Caroline Ducharme making strong first impression

[Aluminny69]

Ducharme ≠ Poffenbarger

I don't know what this is a response to, but I was wondering what are the similarities and differences in their games. This question is for anybody. Can you see them both in the same lineup?

 

[Waquoit]

You think she's a superstar? I hope you're right but I think this is the same thing that happened with Saylor last year. I'd bet you but frankly I think we only care that they win.

I think one player's situation has nothing to do with another. I think Ducharme has all the tools, mentally and physically. She doesn't need to be babied. If she goes almost anywhere else she's starting the first game and never sitting unless she's in foul trouble. I think her 3 point shooting will get her on the court for starters. She'll build her college game from there.

 

[Bama fan]

I Assume this post toastie was a parody to improve u r payin attestation. Duh.

As Thumper's father said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all." What pleasure do you get from mocking someone publicly? Small people say small things and all.

 

[Waquoit]

As Thumper's father said, "If you can't say something nice, don't say nothin' at all."

The other fatherly school of thought:

 

[Bama fan]

The other fatherly school of thought:

View attachment 68497

Sounds more like my father for sure.

 

[HuskylnSC]

I Assume this post toastie was a parody to improve u r payin attestation. Duh.

speak kindly please

 

[donalddoowop]

The poster you are mocking is a young UConn fan in France, for whom English is a second language (at best). I guarantee your image from that exchange is suffering worse than hers.

Just wondering. How do you know this person is a female and that she is in France, by her avatar? I guess that makes sense. As for Caroline, when this season's recruits were first talked about, aside from Fudd, Poffenbarger and DeBerry were the most talked about and most prized. Ducharme seemed to be just a throw in who was a friend of the others. Not much seemed to be expected of her. Evidently that is not the case.

 

[ScottCT]

Just wondering. How do you know this person is a female and that she is in France, by her avatar? I guess that makes sense. As for Caroline, when this season's recruits were first talked about, aside from Fudd, Poffenbarger and DeBerry were the most talked about and most prized. Ducharme seemed to be just a throw in who was a friend of the others. Not much seemed to be expected of her. Evidently that is not the case.

She introduced herself when she first started posting here.

 

[hoophuskee]

Ducharme ≠ Poffenbarger

Ducharme not equal to a superstar.

 

[hoophuskee]

I think one player's situation has nothing to do with another. I think Ducharme has all the tools, mentally and physically. She doesn't need to be babied. If she goes almost anywhere else she's starting the first game and never sitting unless she's in foul trouble. I think her 3 point shooting will get her on the court for starters. She'll build her college game from there.

The two situations have a lot of similarities because of fans expectations. That's the point of Saylor and the point of Ducharme. I hope you're right but I can't recall one number 6 type of UCONN recruit that was a superstar in their frosh year. Why this one? Because Geno threw out a few lines during the summer? So those few sentences in a summer league we take to the bank for the entire year?

I had a chance to watch one of her summer game go against Patterson and she couldn't hit. She had the same type of problems I would expect from a young player. Not consistent and bothered by another's athleticism. It's only 1 game can't take it to the bank but that's exactly the the type of player I'd expect for nearly any freshman ranked around 6 whom I would say doesn't have elite athleticism.

But more importantly, who is she going to beat out? Definitely not Paige, Azzi or CWill, right? So you're saying she is going to beat out Nika? Or Evina? Or both? I can't imagine Nika not getting a decent amount of minutes because of her elite passing. So unless she can't shoot she is going to get time. And certainly with Evina's experience, she is going to get time. She's a WNBA prospect. As is Dorka. If Dorka shows she's capable this means less minutes for Evina at the PF and more at the 1-3. .

So in big games unless UCONN is going to win comfortably, who is she going to beat out?

It's not one thing from above but t's the accumulation of 3 with mostly - who is going to sit for her minutes when UCONN is already great at the combo of 1-3 positions- if their 5 of Paige, Azzi, Evina, CWill, and Nika are healthy?

I hope you're right she is a superstar as a frosh. But last year many were calling Saylor a sharp shooter - and she wasn't. Though injury probably had a ton to do with it. It's just that next year I don't want Ducharme to be "the next thing" that this past year Saylor supposedly was but it should never have been either.
Ducharme shouldn't be "the thing" next year if she doesn't breeak into the lineup in big games this year either.

 

[Waquoit]

The two situations have a lot of similarities because of fans expectations....
Ducharme shouldn't be "the thing" next year if she doesn't breeak into the lineup in big games this year either.

So what you are basically saying is not only shouldn't Ducharme play this year, she shouldn't play next year either. And you say this based on another player, who was injured, getting off to a rough start. I'm sorry I just can't reach you.

ADD: I hope you're right she is a superstar as a frosh. And for the record, I never said this or anything close to this. I hate when people quote you incorrectly, then comment on their own misquote. It's bad faith.

 

[EricSD]

It remains to be seen how good CD can be. If you look at her play in a vacuum, she looks little like an elite hoops player - a bit gawky and awkward. Then you watch her in actual games - she's good at everything, and great at scoring.

Superstar? Those are terms generally reserved for Dee, Sue, Tina, Maya, Stewie, Paige, and probably Azzi. But really really good? I think she can be every bit as good as Phee or Lou were in college. Will she be? No idea. But IMHO she has the potential.

BTW - you won't be able to judge any of the players not named Azzi and Paige based on scoring/assists, etc. This team is so loaded with talent that it's doubtful anyone eclipses 20 PPG average. So I don't think it's a question of her breaking into the lineup in a big way as a freshman. But I have no idea how Geno will distribute the minutes this season. A problem I'm not sure he's ever had before - almost too much talent.

 

[MooseJaw]

I don't know what this is a response to, but I was wondering what are the similarities and differences in their games. This question is for anybody. Can you see them both in the same lineup?

They both have a lot of the same traits and abilities. With the talent on UCONN I think with a healthy rooster it is very unlikely that both would be on the court at the same time with the game on the line. We will soon be able to find out in more detail how similar or different their games are and how Geno feels if they are a 1. 2. or 3 position player.

 

[Papa33]

BTW - you won't be able to judge any of the players not named Azzi and Paige based on scoring/assists, etc. This team is so loaded with talent that it's doubtful anyone eclipses 20 PPG average. So I don't think it's a question of her breaking into the lineup in a big way as a freshman. But I have no idea how Geno will distribute the minutes this season. A problem I'm not sure he's ever had before - almost too much talent.

Now there is a refreshing statement. For my tastes, there are too many assertions predicting exactly who will start, who will play X number of minutes and take away playing time from which teammates. And such certainties too often based on brief video snippets from high-school games against so-so competition, or highly speculative opinions about the progress they will make in the months and seasons ahead. Entertaining, yes. Informative, not much.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

It remains to be seen how good CD can be. If you look at her play in a vacuum, she looks little like an elite hoops player - a bit gawky and awkward. Then you watch her in actual games - she's good at everything, and great at scoring.

Superstar? Those are terms generally reserved for Dee, Sue, Tina, Maya, Stewie, Paige, and probably Azzi. But really really good? I think she can be every bit as good as Phee or Lou were in college. Will she be? No idea. But IMHO she has the potential.

BTW - you won't be able to judge any of the players not named Azzi and Paige based on scoring/assists, etc. This team is so loaded with talent that it's doubtful anyone eclipses 20 PPG average. So I don't think it's a question of her breaking into the lineup in a big way as a freshman. But I have no idea how Geno will distribute the minutes this season. A problem I'm not sure he's ever had before - almost too much talent.

I think both Paige and Azzi will be just above 20 ppg: 20.2 and 20.1, with CW around 15 ppg, with Dorka at 11.2 ppg, and AE at 10.4 ppg, all others will be single digit averages unless the team AVERAGES >100 ppg. I'm thinking 92.73 ppg...

 

[PvP]

The poster you are mocking is a young UConn fan in France, for whom English is a second language (at best). I guarantee your image from that exchange is suffering worse than hers.

Apparently you are unfamiliar with the English word parody. It doesn't imply derision and apparently the young Parisienne took no offense as, unlike you, none was intended.

 

[CocoHusky]

I think both Paige and Azzi will be just above 20 ppg: 20.2 and 20.1, with CW around 15 ppg, with Dorka at 11.2 ppg, and AE at 10.4 ppg, all others will be single digit averages unless the team AVERAGES >100 ppg. I'm thinking 92.73 ppg...

Has the NCAA (Men or Women) ever had a pair of teammates each average more than 20 PPG in the same season?

 

[CL82]

Ducharme not equal to a superstar.

Like you, I have no idea, but being the fifth ranked prospect out of high school certainly speaks well for her.

For what it’s worth, Caroline is an excellent three point shooter, beating Azzi in a recent three point shooting contest. (Of course Azzi was in a boot at the time, but all the other contestants were not.)

I think Caroline is going to find some time this year as instant offense for UConn. My big concern for her is can she play defense against more mature D1 college players. That and the fact that this is an incredibly deep team may limit her minutes, but I have no doubt that she will contribute at Connecticut.

 

[CocoHusky]

The two situations have a lot of similarities because of fans expectations. That's the point of Saylor and the point of Ducharme. I hope you're right but I can't recall one number 6 type of UCONN recruit that was a superstar in their frosh year. Why this one? Because Geno threw out a few lines during the summer? So those few sentences in a summer league we take to the bank for the entire year?

I had a chance to watch one of her summer game go against Patterson and she couldn't hit. She had the same type of problems I would expect from a young player. Not consistent and bothered by another's athleticism. It's only 1 game can't take it to the bank but that's exactly the the type of player I'd expect for nearly any freshman ranked around 6 whom I would say doesn't have elite athleticism.

But more importantly, who is she going to beat out? Definitely not Paige, Azzi or CWill, right? So you're saying she is going to beat out Nika? Or Evina? Or both? I can't imagine Nika not getting a decent amount of minutes because of her elite passing. So unless she can't shoot she is going to get time. And certainly with Evina's experience, she is going to get time. She's a WNBA prospect. As is Dorka. If Dorka shows she's capable this means less minutes for Evina at the PF and more at the 1-3. .

So in big games unless UCONN is going to win comfortably, who is she going to beat out?

It's not one thing from above but t's the accumulation of 3 with mostly - who is going to sit for her minutes when UCONN is already great at the combo of 1-3 positions- if their 5 of Paige, Azzi, Evina, CWill, and Nika are healthy?

I hope you're right she is a superstar as a frosh. But last year many were calling Saylor a sharp shooter - and she wasn't. Though injury probably had a ton to do with it. It's just that next year I don't want Ducharme to be "the next thing" that this past year Saylor supposedly was but it should never have been either.
Ducharme shouldn't be "the thing" next year if she doesn't breeak into the lineup in big games this year either.

Not a single poster Including you called Saylor a sharpshooter last year.

This is part of what you wrote:
" Anna and CWill were regarded as good shooters or even better - along with Evina who is pretty good- and now we consider them "worst Geno has ever had" as Geno puts it. Now These other college players are no longer someone UCONN can rely on but a H/S player who has been out of hoop for a long time is going to step in and be a super shooter for an elite WCBB program? And I'll just reiterate again I did not read she (Saylor) was sharpshooter. She was very good but not a sharpshooter. Maybe what I read is wrong. We'll see. If my skepticism proves unfounded then she may play right away in some big games but I think as me and few others have said – imo we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves in our expectation for her. But hey if she is awesome then do it!!!! "

 

[Zanzman]

Just cause she didn’t tell you were rude doesn’t mean you weren’t

 

[Zanzman]

Has the NCAA (Men or Women) ever had a pair of teammates each average more than 20 PPG in the same season?

Didn’t kls and Napheesa do it in 16-17 their sophomore year?

 

[Alydar]

Has the NCAA (Men or Women) ever had a pair of teammates each average more than 20 PPG in the same season?

2017 - Collier & Samuelson.

Surprised you never noticed that.

 

[hoophuskee]

Not a single poster Including you called Saylor a sharpshooter last year.

This is part of what you wrote:
" Anna and CWill were regarded as good shooters or even better - along with Evina who is pretty good- and now we consider them "worst Geno has ever had" as Geno puts it. Now These other college players are no longer someone UCONN can rely on but a H/S player who has been out of hoop for a long time is going to step in and be a super shooter for an elite WCBB program? And I'll just reiterate again I did not read she (Saylor) was sharpshooter. She was very good but not a sharpshooter. Maybe what I read is wrong. We'll see. If my skepticism proves unfounded then she may play right away in some big games but I think as me and few others have said – imo we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves in our expectation for her. But hey if she is awesome then do it!!!! "

I think they did. I think that is the EXACT reason why so many wanted her to see action. To further that- why would so many want to to put her in the rotation once she got on board and once she got her feet wet for a little bit if she wasn't one hecukuva shooter?

To think some didn't call her sharpshooter or meant it - I think very slim when even hoopgurlz when they say about her they say - "deep 3 point range offensive attack." How is it possible that no one said "sharpshooter" or derived it? To further their comment of hoopgurlz they make a phrase to paraphrase "delivering beyond the arc?" You don't think ANYONE would think she was? This type of definition from hoopgurlz and quite a few people wanting to see her in there right away - you think the word "sharpshooter" wasn't used OR meant to be used? IS that what you are picking at me on? My point was quoite a few figured she'd have a realistic shot and I never thought that. So just as there is hype now with Caroline there was hype before with Saylor. She didn't deliver "beyond the arc" which was the point why some wanted to give her a shot, right?

As for me--I'm the denier. Why would you think I would think she is a sharpshooter last year when I've said on this thread and in the past that she won't play? SO why did you bring up what I was saying form way back when the point of my posts were to disagree with those that thought she had a shot to some degree?

And tell me-- if those that felt she was available option to get time- and if she wasn't even a sharpshooter- then they were wrong to believe she could be with nay realistic chance, correct?

So again I ask-- who is Caroline going to beat out this year from Paige, Azzi, CWill, Evina and Nika? I am just asking -- who? That's all. I can see her playing if we open up a lead but if it's nip-tuck- who? OFC this team may crush teams outside the top or so this year unlike the past several. If that happens more time for several bench players.

 

[CL82]

So again I ask-- who is Caroline going to beat out this year from Paige, Azzi, CWill, Evina and Nika? I am just asking -- who?

Why does she have to "beat out" any of them to materially contribute to the team? You realize the starting five don't each play 40 minutes, right?

 

[MdStang]

I think they did. I think that is the EXACT reason why so many wanted her to see action. To further that- why would so many want to to put her in the rotation once she got on board and once she got her feet wet for a little bit if she wasn't one hecukuva shooter?

To think some didn't call her sharpshooter or meant it - I think very slim when even hoopgurlz when they say about her they say - "deep 3 point range offensive attack." How is it possible that no one said "sharpshooter" or derived it? To further their comment of hoopgurlz they make a phrase to paraphrase "delivering beyond the arc?" You don't think ANYONE would think she was? This type of definition from hoopgurlz and quite a few people wanting to see her in there right away - you think the word "sharpshooter" wasn't used OR meant to be used? IS that what you are picking at me on? My point was quoite a few figured she'd have a realistic shot and I never thought that. So just as there is hype now with Caroline there was hype before with Saylor. She didn't deliver "beyond the arc" which was the point why some wanted to give her a shot, right?

As for me--I'm the denier. Why would you think I would think she is a sharpshooter last year when I've said on this thread and in the past that she won't play? SO why did you bring up what I was saying form way back when the point of my posts were to disagree with those that thought she had a shot to some degree?

And tell me-- if those that felt she was available option to get time- and if she wasn't even a sharpshooter- then they were wrong to believe she could be with nay realistic chance, correct?

So again I ask-- who is Caroline going to beat out this year from Paige, Azzi, CWill, Evina and Nika? I am just asking -- who? That's all. I can see her playing if we open up a lead but if it's nip-tuck- who? OFC this team may crush teams outside the top or so this year unlike the past several. If that happens more time for several bench players.

Geno recruited Caroline (and Saylor) for their versatility - to plug them in at the 2 - 4 positions, mostly shooting guard and small forward. I am willing to bet Caroline subs in for Azzi and CW most of the time. Caroline is not a PG so she is not competing with Paige, Nika or Evina, but she could spell any of them as well if there is still a PG on the floor when she subs in.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I think both Paige and Azzi will be just above 20 ppg: 20.2 and 20.1, with CW around 15 ppg, with Dorka at 11.2 ppg, and AE at 10.4 ppg, all others will be single digit averages unless the team AVERAGES >100 ppg. I'm thinking 92.73 ppg...

I knew you were Carnac in disquise.

 

[hoophuskee]

So what you are basically saying is not only shouldn't Ducharme play this year, she shouldn't play next year either. And you say this based on another player, who was injured, getting off to a rough start. I'm sorry I just can't reach you.

ADD: I hope you're right she is a superstar as a frosh. And for the record, I never said this or anything close to this. I hate when people quote you incorrectly, then comment on their own misquote. It's bad faith.

Where did you pick up that I said/or projected that based on my prior comments that she shouldn't play next year? Becuase if we are going to talk about next year then the 2 /3 possibly three players I referred that are ahead of her at least two will be gone and they are backcourt players; CWill and Evina. They are gone next year. CD is in perfect position next year. CD will have the soph jump to boot. But - please I'm not being accusatory - but where did you deduce the underlined from?

As far as the superstar comment. I'll PM you.

 

[Rb335]

I think Ducharme's biggest asset is her outside shot, something that wasn't our strong suit as a team last season. Geno seems to talk positively about incoming freshman when he needs to build their confidence because they offer something that fills a team need. That is how I interpret this. Our team is very deep and experienced. With the addition of Fudd, we will have another very strong presence from the perimeter. I see Ducharme as a nice role player getting about 8 mpg, with the green light to shoot from deep. At some point in her career, I think she will be a big part of the rotation. But this year, PB, NM, , CW, EW, ONO, DJ, and AE are probably all before her. That doesn't even mention Griffin.

 

[hoophuskee]

Why does she have to "beat out" any of them to materially contribute to the team? You realize the starting five don't each play 40 minutes, right?

I feel CD is a wing.

In big games-- based on what Paige and Azzi are projected- they would get about 35 minutes right? And CWill will get about 30, right? Even if things are little off with one - but overall these are UCONN's probable three premiere players and you could see the 3 overall average 99-100 minutes, right (and what happens if I count Evina in this mix?)? Between these 3 premiere players they get 100 of 120 minutes between the 1-3 positions. That leaves 20 minutes at the 1-3 positions between Evina, and Nika (and CD). I can't see all 3 splitting these 20 minutes this early in in projecting preseason to season..

At these 1-3 positions in big games, where do you see CD getting more than just smidgen minutes? Evina's minutes at the PF are probably going to go down- so that means she will play more minutes at the 1-3. If she moves to the pg then that means Paige or CW go to the SF. To maximize the offense on this team - wouldn't Geno want to keep two of his premiere 3 in the game at all times in the big games?

And how much is Evina going to play at PG if she isn't "defending the PF spot?" But now that we have Dorka- - how many minutes will Evina have to defend the PF spot? She's a WNBA prospect - she is going to play and at least as of right now not sparing minutes. The more Evina's minutes are taken away at "defending" the PF spot- the more the 1-3 positions become more exceedingly loaded.

I don't see how CD can break into "this monster" at the 1-3 positions as a frosh in big games unless injuries come about. - It's this year only. But its a monster.

 

[Stymie]

It remains to be seen how good CD can be. If you look at her play in a vacuum, she looks little like an elite hoops player - a bit gawky and awkward. Then you watch her in actual games - she's good at everything, and great at scoring.

Superstar? Those are terms generally reserved for Dee, Sue, Tina, Maya, Stewie, Paige, and probably Azzi. But really really good? I think she can be every bit as good as Phee or Lou were in college. Will she be? No idea. But IMHO she has the potential.

BTW - you won't be able to judge any of the players not named Azzi and Paige based on scoring/assists, etc. This team is so loaded with talent that it's doubtful anyone eclipses 20 PPG average. So I don't think it's a question of her breaking into the lineup in a big way as a freshman. But I have no idea how Geno will distribute the minutes this season. A problem I'm not sure he's ever had an before - almost too much talent.

Maybe the players will have a little more left in the tank after the sweet 16 if Coach doesn’t feel the need to win Big East games by 40-50 points.
Play ‘em all and spread the minutes.
Try and keep some legs fresh; players healed and healthy.