Gabby Starting Today's Game

[BroadwayVa]

KLS hasn't been able to throw it in the ocean yet. Think her shooting is going to be more hit-and-miss than KML's, and not just based on these two games.

Gonna be very interesting to see the minutes distribution against Ohio St.

Do you think Geno would be wasting valuable GAME time to KLS if he didn't see better in practice?? I suggest in the Ohio St game you will see, depending on score, Stewie, Jefferson, Nurse, Gabby, Tuck with Collier and KLS doing some subbing in that order. Elmark wasn't bad today she hit 1 for 2 threes, I didn't see the game so I can't comment on her defense.
But this is one game I'm not champing at the bite to see streaming. Gabby and Collier seem to have proven the belief in them. But Ohio St will give us a better indication of their true value. If Gabby's numbers are as we have seen/minute I'll apologize for not believing.

 

[TitleTown]

KLS hasn't been able to throw it in the ocean yet. Think her shooting is going to be more hit-and-miss than KML's, and not just based on these two games.

Gonna be very interesting to see the minutes distribution against Ohio St.

I realize it is early and that she is still adjusting to the college game but I have not been impressed by Samuelson thus far. I thought the KML comparisons coming into the season were a reach but she does not look comfortable at all.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Do you think Geno would be wasting valuable GAME time to KLS if he didn't see better in practice??

Don't know what's going on in practice but playing Samuelson wouldn't be wasting time regardless of how she was doing. She needs reps.

Geno doesn't want freshmen starting unless he is forced to do so or unless they are really good immediately. Lou has some defensive deficiencies to work on and, as I said before, she hasn't been involved in the offense much at all in these two games. Unless she suddenly looks spectacular in practice the next week I don't see her starting, and even then I don't really see it.

It's an interesting decision because Geno will eventually want to settle on one 5th starter for the year and who knows when Butler will be healthy, in game shape, and up to speed with a group she has only practiced with before.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Well she can't possibly continue to shoot 21% from three one wouldn't think. The fact that nearly all of her shots have been three attempts is a bit more disconcerting. She's not involved in the offense yet. Don't think she's ready to be in the starting lineup against quality competition. Probably gonna be Williams which would've been my last guess a few months ago.

Obviously every thing you say is correct. I believe in Geno. He has a plan and maybe it's a long term plan. I have to think he is thinking--this slump will not last. Do not be disconcerted with her 3 ball continued shooting--believe that Geno told her that's what to do. She would be sitting if Geno had bad thoughts about it. Respect Geno's plan and all else will be easy to accept.

I don't doubt that she will NOT stay in the starting line up--I never really believed she would. Simply because of Gabby, Chong, Ekmark have more Div 1 experience and more Geno practice time. It was an interest maneuver by Geno to start her in the Exhib games. As I have said often--I like Collier and she too may be added to the subs list.

 

[Millenial23]

Today's 3-point shooting isn't really a good indication of anything though, since the ball was bigger and the line was further back, so just give them some time. I thought the distance shooting was better in the second half.

I think the experimental rules were better for layups - less missed chippies around the basket - but worse for shooters (which of course would get better if they practiced more with the ball/distance).

 

[BroadwayVa]

Don't know what's going on in practice but playing Samuelson wouldn't be wasting time regardless of how she was doing. She needs reps.

Geno doesn't want freshmen starting unless he is forced to do so or unless they are really good immediately. Lou has some defensive deficiencies to work on and, as I said before, she hasn't been involved in the offense much at all in these two games. Unless she suddenly looks spectacular in practice the next week I don't see her starting, and even then I don't really see it.

It's an interesting decision because Geno will eventually want to settle on one 5th starter for the year and who knows when Butler will be healthy, in game shape, and up to speed with a group she has only practiced with before.

Again none of what you say rings un true, you are correct. Still the fact remains that Geno sees all you see and more and keeps her in and keeps her shooting.
I anoint you Geno--As Geno how should he handle a high valued 3 point shooter who is 6'3inches had loads of game time and is highly sought after and highly valued by many College, AAU and HS coaches. Do you sit her and only allow her to keep shooting 3's in practice?
Or do you give her Big time (non AAU/HS/USA level) game time?
Geno has few failures in judgement of prime players. Should his bad judgement start with KLS??

 

[uconn34]

Today's 3-point shooting isn't really a good indication of anything though, since the ball was bigger and the line was further back, so just give them some time. I thought the distance shooting was better in the second half.

I think the experimental rules were better for layups - less missed chippies around the basket - but worse for shooters (which of course would get better if they practiced more with the ball/distance).

Scary, an intelligent post!

 

[rvwsleep]

Thanks MH for the updates.

 

[HGN]

Ek hits a 3 from the corner and has 7 points.

Good for Courtney.... That will help build her confidence....I'm pulling for her.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Today's 3-point shooting isn't really a good indication of anything though, since the ball was bigger and the line was further back, so just give them some time.

Of course you don't want to make an enormous deal of the shooting from one or two games. That said, the distance isn't an issue for KLS. She routinely hit from even further back in high school. Again, I think the fact that nearly all the shots she has taken in two games are threes is more telling than her low percentage. That has to and will at some point change, but if she's going to take only threes she has to hit them at a much higher clip to play against good teams, imo.

 

[Aluminny69]

It's an interesting decision because Geno will eventually want to settle on one 5th starter for the year and who knows when Butler will be healthy, in game shape, and up to speed with a group she has only practiced with before.

I was thinking that putting Butler in the lineup will be a major change to the offense ( and defense.) If will be interesting to see how long it takes the team to get acclimated to Butler in the offense. I can believe it will be a smooth, overnight transition.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I anoint you Geno--As Geno how should he handle a high valued 3 point shooter who is 6'3inches had loads of game time and is highly sought after and highly valued by many College, AAU and HS coaches. Do you sit her and only allow her to keep shooting 3's in practice?
Or do you give her Big time (non AAU/HS/USA level) game time?

Not sure what should be done, and I kinda doubt the coaching staff does yet either. KLS will definitely get playing time, just don't think she'll start. Look, even Geno doesn't know all or else he'd have had Nurse and Tuck start against Stanford last year rather than making those switches the next game. It's experimentation sometimes.

 

[Monte]

Thanks for the updates.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[Zorro]

Allow me to remind you one more time that Maria C. once missed 31 three-pointers in a row. KLS is going to be just fine.

 

[Zorro]

Do we have a box on the game?

 

[Sluconn Husky]

After the game, Auriemma said Boykin would miss the Ohio State game and likely would be out for at least two more weeks because of her ailment.

"She's just not physically ready," Auriemma said.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Boxscore:

http://www.uconnhuskies.com/sports/w-baskbl/stats/2015-2016/ex02.html

 

[Kaizen]

Allow me to remind you one more time that Maria C. once missed 31 three-pointers in a row. KLS is going to be just fine.

3 pts, Stewie is 0/5, KLS is 2/10. May be the weather is wrong.
Anyway I am happy for Gabby and Napheesa,

 

[rvwsleep]

Of course you don't want to make an enormous deal of the shooting from one or two games. That said, the distance isn't an issue for KLS. She routinely hit from even further back in high school. Again, I think the fact that nearly all the shots she has taken in two games are threes is more telling than her low percentage. That has to and will at some point change, but if she's going to take only threes she has to hit them at a much higher clip to play against good teams, imo.

If memory serves me correctly, KML stayed outside almost exclusively her freshman year. It was only when she was an upperclassman that she would post anyone up. KLS will follow a similar path, IMO. She will get accustomed to the speed and physicality of the college game. She never lifted weights before and this is the area that I think will improve the most.
She's a legitimate 6'3" and has unlimited range. When she settles in we will all look back and say "I remember when ahe couldn't ..." in astonishment because of the playing level she's achieved.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

If memory serves me correctly, KML stayed outside almost exclusively her freshman year. It was only when she was an upperclassman that she would post anyone up. KLS will follow a similar path, IMO.

Just checked. KML's three attempts as a percentage of all her field goal attempts by year were:

Fr: 51%
So: 52%
Jr: 53%
Sr: 63%


In two exhibition games KLS has taken 22 shots, 19 of them three pointers. That's 86%.

 

[Rixxx]

I do want to point out that KLS played effective switching defense today. Also, her assists to mostly Collier were evidence of her participation in the offensive system. I also liked that she was on the floor chasing 50-50 balls.
On offense, she reminded me at times of a younger Kiah S. as she looked to pass immediately upon receiving a pass. That sort of decreased in the second half, as she had a purpose to assist on baskets (see Collier above).
Not being a shooter or a sniper, I chose not to speak on her three point efforts. I just wish she would be more active earlier in the game and not resemble her sister Bonnie. Just saying....
I can't wait to see her grow over the next segment of her basketball career.

 

[Kibitzer]

After the game, Auriemma said Boykin would miss the Ohio State game and likely would be out for at least two more weeks because of her ailment.

"She's just not physically ready," Auriemma said.

Has any consideration been given for Boykin to red shirt this season? Anybody know (beside Geno and Rosemary)?

 

[rvwsleep]

Just checked. KML's three attempts as a percentage of all her field goal attempts by year were:

Fr: 51%
So: 52%
Jr: 53%
Sr: 63%


In two exhibition games KLS has taken 22 shots, 19 of them three pointers. That's 86%.

Evidently, me memory doesn't serve me very well.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Evidently, me memory doesn't serve me very well.

It felt that way to me to some extent too. Amazingly, her 3-pt attempts per game were basically identical each of her four years.

 

[hoophuskee]

KLS hasn't been able to throw it in the ocean yet. Think her shooting is going to be more hit-and-miss than KML's, and not just based on these two games.

Gonna be very interesting to see the minutes distribution against Ohio St.

You said - not just based on these 2 games KLS shooting is going to be more "hit-and-miss" - and "not just based on these 2 games."

Then based on what if not these two games?

I'm not sure what your statements mean. Geno has said he was supremely impressed with the frosh- so that included KLS. SO what is going to be so "interesting" about KLS's minutes? Instead of getting 20 she gets 16?

And I'm not sure what you mean by "more hit-an-miss." You mean KLS won't be the greatest shooter in UCONN History but maybe 2nd or 3rd?

 

[Boreifs]

Do you think Geno would be wasting valuable GAME time to KLS if he didn't see better in practice?? I suggest in the Ohio St game you will see, depending on score, Stewie, Jefferson, Nurse, Gabby, Tuck with Collier and KLS doing some subbing in that order. Elmark wasn't bad today she hit 1 for 2 threes, I didn't see the game so I can't comment on her defense.
But this is one game I'm not champing at the bite to see streaming. Gabby and Collier seem to have proven the belief in them. But Ohio St will give us a better indication of their true value. If Gabby's numbers are as we have seen/minute I'll apologize for not believing.

I did see the game; actually the first one I've seen in person, which for basketball is so much, much better. It goes without saying that Courtney is not as athletic as her teammates, but she does see the floor very well. All three assists were on passes that not many young college players are capable of making. She knows when to skip pass and when to rotate, a skill that the coaches will certainly find endearing. As for KLS, no one should worry about her missing threes; the arc on her shots is just about perfect and they will be going in sooner than later. She is also remarkably athletic for her size and build and like Courtney sees the floor very well. I would not be at all surprised to see her used in the high post more frequently by the end of the season; a 6'3" guard who can shoot, pass and drive would be devastating in that position against a match-up zone.

 

[hoophuskee]

Of course you don't want to make an enormous deal of the shooting from one or two games. That said, the distance isn't an issue for KLS. She routinely hit from even further back in high school. Again, I think the fact that nearly all the shots she has taken in two games are threes is more telling than her low percentage. That has to and will at some point change, but if she's going to take only threes she has to hit them at a much higher clip to play against good teams, imo.

I don't agree regarding distance. Distance is ALWAYS a factor. Because DT and Sue Bird hit shots from halfcourt doesn't mean distance doesn't matter and they should then put the halfcourt shot in their repertoire.

Secondly taking so many 3's is a "problem." But one which we probably all expected which the coach won't tolerate. With that said- frosh do have weaknesses which the coaching staff will consider, as Geno put it, "the worst in America." The staff will work on it, in which as season progresses we would expect KLS to be a beast, right?

I'm looking forward to seeing Gabby play vs an elite team and having to go against their size. I thought last year she struggled when having to go against quality opponent and elite size. I'm pretty excited as well about the defense however in terms of pressing.

 

[Boreifs]

I don't agree regarding distance. Distance is ALWAYS a factor. Because DT and Sue Bird hit shots from halfcourt doesn't mean distance doesn't matter and they should then put the halfcourt shot in their repertoire.

Secondly taking so many 3's is a "problem." But one which we probably all expected which the coach won't tolerate. With that said- frosh do have weaknesses which the coaching staff will consider, as Geno put it, "the worst in America." The staff will work on it, in which as season progresses we would expect KLS to be a beast, right?

I'm looking forward to seeing Gabby play vs an elite team and having to go against their size. I thought last year she struggled when having to go against quality opponent and elite size. I'm pretty excited as well about the defense however in terms of pressing.

She will be playing the three on defense. How many teams have elite size at the three?

 

[JoePgh]

I am sure that Lou would not have taken all the 3-point shots that she took if the coaches had not told her to do that. It is a sensible thing to do -- the only way to cure the jitters is to "just do it". And all the shots were open and within her normal range -- she was making them in the U17 tournament with amazing regularity. The accuracy will come -- she just has to wait for the college game to slow down for her.

It probably doesn't make sense for her to play extended minutes against good competition unless she is hitting a reasonable percentage (say 30-35%) of 3's. So maybe she won't see more than 12-15 minutes against Ohio State.

Her defense (by which I mean skill, definitely not effort) is still an issue. She was working hard today, and her agility was not a problem against Vanguard, but it would be a problem against a pretty good Division I small forward, let alone an elite one. It is true that very few teams have 6-3 at small forward on defense, but there is a reason for that, and it applies to this case: players of that size usually do not have the lateral mobility to guard a quick and evasive wing. Gabby and even Napheesa would be much more capable of playing as a defensive small forward than Lou would be at this point, based on my observation.