Gabby Williams

[Striper69]

Thanks for the correction. Yes, he got the ball above Walton's reach, which was incredible.

I thought I saw some footage of that play and saw Thompson dunking. I think it's in the Valvano 30 For 30 episode. I'll check tonight.

I also saw the game when it happened but that was a long time ago. lol

 

[CocoHusky]

I thought I saw some footage of that play and saw Thompson dunking. I think it's in the Valvano 30 For 30 episode. I'll check tonight.

I also saw the game when it happened but that was a long time ago. lol

It is possible but Thompson and Valvano were about a decade apart at NC State. Thompson won NCAA in 1974 and Coach Valvano won in 1983 both at NC State.

 

[Striper69]

It is possible but Thompson and Valvano were about a decade apart at NC State. Thompson won NCAA in 1974 and Coach Valvano won in 1983 both at NC State.

One of Valvano's players was Thompson's nephew and he said he wanted to be like his uncle. They showed a clip of the Thompson shot while he said that.

 

[ballwaslife]

Well, she can run faster, and jump higher(that's 2 things). Moore, a great shooter, found out in the WNBA, that a lot of Pro teams like an "all-around" player. Don't get me wrong: Moore was a great, great player.BUT, She could afford to lose a few pounds.
It is all about being in shape. I could never understand how basketball players who run, run, run every day in games and at practice, do not lose weight and get into better shape. I think a lot of them leave practice, and then eat a couple of gallons of ice cream that night.
I give many players who strove to get into better shape(like Dolson), a lot of credit. It takes will power.

If your workouts are of the same intensity level, at first you will lose weight but after a while your body adapts and you'll remain the same. When I first started running I lost a lot of weight but now four years later it just helps me maintain where I'm at. I bet Maya just adapted to the training and therefore has a hard time losing weight.

 

[ballwaslife]

Originally her plan was to take a year off from UConn and go for an Olympics berth. But then after the torn ACL, she said that she missed basketball so much that she decided not to do that. In any event, after finishing 5th in the trials as a sophomore in HS, she would not have been a long shot to make the team if she had concentrated on the event.

As for qualifying, if she had developed enough to make the 2016 U.S. team, she definitely would have qualified. For at least the last 40 years, the top three Americans have always qualified. Qualifying height is about 6'3.5". As a soph, she cleared 6'2.5". Most high jumpers add a lot more than an inch from age 15 to age 19.

Now that I think about it, her decision to pursue basketball really shows a lot about her as a person. The 2015 NCAA Championship for high jump was won in 1.9 meters (6.23 feet). Gabby definitely could have become an individual NCAA Champion, instead she chose to give up personal glory to help a team where is often overshadowed by the other players.

 

[stamfordhusky]

I thought I saw some footage of that play and saw Thompson dunking. I think it's in the Valvano 30 For 30 episode. I'll check tonight.

I also saw the game when it happened but that was a long time ago. lol

Thompson had one "dunk" in his NC State career. On the final home play of his career, he dunked a lob pass near the end of the game. Whistle blew, basket negated, Thompson subbed out to a standing ovation.

 

[CocoHusky]

Thompson had one "dunk" in his NC State career. On the final home play of his career, he dunked a lob pass near the end of the game. Whistle blew, basket negated, Thompson subbed out to a standing ovation.

I take it the dunk was not allowed in NCAA at that time and Freshmen were not eligible?

 

[Monte]

This is a bit harsh. Basketball players are in great shape, especially at UConn. The sport isn't like soccer, where you are running for an hour straight. Some positions take a lot of brute strength and you need power in your butt and thighs (posting up, boxing out, etc) while others take speed and quickness (guards, wings, etc). It's a mixed bag and there is no one "perfect" body type.

I sincerely doubt these players go home and eat "gallons" of ice cream.

College kids are up late studying, and have notoriously bad diets, so that might contribute a little. But when they are on the road I'm sure the coaches know what they are eating, to a certain extent.

Others, like KML, will never have a lean body type. Add in injuries/rehab/inability to practice, and you have weight gain for some players.

Harsh? I was just commenting on a post that said there is no way that Gabby is more ATHLETIC than Maya......NOT a better shooter, NOT a better basketball player.
Before the 2013 season, Maya felt out of shape, and spent 3 weeks with Kara Lawson, living and training with her. She stopped eating dairy foods and sugar. She continued these dietary changes throughout the 2013 season and lost about 8 pounds. She said she was "quicker and in less pain." Even today, I still say that Gabby can out jump AND outrun Maya.

 

[UcMiami]

Considering she had gotten fifth as a 15 year old you'd think with an extra four years of training she would definitely be a favorite to make the Olympic team this year. I'm kind of surprised she would chose to focus on basketball when her track career looked so promising.

I think it probably came down to a better career path for basketball players than high jumpers, plus more fun being on a team than pursuing a solitary sport.

 

[Gus Mahler]

I take it the dunk was not allowed in NCAA at that time and Freshmen were not eligible?

Freshmen were eligible by that point.

 

[CocoHusky]

Harsh? I was just commenting on a post that said there is no way that Gabby is more ATHLETIC than Maya.NOT a better shooter, NOT a better basketball player.
Before the 2013 season, Maya felt out of shape, and spent 3 weeks with Kara Lawson, living and training with her. She stopped eating dairy foods and sugar. She continued these dietary changes throughout the 2013 season and lost about 8 pounds. She said she was "quicker and in less pain." Even today, I still say that Gabby can out jump AND outrun Maya.

Yes, your statements 1)She could afford to lose a few pounds. 2) I think a lot of them leave practice, and then eat a couple of gallons of ice cream at night are harsh and trollish.

 

[j66kicker]

It is possible but Thompson and Valvano were about a decade apart at NC State. Thompson won NCAA in 1974 and Coach Valvano won in 1983 both at NC State.

I was in Denver while Thompson played for the Larry Brown ABA Nuggets. Saw him dunk the red-white-blue basketball many times - he was amazing. Same height as Breanna Stewart. Man, could he get up there.

 

[sarals24]

Yes, your statements 1)She could afford to lose a few pounds. 2) I think a lot of them leave practice, and then eat a couple of gallons of ice cream at night are harsh and trollish.

Agreed.

 

[hoophuskee]

Agree. I watched numerous games between Wilt and Russell in that era. Russell was able to contain Wilt enough that the dominance of the rest of his team - plus the major advantage in coaching - would prevail. But Wilt was the better player in most games.

For you and anyone else that saw Wilt and Russell play. Who was the better "team" player? I've googled but can't find anymore that Russell would say to paraphrase: "For the quarters we'd let Wilt do what he wanted. Into the 4th quarter we could throw several players at him and when he passed out, his team was off it's rhythm and as a result would miss shots." This is a paraphrase. I can no longer find the link.

I respect LeBron James game. He is an all-time great. But imo he has tried to be the pg way too much for his teams over the years. He pigeon-holes his team so they become nothing more than stagnant jump shooters with an occasional post. Similarly Baylor did the same with Griner. There was a top recruit on Baylor I forget who - she was tall enough and said she felt like she played in a box. Geno had spoken he would have also had Griner not just be stuck in the post. I don't know for certain but it seems like Wilt was a guy that was individually driven but not team driven until later in his career from 66-67 and on.

I do believe he had quite a few issue with more than one coach, right? And from what I hear he made a big deal of never fouling out. SO maybe 4 / 5 fouls his intensity would drop. Phil Jax did say overall if he had 1st pick he would take Russell. I can't say much of Rs Wilt. From what I have seen - I'd take Jordan.

 

[Geno-ista]

The team calls Collier ---"the ball magnet". Her rebound stats are among the best on the team.
Gabby, is in an unenviable position--undersized and/or under weight and expected to coral players like MD's Jones--and the like.
To me it's a lose lose job. Her speed of eye, hand, feet and leaping ability makes her better in her original Guard position.
There isn't much not to like about Gabby---she has improved her foul shooting, she showed a 15 footer in Cinci and even tried a 3 .
When those all fall into line and she is allowed to be a guard--the sky is the limit for her.
I think when Butler is playing full time (more minutes ) Gabby will only be used against small center/forwards teams as a "forward".

Br Way Va- I was just alluding to the original post questioning her athleticism. As good as Collier is on the boards, and she is, Gabby is a beast on the boards and keeps alive boards that mortals have no business reaching! HNY. Your pts are well taken!

 

[HoopsFan21]

She's the GABULOUS ONE. Of course she's great.

 

[Monte]

If your workouts are of the same intensity level, at first you will lose weight but after a while your body adapts and you'll remain the same. When I first started running I lost a lot of weight but now four years later it just helps me maintain where I'm at. I bet Maya just adapted to the training and therefore has a hard time losing weight.

You are correct. Maya leveled off and is in great shape now.

 

[mrmojack]

Now that Natalie Butler is playing, she will eat up about 20 minutes. Those minutes will
have to be giving up by other post players. Gabby's minutes were already reduced when she
came out of the starting rotation. Now, who's minutes are going to be reduced further with
Butler in the equation?

With Chong playing so well, she will get more minutes at the guard position. I guess practice
will be getting more competitive as the season progresses. I guess Geno has a nice problem
to deal with.

Now, with the soft Conference schedule coming up, we should see some of our younger
players getting time to develop. This is very important for the future. If Tuck stays our
post will be in good shape and the team will be much stronger with her next year.

 

[huskeynut]

Now that Natalie Butler is playing, she will eat up about 20 minutes. Those minutes will
have to be giving up by other post players. Gabby's minutes were already reduced when she
came out of the starting rotation. Now, who's minutes are going to be reduced further with
Butler in the equation?

With Chong playing so well, she will get more minutes at the guard position. I guess practice
will be getting more competitive as the season progresses. I guess Geno has a nice problem
to deal with.

Now, with the soft Conference schedule coming up, we should see some of our younger
players getting time to develop. This is very important for the future. If Tuck stays our
post will be in good shape and the team will be much stronger with her next year.

And wouldn't every coach love to have such a dilemma!

 

[UcMiami]

Now that Natalie Butler is playing, she will eat up about 20 minutes. Those minutes will
have to be giving up by other post players. Gabby's minutes were already reduced when she
came out of the starting rotation. Now, who's minutes are going to be reduced further with
Butler in the equation?

With Chong playing so well, she will get more minutes at the guard position. I guess practice
will be getting more competitive as the season progresses. I guess Geno has a nice problem
to deal with.

Now, with the soft Conference schedule coming up, we should see some of our younger
players getting time to develop. This is very important for the future. If Tuck stays our
post will be in good shape and the team will be much stronger with her next year.

Simple answer - Stewart Tuck and Jefferson are all averaging over 30 minutes per game (31, 30, and 33 respectively) - last year they averaged 28, 26, and 29 which is better for them over the course of 38 games - that is about 12 minutes of game time right there and add n a small reduction for Nurse as well and you get about 15 minutes - more in the less challenging games when you consider they will probably play mid thirties minutes against SC and USF in the regular season and the same in elite eight and final four games.
As an example - YTD the big four have played a combined 122 minutes per game leaving 78 minutes for the fifth starter and bench - against Cincinnati they played a combined 91 minutes increasing bench minutes by 31 to 109. That works out to an average of 18 minutes for the 6 recruited players - a pretty solid amount of court time for them to develop.

 

[HuskyNan]

Well, she can run faster, and jump higher(that's 2 things). Moore, a great shooter, found out in the WNBA, that a lot of Pro teams like an "all-around" player. Don't get me wrong: Moore was a great, great player.BUT, She could afford to lose a few pounds.
It is all about being in shape. I could never understand how basketball players who run, run, run every day in games and at practice, do not lose weight and get into better shape. I think a lot of them leave practice, and then eat a couple of gallons of ice cream that night.
I give many players who strove to get into better shape(like Dolson), a lot of credit. It takes will power.

Wait...what? Are you talking about Maya Moore?

Career highlights and awards

• WNBA Most Valuable Player (2014)
• 4× WNBA All-Star (2011, 2013–2015)
• WNBA All-Star Game MVP (2015)
• 2× All-WNBA First Team (2013–2014)
• All-WNBA Second Team (2012)
• 3× WNBA champion (2011, 2013, 2015)
• WNBA Finals MVP (2013)
• WNBA scoring leader (2014)
• WNBA Rookie of the Year (2011)
• WNBA All-Rookie Team (2011)
• EuroLeague Women champion (2012)
• Liga Femenina champion (2012)
• 3× WCBA champion (2013–2015)
• 2× NCAA champion (2009–2010)
• USBWA National Player of the Year (2009)
• AP All-American (2009)
• Wade Trophy (2009-2011)
• Coaches’ All-American (2009)
• Naismith Trophy (2009)
• John R. Wooden Award (2009)
• USBWA National Freshman of the Year (2008)
• Big East Player of the Year (2009)
• First-team Academic All-American (2009)
• NCAA Final Four MOP (2010)
• FIBA World Championship MVP (2014)

 

[HuskyNan]

If your workouts are of the same intensity level, at first you will lose weight but after a while your body adapts and you'll remain the same. When I first started running I lost a lot of weight but now four years later it just helps me maintain where I'm at. I bet Maya just adapted to the training and therefore has a hard time losing weight.

What the heck? Getting pretty frickin' tired of the body shaming of women. Talking about conditioning is one thing; saying a woman is overweight because she's not willowy enough for you is another. All you critics - post pictures of yourselves so we can let you know what we think of your weight.

 

[j66kicker]

What the heck? Getting pretty frickin' tired of the body shaming of women. Talking about conditioning is one thing; saying a woman is overweight because she's not willowy enough for you is another. All you critics - post pictures of yourselves so we can let you know what we think of your weight.

 

[triaddukefan]

What the heck? Getting pretty frickin' tired of the body shaming of women. Talking about conditioning is one thing; saying a woman is overweight because she's not willowy enough for you is another. All you critics - post pictures of yourselves so we can let you know what we think of your weight.

 

[Kibitzer]

What the heck? Getting pretty frickin' tired of the body shaming of women. Talking about conditioning is one thing; saying a woman is overweight because she's not willowy enough for you is another. All you critics - post pictures of yourselves so we can let you know what we think of your weight.

I completely support your disagreement with the overzealous (and mistaken IMO) critics, but I part ways with you when you call them out to post their own pictures. Separate issue -- they may even be "willowy"!

If a physician urges you to stop smoking as s/he puffs away on a cigarette, that does not invalidate the quality of medical advice rendered. Sound advice, bad example.

Maya's critics are completely in error about her conditioning -- their physical condition is irrelevant.