2023-24 PSU WBB Thread
- Thread starter Tom McAndrew
- Start date
She never did by coaching. This year she managed to accumulate enough better players to overcome he deficiencies. Loses one and, pffftttt, back to what we've come to expect over the last fou\r years.
So when they win, it’s the players, but when they lose, it’s the coach…funny how that works.
The coach gets credit for bringing the players. But ultimately, they're responsible for the record. In Kieger's case she's just not good enough to overcome the loss of one player.
I like Coach Kieger but it looks like some of the winning streak was built on playing the weaker B10 teams. One thing that has stood out through wins and losses has been how the team struggles coming out of halftime. During the winning streak, PSU routinely had a double digit lead after the 1st quarter. The lead usually bumped up by a couple in the 2nd quarter and then dwindled in the 2nd half. Recently teams are playing the Lady Lions closer in the 1st quarter and that has spelled defeat.
Tay Valladay was a big part of the press, but teams have learned how to defeat it once they saw it for a quarter. Teams started to go over the top and diagonally, but the Lady Lions would continue to press. We haven't been able to adjust and our half court defense lacks a lot.
Offensively the team has reverted to being loose with the basketball with numerous unforced turnovers and stagnant movement. When Owusu joined the team, the ball started moving in ways we hadn't seen, but teams are playing her more physically and she's been goaded into going 1 on 1 while everyone watches.
I've loved Coach Kieger's energy after watching Coquese's stoicism on the sideline, but given the experience of this team it's been really disappointing watching the season unravel. Only 6 girls (at most) of the 14 return for next year, so it could be a big rebuild.
Tay Valladay was a big part of the press, but teams have learned how to defeat it once they saw it for a quarter. Teams started to go over the top and diagonally, but the Lady Lions would continue to press. We haven't been able to adjust and our half court defense lacks a lot.
Offensively the team has reverted to being loose with the basketball with numerous unforced turnovers and stagnant movement. When Owusu joined the team, the ball started moving in ways we hadn't seen, but teams are playing her more physically and she's been goaded into going 1 on 1 while everyone watches.
I've loved Coach Kieger's energy after watching Coquese's stoicism on the sideline, but given the experience of this team it's been really disappointing watching the season unravel. Only 6 girls (at most) of the 14 return for next year, so it could be a big rebuild.
Or the players aren’t good enough to overcome the loss of one player. How do you think Andy Reid would have done had Mahomes gotten knocked out for the year earlier in the season? I’d bet a year’s salary they wouldn’t have won the SB. Guess Reid isn’t a good enough coach.
So Valaday is to PSU basketball as Mahomes is to the Chiefs? Better analogy would be as Jones is to the Giants.
Ok, and with Jones they made the playoffs, without him they didn’t and Daboll was the coach of the year with Jones and on the hot seat without him…hmm, kind of proves my point.
Daboii wins four games with a un-drafted practice squad QB. Does Kieger come close to matching that? Don't hold your breath.
7 then 9 then 11 then 14 and so far 16….her win totals each year. She’s proving that she’s getting better.
No, I was assuming you did since you said 10 years. They could make it this year, but even if they don’t, her progress points to them making it next year.
I think the main issues with the Lady Lions is that they had a senior laden team, a favorable schedule and when they lose, they lose the same way. Sloppy with the ball, poor half court defense and failure to adjust in the 2nd half (their 3rd quarter numbers are atrocious). Speaking of their roster, if we look at it ordered from most to least minutes per game, here are their years in college -- 5, 5, 2, 6, 4, 4, 5, 1 and 4. Next year's team will be extremely inexperienced with 5 freshmen joining 6 returnees and I'm guessing some transfers. This was the year to make the tournament.
I still like Coach Kieger, but I'd like to see someone on the bench that could perhaps help with in-game adjustments.
I still like Coach Kieger, but I'd like to see someone on the bench that could perhaps help with in-game adjustments.
When she was hired no one I know expected it would take her 5 years to get above .500 in the conference and there is no guarantee that will happen this year. Losers of 5 in a row (4 of those teams had worse records), and with Ohio State up next, any NCAA chances are hanging by a thread. I think its fair to say she has been a disappointment. As has been suggested, looking at the roster, next year may actually be a step backward. I was optimistic when she was hired but I am disappointed with her progress.
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She received an extension in April 2022, but, in its inimitable fashion, PSU refused to disclose details. FWIW, she was reportedly paid $485k at Marquette.
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