She worked a lot on some other things this past summer, and it shows. Maybe 3s will get the same attention this summer.
It was a nice statement when she got off the floor and attacked with a purpose...too bad she missed but the message was still there.
Two thoughts come to mind after reading your comment. In her two short years at UConn, Gabby (Gabulous) has become a fan favorite. We are very lucky to have her.
1.
Gabby is not a punk! If you note her demeanor, she's not cutesy. She's hard nosed, and all about business. She's focused, and goes about her business and gets the job done!!
2.
Gabby is not soft. She has grit. Gabby will not back down to anyone. Because its a team rule that you don't argue calls, she doesn't. But sometimes you can tell by her body language that she's not happy when she's whistled for a foul, and does her best to suppress her emotions.
Having made that "
sophomore leap", Gabby is now comfortable. Having become the 6th man, Gabby knows that she can play at this level, and play well. She knows that Geno trusts her.
I like where she has taken her game. She improved beyond our wildest dreams over the summer. I expect her to improve
that much again this summer. I'd like to see her start next year, and I'd like to see Geno give her a little more leash. Given more minutes, Gabby can make a huge impact in UConn's games next year. In 30+ games next year, I can see her getting at least 20-25 double doubles.
There will be some very BIG shoes to fill next season. Hopefully Gabby will take the bull by the horns, and fill a pair.
I'd also like to see her take on more of a leadership role. With the big 3 gone (I don't expect Tuck to come back), someone has to pick up that baton and carry on.
Because of their
personalities and demeanor, I see
Gabby and
Kia Nurse emerging as the team's new leaders next year. Geno and staff will have one of their most interesting camps next year before the season starts. They'll begin the season for the first time in the past several years
without an All-American on the roster.
We may have had a glimpse of next year's starting lineup against Cincinnati on Wednesday, and the ensuing result.
Geno and staff have their work cut out for them. Geno may have to dig real deep in his bag of tricks to make a way where no way seems possible. The cavernous gap between UConn and the rest of WCBB that they've enjoyed for the past several years will close just a bit at the end of this season.
I'm not related to "chicken little" by any means, nor am I a bearer of woe. I am reasonably proficient at reading tea leaves. UConn will not go undefeated next year. I expect UConn to remain extremely competitive, but not dominant. Expect to see fewer blowouts next year. I expect several games to be won by less than 10 points.