Game knows game

[uconnfan68]

Bascom I did not live through. Everybody else. Maybe missed a game or three. Different generations make comparison a slippery slope. But this I think I know. Paige is living in the most competitive, most highly talented era of women's college ball. What I see. Paige is the best all around talented player in the game. Full stop.

I started watching because of Kerry Bascom. Of course, they weren’t on tv until their FF game vs UVA, but I’d been following boxscores and articles for a few years, and actually watching really opened my eyes to how good she was, and how hard she played. I don’t think I missed more than a handful of tv games since. I took a half day vacation to stay home and watch the UT game in 1995. I was hooked by then.

 

[hoophuskee]

I can take the jabs. Five years ago, they would have hurt. Now, I just say: "More Statues Please." I want another of Aliya but in robes of a scholar - wearing her signature shoes. You forgot red banners.

Back to Paige: Again, it is her versatility that stands out to me. Okay, leadership too.

IMO you don't have to take jabs. Your posts on this thread for many of us UCONN fans have been spot on. To define is subjective as bonedog implied/alluded to. Those that say that she isn't, have made up thier own imagianry bar as to what a legend is, as I have, as many have.

Paige's three years of play she has been nothng but spectacular. Just because she isn't DT 02-03/ 03-04 doesn't mean she wasn't superior to DT's 00-01 and 01-02. And if we want to create imaginary bars then let's exclude Larry Bird from being a NBA Legend because that only goes to players like Jordan. LeBron, Russell and Magic becuase they all won 5 titles and not just a measly 3. But tha imaginary bar I cited is crazy.

Anyhow all the points you had cited -and there is more- Paige is definitely a legend for many of us UCONN fans.

 

[Skeets]

I'm not surprised to see Arnold getting better this summer. She and Shade got a ton of experience that paid off in the post season, especially on defense. They will also be pushed by Chen, Cheli and Ziebell. There's also that Fudd kid.
Bueckers will have multiple scoring targets and UConn's offense will create great looks for some great shooters. In fact, there are so many great scorers that skill on defense and versatility may decide who starts.

Geno may need help from the boneyard to figure out who starts. (sometimes I out do myself...)

 

[meyers7]

Is Ted Williams a legend? Jimmy Brown? Oscar Robertson? You become a legend for your game, not your rings. There is a very long list of UConn players who have a ring but very few of them are considered legends. Some legends are fortunate enough to play on title teams and while they were a part of the reason it was still a team accomplishment.

I wouldn't put them on the top tier, no. They did put up some great numbers. But Bueckers really hasn't done that yet either (career numbers). You can call them "legend" I guess, but not the top tier.

It's not that she isn't great, it's she hasn't done enough. And it's not her fault, I realize. Injuries suck. But that's part of being a legend. Being available.

 

[meyers7]

Paige is a legend to me jmho.
She won all the possible awards at her freshman year. No one has done this before.

Dictionary (legend meaning - Google Search)
Definitions from Oxford Languages · Learn more
leg·end, /ˈlejənd/
noun

1. a traditional story sometimes popularly regarded as historical but unauthenticated.
   "the legend of King Arthur"
2. an extremely famous or notorious person, especially in a particular field.
   "the man was a living legend"
3. an inscription, especially on a coin or medal.
4. very well known.
   "his speed and ferocity in attack were legend"

Well she didn't win all of them (really big one, most important one, she didn't get). But agreed she had a fantastic year. Year. Lot's of players have a fantastic year. But "legends" have fantastic careers.

UCONN has a higher standard than "great year". Everything is different at UCONN. UCONN has had 8 (eight) NPOYs. Next closest is TN with 4. UCONN is double the next closest. Then a half dozen or so with 2 NPOYs. The rest, just 1.

 

[meyers7]

Bueckers has taken UConn to 3 final fours in 3 years and was the MVP in two legendary E8 games. Her missed time only would be an issue if her skills had diminished.

That actually makes her career sound worse. You're saying she was available, but couldn't get it done.

2 MVP of "E8"?? Really? vs say 2/4 MVPs of FF's?

Come on, you're not helping her. Proof is in the pudding, and as yet, there hasn't been any pudding.

And as we all know, if you don't eat your meat, you can't have any pudding (laddie).

 

[meyers7]

Posters on here be throwing "legend" around like Oprah. You're a legend, and you're a legend, and you're a legend.

Remember when Meghan Gardler re-adjusted her pony tail and sank that 3? LEGEND!

 

[NycUcWbbFan]

If you ask Geno, Kerry Bascom is a legend. He often cites her. Why not — she put UConn on the trajectory through which Rebecca Lobo, another legend in his eyes, put UConn and WBB in general on the map.

Yet, Kerry does not have a national championship. Nor was she a NPOY. She was everything the UConn program stood for and the headliner of a UConn era.

There are, fortunately, many defined eras in UConn basketball and each one of those had a transcendent player, and each one of those transcendent players can be called a legend.

If you ask Geno, he might say that the current era is Paige’s. And he is already on record as saying that Paige is the best player in college WBB.

 

[darkstar1]

I realize the championship standard of UConn, but . . .

NPOY as a freshman. Still a shot at another

Injured, but took her unhealthy team to the championship game. Runner-up doesn't do it for UConn fans, but Caitlian Clark is being hailed by millions as a GOAT, and runner-up is as far as she took her team. so, . . . Page is one of the best I've ever seen and is THE most versatile at every phase of the game that I have ever seen. ( don't mean to offend, but I hope she takes UConn to another runner-up finish this year)

I would out Paige on my all-versatile team, along with Napheesa, Maya, Stewie and DT. Gabby also so versatile, but not at the level of these 5, IMO.

 

[Bone Dog]

In my view, the closest comparison for Paige is Diana and Maya. They’re all physically similar, though Maya is a bit bigger than Paige and stronger. They all had a special swagger to them. And they could carry their teams but also could let others shine. Teammates always knew they were there and could take over whenever it was necessary. Of the three, Maya impressed with speed and power, Diana and Paige with creativity.

 

[baggerbob]

A NC isn’t required for the Huskies of Honor. Kerry Bascom never won one and Bueckers will be on it regardless.

Getting a National Championship would be nice but legendary status comes from what you do in the WNBA. Diana, Maya, and Stewie along with Sue have been great on the big stage, and that's where I believe Paige will shine. Those 4 are your MT Rushmore, and You will need a 5th for Paige. Collier might end up being number 5 with Paige at 6.

 

[Alydar]

I wouldn't put them on the top tier, no. They did put up some great numbers. But Bueckers really hasn't done that yet either (career numbers). You can call them "legend" I guess, but not the top tier.

It's not that she isn't great, it's she hasn't done enough. And it's not her fault, I realize. Injuries suck. But that's part of being a legend. Being available.

"Legend" is an emotional as well as a subjective thing. Jefferson has 4 rings and yet she is usually ranked much lower than Bird (2). True legends come with stories. Bueckers' highlight video of clutch shooting would be longer than most others'. Hell, she won NPOY as a freshman. And if she plays this season she will have been more available than Sue Bird.
She hasn't been surrounded by healthy AA's either. I doubt Clark would have averaged what she did at Iowa if she had played at UConn but her efficiency would have been better.

 

[Bone Dog]

I doubt Clark would have averaged what she did at Iowa if she had played at UConn but her efficiency would have been better.

What's more, Clark played with a very stable lineup at Iowa for the whole time. Only Czinano and Warnock left after her junior year. Picture Paige with that much stability.

 

[hoophuskee]

"Legend" is an emotional as well as a subjective thing. Jefferson has 4 rings and yet she is usually ranked much lower than Bird (2). True legends come with stories. Bueckers' highlight video of clutch shooting would be longer than most others'. Hell, she won NPOY as a freshman. And if she plays this season she will have been more available than Sue Bird.
She hasn't been surrounded by healthy AA's either. I doubt Clark would have averaged what she did at Iowa if she had played at UConn but her efficiency would have been better.

+1. Paige is the definition of "Legend" as others mentioned on this thread are too.

1 --------- -- In your frosh year you get NPOY and back it up leading your team to Final Four without other A/A help and you have a game like you had v South Carolina;; that is legend.

2--------------- In your soph year you return earlier than expected from injury while putting on a show of further legendary performance (similar to South Carolina) but this time in NCAA's E8 game. Then leads her team to defeat the Defending Champs. All the while she is leading her team in which she has no A/A help. This is the definition of legendary.

3--- ------------Leading her team as a junior to the Final Four with 4 freshman as the core of 7 was nothing but utterly spectacular. This past season getting to Final Four was legend.

 

[Skeets]

Getting a National Championship would be nice but legendary status comes from what you do in the WNBA. Diana, Maya, and Stewie along with Sue have been great on the big stage, and that's where I believe Paige will shine. Those 4 are your MT Rushmore, and You will need a 5th for Paige. Collier might end up being number 5 with Paige at 6.

I disagree. It needs to be a UConn MT Rushmore, not a "UConn in the WBA MT Rushmore". For their college careers Paige can be #4 if she has 1 more Paige-like year. (An NC would be nice too.)

 

[meyers7]

"Legend" is an emotional as well as a subjective thing. Jefferson has 4 rings and yet she is usually ranked much lower than Bird (2). True legends come with stories. Bueckers' highlight video of clutch shooting would be longer than most others'. Hell, she won NPOY as a freshman. And if she plays this season she will have been more available than Sue Bird.
She hasn't been surrounded by healthy AA's either. I doubt Clark would have averaged what she did at Iowa if she had played at UConn but her efficiency would have been better.

Actually, we did a ranking poll a few years ago and Jefferson and Bird ended in a tie.

And again, like I replied in another post in this thread, arguing that she was available, doesn't help her status as a "legend". Just means she didn't get it done when she had the opportunity.

IMO, let's talk about Buecker's "legend" status after 1) she completes her college career and 2) wins a NC. Without both, it seems premature.

 

[CL82]

So, back to the title of "gamers know game", check out Sue's new jersey.


Also, I like the spouses pictures with Paige. It reminds me that the UConn extended family is more than just the players.

(One final thought, do Sue and Dee ever age?)

 

[Bone Dog]

So, back to the title of "gamers know game", check out Sue's new jersey.


Also, I like the spouses pictures with Paige. It reminds me that the UConn extended family is more than just the players.

(One final thought, do Sue and Dee ever age?)

Did Paige autograph Sue's jersey?

And doesn't this effectively answer all the cavils about whether it's too soon to recognize Paige's legendary status? The criterion ought to be this: When a legend wears your jersey to an All Star game, you've pretty much been accepted into the Pantheon of Legends by a member.

 

[meyers7]

Did Paige autograph Sue's jersey?

And doesn't this effectively answer all the cavils about whether it's too soon to recognize Paige's legendary status? The criterion ought to be this: When a legend wears your jersey to an All Star game, you've pretty much been accepted into the Pantheon of Legends by a member.

We're gonna base legendary status on what people wear now? How about the amount of "X" followers? Or Instagram or TicToc maybe?

 

[Bone Dog]

We're gonna base legendary status on what people wear now? How about the amount of "X" followers? Or Instagram or TicToc maybe?

Not “what people wear” but “who” wears it.

 

[Crossover]

Not “what people wear” but “who” wears it.

Yes. This. As the title of the thread says, "Game knows game".

 

[David54]

Has played 3 years and all 3 got to the final four. The one year she was out we didn’t make it. That NPOY as a frosh, none of the other “ legends” have done that. Not Maya,not DT, not Stewie , if you want to call PB a legend I have no issue with it!

 

[Spaceman213J]

I have to agree. Paige could be a legend. But, she hasn't done anything yet to be called a legend. NPOY as a freshman was spectacular. But, that empty space where a Natty goes needs to be filled. And yes, I know she was injured, I watch UConn basketball.

I think she is on the cusp. Remember, her career has been derailed by injuries herself and being teams decimated by other injuries as well. I don't recall Bird, Stewart, DT... having multiple key pieces that were going to be counted on to contribute go down to injury.

 

[hoophuskee]

I think she is on the cusp. Remember, her career has been derailed by injuries herself and being teams decimated by other injuries as well. I don't recall Bird, Stewart, DT... having multiple key pieces that were going to be counted on to contribute go down to injury.

Why "on the cusp?" Her career has been "derailed?" A NPOY and two-time 1st team A/A in whcih she has led her team to Final Fours in every year she has partcipated along with one season she knocked off the defending champs as the leader - and yet you say her carer has been derailed by inhjuires?

In the 3 years that you play in which you are getting to at least the Final Four in which you are your team's absolute leader/best player and among the best in the game, how can it then be said that your career has ben derailed even in which you still have a 4th year to particpate?

 

[Dogstar]

Has played 3 years and all 3 got to the final four. The one year she was out we didn’t make it. That NPOY as a frosh, none of the other “ legends” have done that. Not Maya,not DT, not Stewie , if you want to call PB a legend I have no issue with it!

You make a good point with the 3 final Fours, but imho some of the posters tnk tht she's close to the apex of the mountain but has yet to reach the top and plant the flag. Their counter to ur point is... gonna be
Maya had 2.....DT had 3......and Stewie 4.
Her first chapter was GREET!!!
Her middle chapters were filled with drama and pain.
How will the Final chapter play out?
I'm predicting tht they'll have to carve another player into the Legends Mt.
Whn they win the championship this year it'll be a K.O, it not the decision goes to the judges...and there's a whole lot of those.

 

[Spaceman213J]

Why "on the cusp?" Her career has been "derailed?" A NPOY and two-time 1st team A/A in whcih she has led her team to Final Fours in every year she has partcipated along with one season she knocked off the defending champs as the leader - and yet you say her carer has been derailed by inhjuires?

In the 3 years that you play in which you are getting to at least the Final Four in which you are your team's absolute leader/best player and among the best in the game, how can it then be said that your career has ben derailed even in which you still have a 4th year to particpate?

I would say from her own expectations, I would stand by the word "derailed". It doesn't mean has been permanently so, but I don't know any one who expected this for her. I don't even think she needs a NC. Another final four appearance with her continued great play will put her there.
I think outside of Storrs, many casual fans don't give her the credit she deserves because of how efficient she is. As of right now, would you put her on UConn's Mt. Rushmore up with or ahead of Stewie, Lobo, DT, Bird, Moore, Charles, and a few more. I wouldn't consider it yet, but one more great season from her will put her clealry into the conversation for me.
Again, if they are healthy, I think with Strong, Ziebell, Cheli, along with healthy versions of Griffin, Fudd, Ducharme, El Afy, with a very experience sophomore group, Paige could have a season that will be talked about for a long time. They will be able to space the floor and she will many opportunities to take herself or find people.

 

[hoophuskee]

I would say from her own expectations, I would stand by the word "derailed". It doesn't mean has been permanently so, but I don't know any one who expected this for her. I don't even think she needs a NC. Another final four appearance with her continued great play will put her there.
I think outside of Storrs, many casual fans don't give her the credit she deserves because of how efficient she is. As of right now, would you put her on UConn's Mt. Rushmore up with or ahead of Stewie, Lobo, DT, Bird, Moore, Charles, and a few more. I wouldn't consider it yet, but one more great season from her will put her clealry into the conversation for me.
Again, if they are healthy, I think with Strong, Ziebell, Cheli, along with healthy versions of Griffin, Fudd, Ducharme, El Afy, with a very experience sophomore group, Paige could have a season that will be talked about for a long time. They will be able to space the floor and she will many opportunities to take herself or find people.

I don't believe as a senior in college she cares about how fans classify her as either "legend" or not.. Because there is no definition. So, we are left for ourselves to define it in our own way. So, I would stand by that she would in no way say her career has been derailed. Instead she would concede her team's chances of winning a title have been derailed because of injuries. During their great wins in NCAA or loses these past 2 years which she has played, Paige has made mention of how her team overcame so much to get where they are/ended up. I know for a fact after NC State win she is being quoted how they overcame injuries. That's not "her" being "derailed" because of her "play" that should knock her out from being "legend.". For me, this conversation is about "individual" legends. Not "team" legends.

As far as your point of "outside of Storrs . . . ," imo some UCONN fans don't give her the credit she deserves.

As far as Mt Rushmore, I never understood the point of mentioning just 4 when a starting team is made up of 5. But if we want to put top 4 on and call it "Rushmore," okay I can play. So, in this case, no-- Paige is not on- but the 4th is Lobo. So, does this mean that outside of top 4, then no their player can be considered a legend? SO, if we aren't talking top 4, then what's the point of "Rushmore?" Why should Paige be excluded just becuase she isn't top 4? Anyhow, for me, I use different criteria of looking at things through "Program Overview" perspective vs "Individual Player Performance" perspective (and I'm sure other criteria etc.). So, I would have left Tina off as an example even though i believe Tina's sr year that she was a better player than Lobo. So, in regard to your question about who I would put on Rushmore but then adding many other names, it would depend on our own criteria how we feel a player is part of "Rushmore."

But for this thread - the question was brought up if we feel she is "legend." For me 100% she is. I don't believe anyone is being fair if they don't classify her as such. The below link had a Boneyard Thread created "All time UConn WBB starting 5 as of today." Post # 47 on that thread I have Paige as one of my starters. And I have Tina as one of my bench players. I don't have Lobo on am 8 player rotation. But if we are to talk about The Player Impact to the UCONN Program" then imo Lobo is Rushmore.

All time UConn WBB starting 5 as of today...

Her last 2 years, Mo was arguably the best player in the nation not named Stewart. Kaleena's limited success at the pro level causes people to diminish her college career, when, in fact, her college career was one of the best ever. She was arguably the key to the entire UConn offense. K was...

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