Gabby to Aubrey to ... Q?

[PvP]

To be honest, I had anticipated Q being forced to the end of the bench by all of the talent brought together by Geno this year with the only time she would get would be garbage time after the game was completely decided.

Of course that opinion was based entirely on her play last year when her approach seemed to be solely "enter game, chuck from outside".

Now, based solely on the exhibition game, I have much higher potential in mind. In this game, she came in and made things happen in ways that reminded me of Gabby and Aubrey, which I understand may be a stretch. Like these ladies, Q is highly athletic but so was Mir.

Yesterday, she was using that gift in much more diverse ways, not only scoring from both outside and inside the arc for double digits, but also being a presence on the boards and even dishing out 3 assists in what seemed like around 15 minutes.

Again, it was just an exhibition game, but she displayed a spark reminiscent of Gabby and Aubrey which could hopefully give her that instant energy role that those ladies provided at crucial times in previous seasons.

Let's hope!

 

[Centerstream]

In many of the off season threads discussing this season, I asked the question "what about Q?" because she wasn't talked about very often.
I was hoping for a reasonable sophomore jump and based upon her play yesterday, I think the coaching staff has noticed something. But no way would I compare her to Aubrey or Gabby. Why? Because I don't think that she has shown the leaping abilities that put Aubrey and Gabby head and shoulders above many of the opponents that they were playing against (dominating).
But maybe Q still has time to get to that point.

 

[PacoSwede]

i wish i knew why Q was not used more last year. she had many of the same virtues then as she showed yesterday, and added some. is it based on geno's show-me-in-practice thing.

fwiw, Q game wasn't a surprise to me. i was still wondering early why she was'nt getting much court time (it was just an exhibition; that could be part of it).

 

[Bone Dog]

i wish i knew why Q was not used more last year. she had many of the same virtues then as she showed yesterday, and added some. is it based on geno's show-me-in-practice thing.

fwiw, Q game wasn't a surprise to me. i was still wondering early why she was'nt getting much court time (it was just an exhibition; that could be part of it).

Q often looked lost on D last season. If she can tighten this up, she will find a lot of minutes.

 

[Huskee11]

Q needed a year to acclimate but it does look like she is now ready to contribute. She can definitely shoot it from three, and she is long and quick. Had a very good outing on Sunday.


Not fair to compare her to Gabby and Aubrey, though. Gabby may be the best athlete in the WNBA. And when players like Aubrey, Caroline and Azzi are on the sidelines for long periods of time, as now, we tend to forget just how good they are.

 

[oldhusky]

I think Q has a window of opportunity for a few minutes at the 4. She is a little short and very light for that position, but remember her rebounding per minute was better than Ice, who has under-performed her high school ranking as has the now injured Ayanna. With Aubrey and Caroline also out, and not wanting to use Paige as much there, against certain 4's she could be an option.

She also has an opportunity at the 3, but if she doesn't find a way to earn minutes now, it will be much tougher when Ayanna, Aubrey, Caroline and Azzi return.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

i wish i knew why Q was not used more last year. she had many of the same virtues then as she showed yesterday, and added some. is it based on geno's show-me-in-practice thing.

fwiw, Q game wasn't a surprise to me. i was still wondering early why she was'nt getting much court time (it was just an exhibition; that could be part of it).

This is the post I was going to write. If I had to describe Q in one word it would be 'Slippery".

 

[LwrcasefaN]

Starting last year I think she brought a combination of valuable components...tempo in terms of energy, athleticism along with unexpected offense. I'm baffled why teams or anyone would underestimate her offense. And I love that she doesn't hesitate to shoot. Sign of a true baller.

 

[Conndog]

In many of the off season threads discussing this season, I asked the question "what about Q?" because she wasn't talked about very often.
I was hoping for a reasonable sophomore jump and based upon her play yesterday, I think the coaching staff has noticed something. But no way would I compare her to Aubrey or Gabby. Why? Because I don't think that she has shown the leaping abilities that put Aubrey and Gabby head and shoulders above many of the opponents that they were playing against (dominating).
But maybe Q still has time to get to that point.

Q had some rebounds with great height on her leap- I’m not worried about that department. If her shot is consistent, she is going to be part of the regular rotation.

 

[DEpup]

After Sunday, I'm intrigued by where Q can go this season and beyond.

I think you got her UConn player archetype correct. She's way better than Mir and she's got potential. On this board we always judge an underclassman against the senior comparison which is unfair. Aubrey was clueless on defense for a couple years and still has a streaky 3pt shot. Gabby also had a couple developmental years before she became Gabboliscious and never got a jump shot until the pros.

I'm not saying Q will reach their level but with that jump shot and if she can sustain the new tricks she showed Sunday, she'll be well on her way to reaching a high level by the time she graduates.

 

[Charliebball]

i wish i knew why Q was not used more last year. she had many of the same virtues then as she showed yesterday, and added some. is it based on geno's show-me-in-practice thing.

fwiw, Q game wasn't a surprise to me. i was still wondering early why she was'nt getting much court time (it was just an exhibition; that could be part of it).

she was very inconsistent last year at both ends of the court......Geno's not going to give serious court time to any player who can't contribute at a high-level game after game unless he has a very short bench......

 

[Gus Mahler]

Q is my "sentimental" favorite on this team. By that I mean she is an underdog of sorts, a four-star recruit instead of a five-star, top 10 recruit. Obviously, a lot of four-stars go on to be excellent players in college and some of those have fine professional careers. Here's hoping she becomes another.

BTW, I love the puffs but I think they're a tad big.

 

[PacoSwede]

she was very inconsistent last year at both ends of the court......Geno's not going to give serious court time to any player who can't contribute at a high-level game after game unless he has a very short bench......

you do have point re: inconsistency, and there also were other flaws. but being a freshman, they don't seem unusual -- and ash and kk had shortcomings as well yet saw oodles of court time. so i don't think inconsistency is a satisfactory explanation for her sitting so many minutes.

anyway, i'm pretty sure geno had a very, very, very, very short bench last year -- so ... my curiosity remains.

clearly, geno is not gonna fill me in.

 

[donalddoowop]

she was very inconsistent last year at both ends of the court......Geno's not going to give serious court time to any player who can't contribute at a high-level game after game unless he has a very short bench......

Come on Charliebball, how many UConn freshmen were not inconsistent their freshman season? I am surprised that you, of all people, would make that comment.

 

[Cuango]

Q’s route to consistent minutes is clearly her defense! She is clearly good enough offensively, so all she needs is to show Geno that she can play satisfactory defense and she will begin to play consistent minutes!

 

[jabstep]

I liked Q from the first time I saw her play in Europe last year as a freshmen and I like others here were a little surprise that with a short bench she didn't get more opportunities for court time. Maybe it was the defense concepts she was missing and that up three's right away. I remember Geno's comment that she should try and do other things when she got in the game like rebound play defense and maybe drive to the hoop.
She does remind me of Aubrey with her quickness on her slashing to the basket and I think other teams will recognize her ability to hit 2 or 3 quick 3 pointers and will try to get up on her quickly so the slash to the basket could be the other offense she could bring to the team. Besides KK I don't think we are that quick. She also does get off the floor rather well and adding rebounds will help her get court time. I think she could be a important piece for our team this year. Lets go Q!!!!

 

[Ace565]

you do have point re: inconsistency, and there also were other flaws. but being a freshman, they don't seem unusual -- and ash and kk had shortcomings as well yet saw oodles of court time. so i don't think inconsistency is a satisfactory explanation for her sitting so many minutes.

anyway, i'm pretty sure geno had a very, very, very, very short bench last year -- so ... my curiosity remains.

clearly, geno is not gonna fill me in.

KK and Ash were the better players that Geno chose to give him the best opportunity to win. Nothing against Q, but she did come the type of pedigree from HS that KK and Ash did. Both leaders, extensive play time, more experience, can play defense. Q needed more time last year and that's not bad thing. She will get more minutes this year and work to improve her overall game. Q will be just fine. Patience...Danielson...patience...must have patience.

 

[CTrefugee]

An unknown. One good game against Fort Hays State does not a season make.

 

[JellyBean]

I liked Q from the first time I saw her play in Europe last year as a freshmen and I like others here were a little surprise that with a short bench she didn't get more opportunities for court time. Maybe it was the defense concepts she was missing and that up three's right away. I remember Geno's comment that she should try and do other things when she got in the game like rebound play defense and maybe drive to the hoop.
She does remind me of Aubrey with her quickness on her slashing to the basket and I think other teams will recognize her ability to hit 2 or 3 quick 3 pointers and will try to get up on her quickly so the slash to the basket could be the other offense she could bring to the team. Besides KK I don't think we are that quick. She also does get off the floor rather well and adding rebounds will help her get court time. I think she could be a important piece for our team this year. Lets go Q!!!!

Same here. I loved Q since I saw her play when the team went overseas last season. Her length on the defensive end is such a bonus. She can play the passing lane really well. Her shot is a thing of beauty! That high arching shot is awesome.

Q's quickness is another added bonus. Sadly, Q is caught up in the numbers game. She rebounds and defends. Is she a lock down defender? Who knows. She did well when she was on the court last year. Did she get lost on some defensive rotations? Of course, but she wasn't the only player out there lost in the sauce. As coaches and people always say, she gave her best effort out there and she, from my view at home, always had a positive attitude out there. That is all she can do.

Best wishes this season, Q

 

[Charliebball]

Come on Charliebball, how many UConn freshmen were not inconsistent their freshman season? I am surprised that you, of all people, would make that comment.

Yes, all freshmen have their struggles but compared to Shade and KK, Q was a distant third......

 

[PhillyCoach]

As a track coach (sprints, high jump, etc.) Q is in the same category as Aubrey. Gabby is exceptional and world class. If Q continues with the pump fake and slash to the basket--her offense will be VERY valuable. Her quicks and leaping--with I believe --her nose for the ball, her rebounding will be Aubrey like. UConn defensive schemes can take time to learn. For example, IMHO Chen has not adjusted to the defense as much as I would like for a vet. Chen's offense is there NOW. Q's D is better than last year already. Q is getting past the "mental adjustments" of the switching scenarios. Q can very well be the "Aubrey off the bench" until Aubrey comes back fully healthy. That return could be later than we would all like.

 

[Charliebball]

As a track coach (sprints, high jump, etc.) Q is in the same category as Aubrey. Gabby is exceptional and world class. If Q continues with the pump fake and slash to the basket--her offense will be VERY valuable. Her quicks and leaping--with I believe --her nose for the ball, her rebounding will be Aubrey like. UConn defensive schemes can take time to learn. For example, IMHO Chen has not adjusted to the defense as much as I would like for a vet. Chen's offense is there NOW. Q's D is better than last year already. Q is getting past the "mental adjustments" of the switching scenarios. Q can very well be the "Aubrey off the bench" until Aubrey comes back fully healthy. That return could be later than we would all like.

I'd say Aubrey is physically stronger than Q at this point and has that special nose for the ball that really can't be taught......

 

[cohenzone]

she was very inconsistent last year at both ends of the court......Geno's not going to give serious court time to any player who can't contribute at a high-level game after game unless he has a very short bench......

Geno basically said at the presser that they need to find a way to get her minutes.

 

[donalddoowop]

Yes, all freshmen have their struggles but compared to Shade and KK, Q was a distant third......

I believe that if Q was thrust into the lineup and played as many games as Shade or KK, she would not have been a distant third.

 

[sun]

If Q can perform well when given the opportunity & creates a niche for herself, then she could very well become more trusted to perform than Aubrey coming back from injury. There's no predicting exacty how well Aubrey's body will react when & if she returns. She may not jump as high. she may not be as strong or quick. And she doesn't really have as much outside scoring ability as Q does either. Every player is unique & brings their pluses & minuses to each game. A bird in the hand is certainly worth 2 in the bush & Q is currently the bird in the hand. If she's dedicated enough then she'll prove her value to the team. I'm impressed by how slippery Q can be & how she finds a way to fill the cracks.

 

[Charliebball]

I believe that if Q was thrust into the lineup and played as many games as Shade or KK, she would not have been a distant third.

time will tell...........ultimately, she's going to have to prove it to Geno.....

 

[sun]

time will tell...........ultimately, she's going to have to prove it to Geno.....

As will Aubrey when the time comes.

 

[Skeets]

Yes, all freshmen have their struggles but compared to Shade and KK, Q was a distant third......

I mostly agree, but "distant" is a little harsh. That was last year. This is this year. Ash and KK picked things up quicker than Q last year. If Q can reach the same level of understanding, with her long reach and athleticism, maybe not so "distant" this year.

 

[Charliebball]

I mostly agree, but "distant" is a little harsh. That was last year. This is this year. Ash and KK picked things up quicker than Q last year. If Q can reach the same level of understanding, with her long reach and athleticism, maybe not so "distant" this year.

I sure hope so but if you remember KK and Ash were key members of the rotation and while they both made their fair share of freshmen mistakes, I'd say they were both major contributors to UConn's success.......as a matter of fact, UConn doesn't make it to the Final Four without them......

 

[Charliebball]

As will Aubrey when the time comes.

when the time comes the only thing Aubrey has to prove is that she's healthy enough to be effective......Geno loves her unique skill set and the hustle that she brings to the court in every game.......