Congratulations to Cosch Burt and the DU women!

SkepticAl wrote:

This is good news..    ANY chance to continue playing (especially for a young squad with as many first year players is could be beneficial..  

In dealing with the Women from the A-10 in the NCAA --  Am I the ONLY one who found it UNUSUAL that the TWO teams selected were placed in the SAME QUARTER of the draw -  while it would be standard procedure to place them in OPPOSITE HALVES -  would not have involved much shifting.

I thought that was highly unusual as well with only 2 teams in.

I did read that the A10 gets an extra $15 million for getting two teams in the tournament.  Along they have adopted the mens model with extra money coming in for each win

DU90 wrote:

Glad for the seniors to get a chance to play some more basketball.  

I want to see if Burt can get out of his own way and abandon the 5-guard lineups he played in the A10 tournament.  This is a tough consolation for what should have been a better ending to this season given the talent on this team.  We easily beat Richmond if we would have had the best 5 on the floor in the final 5 minutes of the game...and then who knows how the tournament ends.

If we pass the ball on the perimeter and ignore the paint, then this is a waste of an effort.  Need to get Sane on the floor, she was ignored for all but garbage time against Fordham in the A10 Tournament.  She has the perfect build to be a strong post player - we need to develop her game, she can dominate on the block next season if properly coached and utilized in the game plan.

For this tournament, Kiaku needs 30 mins of playing time and Brown and Hutcherson MUST be on the floot together.  Brown was dominant on the block in the 2nd half against Richmond - this trend must continue.  I want heavy dribble-penetration by both Meg and Jerni with the goal of feeding Kiandre on the block.  This opens up the opportunity to go inside-out and hit open 3's.  I also want to see Gabby play closer to the hoop, as she can hit the sideline mid-range jumper.  I also want to see her to look to pass inside from foul-line extended to Kiandre.  

There are a lot of ways we can have success and keep the defense guessing by using the paint.  I want to see more movement by players when they don't have the ball - too much standing around and watching kills the offensive flow.  

I hope to see improved offensive movement...but I don't have confidence in Burt at this point.  He hasn't done much in the WNIT so let's see if he has learned anything.  

The LAST 8 posts --  You have had "the Final Word"  Just ONCE I would like to see you post SOMETHING where you DIDN'T take a SHOT at DAN!!!  

I mean comparing a WOMEN'S College Basketball coach to An NFL Coach??  As Randy Moss might say Come on Man.

You say "I don't have an axe to grind"  Some people say "We don't believe in Coincidence"
 

Last edited by SkepticAl (3/17/2025 12:33 pm)

Per Zachweis..  DU will open on the road..  between Thursday and Saturday - opponent is not yet known but the NCAA DivII quarterfinals are being played at the Cooper Center during those dates.

DuqBlue wrote:

SkepticAl wrote:

Per Zachweis..  DU will open on the road..  between Thursday and Saturday - opponent is not yet known but the NCAA DivII quarterfinals are being played at the Cooper Center during those dates.

On IG it says they are hosting on Thursday vs Longwood. Unless that has changed.

DuqBlue -  You (and this board)  ARE CORRECT --   I merely jotted down what showed up on the Internet and came under the Zac..Pittsburgh.Sports site..  Can't remember Zac being off..  as I posted he even gave the reason why DU would not be hosting.

In the spirit of goodwill..  I checked out the Net Rankings .. (the organizers might have some different numbers)  DU was 125  Longwood was 251 (they got an invite apparently because they won the regular season)  winner plays Miami Ohio - Net Ranking 145.
 

Quick check at the Longwood roster and schedule, there are no common opponents and they have similar size on their roster to Duquesne, so all things being equal, they appear to be an even matchup.

In looking at their team stats, they appear to be a defensive-minded team, as they gave up 59.0 points per game this year.  Looking deeper at the stats, they forced 24.6 turnovers per game, and get 13.5 steals per game.  Those stats lead me to think we will be up against a very stingy defense as they are better than Duquesne's stats, as we forced an average of 20.4 turnovers and had 10.5 steals per game. 

They also were a better rebounding team, by two rebounds per game (37 to 35).  They shot more free throws then the Dukes, 569-525.  They don't shoot a lot of 3's so they look to be a team that probably looks to attack and control the paint, making this a contrast in styles.

The key to this game will likely be to our ability to dominate the paint.  If we want to win, we need to have Brown on the block as she was a force against Richmond.  If their focus is points in the paint, they will look to get us into foul trouble.  I also expect them to lock down the perimeter defensively and if we pass the ball around looking for 3's without looking inside or making the defense move with player movement without the ball, we play into their hands and will struggle to score.  A perfect counter this could be having Gabby playing foul-line extended, where she can be available for a pass and mid-range shot or pass down low to Brown.  If we have Hutcherson and Brown roaming the perimeter, we are going to miss an opportunity to control the paint. 

I have said upthread that we need Kiaku on the floor at 30 mins and she really will be needed.  Longwood has a player on the team with 126 steals this year, which is two more than Meg McConnell, so we will be challenged to take care and protect the ball.  

This Duquesne team has better talent than it's 9th place finish and could make a deep run in this tournament.  The key is if that talent can overcome the poor in-game coaching and questionnable substitutions by Burt.

I noticed that after posting a "scolding" reply to what I posted above, the others who have replied in this thread must be in agreement with me, because there has been nothing stating that my analysis and observations were wrong. 

Last edited by DU90 (3/17/2025 9:55 pm)

zacharymweiss wrote:

FWIW my statement on road was based on sources inside and outside the program, then things changed. This will be their last hosting game until likely the final four because WBB hosts the D-2 Championship. Had there been a home game, and there is, it had to be the 20th. That was known. To get Meg at least one last home game is huge and the team will pull out the stops to get as many teams on campus as possible. 

Thsnks Zach. Great work by Coach Burt and the Department to get Meg a home game.

Quck note, I want to clarify on the point in my third question regarding the uncontested layup as defended by one of our freshmen players.  I do not blame her at all, she was doing instinctively what a basketball player does on defense, follow the player you are guarding.  

As I have said, Richmond was much more experienced and that is what led to the defensive breakdown.  I firmly believe in this instance, if Hutcherson is on the floor instead, she likely steps in front of the player driving to the hoop, which is what you expect from an experienced player in a late game situation.  

I don't fault any player on the floor at that time for the end result of that play. It was on Burt to have the 5 best players on the floor during that crucial time.

DU90 wrote:

Zach, thank you for posting in this thread as I would like to ask a few questions about the team as the season is winding down.

1. What is Gabby Grantham-Medley's status for next year?  I don't recall reading if she suffered an injury, but given she missed the entire season, I am assuming she may have had an ACL (or something like it) injury that typically takes a full year to recover from.  If that is the case, do you know what her recovery progress is?  Will she be fully healthy for next year?  I think she is crucial to our success next year given the loss of Meg McConnell to graduation. 

2. Do you know anything about next year's roster?  For example, will Kaitlyn Ammons return?  Not sure what years of eligibility she has left and unfortunately, she was off/on with injuries this season.  Also, do you know if there are any new players that have committed to Duquesne?  I've looked on Raoul's twitter page and there is no update, other than Alexis Bordas.  Raoul's twitter (https://x.com/Raoul_000?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) has so much useful information about women's recruiting. 

I've looked for any mention of Duquesne when it comes to other players who have committed to other schools to see if we were in consideration and I was very disappointed to not find us invoved with other recruits.  And for reference, I looked at the players who committed to A10 schools and any PA/Ohio players that had similar offers from A10 schools and didn't see us mentioned at all.  Either Dan didn't recruit anyone other than Bordas or we missed badly.  Of concern is that Natalie Wetzel, a 6-3 post player is going to ACC Miami.  I have never seen Duquesne mentioned with her recruitment which is extremely frustrating because she plays a position of need.  Apparently, Burt made reference to a 6-6 player from Senegal, as well as other players of similar height during a FAN radion interview.  Any chance you have some insight?

3. Have you had any conversations with Dan following the loss to Richmond in the A10 Tournament?  I am curious if he had an explanation for why he had two freshmen on the floor late in the game when we needed size and experience to combat Richmond's taller and more experienced lineup.  Case in point, Richmond took the lead back on an offensive rebound and putback, and then had an uncontested layup because one of our freshmen defenders turned her head, left her position, leading to the wide open lane for the uncontested layup that added to the Richmond lead late in the game.  Those two plays led to the loss, IMO.

Thanks in advance for your consideration in answering these questions!

1. GGM is healthy and has frequently been on the practice team. It is safe to assume that she is redshirting and has absolutely displayed growth on the court this season. There are a lot of crucial pieces critical to next season's potential success included of course are Jerni Kiaku, Mackenzie Blackford's development, how Alexis Bordas's skillset translates, jumps from Faith Walker, Reina Green, even Raymi Coueta who showed good growth this season. 

2. There always is an expectation that everyone will return but in a 2025 world where NIL and transfer portal are present, nothing is ever set in stone. Since you specifically asked about Ammons, she was a part of senior day celebration, and she will be extremely successful with what is next. I have nothing beyond what was already reported about Bordas, again referencing answer #1 until it is announced then nothing is confirmed. Sure, there are rumors but between portal and freshmen but a Missouri approach where being shown is the way to go. A lot of people thought the team would be more active in the portal, but identified freshmen that would succeed in the system and having the growth for potentially four years while learning this new style was deemed the way to go.

3. End of game scenarios are not a one size fits all situation, yes even in March. Sometimes you go with numbers, sometimes you go with hot hands and sometimes you just go with your gut. Sure, the move can be second guessed because the outcome did not go the way Duquesne fans wanted, but it could be needing a shot to fall, using wingspan to disrupt an inbounds pass and relying on your defensive pressure to get a stop or quickly foul. The play on Kiandra Browne was unquestionably a foul and that was missed, and we will never know if all three FTs were made. While that is frustrating, so is not capitalizing on a second quarter in which Richmond was 0-7 from three. That quarter being 13-13 is more of a loss to me then having to play the foul game at the end because the officiating crew did not call a clear foul on Addie Budnik. After that missed call it was an uphill battle and not immediately firing up a shot to extend the game was a miss. The open layups were miscommunications, it happens, and it is part of a learning process. Having postseason play and giving these freshmen valuable experience is why you extend the season.

zacharymweiss wrote:

DU90 wrote:

Zach, thank you for posting in this thread as I would like to ask a few questions about the team as the season is winding down.

1. What is Gabby Grantham-Medley's status for next year?  I don't recall reading if she suffered an injury, but given she missed the entire season, I am assuming she may have had an ACL (or something like it) injury that typically takes a full year to recover from.  If that is the case, do you know what her recovery progress is?  Will she be fully healthy for next year?  I think she is crucial to our success next year given the loss of Meg McConnell to graduation. 

2. Do you know anything about next year's roster?  For example, will Kaitlyn Ammons return?  Not sure what years of eligibility she has left and unfortunately, she was off/on with injuries this season.  Also, do you know if there are any new players that have committed to Duquesne?  I've looked on Raoul's twitter page and there is no update, other than Alexis Bordas.  Raoul's twitter (https://x.com/Raoul_000?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Eauthor) has so much useful information about women's recruiting. 

I've looked for any mention of Duquesne when it comes to other players who have committed to other schools to see if we were in consideration and I was very disappointed to not find us invoved with other recruits.  And for reference, I looked at the players who committed to A10 schools and any PA/Ohio players that had similar offers from A10 schools and didn't see us mentioned at all.  Either Dan didn't recruit anyone other than Bordas or we missed badly.  Of concern is that Natalie Wetzel, a 6-3 post player is going to ACC Miami.  I have never seen Duquesne mentioned with her recruitment which is extremely frustrating because she plays a position of need.  Apparently, Burt made reference to a 6-6 player from Senegal, as well as other players of similar height during a FAN radion interview.  Any chance you have some insight?

3. Have you had any conversations with Dan following the loss to Richmond in the A10 Tournament?  I am curious if he had an explanation for why he had two freshmen on the floor late in the game when we needed size and experience to combat Richmond's taller and more experienced lineup.  Case in point, Richmond took the lead back on an offensive rebound and putback, and then had an uncontested layup because one of our freshmen defenders turned her head, left her position, leading to the wide open lane for the uncontested layup that added to the Richmond lead late in the game.  Those two plays led to the loss, IMO.

Thanks in advance for your consideration in answering these questions!

1. GGM is healthy and has frequently been on the practice team. It is safe to assume that she is redshirting and has absolutely displayed growth on the court this season. There are a lot of crucial pieces critical to next season's potential success included of course are Jerni Kiaku, Mackenzie Blackford's development, how Alexis Bordas's skillset translates, jumps from Faith Walker, Reina Green, even Raymi Coueta who showed good growth this season. 

2. There always is an expectation that everyone will return but in a 2025 world where NIL and transfer portal are present, nothing is ever set in stone. Since you specifically asked about Ammons, she was a part of senior day celebration, and she will be extremely successful with what is next. I have nothing beyond what was already reported about Bordas, again referencing answer #1 until it is announced then nothing is confirmed. Sure, there are rumors but between portal and freshmen but a Missouri approach where being shown is the way to go. A lot of people thought the team would be more active in the portal, but identified freshmen that would succeed in the system and having the growth for potentially four years while learning this new style was deemed the way to go.

3. End of game scenarios are not a one size fits all situation, yes even in March. Sometimes you go with numbers, sometimes you go with hot hands and sometimes you just go with your gut. Sure, the move can be second guessed because the outcome did not go the way Duquesne fans wanted, but it could be needing a shot to fall, using wingspan to disrupt an inbounds pass and relying on your defensive pressure to get a stop or quickly foul. The play on Kiandra Browne was unquestionably a foul and that was missed, and we will never know if all three FTs were made. While that is frustrating, so is not capitalizing on a second quarter in which Richmond was 0-7 from three. That quarter being 13-13 is more of a loss to me then having to play the foul game at the end because the officiating crew did not call a clear foul on Addie Budnik. After that missed call it was an uphill battle and not immediately firing up a shot to extend the game was a miss. The open layups were miscommunications, it happens, and it is part of a learning process. Having postseason play and giving these freshmen valuable experience is why you extend the season.

Zach, thank you so much for joining this thread and adding your comments, as that is what is needed on this board.  For ease of space, I summarize briefly what the topic is that I am responding to.

1. Player status:
I am happy to hear that GGM has been able to practice with the team and that she has been improving her game.  I agree with your points about player development. From what I was told last fall from someone in the athletic department was that Alexis Bordas would be one of the top players in the program this year, if she was on the roster and that other schools backed away because it was well known she was going to Duquesne because her family relationship.  In case you are not aware, Bordas & Bordas is a law firm that is a big sponsor of Duquesne athletics and that her father, Jamie Bordas is a managing partner.  

One name you didn't mention was Fatou Sane.  Did she suffer an injury?  She was getting significant playing time through the UMass game, then didn't seem to play again.  I thought she got off the bench against Fordham at the end of the game, but the official box doesn't show that.  I bring her up because I really liked what I saw from her.  She has the perfect build to play inside and seemed to move well on the floor.  A lot of times, freshmen bigs struggle to adjust to the college game, but she seemed more advanced to me, than the typical freshman.  I look forward to her development and if she can model har game after Kiandre Brown's 2nd half against Richmond, she will develop into a dominant player.  Players with the size and skill of Brown -- that we saw against Richmond -- are very successful on the block and I hope that Sane will prove to be similar.  I say the Richmond game only, because Brown didn't stay on the block that often and floated outside on the perimter far to much IMO.

2. Roster
Agree on your point about the transfer portal being a factor, but I don't think NIL is that big in women's baseketball right now, and is likely limited to the top programs in the country.  Most women's basketball programs operate in the red and only a handful are not in the red.  I think NIL is years away from becoming a bigger deal in the women's game, because I don't see women's players looking for 6-figure deals, like what is common in men's basketball. 

I am hopeful that we are actively recruiting the transfer portal and looking for size.  I want to see us bring on a "4" that has the size/build/skillset of Brown.  I want a "5" that is preferrably 6-4 or bigger, with good athleticism that can block shots and play solid defense.  I do not want to see us bring in a big that wants to shoot 3's.  We definitely had a rebounding problem this year, and when Brown was on the floor hanging out on the peritmeter, and having Hutcherson on the bench, we gave up an opportunity to get an offensive rebound.

3. End of game scenarios
I appreciate your response, but here is where I completely disagre...well almost.  I do agree with your point that end of game situations differ all the time and you rarely have the same scenario play out more than once in a year. That being said, teams practice end of game situations.  Giving you in idea of what I referring to, when I was at Duquesne and Jim Satalin was the coach, we focused the last hour of practice focused on end of game scenarios.  We put 3 mins. on the clock and were down 3, and we would have to work through different strategies to overcome the defecit with our starting 5 on the floor.  Then we would mix it up and in the next scenario, we may have 5 mins on the clock and we are up 5 and need to strategize how to keep the lead, and so on.  During these sessions, the team went hard for the amount of time and we ran multiple sets and often mixed up the personnel.  After that high intense action, the players had to shoot free throws and needed to make a certain number of free throws to end practice and if you didn't you ran sprints.

These practice activities are designed to prepare the players for what they could face at the end of a game.  I remember that Jim would say we need our 5 best players to be on the floor at the end of the game to come back or protect a lead.

So my point of contention is, were the 5 best players - the ones giving you the best opportunity to win on the floor at the end of the game against Richmond?  There is no question, that against Richmond, the top seed and the favorite to win the tournament which has a lot of size and experience, that you need to have the 5 best players that matchup to the Spiders lineup.  I don't get how he thought having 2 freshmen on the floor against a veteran team was a good idea, especially as it made us smaller.

To your point about the foul that wasn't called, I agree - that was missed by the official, but there is no guarantee we make all 3 shots.  When a game is on the line the last thing you want to do is count an official to make a call.  From that posession, I seem to recall our offense got stuck and we were passing the ball around the perimter and Brown had to take a last second 3 to avoid the shot clock.  This is where I fault Burt for his 5 on the floor.  We didn't need a 3 in the scenario, but we ended up playing for one because the offense stalled.  If you have Jerni Kiaku on the floor, Richmond immediately has to change their defense because they would have to be prepared for the dribble-drive and with Brown dominating the block, they would have been forced to play us differently, than just walling up our players on the ouside while we passed around the ball ineffectively. As I recall we ignored the paint in the possession which also was a  missed opportunity to score.

Even the two announces calling the game pointed out how Richmond couldn't defend Kiaku and also talked about how dominant Brown in the second half.  To me that is a microcosm of what the missed opportunity was all year.  How different is this season is we work inside-out on the offensive side, inside of looking to shoot 3's all game?  

I appreciate your response to my questions an appreciate the perspective you provide.  I want to see this team win and the talent we had was completely underused.  Gabby Hutcherson and Kiandre Brown needed to be on the floor togther for at least 25 mins. per game.  That gives is plenty of size and athleticism that we lacked when it comes to rebounding and defending the paint.  Far too many times, we were too small and got outrebonded easily and also gave up too many layups to teams that inverted the offense to post up our smaller guards.

DU --  In just about every post directed towards me you imply that Dan seems to underachieve -- his winning percentage at DU is in the low 60's  --   Jim Satalin (YOUR Role model) had a career record at DU of 85-120.