[MV72018]

With all this talk of the new “flow” offense, it sounds like Tara is trying to implement Steve Kerr’s Warriors O. It will be interesting to see how it works out. Hi risk, high gain IMO.

[MV72018]

With all this talk of the new “flow” offense, it sounds like Tara is trying to implement Steve Kerr’s Warriors O. It will be interesting to see how it works out. Hi risk, high gain IMO.

[stopandpop]

I think I must now agree that our pre-South Carolina schedule could have used at least one game with stiffer competition.  These are great games for such a deep team like ours since so many players get to play, but there is a point of diminishing returns to playing weaker teams and we have passed that point.  It may not have been clear how dominant our third string was going to be when the schedule was put together.  But the fact that we are pummeling opponents while our two all-Americans are having mediocre performances makes me uncomfortable.  We need to do more to get Jones and Brink up to top form before Nov 20th.

 



  If this pattern continues, expect a resounding defeat next Sunday when South Carolina comes to town. 

I agree; it would have been great if we had a Top-25 opponent scheduled in before our bout with South Carolina next Sunday. It's going to be a severe step up in competition going from Pacific and Cal Poly to the defending national champions. I hope (and think) our veterans will be able to make that big leap.

I am hoping that Brink and Jones can make that instant adjustment next Sunday. They haven't had to perform well in these first few games but hopefully something clicks a week from tomorrow on the national stage against the Gamecocks. They know how good Boston and co. are and as a result, they can elevate their games accordingly.

My wife and I were at the game last evening and we sat next to Haley's parents.  It's become clear to me that both Haley and Cam are having difficulty adjusting to their new positions.  There is very little spacing for either of them to operate and most important, very few opportunities in the current offense for them to take advantage of their elite skill sets and dominate.  I'm watching them closely and at times they both look uncomfortable, whether it's Haley trying to drive the ball or Cam trying to make a play when she's out on the perimeter. 

Pacific was hurt by our size and our depth, but neither Haley nor Cam hurt them.  After 4 games, their performance has been much less than we expected.  When they have thrived and dominated in past seasons.

I don't believe Tara will make any adjustments in the offense.  I think she believes that Haley and Cam will adjust to their new positions as the season goes along- and she may be right.  But from my vantage point, here are two All-Americans (and ESPN has rated them 2 of the top 6 players in the country), who are struggling.  If it was only Cam or only Haley- that would be one thing, but it's both.  That suggests to me that the plan (moving Haley to PG and Cam to a 3), is not producing results.

We will be in Portland tomorrow and I'm hoping to heck (somehow) Haley and Cam will find a way to impose their will on the opponent.  Otherwise, we are in for a long afternoon against South Carolina.

The team has played three games, all of which were large blowouts where nobody played more than 17-20 minutes or so.  Nobody has to impose their will in a blowout like that.  The team as a group imposed their will.  I don't think Brink played the three very much at all.  She starts at the 4 and has played down low and on the perimeter.  Jones is not in that much of a different role either.  Yes, she plays point and runs the team some (not my favorite use of her either), but she also slides to the wing frequently.  There is a vast difference between a game where the team is up big very early and ends up winning by 50 or 60 and one where the starters need to play a lot more minutes against a better opponent.

The changes for Brink - playing outside a bit more, driving from outside a bit more, etc., are to her personal benefit.  In the WNBA it will help her immensely if she can play inside and outside, hit threes, defend outside, etc.  The same is true for Jones.  It will only help her game for the future if she can shoot threes more and better, control her turnovers more, and run a team sometimes.  Versatility is a big help for the pros.  The idea that they are unhappy that they are being asked (being allowed?) to expand their games is strange to me.  

You seem to be implying by saying you sat next to parents, that they are unhappy or said Jones is unhappy.  If that is not what you are implying you really should clarify.  I know someone who knows the family and has told me that Jones has been extremely happy with her Stanford career and her choice to attend.  I do not at all see unhappiness or frustration on court.  These players are smart.  They know that such a deep team requires a willingness to let others play when a game is a blowout.  That's how a team can develop.  Not a time to just ride your stars, not this early and not against the likes of Pacific.

My last point is the same one I keep harping on - it is very early.  The rotation is far from set.  Roles are far from set.  Things will change.  They always do.  Both Jones and Brink are proven players who will show out plenty.  If things are not working well, changes will be made.

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

[stopandpop]

I think I must now agree that our pre-South Carolina schedule could have used at least one game with stiffer competition.  These are great games for such a deep team like ours since so many players get to play, but there is a point of diminishing returns to playing weaker teams and we have passed that point.  It may not have been clear how dominant our third string was going to be when the schedule was put together.  But the fact that we are pummeling opponents while our two all-Americans are having mediocre performances makes me uncomfortable.  We need to do more to get Jones and Brink up to top form before Nov 20th.

 



  If this pattern continues, expect a resounding defeat next Sunday when South Carolina comes to town. 

I agree; it would have been great if we had a Top-25 opponent scheduled in before our bout with South Carolina next Sunday. It's going to be a severe step up in competition going from Pacific and Cal Poly to the defending national champions. I hope (and think) our veterans will be able to make that big leap.

I am hoping that Brink and Jones can make that instant adjustment next Sunday. They haven't had to perform well in these first few games but hopefully something clicks a week from tomorrow on the national stage against the Gamecocks. They know how good Boston and co. are and as a result, they can elevate their games accordingly.

My wife and I were at the game last evening and we sat next to Haley's parents.  It's become clear to me that both Haley and Cam are having difficulty adjusting to their new positions.  There is very little spacing for either of them to operate and most important, very few opportunities in the current offense for them to take advantage of their elite skill sets and dominate.  I'm watching them closely and at times they both look uncomfortable, whether it's Haley trying to drive the ball or Cam trying to make a play when she's out on the perimeter. 

Pacific was hurt by our size and our depth, but neither Haley nor Cam hurt them.  After 4 games, their performance has been much less than we expected.  When they have thrived and dominated in past seasons.

I don't believe Tara will make any adjustments in the offense.  I think she believes that Haley and Cam will adjust to their new positions as the season goes along- and she may be right.  But from my vantage point, here are two All-Americans (and ESPN has rated them 2 of the top 6 players in the country), who are struggling.  If it was only Cam or only Haley- that would be one thing, but it's both.  That suggests to me that the plan (moving Haley to PG and Cam to a 3), is not producing results.

We will be in Portland tomorrow and I'm hoping to heck (somehow) Haley and Cam will find a way to impose their will on the opponent.  Otherwise, we are in for a long afternoon against South Carolina.

The team has played three games, all of which were large blowouts where nobody played more than 17-20 minutes or so.  Nobody has to impose their will in a blowout like that.  The team as a group imposed their will.  I don't think Brink played the three very much at all.  She starts at the 4 and has played down low and on the perimeter.  Jones is not in that much of a different role either.  Yes, she plays point and runs the team some (not my favorite use of her either), but she also slides to the wing frequently.  There is a vast difference between a game where the team is up big very early and ends up winning by 50 or 60 and one where the starters need to play a lot more minutes against a better opponent.

The changes for Brink - playing outside a bit more, driving from outside a bit more, etc., are to her personal benefit.  In the WNBA it will help her immensely if she can play inside and outside, hit threes, defend outside, etc.  The same is true for Jones.  It will only help her game for the future if she can shoot threes more and better, control her turnovers more, and run a team sometimes.  Versatility is a big help for the pros.  The idea that they are unhappy that they are being asked (being allowed?) to expand their games is strange to me.  

You seem to be implying by saying you sat next to parents, that they are unhappy or said Jones is unhappy.  If that is not what you are implying you really should clarify.  I know someone who knows the family and has told me that Jones has been extremely happy with her Stanford career and her choice to attend.  I do not at all see unhappiness or frustration on court.  These players are smart.  They know that such a deep team requires a willingness to let others play when a game is a blowout.  That's how a team can develop.  Not a time to just ride your stars, not this early and not against the likes of Pacific.

My last point is the same one I keep harping on - it is very early.  The rotation is far from set.  Roles are far from set.  Things will change.  They always do.  Both Jones and Brink are proven players who will show out plenty.  If things are not working well, changes will be made.

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

[Baez87]

Best not to speculate that Haley's parents displayed any disdain for the game or for the team's play, they didn’t. My wife and I sat directly behind them at the game last night in Stockton. We only saw them speak socially to other team parents sitting nearby. The Mom and Dad seemed to be content at the game, and their enthusiasm for the entire team was evident and first rate!
As for Cam and Haley's play, from my POV, they are playing "team first" ball with lots of support for the new players and those developing their talents. I am not used to either of them playing supporting roles, but my guess is that they will be ready for the season's competitive play, and they will fire up their engines and play aggressive when the time comes. Also, I’m not fearful about the South Carolina game. Cam and Haley will be ready, they know the SC team very well. Their current level of play seems to be geared to helping the entire team get ready, that seems to be their priority. At the end of the game, we noticed big smiles on their faces as they celebrated the win with their teammates!

[Baez87]

Best not to speculate that Haley's parents displayed any disdain for the game or for the team's play, they didn’t. My wife and I sat directly behind them at the game last night in Stockton. We only saw them speak socially to other team parents sitting nearby. The Mom and Dad seemed to be content at the game, and their enthusiasm for the entire team was evident and first rate!
As for Cam and Haley's play, from my POV, they are playing "team first" ball with lots of support for the new players and those developing their talents. I am not used to either of them playing supporting roles, but my guess is that they will be ready for the season's competitive play, and they will fire up their engines and play aggressive when the time comes. Also, I’m not fearful about the South Carolina game. Cam and Haley will be ready, they know the SC team very well. Their current level of play seems to be geared to helping the entire team get ready, that seems to be their priority. At the end of the game, we noticed big smiles on their faces as they celebrated the win with their teammates!

[chimera]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up. I am responding to the above from StopandPop. Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

[chimera]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up. I am responding to the above from StopandPop. Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

[stopandpop]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up.  I am responding to the above from StopandPop.  Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

Your post and the posts from others over the months (in reply to my critiques) have convinced me that I am not a good fit for this message board.  I have no affiliation with Stanford but I love this team and want them to succeed as much as any of you.  I just happen to look and analyze things from a slightly different perspective probably because of my background with women's basketball.  My comments tend to be what I would call 'tough love'.

Whether Tara decides to tweak the offensive schemes or doesn't, I hope Cam and Haley have breakout games tomorrow against Portland or certainly against South Carolina.  I hope they defeat the Gamecocks and go on to win the national championship. I hope Tara's plan makes Cam and Haley even more effective than they have been.  I will be cheering them on like you as well as for every player.  We'll be cheering together. You just won't see any more posts.

By the way, at the end of the game in Stockton, Haley bounded up the stairs with a big smile on her face and embraced her parents.  It was a beautiful thing to see.

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

[stopandpop]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up.  I am responding to the above from StopandPop.  Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

Your post and the posts from others over the months (in reply to my critiques) have convinced me that I am not a good fit for this message board.  I have no affiliation with Stanford but I love this team and want them to succeed as much as any of you.  I just happen to look and analyze things from a slightly different perspective probably because of my background with women's basketball.  My comments tend to be what I would call 'tough love'.

Whether Tara decides to tweak the offensive schemes or doesn't, I hope Cam and Haley have breakout games tomorrow against Portland or certainly against South Carolina.  I hope they defeat the Gamecocks and go on to win the national championship. I hope Tara's plan makes Cam and Haley even more effective than they have been.  I will be cheering them on like you as well as for every player.  We'll be cheering together. You just won't see any more posts.

By the way, at the end of the game in Stockton, Haley bounded up the stairs with a big smile on her face and embraced her parents.  It was a beautiful thing to see.

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

[martyup]

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

I, and probably many others, appreciate your contributions to this board.  I would just say, don't judge a board by a member or two who disagrees with you or challenges your views.  That is the nature of sports boards.  There are many members who just read posts (lurkers).  At any rate, if you do decide to stop posting . . .

[martyup]

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

I, and probably many others, appreciate your contributions to this board.  I would just say, don't judge a board by a member or two who disagrees with you or challenges your views.  That is the nature of sports boards.  There are many members who just read posts (lurkers).  At any rate, if you do decide to stop posting . . .

[chimera]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up.  I am responding to the above from StopandPop.  Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

Your post and the posts from others over the months (in reply to my critiques) have convinced me that I am not a good fit for this message board.  I have no affiliation with Stanford but I love this team and want them to succeed as much as any of you.  I just happen to look and analyze things from a slightly different perspective probably because of my background with women's basketball.  My comments tend to be what I would call 'tough love'.

Whether Tara decides to tweak the offensive schemes or doesn't, I hope Cam and Haley have breakout games tomorrow against Portland or certainly against South Carolina.  I hope they defeat the Gamecocks and go on to win the national championship. I hope Tara's plan makes Cam and Haley even more effective than they have been.  I will be cheering them on like you as well as for every player.  We'll be cheering together. You just won't see any more posts.

By the way, at the end of the game in Stockton, Haley bounded up the stairs with a big smile on her face and embraced her parents.  It was a beautiful thing to see.

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

I'm not at all trying to drive you off.  No need to apologize.  Just message board debating, nothing so serious.  Stick around and we can argue and annoy each other all season.

[chimera]

I'm not implying anything.  I'm sorry that my comments bother you, but I never wear rose-colored glasses when I watch the games.  I will agree with you on one thing:  The positions Brink and Jones are playing now are most likely the positions they will be playing in the WNBA and to Tara's credit, she is preparing them for that transition.  That's wonderful, but I'm focused on the present.

Where I disagree with you is that these two players (when they're in the game), should dominate (even in blowouts) and hurt the other team- and they are not.  With Haley, there are multiple defenders who are stopping her dribble drive, causing turnovers, or forcing Haley to reverse pivot and try to pass.  With Cam on the perimeter, there is almost always a defender in front of her- and no Stanford player is setting a screen for Cam to drive and do her thing.  There is little or no spacing on the court that would allow Haley and Cam to operate effectively.  

I hope we agree that we both love these players as with every Stanford player and we want them to succeed, but I will always call it like it is when it comes to performance and I will never make excuses for them.  In fact, in this case, I don't think Cam and Haley are at fault.  They are simply having trouble adjusting to their new roles which (currently) are limiting their performance. I want to defeat South Carolina next Sunday, but the current offensive pattern we play and the roles Haley and Cam are playing will make this extremely difficult.  Dawn Staley is watching our game film and in particular where we are playing Haley and Cam - and she's not worried at all.

Quote got messed up.  I am responding to the above from StopandPop.  Your comments do not bother me.  I am simply disagreeing with them.  Do my comments bother you?  Why do you think you call it like you see it but others don't?  Dismissing comments by trotting out "rose colored glasses" is not helpful for debate.  Whether you meant to or not, you did imply something by stating that you sat next to Haley's parents and then talking about how you saw her as unhappy.  Why mention who you sat near if you were not implying you had information from them?  You should clarify if that is not so.  This has nothing to do with rose colored glasses or making excuses for players. I just do not agree with your take about what is happening on court. I don't even agree that they are not dominating.  If the opponent is trying to stop Jones with double and triple teams on drives, that opens up everyone else and means that she kind of is dominating the game, even if not the stats.  I know that players don't always play great, that stats in blowouts when star players only play 15-20 minutes are not all that meaningful, that it is a team game, not just the Cam and Haley show, good as they are.  


I disagree that these 3 games tell us all that much about how Jones or Brink will do when we play teams where they are challenged more and play bigger minutes.  We know what they can do.  Brink went 5-6 for 13 points and had 8 rebounds and 6 blocks in game 1 in 20 minutes.  She went 4-6 for 11 points and had 11 boards in game 2.  Game 3 was not as good, but those are not the stats of someone who is struggling.  Jones has been quiet by her standards but it is not like she is not getting shots, and she is doing a good job with assists.  She just hasn't made her shots yet.  She has had similar stretches of games in previous years, often in the first half of games.  

I disagree there is any evidence that they are being hindered by the schemes.  They are being "hindered" by blowouts where they are not required to take over or put up big stats, and where the bigger need is to give experience to younger players like Iriafen, Nivar, Lepolo, Betts, etc.  These have been blowout games with a lot of subbing and a lot of different player combos out there.  Not everything will be perfect for every player, certainly not in that sort of game.  Jones tends to save her best for the biggest games.  If she is not 100% settled into her role, well, it is three games in and there is plenty of time for her to get more comfortable. 

I agree we have not seen the best of Jones.  As long as she is healthy, I am confident she will star in plenty of games.  Multiple players have always been trying to stop Jones from driving in previous seasons too.  That is her go to, and other teams scout.  That is not new.  If she becomes a more reliable three point shooter and drives and dishes more, it will also open things up more for her own scoring.  Might need time to get it all right but the time to be great is March, not November.  Brink has had a few nice drives from the perimeter already this season, stuff she did not do that much of last season.  I'm sure it is a learning process for her.  Again, it is early.  The season just started.  If things need to be tweaked, I'm sure they will be.  

I don't know if we will beat South Carolina.  They are very good.  We could play well and still lose.  I don't honestly worry about possibly losing.  I'd much rather win but they will be favored, they are #1.  It is a no lose, almost.  If we win, well we win.  If we lose, as long as we play well, it is not a bad loss, the team would learn a lot, and it would add fire to get them later on.  I see a lot of gloom and gloom predictions.  That sets one up to say told ya so when inevitably the team or a player has a poor game at some point.  I don't like to play that game.

Your post and the posts from others over the months (in reply to my critiques) have convinced me that I am not a good fit for this message board.  I have no affiliation with Stanford but I love this team and want them to succeed as much as any of you.  I just happen to look and analyze things from a slightly different perspective probably because of my background with women's basketball.  My comments tend to be what I would call 'tough love'.

Whether Tara decides to tweak the offensive schemes or doesn't, I hope Cam and Haley have breakout games tomorrow against Portland or certainly against South Carolina.  I hope they defeat the Gamecocks and go on to win the national championship. I hope Tara's plan makes Cam and Haley even more effective than they have been.  I will be cheering them on like you as well as for every player.  We'll be cheering together. You just won't see any more posts.

By the way, at the end of the game in Stockton, Haley bounded up the stairs with a big smile on her face and embraced her parents.  It was a beautiful thing to see.

My best to all of you, even those of you who did not appreciate or understand what I was trying to contribute to the discussions.  I meant no harm to anyone.  If you felt I did, I apologize.

Go Cardinal!

I'm not at all trying to drive you off.  No need to apologize.  Just message board debating, nothing so serious.  Stick around and we can argue and annoy each other all season.

[treetop11]

I think I must now agree that our pre-South Carolina schedule could have used at least one game with stiffer competition.  These are great games for such a deep team like ours since so many players get to play, but there is a point of diminishing returns to playing weaker teams and we have passed that point.  It may not have been clear how dominant our third string was going to be when the schedule was put together.  But the fact that we are pummeling opponents while our two all-Americans are having mediocre performances makes me uncomfortable.  We need to do more to get Jones and Brink up to top form before Nov 20th.

Totally agree with you except I think the Haley at PG should stop along with the Nnopu starting experiment. Put Haley at the 3 and she can run some point as a point forward. But I think we should have a true PG and one who is quicker. Lepolo is the leader so far, but Novar and even Harriel are not shabby, although Nova probably fits a 2 mold better. 

I want to see more of Brink and Betts too. They close the doors on D and talk about scoring machines in the post. Iriafen and Prechtel make a nice combo on the court at the same time as Ashten scores from outside and Kiki is fairly automatic in the post. And Ashten provides bulk while Kiki is slim on D.

 



  If this pattern continues, expect a resounding defeat next Sunday when South Carolina comes to town. 

I agree; it would have been great if we had a Top-25 opponent scheduled in before our bout with South Carolina next Sunday. It's going to be a severe step up in competition going from Pacific and Cal Poly to the defending national champions. I hope (and think) our veterans will be able to make that big leap.

I am hoping that Brink and Jones can make that instant adjustment next Sunday. They haven't had to perform well in these first few games but hopefully something clicks a week from tomorrow on the national stage against the Gamecocks. They know how good Boston and co. are and as a result, they can elevate their games accordingly.

My wife and I were at the game last evening and we sat next to Haley's parents.  It's become clear to me that both Haley and Cam are having difficulty adjusting to their new positions.  There is very little spacing for either of them to operate and most important, very few opportunities in the current offense for them to take advantage of their elite skill sets and dominate.  I'm watching them closely and at times they both look uncomfortable, whether it's Haley trying to drive the ball or Cam trying to make a play when she's out on the perimeter. 

Pacific was hurt by our size and our depth, but neither Haley nor Cam hurt them.  After 4 games, their performance has been much less than we expected.  When they have thrived and dominated in past seasons.

I don't believe Tara will make any adjustments in the offense.  I think she believes that Haley and Cam will adjust to their new positions as the season goes along- and she may be right.  But from my vantage point, here are two All-Americans (and ESPN has rated them 2 of the top 6 players in the country), who are struggling.  If it was only Cam or only Haley- that would be one thing, but it's both.  That suggests to me that the plan (moving Haley to PG and Cam to a 3), is not producing results.

We will be in Portland tomorrow and I'm hoping to heck (somehow) Haley and Cam will find a way to impose their will on the opponent.  Otherwise, we are in for a long afternoon against South Carolina.

The team has played three games, all of which were large blowouts where nobody played more than 17-20 minutes or so.  Nobody has to impose their will in a blowout like that.  The team as a group imposed their will.  I don't think Brink played the three very much at all.  She starts at the 4 and has played down low and on the perimeter.  Jones is not in that much of a different role either.  Yes, she plays point and runs the team some (not my favorite use of her either), but she also slides to the wing frequently.  There is a vast difference between a game where the team is up big very early and ends up winning by 50 or 60 and one where the starters need to play a lot more minutes against a better opponent.

The changes for Brink - playing outside a bit more, driving from outside a bit more, etc., are to her personal benefit.  In the WNBA it will help her immensely if she can play inside and outside, hit threes, defend outside, etc.  The same is true for Jones.  It will only help her game for the future if she can shoot threes more and better, control her turnovers more, and run a team sometimes.  Versatility is a big help for the pros.  The idea that they are unhappy that they are being asked (being allowed?) to expand their games is strange to me.  

You seem to be implying by saying you sat next to parents, that they are unhappy or said Jones is unhappy.  If that is not what you are implying you really should clarify.  I know someone who knows the family and has told me that Jones has been extremely happy with her Stanford career and her choice to attend.  I do not at all see unhappiness or frustration on court.  These players are smart.  They know that such a deep team requires a willingness to let others play when a game is a blowout.  That's how a team can develop.  Not a time to just ride your stars, not this early and not against the likes of Pacific.

My last point is the same one I keep harping on - it is very early.  The rotation is far from set.  Roles are far from set.  Things will change.  They always do.  Both Jones and Brink are proven players who will show out plenty.  If things are not working well, changes will be made.

[treetop11]

I think I must now agree that our pre-South Carolina schedule could have used at least one game with stiffer competition.  These are great games for such a deep team like ours since so many players get to play, but there is a point of diminishing returns to playing weaker teams and we have passed that point.  It may not have been clear how dominant our third string was going to be when the schedule was put together.  But the fact that we are pummeling opponents while our two all-Americans are having mediocre performances makes me uncomfortable.  We need to do more to get Jones and Brink up to top form before Nov 20th.

Totally agree with you except I think the Haley at PG should stop along with the Nnopu starting experiment. Put Haley at the 3 and she can run some point as a point forward. But I think we should have a true PG and one who is quicker. Lepolo is the leader so far, but Novar and even Harriel are not shabby, although Nova probably fits a 2 mold better. 

I want to see more of Brink and Betts too. They close the doors on D and talk about scoring machines in the post. Iriafen and Prechtel make a nice combo on the court at the same time as Ashten scores from outside and Kiki is fairly automatic in the post. And Ashten provides bulk while Kiki is slim on D.

 



  If this pattern continues, expect a resounding defeat next Sunday when South Carolina comes to town. 

I agree; it would have been great if we had a Top-25 opponent scheduled in before our bout with South Carolina next Sunday. It's going to be a severe step up in competition going from Pacific and Cal Poly to the defending national champions. I hope (and think) our veterans will be able to make that big leap.

I am hoping that Brink and Jones can make that instant adjustment next Sunday. They haven't had to perform well in these first few games but hopefully something clicks a week from tomorrow on the national stage against the Gamecocks. They know how good Boston and co. are and as a result, they can elevate their games accordingly.

My wife and I were at the game last evening and we sat next to Haley's parents.  It's become clear to me that both Haley and Cam are having difficulty adjusting to their new positions.  There is very little spacing for either of them to operate and most important, very few opportunities in the current offense for them to take advantage of their elite skill sets and dominate.  I'm watching them closely and at times they both look uncomfortable, whether it's Haley trying to drive the ball or Cam trying to make a play when she's out on the perimeter. 

Pacific was hurt by our size and our depth, but neither Haley nor Cam hurt them.  After 4 games, their performance has been much less than we expected.  When they have thrived and dominated in past seasons.

I don't believe Tara will make any adjustments in the offense.  I think she believes that Haley and Cam will adjust to their new positions as the season goes along- and she may be right.  But from my vantage point, here are two All-Americans (and ESPN has rated them 2 of the top 6 players in the country), who are struggling.  If it was only Cam or only Haley- that would be one thing, but it's both.  That suggests to me that the plan (moving Haley to PG and Cam to a 3), is not producing results.

We will be in Portland tomorrow and I'm hoping to heck (somehow) Haley and Cam will find a way to impose their will on the opponent.  Otherwise, we are in for a long afternoon against South Carolina.

The team has played three games, all of which were large blowouts where nobody played more than 17-20 minutes or so.  Nobody has to impose their will in a blowout like that.  The team as a group imposed their will.  I don't think Brink played the three very much at all.  She starts at the 4 and has played down low and on the perimeter.  Jones is not in that much of a different role either.  Yes, she plays point and runs the team some (not my favorite use of her either), but she also slides to the wing frequently.  There is a vast difference between a game where the team is up big very early and ends up winning by 50 or 60 and one where the starters need to play a lot more minutes against a better opponent.

The changes for Brink - playing outside a bit more, driving from outside a bit more, etc., are to her personal benefit.  In the WNBA it will help her immensely if she can play inside and outside, hit threes, defend outside, etc.  The same is true for Jones.  It will only help her game for the future if she can shoot threes more and better, control her turnovers more, and run a team sometimes.  Versatility is a big help for the pros.  The idea that they are unhappy that they are being asked (being allowed?) to expand their games is strange to me.  

You seem to be implying by saying you sat next to parents, that they are unhappy or said Jones is unhappy.  If that is not what you are implying you really should clarify.  I know someone who knows the family and has told me that Jones has been extremely happy with her Stanford career and her choice to attend.  I do not at all see unhappiness or frustration on court.  These players are smart.  They know that such a deep team requires a willingness to let others play when a game is a blowout.  That's how a team can develop.  Not a time to just ride your stars, not this early and not against the likes of Pacific.

My last point is the same one I keep harping on - it is very early.  The rotation is far from set.  Roles are far from set.  Things will change.  They always do.  Both Jones and Brink are proven players who will show out plenty.  If things are not working well, changes will be made.

[jonnyss]

My remote capture ended up working! Here's a link:

[/url][url=https://youtu.be/3xv1mzz3zyA]Stanford WBB at Pacific 11-22-2022

I cut out all commercials and non-game content except some postgame commentary by the Pacific announcer and an interview with their coach.

ETA: I made it embeddable so now you should see the preview and you can play it on this page.

thanks!

[jonnyss]

My remote capture ended up working! Here's a link:

[/url][url=https://youtu.be/3xv1mzz3zyA]Stanford WBB at Pacific 11-22-2022

I cut out all commercials and non-game content except some postgame commentary by the Pacific announcer and an interview with their coach.

ETA: I made it embeddable so now you should see the preview and you can play it on this page.

thanks!