Azura

[BroadwayVa]

Yes, it will be different, but if it is comparable in some way, I'm happy. I don't think anyone will average 20+, though Lou and Pheesa may be the most likely. But I think we will have 7 or more players hit 20 in a single game.

I was sneaky --i didn't say AVERAGE 20 points ---I said it COULD happen. If Geno's teaching session in South Carolina has any fact to it--then there is a high probability that Katie Lou COULD average above 20 point. The part of the Geno system that hurts many players is two fold--with more than 2 top shooters and as we've seen high game scorers seemed to rotate through the 5 starters--make NPOY harder, if not impossible.
I have to agree--everything, if we dig deep enough, is comparable. And there will be aspects of Colliers game that we see with Stevens game--no denying that.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I agree that we have 4 potential NPOYs, which is crazy. They may split the UConn vote, with Wilson then winning. I think both actualizing talent and how the offense and defense are structure will be keys. If plays are run for Lou, I like her chances. If Gabby is in the middle of everything, I like her chances. It should be a fun season. No more "rebuilding."

There isn't a thing about Gabby William I don't like--she is exceptional. For me to think she has a shot at NPOY-is beyond belief--she's a team player, does that which is asked of her. My gut says she'll play more of the guard this year--especially on defense--does she deserve it---certainly--but deserving in this world and getting is very different.
Still emotionally, i like what you have written on Gabby.

 

[MilfordHusky]

There isn't a thing about Gabby William I don't like--she is exceptional. For me to think she has a shot at NPOY-is beyond belief--she's a team player, does that which is asked of her. My gut says she'll play more of the guard this year--especially on defense--does she deserve it---certainly--but deserving in this world and getting is very different.
Still emotionally, i like what you have written on Gabby.

Gabby Williams is the only player I've seen who may play harder than Maya. Will being the ultimate team player help her or hurt her in the NPOY balloting? Watching her career has been so much fun. I LOVE her attitude and the way she has improved. I think she is the new prototype for WBB.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Gabby Williams is the only player I've seen who may play harder than Maya. Will being the ultimate team player help her or hurt her in the NPOY balloting? Watching her career has been so much fun. I LOVE her attitude and the way she has improved. I think she is the new prototype for WBB.

I agree with all except the last sentence---if you had said : she should be the prototype , I'd agree
But Gabby's uniqueness is pure Gabby, and RARE. To replicate Gabby--we'd need to put her parents on to starting a production line.

 

[CajunHusky]

We all expected a lot from Natalie when she arrived but for whatever reasons (I think her thumb injury has had a huge lasting impact on her play) she just did not work out with UConn.

Therefore I for one will withhold any annointments, transfers or freshmen, until I have seen them play with her UConn teammates.

 

[Icebear]

Does this team have the most talented players ever ?

So you are taking the leading scorer from last year who was unstoppable of offense in the lane and putting her on the bench.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Doris has a tendency to get "a little too far over her skis" at times.

I love it! Well said!

 

[donalddoowop]

Ms Stevens will NOT match Collier--nor shall she exceed her --she'll have a different season--blocks and rebounds and layups will increase/ Two different ladies with different heights and skill sets. Having 5 starters each with an excess of 20 points each---could happen.

IMO, no. It will never happen at Uconn. Too much bench talent to give the five starters opportunity to average 20 points or more each.

 

[Carnac]

Yes, it will be different, but if it is comparable in some way, I'm happy. I don't think anyone will average 20+, though Lou and Pheesa may be the most likely. But I think we will have 7 or more players hit 20 in a single game.

This may easily be the case because (we hope), many of their games will be over with about 4-5 minutes left in the 3rd quarter. Geno may pull most of the starters to get the 8 bench players some minutes. If this scenario happens, this will shorten the starters minutes thereby decreasing their probability of scoring 20+ points in any particular game.

We all know Geno does not place a premium on individual stats. I think he would care more about winning the game, and getting as many of his reserves in the game as possible, and seeing some individual as well as team growth in the process.

In games involving top 10 teams, the starters may have to stay in until late in the 4th quarter. In games against unranked and inferior opponents, the starters may come out a lot sooner. There's also the thought of giving the starters enough floor time to develop and "hone" their unit chemistry. This would be more the case early in the season, in November and December.

I don't believe Geno would sacrifice that over playing time for the reserves. Once the starters become a well oiled machine, then the old ball coach may feel at ease to substitute freely once the outcome of the game is no longer in question. For those of you that don't think chemistry is real or important.

I remind you of the time KML went down with a shoulder injury. She missed 12 games. Of course they replaced her with reserve players (Chong, Williams & Banks), but it was not the same. The chemistry was broken. I remember reading Stewie's reference to that dynamic after KLM's return.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I agree with all except the last sentence---if you had said : she should be the prototype , I'd agree
But Gabby's uniqueness is pure Gabby, and RARE. To replicate Gabby--we'd need to put her parents on to starting a production line.

I think what we'll see over the next few decades is that great athletes like Gabby, Maya, Diamond, and Courtney Williams will be much more common. I think Geno has said something to that effect. It may be a slow process, but it's the trend.

 

[TitleTown]

We all expected a lot from Natalie when she arrived but for whatever reasons (I think her thumb injury has had a huge lasting impact on her play) she just did not work out with UConn.

Therefore I for one will withhold any annointments, transfers or freshmen, until I have seen them play with her UConn teammates.

You are more than entitled to withhold your anointment of Stevens. However, there is a HUGE difference between coming from Georgetown and succeeding in the Big East and coming from Duke and succeeding in the ACC which is arguably the best conference in the country.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Crystal doesn't play defense very well, and that will keep her out of the starting lineup. She will never be like Moriah who worked on her defense, and was a pest even her freshman year. Remember face-guarding Skylar in the semi-final game.

Can I edit your post

Crystal hasn't played defense very well and if she doesn't improve that wil ...

Thanks

 

[HoopsFan21]

You are more than entitled to withhold your anointment of Stevens. However, there is a HUGE difference between coming from Georgetown and succeeding in the Big East and coming from Duke and succeeding in the ACC which is arguably the best conference in the country.

I think the SEC may have a case for best conference given that last year's final was all SEC.

 

[CocoHusky]

I remind you of the time KML went down with a shoulder injury. She missed 12 games. Of course they replaced her with reserve players (Chong, Williams & Banks), but it was not the same. The chemistry was broken. I remember reading Stewie's reference to that dynamic after KLM's return.

KML injured her elbow (nerve damage) not her shoulder. She missed 7 games, not 12. Of the 7 games KML missed, the first 2 @MD and @PSU were the only competitive games. There was no "broken chemistry" in KML's return to the lineup because both KML and UCONN were spectacular in her return, routing Duke in the process @ Duke. In her return @ Duke KLM did not start but managed to set a personal best (at the time) for 3 pointers made= 7. Morgan Tuck was also injured at this same time. Hard to conceive of chemistry issues with that team (might have been one of UCONN best EVER ) that was 40-0 and closest MOV was 11 points @ Baylor. The only players on that roster NOT to play in the WNBA are the two walkons ( Pulido & Lawlor) and Banks.

 

[hoophuskee]

We all expected a lot from Natalie when she arrived but for whatever reasons (I think her thumb injury has had a huge lasting impact on her play) she just did not work out with UConn.

Therefore I for one will withhold any annointments, transfers or freshmen, until I have seen them play with her UConn teammates.

Noo-- all of us "didn't." I think a lot of people were happy we got a big (including me) but there was a lot of conversation as how good is GTOWN. This is NOTHING NOTHING NOTHING similar. I can remember this site scrapping around to get more than a few minutes look at Natalie. Many of us have SEEN Stevens. HUGE HUGE HUGE difference than what you speak. If you want to hold back - that's your decision..

For those of us that have seen Stevens- we know there is no comparison to her and the Natalie subject you just brought up. You just prefer to be cautious. That's fine. Many of us aren't as cautious as you therefore we will be right from the start. But you're welcome to come aboard anytime you want my friend!!!

I have no doubt Geno is going to tear into her and nearly everyone else except the seniors. There's a movie I liked called Purgatory. The villain Black Jack Britton was with his gang in the town of Refuge an told his lead guy "I'm sick of being nice!" Geno isn't going to be nice like he was this year including Stevens. He won't tear into the seniors as much -- but you will see very strong play from Stevens - and if you don't

you're going to see Geno right behind her ready to kick her in the pants.

 

[HuskylnSC]

Some observations

1) Most BYers are too focused on who will start. It's an interesting discussion with many valid opinions now that we are in a time for speculation. For me the issue is who is going to be on the floor when the game is on the line. Who does Geno run the play to when he needs a basket

2) According to Geno the "point guard" is not a position on the floor but an attitude in the huddle. The player who steps up and tells everyone what is going to be run and who is going where. That person has been Kia to date.

 

[Bestiarius]

IMO, no. It will never happen at UConn. Too much bench talent to give the five starters opportunity to average 20 points or more each.

Okay then, eight players averaging 20 points. I see the first 5 guard offense on the horizon. It will drive the opposition crazy!

 

[Golden Husky]

Z will be a starter this season along with gabby, kls, nurse and Dangerfield with collier first off the bench.

That is bizarre, Bizarro.

 

[Golden Husky]

There seems to be an absolute conviction by some on this board that UConn must start a true pg or the Huskies will be doomed next year. I get where this is coming from. Mo was an extraordinary pg who had the ball in her hand most of the time on offense. But basketball is changing. The conventional 1-5 positions are passe. The best teams don't play with a true center or pg anymore. Everbody handles the ball, passes the ball and shoots the ball. Think of the Golden State Warriors. Steph Curry is not a true pg.

This past season, UConn had 5 players with over 100 assists, with the "center" leading the team. You can say that either Kia or Saniya was the pg of the team, but the truth is they were both combo guards who handled the ball like everyone else in the flow of the offense. UConn does not need a true pg. Z will start along with Gabby, Lou, Pheesa & Kia. Danger will get her minutes, particularly when Geno wants to speed up the game and break the other team's will.

Right on, Old Dude. There are no stats on this but I bet UConn dribbles the ball less than just about any team in the country. The UConn offensive system is built on movement, passing, screening and good shot selection.

 

[donalddoowop]

Okay then, eight players averaging 20 points. I see the first 5 guard offense on the horizon. It will drive the opposition crazy!

We had a five guard starting five here in St. Louis at Vashon high school one year. It drove the opposition crazy and they won the state championship.

 

[Drumguy]

Geno lured Azura to UConn by having Sue and DT take her for a ride to Wendy's.

And the Dairy Bar.

 

[mudcat]

KLS is not nearly as effective as Collier. When Collier sits, the team falls apart. No one accept Williams was very good in the loss to MS.

bizarro is a troll- He just makes outrageous statements to get you going (I fell for it the first few times too).

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I'm uh... I'm uh ... I .... where am I?

 

[BroadwayVa]

And the Dairy Bar.

Isn't that an NCAA violation?? I heard Sue gave Z life time passes to the Russian National Games in Puerto Rico, only if they happen on sunday afternoons between 2-pm and 7 pm and they must start on time __everyone know nothing in Puerto Rico starts on time.
I do miss the Dairy Bar .

 

[ricky]

bizarro is a troll- He just makes outrageous statements to get you going (I fell for it the first few times too).

Yep, got it. Thanks. I can't understand the time wasted doing that on a beautiful summer day.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'm uh... I'm uh ... I .... where am I?

That is not nice doing an impression of an afflicted person. Besides--you said it was a moment thing.

I'm uh... I'm uh ... I .... where am I?

Kidding aside--a number of years ago I was riding home on a small motorcycle--and was catapulted off and my helmet made a 40 ft long white mark on the road, I came down broke my shoulder, and had an 18 inch long hemotoma on my hip (blood blister). I'd be talking to friends /relatives and they told me--I'd go blank for 5 minutes or more--then continued the conversation as though nothing happened---the condition lasted over a month--no kidding--really happened---since I never knew it happened--maybe it still is--huh???-

 

[BroadwayVa]

Yep, got it. Thanks. I can't understand the time wasted doing that on a beautiful summer day.

I have a really difficult time posting with the sun so bright on this beautiful summer day---guess I'll go inside and enjoy the Ac

 

[bizarro aj]

Ask yourself this question, between collier and Z which one will dominate in the paint? Z has about a 6" longer wingspan then collier and Collier did not dominate in the paint against any team with a 6'4" or taller post last season. There's no doubt in my mind that Z will own the boards on offense and defense which the team lacked last season. Geno's goal every year is to win a NC and he will make changes to get it done since they fell short last season.

 

[Alydar]

Ask yourself this question, between collier and Z which one will dominate in the paint?

I don't think either will be a dominant inside player. Both will spend too much time outside to be considered dominant inside players, like say Brown. Stevens averaged about 9 boards/game in her 2 years at Duke so we know she can do it but while she may well lead the team in rebounds ownership will be shared with both Collins and Williams. And all three will be scoring both inside and outside.

 

[oldude]

I don't think either will be a dominant inside player. Both will spend too much time outside to be considered dominant inside players, like say Brown. Stevens averaged about 9 boards/game in her 2 years at Duke so we know she can do it but while she may well lead the team in rebounds ownership will be shared with both Collins and Williams. And all three will be scoring both inside and outside.

To your point, back in the old days before the NBA allowed zone defense or even double-teams, the Celtics would post up whichever one of 4 starters (Parrish, McHale, Byrd & Johnson) had the biggest mismatch. All 4 had great low-post moves, and they would wear out opposing teams until they were forced to make an adjustment, and then the Celtics would post up someone else.

While zone defenses and double-teams have always been legal in WBB, Geno will certainly look to exploit low-post mismatches. With Z and Pheesa likely guarded by opposing teams bigs, I would not be surprised if Gabby continues to spend much of her time in the paint on offense where she will dominate opposing W/G's.

UConn's mismatches in the low post may force some teams to pack everyone in the paint on defense, leaving Lou, Kia and others open 3-pt shots. Good luck with that strategy.

Is it time for the season to start yet?