An insightful shout-out to Kia Nurse's defense

[Plebe]

In response to a tweeted question by LaChina Robinson about the most impressive performance in the WCBB season thus far, this was Andraya Carter, former Lady Vol and current SEC Network analyst:

 

[CocoHusky]

Always loved Draya because she played with heart. Note to TN but only for the benefit of Miss Carter: That graduate assistant that you were looking for to help Holly out.... Just sayin!

 

[HuskyNan]

But, but, but...Kia didn't score a lot against Stanford. I know she was tired from playing defense and all and there were the rebounds and steals and assists and stuff, but she was supposedly awful and terrible according to the pundits. I guess there's more to basketball than just scoring, huh?

 

[dtbtbtb]

Carter was one of my favorite Vol players. A great defensive player that reminded me of Farris in how hard she played

 

[CocoHusky]

But, but, but...Kia didn't score a lot against Stanford. I know she was tired from playing defense and all and there were the rebounds and steals and assists and stuff, but she was supposedly awful and terrible according to the pundits. I guess there's more to basketball than just scoring, huh?

 

[donalddoowop]

But, but, but...Kia didn't score a lot against Stanford. I know she was tired from playing defense and all and there were the rebounds and steals and assists and stuff, but she was supposedly awful and terrible according to the pundits. I guess there's more to basketball than just scoring, huh?

Not according to some on this board. The only way to have a good game is to score a lot of points. Based on that reasoning, Kia Stokes was a terrible player.

 

[VAMike23]

Andraya N. Carter Retweeted
Radius Athletics‏ @RadiusAthletics 2h2 hours ago
Replying to @AndrayaCarter



from last year

 

[HuskyNan]

Andraya N. Carter Retweeted
Radius Athletics‏ @RadiusAthletics 2h2 hours ago
Replying to @AndrayaCarter



from last year

That's some fine defense there. Really unappreciated stuff that doesn't show up in a box score but is extremely important to the team.

 

[Plebe]

That's some fine defense there. Really unappreciated stuff that doesn't show up in a box score but extremely important to the team.

Exactly, and that is Exhibit A of why Kia Nurse has been a fixture in the starting lineup since mid-November 2014, and why she doesn't get yanked just for missing some shots. Geno notices and appreciates defense.

 

[stwainfan]

I only wished her knees would have held up. I did like the way she played Hustle, effort.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I recall some comments on Kia when we recruited her--players HATED playing against her, because of the intense way she played defense. If anything, she's better now. Under-appreciated!

 

[augustaTC]

Exactly, and that is Exhibit A of why Kia Nurse has been a fixture in the starting lineup since mid-November 2014, and why she doesn't get yanked just for missing some shots. Geno notices and appreciates defense.

And, just in case no-one noticed, when the team needs her to score, she drains a bunch of shots. Kia does WHATEVER is needed.

 

[Boreifs]

Andraya N. Carter Retweeted
Radius Athletics‏ @RadiusAthletics 2h2 hours ago
Replying to @AndrayaCarter



from last year

Her defensive stance, positioning, arm angles and movement in this clip is perfect. This could be used in a clinic on how to play defense off the ball.

 

[CocoHusky]

Her defensive stance, positioning, arm angles and movement in this clip is perfect. This could be used in a clinic on how to play defense off the ball.

Besides the outstanding techniques it also illustrates a very hard point for coaches to get across to players: put your work in BEFORE your player gets the ball. I was watching OSU play Louisville the other night and not one single player on either team got this concept. Very player in that game gave up the catch and then became Chuck (fake Charlie) hustle after the offensive player already got the ball.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Besides the outstanding techniques it also illustrates a very hard point for coaches to get across to players: put your work in BEFORE your player gets the ball. I was watching OSU play Louisville the other night and not one single player on either team got this concept. Very player in that game gave up the catch and then became Chuck (fake Charlie) hustle after the offensive player already got the ball.

Moriah--the DPOY--was excellent at face-guarding. I think she guarded KMac into the locker room.

 

[HuskyNan]

Besides the outstanding techniques it also illustrates a very hard point for coaches to get across to players: put your work in BEFORE your player gets the ball. I was watching OSU play Louisville the other night and not one single player on either team got this concept. Very player in that game gave up the catch and then became Chuck (fake Charlie) hustle after the offensive player already got the ball.

Yep, it's better to guard the player than guard the ball. A player can't shoot if she can't get the ball.