Doggydaddy's Den: Doggy's Doghouse 3/13/20

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Yep, I'm still here. And as long as David sends me stats and I can find links and there is something I can find to write about I'll post something.

I'm sure there will be days that I don't post a blog entry. But today is not that day!!

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It was Saturday March 19, 2016 when my wife and I was lucky enough to get great seats to UConn's first NCAA tournament game in the 2015-16 season. As you can see by the picture on the right, we were captured by the TV cameras. UConn won that game 101-49 over 16 seed Robert Morris. It was a fun game to watch.

After the game, with my jacket in hand, I spotted a 2016 recruit in the stands. None other than the lovely Molly Bent. Look how young she looks there. Maybe just compared to me?

I also got to meet her dad, who couldn't be more excited about her coming to UConn. He was a great guy and I was really happy for the both of them and for UConn fans. I knew she would be a fan favorite!!

Her dad George had a lot to say about the sudden end of the season. Enjoy the article I linked below.

Molly's Dad has something to say

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And Molly's fellow senior Kyla Irwin posted this.

Broken elbow, finger and in a boot.

ONE TOUGH COOKIE!!

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In the article I linked below, the NCAA has agreed to give spring athletes another year of eligibility after cancelling all the spring sports.

According to this article, the NCAA is also looking into giving the winter sports athletes an additional year of eligibility as well.

Crazy, huh.

So, the question is, will the players take them up on it?

I would guess that the players that have a future in professional basketball would seriously think about it. A player like Sabrina Ionescu would probably still leave and to into the draft. But players that just love the game, their teammates and have no future in pro ball certainly might consider coming back.

Western Kentucky University men’s basketball coach Rick Stansbury said seniors should receive a “blanket waiver,” according to the Bowling Green Daily News.

“Those seniors who want to come back, let them come back and set up that opportunity,” he said. “If they want to leave and get a job, let them leave and get a job. If they want to leave and start playing professionally, let them do that. But don’t take an opportunity away from them that they could’ve had.”

Lots to think about with this one!!

NCAA giving spring sports athletes another year of eligibility

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By David in Naples!!!!

With the 2019-20 season ended, here's a quick look at what UConn loses to graduation and how that compares to new additions to the team. This analysis matches each loss with a semi-corresponding arrival. No offense to any of the seniors.

1. Crystal Dangerfield graduates, Paige Bueckers arrives. - Crystal is the 5th leading assist leader all-time. Paige has great passing talent, but it will take time to learn the offense and where the others players are moving to/from. Crystal will be missed until someone steps up and fills her passing AND scoring role. This is a negative for next year.

2. Molly Bent graduates and Nika Muhl arrives. - Molly deserves all the praise possible for playing a supporting role for the last 4 years. Nika is a better passer, floor leader and possibly a more prolific scorer. She certainly has more confidence and experience, playing professionally in Croatia. Net positive for UConn.

3. Kyla Irwin graduates, Aaliyah Edwards arrives. - Kyla worked her way up to be an early season starter with endless hard work. Athletically, Kyla was undersized and less physically talented than most opponents. Edwards is a 6'3" physically gifted power forward. She can score inside and from the 3 points arc. She is a rebounding beast. Net advantage for UConn.

4. Evelyn Adebayo graduates, Piath Gabriel arrives. - Evelyn was never able to contribute significant minutes in relief of Olivia. Piath will face the same task. She is bigger than Evelyn, but lacks the 4 years of college experience. She has been described as a "project with good potential." Short term, this is net neutral. Longer term it should be a positive.

5. Batouly Camara graduates, Mir McLean arrives. - Camara was bitten by the injury bug and never reached her previous potential shown at Kentucky. She was expected to replace Napheesa or at least play 15-20 minutes at forward. McLean is an undersized small forward cut in the mold of Aubrey Griffin. She is physically gifted and can jump out of the building. Given Batouly's injuries and limited playing time, this is an upgrade for UConn.

The biggest negative for UConn is the loss of Crystal. That might be offset by a healthy Evina Westbrook. Her two years at Tennessee were very productive and in Geno's system, she should thrive. A lot depends on the health of her knee and her grasp of the offense. She won't be asked to do too much, like at Tenn. If healthy, this will help cover for the loss of Crystal.

The biggest positive for the Huskies is the return of four starters. Anna will be a sophomore, Liv & Squeaks will be juniors and Megan the only senior. All should be improved from their performances this year. Hopefully, all will be stronger, smarter and more confident. That is a great core four to start the year with..!!

Net-net, the roster will be deeper, more talented and physically more gifted. That is never a bad thing..

Go Huskies..!!

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UCONN LINKS

With sports gone, Geno reminds us it's only a game
UConn's season ends on a high note
Geno - "There is no blueprint for this"
What's next for UConn's women basketball
Geno thinks every senior should get an extra year of eligibility