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So, I watched the entire 2 hour and 15 minute practice today. I'm exhausted from just watching it!!! It's the second practice I've seen in the last four years and nothing has changed. I think that is why this UConn program has been so good for so many years. Geno and Chris have a formula and they stick too it.
They do adjust on what they work on at a particular practice based on the opponent. It was clear that Coach Shea Ralph did the scouting of Ohio State. She reminded the players over and over what she saw in probably the USF/OSU game tape. They like to drive and kick and will put up a ton of threes. They also like to get the ball in the post to their 6'5" center who will make a post move or look for an open outside shooter. Shea drilled the defense that she wanted them to play over and over. She is a great communicator.
Everything is timed in the practice. They will run a ton of drills over and over. 3-3, 4-4, fast breaks without any dribbling and lots of running. They just don't stop.
The men practice players deserve a shoutout for sure. They play so hard and it's such a benefit to the team. They never see an opponent as tough as the guys they play against in practice.
The reporters came in at the end of practice and were allowed to interview the two seniors Katie Lou and Napheesa. They also interview Shea. Chris had a miserable cold so no one wanted to go near her. Shea made one point that Geno has been saying. The defense has a lot of work to do. She said that the team will focus on scoring a lot of points because they will need to do that to win against better teams.
So, where was Geno? He was supposed to be back from a recruiting trip (I don't know where) but he struggled with his flights home. Someone told me he was taking a train from where ever her was.
Finally, I got to talk to a couple of players myself!!!!
From David about these two great ladies -
What has four legs, stands a combined 12'4" tall and has scored 3,321 points at Uconn in three season? Answer: Napheesa Collier and Katie Lou Samuelson. As Pheesa and KLS start their final season with the Huskies, both are positioned to make a run at the top 4 or 5 spots in all-time UConn scoring.
Katie Lou stands #14 with 1,712 points in her first three seasons. #4 on that list, Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis is only 466 points away. In her last two seasons, Lou scored 557 and 747 points.
Pheesa is currently #20 with 1,609 points. Interestingly, she outscored Samuelson in both of the last two seasons, 597 vs 557 and 754 vs 747 in 2016-17. Kaleena is only 569 points away from Collier. UConn could end up with the #4 and #5 all-time scorers by the end of this year. That would be the top scoring classmates of all-time.
For trivia buffs, the top three scorers are Maya (3,036), Stewie (2,676) and Tina (2,346).
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I'm no expert but I did have a few thoughts about individual players after watching practice.
There was no more impressive player on the court than Napheesa Collier. Katie Lou is getting all the pre-season accolades, but Collier to my eye deserves to be 1st team AA. I think she will prove that during the season. She looked stronger, quicker and was always in the right place at the right time both defensively and offensively.
All the players talk to each other during practice. The coaches encourage it and the players take it to heart.
For all of you worried about the health of Batouly Camara, she played the entire practice going full speed the entire time. And she was a leader out there as well. I think people are going to be surprised by her contributions this year.
Let it fly Molly!!!! I'll tell you, this girl can shoot. I wish she had the confidence to take the open shot when she gets in the game. It's time to stop deferring!!!!! Start shooting!!!
Olivia is every bit 6'5". And she is not as slight as some think. She has really strong legs and should be able to post up without being pushed around too much. With her long arms, she will grab a ton of rebounds this year if she can get 20+ minutes per game.
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By David in Naples!!!!!
Anyone who believes nothing can be learned from the Vanguard exhibition game is not looking hard enough. Yes, Vanguard was over matched and UConn dominated. But, the Huskies first team played great basketball and you don't have to look hard to see lots of great numbers. For example, the 1st basket was a fast break by Christyn Williams. Part of her role this season will be to replace Kia Nurse on the fast break. She did it twice in the first 3 minutes. Box checked...
1. Of the first 13 points scored by UConn, Megan Walker and Christyn scored 9 of them, 7 by the freshman.
2. UConn went 10-11 from the free throw line in the 1st half. That's 91%.
3. Also in the 1st half, Napheesa went 4-4 from the field, 4-4 from the charity stripe and grabbed 4 rebounds.
4. Crystal, Lou and Pheesa each had 10 points in the 1st half. Vanguard had 11 total.
5. Megan Walker is expected to help on the defensive boards this season, in place of Gabby. She had a team-leading 9 defensive rebounds.
6. Lou, Olivia and Megan all had double digit rebounds.
Lots remains to be worked out. But, the reason why teams play exhibition games is to find out what is working and what needs improvement.
Go Huskies..!!
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Robinson Has 15 Points as No. 14 Georgia Women Beat Bonnies
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