Notwithstanding my agreement that Gabby has reached new breathtaking heights after turning pro, your post shows a lack of awareness or understanding of playing in Europe. The European game does not encourage “free range” for players “to play their game”. Rather, at all levels in all leagues across the continent, the players are given tremendous support to expand their abilities while fitting into a structured, disciplined, and beautiful style of team play. This has been true not just for the clubs Gabby has played for, but also for the French National team where Gabby helped lead France to the bronze medal.
Your implication that UConn did not allow her the opportunity to “play her game” is also misguided. The Gabulous One’s amazing, storybook basketball career was filled with well-earned personal and team achievements, just as she hoped it would be when she spurned opportunities to play close to home (Nevada) and come across the country to Storrs. By her own account, her basketball prowess was nurtured and developed at UConn, where she was given continuous opportunities to showcase her talents while expanding her skill sets and strengthening her weaknesses. She was not held back in any manner whatsoever. Just the opposite - she was continually challenged in ways that other 5’11 phenoms would never be at any other school. In short, at UConn Gabby was given the opportunity to spread her wings and soar – and she did.
