Geno On Caitlin Clark

[diggerfoot]

Here's a Sam Kinnison-like critique of Bluders' Defense.

Not sure why this is responding to me. I never claimed Bluder was a good defensive coach. Some coaches are just the opposite, they are known for defense while the offense is uninspired. You want a coach who can do both, but if you had to choose would you rather watch a well coached offense or defense? People differ on that.

 

[stwainfan]

It's not easy for a rookie to dominate the WNBA. Parker won MVP her rookie year.

 

[Kaizen]

All that said, I am a huge Caitlin fan!! She is good for the women's game due to the class that she exudes. She never has a bad thing to say about a player that has literally rung her neck. I would tell Caitlin just keep doing what you're doing cause America is behind her. I would be willing to bet she has more fans than all the WNBA teams combined.

Don't think so.

Social Media Followers: (from Forbes)
Angel Reese: 3.2 million TikTok followers as well as 3.1m Instagram followers. Caitlin Clark: 2.3 million Instagram followers and 325k TikTok followers. May 14, 2024

how many fans caitlin clark has? - Google Search

 

[visitingcock]

Not sure why this is responding to me. I never claimed Bluder was a good defensive coach. Some coaches are just the opposite, they are known for defense while the offense is uninspired. You want a coach who can do both, but if you had to choose would you rather watch a well coached offense or defense? People differ on that.

Only responded because you mentioned her. "I saw my shot and I took it."

I'm not even sure if agree much with the commentary. I was just fascinated because it was so much like a Sam Kinison rant.

 

[cometjo]

I like him a lot. The part I don't get is that, he states that Caitlin is on the wrong team. She had no choice. So my question to him is, where would she thrive? I wish he would've answered that.

All that said, I am a huge Caitlin fan!! She is good for the women's game due to the class that she exudes. She never has a bad thing to say about a player that has literally rung her neck. I would tell Caitlin just keep doing what you're doing cause America is behind her. I would be willing to bet she has more fans than all the WNBA teams combined.

She's also good for TV, sponsorships (been in the WNBA less than 2 months and already has a 5 million dollar net worth), and society as a whole.

This is the best explanation I’ve seen of why the fever are the “wrong team”

 

[hoopsnloops32]

Thats awesome!!!

An while we are on CC I'm so sick of the whining about her being left off of the USA roster.

Bottom line it would not have been fair to pick her over players that attended the mandatory mini camps. Not to mention that people are crying over the fact that her shooting percentages should have gotten her in... yet Arike has better percentages and did not make it either!

Ok ... rant over!!!!

Not just mini camps. Clark as turned down other invites to represent USA basketball in other capacities the last 4 years. The college player fifa team in second last season and would have been a great opportunity to play for USA basketball again but she had other priorities. Which is fine but you can’t expect to be prioritized over others for the OLYMPIC team in that case.

 

[cancontent]

Not just mini camps. Clark as turned down other invites to represent USA basketball in other capacities the last 4 years. The college player fifa team in second last season and would have been a great opportunity to play for USA basketball again but she had other priorities. Which is fine but you can’t expect to be prioritized over others for the OLYMPIC team in that case.

That's not entirely accurate. She was part of the U19 squad in 2021. MVP if I recall correctly.

 

[hoopsnloops32]

That's not entirely accurate. She was part of the U19 squad in 2021. MVP if I recall correctly.

Ah I thought that was in 2020. Either way the point stills stands, it’s been a while since she’s shown up for USA basketball events so getting picked for the Olympic team was always going to be unlikely.

 

[Bone Dog]

Geno didn’t speak very clearly. He was pretty clearly irritated by the situation and sympathetic to Caitlin. But he stumbled over a few statements and they came out almost as critical of her. One thing that’s obvious is he doesn’t think the fans and some of the sportswriters are making things easy for her.

And when he said the Fever was the wrong team he didn’t mean Caitlin had made a mistake or had chosen badly. He merely meant that she didn’t get a great draw. The Fever is not in a position to make the most of her talents, at least not yet. This is ironically highlighted by Kate Martin’s quite fortunate placement with the Aces.

 

[Scud49]

Caitlin's game has improved all year - she and her Fever teammates are playing great basketball right now:

 

[bballnut90]

The 5 minute clip does so much better on providing context. Worth watching. FYI - there is some bleeping towards the end because they touch on McAfee, but it's brief.

Well this take on Clark aged like milk

 

[jdote33]

Well this take on Clark aged like milk

Honestly, I've seen this a bit on social media. I can see both sides. CC is great but probably still not an MVP candidate, probably shouldn't be top 5 (Phee, A'ja, Stewie, Sab, AT). I think Indiana has proven to be a pretty good fit but they've tweaked their lineups and I think the world kinda forgot how good Kelsey Mitchell was as she got off to a slow start. Then the biggest comment imo was regarding her not being able to handle the physicality of the game. I think Sue Bird kinda talked about this, how teams haven't been picking her up full court as much. Lastly, Paige and Caitlin do play different games. I don't think Paige will be on the ball half as much as Caitlin.

 

[bballnut90]

Honestly, I've seen this a bit on social media. I can see both sides. CC is great but probably still not an MVP candidate, probably shouldn't be top 5 (Phee, A'ja, Stewie, Sab, AT). I think Indiana has proven to be a pretty good fit but they've tweaked their lineups and I think the world kinda forgot how good Kelsey Mitchell was as she got off to a slow start. Then the biggest comment imo was regarding her not being able to handle the physicality of the game. I think Sue Bird kinda talked about this, how teams haven't been picking her up full court as much. Lastly, Paige and Caitlin do play different games. I don't think Paige will be on the ball half as much as Caitlin.

She's right there with AT this year for top 5 and a strong contender for 1st Team All-WNBA. Maybe not 3rd or 4th like Geno states she was listed for betting odds, but just a hair below and trending upward. Hardly worthy of fans being titled "unknowledgeable and stupid" by Geno.



Other notable quotes: "this kid's on the wrong team, she's got the wrong skill set to handle the physicality of that league and she's a rookie."

"She's just not built for the physicality of this league and she's not quick enough to get away from the physicality, so there's a lot of learning curve like Diana said"

"She needs to be on a better team and be more experienced"


Since this commentary from Geno, she's averaged 19.1 points, 9.6 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 44.6/34.7/89.3 shooting splits with a 1.7 A/TO ratio and her team has gone 11-6. They have a good shot to finish #6 in the league this year after missing the playoffs the past 7 seasons. In terms of quickness, she consistently beats defenders off the dribble while drawing the best opposing guard and is 12th in the league in FTA/game. I'd say she's handling the physicality just fine. And if people want to double down on Taurasi being right, that's fine, but it was short lived adjustment period that didn't last even 3 full weeks. Since then Clark has proven herself to be among the very best players in the league.


Another zinger: "This rookie class isn't even one of the best rookie classes in the last 10 years"
Looking at the standouts, we have:
-Clark is having an All-WNBA caliber season and leads the league in assists
-Angel Reese is leading the league in rebounds and is on pace to shatter the single season record in rebounds per game and total. She also set the record for most consecutive double doubles in a season.
-Rickea Jackson is putting up great numbers averaging 11.9 ppg her first season
-Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds her rookie season
-Aaliyah Edwards is averaging 8.2 points and 5.7 rebounds
-Cameron Brink was among lead leaders in blocks and having a good rookie season prior to her ACL

6 starters and a number of records being set/broken. No other rookie class compares from the past 10 years in terms of productivity their first year.

 

[cancontent]

Well this take on Clark aged like milk

Yes and no. What Geno said had some truth. A lot of the newer fans were quick to anoint her without acknowledging or realizing that she'd need some time to adjust. There never was any doubt she'd have impact but a realistic timeframe was the issue from my perspective.

Honestly, I've seen this a bit on social media. I can see both sides. CC is great but probably still not an MVP candidate, probably shouldn't be top 5 (Phee, A'ja, Stewie, Sab, AT). I think Indiana has proven to be a pretty good fit but they've tweaked their lineups and I think the world kinda forgot how good Kelsey Mitchell was as she got off to a slow start. Then the biggest comment imo was regarding her not being able to handle the physicality of the game. I think Sue Bird kinda talked about this, how teams haven't been picking her up full court as much. Lastly, Paige and Caitlin do play different games. I don't think Paige will be on the ball half as much as Caitlin.

Great points. I know the Iowa board was ready with pitchforks for Coach Sides and everyone else on the roster initially. Haven't peeked over there in a while. Would be interesting to see how the Fever organization is perceived as a whole now. There wasn't a sense of patience to see how the team would develop considering the short timeframe WNBA rookies have to adjust after playing in the NCAA.

 

[Bone Dog]

In the end, and barring injury, Caitlin will have a fine career, maybe even a great one. The pattern of her college years, where she first seemed like a stat-padder and only later was able to carry her team almost to glory is going to play out in the pros too. When she carries the Fever, or her next team, to the championship, all the critics will be silenced. Until then, not.

Geno's opinion, while fumbled at one point, will turn out to be the right one. He was defending her from premature criticism.

 

[bbsamjj]

She's right there with AT this year for top 5 and a strong contender for 1st Team All-WNBA. Maybe not 3rd or 4th like Geno states she was listed for betting odds, but just a hair below and trending upward. Hardly worthy of fans being titled "unknowledgeable and stupid" by Geno.



Other notable quotes: "this kid's on the wrong team, she's got the wrong skill set to handle the physicality of that league and she's a rookie."

"She's just not built for the physicality of this league and she's not quick enough to get away from the physicality, so there's a lot of learning curve like Diana said"

"She needs to be on a better team and be more experienced"


Since this commentary from Geno, she's averaged 19.1 points, 9.6 assists, 6.2 rebounds, and 1.5 steals on 44.6/34.7/89.3 shooting splits with a 1.7 A/TO ratio and her team has gone 11-6. They have a good shot to finish #6 in the league this year after missing the playoffs the past 7 seasons. In terms of quickness, she consistently beats defenders off the dribble while drawing the best opposing guard and is 12th in the league in FTA/game. I'd say she's handling the physicality just fine. And if people want to double down on Taurasi being right, that's fine, but it was short lived adjustment period that didn't last even 3 full weeks. Since then Clark has proven herself to be among the very best players in the league.


Another zinger: "This rookie class isn't even one of the best rookie classes in the last 10 years"
Looking at the standouts, we have:
-Clark is having an All-WNBA caliber season and leads the league in assists
-Angel Reese is leading the league in rebounds and is on pace to shatter the single season record in rebounds per game and total. She also set the record for most consecutive double doubles in a season.
-Rickea Jackson is putting up great numbers averaging 11.9 ppg her first season
-Kamilla Cardoso is averaging 9.1 points and 7.7 rebounds her rookie season
-Aaliyah Edwards is averaging 8.2 points and 5.7 rebounds
-Cameron Brink was among lead leaders in blocks and having a good rookie season prior to her ACL

6 starters and a number of records being set/broken. No other rookie class compares from the past 10 years in terms of productivity their first year.

The 2018 was very good too: A. Wilson, K. Mitchell, D. Deshields (who was VERY good pre injury in the league), Azura Stevens, Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams all had really solid rookie seasons.

2019 had Napheesa, Arike, Jackie Young (though she was not great her rookie year), McCowan, and a lot of players who blossomed later. Also this has one of the best second round classes ever, given where they are now (Sophie Cunningham, Marina Mabrey, Nathasha Hiedeman, Bridget Carleton)

 

[RockyMTblue2]

In the end, and barring injury, Caitlin will have a fine career, maybe even a great one. The pattern of her college years, where she first seemed like a stat-padder and only later was able to carry her team almost to glory is going to play out in the pros too. When she carries the Fever, or her next team, to the championship, all the critics will be silenced. Until then, not.

Geno's opinion, while fumbled at one point, will turn out to be the right one. He was defending her from premature criticism.. Or perhaps it was a fumbled effort. I saw it as more of siding

Geno may have been doing a lot of things, but defending her from premature critism was not one of them. More like aligning with Taurasi. What he should have done was keep his beak out of it.

 

[WBBTakeover]

Honestly, I've seen this a bit on social media. I can see both sides. CC is great but probably still not an MVP candidate, probably shouldn't be top 5 (Phee, A'ja, Stewie, Sab, AT). I think Indiana has proven to be a pretty good fit but they've tweaked their lineups and I think the world kinda forgot how good Kelsey Mitchell was as she got off to a slow start. Then the biggest comment imo was regarding her not being able to handle the physicality of the game. I think Sue Bird kinda talked about this, how teams haven't been picking her up full court as much. Lastly, Paige and Caitlin do play different games. I don't think Paige will be on the ball half as much as Caitlin.

I disagree. CC is, to me, a Top 5 MVP candidate. She's definitely not in the A'ja tier and maybe not at Phee/Sabrina/maybe Kah tier, either. But she's more of an MVP candidate than Alyssa Thomas. Alyssa Thomas isn't even the MVP on her own team. I also wouldn't have Stewie in the Top 5 because Sabrina has been NY's MVP this year.

 

[bballnut90]

The 2018 was very good too: A. Wilson, K. Mitchell, D. Deshields (who was VERY good pre injury in the league), Azura Stevens, Ariel Atkins, Kia Nurse, Gabby Williams all had really solid rookie seasons.

2019 had Napheesa, Arike, Jackie Young (though she was not great her rookie year), McCowan, and a lot of players who blossomed later. Also this has one of the best second round classes ever, given where they are now (Sophie Cunningham, Marina Mabrey, Nathasha Hiedeman, Bridget Carleton)

2018 is maybe comparable if looking at solely rookie seasons. Most of those players haven’t panned out though aside from Wilson/Mitchell/Atkins.

I think 2019 will be better long term than 2024, but as rookies 2024 is performing at a much higher level than 2019 was.

Regardless though, his comment was inaccurate and come off as sour grapes (as did most of that interview).

 

[BigTenGuy]

Geno may have been doing a lot of things, but defending her from premature critism was not one of them. More like aligning with Taurasi. What he should have done was keep his beak out of it.

More piling on Geno’s take in today’s Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/08/27/caitlin-clark-is-shining-making-her-skeptics-look-silly/

 

[psconn]

Clark is currently the 78th best shooter in the W by FG% and ranks 61st in 3 pt shooting %. She shoots a ton of shots to get to her record setting rookie numbers. Leads the league in turnovers.

I am not trying to be a hater here. I admire her passing ability and vision. I like the way she drives and handles the ball in the paint and she has a very good mid-range game that she doesn't use enough. She's going to be a really good player in the W and will get better with time and reps.

Her shot selection needs improvement.
She could raise her unimpressive shooting % just by taking better shots. The only people who want to see her jack up pressured logo shots are the CC cultists and her opponents.

 

[packwrap]

The only people who want to see her jack up pressured logo shots are the CC cultists and her opponents.

I believe her coaches are asking her to put up shots. Her teammates also appear to support her shooting a lot, as they are winning games.

Her efficiency will improve and turnovers will decline over time, meanwhile she executes the game plan.

 

[RockInND]

Clark is currently the 78th best shooter in the W by FG% and ranks 61st in 3 pt shooting %. She shoots a ton of shots to get to her record setting rookie numbers. Leads the league in turnovers.

I am not trying to be a hater here. I admire her passing ability and vision. I like the way she drives and handles the ball in the paint and she has a very good mid-range game that she doesn't use enough. She's going to be a really good player in the W and will get better with time and reps.

Her shot selection needs improvement.
She could raise her unimpressive shooting % just by taking better shots. The only people who want to see her jack up pressured logo shots are the CC cultists and her opponents.

I‘m thinking she’s going to be much more than just a really good player.

 

[Reypl21]

Clark is currently the 78th best shooter in the W by FG% and ranks 61st in 3 pt shooting %. She shoots a ton of shots to get to her record setting rookie numbers. Leads the league in turnovers.

I am not trying to be a hater here. I admire her passing ability and vision. I like the way she drives and handles the ball in the paint and she has a very good mid-range game that she doesn't use enough. She's going to be a really good player in the W and will get better with time and reps.

Her shot selection needs improvement.
She could raise her unimpressive shooting % just by taking better shots. The only people who want to see her jack up pressured logo shots are the CC cultists and her opponents.

The Fever are finally playing fast to match her. So naturally she's going to shoot a lot and miss a lot. I think that's the nature of her game. I'm not sure that will ever change, and frankly it shouldn't. Her taking those long distance 3's is what is drawing the defense out, and allows her to pass. I've been impressed that she has developed a mid range and a floater already. I think her percentage will improve, but those are shots will continue to be taken. And I guarantee they are encouraged. Sides would bench her if they weren't.

She's already the best passer in the league.

 

[uconnfan68]

More piling on Geno’s take in today’s Washington Post.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2024/08/27/caitlin-clark-is-shining-making-her-skeptics-look-silly/

Sally Jenkins still grinding that axe...