I watched the first 37 minutes fairly closely and took some notes. I gave players a "+" for a nice play, good pass, made 3-pointer, etc. I gave them a "-" for a turnover, airball, brick, missed layup, etc.
My primary observation: I believe that Geno thought the 2020 and 2021 classes are stronger than 2019. I would agree. I didn't see any Maya Moores or even Napheesa Colliers on the floor. Some player observations:
Griffin: Looked thinner than I thought in person. Moved without the ball better than anyone. Played only 13 minutes. 3-3 on FTs. Is long, quick, and fast. May need to be more aggressive and stronger. She brings all the tools Geno would want. I see her as a starter next year, our 5th best player--unless Geno picks up a foreigner or transfer for 2019. She broke up an alley-oop to Belibi.
Horston: Took over the game in Q3, shot the ball well, and looked like the best player out there. Very athletic and fairly long.
Jones: A little slower than I thought. Is versatile and should be a good rebounder. Shot FTs well, but not FGs. Played within herself and looked smart.
R. Jackson: Athletic and made some nice hoops, but also shot some bricks. Lots of potential. Exciting.
Boston: Made a few hoops and grabbed boards, but didn't dominate. Belibi blocked her at least once.
Taylor: Made several smart and energetic plays, but was a little out of control at times. Overall, I liked her, even though she was scoreless.
Belibi: Good vertical and long arms, combined with big hands. Handled the ball on the break. Still raw, having taken up the game 4 years ago. Missed several shots in close. Probably can defend the post with her physicality and length.
Brunelle: Hit from 25' and 10'. Won the 3-point contest. May be an elite shooter. The comments about her being a little awkward and not quick or fast seem accurate.
Miller: Shot poorly, but rebounded well. Long and very fast.
Peoples: Played under control, shot well, and looked solid. I wanted her a while ago and still do.
Puisis: Looked like the best distance shooter on the floor. Possibly underrated. I'd take her.
Cooke: What we saw with USA Basketball--exciting, very quick, and a bit out of control. If she harnesses it, she'll be really good. Didn't shoot great, but had a game-high 4 assists.
Beal: Did some good things. I swear she was 4-5 on FTs not 2-5.
Brown-Turner: I saw her play in D.C. She's athletic and physical. Maybe a little raw.
Bell: Don't recall much but did note a positive play.
I don't recall anyone else doing much remarkable, either good or bad.
It's hard to get much out of all-star games. Overall, I thought the star power was limited. But there were some very athletic kids on the floor, including but not limited to: Griffin, Belibi, Cooke, Miller, Horston, Jackson, and Taylor.
If I could pick a handful of players for UConn, based only on today's game and not additional knowledge, I'd take Horston, probably Puisis, Peoples/Cooke, and Jones/Griffin.
Let's get Bueckers, Gusters, and 1-2 more players from 2020.
