Gabby Williams

[BroadwayVa]

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.

I loved Russell as a player and as a Color analysis. His take on the game was far away from, then, common beliefs and he has been proven correct.

 

[BroadwayVa]

All Uconn WBB players to a lessor or greater degree are athletic. None more so than Stewie. We have seen most of them
make moves, passes or accepting passes that just are jaw dropping. I guess it is how a person for himself defines athleticism

 

[BroadwayVa]

In the spirit of Charles Ives: What does dunking have to do with basketball?

I suppose you would have to ask that question of Dunkin Donuts!! Or a police break room!!

 

[stamfordhusky]

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".

Some would be surprised to hear that Gabby leads the team in rebounds per minute - ahead of Stewart, Tuck, Collier, etc. Last year she also had more rebounds per minute than Stewart and Tuck - and everyone else except Stokes.

 

[topogigio]

You often hear that Gabby is the most athletic player on the team and maybe the the most athletic player that Geno has coached. I know Gabby can jump high but what else does she do on the the basketball court that would make her the most athletic compared to the many great athletes on this team??????. I would appreciate any insight as to why so many people are calling her the most athletic.

Next game, when Gabby is in - watch just her. Her overall quickness, which include foot and hand speed, along with running the court are quite impressive. Watch closely when she goes up for rebounds, especially when she is boxed out. She leaps over taller players, and demonstrates amazing body control and awareness while in the air. Sure, her basketball skills are still developing...but she has skills that just can't be taught or developed.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Forgot to mention in the above that this excludes Butler, who has only played 15 minutes.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

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.

In making her decision, I expect Gabby took into account the talent of her competition and may
have decided that she was a long shot. I'm sure she decided on the basis of what she thought was
best for her.

Also, in my previous post, I neglected to mention that finishing second or third in your olympic
qualifying competition does not guarantee a trip to the olympics. You still have to better the
minimum performance level for your event (which Gabby may or may not have been able to do -
I don't know what the minimum height is for the women's high jump). Someone may be asking
how come Eddie "the Eagle" was allowed to compete in the ski jump a few winter olympics ago,
and the answer is that Eddie was Great Britain's only ski jumper, and every country is allowed
one competitor in each event (I think), even if they are as bad as Eddie.

 

[Monte]

I don't know what people see, but no way that Gabby is more athletic than Maya Moore, on the basketball court.

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.

 

[huskyd]

Add Lexie Brown's dad, Dee Brown, an incredible leaper with the Celtics .

At the top of this list of great rebonders/
leapers/defenders has gotta be Bill Russell. He spotted Wilt 4 inches (6'9" vs. 7'1") in head-to-head matchups for about a decade and we know who came out on top.

While we are discussing Gabby, how about that in bounds play (leap-catch-shoot) she narrowly missed vs. Cincy. We'll surely see that one again.

But Wilt was busy servicing the 10,000 objects of his affection--according to his own account. Now that's athleticism.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Dunking was not allowed during David Thompson's time in college ( the Akcindor rule). Thompson got above the rim and shot the ball into the rim.

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

 

[stamfordhusky]

In making her decision, I expect Gabby took into account the talent of her competition and may
have decided that she was a long shot. I'm sure she decided on the basis of what she thought was
best for her.

Also, in my previous post, I neglected to mention that finishing second or third in your olympic
qualifying competition does not guarantee a trip to the olympics. You still have to better the
minimum performance level for your event (which Gabby may or may not have been able to do -
I don't know what the minimum height is for the women's high jump).

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.

 

[stamfordhusky]

Someone may be asking
how come Eddie "the Eagle" was allowed to compete in the ski jump a few winter olympics ago,
and the answer is that Eddie was Great Britain's only ski jumper, and every country is allowed
one competitor in each event (I think), even if they are as bad as Eddie.

Not since 1990. Qualifying standards were strengthened considerably after the Eddie the Eagle farce.

 

[sarals24]

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.

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.

 

[Carnac]

Chamberlain never had a problem playing against Russell according to numerous interviews, is own autobiography, and Red Auerbach. He dominated Russell in head-to-head match-ups. Russell simply played on much better teams, the one year Chamberlain played in a comparable team, the 1967 Philly squad, they set an NBA record for regular season wins and swept Boston in the Finals. Wilt wasn't a fan of Nate Thurmond because of the tactics he employed. Nearly 50 years after his retirement form the NBA, Wilt still holds 90 individual NBA records a feat that is unheard of in sports.

The late Chick Hearn (The L.A. Laker's longtime radio play-by-play announcer) interviewed Wilt on a particular occasion. This was when Wilt was with the Lakers.
I distinctly remember Chick asking Wilt which player or players in the league he had the most difficulty with. He quickly responded "Russell and Thurmond".

He may have made other references or observations in his autobiography, memoirs, or other interviews, I can't speak to that. I didn't read his autobiography, and I don't recall hearing or reading him reference that particular question again. I do remember hearing him give that answer to Chick. That is why I made that reference. I'm not suggesting you are in error, I'm merely siting my reference.

It was a question I was particularly interested in knowing the answer to, because at that time, nobody could consistently stop Wilt when he decided he wanted to go to the basket. At this point, it really doesn't matter, does it? I also remember Wilt's "finger rolls".

Tip in: I went to many Laker games back in the day. I was a huge Laker fan back then. Once I got down to the floor, and Wilt walked by me going to the locker room after a game. He was within arm's length of me. I was in awe of him, because at that time, he was the biggest man I had ever seen in person in my life. He was huge!! He was almost as wide as he was tall. And to think he was slender when he left the University of Kansas (56-58) to go to the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959. To say he filled out, is an understatement.
One can not appreciate just how large these players are watching them from the stands or on TV.

According to Wikipedia, Thurmond is still alive (74), as is Russell (81). Wilt died on October 12, 1999 at age 63.

 

[iamcbs]

The late Chick Hearn (The L.A. Laker's longtime radio play-by-play announcer) interviewed Wilt on a particular occasion. This was when Wilt was with the Lakers.
I distinctly remember Chick asking Wilt which player or players in the league he had the most difficulty with. He quickly responded "Russell and Thurmond".

He may have made other references or observations in his autobiography, memoirs, or other interviews, I can't speak to that. I didn't read his autobiography, and I don't recall hearing or reading him reference that particular question again. I do remember hearing him give that answer to Chick. That is why I made that reference. I'm not suggesting you are in error, I'm merely siting my reference.

It was a question I was particularly interested in knowing the answer to, because at that time, nobody could consistently stop Wilt when he decided he wanted to go to the basket. At this point, it really doesn't matter, does it? I also remember Wilt's "finger rolls".

Tip in: I went to many Laker games back in the day. I was a huge Laker fan back then. Once I got down to the floor, and Wilt walked by me going to the locker room after a game. He was within arm's length of me. I was in awe of him, because at that time, he was the biggest man I had ever seen in person in my life. He was huge!! He was almost as wide as he was tall. And to think he was slender when he left the University of Kansas (56-58) to go to the Philadelphia Warriors in 1959.

According to Wikipedia, Thurmond is still alive (74), as is Russell (81). Wilt died on October 12, 1999 at age 63.

I'm a huge Wilt fan and believe him to be the greatest BB Player ever to lace em up. My response was just informational. Wilt also played on the 72 Lakers team that won 33 in a row. He retired after the 73 seasons, playing just 12 seasons. He made some noise about coming back to play, almost until he died. He played a year for the Harlem Globetrotters after leaving KU and his rookie season was 1960, he averaged 50.4 ppg, still the highest single season scoring average in NBA history.

 

[CocoHusky]

Don't get me wrong: Moore was a great, great player.BUT, She could afford to lose a few pounds. I think a lot of them leave practice, and then eat a couple of gallons of ice cream that night.

I am afraid there is no way to get you right or take you seriously! What are you talking about? Maya Moore is one of the best conditioned athletes in the WNBA. Troll much?

 

[Carnac]

I'm a huge Wilt fan and believe him to be the greatest BB Player ever to lace em up. My response was just informational. Wilt also played on the 72 Lakers team that won 33 in a row. He retired after the 73 seasons, playing just 12 seasons. He made some noise about coming back to play, almost until he died. He played a year for the Harlem Globetrotters after leaving KU and his rookie season was 1960, he averaged 50.4 ppg, still the highest single season scoring average in NBA history.

I lived about 10 miles from the Forum back then. I went to a lot of games during the '72 season. I also went to a lot of games during the "show-time" era. Some of the best times in my life!!!

 

[bramos]

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

Even Bill Walton said that he (Walton) could not jump, and the UCLA would have a few laughs on his dunking skills. So if Thompson was any where above the rim, he got the ball above Walton's reach.

 

[triaddukefan]

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.

I minus well pull up a seat and watch what happens

 

[CocoHusky]

I minus well pull up a seat and watch what happens

If I had anything to say about it Monte would get this:

 

[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.