has to play because Kyra isn't ready but I was hoping to see a lot "smoother" play out of her and other than a few extended moments I have not. Finally, as far as Danger, I can remember a couple of times at least so far where Danger has fed her perfectly and Nat's hands were quick enough to handle it. Passes that Collier devours. To repeat, I really hope that Dailey's magic with the post players continues because to reach the height's that many are starting to predict, they need Nat.

victor64- - - -I beg to differ with your evaluation of Natalie Butler. IMHO I think she has done a really good job of fitting herself into the offense & defense after a horrible lost year with the thumb injury last season. The injury couldn't have come at a worse time then right before the season started after she worked so hard on her transfer year and all the coaches & players were singing her praises in preseason! Then boom, the season went down the tubes!
She has gotten herself into fantastic shape again in the off season, losing close to 30lbs. since she arrived in Storrs! She stayed on campus this past off season to work with Marissa & CD and the hard work she put in is quite evident!
She has improved game to game as more confident in her offense and she has shown some tenacity in her defensive play! As time goes on she will become a big asset to the Huskies season!

 

[DaddyChoc]

We are not fully together yet but every game they are getting better defensively and offensively, offensively we have 5 scorers capable of scoring double digits so I don't know how were limited offensively. the offensive scheme is coming together just fine and when the figure it out you better look out they are going to be hard to stop.

cool, sound similar to UConn