Charli Collier to UCONN!!!!!

[CBear01]

Azura is not that sturdy

Let's hope they have her bulking up in the weight room this redshirt year, muscle up for 2017-18

 

[Charliebball]

You may be on to somethimg.

​

After her UConn visit I was convinced that it was just a matter of time before CW signed on the dotted line..........however in the past months CW has widened her interest in other programs........UConn may still be the front runner but based on what I've seen from her social media, she is still looking...........having AAU team mate LG and friend Charli Collier in Storrs is certainly a positive but still not a sure thing from my observations..............

 

[Tonyc]

Next season I like Stevens and Lou out front as shot blockers. Another big underneath. Butler Camara or just Lou up top and Stevens down low on defense on offense we have Lou and Stevens who can shoot from almost anywhere. This will be an unbeatable team a team that could only loose by beating themselves. Then comes 2018 class lead by Collier. Wowszer. For some it will be boring with all the blowouts for other fans it will be pure happiness. For me it will be Be u tit ful basketball and many more NCs. Then only question will be when will UConn lose??????? Hold on to your seats this is gonna be another unbelievable ride. Where are we going....To the Top....To the Very Top....

 

[TitleTown]

False. Freshmen & Sophmore Stewie hardly had to guard in the post because she had the low post law firm of Dolson, Tuck, & Stokes. Junior & Senior Stewie had built up a significant amount of upper and lower body strength so that physicality and post defense was actually a strength of her game. Azura would have been a junior this year. Azura is two inches taller than Stewie and maybe I'm wrong but based on body type I don't the the same ability to add muscle mass to Azura's frame.

Who cares about Freshman and Sophomore years? We are talking about next year. Stevens is taller, stronger, and bigger right now than Stewie ever was!

 

[hoophuskee]

Whats Maya got to do with this? How many minutes did Napheesa spend guarding the post last year? Natalie is getting more minutes in the post than Napheesa because of the other skills she brings to the starting lineup. The best option for starting is not the same as the best option for defending the post. Being able to defend the post has everything to do with how you are built. For example KLS is two inches taller than Napheesa Collier, why isn't KLS guarding the post? Banging is not overrated it just is. The better you are built the more banging you can tolerate. Injuries like banging also happens stronger and sturdier you are the more injuries you can stand. Azura is not that sturdy, or maybe like Batouly you have not seen her either?

Maya wasn't a post and easily played pf didn't she? Her body "wasn't built to be a pf," was it? That's why I brought up Maya.

And why are you talking about Collier last year when you see what she is doing this year?

Noo - Natalie is NOT getting more minutes in the post than Collier. Natalie has been benched a bit too which is part of "the minutes." And just look at the game vs Baylor. In the 4th quarter Baylor was narrowing the gap, we brought back in Collier (even at the risk of fouling out) for the end, and we didn't put Gabby on the bench either. Heck Baylor went with their two bigs. It was Butler that went to the bench vs Baylor while Collier and Gabby fended off the big Baylor frontline. Then once Collier came in, the lead gradually was pushed back out. The game was deciding those last 7 minutes by Collier and Gabby. We don't win without Butler's contribution but there is a reason why Butler will rarely see teh end of a tight game. A player like Collier is better. Their posts have to guard Collier too which is why Stevens will play a lot inside. They won't be able to guard her.

The best option for winning is playing your best players as long as they don't get overwhelmed.

Being able to defend the post has "some to do with how you are built" but as we've seen with someone like Natalie she can't respond well to quickness. Anyone with quick feet around the post and Natalie mightily struggles. There is more to post players than juts the big player's from Baylor that don't move that well.

Banging can be overrated when one has superior talent and decides not to use that talent in favor of size of a much less talented but more of a banger-type player in which you can win without much use of the banger. This season has shown that.

Lou doesn't guard the post because she is soft at the moment and not as strong. Two points on this- let's see Lou average 9.6 rebounds per game. like Stevens did while our team is successful. And secondly, again why was 6'1 Maya able to guard the post? She wasn't wide. She wasn't a banger. She used her quickness. One of the greatest NBA defenders in the post was Dennis Rodman. He was 6'7. His body wasn't built to be a rebounder. He was thin, And if was all about size then why didn't South Carolina or Duke crush us the last two years? Why couldn't Baylor this year?

I haven't seen Stevens much don't really remember and paid little attention to her in the past but everything I hear - the combination of several things -- for example a link someone provided in which Debbie Antonelli raved about her and her toughness or physicality or referenced she was a good rebounder implying she was tough, the stats showing 9.6 rebounds per game and the blocked shots, several posters also agreeing that she belongs inside defensively, the other points I made which you disagree with me on which I firmly think I'm right (don't get upset with me - we just are having a difference of opinion here- I mean no malice in my reply to you- you and I agree with many issues of yours - a LOT lately so in this case we just disagree ,), so overall I "know" (i.e my opinion) I'm right .

Other points to include I could have put in the paragraph above - in that you and I disagree - is that imo Stevens wouldn't have a shot to be the number 1 player in 2019 that Geno says she will be if she stays if she is as soft as you suggest. There is no way she shoots or passes better than Lou and there is no way if she isn't sturdy enough to be Collier's equal - and again I'll say Collier is the main player guarding the post this season not Butler. If she can't defend in the post study like Collier then I don't see her as superior to these players. It will be her ability to impact and defend inside and getting tough rebounds in traffic. I already know Stevens can shoot the ball but imo no way like Lou.

All these points you and I are in a disagreement so I can't believe what you are saying vs others that say she will defend inside or others that have agreed with me prior. You just don't go averaging 9.6 rebounds a game in the ACC and are regarded at this moment if you were to play among the 5 best or so players in wcbb and then say "she isn't sturdy enough to play inside." If Geno is saying she can be #1 pick in 2019 then she is what I think.

 

[hoophuskee]

Next season I like Stevens and Lou out front as shot blockers. Another big underneath. Butler Camara or just Lou up top and Stevens down low on defense on offense we have Lou and Stevens who can shoot from almost anywhere. This will be an unbeatable team a team that could only loose by beating themselves. Then comes 2018 class lead by Collier. Wowszer. For some it will be boring with all the blowouts for other fans it will be pure happiness. For me it will be Be u tit ful basketball and many more NCs. Then only question will be when will UConn lose??????? Hold on to your seats this is gonna be another unbelievable ride. Where are we going....To the Top....To the Very Top....

How could you have "Stevens out front" while also having
"Stevens down low on defense?"

And how often do you see shot blockers getting lots of blocks at the ft line and a bit outside of that ("i.e. "out front")? Aren't the shot blocks primarily coming from down low?

 

[UcMiami]

You know, Tuck spent most of her time guarding the Coates type of centers which allowed Stewart more space to provide the devastating help defense as she cheated off her player. Stewart did not spend a lot of time banging against the brute force centers thanks to the presence of Tuck who was 'strong like bull' even if she was shorter than most of them.

I am not sure what people consider significant playing time, but Butler is providing Stokes senior year kind of minutes so far this year, and in the two toughest games so far has played 15+ minutes in the first half of both. That to me is significant minutes and a significant contribution to the team.

Next year is going to be very very interesting - I don't really know what to expect from Camara and freshman are always a mystery - but it has been a very long time since we have had a team with the kind of depth of talent that we will have next year. And with so little of the starting rotation graduating, the depth of experience returning between players this year and the transfers who have had their year in practice ... wow.

 

[hoophuskee]

You know, Tuck spent most of her time guarding the Coates type of centers which allowed Stewart more space to provide the devastating help defense as she cheated off her player. Stewart did not spend a lot of time banging against the brute force centers thanks to the presence of Tuck who was 'strong like bull' even if she was shorter than most of them.

I am not sure what people consider significant playing time, but Butler is providing Stokes senior year kind of minutes so far this year, and in the two toughest games so far has played 15+ minutes in the first half of both. That to me is significant minutes and a significant contribution to the team.

Next year is going to be very very interesting - I don't really know what to expect from Camara and freshman are always a mystery - but it has been a very long time since we have had a team with the kind of depth of talent that we will have next year. And with so little of the starting rotation graduating, the depth of experience returning between players this year and the transfers who have had their year in practice ... wow.

But Stewie was guarding Wilson. Wilson couldn't shoot beyond 8 feet. VS ND similar - they switched off often on both. When we Oregon - Stewie was defending the post. Teh Oregon center was mostly too tall for Tuck. Stewie had to learn to do this - so she would guard the posts too. And we weren't going to put Lou down there defending a power player last year.

We couldn't have won without Butler I believe in both FSU or Baylor. But more minutes is being used for Collier.

 

[oldude]

But Stewie was guarding Wilson. Wilson couldn't shoot beyond 8 feet. VS ND similar - they switched off often on both. When we Oregon - Stewie was defending the post. Teh Oregon center was mostly too tall for Tuck. Stewie had to learn to do this - so she would guard the posts too. And we weren't going to put Lou down there defending a power player last year.

We couldn't have won without Butler I believe in both FSU or Baylor. But more minutes is being used for Collier.

I could be wrong but I seem to recall that last year vs SC, Tuck matched up with Wilson & Stewie matched up with Coates.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I could be wrong but I seem to recall that last year vs SC, Tuck matched up with Wilson & Stewie matched up with Coates.

We'll have to go to the monitor. I thought it was Stewie on Wilson and Tuck on Coates.

 

[CocoHusky]

Maya wasn't a post and easily played pf didn't she? Her body "wasn't built to be a pf," was it? That's why I brought up Maya.

And why are you talking about Collier last year when you see what she is doing this year?

Noo - Natalie is NOT getting more minutes in the post than Collier. Natalie has been benched a bit too which is part of "the minutes." And just look at the game vs Baylor. In the 4th quarter Baylor was narrowing the gap, we brought back in Collier (even at the risk of fouling out) for the end, and we didn't put Gabby on the bench either. Heck Baylor went with their two bigs. It was Butler that went to the bench vs Baylor while Collier and Gabby fended off the big Baylor frontline. Then once Collier came in, the lead gradually was pushed back out. The game was deciding those last 7 minutes by Collier and Gabby. We don't win without Butler's contribution but there is a reason why Butler will rarely see teh end of a tight game. A player like Collier is better. Their posts have to guard Collier too which is why Stevens will play a lot inside. They won't be able to guard her.

The best option for winning is playing your best players as long as they don't get overwhelmed.

Being able to defend the post has "some to do with how you are built" but as we've seen with someone like Natalie she can't respond well to quickness. Anyone with quick feet around the post and Natalie mightily struggles. There is more to post players than juts the big player's from Baylor that don't move that well.

Banging can be overrated when one has superior talent and decides not to use that talent in favor of size of a much less talented but more of a banger-type player in which you can win without much use of the banger. This season has shown that.

Lou doesn't guard the post because she is soft at the moment and not as strong. Two points on this- let's see Lou average 9.6 rebounds per game. like Stevens did while our team is successful. And secondly, again why was 6'1 Maya able to guard the post? She wasn't wide. She wasn't a banger. She used her quickness. One of the greatest NBA defenders in the post was Dennis Rodman. He was 6'7. His body wasn't built to be a rebounder. He was thin, And if was all about size then why didn't South Carolina or Duke crush us the last two years? Why couldn't Baylor this year?

I haven't seen Stevens much don't really remember and paid little attention to her in the past but everything I hear - the combination of several things -- for example a link someone provided in which Debbie Antonelli raved about her and her toughness or physicality or referenced she was a good rebounder implying she was tough, the stats showing 9.6 rebounds per game and the blocked shots, several posters also agreeing that she belongs inside defensively, the other points I made which you disagree with me on which I firmly think I'm right (don't get upset with me - we just are having a difference of opinion here- I mean no malice in my reply to you- you and I agree with many issues of yours - a LOT lately so in this case we just disagree ,), so overall I "know" (i.e my opinion) I'm right .

Other points to include I could have put in the paragraph above - in that you and I disagree - is that imo Stevens wouldn't have a shot to be the number 1 player in 2019 that Geno says she will be if she stays if she is as soft as you suggest. There is no way she shoots or passes better than Lou and there is no way if she isn't sturdy enough to be Collier's equal - and again I'll say Collier is the main player guarding the post this season not Butler. If she can't defend in the post study like Collier then I don't see her as superior to these players. It will be her ability to impact and defend inside and getting tough rebounds in traffic. I already know Stevens can shoot the ball but imo no way like Lou.

All these points you and I are in a disagreement so I can't believe what you are saying vs others that say she will defend inside or others that have agreed with me prior. You just don't go averaging 9.6 rebounds a game in the ACC and are regarded at this moment if you were to play among the 5 best or so players in wcbb and then say "she isn't sturdy enough to play inside." If Geno is saying she can be #1 pick in 2019 then she is what I think.

We are definitely diverging. Maya was/is built well enough to play multiple positions on the court including PF.
Here is a picture of Stewie & Azura together, please note the apprciable difference in the definition of the arms and shoulders. I don't know how else to try and explain it to you.

 

[TitleTown]

We are definitely diverging. Maya was/is built well enough to play multiple positions on the court including PF.
Here is a picture of Stewie & Azura together, please note the apprciable difference in the definition of the arms and shoulders. I don't know how else to try and explain it to you.

Yeah Stevens is bigger.

 

[CocoHusky]

I could be wrong but I seem to recall that last year vs SC, Tuck matched up with Wilson & Stewie matched up with Coates.

You are wrong. Morgan guarded Coates and frustrated her immensely into a 2 point game- a Season low for Coates.

 

[todbo]

Guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for Natalie. In her senior year, she may be the last one off the bench.

 

[CocoHusky]

Guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for Natalie. In her senior year, she may be the last one off the bench.

That may turn out to be true but it will have nothing to do with Charli Collier coming to UCONN, because Natalie will be gone by the time Charli arrives. Charli is a HS Junior, Natalie is a College Junior by eligibility.

 

[bags27]

That may turn out to be true but it will have nothing to do with Charli Collier coming to UCONN, because Natalie will be gone by the time Charli arrives.

instead because of Batouly.

But last one off the bench (and I don't think so: it's more likely Kyla or one of the freshmen) still gets 15 minutes, given the size of the leads next year.

 

[oldude]

You are wrong. Morgan guarded Coates and frustrated her immensely into a 2 point game- a Season low for Coates.

I stand corrected.

 

[CocoHusky]

Other points to include I could have put in the paragraph above - in that you and I disagree - is that imo Stevens wouldn't have a shot to be the number 1 player in 2019 that Geno says she will be if she stays if she is as soft as you suggest.

I never and would never suggested Azura was soft! Don't know where you are coming from with this!

 

[Charliebball]

Guess I'm feeling a bit sorry for Natalie. In her senior year, she may be the last one off the bench.

I think she'll still be used in a match up against some of the bigger slower posts next year...............but I would say that Bent, Irwin and Butler will certainly see more minutes this year then next unless they find another gear by the end of the season............

 

[todbo]

That may turn out to be true but it will have nothing to do with Charli Collier coming to UCONN, because Natalie will be gone by the time Charli arrives. Charli is a HS Junior, Natalie is a College Junior by eligibility.

Thanks! I lost count somewhere in there...

 

[oldude]

I think she'll still be used in a match up against some of the bigger slower posts next year.....but I would say that Bent, Irwin and Butler will certainly see more minutes this year then next unless they find another gear by the end of the season..

Of the 3, I believe that Bent has the best opportunity to establish herself this year to be in the regular rotation next year, starting with Chattanooga tomorrow night if she plays well.

 

[hoophuskee]

We are definitely diverging. Maya was/is built well enough to play multiple positions on the court including PF.
Here is a picture of Stewie & Azura together, please note the apprciable difference in the definition of the arms and shoulders. I don't know how else to try and explain it to you.

I don't know how to explain it to you further - back at you. A player averages 9.6 rebounds per game in the ACC, considered a top 5 player or about that right now or to start next year, who is 6'6 tall and part of your reply to me is looking at picture from last year and you can't project that she will have more definition for next year? Stewie's 1st year she couldn't much at all inside and you're trying to come at me with this?

Secondly. Maya was no more "built" to play pf than Stevens will be ready to play Center.

I don't agree with you here. Don't agree with how you are looking at anything when it comes to Stevens.

 

[hoophuskee]

I never and would never suggested Azura was soft! Don't know where you are coming from with this!

Of course you implied it. You made the following comment:

Azura will start IMO but I firmly believe you will need a Batouly or Natalie starting alongside her for post Defense."

You saw with your own eyes the terrific job Collier and Gabby did with Baylor. In the last 7 minutes - when the game was decided -- they played post defense!!! Your comment in italics is suggesting Stevens NEEDS Butler.

**********But in the last minutes in which UConn won vs Baylor Collier and Gabby didn't NEED Butler. Butler went to the bench. If what you're saying is true that Stevens NEEDS Butler, and she is 6'6 -- (and you also seemed to think the prior post you sent to me was relevant because of "arm definition," then you are absolutely "telling me" she is soft. You mean weak arms and a 6'6 player, that isn't sturdy and that needs a defender like Butler but the smaller Collier didn't in which you don't seem so high on her post defense anyways as a post defender, so you're trying to suggest that you didn't mean to say Stevens wasn't soft? Everything you said to me and above implies Stevens is soft. By trying to tell me you didn't imply that she was soft with all the other points you've made about Stevens, it's like telling me you aren't hitting me as your fists keep bashing against my face. IF Stevens wasn't soft she wouldn't need "Butler" anymore than Collier did. The fact you say she needs it - and her not being sturdy and has weak arm definition tells me you are in fact telling me so.

**And as I've mentioned -as Geno has said- "they have to guard us too." A lineup of Center Stevens and a pf of Collier- good luck with any team trying to guard that if you've got big posts - especially with our backcourt we'll have superior ball movement. Also, many teams - their big posts struggle to pass out of double teams and some teams have bigs but don't shoot well. Next year the team that has everything and can blast us inside- they are like the boogeyman- a myth in which size becomes exaggerated/overrated. Their size can't defend our ball movement/ skill. Once the leads expands more and more- gradually the team must try to win and shoot 3's- -- game over.

 

[CocoHusky]

Of course you implied it. You made the following comment:

Azura will start IMO but I firmly believe you will need a Batouly or Natalie starting alongside her for post Defense."

You saw with your own eyes the terrific job Collier and Gabby did with Baylor. In the last 7 minutes - when the game was decided -- they played post defense!!! Your comment in italics is suggesting Stevens NEEDS Butler.

**********But in the last minutes in which UConn won vs Baylor Collier and Gabby didn't NEED Butler. Butler went to the bench. If what you're saying is true that Stevens NEEDS Butler, and she is 6'6 -- (and you also seemed to think the prior post you sent to me was relevant because of "arm definition," then you are absolutely "telling me" she is soft. You mean weak arms and a 6'6 player, that isn't sturdy and that needs a defender like Butler but the smaller Collier didn't in which you don't seem so high on her post defense anyways as a post defender, so you're trying to suggest that you didn't mean to say Stevens wasn't soft? Everything you said to me and above implies Stevens is soft. By trying to tell me you didn't imply that she was soft with all the other points you've made about Stevens, it's like telling me you aren't hitting me as your fists keep bashing against my face. IF Stevens wasn't soft she wouldn't need "Butler" anymore than Collier did. The fact you say she needs it - and her not being sturdy and has weak arm definition tells me you are in fact telling me so.

**And as I've mentioned -as Geno has said- "they have to guard us too." A lineup of Center Stevens and a pf of Collier- good luck with any team trying to guard that if you've got big posts - especially with our backcourt we'll have superior ball movement. Also, many teams - their big posts struggle to pass out of double teams and some teams have bigs but don't shoot well. Next year the team that has everything and can blast us inside- they are like the boogeyman- a myth in which size becomes exaggerated/overrated. Their size can't defend our ball movement/ skill. Once the leads expands more and more- gradually the team must try to win and shoot 3's- -- game over.

Stop being so obstinate.
I never said or implied and would never suggested Azura was soft!
I consider that a very ignorant statement on your part.

 

[bags27]

So, I think Coco's point isn't that AZ is soft, but especially against some teams that stack bigs (like USC and Baylor) the team would be more effective with a true 5 behind her, like Batouly or Natalie.

But I think that next year there will be far too much talent sitting on the bench for there to be a set line-up like that, game after game. With Crystal at the 1, Kia at the 2, and Lou at the 3, Geno is going to need to fit AZ, Pheesa, and Gabby into 2 positions, not to mention a true 5 under certain circumstances and next year's incredibly talented freshmen.

And besides that juggling, I think we can't know fully until we see AZ on the court next year. Clearly, she's on a pre-professional track, which means she's likely trying very hard right now to beef up in preparation for a very different game eventually. And finally, maybe by next fall, Geno will have a better sense of whether AZ is a one-and-done or is interested in staying for another year, and that information might affect how he views player development with an eye toward 2017/18.

 

[TitleTown]

Of the 3, I believe that Bent has the best opportunity to establish herself this year to be in the regular rotation next year, starting with Chattanooga tomorrow night if she plays well.

I just don't see how any of Bent, Butler, or Irwin can garner anything but late minutes in blowouts next year. That is not an attack against them but more an observation as to just how talented the rest of the roster will be.

 

[oldude]

I just don't see how any of Bent, Butler, or Irwin can garner anything but late minutes in blowouts next year. That is not an attack against them but more an observation as to just how talented the rest of the roster will be.

I agree that it will not be easy for any of the 3 aforementioned players to earn playing time next year, but I base my suggestion that Bent may just make it into next year's rotation on the following assumptions:

- Other than the 2nd half of the FL ST game, Saniya has shown very little. Danger will ultimately start at PG. IMO, if Bent continues to improve, she will be the 1st guard of the bench this year, garnering significant minutes this year.
- While UConn is clearly loaded next year, I would suggest that most of the incoming talent fits into the 2, 3, 4 & 5 slots. IMO only Danger & Bent are true PG's. If Bent can convince Geno to trust her running the point, she will earn some time off the bench, at a minimum when Danger needs a break.
- Finally, with all of the players that Geno has next year (14), I wouldn't be surprised if UConn presses and traps all over the court. Players occasionally will get into foul trouble and they will get winded. With Bent's quickness and her ability to run all day, she could be valuable off the bench in a pressing/trapping defense.

 

[CocoHusky]

I just don't see how any of Bent, Butler, or Irwin can garner anything but late minutes in blowouts next year. That is not an attack against them but more an observation as to just how talented the rest of the roster will be.

That will be a nice problem to have for the staff. I would rather be on this side (too many good player) of that equation. One option is to go up tempo and trap, run the other teams into submission.

 

[JoePgh]

I just don't see how any of Bent, Butler, or Irwin can garner anything but late minutes in blowouts next year. That is not an attack against them but more an observation as to just how talented the rest of the roster will be.

Who will be the backup point guard behind Crystal next year? To me, Molly is the most obvious choice, and she should be a very good choice.

Of the six new players next year, Mikayla Coombs is the only one that could plausibly play that position. I don't doubt that Coombs is probably a better athlete than Molly, but as a freshman will she have the seasoning to run the point for the UConn offense, even as a backup?

Regarding the front court next year, I expect that Azura will start as the center and play as Stewie did: guarding the rim on defense and moving all over the court on offense while being a threat from almost anywhere. Napheesa will be perfectly adequate "4" playing next to her. I do think Batouly will see significant minutes as a 4 also. Judging from the practice on Sunday, Batouly seems to have everything that a good power forward needs, except maybe a couple of inches of size (but that never bothered Morgan Tuck). Batouly has speed, is athletic, is very strong, and appears to have an appetite for physical play. Her "putback" shot seems to be reliable. I doubt very much that she has the scoring ability of Napheesa or the instinct for where the rebound will fall, or for that matter the passing skills that Napheesa is developing as she plays every game this year. That's why I think Napheesa will start as the 4.

 

[CocoHusky]

Who will be the backup point guard behind Crystal next year? To me, Molly is the most obvious choice, and she should be a very good choice.
Of the six new players next year, Mikayla Coombs is the only one that could plausibly play that position. I don't doubt that Coombs is probably a better athlete than Molly, but as a freshman will she have the seasoning to run the point for the UConn offense, even as a backup?

The backup PG role might be the easiest way to get Megan into the rotation. Minutes on the wing are going to be scarce even with Napheesa playing the 4 because you still have to account for Gabby & KLS.