Which team has the best chance to stop UCONN from four consecutive NC

[Gus Mahler]

I really never thought Morgan as a great defender. Solid, smart, great offensive player- a really great facilitator! Nurse and Moriah probably create much more havoc on defense- IMO!

I agree with all your points. Last year she seemingly inexplicably let her "man" drive baseline several times, when obviously I in my easy chair could have easily moved over and cut the driver off.

My hope is that some of that was owing to her knee surgery--physically, mentally, or both--and that this year she will be in a better place and improve at least marginally in that area. And I can't wait to see her splashing threes at a 40+% clip.

 

[Alydar]

I think just Based on talent. Tennessee might give UConn the best game. Having Mercedes back adding Diamond and Cooper , Jones also back. If this team stays healthy they can be really good.

Perhaps, but talent without experience rarely wins against elite level teams. Since the last season in which Mercedes played, Tenn has lost 4 of the 5 starters she played with. And Russell subbed in for the 5th, Graves, for many of her minutes. Those who remain and with whom she will play this year accounted for 20 points/game in 2014. No matter which 5 Tenn puts on the court this year they will for all practical matter be without any actual game experience playing together other than the exhibition games they played in Italy. Tenn's year will be 2016/2017.

 

[stwainfan]

Perhaps, but talent without experience rarely wins against elite level teams. Since the last season in which Mercedes played, Tenn has lost 4 of the 5 starters she played with. And Russell subbed in for the 5th, Graves, for many of her minutes. Those who remain and with whom she will play this year accounted for 20 points/game in 2014. No matter which 5 Tenn puts on the court this year they will for all practical matter be without any actual game experience playing together other than the exhibition games they played in Italy. Tenn's year will be 2016/2017.

I understand your point. I think having played in Italy. Will help the team be farther along. Than just starting with the first practice. BTW I saw a photo and Pat was there at Practice One more point I think in how this season goes. There are not many teams that can put ball pressure on. With the athletic ability of Jones, Carter, DeShields, and Cooper.

 

[meyers7]

. There are not many teams that can put ball pressure on. With the athletic ability of Jones, Carter, DeShields, and Cooper.

Ah yep, defense and rebounding.

 

[Nuyoika]

I really never thought Morgan as a great defender. Solid, smart, great offensive player- a really great facilitator! Nurse and Moriah probably create much more havoc on defense- IMO!

Morgan is a an amazing defender, someone put a clip up of her vs ND switching and guarding like 4 different ND players in a span of 15 seconds. Can't remember who put it up but I may go find it. Mo and Kia are the more visible defenders because of where they play on the floor and the camera view you get on TV, but I task you with watching her work, you might be surprised at how good she is.

 

[Nuyoika]

I have to disagree that SC won't be better this year. I agree they'll miss Welch, but I think the overall team will be much more talented and more cohesive. As to whether they beat TN, that depends on how much TN improves from last year. I do think SC wins the SEC over TN, but it will be close: I think they only play each other once in the regular season.

SCar may end up scoring more this year but I think their opponents will too. Their defense vs ranked opponents last year was super leaky. The players they lost to graduation that started although they were liabilities on offense helped combat some of that lack of awareness on defense, who picks up the slack now?

 

[CocoHusky]

Morgan is a an amazing defender, someone put a clip up of her vs ND switching and guarding like 4 different ND players in a span of 15 seconds. Can't remember who put it up but I may go find it. Mo and Kia are the more visible defenders because of where they play on the floor and the camera view you get on TV, but I task you with watching her work, you might be surprised at how good she is.

That someone would be me. But to be fair this was Morgan before this last surgery

I had it marked and detailed in a previous post complete with video. I'll dig it out.
Here you go!
Morgan Tuck (freshman) 2013 National Semi-Final from the 12:47- 12:32 (if you have the video) mark of the 1st half, pulled off the 2nd greatest defense sequence in the history on women’s college basketball. In those 15 seconds Morgan switched off, Natalie Achonwa to meet Jewel Lloyd- who had gotten around KML- at the top of the key (Switch #1) . Morgan stayed with Jewel to the basket and got a piece of Jewel’s shot (Block #1). Morgan fell out of bounds under the basket and the rebound comes off weakside to Kayla McBride. Morgan quickly jumps back inbounds and blocks Kayla’s shot at the rim (Switch #2) & (Block #2). The ball rebounds long beyond the three point line to Jewel. Morgan goes out to challenge Jewel (Switch #3) long enough for jewel to hesitate Morgan switches back to Achonwa (Switch #4). Jewel passes to Skylar. Jefferson and Faris double Skylar leaving Jewel open at the 3 point line. Morgan switches off Achonwa (Switch #5) again & challenges Jewel at the three point line. Jewel drives, Morgan covers and as Jewel attempts to pass/shot at the basket, Morgan swats the ball off Achonwa (Block #3) out of bounds. UCONN ball!!!!! That is 5 defensive switches & 3 Block shots to cover 3 All-American players in a 15 second span by a freshman.
*********************

 

[wes33]

Love my Devils being a dark horse we have more scoring threats from every
position than any Duke team I remember. We have in Angela and Kyra two
of the top guards in the country plus Stevens & Greenwell.

 

[Nuyoika]

Love my Devils being a dark horse we have more scoring threats from every
position than any Duke team I remember. We have in Angela and Kyra two
of the top guards in the country plus Stevens & Greenwell.

If only they could guard the 3 point shot.

 

[Nuyoika]

That someone would be me. But to be fair this was Morgan before this last surgery

Fair enough, I still think of her as a great defender. I think she has defended well in all the games we have ever needed her to throughout her career. I can't recall any game really where she has missed an assignment on the defensive end. Her real problem is that she is so consistent people just over look her.

 

[huskyd]

The next person not named Geno to loft the banner will be Dawn Staley......but it won't be this season.

Staley may never have a better group of players than she has now. Does SC have anyone exciting in its pipe? This may be her best chance to get to the top. Chances of staying there? Another question. As for ND, the one player who could take over a game is in Seattle--Turner is an outstanding inside threat, but she is ineffective away from the basket. Interestingly, Texas seems to be producing an unusually large number of talented players. If Baylor can lock up several, that team could be a threat. BUT: the nc runs through UConn for the time being.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Staley may never have a better group of players than she has now. Does SC have anyone exciting in its pipe? This may be her best chance to get to the top. Chances of staying there? Another question. As for ND, the one player who could take over a game is in Seattle--Turner is an outstanding inside threat, but she is ineffective away from the basket. Interestingly, Texas seems to be producing an unusually large number of talented players. If Baylor can lock up several, that team could be a threat. BUT: the nc runs through UConn for the time being.

The Big 3 of Aja Wilson, Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis will be the best threesome in the NCAA next season. Whether that will be enough for them is the question.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I agree with the posters above that say the only one capable of beating UCONN is UCONN!
If UCONN can remain healthy no-one will touch them!
The opponents do not have our coaching staff, the best in WCBB! The opponents don't have the type of athlete that Geno and the staff recruit! They only care about the team not personal success, everything for the good of the team, extraordinary talent where the 3 great recruits won't even start because the starting 5 could all make an All-American team, no opponent works as hard or plays each game so hard as UCONN for the full 40 minutes! UCONN causes match up nightmares for all their opponents!

ND has 1 great player, Turner! You need at least 3 great players to win a NCAA Title! A big, a G, and one other star!
TN does not have enough BB's to go around for the ego's and remember they have Holly Warlick! NO SHOT!
Baylor great talent, but not ready for prime time!
SoCar Not tough enough, I'm not sure Dawn Staley is an elite coach!
Duke They have McCallie and her excuses why they can't win! It's all the player's fault!
MD lost Lexie Brown, but have Brenda Frese! NO SHOT!

If THE MUFFET is that great of a coach why doesn't her players react as UCONN's players do during practices and games?
NO NONE WORKS & PLAYS AS HARD AS UCONN! WHY?

 

[CocoHusky]

The Big 3 of Aja Wilson, Allisha Gray and Kaela Davis will be the best threesome in the NCAA next season. Whether that will be enough for them is the question.

Coates will be more important to South Carolina next year than either Davis or Gray. I disagree on your big 3 being the best in NCAA. Miss Cox could change/shape big 3 next year. But even without Lauren ,Cuevas, Gray, Davis, Wilson & Coates still not as good as ND: Reimer, Turner,Allen, Boley Ogunbwale etc. also not as good as UCONN: Butler Tuck, KLS, Collier, Nurse, Williams IMO.

 

[easttexastrash]

I agree with the posters above that say the only one capable of beating UCONN is UCONN!
If UCONN can remain healthy no-one will touch them!
The opponents do not have our coaching staff, the best in WCBB! The opponents don't have the type of athlete that Geno and the staff recruit! They only care about the team not personal success, everything for the good of the team, extraordinary talent where the 3 great recruits won't even start because the starting 5 could all make an All-American team, no opponent works as hard or plays each game so hard as UCONN for the full 40 minutes! UCONN causes match up nightmares for all their opponents!

ND has 1 great player, Turner! You need at least 3 great players to win a NCAA Title! A big, a G, and one other star!
TN does not have enough BB's to go around for the ego's and remember they have Holly Warlick! NO SHOT!
Baylor great talent, but not ready for prime time!
SoCar Not tough enough, I'm not sure Dawn Staley is an elite coach!
Duke They have McCallie and her excuses why they can't win! It's all the player's fault!
MD lost Lexie Brown, but have Brenda Frese! NO SHOT!

If THE MUFFET is that great of a coach why doesn't her players react as UCONN's players do during practices and games?
NO NONE WORKS & PLAYS AS HARD AS UCONN! WHY?

Call off the season...no need to play the games.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Call off the season...no need to play the games.

Oh, come on, is that the best you've got easttexas! You better get working out. You aren't in game shape yet.

 

[meyers7]

LOL...Meyers7, I humbly apologize. I had not read your posts.

That's the part that's Un-be-liev-able.

I mean, what's the point of coming to the Boneyard if NOT to read Meyers7's posts?

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Coates will be more important to South Carolina next year than either Davis or Gray. I disagree on your big 3 being the best in NCAA. Miss Cox could change/shape big 3 next year. But even without Lauren ,Cuevas, Gray, Davis, Wilson & Coates still not as good as ND: Reimer, Turner,Allen, Boley Ogunbwale etc. also not as good as UCONN: Butler Tuck, KLS, Collier, Nurse, Williams IMO.

I'm not a huge Cuevas fan at this point but at this time Gray and Davis have a track record that you can't say about Boley/Ogunbwale and KLS/Collier. The coaching is better at UConn and Notre Dame but Gray and Davis are difference makers that you can't say about the freshmen players at this time. (think UCLA and Texas).

 

[CocoHusky]

I'm not a huge Cuevas fan at this point but at this time Gray and Davis have a track record that you can't say about Boley/Ogunbwale and KLS/Collier. The coaching is better at UConn and Notre Dame but Gray and Davis are difference makers that you can't say about the freshmen players at this time. (think UCLA and Texas).

Gary was a difference maker at UNC. Davis at GaTech not so much! Neither was/is good enough to exclude Coates from a South Carolina "Big3" IMO.

 

[stwainfan]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

 

[cbraarj]

I have to disagree that SC won't be better this year. I agree they'll miss Welch, but I think the overall team will be much more talented and more cohesive. As to whether they beat TN, that depends on how much TN improves from last year. I do think SC wins the SEC over TN, but it will be close: I think they only play each other once in the regular season.

SC lost to North Carolina tice 2 years ago that had a freshmen named Diamond Deshields led them to those victories.IMO Tennessee will be the better team and UConn will win by 20 at least in Columbia!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

Oh, stwainfan, finally we have a Tenn. coach talking about Deshields and what he says is not exactly encouraging. She can do some "small things with us and she can move" and we aren't going to bring her back 'til she's a 100 % and she could do some things in the strength and conditioning exercises BUT "any hard core running and pounding" no! Still they play cute with what the issues are and home boy Fleser doesn't push. What is up ... it's the legs I guess, but why the great mystery. You UTs have always been worse than secretive about this stuff, but it is a little silly for fans to be calling DD the savior when she's obviously "injured reserve."

 

[Alydar]

a radio interview with Dean Lockwood. He talks about Diamond and Mercedes.
http://www.knoxnews.com/govolsxtra/...n-the-lady-vols-trip-to-italy-upcoming-season

Didn't listen to the audio but read the article. I'd suggest that the unnamed author answers to Pollyanna.

A quote concerning DD and MR:

After a year of ineligibility and battling injuries alongside Vol center Mercedes Russell, the pair began to find their stride again playing for the U.S.A. in the World University Games this summer

I fail to see how DeShields "found her stride" at all during the WUG's since after playing a couple of minutes of the first game she sat on the bench for the rest of the tournament. And not a mention of her current health. By DeShields own words, she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis. Not exactly what is needed for a new member of a team when she is being counted on to put the LV's on her back and carry them to the FF.

It was a nice puff piece designed for the homers in Knoxville but tells us little as to why you think Tenn is the biggest threat to UConn this coming season.

 

[stwainfan]

Oh, stwainfan, finally we have a Tenn. coach talking about Deshields and what he says is not exactly encouraging. She can do some "small things with us and she can move" and we aren't going to bring her back 'til she's a 100 % and she could do some things in the strength and conditioning exercises BUT "any hard core running and pounding" no! Still they play cute with what the issues are and home boy Fleser doesn't push. What is up ... it's the legs I guess, but why the great mystery. You UTs have always been worse than secretive about this stuff, but it is a little silly for fans to be calling DD the savior when she's obviously "injured reserve."

I think since there still is a little time. I think it is smart not to rush her into it. Like he said we want her for the long haul. Not just play a little and be done. So I think taking slow is smart.

 

[stwainfan]

Didn't listen to the audio but read the article. I'd suggest that the unnamed author answers to Pollyanna.

A quote concerning DD and MR:


I fail to see how DeShields "found her stride" at all during the WUG's since after playing a couple of minutes of the first game she sat on the bench for the rest of the tournament. And not a mention of her current health. By DeShields own words, she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis. Not exactly what is needed for a new member of a team when she is being counted on to put the LV's on her back and carry them to the FF.

It was a nice puff piece designed for the homers in Knoxville but tells us little as to why you think Tenn is the biggest threat to UConn this coming season.

Dean always does a good interview. I do look at this team. This team is the most talented Holly has had. Mercedes will be much better than her freshman year. This team is very athletic. I was speaking of the talent aspect about matching up with UConn. From that perspective I see it as pretty close.

 

[CocoHusky]

I think since there still is a little time. I think it is smart not to rush her into it. Like he said we want her for the long haul. Not just play a little and be done. So I think taking slow is smart.

I agree with the cautious approach for DD. There are only 3 games on the schedule that you would need DD to win before the start of conference play-Texas, Stanford, and ND. Assuming no DD and 3 loses in only those games Lady Vols would be going into conference play with identical record as last year. Injuries suck for everyone,I wish Diamond the best of health and hope to see her playing as soon as possible.

 

[CocoHusky]

I was speaking of the talent aspect about matching up with UConn. From that perspective I see it as pretty close.

Sorry I Can't cosign that one, the talent gap with UCONN is huge! I don't even think your 1st team can match up with UCONN 2nd team.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

she hopes to soon be able to practice sporadically because of her chronic patellar tendonitis

This is the first time anyone has put that name to her condition. I heard shin splints after she withdrew from play in the WUG. True, so pain from patellar tendonitis or tendinosis can be in the upper shin, but it certainly isn't shin splints. If it is the patellar tendon it can be symptomatic of genetic/structural issues or overuse and muscular imbalances. There is no simple fix and it cannot be rushed.

 

[toadfoot]

UConn's 1st 5 off the bench

 

[EricSD]

Sorry I Can't cosign that one, the talent gap with UCONN is huge! I don't even think your 1st team can match up with UCONN 2nd team.

Couldn't agree more. I thought I was misreading the vol fan's post, but apparently not. Maybe most talented team for them on paper, but again, they've always had uber talented teams on paper (tons of top 10 recruits and McD AA's every year on their team). But the reality is they've not been a real threat to even make the final 4 since 2008...