TRexSmart's Georgetown University vs UK Lady Cats analysis...

[TRexSmarts]

OVERVIEW:

Welcome back folks for another exciting special edition of "The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly" produced by your truely TRexSmarts. This is actually my first analysis of the women's team that I actually have a chance to watch the women's team play. When I get a chance to watch them, I'll will do an analysis.

Let me tell you that there is definitely differences between the women's game and the men's game. It took me some getting used too, but not much, to watch the women game. The women's game is a much slower tempo game than the guys. But I was able to get used to the game tonight because I'm used of Tubby's ball. *lol* But I was able to get into it without having to change the channel or anything. So, on with my analysis...

THE GOOD:

1) Sarah Elliott - Dang, that girl is tall. *lol* What I like about her game is the intensity she brings to the game. She has a very quick shot release which I think if she slows down a little bit and let the game come to her, she would be awesome and dominate this game. A lot of her shots, I felt like, she rushed up. But all her fundamentals is there for the game. The keeping the ball up high and the aggressiveness for the game. She was a blast to watch. Maybe she can show Woo how to play defense by keeping his hand up. That's what impressed me about her. The way when she was in front of the player, she just held up her hand and not reached in or anything. In 24 minutes of playing time, she was 5 of 14 from the field and 2 for 2 from the line for 12 points with 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 block shots. POG Candidate Consideration

2) Jennifer Humphrey - This girl reminds me of Chuck Hayes. She did all the hardwork underneath the basket. She rebounded, took charges, and etc. She was a very hard worker tonight. She has some great moves under the basket as well. This is like her 7th career double double she got. That's awesome. In 24 minutes of playing time, she was 4 of 7 from the field and 3 of 4 from the line for 10 points with 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. POG Candidate Consideration

3) Jenny Pfeiffer - Can this girl shoot or what. Coming off the bench and she was instant offense. Gotta love that type of shooter. I love her game. She has a great jumpshot. In 22 minutes of playing time, she was 3 of 7 from the field including 3 of 6 from the 3pt line and 3 for 3 from the line for 12 points with 4 rebounds.

4) Rebounding - Maybe the women's team can show the men's team how to rebound? I was very impress how well UK Lady Cats rebounded. Even though the Lady Cats outrebounded Georgetown University by 18 with a final tally of 47 to 29. Most of these rebounds where on the offensive glass as UK held a 20 to 8 advantage. Wonder why they had like a 30 to 8 advantage for second chance points and points in the paints. That's just very awesome! Great job Ladies!!!!!

5) Defense - The ladies started out slowly but in the second half they really turn up the heat on Georgetown University. At one point it was like 13 minutes scoring drought for Georgetown University. This is when UK open up the game. But they still need to work on getting really after the other team some more.

6) Free Throw Shooting - Here is something else maybe the women's team can show the guy's team on how to shoot free throws. For this game the women were 10 for 13 for 76.9% for the game. Gotta love those numbers.

THE BAD:

1) Field Goal Shooting - Now, this is where I might be somewhat wrong based on the type of game this being. I know that if guys shot 36.9% like the women did for this game, then the guys would probably have lost. But being the women's game, is 36.9 good? They did win easily enough though. But for the time being, I'm going to put this here until somebody tells me other wise.

THE UGLY:

Well, I honestly don't think there was any for this section.

TREXSMART'S PLAYER OF THE GAME AWARD:

As you tell there is two vying for the 1st ever TRexSmart's Player of athe Game Award. The lady that I'm going to give this award too probably should also received the MOJO award as well. So, congratulations Jennifer Humphrey for winning the first ever Ladies version of TRexSmart's Player of the Game Award.

TRexSmarts

[Spanish Moss]

Nice analysis. This was the first time I have seen the Lady Cats this year and I was impressed with how far they have come since Mitch hired our new coach.

The men's team could learn a great deal by watching these young ladies play the game. They are better rebounders and free throw shooters than the men't team. ESPECIALLY on the offensive board. They get it done on the glass.

So Tubby, take the boys across the street and have them take notes.

[CATHYnKY]

Florida Cracker wrote: Nice analysis. This was the first time I have seen the Lady Cats this year and I was impressed with how far they have come since Mitch hired our new coach.

The men's team could learn a great deal by watching these young ladies play the game. They are better rebounders and free throw shooters than the men't team. ESPECIALLY on the offensive board. They get it done on the glass.

So Tubby, take the boys across the street and have them take notes.
I second that Fla Cracker. I also agree with this....So Tubby, take the boys across the street and have them take notes.
Notice I didn't put any smily faces with that statement. Looking forward to the UL game.

[hoocat]

Ditto re the nice analysis, TrexSmart. Thanks!

First, let me admit that I'm spoiled --- this is my family's third year with season tix and we live w/n 2 miles of Memorial. Since weclimbed onthebandwagon early, we've got 3rd row seats! We hardly ever miss a home game. We orginally got tix so that our girls (6 and 3) could see women playing sports (we're trying to raise tomboys!). I also have to say that as a guy and a former gym rat, I was somewhat reluctant about women's basketball at first. Now I absolutely love it. No, the women don't play as fast or as high up as the men. But, boy, do they play hard, and they aren't affected by the prima dona, NBA-dreamin', soon-to-be millionaireattitude that infects the top-flight men's teams. There is purity and joy in the way the women play. When the crowd gets behind them, it really seems to make a difference. I'm completely converted.

That being said, I'm really sorry that the Georgetown game was the first one that many of you got to see. For one, last night's crowd was quite thin because of icy road conditions in the Bluegrass yesterday. Second, Georgetown didn't pose much of a challenge (no offense to any Hoyas out there---they only had six players available). IMO, it wasn't close to the best game they've played this year. If we hadn't dominated them on the glass, it would have been a close game. And since we towered over them inside, the rebounding advantage was really no surprise.

I agree that the field goal shooting (36.9%)was "bad" last night. In fact, it was a season low. The team has shot much better this year, even against significantly better competition (50% v. Stetson, 48.4% v. IUPUI, 48.2% v. Indiana St., 38.3% v. Hofstra, 45.6% v. Fla. Int'l, and 42.2% v. NC A&T). That my partly be because all the team's practices lately have focused on defense, according to this morning's paper.

I've been particularly troubled by the numer of shots missed in the last few games by Bowman, Elliot and Ormerod. I've seen them all shoot much, much better. Bowman has a nice mid-range jumper, but her trajectory is very flat which doesn't leave much room for error. When she's off, she's completely off it seems. Elliot lately has been settling for too many spinning, fall-away 8-footers. At 6'6", I can't see any reason for that. Ormerod worries me most. In several earlier games, she was nailing 3's and taking it strong into the lane, but she's seemed tentative recently. I know she's a freshman and has a lot on her shoulders running the point. I just hope she doesn't lose conficence in her shot. If she can knock down open 3's(and I really think she can!), she'll give us what Angela Phillips never could --- another threat from the outside that will keep defenses honest and create more space for our post players. Anyway, I'm sure the coaching staff will work on improving shooting and offensive execution at the right time.

Finally, I'd agree that the team played hard last night --- Demoss makes sure they always play hard. But overall, I thought their effort was pretty business-like. I can't wait for UofL and the SEC games. Higher stakes and bigger crowds will jack up the intensity. You should have seen them fight against UGA last year, particularly Elliot v. UGA freshman phenom Tasha Edwards! It was like a toe-to-toe heavyweight battle. No backing down! We'll need that kind of intensity every game during conference play. All us fans have to do our part by packing the gym and screaming 'til we're hoarse!

Although we're flying under the radar right now, I think this team is really going places this year (and next year promises to be even better). IMO, the keys will be Roddy, Ormerod and Pfeiffer. If they play to their potential, we'll be "dancing" in March! Can't wait for gut-check time on the 18th v. LSU! Win or lose, we'll see how far we've come and how far we have left to go.

[SunBaller]

TRexSmarts wrote: Let me tell you that there is definitely differences between the women's game and the men's game. It took me some getting used too, but not much, to watch the women game. The women's game is a much slower tempo game than the guys.

The women have a 30 second shot clock and the men have a 35 second shot clock. But the women usually play a more deliberate offense and don't fast break as often even when they have the opportunity. Women's basketball is played like Naismith intended and Men's basketball is played like Rupp intended :). You don't see outstanding individual play as often with the Women, but that is changing especially with Candice Parker. Many Women's games seem to really move because of the 30 second shot clock. When the offense is very delilberate and the shooting percentage is low like this game, it is difficult to maintain interest even with the 30 second shot clock. A men's game with a 35 second shot clock and low FGP like this game would seem even slower than this one. TheLady Cats look like a good team, but they're going to have some difficulties in thetalented SEC.

[TRexSmarts]

hoocat wrote: Ditto re the nice analysis, TrexSmart. Thanks!

First, let me admit that I'm spoiled --- this is my family's third year with season tix and we live w/n 2 miles of Memorial. Since weclimbed onthebandwagon early, we've got 3rd row seats! We hardly ever miss a home game. We orginally got tix so that our girls (6 and 3) could see women playing sports (we're trying to raise tomboys!). I also have to say that as a guy and a former gym rat, I was somewhat reluctant about women's basketball at first. Now I absolutely love it. No, the women don't play as fast or as high up as the men. But, boy, do they play hard, and they aren't affected by the prima dona, NBA-dreamin', soon-to-be millionaireattitude that infects the top-flight men's teams. There is purity and joy in the way the women play. When the crowd gets behind them, it really seems to make a difference. I'm completely converted.

That being said, I'm really sorry that the Georgetown game was the first one that many of you got to see. For one, last night's crowd was quite thin because of icy road conditions in the Bluegrass yesterday. Second, Georgetown didn't pose much of a challenge (no offense to any Hoyas out there---they only had six players available). IMO, it wasn't close to the best game they've played this year. If we hadn't dominated them on the glass, it would have been a close game. And since we towered over them inside, the rebounding advantage was really no surprise.

I agree that the field goal shooting (36.9%)was "bad" last night. In fact, it was a season low. The team has shot much better this year, even against significantly better competition (50% v. Stetson, 48.4% v. IUPUI, 48.2% v. Indiana St., 38.3% v. Hofstra, 45.6% v. Fla. Int'l, and 42.2% v. NC A&T). That my partly be because all the team's practices lately have focused on defense, according to this morning's paper.

I've been particularly troubled by the numer of shots missed in the last few games by Bowman, Elliot and Ormerod. I've seen them all shoot much, much better. Bowman has a nice mid-range jumper, but her trajectory is very flat which doesn't leave much room for error. When she's off, she's completely off it seems. Elliot lately has been settling for too many spinning, fall-away 8-footers. At 6'6", I can't see any reason for that. Ormerod worries me most. In several earlier games, she was nailing 3's and taking it strong into the lane, but she's seemed tentative recently. I know she's a freshman and has a lot on her shoulders running the point. I just hope she doesn't lose conficence in her shot. If she can knock down open 3's (and I really think she can!), she'll give us what Angela Phillips never could --- another threat from the outside that will keep defenses honest and create more space for our post players. Anyway, I'm sure the coaching staff will work on improving shooting and offensive execution at the right time.

Finally, I'd agree that the team played hard last night --- Demoss makes sure they always play hard. But overall, I thought their effort was pretty business-like. I can't wait for UofL and the SEC games. Higher stakes and bigger crowds will jack up the intensity. You should have seen them fight against UGA last year, particularly Elliot v. UGA freshman phenom Tasha Edwards! It was like a toe-to-toe heavyweight battle. No backing down! We'll need that kind of intensity every game during conference play. All us fans have to do our part by packing the gym and screaming 'til we're hoarse!

Although we're flying under the radar right now, I think this team is really going places this year (and next year promises to be even better). IMO, the keys will be Roddy, Ormerod and Pfeiffer. If they play to their potential, we'll be "dancing" in March! Can't wait for gut-check time on the 18th v. LSU! Win or lose, we'll see how far we've come and how far we have left to go.



Thanks Hoocat for the update there. Good competition always brings out the best in people and I honestly think that is what is going to happen this year with UK when they play SEC teams. I'm with you seeing this team going to the Big Dance will be a huge success for UK Lady Cats.I honestly see them beating UGA twice this year.

Also, thanks for the update on the shooting percentages as well. I think most of it was that spinning turnaround shot of Elliott. Everytime I saw her do that, I cringed. It just doesn't look good. Maybe someday I'll get down to watch a UK Women's game.

Think of must of the SEC games as measure stick games actually this year. You only get better by playing teams better than you. Very interesting matchups coming up during the season. One of them is Parker vs Elliott. I haven't seen Parker play this year but from what I'm hearing from people, she seems to be off to a great start at UT. She might be too quick for Elliott?

TRexSmarts

[hoocat]

SunBaller wrote: TheLady Cats look like a good team, but they're going to have some difficulties in thetalented SEC.





Well, let's keep "difficulties" in perspective. The SEC is undoubtedly the toughest confernce in the nation. Climbing into the middle of the pack would be a breakthrough for our Cats, especially considering where the program was when Demoss took over. Our "losing margin" in conference play plummeted last year from something like 15pts in 03-04 to around 6pts in 04-05. Drubbings from earlier years turned into close loses last year, some of them heart breaking. Similar improvement this year could result in significantly more conference wins. The team definitely has more depth, balance and experience this year, even with the loss of Potts. I think we're at a tipping point where that "losing margin" could turn into a winning one.

[TRexSmarts]

Is this DeMoss 3rd or 4th year? I say it usually takes 4 to 5 years to turn a program around. That turn around starts with competative playing which we have seen last year and this year. The next step is to get into the Top 25. I honestly see us being ranked in the Top 25 going into the LSU game. That in itself is a big achievement as well. I think another big achievement would be owning one of the top level SEC teams that have owned us lately. Right now, I think UGA is going to be the team that we will start competing and start owning as well.

TRexSmarts

[hoocat]

I haven't seen Parker play this year but from what I'm hearing from people, she seems to be off to a great start at UT. She might be too quick for Elliott?



I haven't seen her play either. But defensively, I've got high hopes for Roddy. Although she's shorter than Elliot, she's got great strength and quickness. If she can develop the tenacity she needs, she could be a lock-down defender in the post. Of course, "lock-down" may be relative with a player like Parker.

[TRexSmarts]

hoocat wrote: I haven't seen Parker play this year but from what I'm hearing from people, she seems to be off to a great start at UT. She might be too quick for Elliott?



I haven't seen her play either. But defensively, I've got high hopes for Roddy. Although she's shorter than Elliot, she's got great strength and quickness. If she can develop the tenacity she needs, she could be a lock-down defender in the post. Of course, "lock-down" may be relative with a player like Parker.

I know Parker had a great reputation coming out of high school year after last. It was sad when I heard that she got a knee injury. But looks like she didn't lose anything from the injury. So, that's a plus for her and UT. I'll admit that UT is my favorite team and every chance I get I try to watch their game on tv. The one or two times I have watched them she really didn't impress me but of course, I haven't yet been able to watch a full game of UTs yet.

TRexSmarts

[SunBaller]

TRexSmarts wrote: hoocat wrote: I haven't seen Parker play this year but from what I'm hearing from people, she seems to be off to a great start at UT. She might be too quick for Elliott?



I haven't seen her play either. But defensively, I've got high hopes for Roddy. Although she's shorter than Elliot, she's got great strength and quickness. If she can develop the tenacity she needs, she could be a lock-down defender in the post. Of course, "lock-down" may be relative with a player like Parker.

I know Parker had a great reputation coming out of high school year after last. It was sad when I heard that she got a knee injury. But looks like she didn't lose anything from the injury. So, that's a plus for her and UT. I'll admit that UT is my favorite team and every chance I get I try to watch their game on tv. The one or two times I have watched them she really didn't impress me but of course, I haven't yet been able to watch a full game of UTs yet.

TRexSmarts


Parker became famous when she made the final of the McDonald's All-American Slam Dunk Contest and won the contest by beating our own Joe Crawford. I've seen the contest and results more than onceon ESPN repeats. She did dunk it, but there was nothing special about her winning dunk. She and Crawford were the final two in the contest. Crawford did a very athletic dunk and Parker just did something like put her forearm over her eyes and dunk it??????? She won, but it was obviously contrived to motivate the ladies.

But forget the dunks. She can do absolutely anything she wants to do. It doesn't appear the knee operation has affected her at all. She dribbles likes a point guard and runs the floor as quick or quicker than anyone on the team. She is very tall (6'3"??), but her long arms are very deceiving and plays much taller. She is very athletic. All Tennessee players have to do is just put the ball up anywhere toward the goal and she'll rebound and put it in. The problem is, the other UT players don't miss very often. So far, Parker has been a very unselfish player. I think she passes almost too much. With her other players it really doesn't matter very much. If Pat Summit ever lets her loose, she'll score and rebound at will. And she' only a freshman (redshirt).


Did I say that she was very pretty also?

[TRexSmarts]

Even before the dunk, she was already "famous" I guess you can say. She had her own conference to announce where she was going on ESPN. Her reputation just increased with the dunking contest. I saw it too. It's pretty amazing when a woman can dunk. That alone is amazing but she does have the full package as a basketball player.

TRexSmarts

[SunBaller]

TRexSmarts wrote: Even before the dunk, she was already "famous" I guess you can say. She had her own conference to announce where she was going on ESPN. Her reputation just increased with the dunking contest. I saw it too. It's pretty amazing when a woman can dunk. That alone is amazing but she does have the full package as a basketball player.

TRexSmarts

Very true, very true.