Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 1/18/18

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Geno has explained over and over again his philosophy on playing time. Here he does it one more time.

"That is the key to everything isn't it, being able to do it so that it is not a fluke? You saw the game at Texas. We had guys who were All-Americans look overwhelmed out there. We had guys that were first-team All-Americans that struggled. So, I'm going to put in guys that struggle in practice to get something right two days in a row? It just doesn't make any sense. I mean maybe other coaches do that, but that's not where I come from. Am I holding out hope? I'm always holding out hope. Absolutely. Every day I hold out hope. Hopefully, as I said, we will be able to do something about it starting tomorrow night."

I read over and over again from fans who think differently. That he needs to play them no matter what or they won't develop. Here's the thing. Geno develops his players in practice. Maybe the most intense and detailed practice anywhere. It's a system that has brought UConn 11 national championships and countless great seasons. He will not compromise. I don't understand why anyone would question him on this.

"My feeling is if this is the way it's going to be for the rest of the season, then that's the way that it's going to be for the rest of the season. If these guys want to change that, then they have an opportunity every day to come here and change that."

It's up to the players. They have the talent. Can they clear their heads and get what Geno is teaching?

He will give them every chance. Hopefully one or two will grab it. But if not, I like our chances with Nurse, Dangerfield, Collier, Williams, Samuelson and Stevens splitting the 200 minutes in the 4-5 remaining games that UConn won't win by 30+ points.

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The two incoming freshman for 2018, No. 1 Christyn Williams and No. 5 Olivia Nelson-Ododa, continue to excel in their senior seasons. I have linked a few articles about them being selected to the McD's All-American team.

Olivia Nelson-Ododa, also known as ONO, had a great week and fortunately I have links to highlights from her last three games.

Game 1

Game 2

Game 3

You can see that ONO has really picked up her game after sitting out last year with a knee injury. She is playing with no brace, looks free and easy and showed off all her skills. What might those be?

- At 6'5" she runs the court like someone much smaller.

- She has range out to the three point line

- She can dribble hard with her left hand to get to the basket ala Gabby Williams

- After a defensive rebound she can initiate the fast break with her dribbling skills

- She can hit the mid-range jumper

I was so impressed with her in these clips. Can't wait to see her on the court with Stevens next year.

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I linked an article about 8th grader Jaden Newman who hit 17 threes and score 70 points in a High School game. If you didn't read it, she has stated she wants to go to UConn. At 5'1" she needs to grow a little before arriving in Storrs.

Here is a video taken when she was 10 years old, challenging Seth Curry to a three point contest. I won't ruin it and tell you who won.

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By David in Naples!!!!!

Azura Stevens is a unique and talented player. Her stats at UConn are great, but also a little odd. For example, she leads the team in free throw accuracy at 80%. Imagine a 6'6" player making more free throws (32-40) than Katie Lou (77.3%) or Kia (79.2%). Her shooting % from the field, inside the 3 point arc, is tied for best on the team. Both she and Gabby are 58.1%. However, from outside the arc, she is a dismal 5-35 or 14.3%. Same player, best and worst.

Z also leads the Huskies in blocked shots over Pheesa (34 vs 32) and rebounds over Gabby (138 vs 129). Her 44 offensive rebounds are 11 better than the nearest player, Napheesa. Most amazing are her 41 assists versus only 20 turnovers. That is an assist to turnover ratio of 2.05, well over the magic number of two. By comparison, Crystal is at 2.3 for assists/turnovers.

Azura is doing all this while only playing 22.6 minutes per game. By comparison, Gabby and Pheesa are at 27.3 and 29.3 minutes per game. Together, those three are a front line of unique talents and great heart.

Go Huskies..!!