Are You Psyched?

[RockyMTblue2]

I am, because we will not be the favorites to win it all, and that's okay. We are taking in a class of three and I know lots of you see only one member of that class. Suspect you are wrong, but I do think Crystal may be the starting PG by mid-January. Kyla Irwin is going to be challenged like never before, but this kid impresses me so much with her ambidextrous skills around the basket and super understanding of the glass, and oh yes, she has the midrange and 3 going pretty well too. Molly is the least known of the 3 because everything on her pretty much disappeared of YouTube the second she committed. Still a mystery to me. I suspect she's a Sue Bird in the making; would that be neat or what?

Here's a mix tape on Kyla I hadn't seen before.

This one on Crystal has been out there for a while. She seems so very mature.

Molly's YouTube? Alas!

 

[CocoHusky]

Definitely psyched!
Molly is number 10 in Red, The PG. This is the best I can do .

 

[JoePgh]

It's always interesting to speculate on what the new faces will turn out to produce, but really, UConn's success or failure next year will not depend too much on them. That is a good thing. In the years when freshman contributions were critical (e.g., Stef and Bria's freshman year, or Maya's freshman year, or Tina's), UConn did not do so well. (That is, they did not win an NC.)

Much more critical for next year is how the familiar faces develop. Will Saniya be able to defend on the perimeter? Will Kia discipline her tendency to crash the net like the hockey player she would probably rather be? Will Lou be able to play like a big player, especially on defense, rather than as a 6-3 guard? Will Natalie prove to be mobile enough that Geno doesn't have to play zone whenever she is in the game? Will Napheesa develop a reliable jump shot even from 17-20 feet, if not from 3-point range? Will Gabby become a reasonable facsimile of Baylor's Nina Davis, able to play in the front court on offense at her height?

All of those questions are more critical to UConn's eventual success than anything related to the new freshmen.

 

[UcMiami]

It's always interesting to speculate on what the new faces will turn out to produce, but really, UConn's success or failure next year will not depend too much on them. That is a good thing. In the years when freshman contributions were critical (e.g., Stef and Bria's freshman year, or Maya's freshman year, or Tina's), UConn did not do so well. (That is, they did not win an NC.)

Much more critical for next year is how the familiar faces develop. Will Saniya be able to defend on the perimeter? Will Kia discipline her tendency to crash the net like the hockey player she would probably rather be? Will Lou be able to play like a big player, especially on defense, rather than as a 6-3 guard? Will Natalie prove to be mobile enough that Geno doesn't have to play zone whenever she is in the game? Will Napheesa develop a reliable jump shot even from 17-20 feet, if not from 3-point range? Will Gabby become a reasonable facsimile of Baylor's Nina Davis, able to play in the front court on offense at her height?

All of those questions are more critical to UConn's eventual success than anything related to the new freshmen.

I tend to agree except for the fact that so much talent walked out the door and two of the best players are sophomores - the team needs help at guard and in the paint to replaces the three AAs so what we get from the freshman will have a huge impact on the team results.

And 1995 (Sales), 2003 (Strother, Turner, and Crockett) and of course 2013 all depended on freshman contributions to reach the promise land.

 

[bags27]

Both Kyla and Molly are really, really tough kids of high character. Kyla's been coached by both her parents; Molly has a special need family situation for which she's really stepped up. They will be really quick learners, which means that they may make it all the way through the month of September before finding themselves (temporarily) in Geno's doghouse.

 

[Wally East]

they may make it all the way through the month of September before finding themselves (temporarily) in Geno's doghouse.

Considering practice doesn't start until mid-October, that's pretty pessimistic

 

[CocoHusky]

Speaking of the in coming freshmen, I lost the bubble on this, what numbers will they be wearing. I think I remember Molly getting permission to wear Sue #10. Kyla? Crystal?

 

[cbraarj]

I think Crystal will wear No.5 and for Kyla No.25 I think.

 

[cbraarj]

I have a feeling Crystal will be the starting pg from the beginning. A very confident young lady and I cant wait to see her play.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I'm eager to see how each of these young women turn out. I sort of take Crystal Dangerfield (The Shard of Crystal) as given. Molly is the one I can't wait to see. I'm excited in part because of all the good things Geno has said about her.

 

[HoopsFan21]

I have a feeling Crystal will be the starting pg from the beginning. A very confident young lady and I cant wait to see her play.

Do you really think Crystal Dangerfield will start? We just lost one of the best point guards ever, and even she didn't start her freshman year. I'll be using Mo as my guard measuring stick for many years to come.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Do you really think Crystal Dangerfield will start? We just lost one of the best point guards ever, and even she didn't start her freshman year. I'll be using Mo as my guard measuring stick for many years to come.

I agree that Mo was one of the best ever and is in the conversation with Sue. However, she was a little out of control as a frosh. More importantly, we had Caroline, who had led the team to a national title, and Bria to play PG. There was no need to rush Moriah into the starting lineup. This year may be similar if Kia and/or Saniya can play the PG. Or maybe Crystal is the best option. As good as Moriah was coming out of high school, Crystal seems to be similar. She's generally ranked #3 in her class, behind 2 players who are 9-10" taller. I don't know what her learning curve will be, but I expect it to be a little shorter than Moriah's.

 

[msf22b]

I agree that Mo was one of the best ever and is in the conversation with Sue. However, she was a little out of control as a frosh. More importantly, we had Caroline, who had led the team to a national title, and Bria to play PG. There was no need to rush Moriah into the starting lineup. This year may be similar if Kia and/or Saniya can play the PG. Or maybe Crystal is the best option. As good as Moriah was coming out of high school, Crystal seems to be similar. She's generally ranked #3 in her class, behind 2 players who are 9-10" taller. I don't know what her learning curve will be, but I expect it to be a little shorter than Moriah's.

I've commented many times on the timing of Moriah's learning curb (to a great deal of distain on numerous boards) but let's alter the perspective.

If the veteran, returning group seemingly require reenforcement at an early date; is it possible that the staff can be confident enough in the progress of Crystal or Molly to play either of them or both in key situations?

They did with Bria...didn't with Mo.

And let's not forget our gifted Canadian Olympian, ready to have an awesome year.

 

[HoopsFan21]

I've commented many times on the timing of Moriah's learning curb (to a great deal of distain on numerous boards) but let's alter the perspective.

If the veteran, returning group seemingly require reenforcement at an early date; is it possible that the staff can be confident enough in the progress of Crystal or Molly to play either of them or both in key situations?

They did with Bria...didn't with Mo.

And let's not forget our gifted Canadian Olympian, ready to have an awesome year.

Not just our gifted Canadian Olympian, but also the Gabulous One who I expect will be one of the team leaders!

 

[cbraarj]

Do you really think Crystal Dangerfield will start? We just lost one of the best point guards ever, and even she didn't start her freshman year. I'll be using Mo as my guard measuring stick for many years to come.

Yes I do expext Crystal to start and to be a leader right away. Moriah mentored Kia and she will do the same for Dangerfield. IMO the coaching staff is tired of waiting for Saniya.

 

[Tonyc]

I expect experienced players to start and our freshman to see action based on their work ethic at practice. Dont forget many of our early season games are against top teams. We can not take chances in those games as our inexperienced underclassman will be learning. As good as last seasons freshman class was they still made mistakes and were pulled. This season will be no different.

 

[EricLA]

I just want to point out that IMHO, fans should temper expectations. If you believe that Molly and Kyla are going to be incredibly hard workers with a great attitude and great teammates, then I think that will be a wonderful success story for them and no one will be disappointed. But if you expect them to be like (fill in the blank - Bird light, Faris, or McLaren, etc...) I'd just like to point out that players like Buck were in the top 20, Engeln was ranked by 2 services at 30 and 43, Ekmark was as high as 8. These are all kids who were ranked much higher, but who never really got off the bench except for blowouts or the last 4 minutes of a game.

I'm not trying to downplay the enthusiasm for the trio of wonderful scholar-athletes that we have coming in, but a youtube mix-tape that looks great does not predicate a high level of basketball acumen at UCONN. Of course I'm not saying they won't be big "surprises". But more often than not, the mid level kids that high end schools like UCONN land end up being no more than role players. Frankly, if either of them has a career like Megan Gardler, I'll be thrilled.

I hope they have an amazing journey at UCONN, but realistically, I believe there's a reason Geno recruited 3 guards from 2017 and Camara to go along with Stevens right on the heels of landing Kyla and Molly...

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I just want to point out that IMHO, fans should temper expectations. If you believe that Molly and Kyla are going to be incredibly hard workers with a great attitude and great teammates, then I think that will be a wonderful success story for them and no one will be disappointed. But if you expect them to be like (fill in the blank - Bird light, Faris, or McLaren, etc...) I'd just like to point out that players like Buck were in the top 20, Engeln was ranked by 2 services at 30 and 43, Ekmark was as high as 8. These are all kids who were ranked much higher, but who never really got off the bench except for blowouts or the last 4 minutes of a game.

I'm not trying to downplay the enthusiasm for the trio of wonderful scholar-athletes that we have coming in, but a youtube mix-tape that looks great does not predicate a high level of basketball acumen at UCONN. Of course I'm not saying they won't be big "surprises". But more often than not, the mid level kids that high end schools like UCONN land end up being no more than role players. Frankly, if either of them has a career like Megan Gardler, I'll be thrilled.

I hope they have an amazing journey at UCONN, but realistically, I believe there's a reason Geno recruited 3 guards from 2017 and Camara to go along with Stevens right on the heels of landing Kyla and Molly...

Thanks for trying to kill my enthusiasm, but it is not rooted in rosy expectations of phenomenal performances by our rookies. It has to do with new faces and how we will over analyse their every appearance and the fact that we actually will attend and watch games not knowing the likely outcome. This and another year for our already splendidly killing it sophs and juniors. So, eric, aka stats killjoy ,you gotta try again.

 

[itsasport]

This is going to be a very interesting year because usually UConn is either considered a championship level team or not.

This year, most do not; however, if certain things go right, they have a shot at another championship. One powerful advantage is the motivation they have to prove the naysayers wrong.And the team has a lot of talent.

Last year, the Seniors were the center ring and everyone else contributed to the extent required. But all the other coaches recognized that UConn had 5 great players, not 3, on the court at all times. If you ignored any of the, they would destroy you,

Lou, Gabby and Kia, were championship level talent last year and they will be better, probably musch better thes year because of Uconn coaching and because they will be canter stage .

Collier 's injury reduced her presence last year. But in the only game that was close in the NCAA's last year, against Texas, she and Lou,at the end of the first half,put the game away on both sides of the court.

So, UConn has three and a half of the six or seven players they need for another shot at a trophy.

The most important player is Collier. The practice video seemes to indicate that she recovered will from the surgery and was practicing shots out to the 3-point range. She could, and probsbly will be a nightmare for other teams and the fourth championship-level player.

The next important is Butler. She will not have to be great. There are very few legitimate 6'-5'' centers. She has demonstrated good skills uder the basket, a ten foot jump shot and enough speed
to get down the court. She just has to stay healthy. In her case, to be good is good enough.

 

[bags27]

Collier 's injury reduced her presence last year. But in the only game that was close in the NCAA's last year, against Texas, she and Lou,at the end of the first half,put the game away on both sides of the court.

The most important player is Collier. The practice video seemes to indicate that she recovered will from the surgery and was practicing shots out to the 3-point range. She could, and probsbly will be a nightmare for other teams and the fourth championship-level player.

The next important is Butler. She will not have to be great. There are very few legitimate 6'-5'' centers. She has demonstrated good skills uder the basket, a ten foot jump shot and enough speed
to get down the court. She just has to stay healthy. In her case, to be good is good enough.

Excellent thoughts!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

So, UConn has three and a half of the six or seven players they need for another shot at a trophy.

Many say Geno only needs 5. Of course, most teams, including top 20, have less than 5. Sorta kills me the best talking heads tend to forget that. Witnesseth: After Katie Lou went down with the broken foot in the Oregon game our two prattlers were commiserating about UConn being skinny, not deep, thin .... 'Course, they were trying to boost ratings for the next slaughter, that being Syracuse who arguably had 2. What Syracuse had was enthusiasm and a legend of athletes with mediocre skills that shook up everyone but UConn. But I digress, 3 1/2 is way better than most.

 

[Rixxx]

I can't wait to see Collier healthy! I can't wait!!!

 

[UcMiami]

I think the biggest issue is not talent but leadership - Uconn in 2004-5 had a lot of talent including 3 starters with 2 straight NC returning and replacements that had 2+ NCs already, but without the leadership of the two seniors Maria and DT, the results were not as good as the 'talent' might have suggested. This 2016 is pretty similar except the talent and 'starters' that left the building this past spring was even greater than what left in 2004. It is going to be a hard slog this coming year. And I am looking forward to watching every minute.

Thanks for trying to kill my enthusiasm, but it is not rooted in rosy expectations of phenomenal performances by our rookies. It has to do with new faces and how we will over analyse their every appearance and the fact that we actually will attend and watch games not knowing the likely outcome. This and another year for our already splendidly killing it sophs and juniors. So, eric, aka stats killjoy ,you gotta try again.

I agree with that completely! It will be a fascinating journey of discovery and I am Psyched!

 

[bags27]

I think the biggest thing to learn about UConn is how it defends the paint and sweep the boards. Absolutely, Gabby and Napheesa can snatch bounding shots with the best of them. Kia and Lou are tough as nails and will do what they can. But we need to have bodies that can bang and clear space underneath for the short rebound. Natalie and Kyla are going to have to come up big here.