Xavier Postgame Thread

[WiseWillie]

Speaking of rebounding, just want to bring up again that height isn't everything when it comes to rebounding. Take a look at the box score for the USC-UMd game last night. Former Husky 6' 2" Saylor Poffenbarger (who transferred to Arkansas after her freshman season here) had 17 - yes, 17! - rebounds vs USC. So height is certainly nice but it takes boxing out and knowing how to position yourself under the basket to be a great rebounder.

 

[WiseWillie]

Speaking of rebounding, just want to bring up again that height isn't everything when it comes to rebounding. Take a look at the box score for the USC-UMd game last night. Former Husky 6' 2" Saylor Poffenbarger (who transferred to Arkansas after her freshman season here) had 17 - yes, 17! - rebounds vs USC. So height is certainly nice but it takes boxing out and knowing how to position yourself under the basket to be a great rebounder.

But now the stat crunchers will look and slice and dice the reasons why she was able to accomplish that. No matter. 17 is 17.

 

[WiseWillie]

As I said, there’s no rush in starting KK at pg. My thoughts on the subject involve getting off to slow starts in Big Games and having to play from behind, as we did vs ND & USC. I just feel that KK gives UConn more juice when she’s on the floor, whether she starts or comes in off the bench.

So I’m focused on the games at TN & SC as well as the Big Dance in March. In those games I feel that KK starting at pg gives the Huskies a better opportunity to win.

I hear you. The big games coming up are important and we can't afford a slow start for sure.

 

[PvP]

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I have never seen the defensive analytics page before and, if I am reading it correctly, Sarah is simply off the chart defensively even more than I had ever imagined, at least for this game. I have remarked before that her hand position on defense is unlike what I understood Geno to have taught his players. She keeps her hands low, at roughly waist level, as opposed to keeping "hands up". This makes sense to me as the ball spends much more time at player's waist level than over their heads. And when she has her hands at waist level she can use her lightning-fast hands to get steals that she could not have if her hands were raised.

Speaking of her lightning-fast hands, if she is ever looking for a new career after basketball, I think she needs to consider pickpocketing--she would be unstoppable!!!

 

[Urshurak]

Geno seemed suprised post game when the on court reporter told him Allie scored 17. Pleasantly surprised anyway.

 

[PacoSwede]

As I said, there’s no rush in starting KK at pg. My thoughts on the subject involve getting off to slow starts in Big Games and having to play from behind, as we did vs ND & USC. I just feel that KK gives UConn more juice when she’s on the floor, whether she starts or comes in off the bench.

So I’m focused on the games at TN & SC as well as the Big Dance in March. In those games I feel that KK starting at pg gives the Huskies a better opportunity to win.

i don't think kaitlyn or kk have anything to do with slow starts, which happen too often even in the 'Small Games.' the cause is the failure of the team's most capable players -- paige and sarah and azzi (if she can ever break through her persistent funk, which she shed after the first several minutes last night). they all have a tendency to not fully show their brilliance -- to not be the stars of the team.
each has their own unique excuse for this attitude. it hurts the team when its stars hold back, for whatever reason -- especially when to game's tone is being established at the start. they should be leading the way, rather than 'letting the game come to them.'

 

[WiseWillie]

i don't think kaitlyn or kk have anything to do with slow starts, which happen too often even in the 'Small Games.' the cause is the failure of the team's most capable players -- paige and sarah and azzi (if she can ever break through her persistent funk, which she shed after the first several minutes last night). they all have a tendency to not fully show their brilliance -- to not be the stars of the team.
each has their own unique excuse for this attitude. it hurts the team when its stars hold back, for whatever reason -- especially when to game's tone is being established at the start. they should be leading the way, rather than 'letting the game come to them.'

Are slow starts because the three most capable scorers are reluctant to start fast and instead let the game come to them? Interesting observation. Is it their reluctance to not want to be the "star" and lead hurting the team in some way? Doesn't seem so for majority of our games so far but whenever Geno has a chance he says he always reminds PG that she has to take more shots. I think SS with all of her talent is still a freshman and right now probably would shy away from being the "leader" or "star". As for PG and they are veterans and especially this year should be showing no reluctance to take over scoring right from the git go. But your observation is well taken. The real question is why is that happening.

 

[Martinj481]

Am I the only one that thought the offense looked better without Paige? Azzi and Sarah really compliment each other! I think with Paige playing she's relied on to much!

 

[oldude]

Am I the only one that thought the offense looked better without Paige? Azzi and Sarah really compliment each other! I think with Paige playing she's relied on to much!

It was Xavier

 

[Ozimoto]

Not a lot to add. Some personal observations that may or may not be true. I think Chen was pressing a bit to score and the lid was on the basket for her. Morgan also had a couple of shots that almost went down but didn't quite do it.

When Q gets in she needs to breathe and slow it down just a bit. Just seemed to me she was a little too ramped up last night.

 

[Bigboote]

Speaking of rebounding, just want to bring up again that height isn't everything when it comes to rebounding. Take a look at the box score for the USC-UMd game last night. Former Husky 6' 2" Saylor Poffenbarger (who transferred to Arkansas after her freshman season here) had 17 - yes, 17! - rebounds vs USC. So height is certainly nice but it takes boxing out and knowing how to position yourself under the basket to be a great rebounder.

Aneesah Morrow, listed at 6-1, which may be generous, is leading the nation in rebounding, so yeah, height isn't all and possibly not most of it. Saylor's maybe more impressive than Morrow, because while Morrow spends most of her time around the basket, Saylor spends most of her time on the outside. Some kids have a nose for the ball, read the carom better, and/or have more desire. 5-11 Anriel Howard had all of those characteristics.

 

[ERWUC65]

Not a lot to add. Some personal observations that may or may not be true. I think Chen was pressing a bit to score and the lid was on the basket for her. Morgan also had a couple of shots that almost went down but didn't quite do it.

When Q gets in she needs to breathe and slow it down just a bit. Just seemed to me she was a little too ramped up last night.

Like you, I was rooting for Chen and Morgan and yes they were pressing too much, but I think they will be there for the team when needed later on, too much talent, just need some playing time and patience. As for Q, not helping herself when the opportunity presents. A great athlete with sporadic focus.

 

[Kat]

The announcers mentioned that all of the Xavier players were foreign born. I think it's about NIL. Foreign players can't take it if they are here on a student visa as they are not supposed to be paid to work here. So X gives them an free ride and an opportunity to play in the US.

 

[Zarathustra]

It seemed to me like Qadence had a bit of a smile when she got called for her fifth foul, which was an obvious charge, and was still smiling when she sat down on the bench. Did anyone else see this or am I mistaken about what I observed? Cause I think that would be a big no-no.

Yes, I saw it also, but I considered it more as a type of "RUEFUL" smile... as in mournful or regretful. These things can happen when you try too hard to make
something happen. Could have been a " no-no", but she may have
been reflecting on the irony of the situation as in "I tried to make
an 'impactful ' play and "THIS IS WHAT I GET! " Thus the reflective smile
at the irony... " I can't catch a break!" Ouch!!!

 

[Rb335]

As I said, there’s no rush in starting KK at pg. My thoughts on the subject involve getting off to slow starts in Big Games and having to play from behind, as we did vs ND & USC. I just feel that KK gives UConn more juice when she’s on the floor, whether she starts or comes in off the bench.

So I’m focused on the games at TN & SC as well as the Big Dance in March. In those games I feel that KK starting at pg gives the Huskies a better opportunity to win.

Right now Chen plays about 25 minutes to 21 for KK. Regardless of who starts, I’d like to see that distribution flip. I just feel like KK makes more things happen during her minutes.

I also wouldn’t mind a lineup of Paige, Azzi, Ashlynn, Sarah and Jana. I don’t think Paige needs to be off ball 100% of the time. Azzi and Ashlynn on the wings should provide enough shooting/spacing for Paige and Sarah to work a two man game with ample passing options.

 

[Zarathustra]

But now the stat crunchers will look and slice and dice the reasons why she was able to accomplish that. No matter. 17 is 17.

Saylor was also one of the leading, if not the leading rebounder, on
the U of Arkansas WBB team last year. Just my recollection, I did not
check the stat record. I just checked the Arkansas WBB stat page.
Saylor Poffenbarger had 337 total rebounds last year playing 30 of
30 games. The #2 rebounder for the Razorbacks was Daude with
209 for the season. So, Saylor was # 1 by over 100 rebounds. She
also had 337 out of the 922 rebounds for the WHOLE TEAM last year.
This is the SEC, no cupcake league... Saylor is a quality REBOUNDER!

 

[Bone Dog]

Right now Chen plays about 25 minutes to 21 for KK. Regardless of who starts, I’d like to see that distribution flip. I just feel like KK makes more things happen during her minutes.

I also wouldn’t mind a lineup of Paige, Azzi, Ashlynn, Sarah and Jana. I don’t think Paige needs to be off ball 100% of the time. Azzi and Ashlynn on the wings should provide enough shooting/spacing for Paige and Sarah to work a two man game with ample passing options.

I’d like to see some lineup analytics to know whether the team plays better with KK or Kaitlyn. Individual stats don’t always tell the whole story.

 

[Longtime fan]

Sarah - so smooth so good so efficient, she never looks to be out of sorts and plays the game like Moses Malone.

Allie - when you’re hot just shoot it. Glad to see her play with confidence tonight. Geno had a talk with her and it seems to have worked.

Azzi looked like she trusted her knee tonight which is a very very good sign

Coach P was energetic and smiling in the sideline. Maybe this time off will be beneficial for her and the team as others establish their roles and gain more experience.

Jana - looking better out there. She seems to be in much better shape too

Shade - midrange savant

KK doing KK things

Chen was ok. She’s been probably the one player I was hoping would give us more of an offensive coming out party with Paige sidelined.

Ice - I don’t know. She moves better than she ever has and she’s become a good defensive player, but for some reason she just doesn’t impact the game you’d expect her to.

I think Chen can be relied upon for two things; good ball handling and distribution ; and fine defense. But she seems unreliable as an offensive force. If KK keeps hitting threes and short jumpers ( rounding out her game),she should be the starter in March. Both ICE and Jana have a long ways to go. Jana does seem to improve game by game , though she still misses bunnies and fouls too often. She is reliable from the free throw line, which gives me confidence she can make 8-10 footers. We'll see. ICE still seems a ways away from a confident player. I am a big fan of ASH. She does it all. And she still has a high ceiling. Good looking game for AZZI, although it was Xavier. And Sarah takes my breath away. Allie may soon eclipse Morgan, though they have different skills. But a confident Allie is dangerous. Her shot looked automatic yesterday. And she does not look overmatched on defense ( although...does anyone against Xavier?). Not for nothing...but I think she was a higher rated player than Morgan. Just a tad. I don't know if Morgan can ever shoot like that. Quite a nice freshman class.

 

[HuskyNan]

Closing this thread - no longer discussing the game