Evina Westbrook to transfer

[Triad]

A couple of reasons. UConn wasn't on her final list of schools that she was considering. Thought she might be more interested in returning closer to her home, since from most accounts she's very close to her family. The final reason is if she comes to UConn, she most likely wouldn't be a starter. Crystal is the starting PG, the position that Westbrook plays.

A starting lineup of Crystal, Megan, Christyn, Ono and Westbrook would win a lot of games, but they would severely tested against the better teams that have size. UConn next year needs a PF/Center that excels at rebounding and defense. IMO the primary reasons they lost the ND game was due to Rebounding and Second Chance points that ND got. Hopefully Geno/Chris will be able to solve that problem before next season starts.

Thanks

 

[Triad]

If taking Westbrook does not stop any of the players UConn wants, I believe they should take her.

If she is anywhere near Danger in "game". That would be big for Geno. Danger needs someone to spell her. She put in too many minutes last year. What that may seem good the wear and tear on legs, knees, hips, feet is continuious. A uconn Ortho at half time of one of the AAC games said with kids who put in a lot of minutes: it is not IF they will be injured, it is when they will be.

 

[nwhoopfan]

The final reason is if she comes to UConn, she most likely wouldn't be a starter. Crystal is the starting PG, the position that Westbrook plays.

Assuming immediate eligibility, she wouldn't be starting at PG at either Oregon or Oregon St. either.

 

[PacoBlaze]

As has been stated previously, I don't think that Geno and CD would want a player on the team that publically disparaged her previous coach, no matter how much she was badgered with the question. Some things should just not be said outloud.

 

[Go/huskies]

If I’m not mistaken, Westbrook would be eligible for the 2020 draft, I wonder if she would pull a Z, play for one year then leave. Of course if she doesn’t get a wavier then none of this would matter.

 

[Jmsdawg]

Call me dumb, but I don't understand this---is a NOT missing

What I was trying to say are there teams that would not consider adding her to their team because of the “baggage” associated with her and her mother? What teams does she just not fit? Those squads that have chemistry that she might disrupt. To me this is not an obvious grab her type player; Anriel Howard was, IMHO, a grab her type player and I understand Geno passed on her, why would he consider a player with Westbrook’s history?

 

[Triad]

What I was trying to say are there teams that would not consider adding her to their team because of the “baggage” associated with her and her mother? What teams does she just not fit? Those squads that have chemistry that she might disrupt. To me this is not an obvious grab her type player; Anriel Howard was, IMHO, a grab her type player and I understand Geno passed on her, why would he consider a player with Westbrook’s history?

Geno does not take kindly to interfering parents. So, if she is as you say and Mom is into her business as you say--Geno, I think would pass.

 

[DaBball]

Geno does not take kindly to interfering parents. So, if she is as you say and Mom is into her business as you say--Geno, I think would pass.

Well, her mother is very over-involved, and that is a known fact, seemingly universally among WBB boards. It’s been posted here, on Mississippi State, Oregon State, Tennessee, etc. At this point, Geno doesn’t seem to be passing. Perhaps he is evolving with the game, something Chiney mentioned needs to happen with some of the older coaches (specifically Hatchell).

 

[Jmsdawg]

Well, her mother is very over-involved, and that is a known fact, seemingly universally among WBB boards. It’s been posted here, on Mississippi State, Oregon State, Tennessee, etc. At this point, Geno doesn’t seem to be passing. Perhaps he is evolving with the game, something Chiney mentioned needs to happen with some of the older coaches (specifically Hatchell).

Geno must believe team chemistry will not suffer with her addition. We know different environment can enhance player satisfaction, for example AEH apparently did not fit the UConn chemistry but at MSST she not only fit but apparently enhanced team chemistry. Here hoping Geno’s magic works with Westbrook. It may have been more Holly than Westbrook that messed up UT team chemistry.

 

[jdubct]

If I’m not mistaken, Westbrook would be eligible for the 2020 draft, I wonder if she would pull a Z, play for one year then leave. Of course if she doesn’t get a wavier then none of this would matter.

She would definitely help the team during the current season, whether or not she enters the WNBA draft in 2020. From a basketball development standpoint, she would probably be wise to stay through her entire college basketball eligibility.

 

[CL82]

We have another opening for a starter. Letting Crystal play off the ball some of the time would rest her a bit and let look for her shot more. That will help with scoring and we are going to have figure out more ways to ball in the net this year. UConn has had great success with two PG lineups on the men's side. I think Geno is going to utilizing this especially give our two new 2020 players.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

We have another opening for a starter. Letting Crystal play off the ball some of the time would rest her a bit and let look for her shot more.

Yes, but that starter won't be in the backcourt. Not with Dangerfield and Williams around. A three-guard lineup might work well against lesser AAC opponents but probably not against most of the non-conference ones.

 

[bballnut90]

Westbrook will start wherever she ends up and will likely play in a dual PG offense if she plays alongside another top PG like Slocum or Dangerfield. Oregon would be the best fit for her IMO, sliding in for Cazorla and playing alongside Ionescu in a high octane spread offense. She quickly improve decision making and passing skills too. The big downside of going there or to UCONN is that she's going to be a 4th option at either school, so she'll play a more reserved role after being a go to for Tennessee this past year.

 

[bballnut90]

Yes, but that starter won't be in the backcourt. Not with Dangerfield and Williams around. A three-guard lineup might work well against lesser AAC opponents but probably not against most of the non-conference ones.

3 guard lineup has worked well for a lot of championship teams. Look at 2018 Mississippi State...they nearly won it all with 3 undersized guards, a wing and 1 post. UCONN's lineup of Dangerfield/Westbrook/Williams/Walker/ONO puts them strongly in the title hunt. Walker has size and strength to play the 4, and both Westbrook/Williams are big powerful guards. Westbrook is a good rebounder too. Plus if ONO makes strides she'll provide a true post presence that has been missing from the starting lineup the past 3 years.

 

[Go/huskies]

3 guard lineup has worked well for a lot of championship teams. Look at 2018 Mississippi State...they nearly won it all with 3 undersized guards, a wing and 1 post. UCONN's lineup of Dangerfield/Westbrook/Williams/Walker/ONO puts them strongly in the title hunt. Walker has size and strength to play the 4, and both Westbrook/Williams are big powerful guards. Westbrook is a good rebounder too. Plus if ONO makes strides she'll provide a true post presence that has been missing from the starting lineup the past 3 years.

I agree, wouldn’t even be surprised to see Westbrook get a triple double or two, she’s a good rebounder. I still think UConn will need a post player off the bench in case Liv gets into foul trouble.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

3 guard lineup has worked well for a lot of championship teams. Look at 2018 Mississippi State...they nearly won it all with 3 undersized guards, a wing and 1 post. UCONN's lineup of Dangerfield/Westbrook/Williams/Walker/ONO puts them strongly in the title hunt. Walker has size and strength to play the 4, and both Westbrook/Williams are big powerful guards. Westbrook is a good rebounder too. Plus if ONO makes strides she'll provide a true post presence that has been missing from the starting lineup the past 3 years.

I still think that lineup is too perimeter oriented. Walker has yet to take advantage of her inside skills at UConn, preferring to do a lot of standing around the 3-pt line.

 

[MikeBlue]

I think if you bring in Westbrook you make us more dangerous if you bring Cooks as well. She can spell ONO and you don't lose size. Just a thought... Of course, the same would be true if we get the young lady from Poland. Go Huskies!

 

[bballnut90]

I still think that lineup is too perimeter oriented. Walker has yet to take advantage of her inside skills at UConn, preferring to do a lot of standing around the 3-pt line.

Williams and Westbrook are both excellent at taking the ball to the basket. Walker will improve and be relied upon more offensively inside the arc. Plus ONO gives you an inside presence.

As it stands right now, the likely option if Westbrook is ineligible would be Kyla Irwin or Aubrey Griffin. Westbrook is a serious upgrade from either player.

 

[bballnut90]

I agree, wouldn’t even be surprised to see Westbrook get a triple double or two, she’s a good rebounder. I still think UConn will need a post player off the bench in case Liv gets into foul trouble.

Definitely. Camara is the only potential option off the bench right now if ONO gets into foul trouble, and she has been unreliable so far at UCONN as a backup (injuries, foul prone, etc.)

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Williams and Westbrook are both excellent at taking the ball to the basket. Walker will improve and be relied upon more offensively inside the arc. Plus ONO gives you an inside presence.

As it stands right now, the likely option if Westbrook is ineligible would be Kyla Irwin or Aubrey Griffin. Westbrook is a serious upgrade from either player.

I don't think UConn is only looking at Westbrook. There will likely be other options. You'd be putting an enormous amount of pressure on ONO and Walker to both defend the interior and rebound, both of which were issues this past season. That's danger territory again quality teams with size.

 

[bballnut90]

I don't think UConn is only looking at Westbrook. There will likely be other options. You'd be putting an enormous amount of pressure on ONO and Walker to both defend the interior and rebound, both of which were issues this past season. That's danger territory again quality teams with size.

I agree more players should be considered aside from Westbrook, especially since there is zero post depth, but I dont think anyone on the transfer market is going to beat out Westbrook for a starting spot in the starting 5. A good forward/post could easily get 15-20 mpg to spot ONO/Walker.

 

[DefenseBB]

So, who would everyone rather have-Kitija Laksa or Evina Westbrook? Granted Laksa would be only for a year.
My preference is Laksa as I want to get Fudd and with Muhl and Makurat and Westbrook might be a wrench in my plans....

 

[HuskyFan1125]

So, who would everyone rather have-Kitija Laksa or Evina Westbrook? Granted Laksa would be only for a year.
My preference is Laksa as I want to get Fudd and with Muhl and Makurat and Westbrook might be a wrench in my plans....

Can never have too many guards. I don’t think Westbrook would have any effect on the others. Different classes for all. We can’t complain about depth and then say we have too much.
All that being so i agree—another post player is needed.