Thanks to UConn pedigree, Napheesa Collier has
acclimated quickly to professional life with Lynx
By Shawn McFarland | Associated Press
Minnesota Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve isn’t worried about testing Napheesa Collier’s limits. If anything, Reeve thinks the rookie may have it easy.
After all, she did spend the past four years being coached by Geno Auriemma at UConn.
“I appreciate that Geno pushed her so hard, because I think I look easy compared to him,” Reeve said with a laugh.
That was part of the appeal in taking Collier sixth overall in April’s draft. A standout career and senior season — which saw her average 20.8 points and 10.8 rebounds in helping the Huskies to their 12th consecutive Final Four berth — made her nearly impossible to pass on. The pedigree didn't hurt, either.
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"After all, she did spend the past four years being coached by Geno Auriemma at UConn.
That was part of the appeal in taking Collier sixth overall in April’s draft. It made her nearly impossible to pass on. The pedigree didn't hurt, either."
"The pedigree didn't hurt either." These quotes from Cheryl Reeve are similar to other coach's sentiments about UConn throughout the league. This is a point I try to emphasize every time there is conversation here in the yard about things a potential UConn recruit should consider in making their decision. Geno and his program is revered and highly respected by most coaches and GM's in the W. Having a UCONN pedigree means something on draft day in the W. Are we surprised that Collier is making the transition to the next level as smoothly and quickly as most thought she would?
She had the size and the skill set going in. All she needed to do was make the adjustments to play at that level against players that are older, stronger, more experienced, and in some cases faster. Collier said she was going in "being a sponge", wanting to soak up everything she could from coaches and teammates.
If you remember,
Kara Lawson gave us a heads up after watching her participate in practice sessions for the USA women's team recently. She said Collier is "can't miss" at the next level, and that she more than held her own during those practice sessions. I respect Lawson's knowledge and observations about players. She knows the game as evidenced by her recent hire by the Boston Celtics.
Celtics hired Kara Lawson because she is as sharp as they come. Brad Stevens had crossed paths with Kara Lawson enough times to know what she brought to the table. That’s why the Boston Celtics head coach and the organization moved to hire the former Tennessee Lady Vols All-American as an assistant coach last month.
I check the box score after every Lynx game. Collier is usually the leader (or close to it) in minutes played. That stat alone tells you what Reeve thinks of Collier. Reeve's thinking: Collier needs to be on the floor for us to have the best chance to win. Funny thing, Geno thought the same thing (great minds think alike). Collier played 37 minutes last night in a 1 point win over the Sky.
Personally, I think that going to the next level with a UConn pedigree, and her friendship with Megan Walker is the reason Westbrook chose to come to UConn (smart girl). She swung and missed the first time. She had to get it right THIS time. Listening to the maturity in her voice and conversation tells us that she will be a great addition to the program (and a leader on the floor) when she becomes eligible.
