#1 guard of 2012 Moriah Jefferson--- New youtube video--Compilations of her games..

[NYCHUSKIES]

What's up Huskies fam.. Ive been a husky fan since the Lobo days, and i finally post here for the first time ever.. ) I secretly stalk you guys on this forum..lol.. anyway:

Here are two video compilations of her games in high school and with Moriah's AAU ballclub which wont he Nike Tournament this summer... check them out... This is the best point guard, period..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsjw9Yc9Kf8&feature=related (Nike Tournament)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQbstNCiuW0&feature=related (2007-2011 THESA yrs)

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

Flat out she is better than Skylar Diggins...So as far as the Big East goes, the best point guard will be Moriah.. Her speedy, agility, discipline with the ball is second to none in this class (2012), and the next three classes coming. What's great about her is her basketball ethics. Some scoring pg's like to score first, then pass, or shoot, then pass. Geno, being notorious for taking his elite recruits out of their comfort zone on the court, will definitely challenge Moriah to rebound more, play better defense (like if she doesn't play superior defense already..lol) Moriah will be the Chris Paul or John Wall on college basketball.. Anyone can really score, but her overall skills are just too raw for me to see any other pg challenge her in the college ranks.. can't freaakkiinn wait...

 

[doggydaddy]

Welcome to the posting world! Great start. Funny, but I thought she was lefthanded all this time. Don't know why.

 

[EricSD]

great stuff. i checked out the videos and several things stood out to me...

1. She is just as happy to pass as she is to shoot
2. In addition, she has great court vision in finding teammates
3. She has incredible quickness and speed
4. She has a sweet 3 point shot as well as a very nice pull up jumper
5. She will be a beast on defense

like you, i'm very excited about landing her...

 

[connboy77]

Mo is a complete player who can do it all! The 2012 class is going to make UCONN a dominant team once again. Then hopefully Diamond in 2013 is going to add another weapon.

 

[Olde Coach]

What's up Huskies fam.. Ive been a husky fan since the Lobo days, and i finally post here for the first time ever.. ) I secretly stalk you guys on this forum..lol.. anyway:

Moriah Jefferson is my friend on facebook and she put up two video compilations of her games in high school and with her AAU ballclub which wont he Nike Tournament this summer... check them out... This is the best point guard, period..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsjw9Yc9Kf8&feature=related (Nike Tournament)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQbstNCiuW0&feature=related (2007-2011 THESA yrs)

Holy Samoli:

Moriah has to be the quickest guard ever in college basketball. She can dribble through traffic with the ball so low that defenders have no chance of stealing or even deflecting the ball. Her cross-over steps and direction changes are unbelievably quick. And that 360 degree shooting move is just ridiculous.

With Moriah, Bre, and Morgan coming in next year, UConn is going to have unbelievable talent, depth, and speed.

Thanks for the videos.

OC

I can't wait to see the Huskies' 2012-13 "show".

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

Just to clarify my post: for the record:

1. I am a former basketball player / Doing my masters at NYU in Sports Business Management
2. Moriah and I are friends on FB, and those two videos i posted here, she created them herself, she created her own youtube account, and she posted her videos to the public.
3. I would only reference Moriah, Breanna, and Morgan as big east candidates until they sign their letter of intent.

 

[Dawson]

Thanks for posting these! In my opinion, her signing is the biggest since Maya. It gave UCONN a 1-2 punch with a very good Morgan Tuck a bit further down. It also ensured the point will be in good hands after Bria leaves.

 

[alexrgct]

MJ's signing can't be overstated. Not only does she project to be fantastic in and of herself, but UConn making inroads into Texas is a step that's going to make it that much more diffiult for anyone else to keep up. You expected Geno and CD to reel in Breanna Stewart...but not Moriah.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

I also like the fact that Moriah Jefferson's AAU teammate is Brianna Turner!!!!

​

 

[Sonny44]

What's up Huskies fam.. Ive been a husky fan since the Lobo days, and i finally post here for the first time ever.. ) I secretly stalk you guys on this forum..lol.. anyway:

Moriah Jefferson is my friend on facebook and she put up two video compilations of her games in high school and with her AAU ballclub which wont he Nike Tournament this summer... check them out... This is the best point guard, period..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gsjw9Yc9Kf8&feature=related (Nike Tournament)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DQbstNCiuW0&feature=related (2007-2011 THESA yrs)

Great post, thanks.

 

[Forty_four]

I also like the fact that Moriah Jefferson's AAU teammate is Brianna Turner!!!!

​

That is the best news of all. If she can pursuade recruits the way KML does then that would be a continued help in recruiting.

 

[Scotter]

There's obviously a lot of talent there for Geno and Shea to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. That's mostly because I don't think she has had enough experience playing with other great players in a structured environment. She's been cut twice from USA Basketball, although she was playing through an injury the first time around. And while Hoopgurlz went nuts over Moriah getting cut, but based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. That doesn't mean I think Moriah won't play significant minutes as a freshman or have success. I felt somewhat similarly about Bria Hartley, but I thought playing for Jenn in USA Basketball prior to her freshman year helped as well as her experience playing multiple positions besides PG. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

 

[HuskyFan1125]

I think she could be pretty special!

 

[Replicant]

Thanks for posting the vids. Now that my jaw has returned to its upright position, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. Her cross-over dribble is pure ankle breaker stuff and she'll be embarrassing countless defenders in the future. She capitalized several times on various defenders fear of her ability to penetrate with an unstoppable step-back and pop. Had no idea she was such a good shooter or had the kind of deep range she showed. And her ability to penetrate the lane at will, under control and through multiple defenders reminds me of another very special player...Derrick Rose.

 

[John Fryer]

There's obviously a lot of talent there for Geno and Shea to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. That's mostly because I don't think she has had enough experience playing with other great players in a structured environment. She's been cut twice from USA Basketball, although she was playing through an injury the first time around. And while Hoopgurlz went nuts over Moriah getting cut, but based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. That doesn't mean I think Moriah won't play significant minutes as a freshman or have success. I felt somewhat similarly about Bria Hartley, but I thought playing for Jenn in USA Basketball prior to her freshman year helped as well as her experience playing multiple positions besides PG. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

It would really worry me if I believed for one minute that when you said:

"Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's"

you were in fact not only expressing your opinion, but also Coach A's perceptions, then I would be really worried. Are you suggesting that we need another Charde type experience?

Another poster has suggested that Moriah is the # 1 PG in the class of 2012. And that she maybe the best PG coming out in the near future at her position.

I find it difficult to believe that at any point in process of recruiting her that anyone ever even hinted about changing her to the extent that you suggested.

I maybe wrong about that. But I seriously doubt it.

Peace,

JohnFryer

 

[Tonyc]

Wow now thats magic. UConn will be putting on a show when Magic Mo arrives. She handles the ball like no girl Ive ever seen. Its going to be fun watching how Geno & Company develop her. Shes special.

 

[EricSD]

to be accurate, while she was cut from the USA team she tried out for, she was one of the last 3 cut and made the final 15 players. additionally, she was not only competing against kids her own age, but kids 1 and 2 years older. i'm not sure that being one of the final 15 but being cut says much about the type of player she is or how coachable she is. i don't know enough about who she played for or what kind of coaching/experience she has received, but...

1. I find it difficult to believe Geno would make an error of that magnitude in recruiting the next great PG to UCONN
2. i saw a player who took pride in her defense, found open players to pass to, and wasn't afraid to take the ball to the basket.

i can see where some fans might be concerned about her experience (being home schooled and not having as much national experience), but does this kid look like someone who will have trouble fitting in with her teammates?!

 

[cferraro04]

Wow! Thanks for sharing the videos... It is obvious that a lot of UConn players are going to be the beneficiaries of Mo dropping dimes in their direction. I believe that combination of Mo Jefferson and Breanna Stewart is going to be legendary...the college version of Stockton and Malone . Hard to believe that MJ is only a junior and that she has a whole year to further polish her skill set...UConn is truly very fortunate that this young lady has decided to bring her college basketball career to CT. Can't wait to see her in UConn blue as she becomes part of the UConn point guard pedigree Rizzotti - Rita Williams - Bird - Maria - DT* - Renee - Doty - Hartley - Mo

*even though DT was a 2 guard she often had to play the point after Sue graduated.

 

[Georgestarr7]

There's obviously a lot of talent there for Geno and Shea to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. That's mostly because I don't think she has had enough experience playing with other great players in a structured environment. She's been cut twice from USA Basketball, although she was playing through an injury the first time around. And while Hoopgurlz went nuts over Moriah getting cut, but based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. That doesn't mean I think Moriah won't play significant minutes as a freshman or have success. I felt somewhat similarly about Bria Hartley, but I thought playing for Jenn in USA Basketball prior to her freshman year helped as well as her experience playing multiple positions besides PG. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

What's the point? Seems like you're throwing an unnecessarily negative slant here. She's very talented and like any talented high-school player, she will face new challenges at the college level. IMO she is a good fit for Geno's program and where you see him looking to change her style of play and mindset, I see the staff helping her take her style of play to the next level. I see a very exciting future here for her.

 

[Scotter]

Did Geno not worked to change Shea Ralph? Did he not battle to change Svetlana Abrosimova? Did he not try to change Diana Taurasi? Did he not try to alter things Maya did? I hoped my reference to Bria Hartley would prevent Charde's name from immediately coming up, but that was naive on my part. Watching Moriah play you can see that she has the skills to do the things the UConn offense demands of guards, but there is going to be a transition. How easily she can alter her habits to play in a passing/cutting orientated offense we won't know until she has do it? But there's no reason to assume the worst case scenario. Even while she is adapting she will play significant minutes and be great in transition.

UConn produces great point guards, but it is not an easy place to play for players that grow up playing point guard because Geno takes the ball out of their hands and makes them be a well rounded offensive basketball player. And with good reason Geno almost always tries to teach a basketball player to be a point guard, rather than a point guard to be a basketball player. I wouldn't be surprised if Moriah doesn't play much point guard during the early part of her UConn career as she learns how to play in the system.

 

[Scotter]

I never said it was an error in recruiting. She's someone that Geno absolutely should have pursued and I'm thrilled she wanted to be a Husky. I also did not say anything about her not being coachable or even imply anything negative about her character. I saw all the qualities you list, which is why she's a great fit for UConn. It was just a simple observation about a challenge she'll likely face when she puts on the UConn uniform. She'll hardly be the first player to face similar challenges at UConn, and she'll likely be far from the first player to meet those challenges successfully. I was simply offering an observation that may help to calibrate expectations for the few that may see value in my opinions.

to be accurate, while she was cut from the USA team she tried out for, she was one of the last 3 cut and made the final 15 players. additionally, she was not only competing against kids her own age, but kids 1 and 2 years older. i'm not sure that being one of the final 15 but being cut says much about the type of player she is or how coachable she is. i don't know enough about who she played for or what kind of coaching/experience she has received, but...

1. I find it difficult to believe Geno would make an error of that magnitude in recruiting the next great PG to UCONN
2. i saw a player who took pride in her defense, found open players to pass to, and wasn't afraid to take the ball to the basket.

i can see where some fans might be concerned about her experience (being home schooled and not having as much national experience), but does this kid look like someone who will have trouble fitting in with her teammates?!

 

[John Fryer]

Did Geno not worked to change Shea Ralph? Did he not battle to change Svetlana Abrosimova? Did he not try to change Diana Taurasi? Did he not try to alter things Maya did? I hoped my reference to Bria Hartley would prevent Charde's name from immediately coming up, but that was naive on my part. Watching Moriah play you can see that she has the skills to do the things the UConn offense demands of guards, but there is going to be a transition. How easily she can alter her habits to play in a passing/cutting orientated offense we won't know until she has do it? But there's no reason to assume the worst case scenario. Even while she is adapting she will play significant minutes and be great in transition.

UConn produces great point guards, but it is not an easy place to play for players that grow up playing point guard because Geno takes the ball out of their hands and makes them be a well rounded offensive basketball player. And with good reason Geno almost always tries to teach a basketball player to be a point guard, rather than a point guard to be a basketball player. I wouldn't be surprised if Moriah doesn't play much point guard during the early part of her UConn career as she learns how to play in the system.

Well, most people, IMHO, would reserve any such negative expectations, such as yours, until they have some observed facts upon which to base their opinions.

These are nothing more than your opinions, right? And they are based on?

What really bothers me about your posts is that it is possible, if not likely, that Moriah, her family and or friends might read or hear about this negative discussion that is based on nothing more than your unacknowledged opinions.

Svetlana, Diana and Charde were part of the learning curve, IMHO, that suggests to me that Coach A has no intentions of trying to radically changing Moriah's style of play as you are suggesting.

These are, of course, just my opinions.

Peace,

JohnFryer

 

[EricSD]

Just to clarify my post: for the record:

1. I am a former basketball player / Doing my masters at NYU in Sports Business Management
2. Moriah and I are friends on FB, and those two videos i posted here, she created them herself, she created her own youtube account, and she posted her videos to the public.
3. I would only reference Moriah, Breanna, and Morgan as big east candidates until they sign their letter of intent.

thank you for the clarification. glad to have you on board!!!

 

[Icebear]

John,

Scotter noted he had seen more than just the clips posted. I consider Scotter one of the most measured posters on the board. When he states something it makes me take careful consideration of what he is sharing. I don't think his post was negative so much an observation that the path may not be simple for Moriah. She has all the talent in the world but that doesn't mean there isn't much to learn and that can be complicated, even trying. In Scotters follow up he notes rightly that DT, Svet and other greatly gifted players have been down that path at UConn. Geno will challenge Moriah to use her talents in ways and to ends that likely she has never considered. There is some flair in her game he will likely expect her to dial back because it has no purpose and serves no end on the court. If s he has a TO because of an extraneous and unnecessary juke we can expect to hear criticism from Geno. He made some comments concerning Lauren's tendency to unnecessary ball handling last year.

I read Scotter's comments less as criticism or a reason for concern than his expectation of what the path may be and a critique of where growth may occur and Geno may challenge her.

Well, most people, IMHO, would reserve any such negative expectations, such as yours, until they have some observed facts upon which to base their opinions.

These are nothing more than your opinions, right? And they are based on?

What really bothers me about your posts is that it is possible, if not likely, that Moriah, her family and or friends might read or hear about this negative discussion that is based on nothing more than your unacknowledged opinions.

Svetlana, Diana and Charde were part of the learning curve, IMHO, that suggests to me that Coach A has no intentions of trying to radically changing Moriah's style of play as you are suggesting.

These are, of course, just my opinions.

Peace,

JohnFryer

 

[Replicant]

to be accurate, while she was cut from the USA team she tried out for, she was one of the last 3 cut and made the final 15 players. additionally, she was not only competing against kids her own age, but kids 1 and 2 years older. i'm not sure that being one of the final 15 but being cut says much about the type of player she is or how coachable she is. i don't know enough about who she played for or what kind of coaching/experience she has received, but...

1. I find it difficult to believe Geno would make an error of that magnitude in recruiting the next great PG to UCONN
2. i saw a player who took pride in her defense, found open players to pass to, and wasn't afraid to take the ball to the basket.

i can see where some fans might be concerned about her experience (being home schooled and not having as much national experience), but does this kid look like someone who will have trouble fitting in with her teammates?!

Great pic Eric. The word "TEAM" immediately comes to mind Second word that comes to mind is "ALL-STAR TEAM"!

 

[bruinbball]

Who would win in the Blue vs. White game here?? Hmmmmmm.....

 

[Kevin G]

Thanks for posting. Mo is going to be very very special. I agree this class can make some history

 

[EricSD]

Who would win in the Blue vs. White game here?? Hmmmmmm.....

ooh that's a good question. 3 on 3... honestly, too close to call!!

 

[RoyDodger]

Just to clarify my post: for the record:

1. I am a former basketball player / Doing my masters at NYU in Sports Business Management
2. Moriah and I are friends on FB, and those two videos i posted here, she created them herself, she created her own youtube account, and she posted her videos to the public.
3. I would only reference Moriah, Breanna, and Morgan as big east candidates until they sign their letter of intent.

#3 is excellent advice. Remember that these girls are still in high school and could change their mind. Let's hope that doesn't happen, but in the meantime we shouldn't count our chickens before they hatch.

 

[Husky68]

There's obviously a lot of talent there for Geno and Shea to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. That's mostly because I don't think she has had enough experience playing with other great players in a structured environment. She's been cut twice from USA Basketball, although she was playing through an injury the first time around. And while Hoopgurlz went nuts over Moriah getting cut, but based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. That doesn't mean I think Moriah won't play significant minutes as a freshman or have success. I felt somewhat similarly about Bria Hartley, but I thought playing for Jenn in USA Basketball prior to her freshman year helped as well as her experience playing multiple positions besides PG. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

I would be surprised if any player didn't have difficulties in transition to Uconn. I double it for PG's. What helped Hartle wasn't so much playing for Jen, it was playing with a senior who happened to be one of the top players in the history of WCBB.

 

[wbfree]

Flat out she is better than Skylar Diggins...So as far as the Big East goes, the best point guard will be Moriah.. Her speedy, agility, discipline with the ball is second to none in this class (2012), and the next three classes coming. What's great about her is her basketball ethics. Some scoring pg's like to score first, then pass, or shoot, then pass. Geno, being notorious for taking his elite recruits out of their comfort zone on the court, will definitely challenge Moriah to rebound more, play better defense (like if she doesn't play superior defense already..lol) Moriah will be the Chris Paul or John Wall on college basketball.. Anyone can really score, but her overall skills are just too raw for me to see any other pg challenge her in the college ranks.. can't freaakkiinn wait...

 

[wbfree]

No doubt she's very talented, but to say she's better than Skylar Diggins is a little bit too enthusiastic.

 

[EricSD]

No doubt she's very talented, but to say she's better than Skylar Diggins is a little bit too enthusiastic.

not right now, but don't forget, not only is she the highest rated PG in her class (even tho some say Alexis Jones is better), HG has said that she's the best PG prospect EVER to be rated by them, and that includes Diggins.

i certainly admire the enthusiasm and think that once Geno gets his metaphorical hands on her, after 4 years, we may well be stating she's the best UCONN PG ever, and that's saying something given Jen Rizotti and Sue Bird and Renee Montgomery all went to UCONN!!!

 

[PacoSwede]

Wow! Thanks for sharing the videos... Can't wait to see her in UConn blue as she becomes part of the UConn point guard pedigree Rizzotti - Rita Williams - Bird - Maria - DT* - Renee - Doty - Hartley - Mo

*even though DT was a 2 guard she often had to play the point after Sue graduated.

Just want to point out that Ketia Swanier is a veteran pro, and that's a very select club, despite being primarily an off-the-bench player for Geno.
A separate comment about these nice videos: The fact that Mo put them together -- and what she decided to include -- offers a good insight about what she values. It seems that includes lots more than putting the ball through the net, and that's good. However, these videos really do not say much about her shooting, except for form and perhaps her confidence, nor much about how good she is as a passer or a defender. You can edit videos of Sue Smuck and make her look like an all-star. Edited videos are no way to judge a player's ability. They are fun for a fan to watch, though.
(I do think it is safe to assume Mo is as talented as everyone says; not intending to doubt that. These videos, however, are nothing like proof.)

 

[MilfordHusky]

Frankly, she looks better than I expected. She looks freakin' unguardable. She can hit from distance and midrange. She has a great handle. She goes left better as an 11th grader than Renee does as a 3rd year pro. She is fast. She even blocks shots. Watching her play against Jewell Loyd will be a treat. Where did she get those skills--from the Globetrotters?

One other unexpected positive: she is taller and sturdier looking than I thought.

With Breanna, Kaleena, et al. on the court with Moriah, there will be an offensive explosion. I think the UConn team scoring record is in serious jeopardy.

 

[Icebear]

I would be surprised if any player didn't have difficulties in transition to Uconn. I double it for PG's. What helped Hartley wasn't so much playing for Jen, it was playing with a senior who happened to be one of the top players in the history of WCBB.

Yes, and I think that is exactly the point Scotter was making without any big judgment. Growth and development is often accompanied by struggle in the midst of that transition. That struggle can be an asset because it strengthens and tempers character.

 

[EricSD]

Yes, and I think that is exactly the point Scotter was making without any big judgment. Growth and development is often accompanied by struggle in the midst of that transition. That struggle can be an asset because it strengthens and tempers character.

perhaps ice, but why pick her out and imply that her struggles could be worse than other freshmen and that geno will probably need to "change the way she plays the game", and how public her struggles are will depend on her mindset, and how he could see why she was cut from USA basketball etc etc etc.?

every freshman who comes in needs to have things changed, tweaked, improved, etc. in a thread where everyone else was thrilled with what they saw, that was a wet blanket.

we all know that the parents of recruits read the board (anyone remember Mary Thomas and Ernie Delle Donne?) and while it's only one wayward opinion, i'd not be thrilled as a parent to read that. IMHO, she's been referred to as the best, or one of the best, PG's EVER to come out of HS. Most UCONN fans are over the moon that she verbaled to UCONN.

I, for one, and JUST as thrilled that we landed her as i am that we landed Breanna, KML, Tina, Maya, and Diana - i think Moriah is that good and has that much potential. and that's not to take anything away from other top 10 kids we've landed (like Morgan, Samarie, Kelly, and Bria recently), but to me, getting top 10 kids helps you get to the elite 8 and final 4. getting #1/2 kids to go along with those top 10 kids is what puts you over the top...

 

[Icebear]

eric, I don't think he did what you suggest. I think that is overreaching his point and I think he made that clear by the other examples he gave. I don't think his comments concerning Moriah were negative at all. I think he clarifies his view against such overreaching several times in his three posts in this thread. All in all Scotter is very positive about Moriah and was only leavening the excess of expectations expressed by some.

Scotter wrote:
There's obviously a lot of talent there for Geno and Shea to work with, but I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. That's mostly because I don't think she has had enough experience playing with other great players in a structured environment. She's been cut twice from USA Basketball, although she was playing through an injury the first time around. And while Hoopgurlz went nuts over Moriah getting cut, but based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. That doesn't mean I think Moriah won't play significant minutes as a freshman or have success. I felt somewhat similarly about Bria Hartley, but I thought playing for Jenn in USA Basketball prior to her freshman year helped as well as her experience playing multiple positions besides PG. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

AND

Did Geno not worked to change Shea Ralph? Did he not battle to change Svetlana Abrosimova? Did he not try to change Diana Taurasi? Did he not try to alter things Maya did? I hoped my reference to Bria Hartley would prevent Charde's name from immediately coming up, but that was naive on my part. Watching Moriah play you can see that she has the skills to do the things the UConn offense demands of guards, but there is going to be a transition. How easily she can alter her habits to play in a passing/cutting orientated offense we won't know until she has do it? But there's no reason to assume the worst case scenario. Even while she is adapting she will play significant minutes and be great in transition.

UConn produces great point guards, but it is not an easy place to play for players that grow up playing point guard because Geno takes the ball out of their hands and makes them be a well rounded offensive basketball player. And with good reason Geno almost always tries to teach a basketball player to be a point guard, rather than a point guard to be a basketball player. I wouldn't be surprised if Moriah doesn't play much point guard during the early part of her UConn career as she learns how to play in the system.

AND

I never said it was an error in recruiting. She's someone that Geno absolutely should have pursued and I'm thrilled she wanted to be a Husky. I also did not say anything about her not being coachable or even imply anything negative about her character. I saw all the qualities you list, which is why she's a great fit for UConn. It was just a simple observation about a challenge she'll likely face when she puts on the UConn uniform. She'll hardly be the first player to face similar challenges at UConn, and she'll likely be far from the first player to meet those challenges successfully. I was simply offering an observation that may help to calibrate expectations for the few that may see value in my opinions.

 

[EricSD]

eric, I don't think he did what you suggest. I think that is overreaching his point and I think he made that clear by the other examples he gave. I don't think his comments concerning Moriah were negative at all.

ice, in my first sentence i pretty much quoted verbatim what he said. if he meant something different, he should have said something different. and while i'm glad you took it upon yourself to defend him, it appears that most every other poster in the thread disagrees with you and him.

in a thread showing some of the first videos we've seen of her, where every other poster was metaphorically jumping up and down thinking about he prospect of her joining the team, he was the one who not only offered a negative slant, but went on with about 4 criticisms.

so i guess we'll just have to agree to disagree. you think it was fine with no negativity or criticism, most everyone else disagrees.

 

[Icebear]

Scotter never implied that her struggles would be worse than anyone else's. He went out of his way to use positive examples of the best of Huskies, Shea, Svet, Diana, Maya to talk about their transitions and their challenges to playing for Geno to make it clear that it is the norm at UConn.

He didn't need to say anything different since it was very understandable to me if not to you. Note all the qualifiers I highlighted across three posts that gave shape to his comments adding clarity. It not like defining structure of his comments wasn't there.

I pointed out something I think Geno will be all over her about. As Geno said of Lauren last year Moriah has a tendency to use too much flash with the ball when it isn't necessary. Ex. See when she dribbles under her leg extended straight out in the first video. A completely unnecessary more that adds nothing to playing basketball and running a offense. Geno is like a bonzai master who trims away everything that isn't essential.

His comments about USA basketball were very balanced and I think quite fair. It is very likely that Moriah does need to play with more players of equal talent and within a system to learn HOW to function within that environment. That is normal, not unusual.

Yes, almost ever other poster was metaphorically jumping up and down and all Scotter did was try to inject some realism and balance into what was becoming unrealistic expectations. She is a kid with incredible skills but there is a lot that can be done to strengthen her game as a player with a UConn team concept.

Scotter gave critique not criticism. I expect him to be right because I saw the exact same things.

 

[AboutWeston]

Thanks for posting these videos!

Regarding "flash" I noticed from watching the EXCELLENT VIDEO of the 2011 tape, I think we saw an adult leader in the point role, while the year 2007 video had the 360 degree lay ups in it. To me this indicates the the "flash" is being modified by the player herself, perhaps because of coaching!!!

 

[EricSD]

I wouldn't be surprised if her transition to UConn has its difficulties. based on what I have seen of Moriah which isn't just these two videos. I could see how USA Basketball would decide to cut her. Geno is just going to be looking to change her style of play and mindset more than other players whose style of play more naturally suits UConn's and/or have experience playing in a structured system for established powerhouse high school teams with other DI teammates. How public those difficulties become will depend on how Geno gauges Mo's personality.

Again Ice, you see what you want to see and most everyone else sees something different. in a thread where EVERYONE else was jumping up and down with praise for her game, what we see, and what we are getting, these quotes are simply negative. period. i don't care that it was explained or softened or defended or whatever you want to call it. you've said the same thing over and over in defending him and i still think it's unfortunate, no matter how you try to slice it or pretty it up.

i mean, really... there are so many different ways to say something and the fact that so many on this board took the comments as unfortunate and negative ought to tell you something... if you were her father and read the above quoted comments by some random UCONN fan, what would your reaction be? there isn't a single kid, ever, who has come to UCONN a complete package. but there were so many better ways to say what he said.

this board is not supposed to simply be a cheerleading board. fans have often been critical of players performances, most recently in threads regarding Tiff Hayes from last year. but to post stuff like that about a great kid with great skills and great potential before she even steps foot on campus is unfortunate and would have been better served to have have been kept to himself, or shared with a select few in private chats.

you keep saying that the negativity of the post is warranted because she will need to learn and grow and be taught at UCONN. well duh! that's true of every single player who comes to UCONN. Geno works hard to get the most and best out of every single kid who comes to Storrs. but to be that negative about one of the best PG's ever to come out of high school, and certainly the most heralded to ever decide on UCONN is the issue everyone else has with it. feel free to continue posting and defending. this is the last thing i will say about it.

 

[Icebear]

Eric, again you act as if Scotter and I didn't see the tremendous upside. We did. We both, however, also, saw the things that mean she has much to work on and that is not unusual. I will gladly admit that some of that is due to the highlight reel nature of the clips. All highlights of this type tend to over focus on an individual. If you were watching film beside me I could readily say look here, here and here. Most of what I see is a need to simplify and remove excess thus the Bonsai analogy.

I keep repeating myself using different ways of expressing what I see because you do not seem to deal with what Scotter said and I am saying instead pursue something that wasn't said at all.

I am comfortable with what I saw and I suspect Scotter is, too, because they are very specific things that can be concretely pointed to as with the example I gave concerning Lauren. Your last paragraph is I suspect all either Scotter or myself was saying. Only defending what I am saying because you are completely making into something that is not there in either Scotter's or my posts.

Moriah's assets are:
extreme quickness
a great handle and tremendous crossover
a solid shot in terms of form (discount any measure of ability to judge consistently because of being edited film)
good court vision and understanding of floor spacing and when she can beat a player and too where
excellent use of personal quickness in spot up D

Areas to grow:
eliminate unnecessary flair in ball handling
better use of teammates and less dependence upon personal skills (this is likely because she has little opportunity to play with kids capable of matching her abilities as teammates and as opposition)

I love the kid and her game but that doesn't mean there are not ways to grow. I never said the negativity was warranted. I said you misread it and it didn't exist. There is NO negativity.

 

[Icebear]

Thanks for posting these videos!

Regarding "flash" I noticed from watching the EXCELLENT VIDEO of the 2011 tape, I think we saw an adult leader in the point role, while the year 2007 video had the 360 degree lay ups in it. To me this indicates the the "flash" is being modified by the player herself, perhaps because of coaching!!!

Yes, and that is the example of a coachable kid who will rise to the challenge. The growth from 2007-2011 is, also, in her shot strength. She moves from a longer set shot to a higher on the head jump shot. She is a kid in evolution and while there may be some struggles along the way I see little that indicates they will not be overcome and Moriah become listed high on the wall among the Huskies of Honor. BTW, the unnecessary bit of handling is at 2:25 of the upper link in the OP.