Now, where are all of you Saniya Chong nay-sayers who came on The Boneyard before the start of this past season and as well as at the end of the previous season, basically saying that Chong was washed up and a total bust at UConn and that Crystal Dangerfield was going to come in and take over the Point Guard spot? I have always been one to admit on this board, publicly if I was wrong in any statement that I said. But i have yet to see those individuals with the strong "Anti-Chong" opinions, coming back on hear and now admitting that they were indeed wrong about Saniya, now that she has made a WNBA roster.
Chong-Master, first of all, congratulations on Saniya beating the odds, and making the cut. Be we closet Saniya fans, or front row cheerleaders like you, we are ALL happy and extremely proud that Saniya not only defied the odds of making the Wings (or any) roster as a 3rd round selection, but that she is living proof that Geno and CD produce players that can transition to the professional level and compete successfully.
It is expected that marquee players like Lobo, Sue Bird, Tina, Taurasi, Maya, Stewie, MoJeff, et al, make the transition to the professional ranks with little or no effort, because their "extraordinary" talent level, BB IQ and college coaching is so unique. While Chong did show a great deal of potential coming out of high school, she was not quite able to reach the standard or level of proficiency and consistency that the staff wanted and expected of her during her first 3 years in the program.
It was an uphill battle for Chong every step of the way. She encountered several challenges and obstacles early on. She could have thrown in the towel and transferred at any time, but she persevered and hung in there. She didn't display any characteristics that that would suggest she was about to break out of her slump, and be the player Geno and staff thought she could be.
The I-Band injury didn't help either. That limited her play and availability the entire season. So up until the beginning of her senior year, not much was expected of her because she didn't give us any reason to. Unless you could see into the future, one had no way of knowing her breakout year was on the horizon.
I have no problem with you gloating, and sticking your chest out. You should be proud, as you stuck by her from the start, regularly commenting and reminding us that she was in-fact a good player that would step up, and make significant contributions in the days, weeks and months to come.
She saved her best for last. She did have that breakout season, and what a season it was. She played every game like the seasoned veteran she was. The team greatly benefited from her experience and leadership all season. FACT: Chong is
the only player that started in the last two losses for UConn (Stanford in 2014 - Miss St in 2017).
So don't be too hard on the "nay-sayers" that didn't have the vision you did. Being able to accurately see that far ahead is a "gift" not every one has. Most of us rely on the EYE TEST. This is usually the best form of evaluation we have at our disposal, and is usually fool-proof.
So Chong-Master, a tip o' the turban to you. We all join you in your excitement and glee over Saniya overcoming the odds of making the cut as a 3rd round draftee, which is a very rare occurrence in the W. Believe me, ALL OF US are just as happy (for) and proud of Saniya as YOU are. You don't have the market cornered on that one.
She was the lone UConn player to enter the 2017 draft, and she make the cut.
That speaks volumes about the type of program that Geno is running. UConn players do well, and are coveted by coaches and GM's in the WNBA. I hope that potential UConn recruits take note of this. Today is a good day!!!
Lastly, don't hold your breath waiting for the nay-sayers to come around apologizing for saying that Chong was washed up and a total bust at UConn and that Crystal Dangerfield was going to come in and take over the Point Guard spot with a strong odor of "crow" on their breath. It's not going to happen.
