Adamec on Natalie Butler...

[Zorro]

She pays her own way to Tampa. Too bad she cannot travel with the team. NCAA rules suck!!! Everybody at the NCAA makes money and the athletes are the only ones who don't get a dime.

It is not the NCAA's job to not suck!

 

[baggerbob]

As Moriah says, she's 6-5, and she sings, and dances.

 

[CL82]

I'm looking to forward to seeing her play as well. She showed she had talent as a frosh at GT. Now she's been exposed to a year of the Geno approach to basketball and the intensity at which UConn practices. I think she'll have a pretty immediate impact.

 

[Stinger92860]

Even with the loss of Kalena, how good is this team going to be by the end of next year! And the depth.....

 

[Huskies Rule]

That would be outproducing Stokes' best year. And Butler won't get near the minutes she got at Georgetown. As long as she's not a black hole on offense, can pass, set some screens, and get up and down the floor, she should be valuable.

I love Kiah, and I respect all that she has accomplished. And while I would never devalue her significant contributions to the program, for Butler to outproduce her on the offensive end in "Stokes' best year" (if Kiah ever had a best year offensively) in terms of scoring, passing and screening would not be at all difficult, if Natalie earns starter's minutes. As great as Kiah is rebounding and blocking shots, she is equally nonproductive offensively. Butler averaged an insane 36 minutes pg at G-Town, and NO starter at UConn will ever get those kind of minutes. But with all the great players that'll be on the floor requiring attention from opponents next year, I suspect Natalie will have plenty of opportunities to score the ball and rebound. [As for black hole, getting up and down the floor- needlessly disparaging. Butler will never be a Lauren Cox, but I think she'll become a solid big]

 

[DobbsRover2]

Per the UConn article at the time her transfer became official, Butler will have three years of eligibility of course if she decides to use them all, which is probably likely.

As to the expectations for her, she sounds like she will do well, but as with freshman recruits it might be nice to let things play out for her as a transfer a bit before pushing the expectations maybe way too high. There have been many players over the year who were strong players and great contributors but whose careers are now marked as a "disappointment" because some fans decided too early that they needed to be the next Taurasi, Charles, Holdsclaw, or other legend. Maybe we should give them some room to find their own places in history and the record books.

 

[JoePgh]

My prediction is that Natalie will basically fill Kiah Stokes's role on next year's team. In approximately the same number of minutes, she will produce more points than Kiah, about the same number of rebounds, and far fewer blocks. The overall value of her contribution will be similar, i.e., very valuable.

In later years, her contributions could be greater (more like Stef's), assuming Geno does not recruit someone like Lauren Cox who will compete with her for minutes.

 

[uconnfan68]

If she transferred after her freshman year, she'd still have 3 years of eligibility left. She would be a junior academically, but that's pretty meaningless as far as we're concerned.

Basketball-wise, I expect her to be a big upgrade over Stokes on the offensive end and to nicely complement our other frontcourt pieces.

Not sure I'd expect that much from her offensively. Kiah can shoot too, she just doesn't because she's content to screen for the others. It's the defensive side, rebounding and shot-blocking, where I'd be happy if she's half the player Kiah is.

 

[stamfordhusky]

She pays her own way to Tampa. Too bad she cannot travel with the team. NCAA rules suck!!! Everybody at the NCAA makes money and the athletes are the only ones who don't get a dime.

NCAA rules are all voted on and passed by the member schools. If a majority of schools wanted to change this, it would change tomorrow.

 

[Huskies Rule]

My prediction is that Natalie will basically fill Kiah Stokes's role on next year's team. In approximately the same number of minutes, she will produce more points than Kiah, about the same number of rebounds, and far fewer blocks. The overall value of her contribution will be similar, i.e., very valuable.

In later years, her contributions could be greater (more like Stef's), assuming Geno does not recruit someone like Lauren Cox who will compete with her for minutes.

I hope that Natalie, using her own particular skill sets, can contribute as well as Kiah has. However, if UConn were fortunate enough to ever get a kid as incredibly talented as Lauren Cox, there would be absolutely NO competition for minutes because Stewie and Moriah would have graduated and there would be nobody on the team even close to Cox.

 

[rvwsleep]

I hope that Natalie, using her own particular skill sets, can contribute as well as Kiah has. However, if UConn were fortunate enough to ever get a kid as incredibly talented as Lauren Cox, there would be absolutely NO competition for minutes because Stewie and Moriah would have graduated and there would be nobody on the team even close to Cox.

No big close to Cox or "nobody on the team even close to Cox" ?

 

[Huskies Rule]

No big close to Cox or "nobody on the team even close to Cox" ?

Yes, really! I think Lauren Cox will develop into that once-in-a-generation type of player that Stewie is (though with very different skill sets). Cox's talents and 'motor' are pretty incredible, and whoaaa she's just a high school junior. She does it all, and in last July's FIBA U17 tournament I thought she was no doubt the best player on the court ( and that includes Salvadores and everyone else).

 

[rvwsleep]

Really! Call me crazy, but I think Lauren Cox will develop into that once-in-a-generation type of player that Stewie is (though with very different skillsets). Cox's talent and 'motor' are pretty incredible, and whoaaa she's just a high school junior.

I like Cox too but since you didn't answer my question directly ("Really" is a response but to what question ?) and you have given me the invitation, I'll say it, you're crazy.

 

[Huskies Rule]

I like Cox too but since you didn't answer my question directly ("Really" is a response but to what question ?) and you have given me the invitation, I'll say it, you're crazy.

I type very slowly. And I think you are WRONG- about Cox and about me.

 

[Waquoit]

Yes, really! I think Lauren Cox will develop into that once-in-a-generation type of player that Stewie is.

Aren't they in the same generation, Mr. Cox?

 

[Huskies Rule]

I type slowly, man. Really, as in no big close to Cox and nobody on the team close to Cox. JMO. One caveat- My perspicacity has been faulty since I got married.

We shall see, you guys. If she isn't playing in Storrs in a few, and I'm afraid she won't be, it'll be one we'll regret that got away. Just sayin'

Mr.Cox? hahaha. You wouldn't catch me living in Texas for anything.

 

[rvwsleep]

Yes, really! I think Lauren Cox will develop into that once-in-a-generation type of player that Stewie is (though with very different skill sets). Cox's talents and 'motor' are pretty incredible, and whoaaa she's just a high school junior. She does it all, and in last July's FIBA U17 tournament I thought she was no doubt the best player on the court ( and that includes Salvadores and everyone else).

I watched the FIBA U17 tournament and I thought that Cox was one of the 2 best on the USA side, along with Durr, in the Championship game. Did you have a chance to catch any of the earlier games in that tournament ? I did, there were games that you barely noticed if she was playing. In the entire tournament, Cox was 6th on the USA team in scoring at 7.1 points a game on 40% fg shooting. Here's a link to the stats for that competition.
" My perspicacity has been faulty since I got married". I apologize. I wasn't aware of your condition. Some people prosper under those conditions, while, to others, it proves fatal.

 

[rvwsleep]

Here's the missing link to the FIBA U17 games.

http://www.fiba.com/world/u17women/2014/playerstats

 

[Huskies Rule]

OK. I'm gonna say one last thing about this subject and then, like the raven, nevermore, my recreational vehicle friend, as I stealthily head into witness protection- (No death threats or hate mail, please) But if you told me UConn could only have one kid- Lou or Cox- I would choose Cox. Can someone please find my guide dog?

 

[uconnfan68]

I watched the FIBA U17 tournament and I thought that Cox was one of the 2 best on the USA side, along with Durr, in the Championship game. Did you have a chance to catch any of the earlier games in that tournament ? I did, there were games that you barely noticed if she was playing. In the entire tournament, Cox was 6th on the USA team in scoring at 7.1 points a game on 40% fg shooting. Here's a link to the stats for that competition.
" My perspicacity has been faulty since I got married". I apologize. I wasn't aware of your condition. Some people prosper under those conditions, while, to others, it proves fatal.

I suspect that tournament is like many others where the bigs just don't get to shoot. The game I saw she was spectacular... at both ends of the court.

 

[mikejays]

Loved that Natalie was on the court passing to her post teammates in this afternoon's practice at Amalie Arena. What I did not love was that she was wearing a boot on her right foot. I hope that it is not serious or a long term issue.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Even with the loss of Kalena, how good is this team going to be by the end of next year! And the depth.....

We're gonna really miss Kaleena next year. We won't know how much until November, just like this year with Stef and Bria. It will take some time getting used to not having her. I suspect early in the season, Mo will drive to the hoop attracting all the defenders then kick the ball out only to watch it bounce out of bounds with no Kaleena standing there to drain the open 3.

 

[Huskies Rule]

NO KML? OK, KLS.

 

[baggerbob]

Comparing anyone in High School to Stewie is a big reach, Dee, Maya, and Stewie are in a class by themselves. As Geno said they have the it factor, they thrive on the big stage.

 

[Barkin' Out]

Who's the second 6'4" player ?

Stewie and Stewie. She's everywhere!

 

[chrissaran]

Maybe you've all forgotten about Tina telling her mom she wanted to leave UConn, and how Geno thought she'd be an All-American player all four years. Maybe you forgot that Tina didn't become Tina until the tournament of her junior year. Natalie will do a lot better than Kiah as an overall player. I love Kiah's defense, but on offense she doesn't have the best hands. Too often she fumbles the ball when it's passed down low. For all the doubters, I can't wait till Natalie makes you eat your words. Go Huskies!

 

[Lurker]

Maybe you've all forgotten about Tina telling her mom she wanted to leave UConn, and how Geno thought she'd be an All-American player all four years. Maybe you forgot that Tina didn't become Tina until the tournament of her junior year. Natalie will do a lot better than Kiah as an overall player. I love Kiah's defense, but on offense she doesn't have the best hands. Too often she fumbles the ball when it's passed down low. For all the doubters, I can't wait till Natalie makes you eat your words. Go Huskies!

What?!? Tina becoming Tina during the tournament of her junior year?!? Are you forgetting that Tina graduated as the leader in both points and rebounds for UConn? You think she accomplished all those points and rebounds during the tournament of her junior year and during her senior year without being on that trajectory her first 2 years, and most of the 3rd year? She always was and still is an amazing athlete that stands out in a crowd of her peers. Yes she had a playful and fun side earlier on the court , and became much more intense her last 2 years, but she was always a big time contributor. I'm also not impressed that you have to boost up Natalie by demeaning Kiah - a little disrespectful in my view. No need for the zero sum approach of yours. And you are simply speculating about Natalie, though I certainly hope you are right.

 

[Waquoit]

This program coaches up bigs unlike no other. For me Exhibit A, is Kelly Schumacher. She killed Tennessee in the Big Dance. What made it so fun is that Schuie was a player that I'm pretty sure would have never made it off PHS' bench, in fact PHS would have probably run her off the team.

 

[hoophuskee]

Maybe you've all forgotten about Tina telling her mom she wanted to leave UConn, and how Geno thought she'd be an All-American player all four years. Maybe you forgot that Tina didn't become Tina until the tournament of her junior year. Natalie will do a lot better than Kiah as an overall player. I love Kiah's defense, but on offense she doesn't have the best hands. Too often she fumbles the ball when it's passed down low. For all the doubters, I can't wait till Natalie makes you eat your words. Go Huskies!

I couldn't disagree with this more. First off we have all been following Geno long enough and even Gail G said on tv that Geno- that he has been known to exaggerate. Worst low post players in America etc. I have forgotten but maybe some others here haven't- but how when he had projected something terrific from Cassie Kearns?

Secondly, I think sometimes a few UCONN fans forget that Tina was Honorable Mention A/A her freshman year and 3rd team all-american her sophomore year.

And I just have to say - the reason why I kind of post this -- is probably not you- but some may take your words to heart and if she doesn't live up to what I feel are unrealistic expectations - we'll read posts that will twist what most of the board felt (which imo is realistic) from Butler.

Anyhow the twist will be that she was going to be super-supreme greatest center ever etc and thus she is a disappointment if she is anything less. Not you -- but for some unknown reason we don't win a title or two etc when she is here-- mark my words if she isn't super-great -- you'll have posters looking to tear her down based on some initial un-realistic expectation. I could use a better word that "unrealistic" but you get the point.

 

[j66kicker]

I couldn't disagree with this more. First off we have all been following Geno long enough and even Gail G said on tv that Geno- that he has been known to exaggerate. Worst low post players in America etc. I have forgotten but maybe some others here haven't- but how when he had projected something terrific from Cassie Kearns?

Secondly, I think sometimes a few UCONN fans forget that Tina was Honorable Mention A/A her freshman year and 3rd team all-american her sophomore year.

And I just have to say - the reason why I kind of post this -- is probably not you- but some may take your words to heart and if she doesn't live up to what I feel are unrealistic expectations - we'll read posts that will twist what most of the board felt (which imo is realistic) from Butler.

Anyhow the twist will be that she was going to be super-supreme greatest center ever etc and thus she is a disappointment if she is anything less. Not you -- but for some unknown reason we don't win a title or two etc when she is here-- mark my words if she isn't super-great -- you'll have posters looking to tear her down based on some initial un-realistic expectation. I could use a better word that "unrealistic" but you get the point.

The bar is VERY high here. She knows that and she didn't hesitate to come here when she got the opportunity. I have VERY high expectations for NB, and don't expect them to be disappointed.