Early Season Lou Critics

[hoophuskee]

It was during game threads.

It was "bashing?"

Or just those that thin she was shooting too many three's?

I think Geno has been the roughest on KLS more than any poster? But I don't read much of the 1st half game threads and only the last three pages after it is over.

For me - I consider KLS very soft when it comes to rebounding but love her game and have defended her overall play big time and now imo it is clear she will be an a/a next year. Right now she is one my fav players. I just think she goes after rebounds soft. So would I be considered "a basher" too?

 

[veryolddog]

As the leader of the Katie Lou Samuelson fan club in Santa Fe, New Mexico, Katie Lou has made significant improvement in her overall game since the beginning of the season. She has enhanced defensive play of the team and offered an offensive threat in her shooting as well as passing and assists. When her shots are not sinking, she is doing other things that contribute to the team. She is growing to be an all round basketball player who will become one of the leaders of the UConn team.

 

[bags27]

It was "bashing?"

I apologize for the careless word choice: it was an exaggeration born from frustration. I teach college kids and appreciate how hard the transition is for freshmen; I can't imagine what it's like for someone coming to UConn basketball, especially this year on the precipice of history. Of course, it is--to paraphrase Lee Strasberg in Godfather II--the life they choose. But still, it's hard for me to hear criticism of an 18 year old, doing her best. My bad, as they say, for word choice.

 

[vtcwbuff]

You're joking ofc, right? Who was bashing KLS?

There was no bashing. There were a couple of posters that questioned her shooting ability or if she could replace KML. Unfortunately, there are also some that consider everything that doesn't glow UConn as bashing.

 

[hoophuskee]

I apologize for the careless word choice: it was an exaggeration born from frustration. I teach college kids and appreciate how hard the transition is for freshmen; I can't imagine what it's like for someone coming to UConn basketball, especially this year on the precipice of history. Of course, it is--to paraphrase Lee Strasberg in Godfather II--the life they choose. But still, it's hard for me to hear criticism of an 18 year old, doing her best. My bad, as they say, for word choice.

Okay- meant no offense. -- I just didn't want to be grouped into "a basher." I mean I LOVE LOVE LOVE LOVE her game.

I was on a few of these "BEST EVER" threads and the last two times the threads got started I found myself "BASHING" (an exaggeration but was knocking down Maya.) Maya. Maya is one my most fav players ever- along with DT. Even during WNBA Season I'll make it a point to watch both if I can. I felt I was doing it too much. So on here when I criticize KLS - particuallrly of her rebounding - I mean no harm. I love the ball player. Love her game!!! All-American next year.

 

[Carnac]

Early on, Lou's 3-point shot was off and she needed to learn to defend better and play harder. Right now, I think she's a top-20 player nationally. She'll be pre-season (and probably post-season) AA next year.

I like what Kaizen says: A combo of Stewie and KML. She is on her way. Remember that Kaleena had a slump and "pouting" as a frosh and Stewie had a slump and a dismal game against Baylor. Even the greats (other than maybe Maya) struggled early on. Lou is working her way up the learning curve.

We've ALL been through this a thousand times. A highly touted freshman comes in, and we (UConn Nation) expect them to perform at a high level ASAP. We're willing to give them time to make the adjustment from high school to college, just don't take too long in doing it.

I think we can ALL agree that Lou has made that adjustment. She has arrived. She's very comfortable out there now. With success comes confidence. When she emerges on the other side of the up coming tournaments, her confidence will be through the roof. She was recruited to replace KLM. She has officially graduated from "boot camp". She is now our official designated 3 point shooter.

We understand that the time frame for making said adjustment is different for each player. Some make it in a month or two, some take the entire year. We no longer have to concern ourselves about Lou. She will be fine. She still needs to tighten up her defense just a bit, but that will come. She will be part of the BIG 3 (along with Gabby and Kia) for next season. She will be consistent and dependable all year.

Now we can ALL turn our attention to other players, as we help Geno get next year's team ready for the season that lies ahead. It's our job. That's what we do. Geno depends on us, we can't let him down.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

See, I told you a 1 inch piece of paper would be more than adequate. I'm glad no one can remember the volume of shtick that was leveled - usually as a preface to advocating for another player. It will recycle next fall with 3 new freshman with a sprinkling of Saniya and a dash of Natalie.

 

[Carnac]

Early on, Lou's 3-point shot was off and she needed to learn to defend better and play harder. Right now, I think she's a top-20 player nationally. She'll be pre-season (and probably post-season) AA next year.

I like what Kaizen says: A combo of Stewie and KML. She is on her way. Remember that Kaleena had a slump and "pouting" as a frosh and Stewie had a slump and a dismal game against Baylor. Even the greats (other than maybe Maya) struggled early on. Lou is working her way up the learning curve.

We've ALL been through this a thousand times. A highly touted freshman comes in, and we (UConn Nation) expect them to perform at a high level ASAP. We're willing to give them time to make the adjustment from high school to college, just don't take too long in doing it.

I think we can ALL agree that Lou has made that adjustment. She has arrived. She's very comfortable out there now. With success comes confidence. When she emerges on the other side of the up coming tournaments, her confidence will be through the roof. She is going to be counted on to play within the scope of the offense, and to be our 3 point sniper.

We understand that the time frame for making said adjustment is different for each player. Some make it in a month or two, some take the entire year. We no longer have to concern ourselves about Lou. She will be fine. She will be part of the BIG 3 (along with Gabby and Kia) for next season. She will be consistent and dependable all year.

Now we can ALL turn our attention to other players, as we help Geno get next year's team ready for the season that lies ahead. It's our job. That's what we do.

 

[Mdoggie]

The big 4. I am on the NC bandwagon!

 

[rugbymate]

Earlier in the season, playing against USF, Lou had a marginal game and was being compared to another USF player in less than a complimentary way. I think her name was Laska and she was lighting it up from 3-point land. That was then and now USF/Laska are coming to town on Monday. My money is on Lou!!!

 

[Kaizen]

I think in BY we are OK. Even there are some bashes for the players but they are not as bad as other boards. I have constantly seen posts called the coach or players bxxxh in other boards.

 

[bags27]

Lou after nailing the buzzer-beater. Sorry it's fuzzy. Only thing better than this was the huge grin on Napheesa's face as Lou ran to the bench. Magic moments....

 

[Huskies Rule]

I apologize for the careless word choice: it was an exaggeration born from frustration. I teach college kids and appreciate how hard the transition is for freshmen; I can't imagine what it's like for someone coming to UConn basketball, especially this year on the precipice of history. Of course, it is--to paraphrase Lee Strasberg in Godfather II--the life they choose. But still, it's hard for me to hear criticism of an 18 year old, doing her best. My bad, as they say, for word choice.

Say it ain't so, Bags. You are aiding and abetting the use of that god-awful "my bad." And a teacher no less.

I had dinner with my kids in Manhattan the other day. Since it was on me, I guess they felt like they had to pay me a compliment, so they said my tie was 'on fleek.' Huh??? When I foolishly asked a computer question they laughed hysterically and called me an old 'noob.' A what??? Asked how they've been lately, I was told they were just "chillaxin." What??? None of that bothered me because I had no clue what they were saying and didn't find out until I got home.

But when my daughter spilled some Opus One and apologetically declared "my bad," I almost lost it. Gosh, I hate that phrase.
Now I know to blame bags27 for this massacre of the English language. Thanks, professor .

 

[bags27]

Sorry, Huskies Rule! My baaaaaa. Woops! My wife and I have 3 boys, the last out of the house finally. They helped me massacre the English language. But geez, if I spilled Opus One, I'd use an entirely different expletive!

 

[meyers7]

I thought, and posted it a few times, that KLS is gonna be a good one. Not DT, Moore, Stewart level, but I thought by the time she graduated she could reach the next level (Bird, Charles, Abrosimova, etc.). However I will admit, she has shown a lot more this year (recently) than I though she would.

I really like the fact that even with Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck, Nurse on the floor, she demands the ball when she is open. Pretty impressive.

 

[bags27]

I really like the fact that even with Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck, Nurse on the floor, she demands the ball when she is open. Pretty impressive.

Yup. Greatness is to no small degree a self-fulfilling prophesy. "None but the brave deserve the fair," wrote Dryden.

 

[Carnac]

Hey..........I've got a big pitcher of "Katie Lou" Kool-Aid that I'm drinking if any body wants some.

 

[Kaizen]

I thought, and posted it a few times, that KLS is gonna be a good one. Not DT, Moore, Stewart level, but I thought by the time she graduated she could reach the next level (Bird, Charles, Abrosimova, etc.). However I will admit, she has shown a lot more this year (recently) than I though she would.

I really like the fact that even with Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck, Nurse on the floor, she demands the ball when she is open. Pretty impressive.

Yes, Lou is very confident now. One thing I wish to see is she can go more inside and she has done several times before.

 

[DaddyChoc]

There was no bashing. There were a couple of posters that questioned her shooting ability or if she could replace KML. Unfortunately, there are also some that consider everything that doesn't glow UConn as bashing.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Kaizen
<<Lou is a combination of KML and Stewie.>>

*********************************************
I hardily agree.
We should, perhaps, start referring to her as "Lewie"

(And on nights she has a double-double, we'd then call her "Lewie - Lewie")
[Sorry... just had a flashback to 1967. What was the name of that off campus barn where we had the "shoots" in them-there days?]

The other Huskies.

 

[JordyG]

As coach said. KLS's turnaround came when she started doing other things: Keeping in front of the ball handler, diving for loose balls, knowing when to step in for the steal, being opportunistic on the boards, talking more on defense, not missing on the switch, cutting better on offense, hitting her spots on the floor, stepping around the screen, making the accurate, extra pass Anyone notice how little she turns the ball over now? She's shown she's more than just a spot up shooter. And I've said this before, but when she steps up for the two she is so smooth. With this young lady there's a lot to work with. She's a nightmare for 2 and a puzzle for 3's.

 

[hoophuskee]

As coach said. KLS's turnaround came when she started doing other things: Keeping in front of the ball handler, diving for loose balls, knowing when to step in for the steal, being opportunistic on the boards, talking more on defense, not missing on the switch, cutting better on offense, hitting her spots on the floor, stepping around the screen, making the accurate, extra pass Anyone notice how little she turns the ball over now? She's shown she's more than just a spot up shooter. And I've said this before, but when she steps up for the two she is so smooth. With this young lady there's a lot to work with. She's a nightmare for 2 and a puzzle for 3's.

What do you mean by a puzzle for 3's? In the last 14 games her EFG% is 60.04%. For the season it is 56.49%. She is more than just spot up shooter but this year - this team needs consistent three point shooters so Stewie and Tuck can operate down low.

 

[JordyG]

What do you mean by a puzzle for 3's? In the last 14 games her EFG% is 60.04%. For the season it is 56.49%. She is more than just spot up shooter but this year - this team needs consistent three point shooters so Stewie and Tuck can operate down low.

2 guards and 3 (small) forwards and wings. The oppositions players.

 

[DaddyChoc]

2 guards and 3 (small) forwards and wings. The oppositions players.

exactly... not "from" 2, or "from" 3

 

[JordyG]

exactly... not "from" 2, or "from" 3

Yes. What's interesting is as she moves toward her 3rd and 4th year her game will evolve inside making life miserable for 4's. She's going to be a handful because of her versatility.