Can Kayleigh Become A Consistent Double Figure Scorer Next Year? | The Boneyard

Can Kayleigh Become A Consistent Double Figure Scorer Next Year?

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First of all I want to put out there that I am a huge Kayleigh fan. She wears her heart on her sleeve, gives it her all, and we have recently found out that she does the same with her academics. Next year, I will keep track of a streak for her for most consecutive games diving on the floor. She is the type of player that will likely be haunted by the game against SC for the entire summer and that will be a very powerful motivating force.

I think the title of this thread poses an interesting question because the answer really depends upon what role she is called upon to play. If she remains solely as the back up point guard, you will probably see an improved year in scoring in 2026-2027, but not dramatically. If however she is called upon to be a scoring point, much the same as KC was in 2024-2025, I do think she can and will have a double digit average. I say this because she has all the weapons. She has a true pull up jumper, has a 3, can drive both left and right, can finish both left and right( was called on TV one of the best finishers in America more than once, a moniker I am not sure was deserved), is not afraid to mix it up, has speed, gets steals, and has good in the air moves, such as a double pump.

Having said that, to fulfill this new role, she needs to have a very productive summer. She needs to get stronger, shoot a ton of 3s so that she has full confidence and a faster release, get that pull up even more vertical, work on her left hand, and also work on that off balance jumper. I do believe she is capable of averaging 10-12 per game and if she does, that make us that much better as a team. She has flourished here in every way, so I fully expect her junior year to be her de facto sophomore leap year here because it is her second year. I for one can't wait to see what that looks like.
 
I agree that K9 has a lot of physical ability. Geno seemed to imply that his reluctance to recruit her out of HS was because of her temperament and her tendency to play out of control, but as a freshman at Southern Cal, she showed major progress on that.

I think 10-12 points per game is plausible if she gets starter's minutes, but she has an awfully difficult job to earn that many minutes given the other guards who will be on next year's roster. Without even considering Blanca and Morgan as guards (since I think they will be "wings" or "3's"), K9 still has to earn minutes in competition with KK, Ashlynn, Jovana, and Allie. Those are five very skilled players competing for 80 minutes per game, barring injuries or disappointments. For one player to get 25 to 30 of those minutes would only happen if she clearly demonstrates that she is a level above the other four in skills or productivity. I don't know that K9 is likely to be quite that good.
 
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KK averaged 30+ minutes a game and scored 8.9 a game

K9 only played about 16.9 minutes and averages 6.9 a game

Both of their rebounds/steals per game are similar....

Both play very good defense. KK a little better.

K9 is a better 3 point shooter, and drives to the basket better. KK can drive to the basket good but is sometimes limited in her moves.

So K9 can definitely hit double figures if she gets more minutes.

I see K9 moving to shooting guard which was Azzis spot. KK will always be the point. (She has started a lot over 4 years)

I am not factoring in any portal players.
 
Anything is possible. Alot just depends on how the offensive system is structured, the confidence of a player, and what the player (K9) does over the summer in terms of off-season development after their exit interviews with the coach/coaching staff in what they want the player to work on over the off season.
 
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Why not K9? Someone from the big guard group of KK, Ash, K9, Allie, Morgan & Kelis is going to have to step up as a scorer with more minutes next year.

We kind of know what the floor is with this group, but not what their ceiling is.

K9 showed a lot this year, especially in March. She could certainly be the one, and with KK&Ash now seniors, could have that starting point slot locked for the 27-28 season.
 
Some variables that might affect K9 scoring 10+ points per game in 2026-7 are out of her control.

Transfer Portal activity.
Improvements made by teammates.
Offensive and Defensive schemes.
Rotation based on match ups.
How games are officiated.
Injuries.
etc.


Sarah is the POY. A "big 2 or 3" might not be needed. 4 or 5 players averaging 10+ points might do the trick.

2001-02 UConn championship team :

Min​
PPG​
Swin
27.8​
14.9​
DT
29.0​
14.5​
Bird
29.9​
14.4​
Asjha
24.6​
14.0​
Tamika
21.9​
10.1​
Moore
18.4​
5.4​
Battle
16.7​
5.4​
Conlon
17.7​
4.1​
Morgan
12.9​
3.6​
Ashley
8.4​
2.9​
Marron
3.9​
1.3​
 
Theoretically it is possible. Practically, it would probably mean taking twice as many shots. Kayleigh’s fg% was .539 on 5 shots/game in 19 minutes. Unless her minutes go way up, I have a hard time seeing her get 10 shots up on average.

Of course, Azzi’s 14 shots/game and 29 mins/game have to go somewhere. But I expect them to be divided mainly between Sarah and Blanca, especially since Blanca only took 8 shots/game, and whatever post player steps up. Will it be Olivia, or Jana or Ice or even Gandy? A lot depends on whether Geno decides to go with a taller lineup next season.

Also, whether Morgan is available. With Morgan, small ball could look like three 6’2” players plus two guards, and the big lineup like 6’4” + three 6’2” players and one guard. If Kayleigh is one of the guards in both lineups she may have a chance at getting 10 shots.
 
Some variables that might affect K9 scoring 10+ points per game in 2026-7 are out of her control.

Transfer Portal activity.
Improvements made by teammates.
Offensive and Defensive schemes.
Rotation based on match ups.
How games are officiated.
Injuries.
etc.


Sarah is the POY. A "big 2 or 3" might not be needed. 4 or 5 players averaging 10+ points might do the trick.

2001-02 UConn championship team :

Min​
PPG​
Swin
27.8​
14.9​
DT
29.0​
14.5​
Bird
29.9​
14.4​
Asjha
24.6​
14.0​
Tamika
21.9​
10.1​
Moore
18.4​
5.4​
Battle
16.7​
5.4​
Conlon
17.7​
4.1​
Morgan
12.9​
3.6​
Ashley
8.4​
2.9​
Marron
3.9​
1.3​
I would add another variable: How GENO describes to K9 what
"role" to play next year. If he focuses on PG and Defensive duties and makes
no issues about how many points she scores.... then K9 is not
going to worry about being a "CONSISTENT DOUBLE FIGURE SCORER".
I envision NEXT YEAR 2027-2028 as being a different situation.
 
.-.
KK averaged 30+ minutes a game and scored 8.9 a game

K9 only played about 16.9 minutes and averages 6.9 a game

Both of their rebounds/steals per game are similar....

Both play very good defense. KK a little better.

K9 is a better 3 point shooter, and drives to the basket better. KK can drive to the basket good but is sometimes limited in her moves.

So K9 can definitely hit double figures if she gets more minutes.

I see K9 moving to shooting guard which was Azzis spot. KK will always be the point. (She has started a lot over 4 years)

I am not factoring in any portal players.
In reality, K9 is not a very good shooter. Shooting guard will be out of the question, so she should stay as the PG, and whether she starts or not will depend on working on her 3 point and mid range jumpers. I love K9, but KK will start because of familiarity and loyalty. KK too must work on her shooting, as averaging 10 points a game should be the minimum for a starting player. K9 is an important piece of the NC puzzle, but Geno is the puzzle master and only he can decide what is best for the team.
 
KK averaged 30+ minutes a game and scored 8.9 a game

K9 only played about 16.9 minutes and averages 6.9 a game

Both of their rebounds/steals per game are similar....

Both play very good defense. KK a little better.

K9 is a better 3 point shooter, and drives to the basket better. KK can drive to the basket good but is sometimes limited in her moves.

So K9 can definitely hit double figures if she gets more minutes.

I see K9 moving to shooting guard which was Azzis spot. KK will always be the point. (She has started a lot over 4 years)

I am not factoring in any portal players.
I like K9 moving to the 2 but she has to transform into a scorer, both by mentality and by skill set, which just needs to be developed. I think she can do it. I do not expect any guards from the portal. I expect 1 or 2 bigs.
 
IF we saw the best K9 has to give the Huskies, that is fine. In addition to being a major contributor, her physical, high energy play excites the team. Suspect that she will improve relative to confidence. Whether UConn is able to recruit more consistent shooters or better, KK like, defenders will be out of her control.
 
In reality, K9 is not a very good shooter. Shooting guard will be out of the question, so she should stay as the PG, and whether she starts or not will depend on working on her 3 point and mid range jumpers. I love K9, but KK will start because of familiarity and loyalty. KK too must work on her shooting, as averaging 10 points a game should be the minimum for a starting player. K9 is an important piece of the NC puzzle, but Geno is the puzzle master and only he can decide what is best for the team.
Disagree. K9 shot 53.9% overall and 38.3% from three. Admittedly, she didn't put up an enormous volume of shots, but she certainly shot well enough to determine that calling her "not a very good shooter" is unsupported by the evidence.
 
I have a feeling Geno is going to pick up two portal players. One will be that girl from Stanford. Tennessee lost like 8 players to the portal including that incoming freshmen who was the number 2 overall player.
 
Disagree. K9 shot 53.9% overall and 38.3% from three. Admittedly, she didn't put up an enormous volume of shots, but she certainly shot well enough to determine that calling her "not a very good shooter" is unsupported by the evidence.
K-9 also meets the eye and scrappy test that adds up to more points than show up in the box score. He tenacity on defense against the top teams are well known. She can drive and finish with the best. She already is among the best point guards in women's basketball, knows our system well and plays full out when on the floor. She is a true package of intangibles. If KK can improve her scoring, we have the very best duo and one transfer that more than met her goals.
 
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No list of stats, it was a simple question. Yes, she can, the real question is will she? She is much more likely to than KK.
 
I have a feeling Geno is going to pick up two portal players. One will be that girl from Stanford. Tennessee lost like 8 players to the portal including that incoming freshmen who was the number 2 overall player.
Which Player from Stanford? Somfai has committed to TCU.
 
I have a feeling Geno is going to pick up two portal players. One will be that girl from Stanford. Tennessee lost like 8 players to the portal including that incoming freshmen who was the number 2 overall player.
NOW AS MANY AS THREE! See recent UCONN announcements.
 
.-.
Some variables that might affect K9 scoring 10+ points per game in 2026-7 are out of her control.

Transfer Portal activity.
Improvements made by teammates.
Offensive and Defensive schemes.
Rotation based on match ups.
How games are officiated.
Injuries.
etc.


Sarah is the POY. A "big 2 or 3" might not be needed. 4 or 5 players averaging 10+ points might do the trick.

2001-02 UConn championship team :

Min​
PPG​
Swin
27.8​
14.9​
DT
29.0​
14.5​
Bird
29.9​
14.4​
Asjha
24.6​
14.0​
Tamika
21.9​
10.1​
Moore
18.4​
5.4​
Battle
16.7​
5.4​
Conlon
17.7​
4.1​
Morgan
12.9​
3.6​
Ashley
8.4​
2.9​
Marron
3.9​
1.3​
If this is a case for saying a bunch of roll players will answer the need, I don't think this is a very good case. 3 of those players are in the HoF, 4 won olympic gold. And then there's Tamika - the NCAA career field goal % leader.

This is a better example of 5 stars sharing the ball for a common goal.

The way that NIL and rev share has introduced a talent arms race, any serious NC contender needs to stockpile 5 and 4 star talent.
 
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If this is a case for saying a bunch of roll players will answer the need, I don't think this is a very good case. 3 of those players are in the HoF, 4 won olympic gold. And then there's Tamika - the NCAA career field goal % leader.

This is a better example of 5 stars sharing the ball for a common goal.

Sharing is caring. 😉 UConn WBB is known for sharing the ball every season.

UConn WBB has never won a national championship with an individual player scoring 20+ points per game during the season. Paige was very close with 19.9 ppg in 2024-5 season. Stewie had 2 seasons averaging 19.4.

2001-02 players were not remotely close to being elected to any hall of fame during their 39-0 season. No one in 2002 would have predicted 6 gold medals for DT, 5 for Bird, and Swin in the HOF.


EDIT : Pardon this detour. Now back to "Can Kayleigh become a Consistent double figure scorer next year"
 
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Sharing is caring. 😉 UConn is know for sharing the ball every season.

UConn WBB has never won a national championship with an individual player scoring 20+ points per game during the season. Paige was very close with 19.9 ppg in 2024-5 season. Stewie had 2 seasons averaging 19.4.

2001-02 players were not remotely close to being elected to any hall of fame during their 39-0 season. No one in 2002 would have predicted 6 gold medals for DT, 5 for Bird, and Swin in the HOF.
I'm fully aware that UConn shares the ball, leads the nation in assists every year, and the kids sacrifice their personal stats for a common goal.

I never said players scoring 20+ppg is a requirement to win.

While I understand those '02 players didn't have the accolades at the time, we did know that the team was STACKED. Like, we were shocked they lost to ND in '01, and we knew '02 would be a revenge tour to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. So, I'm confused on how the '02 team stats support your argument. Are you saying the 26-27 roster as currently constructed is also stacked and we just need to let them blossom?
 
I really like playing two PG's together, but 5'9" and 5'9" is a small starting lineup at the guard spots.

I really like playing two PG's together, but 5'9" and 5'9" is a small starting lineup at the guard spots.
Some of the top guards in women’s D1 basketball:

Hannah Hidalgo 5’ 6”
Rori Harmon 5’ 6”
Jaloni Cambridge 5’ 7”
Raven Johnson 5’ 9”
Aaliyah Chavez 5’ 9”
Kymora Johnson 5’ 7”
Shay Ciezki 5’ 8”
Sayvia Sellers 5’ 7”
Taliah Scott 5’ 9”
Zamareya Jones 5’ 7”
Ta’Niya Latson 5’ 8”

South Caroline: Johnson and Latson. Talent usually trumps height. If Geno chooses to go with KK and K9 together, we’ll be okay.
 
I'm fully aware that UConn shares the ball, leads the nation in assists every year, and the kids sacrifice their personal stats for a common goal.

I never said players scoring 20+ppg is a requirement to win. ###

While I understand those '02 players didn't have the accolades at the time, we did know that the team was STACKED. Like, we were shocked they lost to ND in '01, and we knew '02 would be a revenge tour to reclaim what was rightfully theirs. So, I'm confused on how the '02 team stats support your argument. Are you saying the 26-27 roster as currently constructed is also stacked +++ and we just need to let them blossom?

### I never claimed or insinuated that you did.
+++ No.
 
Jovana Popovic has the potential to cut into K9’s and the other guards playing time and their associated scoring.
I only see Jovana as a PG, but I see Kayleigh on the floor also as a shooting guard.
 
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