I've been kind of busy and haven't had the time to chime in on some of my observations about the game. So....
During the game, since we missed most of the 1st half, I kept commenting about a few things and a few players that jumped off the court for me.
1) How I thought Austin was seriously underrated as to her potential. She had fine quickness, was a quick jumper, athletic, agile, a hard nosed mentality, and a willingness to demand the ball on the block and in the paint. I also kept commenting on her body type and how once it filled out she was going to be a beast.
2) That Honesty Scott-Grayson appeared to be limping throughout the half until late when it became very noticeable. Nonetheless, she showed grit, speed, good ball handling skills, a quick first step, a nice change of pace dribble and good vision. Another steal with great upside. I still kept saying she should sit.
3) That ONO had more skills than I thought. Although her body is frail up top she has good, sturdy legs. She also had surprising strength, enough to rebound in traffic and put back through physicality. Hopefully she also learned that trying to dribble passed quick players at the next level ain't happening. She does have good ball handling skill though. But as Mil said, she'd never quite experienced players at this level. She has long legs with deceptively good speed. She has good passing skills. As Mil said though, she needs to get in the weight room like, yesterday. Nevertheless, she showed me she has a little snarl in her game that I didn't know she had. A very competitive young lady. She will also need to get into UConn shape.
4) I was impressed by Prince and how she changed her body in a short period of time. This seemed to me to evince a change in diet and exercise habits. This is not easy for players at her stage of development. To me this also showed her willingness to work hard over time, knowing that good things will result because of it. Aston is getting a steal, and a far different player than was Boothe. She'll bang inside, alter shots and run the floor. She'll also work hard on her game.
5) Nicoletti is a baller. Nice quicksmooth release, good body control, good vision. She plays with her head always up. Nice.
6) Christyn had a poor shooting first half that we did not see. During the second half I kept turning to Mil saying, "She hasn't had one outside shot". Christyn realized her shot wasn't falling and she decided to do other things: Keep the ball flowing on the offensive end. Keep moving on the offensive end. Make good passes to your teammates (although they couldn't seem to finish). Play tough defense, stick your nose under that basket, box out and get rebounds. I turned to Mil and said, "That's 4 rebounds this quarter!". Her kind of attitude is rare in players at her stage, and her willingness to do whatever it takes to win is something Geno harps on continually, especially when your shot isn't falling. She has a wide lower body and good strength. She finishes at the basket with either hand on either side. She's very quick with great deception off the dribble, and two changes of pace. Nice. Her stroke is nice and at the top of her jump. She's special y'all. I told Mil she's going to get lots of time spelling Crystal at the point and at the 2 next year. Coombs and Gordon are going to have to really step up their game to compete with her. She also appears pretty far along in getting into UConn shape.
