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Here is a look at UConn's first exhibition game opponent on Sunday and some info about the game.
Fort Hays State returns six key players, including three sophomores, from its 22-8 season of a year ago. The Tigers have a pair of all-league performers in juniors Tatyana Legette and Carly Heim. Emma Stroyan, their only senior, was a starter at Central Connecticut State two years ago before transferring to Fort Hays State prior to the 2016-17 season.
This game won't be much of a challenge for UConn, as is the same with most exhibition games. But that is not what these games are for. UConn will run it's offense as if they are playing Notre Dame. They will integrate the new players and that will allow Geno the chance to see the newbe's in game situations. They will play their usual pressure defense in order to find out which players get it.
I could give you more details about the opponent but I don't see the point to tell you the truth. I will be watching the UConn players, not the Fort Hays State players to get a feel for how the new and improved Huskies look.
How will this game go? Last year UConn won it's two exhibition games 111-35 and 95-32. You get the picture.
Look for the different lineups, how much time all the freshman get and how much pressing UConn does. All three of big interest to me.
And lastly, just enjoy. It's the start of an incredible trip for this version of the Huskies!!
HAPPY HALLOWEEN
FROM LOGAN, NOA and MYA!!!!
Here is a look at UConn's first exhibition game opponent on Sunday and some info about the game.
UConn Huskies vs Ft. Hays State
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7:00 p.m.
XL Center, Hartford CT
Wednesday, Nov. 1, 7:00 p.m.
XL Center, Hartford CT
Here is UConn's probable starting lineup with last years stats:
11 Senior Kia Nurse 6-0 G
12.7 ppg, 2.1 rpg, 3.9 apg
33 Junior Katie Lou Samuelson 6-3 G/F, Jr,
20.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg, 3.2 apg
15 Senior Gabby Williams 5-11 F
14.3 ppg, 8.4 rpg, 5.1 apg
24 Junior Napheesa Collier - 6-1 F
20.4 ppg, 9.1 rpg, 2.2 apg
5 Sophomore Crystal Dangerfield - 5'5 G
6.1 ppg, 2.7 rpg, 3.7 apg
Ft. Hays State
Ft. Hays State
Returning starters
13 Junior Carly Heim, 5-7 G
7.8 ppg, 2.9 rpg, 1.6 apg
12 Senior Madison Mittie, 5-10 G
6.9 ppg, 2.8 rpg, 1.0 apg
23 Sophomore Kacey Kennett, 6-0 G
8.7 ppg, 3.8 rpg, .9 apg
24 Junior Tatyana Legette
5-10 F 9.6 ppg, 7.6 rpg, 1.0 apg
This game won't be much of a challenge for UConn, as is the same with most exhibition games. But that is not what these games are for. UConn will run it's offense as if they are playing Notre Dame. They will integrate the new players and that will allow Geno the chance to see the newbe's in game situations. They will play their usual pressure defense in order to find out which players get it.
I could give you more details about the opponent but I don't see the point to tell you the truth. I will be watching the UConn players, not the Fort Hays State players to get a feel for how the new and improved Huskies look.
How will this game go? Last year UConn won it's two exhibition games 111-35 and 95-32. You get the picture.
Look for the different lineups, how much time all the freshman get and how much pressing UConn does. All three of big interest to me.
And lastly, just enjoy. It's the start of an incredible trip for this version of the Huskies!!
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I was just about to publish this blog when I wandered over to the main UConn message board and read some posts by this particular poster named Charlieball.
You know those people that believe they know everything? Even more than the man that runs the best women's college basketball program and has for almost 30 years?
His latest is him suggesting to Geno that he recruit in more areas than he does and hire a tweeting recruiter. Really? Maybe Charlie can start tweeting these 14-16 year old girls? He seems to be obsessed with their college choices.
He called the 2018 recruiting class a debacle based on losing a player that didn't want to be at UConn and changed her mind and went to Texas.
Hmmm...aren't there two top five recruits still looking at UConn. Oh yeah, Charlie has given up on them.
Thank god the games are coming up. But I'm sure he will find plenty to complain about.
I was just about to publish this blog when I wandered over to the main UConn message board and read some posts by this particular poster named Charlieball.
You know those people that believe they know everything? Even more than the man that runs the best women's college basketball program and has for almost 30 years?
His latest is him suggesting to Geno that he recruit in more areas than he does and hire a tweeting recruiter. Really? Maybe Charlie can start tweeting these 14-16 year old girls? He seems to be obsessed with their college choices.
He called the 2018 recruiting class a debacle based on losing a player that didn't want to be at UConn and changed her mind and went to Texas.
Hmmm...aren't there two top five recruits still looking at UConn. Oh yeah, Charlie has given up on them.
Thank god the games are coming up. But I'm sure he will find plenty to complain about.
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By David in Naples!!!!!
Here are three fun facts and a conclusion to consider:
1. Just the four returning starters, plus Crystal, scored a combined 73.7 points per game last season. Let's just call it 74 points per game. That breaks down to 20.4 points for Napheesa, 20.2 for Katie Lou, 14.3 for Gabby, Kia with 12.7 per game and Crystal at a 6.1 average.
2. The defense gave up an average of 54.9 points per contest and only two teams scored more than 74 points against the Huskies. (FSU (76), Maryland (81).
3. Even the Final Four semi final winner only scored 66 points against UConn. And, that was in overtime.
Conclusion - Just the scoring of the Core Four plus Crystal probably beats every team on this season's schedule. Saniya averaged 8.3 points per game. Can Azura match that? Probably that and more.
Any improvement in the defense, and there will certainly be some, lowers the 54.9 given up last year. Will the defense be better? The Huskies are stronger, taller, confident and have worked together a whole extra year. The bench is deeper and more talented. Lots of reasons to be excited...
Go Huskies..!!
1. Just the four returning starters, plus Crystal, scored a combined 73.7 points per game last season. Let's just call it 74 points per game. That breaks down to 20.4 points for Napheesa, 20.2 for Katie Lou, 14.3 for Gabby, Kia with 12.7 per game and Crystal at a 6.1 average.
2. The defense gave up an average of 54.9 points per contest and only two teams scored more than 74 points against the Huskies. (FSU (76), Maryland (81).
3. Even the Final Four semi final winner only scored 66 points against UConn. And, that was in overtime.
Conclusion - Just the scoring of the Core Four plus Crystal probably beats every team on this season's schedule. Saniya averaged 8.3 points per game. Can Azura match that? Probably that and more.
Any improvement in the defense, and there will certainly be some, lowers the 54.9 given up last year. Will the defense be better? The Huskies are stronger, taller, confident and have worked together a whole extra year. The bench is deeper and more talented. Lots of reasons to be excited...
Go Huskies..!!
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UCONN LINKS
Women's College Hoops Preview: Top 10, All-Americans Sports Illustrated
Freshmen ready to make their UConn debuts Register Citizen
WCBB LINKS
Ohio State aiming for Final Four in own backyard ESPN
Sports Illustrated is predicting a big drop for defending champs The State
Who will start for Syracuse women's basketball? Syracuse Post-Standard
Irish Take to Hardwood for First Time for 2017-18 Season UND.Com
Rutgers extends coach C. Vivian Stringer's contract The Land of 10
Sports Illustrated is predicting a big drop for defending champs The State
Stanford Womens basketball preview: Newcomers Stanford Daily
Women's basketball has a new team and same high expectations The ReflectorWho will start for Syracuse women's basketball? Syracuse Post-Standard
Irish Take to Hardwood for First Time for 2017-18 Season UND.Com
Rutgers extends coach C. Vivian Stringer's contract The Land of 10
Message Boards
UConn Territory - The best UConn women's message board ever!!!
College Fans Only - WCBB board where no holds are barred
Vol Nation - Tennessee women's basketball board
CockyTalk - The upstart South Carolina women's basketball board
CockyTalk - The upstart South Carolina women's basketball board
ND Nation - Notre Dame women's basketball board
UCONN Information
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