Slocum Shows Support As Beavers Closed Out Utah Yesterday

I thought Coach was resting Destiny for the final few minutes of Defense. But she never went in. My Dad pointed out that Rueck might have been trying to shorten the game by slowing down the offensive end with more passing and ball control. We both agreed that Destiny doesn't "do slow"! What she does do is everything she can to will this team to win. If it's from the bench she still seems to be "all in."

Destiny is somewhat excitable, and can get herself out of control without much of a "push".
Down the stretch, along with perfect FTing, ball control, slowing things down, managing the team, Aleah knows the set/intricate offense really well (there was a play late where ALeah seemed to be dribbling excessively and was all jammed up with Maddie, but she was patiently waiting for both her defender and Maddie's to come to her, and then she delivered a perfect bullet to Maddie free going to the rim as the shot clock expired). My theory was SR was doing all of the above (what has been suggested here): bringing Aleah along, resting DS, going for control and patience over freelancing and uptempo. If we had lost ground to Utah I would not have been surprised if DS had re-entered the game, but I would not be surprised if at some point we see alternating uptempo run-and-gun alternated with precision ball control based on who is the driver and who has the keys to the car, which could really do a number on our opponents. Especially when you mix that with Katie bringing the ball up for pull-up jumpers, and Mik bringing the ball up for slashing to the basket.......sure gives our opponents a lot to think about. If Kat ends up getting another year I will be convinced the basketball gods are smiling down upon us and want to reward our coach, one of the best and classiest in the business, with a national championship or two :-). OK - I am getting ahead of myself, I will take Pac-12 championships and Final 4 runs all day long........

Go Beavers!

I think Hoopsfan is on the same page with me. 1-8 and a little out of control. She sat a couple weeks ago at the end of the game. Scott said in interview after that she was sitting, not as punishment but he felt that Aleah had a better grasp of the defensive assignments. Not personal just felt Aleah was a better fit. Razz, listen to your father. He sounds wise:)



To add :  Scott also talked about Destiny was a team player, understood and was very vocal in rooting on the bench.  I love how she can make her opponents just turn and wonder where she went as she lays it in.  In the 2nd quarter WE (Beaver Nation and the team) for Destiny to do what she did to get us back in the game.

I think they figured her out a little and she kept trying to drive.  We played better and needed more of a controlled game. 

Destiny can take over a game - witness 2nd quarter Utah. Aleah has better game management skills; and when it is close she's been the better choice. I just like thinking where Destiny is going to be next season, and the season after, when she can do both.

Aleah is far more versatile than I had expected her to be. She can play both the 1 and the 2 very well, which is fairly unique. She can be a game-manager or a spot up shooter or both. She does a lot of things exceptionally well, whether it be shooting or ball handling among others.

Destiny is better because Aleah is there and Aleah is better because Destiny is there.  They work exceptionally well together.  Add in Taya and you have the makings of a phenomenal class.  These three are only going to get better and doing it very quickly.   I have absolutely no idea what their ceiling is or even if they will find it but I sure am going to love watching them get there.

That was a great pass by Aleah, and she did a great job of keeping her dribble open, but that was just an awful defensive play by Edwards. Just a totally unnecessary double team that gave up a layup. The kind of defensive mistake that costs games against good teams. And that in my opinion is why you saw more of Aleah in crunch time instead of DS, less of a chance of defensive mistakes.