Tournament Thoughts/ Observations

[RUcrazee]

There are a few things that jump out at me so far. First, BYU showed that they were no slouch. A really scrappy team. Thought Northwestern was going to really push the
Big10's credibility as maybe the toughest conference this year. Announcers were saying it at halftime. They couldn't finish the deal. They are a lot like us with the pressure D all game by, basically, the same key players. They end up not having the legs to score down the stretch.

Lastly, some impressive performances from Sabaly and Prince(Oregon), Joens(Iowa State), McDonald(Arizona), and the star of the day so far..........Texas A&M's Jordan Nixon. Gotta love those big-city guards with the calm, cool demeanor(grateful that we have one).
Have to see more of Williams(Stanford) and McDonald to say that they should have been chosen over Arella for All-American team.

 

[wngarbarini]

BYU loses after being even at 3 quarters with Arizona. Harding, who torched us with 27, scored a whopping 2 points tonight. They were 5 for 18 from 3. Guess Arizona devised a defensive game plan to hold them to 46 points!

 

[RUcrazee]

I think Harding sat out the second half due to head injury.

 

[RUcrazee]

I guess that I should have included Md's performance too. So used to seeing it this year, I probably didn't mention them because truthfully, I'm a bit envious of the way they have it "going on" right now the way we are working toward. It's just not fair, that they land so many top recruits. You get Shakira Austin, Mikesell, Diamond Miller from less than a mile away from the RAC. But wait, that's not all. You add Ashley Owusu on top of that. You lose the first two McDonalds All-Americans i mentioned but add experienced seniors like Bibby and Benzen and another 5-star recruit in Angel Reese. You don't even get a chance to miss your departing transfers. Yes, I'm guilty of some envy. 😕

 

[eso1989]

There are a few things that jump out at me so far. First, BYU showed that they were no slouch. A really scrappy team. Thought Northwestern was going to really push the
Big10's credibility as maybe the toughest conference this year. Announcers were saying it at halftime. They couldn't finish the deal. They are a lot like us with the pressure D all game by, basically, the same key players. They end up not having the legs to score down the stretch.

Lastly, some impressive performances from Sabaly and Prince(Oregon), Joens(Iowa State), McDonald(Arizona), and the star of the day so far..........Texas A&M's Jordan Nixon. Gotta love those big-city guards with the calm, cool demeanor(grateful that we have one).
Have to see more of Williams(Stanford) and McDonald to say that they should have been chosen over Arella for All-American team.

That was some game between A&M and Iowa St. I was very impressed by Jordan Nixon, she was totally clutch. She’s from NYC and wonder if RU was ever involved in recruiting her. Tough as nails. Iowa St is very young, they will be back.

I couldn’t watch BYU vs AZ - both so beatable, RU lost a real opportunity this year.

 

[RUcrazee]

Totally agree, this was a very favorable bracket for us. We had a real shot to go deep in this tourney. Thinking of our team when we were on our game, I would have liked our chances for anElite 8 appearance and maybe a Final Four. Seriously!

 

[TAWRUReady]

That was some game between A&M and Iowa St. I was very impressed by Jordan Nixon, she was totally clutch. She’s from NYC and wonder if RU was ever involved in recruiting her. Tough as nails. Iowa St is very young, they will be back.

I couldn’t watch BYU vs AZ - both so beatable, RU lost a real opportunity this year.

Jordan Nixon was at Notre Dame (and played on the National Finalist ND team) before she transferred to A&M so she may have been out of reach. Don't know for sure or don't recall that recruiting cycle.

You did notice that former RU player, Alexis Morris, is also on A&M? They have even commented about her being an RU transfer student. She went to Baylor- RU to A&M.

Yes, RU had what may have been a favorable bracket if they had played to their maximum potential but lots of teams have over or underperformed at the tournament. At least the B1G has looked pretty good otherwise at the tournament. Giving the refereeing in the A&M games, I think the Sweet 16 would have been the end of the line for RU but that is definitely better than one and done.

 

[RUcrazee]

Giving the refereeing in the A&M games, I think the Sweet 16 would have been the end of the line for RU but that is definitely better than one and done.

You're probably right. It was disgraceful what the refs did to Troy State vs. A&M. Three horrible calls against Troy St. at the end gave them no chance to win a game that they were on the verge of winning. A&M seems to have nine lives in this tourney.

 

[Knight Time Fan]

I couldn’t watch BYU vs AZ - both so beatable, RU lost a real opportunity this year.

Arizona is wildly inconsistent. More so this season than last year, which is quite surprising. Last year we pulled a couple really good upsets, this year not so much, and were upset once, by Washington State.

I was dreading a Rutgers / Arizona matchup, but I must say that the outcome would not have been a given for either team. I think Rutgers may be - top to bottom, bench included - slightly more talented than Arizona - but Arizona has some serious talent as well. And Aari was, well, all that again, but not so much as the previous year, again, due to confounding inconsistency.

 

[eso1989]

Jordan Nixon was at Notre Dame (and played on the National Finalist ND team) before she transferred to A&M so she may have been out of reach. Don't know for sure or don't recall that recruiting cycle.

You did notice that former RU player, Alexis Morris, is also on A&M? They have even commented about her being an RU transfer student. She went to Baylor- RU to A&M.

Yes, RU had what may have been a favorable bracket if they had played to their maximum potential but lots of teams have over or underperformed at the tournament. At least the B1G has looked pretty good otherwise at the tournament. Giving the refereeing in the A&M games, I think the Sweet 16 would have been the end of the line for RU but that is definitely better than one and done.

I don’t remember Nixon at ND. I know A&M takes a lot of transfers and integrates them quickly (kind of like MD). And yes, I noticed Morris. Not sure what happened at RU in her ‘cup of coffee’ stay but she left Baylor not under the greatest of circumstances. She made some nice defensive plays in this game, a bit out of control on offense.

I agree, A&M did get some favorable calls down the stretch....

 

[eso1989]

Arizona is wildly inconsistent. More so this season than last year, which is quite surprising. Last year we pulled a couple really good upsets, this year not so much, and were upset once, by Washington State.

I was dreading a Rutgers / Arizona matchup, but I must say that the outcome would not have been a given for either team. I think Rutgers may be - top to bottom, bench included - slightly more talented than Arizona - but Arizona has some serious talent as well. And Aari was, well, all that again, but not so much as the previous year, again, due to confounding inconsistency.

I‘m really pulling for AZ to beat A&M. Like others have said, A&M should have been out of the tourney if not with some horrible officiating in the Troy St game including the over and back ‘no call’ in the final possession.

 

[RUcrazee]

Arizona is wildly inconsistent. More so this season than last year, which is quite surprising. Last year we pulled a couple really good upsets, this year not so much, and were upset once, by Washington State.

I was dreading a Rutgers / Arizona matchup, but I must say that the outcome would not have been a given for either team. I think Rutgers may be - top to bottom, bench included - slightly more talented than Arizona - but Arizona has some serious talent as well. And Aari was, well, all that again, but not so much as the previous year, again, due to confounding inconsistency.

Hey Knight Time, ..........I have been dying to ask you this one question. You've seen both teams. Who's the better or more impactful player between Aari and Arella? I know I may be putting you on the spot. They are both outstanding and deserving of all their All-America recognition.

 

[RUcrazee]

Still thinking about how impressed I was with the post tandem for Oregon. That Sedona Prince was really impressive. I was not aware of her before yesterday. She was so fluid in the post with excellent footwork and body control. And did you see her dunking in warmups?! Sabaly is following in her sisters footsteps. Both will be high draft picks when the time comes.

These are two more posts to add to the list of tops in the country. You know I like Boston(S. Carolina) and Hilmon(Michigan), but i have to add these Oregon ladies in there along with the most improved, Shakira Austin(Ole Miss). Shakira is the perfect example of what we want to see in the development of our bigs. She has gotten with somebody who is really transforming her game to a dominant level. While at Md. , she was all potential and was progressing very slowly if at all. She left a potential Championsip team in Md. for a team that didn't make the tourney, but this was probably the best move she ever made. She is finally realizing her potential and starting up a new budding program under
Coach "Yo", at Ole Miss.

 

[eso1989]

Still thinking about how impressed I was with the post tandem for Oregon. That Sedona Prince was really impressive. I was not aware of her before yesterday. She was so fluid in the post with excellent footwork and body control. And did you see her dunking in warmups?! Sabaly is following in her sisters footsteps. Both will be high draft picks when the time comes.

You might enjoy this article as they both overcame injuries.

Emotions raw as Prince celebrates Oregon's win

Sedona Prince scored 22 points to lead Oregon over Georgia and into the Sweet 16.

www.espn.com

 

[wngarbarini]

I have loved watching Arella during her time at RU. That being said I don’t feel she has the speed of movement to make it in the pros. Hope I am dead wrong and will gladly eat large crow.

 

[RUcrazee]

You might enjoy this article as they both overcame injuries.

Emotions raw as Prince celebrates Oregon's win

Sedona Prince scored 22 points to lead Oregon over Georgia and into the Sweet 16.

www.espn.com

Thanks for sharing that info. I didn't realize that Prince was the young lady that tweeted the viral video of the inequities. After all she's been through, I'm now rooting for her to realize all of those dreams she mentioned: dunk in a game, play in front of a packed house, be All-American. I wouldn't mind seeing them win it all this year, ...She and Sabaly deserve it.

 

[sammybb]

I have loved watching Arella during her time at RU. That being said I don’t feel she has the speed of movement to make it in the pros. Hope I am dead wrong and will gladly eat large crow.

What she lacks in speed she makes up in craftiness. She's projected as a top 5/top 10 pick this year, but I am very interested to see how her game translates as well. Will depend on team/situation she is put in to as well.

 

[Knight Time Fan]

Hey Knight Time, ..........I have been dying to ask you this one question. You've seen both teams. Who's the better or more impactful player between Aari and Arella? I know I may be putting you on the spot. They are both outstanding and deserving of all their All-America recognition.

That's easy. Aari. She didn't play as well this year as last year, but I saw quite a bit of her in person last year and she was, as I heard a non-fan say, worth the price of admission.

Arella is an outstanding player. I actually thought, all things considered, that both Arella and Aari played inconsistently this year. But Aari is all that and more.

 

[RUcrazee]

Arella is an outstanding player. I actually thought, all things considered, that both Arella and Aari played inconsistently this year. But Aari is all that and more.

Wednesday against BYU was the first time I've seen Aari play. As the end of the 3rd quarter approached, I said to myself, ...she's not all that. She only had 7 points and wasn't really being aggressive offensively. All of the sudden,....steals galore, racing in for layups. She took over the game for them.....starting on the defensive end. She totally shut down the BYU point guard the rest of the game. So quick with the ball. So quick with the hands on defense. But, if what I saw in this game was a microcosm for the season, the inconsistency in her level of play was evident.

 

[Knight Time Fan]

Wednesday against BYU was the first time I've seen Aari play. As the end of the 3rd quarter approached, I said to myself, ...she's not all that. She only had 7 points and wasn't really being aggressive offensively. All of the sudden,....steals galore, racing in for layups. She took over the game for them.....starting on the defensive end. She totally shut down the BYU point guard the rest of the game. So quick with the ball. So quick with the hands on defense. But, if what I saw in this game was a microcosm for the season, the inconsistency in her level of play was evident.

Pretty much. At best she is "streaky". But a very, very enjoyable player to watch.

 

[RUcrazee]

Clark vs. Bueckers is going to be a good one. I think Aaliyah Edwards along with Adoda may cause a problem for Iowa unless Czinano can get one or both in foul trouble.

The other battle that is just as intriguing is the one between Arizona and A&M. Aari McDonald vs. Jordan Nixon and Alexis Morris. Looking forward to it.

 

[RUcrazee]

These are two more posts to add to the list of tops in the country. You know I like Boston(S. Carolina) and Hilmon(Michigan), but i have to add these Oregon ladies in there along with the most improved, Shakira Austin(Ole Miss).

I don't know how I forgot to mention NaLyssa Smith for Baylor. She reminds me of Carmelo Anthony in his prime, style and game-wise.

 

[Knight Time Fan]

Clark vs. Bueckers is going to be a good one. I think Aaliyah Edwards along with Adoda may cause a problem for Iowa unless Czinano can get one or both in foul trouble.

The other battle that is just as intriguing is the one between Arizona and A&M. Aari McDonald vs. Jordan Nixon and Alexis Morris. Looking forward to it.

And if you wondered why I am so fond of Aari - that was one great game.

 

[sammybb]

Very excited for AZ, and really intrigued by the AZ vs Indiana matchup. Both are in their (first?) Elite 8s.

 

[RUTrack94]

Sadly once RU loses in any tourney, I don’t give a crap about it anymore.

 

[RUBOB72]

I don't know how I forgot to mention NaLyssa Smith for Baylor. She reminds me of Carmelo Anthony in his prime, style and game-wise.

Carmelo Anthony in his prime? Don’t see that at all in style and / or game-wise.

 

[RUcrazee]

I'm now rooting for her to realize all of those dreams she mentioned: dunk in a game, play in front of a packed house, be All-American. I wouldn't mind seeing them win it all this year, ...She and Sabaly deserve it.

Tough luck for Sabaly tonight. These two ladies are going to be on a mission next year. They were w/o a lot of key players due to covid opt outs. They will be back next year for sure.

 

[RUcrazee]

Such a major point that is being discussed by the ESPN panel...... The role of the 3pt shot in the success of teams at this level in the tournament. Staley mentioned it after her team's win today. She said, (paraphrasing), Everyone else is shooting them,,...We decided to join the party.

We too must commit more time to shooting, along with time spent on learning the Def and Off sets. That lack of consistency from 3 leads to our struggles with running our offense.

 

[shields]

Bye Bye Maryland.

 

[RUcrazee]

What a game!!! Hats off to Vic Schafer. I'm starting to think he may be the best coach out there right now.

 

[eso1989]

Vic Schafer is an outstanding game coach but even with a week to prepare for this one, I didn't think he could stop Maryland's offense like they did tonight. Maryland hasn't played a lot of close games and it showed. I felt Brenda didn't know what to do when her team couldn't score easy buckets off of run outs in the 2nd half. Although she's an amazing recruiter, I personally think her coaching is very overrated when matched up against the best with equivalent talent.

Awasu their point guard had an awful performance today and I thought her poor decisions / execution was the difference. She had so many lazy passes leading live ball turnovers to Texas at the crucial possessions including the end of the game. I personally feel our Diamond is a much more refined player in terms of her BB IQ, maturity and 3 point shooting. I was really impressed with Diamond Miller but they just didn't get her the ball enough. Boy, wish we had her at RU.....

 

[Knight Time Fan]

Schaefer is an outstanding coach. This is his first season at Texas, look what he did with them.

Brenda is or isn't a good coach, I've heard both opinions from folks who are not purely fans. I personally don't care for the "rah-rah" style of coaching, which was well documented in a TV series over 10 years ago. And she had a serious puss on after the game.

 

[RUBOB72]

There are a few things that jump out at me so far. First, BYU showed that they were no slouch. A really scrappy team. Thought Northwestern was going to really push the
Big10's credibility as maybe the toughest conference this year. Announcers were saying it at halftime. They couldn't finish the deal. They are a lot like us with the pressure D all game by, basically, the same key players. They end up not having the legs to score down the stretch.

Lastly, some impressive performances from Sabaly and Prince(Oregon), Joens(Iowa State), McDonald(Arizona), and the star of the day so far..........Texas A&M's Jordan Nixon. Gotta love those big-city guards with the calm, cool demeanor(grateful that we have one).
Have to see more of Williams(Stanford) and McDonald to say that they should have been chosen over Arella for All-American team.

You had one of those B1G city guards . She is now heading elsewhere and guaranteed it’s not D-2 or D-3

 

[RUcrazee]

As I have stated in the above thread, that would be a devastating loss if she leaves. But DANG!....You seem to be HAPPY to report this news to me. Are you a fan of RU? If so, it would be..."we" had one of...

 

[RUBOB72]

As I have stated in the above thread, that would be a devastating loss if she leaves. But DANG!....You seem to be HAPPY to report this news to me. Are you a fan of RU? If so, it would be..."we" had one of...

If you were referring to me you are totally. wrong. Of course it is a devastating loss for Rutgers and it’s fans. It also does not bode well for those who use this type of thing for negative recruiting. Like I said” it is a business.” She is paid to not just win a few conference games but get us a few in the NCAA try tourney. She is past her time and she will never admit that maybe just maybe she should tell Hobbs I’m thinking of retiring . Give her a top job in the Rutgers athletic department where she can still have her dignity and respect.

 

[RUcrazee]

Two good games tonight. Too bad Richards couldn't finish the game. It was extremely physical all game. Refs let 'em play, all game..............But, you still have to call that contact at the end on Carrington's shot. The only time ref may want to swallow the whistle on the last play, is if it is a tie ball game.

 

[eso1989]

..But, you still have to call that contact at the end on Carrington's shot

Even Lobo agreed it was a foul.

Losing Richards was too much for Baylor to overcome. Entertaining game though.

 

[RUcrazee]

To me, it appears that Haley Jones is Stanford's best player. The few times I've watched, it seems like she gets forgotten in their offense. Just sitting down to watch them now.

 

[RUcrazee]

What a luxury!... to be able to just pull a 6'5'' three point sharp shooter off the end of your bench.

 

[Knight Time Fan]

What a luxury!... to be able to just pull a 6'5'' three point sharp shooter off the end of your bench.

I saw her in person last year - I went to the Stanford game at Arizona, and we have floor seats. She was singularly impressive from close up (remember, they didn't have this year's freshman phenom, the team was constructed differently). Surprised she was a sub. This year, not so surprised. We actually beat them (they were ranked #4) by a point in OT, then lost 2 days later to unranked Cal which I didn't attend. Stanford is actually a very attractive team to watch play, for whatever its worth. And very talented.