Confirmed UConn pursuit of Wisconsin transfer Serah Williams

[EricSD]

Did that happen when Chen came to UConn? I think it worked out fine.

Exactly. KK and Ash started last season out of necessity and played really well. They were even better this season both coming off the bench as Cait came in and Azzi got healthy. Jana still has lots of room to grow, and if we find a center who is simply better at this time, nothing wrong with Jana coming off the bench.

It would certainly look different next season as UConn played a lot of small ball this year. but with a larger group of bigger centers, it would seem that we'd play less small ball.

 

[Zonepress]

LightenWere you at that game? I was. Serah pretty got zero help from anyone else on the team. Wisconsin didn't have players that could help double on Betts and then recover to be able to guard on the perimeter. UCLA was knocking down threes the entire night. Serah was the one bright spot for Wisconsin in that game.

I thought it was obvious that I was poking fun at someone who would actually be critical of a player who had trouble guarding Lauren Betts

 

[jdote33]

As I recall, the interest in Weimer on the BY was rather mixed. Williams looks like a clear asset to any team, but may fit UConn better than any portal prospect. That said, I don’t think Geno actually needs her. But she would be a good addition.

I’d compare the situation to UNC where Coach Banghart has two quality first year posts in Thomas and Toomey who have benefited from playing in the shadow of Gakdeng. Injury made this necessary last year and it’s worked out well.

The only caveat about getting Williams, and it may not matter much in the larger scheme, is that the post position may feel a bit crowded. Sarah, Jana, Ice, Ayanna, Gandy and Serah. And if Geno gets his way, Serah will be replaced by Olivia Vukosa the following year. I can’t remember a time when the post slot was so crowded. And it will feel even more crowded if Geno continues to use the small lineup style he’s favored the last two seasons and that Sarah really thrives in.

I'm sortve on this wavelength as well. She seems like a really good player and I love the opportunity for players like her to try to compete at the highest level. But I do think it's a crowded front court with most of them lacking more in experience than anything. All of the bigs, yanna,ice, Jana, have red-shirted and spent considerable amount of time watching from the sidelines. I feel they all have talent but lack experience. So adding another post does crowd things.

I hear the comparison to adding Kaitlyn and Azzi returning this year, but there was no question KK and Ash were going to be pieces and part of the rotation. I thought maybe they wouldn't get the same amount of shots or minutes but they'd be given the chance to be difference makers.

Even when ice was injured, Jana didn't play over 20 minutes. And ice even when healthy doesn't play big minutes. And ice was a top 10 recruit, Ayana was as well. We also have Morgan who got minutes and is kinda like a 3/4. I guess Geno could play her at backup point next year. IDK, for me I'd prefer to give the players on the roster an increased role

 

[Vowelguy]

Yes. The word is that she had hip surgery and recuperated at home. I don’t know if she also dropped out of school. In addition, in Weimer’s absence, 6’6” freshman forward, Tilda Trygger from Sweden earned the starting center role, so her path to PT at NCSt may be more difficult.

NC State's Caitlin Weimar no longer with program

NC State’s Caitlin Weimar is no longer with the program, a team spokesperson confirmed to On3 this afternoon.

www.on3.com

 

[ERWUC65]

We've got about a week and then the portal is open to most everyone. I would expect to see lots of good prospects and even some sleepers from smaller schools, even Division II and III. Assuming Azzi stays to mentor the guards, and there is one position available, offering another 'healthy' big would be a prudent choice considering that position seems to be so injury prone and takes sooooo long to develop in Geno's system.

 

[Spaceman213J]

I'm all in for bringing experienced talent. Competing with her every day will only make Jana and Gandy better in the long run. They can still go small if it suits them and have Sarah play center for spurts and it lets Ice focus on being a backup 4, which I think she can handle.

 

[cancontent]

Do you think Kia Nurse, from Canada, could encourage a
Nursing Student from Ontario (by way of Brooklyn!) to come
to Storrs.? Maybe just a loose association on my part. But I do think that
former Wisconsin H.C. Marisa Moseley years at UCONN
as assistant coach (2009 -2018) may make the decision easier
for Serah Williams... and the transition/ learning curve at Gampel
a little less of an issue. GO SERAH!, Come to Storrs.

UConn would be better served to reference Aaliyah more than Kia. Williams had to compete against her during her OSBA days. Probably a better example to reference considering position and how Aaliyah fared in her rookie WNBA season.

 

[bballnut90]

Just stopping by to give myself a big pat on the back

OT: Marisa Moseley

 

[EricSD]

UConn would be better served to reference Aaliyah more than Kia. Williams had to compete against her during her OSBA days. Probably a better example to reference considering position and how Aaliyah fared in her rookie WNBA season.

Not to mention doing great in the 1 on 1 in the Unrivaled 3 by 3 league this past season!

 

[maple]

Wow, I would LOVE to get Serah!

 

[Zarathustra]

Were you at that game? I was. Serah pretty got zero help from anyone else on the team. Wisconsin didn't have players that could help double on Betts and then recover to be able to guard on the perimeter. UCLA was knocking down threes the entire night. Serah was the one bright spot for Wisconsin in that game.

I was not being critical of Serah. Consider my comment only in
the context that Lauren Betts is 6'7" and very talented. Z

It was being facetious

Yes, I was being facetious! Love and Peace to all those supporting
Serah, please include me. Zarathustra

 

[Zarathustra]

UConn would be better served to reference Aaliyah more than Kia. Williams had to compete against her during her OSBA days. Probably a better example to reference considering position and how Aaliyah fared in her rookie WNBA season.

To clarify, I do agree with "cancontent", about the better analogy of Serah with
Aaliyah Edwards and an ONTARIO connection). My "loose association" (see thread # 37, above) was a somewhat (?) sly reference to Serah Williams being a "nursing" student at Wisconsin and that Kia Nurse is, well, a "NURSE"!!

 

[Zarathustra]

It was being facetious

I TOTALLY agree. Isn't it fun being on the BONEYARD? Z

 

[cancontent]

To clarify, I do agree with "cancontent", about the better analogy of Serah with
Aaliyah Edwards and an ONTARIO connection). My "loose association" (see thread # 37, above) was a somewhat (?) sly reference to Serah Williams being a "nursing" student at Wisconsin and that Kia Nurse is, well, a "NURSE"!!

Oh I know, but let's focus on bringing that "6 degrees of separation" in a little closer.

 

[ABCDFE]

As I recall, the interest in Weimer on the BY was rather mixed. Williams looks like a clear asset to any team, but may fit UConn better than any portal prospect. That said, I don’t think Geno actually needs her. But she would be a good addition.

I’d compare the situation to UNC where Coach Banghart has two quality first year posts in Thomas and Toomey who have benefited from playing in the shadow of Gakdeng. Injury made this necessary last year and it’s worked out well.

The only caveat about getting Williams, and it may not matter much in the larger scheme, is that the post position may feel a bit crowded. Sarah, Jana, Ice, Ayanna, Gandy and Serah. And if Geno gets his way, Serah will be replaced by Olivia Vukosa the following year. I can’t remember a time when the post slot was so crowded. And it will feel even more crowded if Geno continues to use the small lineup style he’s favored the last two seasons and that Sarah really thrives in.

Can never have enough good big post players and depth at that position. Just ask Dawn Staley

 

[oldhusky]

I'm sure Geno is getting top scouting info from former Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley.
I wouldn't be surprised if Moseley is back on the UCONN bench next season.

Package deal? Regardless I would think the Uconn connection should be a major plus here. If she enters the portal after Moseley is dumped it certainly looks like she like the coach, and the Uconn system.

 

[cancontent]

I'm sure Geno is getting top scouting info from former Wisconsin coach Marisa Moseley.
I wouldn't be surprised if Moseley is back on the UCONN bench next season.

Would that make sense considering the optics of what has been alleged? It makes sense from a UConn connection perspective, but curious as to whether the claims of her former players impacts that idea.

 

[oldhusky]

Regarding Williams and Weimer despite their raw numbers, they should not be considered as rough equals. Their PER stats were quite good, but Williams did it in the Big 10 and Weimer against very very weak competition. Williams looks like a very clear improvement or upgrade over Jana or Ice, and presumably would start with Sarah.

Weimer with numbers that are adjusted for the level of competition, appears to be a player that might not be better than Jana or Ice, but perhaps pretty close. At this point Williams is clearly the first choice, and Weimer a pretty distant second. Who knows who might enter the portal in the next wave, but I am guessing that the odds of a choice better than Williams is low, but better than Weimer as a plan B is far more likely.

 

[DefenseBB]

“Proof is in the pudding” as they say and Williams has done it against the elite competition we aspire to play in the OOC and NCAAT whereas Weimer, not so much. We should aim for Williams, not both.

As far as Marissa back on staff, there are no spots available for her to take. She could mirror a “Jamelle” and take a university role somewhere but I doubt that would happen. Geno will absolutely support her in whatever endeavor she picks next but I don’t think it will be coaching at UConn.

I am confused by the criticism of Serah vs. Betts as I would still rather have her along with Jana to defend than just Jana and Ice. Having Serah forces Betts to have to defend a proven scorer vs the limited offensive Skill set of Jana and Ice. Imagine if we could deploy a front court of Serah, Sarah and Jana along with Azzi and KK/Ash? How would Cori try to scheme that?

 

[Crossover]

Would that make sense considering the optics of what has been alleged? It makes sense from a UConn connection perspective, but curious as to whether the claims of her former players impacts that idea.

Only if they are justified.

 

[HuskyNan]

Only if they are justified.

We will not speculate, folks

not addressed to you @Crossover , just tagging the thread

 

[oldude]

Would that make sense considering the optics of what has been alleged? It makes sense from a UConn connection perspective, but curious as to whether the claims of her former players impacts that idea.

In addition, a current UConn coach would have to leave for an assistant coaching job to open up. I don’t think anyone on Geno’s staff is going anywhere.

 

[Hist-teacher]

As I recall, the interest in Weimer on the BY was rather mixed. Williams looks like a clear asset to any team, but may fit UConn better than any portal prospect. That said, I don’t think Geno actually needs her. But she would be a good addition.

I’d compare the situation to UNC where Coach Banghart has two quality first year posts in Thomas and Toomey who have benefited from playing in the shadow of Gakdeng. Injury made this necessary last year and it’s worked out well.

The only caveat about getting Williams, and it may not matter much in the larger scheme, is that the post position may feel a bit crowded. Sarah, Jana, Ice, Ayanna, Gandy and Serah. And if Geno gets his way, Serah will be replaced by Olivia Vukosa the following year. I can’t remember a time when the post slot was so crowded. And it will feel even more crowded if Geno continues to use the small lineup style he’s favored the last two seasons and that Sarah really thrives in.

Sarah and Ayanna aren't really post players per se. More like #4 (power forwards) and SS may play more the 3 next year (depending on Azzi's decision.

 

[Dogstar]

I'm sortve on this wavelength as well. She seems like a really good player and I love the opportunity for players like her to try to compete at the highest level. But I do think it's a crowded front court with most of them lacking more in experience than anything. All of the bigs, yanna,ice, Jana, have red-shirted and spent considerable amount of time watching from the sidelines. I feel they all have talent but lack experience. So adding another post does crowd things.

I hear the comparison to adding Kaitlyn and Azzi returning this year, but there was no question KK and Ash were going to be pieces and part of the rotation. I thought maybe they wouldn't get the same amount of shots or minutes but they'd be given the chance to be difference makers.

Even when ice was injured, Jana didn't play over 20 minutes. And ice even when healthy doesn't play big minutes. And ice was a top 10 recruit, Ayana was as well. We also have Morgan who got minutes and is kinda like a 3/4. I guess Geno could play her at backup point next year. IDK, for me I'd prefer to give the players on the roster an increased role

We also have Morgan who got minutes and is kinda like a 3/4. I guess Geno could play her at backup point next year.

As a backup PG?

 

[Alydar]

Heather Buck graduated from UConn’s School of Nursing with a BSRN.

The requirements of the nursing program can hinder how many hours can be dedicated to basketball. I think that had a lot to do with Buck being an end-of-bencher despite having really good size/strength/speed.
I don't think Geno wants a part-time player from the portal.

 

[donalddoowop]

I'm all in for bringing experienced talent. Competing with her every day will only make Jana and Gandy better in the long run. They can still go small if it suits them and have Sarah play center for spurts and it lets Ice focus on being a backup 4, which I think she can handle.

Some Boneyarders did not want Geno to go after Cardoso when she was available because they said UConn already had enough post players. SC had a number of posts also but went after Cardoso any way. Getting Williams may spur Ice and Jana to work even harder over the Summer.

 

[Zarathustra]

Oh I know, but let's focus on bringing that "6 degrees of separation" in a little closer.

It's hard for me.... just ask my wife!... but I'll try!! Thanks for the feedback. Z

 

[Alydar]

In addition, a current UConn coach would have to leave for an assistant coaching job to open up. I don’t think anyone on Geno’s staff is going anywhere.

Right now. If Berube and/or Ralph win a couple of games AD's will look at who else is available. After a super bowl win the winning team's coaches get lots of offers. I think AD's would act just like NFL GM's.

 

[Zarathustra]

The requirements of the nursing program can hinder how many hours can be dedicated to basketball. I think that had a lot to do with Buck being an end-of-bencher despite having really good size/strength/speed.
I don't think Geno wants a part-time player from the portal.

Yes, but... Serah Williams played 30 out of 30 games at Wisconsin, for 32 minutes
a game with the (well known) stats of: FG % 49.3, 3-point % of 0. 83 % (she
doesn't take them), Free Throw 78 %, 19.2 ppg, 9.8 rebounds per game and 69
blocks. Maybe Serah decided her career interests are in a new (more "rounded"
arena?) or... she competed her clinical rotations and now has only "electives"
remaining for her degree? She can take any number of non-time conflicting
courses and complete her nursing requirements at her leisure!
BTY: Have you heard of Ilona Maher (pronounced "Mar")
with the USA 7X7 women's rugby team? She majored in Nursing at Quinnipiac
and now is with the Bristol Bears (15X15 women's rugby club in England). Nurse
Maher is playing to play for the USA in the upcoming 15X15 World Cup in
England this summer (2025). Check out her highlights on GOOGLE. She is a "petite" (I joke) 5 ' 11",195 pounds of muscle, very fast Bronze Medal Olympian (SUMMER, August 2024 in France).

 

[cancontent]

The requirements of the nursing program can hinder how many hours can be dedicated to basketball. I think that had a lot to do with Buck being an end-of-bencher despite having really good size/strength/speed.
I don't think Geno wants a part-time player from the portal.

If you view her stats and her playing history, she's far from being a part time player. Not to mention she also balanced USA basketball commitments to play with the U23 squad last summer.

A lot of these athletes make their schedules work to manage their commitments. How else do we see athletes graduating early or with multiple degrees in four years? This comes across very short sighted.