Carolyn Ducharme an upgrade at No.33?

[msf22b]

Comparing her to other wonderful players who happened too wear he same number is silly.

Surly is worried that we not go head over heals as we did with Christyn after Notre Dame and he has a point.

But Caroline is her own type of player, not a kind we seen much of lately, aggressive, opportunistic. a lunch box type; DeBusschere, even Bird...not one who wows you with her athleticism (Geno) but someone who gets the job done hanging around under the hoop, boxing out, and at range.

I suspect that a player with a game like that will not be a one-off wonder, rather a constant presence.
A huge help for Paige and Azzi as the natural wing. Focus on the shooters too much, she slips, silently to the hoop.

Aside from the number on her back , I can't see much alike in any of their games of the folks mentioned

Except possibly, that as the season progresses...she developes into a winner.

 

[Bald Husky]

What impressed me at the game was that Caroline did most of her work in the fourth quarter. Remember, the fourth quarter when EW and CW seem to fade? Caroline played 40 minutes, but saved the best for last when nobody else could make a shot. She saved us from another SC and GT meltdown. When Paige and Azzi come back Caroline will not fade to the back as was posted previously, but she will be of equal stature with her driving ability as well as her 3 pt shot. Do not forget, Caroline beat Azzi in the Slam 3 pt contest last year. Azzi may turn out to be the better 3 pt threat in the long run, but Carolines' overall game will be harder to defend than Azzis.

 

[LwrcasefaN]

I agree that Caroline Ducharme looked outstanding against Louisville - great handle, high IQ, terrific rebounder, great engine, and one or two outstanding cuts to the basket. I just kept asking myself: is there any Squeaks does better even though she's three years older? On the court yesterday, I did not see it. Then again, I felt the exact same way when Squeaks singlehandedly lit up Notre Dame as a frosh. And I don't know I've seen such a complete performance from her since.

It's hard to remember frosh Lou but the Lou I remember was still a better and more reliable 3 point shooter and was stronger on boxing out and defending under the basket. In that sense, I think Caroline Ducharme will have a slightly different role as more of a jack of all trades. But man, was she fun to watch!

As a freshman, Lou wasn't driving or doing a lot of ball handling. In a short period of time...Ducharme figured out how she could get playing time and separate herself from other guards...which was to be willing to come off the 3 point line and drive. This team really needed more people to drive and force defenses to rotate. Her length also separates her.

 

[sun]

Azzi may turn out to be the better 3 pt threat in the long run, but Carolines' overall game will be harder to defend than Azzis.

Now Caroline & Azzi remind me of Mantle & Maris.

 

[CocoHusky]

Talk about soooo inaccurate. So by season's end she was starting in front of Stewie, Phee, Gabby and Morgan? She played behind the fifth player not these players. She could never displace any of these player.

That’s not what I wrote.

 

[tchalla1]

I don't understand the need to applaud one player at the expense of another. 2 completely different players on 2 completely different teams. Lou had Stewie, Tuck, Jefferson, Chong, Willliams, Nurse and Collier on the team. I don't recall if all were healthy, but that's way more fire power than what we have now.

Westbrook, Williams, ONO, Juhasz, and Edwards. In the L'ville game Geno played one player off the bench (well Deberry got 3 minutes), and none of our starters (who have been her at least 3 years) scored over 10 points. Only the 2 newbies did.

So Caroline stepped up because she needed to. If Jefferson, Tuck, Stewie, and Nurse consistently stunk up the joint, I'm sure KLS and Napheesa would have been needed to do a lot more than they did. But it's apples/oranges.

Exactly, different teams, different circumstances---the comparisons just don't work that well. As Coco pointed out, the talent level on the KLS team was immensely higher--that was a star-laden team. As good as she's shown, Caroline as a freshman would have probably only gotten scant playing time on that KLS team. But she does have all the tools to be an AA. I just hope now that Caroline has been "discovered", (as several of us have pointed out, she was no secret or a surprise) that too much expectation is not placed upon her. She still is a freshman in her first 10+ games.....

 

[tchalla1]

It is really great that we are seeing he emergence of CD as a bonfide asset to the Team. Remember, we would not have seen this explosion of talent had not Paige, Nika, Azzi, and Aubrey been taken out for injuries. Until we start seeing Azzi Fudd score 5 three's per game and play defense, is she going to start over Carolyn? When does any quality player get a real chance to demonstrate their strengths, when everyone else is dead?

Very good questions that you asked--imo, Azzi and Caroline will not be competing for any starting role--they both will be supplanting current starters for play minutes and prime time minutes...

 

[tchalla1]

Absolutely spot on. Although I shouldn’t be surprised, I find it perplexing how people turn a glimpse into speculation, then into prognostication. KLS is a member of the 2,000 point club in UConn basketball lore. As CocoHusky stated, give her props, but let Ducharme’s career happen first. We all recall Christyn Williams game against ND in her freshman year. How has that trajectory turned out?

I seriously doubt that Ducharme will be the first option when you have a healthy Bueckers and Fudd on the floor. Ducharme has tremendous potential, but there are many facets of her game that she can improve on.

Well if I were CD, I'd be a bit embarrassed being compared to one of UConn's all-time greats, a 3-time All-American, twice first team AA, and the fifth all-time scorer in UConn history. Wow. What daunting expectation for someone who's only played 9 collegiate games.... But I'm going to add to the hoopla and say that she is indeed a "can't miss" player--but I've been saying this all along--even when she stumbled a bit in her first few games... And if Geno had not become Captain Hook once more and let her play a little longer, chances are we would have gotten glimpses of CD's stardom even earlier...

 

[MrRick]

Too early to tell. CD definitely has better moves.

 

[Cuango]

Talk about soooo inaccurate. So by season's end she was starting in front of Stewie, Phee, Gabby and Morgan? She played behind the fifth player not these players. She could never displace any of these player.

SMH I’m not sure why so many posters are so insistent that after two or three games a player has to be better than a UConn great? I happen to believe that Caroline is going to be a “wall” player for us but to say (after one outstanding game) that she is better than Lou is simply a bridge to far.

CocoHusky was not saying Lou was better than those other players merely pointing out that she was a very good player on a team made up of good players. The point being, once again, that it is way too early to start saying that Caroline is better (or even equal) to Lou.

 

[tchalla1]

I agree that Caroline Ducharme looked outstanding against Louisville - great handle, high IQ, terrific rebounder, great engine, and one or two outstanding cuts to the basket. I just kept asking myself: is there any Squeaks does better even though she's three years older? On the court yesterday, I did not see it. Then again, I felt the exact same way when Squeaks singlehandedly lit up Notre Dame as a frosh. And I don't know I've seen such a complete performance from her since.

It's hard to remember frosh Lou but the Lou I remember was still a better and more reliable 3 point shooter and was stronger on boxing out and defending under the basket. In that sense, I think Caroline Ducharme will have a slightly different role as more of a jack of all trades. But man, was she fun to watch!

Ah yes, and as Geno has often pointed out, when you're the 4th option (as CW was behind Pheesa, KLS, and Meg-- three AA's BTW) in the ND game, the defense kind of loses you--you get the 4th best defender, and it's a lot easier than when you are the focal point of a defense like CW is without Paige and Azzi..

 

[Cuango]

And if the current rash of injuries had not happened Geno would never know how good she is. At this time in his coaching career Geno coaches like a very tight poker player. Next year he will have to play these underclassmen and win the NCAA. These seniors have more than plateaued.

He would never know? He’s been telling us for weeks that she is good!

 

[hard2please]

on a team with a history of so many legendary players, we can barely wait to anoint the next one (of recent memory, cw against notre dame comes to mind) lets let the players greatness materialize by her own schedule in the course of a career.

 

[tchalla1]

What impressed me at the game was that Caroline did most of her work in the fourth quarter. Remember, the fourth quarter when EW and CW seem to fade? Caroline played 40 minutes, but saved the best for last when nobody else could make a shot. She saved us from another SC and GT meltdown. When Paige and Azzi come back Caroline will not fade to the back as was posted previously, but she will be of equal stature with her driving ability as well as her 3 pt shot. Do not forget, Caroline beat Azzi in the Slam 3 pt contest last year. Azzi may turn out to be the better 3 pt threat in the long run, but Carolines' overall game will be harder to defend than Azzis.

Good points made--I agree, it was impressive to see a freshman have that much composure in the 4th Q. As to the Slam 3-point contest, let's remember that Azzi was in a boot when she competed and actually made more 3-pointers than CD... They will certainly compliment the other's game, Azzi and CD... Can't wait to see them play with Paige, that will be one dynamic trio...

 

[Jim]

I think Caroline had a great game and her future looks bright. That said, I think you also have to be careful extrapolating from a single game played by a freshman. Opponents don't yet have much game film of the freshman playing against D1-level competition, and might not have a good scouting report on the newcomers. When they don't plan for them, freshmen can have a big game early in their careers which might become more difficult to do once do opponents plan accordingly.

I think part of the problem lately with Evina and CW scoring is that there is a lot of film of them and they haven't developed anything new to counter the opponents' game plans for them.

 

[oldhusky]

I think the fact we are making comparisons to KLS is a very good sign. I see many similarities, but a few areas where Caroline might have an advantage. Her release might be a little quicker, and her HS highlights show very deep range way beyond the 3pt line. She also looks to be better at fakeing the three and then driving, and might be a better shot blocker and rebounder.

KLS was a good passer, and I think Caroline will be good too, but I might give the edge there to Katie Lou, and another plus for her was she made very few mistakes, not many turnovers or fouls. That is where Caroline needs to get better and probably will.

 

[Zorro]

Comparisons ae odious!!

 

[eebmg]

I think Caroline had a great game and her future looks bright. That said, I think you also have to be careful extrapolating from a single game played by a freshman. Opponents don't yet have much game film of the freshman playing against D1-level competition, and might not have a good scouting report on the newcomers. When they don't plan for them, freshmen can have a big game early in their careers which might become more difficult to do once do opponents plan accordingly.

I think part of the problem lately with Evina and CW scoring is that there is a lot of film of them and they haven't developed anything new to counter the opponents' game plans for them.

I would say Caroline has played well in 3 of the most important games, ND, UCLA and Louisville under big lights. I see a trend.

 

[SVCBeercats]

He would never know? He’s been telling us for weeks that she is good!

Running ones mouth is not the same as having ganas to play the player for extended minutes.

 

[ABCDFE]

What impressed me at the game was that Caroline did most of her work in the fourth quarter. Remember, the fourth quarter when EW and CW seem to fade? Caroline played 40 minutes, but saved the best for last when nobody else could make a shot. She saved us from another SC and GT meltdown. When Paige and Azzi come back Caroline will not fade to the back as was posted previously, but she will be of equal stature with her driving ability as well as her 3 pt shot. Do not forget, Caroline beat Azzi in the Slam 3 pt contest last year. Azzi may turn out to be the better 3 pt threat in the long run, but Carolines' overall game will be harder to defend than Azzis.

Let’s be clear. She beat Azzi with a boot on her foot. And she beat her barely. But regardless Caroline is a player.

 

[DICKG]

Seeing a tall UCONN player with the number 33 and long range shooting has to bring KLS immediately to mind. And recognizing the very small sample, I have seen Charmer show a significantly greater skill set than Lou at the same stage. Lou basically was fixed just beyond the arc as a frosh. She didn't rebound, drive or make great passes. She had a very potent long range shot and not much else. Caroline Ducharme opened my eyes with her down court dribbling, including behind the back, against L'ville. I don't recall Lou ever having such ball handling skills. This of course on top of the obvious ability to score from anywhere on the floor, to rebound at both ends and some nifty passing to boot.

I think we have a permanent starter and potential star in number 33.

When the teams gets completely healthy, do you really think Geno will start her? Geno does not change.

 

[Purchase1]

Not sure to say upgrade yet! But comparing freshman seasons they’re being asked to do two different things up to this point. I will say that CD is a better defender when comparing the freshman seasons of both.

 

[Vowelguy]

Ducharme has played, let’s see, 3 games? Yes by all means let’s compare her already with a 4 year star.

Has Covid fatigue just made everyone lose their minds?

 

[browns]

Comparing Caroline with KLS is just plain silly..I would like to see her develop and become what Haley Jones is with Stanford..they have basically the same height 6'1"-6'2" and I see a lot of the same traits as Jones.

 

[donalddoowop]

Ducharme has played, let’s see, 3 games? Yes by all means let’s compare her already with a 4 year star.

Has Covid fatigue just made everyone lose their minds?

And how do they compare after their first three freshman games? Is the comparison to a four- year star or a three-game played freshman?

 

[The deacon]

Comparing Caroline with KLS is just plain silly..I would like to see her develop and become what Haley Jones is with Stanford..they have basically the same height 6'1"-6'2" and I see a lot of the same traits as Jones.

Comparing Caroline at this stage to what KLS became is rushing things, but comparing her to what Katie Lou was at a comparable stage isn't silly to me.

I would note you're venturing into another pretty lofty echelon comparing her to Haley Jones, the reigning Final Four MOP! I don't disagree with that comparison, either, and agree some of what she brings to the Cardinal might be what Caroline could bring to UConn (plus likely a better shooting touch). I consider Haley one of the handful of best all-around players in the nation. Caroline is a player, and as one poster said above, she'll hopefully evolve into a Caroline Ducharme we're all proud of and are darned happy is one of our Huskies.

 

[Bald Husky]

Good points made--I agree, it was impressive to see a freshman have that much composure in the 4th Q. As to the Slam 3-point contest, let's remember that Azzi was in a boot when she competed and actually made more 3-pointers than CD... They will certainly compliment the other's game, Azzi and CD... Can't wait to see them play with Paige, that will be one dynamic trio...

Actually, regarding the Slam contest, Caroline is the one who made more shots. Azzi made more "bonus" balls, thus tying the score on points. Caroline was declared the winner by making more shots, regardless of what they were worth.

 

[jabstep]

When Paige went down I started a thread of who would step up and I stated that Caroline was my choice. I got blasted by Jordy because he read my statement wrong as I did not say she would be the new point guard. I said she would be the only one who I could see who would pick up the scoring load. She is used to scoring and cherishes it. She is bigger that any of the other guards and her court awareness such as rebounding, cutting and passing make her head and shoulders that most of the starters. She will continue to start no matter who gets better.

 

[Vancat]

I think part of the problem lately with Evina and CW scoring is that there is a lot of film of them and they haven't developed anything new to counter the opponents' game plans for them.

Right. CD was still a 'secret weapon'. Not secret any more, I'm guessing.

 

[tchalla1]

Actually, regarding the Slam contest, Caroline is the one who made more shots. Azzi made more "bonus" balls, thus tying the score on points. Caroline was declared the winner by making more shots, regardless of what they were worth.

OK, perhaps you're right, however, you do see the rather large boot on her left leg, right?