ESPN Article on Paige and Uconn

[ballerfan]

This is such an antiquated way of thinking about basketball.

Here's how Fudd stacks up to some ALL-AMERICAN scorers this year in effective field goal %, which takes into account the value of 3s.

Fudd: 61.2%
M. Siegrist: 54.4%
C. Clark: 52.4%
R. Howard: 51.2%
A. Joens: 49.5%
K. Pointer: 46.4%

Bueckers is at 61.1% this season (small sample size) and was at 59.9% last season.

As a UConn fan, I’m biased. I think Azzi and Paige are the most talented players in woman’s college basketball. That they have a 60% effective field goal average is amazing.

But I don’t feel like dismissing Clark (or Boston). Clark is a great passer, averaging 8 assists per game compared with 1 for Azzi. Clark is the leader on the court for Iowa. Azzi, not so much for UConn. Because Clark plays on a weaker team, it gives the opposing team the opportunity to focus the defense on her. Azzi gets a lot of her 3s on high percent shots from the 3 point line. Clark is often taking much more difficult shots from farther out.

Azzi is just a freshman, and she missed a lot of games this year. I think she’s going to be even more dominant in the seasons to come. I would always pick Azzi over Clark. Sweetspot, I’m not saying that you don’t appreciate and admire Clark, but I just felt like saying that Clark is a great player and that it’s been fun watching Iowa games this year with her.

An aside. Paige’s FT% last year was 87. This year 68. Baffling.

 

[Jmsdawg]

The dilemma wth "Everybody eats," is that as has been discussed to death on his forum; Nika, and Caroline were afterthoughts in the 2nd half, and the contribution of E is not mentioned in the article.

A Paige centric piece is not illuminating a this time, perhaps gains viewers, but does not provide wisdom (at least to discerning UConn fans)

Dilemma is term I would use, team chemistry means so much and to me there is a lot of evidence having a less than 100% Paige in the lineup has disrupted team chemistry. Before Paige came back from her injury team chemistry seemed to be at its highest level and UConn looked great, however that team was not facing the defenses that most of the elite teams in the tournament play. I believe Geno made the decision the team needed Paige to return to form to be NC and actual game time for Paige was required for her to return to form. IMO, we need Paige to beat NCST, Texas or Stanford, and SC I hope Paige can get there soon because the dilemma is without team chemistry we may lose and never get to play those upper elite teams. I just hope Paige get there soon!

 

[FormerCTrez]

I just have a feeling when we play SC or Stanford that CD is going to matter quite a bit. A big can’t chase her around the 3 point line and she does box out taller players pretty well. Her all round game is pretty good. I remember KLS struggling and then lighting up Louisville in Albany. You never know which shot in which game will totally turn things around.

I love your enthusiasm and optimism. But, there are at least two games to be played and won, before any thoughts playing South Carolina or Stanford.

PS: I remember the KLS game you’re referring to. I was super happy for her and the team.