01-04-2013, 12:02 AM
Trying to distill down my observations over the years in the one-off games [high pressure and often the last game of the year].
This Uconn team is a one-off because there is no other team like them in personnel and system of attack and defense.
Things that Stan players can get away with against lesser opponents (like SC,Tenn) they can't against Uconn (or a final NCAA team). Like trying to split a double team with a dribble. The fools gold is that you can be successful with that against lesser opponents. But with one-off teams, they not only are quicker, they are also going to collide/create contact with you and have 2-3 people waiting for the ball to shake loose. Fundamentals. And skill development. Stanford's best talent is still too one dimensional at this stage in their development. [Looking back, it took Nneka until the summer between her jr going into sr year before she became a much more complete player -- could handle ball well in traffic and could finish with both hands. I'm glad she got there, but I've often wondered why it takes so long for the players at Stan to develop to their potential (if they ever do). ]
Being one dimensional, allows a top one-off team to smother that one dimension by over-playing that strength with multiple defenders. Uconn for example used that tactic to frustrate the team leader enough to begin to crack the morale of the team. Once that began to happen, it began to snowball in effect. The players became less and less effective in their execution as the leader struggled. Another example of bad team play/execution: a Stan player off the bench hits 2 straight 3 pointers; and the team doesn't find a way to get her another shot. Fundamental basketball IQ under pressure.
Now, this game being in Dec means its just about learning lessons the team can use. A prior Stan team lost to Uconn early and found a way to win later in the year. The players responded well and learned lessons.
One thing I've been impressed with is how the program has a kind of institutional memory that has conveyed prior great player traits to current teams. Like Wiggins determination. Once she helped get them to the final 4, they learned that lesson and kept going. Appel's toughness and team play. Pederson left her best impression on me as a freshman on defense guarding Candace Parker very well.
Pohlen, versility playing positions 1-4. She also made the jump in her sr year, coming back with much better footwork and confidence, culminating in a 31 point game against Uconn. Nneka a natural,leader evolving from raw athlete into refined player in sr year.
I'm guessing it will take another transformative player to show how to develop potential and skills to an elite level before their senior year.
A great program with great results during the year almost every year. But we can still talk about the one or two stinkers a year, one usually at the the time you need people playing to their potential most - that one off final game at season end.
This Uconn team is a one-off because there is no other team like them in personnel and system of attack and defense.
Things that Stan players can get away with against lesser opponents (like SC,Tenn) they can't against Uconn (or a final NCAA team). Like trying to split a double team with a dribble. The fools gold is that you can be successful with that against lesser opponents. But with one-off teams, they not only are quicker, they are also going to collide/create contact with you and have 2-3 people waiting for the ball to shake loose. Fundamentals. And skill development. Stanford's best talent is still too one dimensional at this stage in their development. [Looking back, it took Nneka until the summer between her jr going into sr year before she became a much more complete player -- could handle ball well in traffic and could finish with both hands. I'm glad she got there, but I've often wondered why it takes so long for the players at Stan to develop to their potential (if they ever do). ]
Being one dimensional, allows a top one-off team to smother that one dimension by over-playing that strength with multiple defenders. Uconn for example used that tactic to frustrate the team leader enough to begin to crack the morale of the team. Once that began to happen, it began to snowball in effect. The players became less and less effective in their execution as the leader struggled. Another example of bad team play/execution: a Stan player off the bench hits 2 straight 3 pointers; and the team doesn't find a way to get her another shot. Fundamental basketball IQ under pressure.
Now, this game being in Dec means its just about learning lessons the team can use. A prior Stan team lost to Uconn early and found a way to win later in the year. The players responded well and learned lessons.
One thing I've been impressed with is how the program has a kind of institutional memory that has conveyed prior great player traits to current teams. Like Wiggins determination. Once she helped get them to the final 4, they learned that lesson and kept going. Appel's toughness and team play. Pederson left her best impression on me as a freshman on defense guarding Candace Parker very well.
Pohlen, versility playing positions 1-4. She also made the jump in her sr year, coming back with much better footwork and confidence, culminating in a 31 point game against Uconn. Nneka a natural,leader evolving from raw athlete into refined player in sr year.
I'm guessing it will take another transformative player to show how to develop potential and skills to an elite level before their senior year.
A great program with great results during the year almost every year. But we can still talk about the one or two stinkers a year, one usually at the the time you need people playing to their potential most - that one off final game at season end.