[SkiBum80]

A brief parable:
There once was a college basketball team that went to play another team that was more like a JC team than a top college.
Seeing as the first college team had Wilt up front, their guards had only to feed the ball to Wilt and sit back and admire his dominance and scoring in the paint at will.
It didn't matter that the guards jacked up 13 prayer ball clankers and airballs, committed twice as many turnovers as assists, and more than 3 times as many fouls as assists. 
Wilt bailed them out and the team looked great!
The next game the team went in feeling pretty confident, why shouldn't they?
Only to see that their next opponent trotted out Kareem up front.
The guards responded by ..... (to be continued)

[SkiBum80]

A brief parable:
There once was a college basketball team that went to play another team that was more like a JC team than a top college.
Seeing as the first college team had Wilt up front, their guards had only to feed the ball to Wilt and sit back and admire his dominance and scoring in the paint at will.
It didn't matter that the guards jacked up 13 prayer ball clankers and airballs, committed twice as many turnovers as assists, and more than 3 times as many fouls as assists. 
Wilt bailed them out and the team looked great!
The next game the team went in feeling pretty confident, why shouldn't they?
Only to see that their next opponent trotted out Kareem up front.
The guards responded by ..... (to be continued)

[81alum]

Since 156 of the 200 minutes Hawaii played last night were played by the same players we faced in last year's game, I thought it might be interesting to compare stats:

Stat  2023 game/2022 game
Points scored 87/68
Points allowed 40/39
OReb 17/14
DReb 43/30
Asst 14/13
TO 12/14 
PF 21/16
FG% 48.5% (32-66)/40% (24-60)
3PT% 23.5% (4-17)/31.8% (7-22)
FT% 95% (19-20)/81.3% (13-16)
Blocks 6/5
Steals 7/7
OppFG% 22.4% (13-58)/26.1% (12-46)
Opp3Pt 23.5% (4-17)/20% (4-20)

Don't have these analytics from 2022, but still interesting:
Stanford's Best Efficiency Ratings
Kiki 31
Nunu 22
Brooke 19
Elena 17
Brink 16
Jump 13
Stanford's Best Defensive Ratings (lower=better)
Brink 23.7
Nunu 38.3
Elena 48.3
Demetre 50.7
Iriafen 63.2
Clardy 72.2
All the above are good. Nunu and Brink are off the charts.

Quite interesting OC, thank you for this.  Some of us wondered if the team might actually "jell" better this year with Jones having graduated and Betts transferred, etc., and so far (with very little data) there is some reason to think it has.  Clearly Iriafen is having a great start to her season and Agara is an amazing surprise--not that we should be surprised that she is good, but her maturity so early in her college career is indeed amazing.  As a result, the team frankly looks better without our two #1 recruits than with them--so far.  But Sunday will teach us a lot. 


I'll start an Indiana preview after Indiana plays its game tonight and we learn a little more about this year's Indiana team.

[81alum]

Since 156 of the 200 minutes Hawaii played last night were played by the same players we faced in last year's game, I thought it might be interesting to compare stats:

Stat  2023 game/2022 game
Points scored 87/68
Points allowed 40/39
OReb 17/14
DReb 43/30
Asst 14/13
TO 12/14 
PF 21/16
FG% 48.5% (32-66)/40% (24-60)
3PT% 23.5% (4-17)/31.8% (7-22)
FT% 95% (19-20)/81.3% (13-16)
Blocks 6/5
Steals 7/7
OppFG% 22.4% (13-58)/26.1% (12-46)
Opp3Pt 23.5% (4-17)/20% (4-20)

Don't have these analytics from 2022, but still interesting:
Stanford's Best Efficiency Ratings
Kiki 31
Nunu 22
Brooke 19
Elena 17
Brink 16
Jump 13
Stanford's Best Defensive Ratings (lower=better)
Brink 23.7
Nunu 38.3
Elena 48.3
Demetre 50.7
Iriafen 63.2
Clardy 72.2
All the above are good. Nunu and Brink are off the charts.

Quite interesting OC, thank you for this.  Some of us wondered if the team might actually "jell" better this year with Jones having graduated and Betts transferred, etc., and so far (with very little data) there is some reason to think it has.  Clearly Iriafen is having a great start to her season and Agara is an amazing surprise--not that we should be surprised that she is good, but her maturity so early in her college career is indeed amazing.  As a result, the team frankly looks better without our two #1 recruits than with them--so far.  But Sunday will teach us a lot. 


I'll start an Indiana preview after Indiana plays its game tonight and we learn a little more about this year's Indiana team.

[magnus]

Wasn't able to catch the game.   How does Kiki look compared to early last season when it looked like she was ready to break out? I seem to recall lots of aggressive moves to the basket in the early games only to peter out as the season went on.

Hoping she looked tangibly better.

[magnus]

Wasn't able to catch the game.   How does Kiki look compared to early last season when it looked like she was ready to break out? I seem to recall lots of aggressive moves to the basket in the early games only to peter out as the season went on.

Hoping she looked tangibly better.

[SkiBum80]

Wasn't able to catch the game.   How does Kiki look compared to early last season when it looked like she was ready to break out? I seem to recall lots of aggressive moves to the basket in the early games only to peter out as the season went on.

Hoping she looked tangibly better.

Can't specifically compare to last year early season. But in general compared to last year, I thought she is greatly improved.
To me she looked the best player on the court, for the ~half game she was out there, by a large margin.
Even better than Cam who had some highlights, including blocks and bunch assists, but was reported by others to have a hurting back, and didn't have a totally alltogether "typical Cam" game.

[SkiBum80]

Wasn't able to catch the game.   How does Kiki look compared to early last season when it looked like she was ready to break out? I seem to recall lots of aggressive moves to the basket in the early games only to peter out as the season went on.

Hoping she looked tangibly better.

Can't specifically compare to last year early season. But in general compared to last year, I thought she is greatly improved.
To me she looked the best player on the court, for the ~half game she was out there, by a large margin.
Even better than Cam who had some highlights, including blocks and bunch assists, but was reported by others to have a hurting back, and didn't have a totally alltogether "typical Cam" game.

[81alum]

First, thank you TonyL for posting the game over on Youtube.  I just finished watching it.  It is so helpful.  Hopefully I won't have to miss any more games!

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  She has added moves around the basket that I have never seen her do before and she has been finishing nearly every shot.  Her mid range jumper vanished last year, but it looks so smooth this year.  And her rebounding has skyrocketed--perhaps because that is what we need from her.  It might be heresy to say this, but as good as Brink is, Iriafen looks as good on offense or may be better.  Of course, all that may change against quality opponents--which we will soon see.

On rebounding, Hawaii sent 5 back on defense whenever a shot was released, so they gave up on O-boards completely.  Just not a part of their strategy.

Jump continues to show how she has broadened her game.  Her mid range jumper and floater were always there, but she is executing them more regularly now.  This will make her harder to defend.

Ogden has such a smooth shot.  So far I don't think I have seen her miss, and what is more, I don't think I have seen any of her shots even graze the rim.  Swoosh after swoosh, from several levels.  I agree that a couple of her fouls were iffy, and she needs to develop her defensive game, but she is going to be terrific.

It was good to see Demetre get back on track.

I think I agree that the guards did what they needed to do.  The concern is that other teams might pack the paint to suffocate Brink, Iriafen, and Agara, put their best perimeter defender on Jump, and dare us to shoot treys with whoever is left.  That was the standard strategy used by every team that beat us last year, I think.  Until we see a competent team try that strategy against us this year, I don't think we will know whether our guards are going to be an offensive liability or not.  So far so good.

[81alum]

First, thank you TonyL for posting the game over on Youtube.  I just finished watching it.  It is so helpful.  Hopefully I won't have to miss any more games!

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  She has added moves around the basket that I have never seen her do before and she has been finishing nearly every shot.  Her mid range jumper vanished last year, but it looks so smooth this year.  And her rebounding has skyrocketed--perhaps because that is what we need from her.  It might be heresy to say this, but as good as Brink is, Iriafen looks as good on offense or may be better.  Of course, all that may change against quality opponents--which we will soon see.

On rebounding, Hawaii sent 5 back on defense whenever a shot was released, so they gave up on O-boards completely.  Just not a part of their strategy.

Jump continues to show how she has broadened her game.  Her mid range jumper and floater were always there, but she is executing them more regularly now.  This will make her harder to defend.

Ogden has such a smooth shot.  So far I don't think I have seen her miss, and what is more, I don't think I have seen any of her shots even graze the rim.  Swoosh after swoosh, from several levels.  I agree that a couple of her fouls were iffy, and she needs to develop her defensive game, but she is going to be terrific.

It was good to see Demetre get back on track.

I think I agree that the guards did what they needed to do.  The concern is that other teams might pack the paint to suffocate Brink, Iriafen, and Agara, put their best perimeter defender on Jump, and dare us to shoot treys with whoever is left.  That was the standard strategy used by every team that beat us last year, I think.  Until we see a competent team try that strategy against us this year, I don't think we will know whether our guards are going to be an offensive liability or not.  So far so good.

[TonyLima]

First, thank you TonyL for posting the game over on Youtube.  I just finished watching it.  It is so helpful.  Hopefully I won't have to miss any more games!

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  She has added moves around the basket that I have never seen her do before and she has been finishing nearly every shot.  Her mid range jumper vanished last year, but it looks so smooth this year.  And her rebounding has skyrocketed--perhaps because that is what we need from her.  It might be heresy to say this, but as good as Brink is, Iriafen looks as good on offense or may be better.  Of course, all that may change against quality opponents--which we will soon see.

On rebounding, Hawaii sent 5 back on defense whenever a shot was released, so they gave up on O-boards completely.  Just not a part of their strategy.

Jump continues to show how she has broadened her game.  Her mid range jumper and floater were always there, but she is executing them more regularly now.  This will make her harder to defend.

Ogden has such a smooth shot.  So far I don't think I have seen her miss, and what is more, I don't think I have seen any of her shots even graze the rim.  Swoosh after swoosh, from several levels.  I agree that a couple of her fouls were iffy, and she needs to develop her defensive game, but she is going to be terrific.

It was good to see Demetre get back on track.

I think I agree that the guards did what they needed to do.  The concern is that other teams might pack the paint to suffocate Brink, Iriafen, and Agara, put their best perimeter defender on Jump, and dare us to shoot treys with whoever is left.  That was the standard strategy used by every team that beat us last year, I think.  Until we see a competent team try that strategy against us this year, I don't think we will know whether our guards are going to be an offensive liability or not.  So far so good.

You’re welcome. I’m just sorry for the technical glitches.

[TonyLima]

First, thank you TonyL for posting the game over on Youtube.  I just finished watching it.  It is so helpful.  Hopefully I won't have to miss any more games!

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  She has added moves around the basket that I have never seen her do before and she has been finishing nearly every shot.  Her mid range jumper vanished last year, but it looks so smooth this year.  And her rebounding has skyrocketed--perhaps because that is what we need from her.  It might be heresy to say this, but as good as Brink is, Iriafen looks as good on offense or may be better.  Of course, all that may change against quality opponents--which we will soon see.

On rebounding, Hawaii sent 5 back on defense whenever a shot was released, so they gave up on O-boards completely.  Just not a part of their strategy.

Jump continues to show how she has broadened her game.  Her mid range jumper and floater were always there, but she is executing them more regularly now.  This will make her harder to defend.

Ogden has such a smooth shot.  So far I don't think I have seen her miss, and what is more, I don't think I have seen any of her shots even graze the rim.  Swoosh after swoosh, from several levels.  I agree that a couple of her fouls were iffy, and she needs to develop her defensive game, but she is going to be terrific.

It was good to see Demetre get back on track.

I think I agree that the guards did what they needed to do.  The concern is that other teams might pack the paint to suffocate Brink, Iriafen, and Agara, put their best perimeter defender on Jump, and dare us to shoot treys with whoever is left.  That was the standard strategy used by every team that beat us last year, I think.  Until we see a competent team try that strategy against us this year, I don't think we will know whether our guards are going to be an offensive liability or not.  So far so good.

You’re welcome. I’m just sorry for the technical glitches.

[CompSci87]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

[CompSci87]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

[TonyLima]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

Since you asked …

I have a simple setup with an iPhone in a tripod recording from the computer screen. It helps to have a wife who’s a video semi-professional.  Also, I have years of experience with AV production.

[TonyLima]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

Since you asked …

I have a simple setup with an iPhone in a tripod recording from the computer screen. It helps to have a wife who’s a video semi-professional.  Also, I have years of experience with AV production.

[magnus]

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  

Awesome, good to hear.  Looking forward to the next time I can watch the team play.

[magnus]

Now having seen it, let me emphatically answer the question about Iriafen.  I don't think I have ever seen a player take such a big step forward going into her junior year.  She looked good at this time last season, too, and did taper off.  But her performance so far this year is an order of magnitude better than that.  

Awesome, good to hear.  Looking forward to the next time I can watch the team play.

[CompSci87]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

Since you asked …

I have a simple setup with an iPhone in a tripod recording from the computer screen. It helps to have a wife who’s a video semi-professional.  Also, I have years of experience with AV production.

Obviously that setup isn't ideal, as you get reflections from the screen, etc. But it works!

[CompSci87]

Glad you could capture it, Tony!

I failed to capture anything because of a new weirdness with the Pac-12 web site. For livestreamed games, normally you can watch the stream from the event detail page for the game. I mean a page like https://pac-12.com/womens-basketball/eve...i-stanford. But for this game, the video was never on that page. Since I was at the game in person, I didn't have any chance to look on other pages for the stream and capture it from there.

Also, the capture software I have (youtube-dl plus a small Pac-12.com plugin I developed) still has audio issues with Pac-12 streams. If Pac-12.com inserts a commercial at the start, I only get the audio from the commercial. The rest of the stream is silent. I haven't had a chance to debug this. I probably never will, since this is Stanford's last season in the Pac-12.

Since you asked …

I have a simple setup with an iPhone in a tripod recording from the computer screen. It helps to have a wife who’s a video semi-professional.  Also, I have years of experience with AV production.

Obviously that setup isn't ideal, as you get reflections from the screen, etc. But it works!