Here's a quiz about Napheesa Collier... 100% is only acceptable score.

[UcMiami]

I will predict that Kia will indeed be the point guard in the upcoming season. We don't know whether that is her best position; we only know that she wasn't going to play there in either of the last two years since an all-world talent already occupied that position. It seemed to me that Kia was effectively the PG for the Canadian team, although that team did not strongly differentiate the 1 and 2 positions.

That would lead to an initial starting lineup of Kia, Gabby, Lou, Napheesa, and Natalie. I don't think it's realistic to think that Crystal could become the starting PG as a freshman -- even Moriah couldn't do that. Crystal will get her 12-15 minutes as Kia's backup, and that will often be done with Kia remaining in the game and moving over to the 2.

Moriah came into a team with a two year starter at point guard in front of her, Sue came into a team that had just graduated Rita and started the first eight games until a knee injury sidelined her, Nicole came into a team that had just graduated Sue and started the first ten games before a knee injury sidelined her, Renee came into a team with no established PG and started 35 of 37 games as a freshman, and Bria came into a team that had lost Caroline to injury again and started 34 of 38 games. And Caroline came into a team that had graduated Swanier and Thomas and started her first 17 games until she went down.

No idea if Crystal is 'good enough' to start, but if she is, it will not be unheard of for her to get into the starting line-up as a freshman. Kia is more naturally a two guard and the team will be more effective if one of the best players on the team isn't playing out of position even if that means Crystal is promoted earlier in her career than might be ideal.

We all have this notion that even the all time greats in Uconn history start their careers on the bench - DT and Maya did not start as freshman is the mantra - but that was because they didn't have to - DT came into a team with Sveta, and Shea, and TASS and Kelly and Kenitra - it wasn't until the injuries started mounting that DT went from the bench to the starting rotation. Maya cane into a team with Charles and Greene, and Montgomery, and Thomas, and Hunter, and Houston, and it wasn't until Greene went down that Moore got her first start. Stewart came into a team with Stef and Bria, and KML, and Faris, Doty and didn't start for the first half of the season. But other players like Tina and Stef presented the 'best option' available at their position as freshman and started immediately. It is less about the freshman and more about the team they join - if there is a viable option in front of them, the preference is to bring them off the bench, if there isn't, then they start.

For Crystal, maybe Chong steps up, or maybe Geno goes huge and starts Lou as a guard, but I suspect she may be the best starting option from day one.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Me too. The immediate question that comes to mind is, if not Phee, then who? Phee and Gabby were the first two off the bench last year. Towards the end of the year, when the bench shrank, they were the only two off the bench.



Geno's got 3 starting spots to fill. Gabby and Collier filling two of those spots is a no brainer. Who fills the 5th spot? And if Collier does not start, then who does?

If Chong is healthy, she is the most experienced, and Butler (with bigger less mobile teams)
it would appear the new kids have a very good chance of playing time.
Butler is a fair to good rebounder if paired with Collier her limitations would not be visible. As a big body, with another year to learn to use it, she could be a factor. The kid can shoot .
Although my vote is no longer valid (Geno took it away 8 years ag0- saying-youre no John Wooden)
still Geno loves Collier and Gabby and Katie Lou--I'll put 35 cent in a bet they shall start.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Moriah came into a team with a two year starter at point guard in front of her, Sue came into a team that had just graduated Rita and started the first eight games until a knee injury sidelined her, Nicole came into a team that had just graduated Sue and started the first ten games before a knee injury sidelined her, Renee came into a team with no established PG and started 35 of 37 games as a freshman, and Bria came into a team that had lost Caroline to injury again and started 34 of 38 games. And Caroline came into a team that had graduated Swanier and Thomas and started her first 17 games until she went down.

No idea if Crystal is 'good enough' to start, but if she is, it will not be unheard of for her to get into the starting line-up as a freshman. Kia is more naturally a two guard and the team will be more effective if one of the best players on the team isn't playing out of position even if that means Crystal is promoted earlier in her career than might be ideal.

We all have this notion that even the all time greats in Uconn history start their careers on the bench - DT and Maya did not start as freshman is the mantra - but that was because they didn't have to - DT came into a team with Sveta, and Shea, and TASS and Kelly and Kenitra - it wasn't until the injuries started mounting that DT went from the bench to the starting rotation. Maya cane into a team with Charles and Greene, and Montgomery, and Thomas, and Hunter, and Houston, and it wasn't until Greene went down that Moore got her first start. Stewart came into a team with Stef and Bria, and KML, and Faris, Doty and didn't start for the first half of the season. But other players like Tina and Stef presented the 'best option' available at their position as freshman and started immediately. It is less about the freshman and more about the team they join - if there is a viable option in front of them, the preference is to bring them off the bench, if there isn't, then they start.

For Crystal, maybe Chong steps up, or maybe Geno goes huge and starts Lou as a guard, but I suspect she may be the best starting option from day one.

Using your analysis of Frosh starting---I suggest that Crystal if she does not start she'll come off the bench first and relieve Chong. In at least one NCAA game Chong was less than great handling the press. Her experience, if her scoring returns, she has the potential to be very good--but alas she had had that potential for over 3 years now.
Some good Freshman (Uconn) guards became less after injuries.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Even the great Maya Moore didn't start at the beginning of her freshman season. Geno's rationale was that, when he brought her off the bench, no team had another bench player who could match up. Hell, no team had a starter who could match up! As we know, injuries to Mel and Kalana thinned the roster, and Maya moved into the starting lineup. How did that turn out? She went from nonstarter to second in the AP POY voting behind Candace Parker. We have seen other freshmen who became impact players. Stewie started strong, had a mid-season slump, and finished as the Final Four MOP. Kaleena also had a slump but still led the ream in scoring. Lou became an outstanding player in the last half of last season. I look for Crystal to be a big impact player.

 

[Carnac]

PG, Nurse, KLS. So, two spots for Butler, Gabby, Collier. We know Geno sorta sees Williams and Collier similarly so not sure they both start.

Unless Geno goes Nurse at PG which I wouldn't rule out though it's not her best position. That would change everything.

Geno's only got 3 choices at the point: Nurse, Chong or Dangerfield. To me Nurse is the logical choice. She's been a starter for two years. She's done absolutely nothing to forfeit her starting spot, in fact, she been stellar.
UConn has not lost a game since she became a starter the 3rd game of the 2014-2015 season. There's no one else on the roster with as much or more experience at guard (for UConn) than her. I don't believe Dangerfield will be ready to start at the beginning of the season (I could be wrong).

Lou didn't become a starter until January. Crystal may follow her lead. Her first two years (as we all know), Kia did not have to play the point. Moriah was conducting a clinic for all "would be" PG's, while earning the prestigious Nancy Lieberman Award as well. Nurse may have to move over now and assume that position. Who knows what's going to happen between now and the first exhibition game in November? We'll just have to wait and see how it plays out.

 

[Carnac]

If Chong is healthy, she is the most experienced, and Butler (with bigger less mobile teams)
it would appear the new kids have a very good chance of playing time.
Butler is a fair to good rebounder if paired with Collier her limitations would not be visible. As a big body, with another year to learn to use it, she could be a factor. The kid can shoot .
Although my vote is no longer valid (Geno took it away 8 years ag0- saying-youre no John Wooden)
still Geno loves Collier and Gabby and Katie Lou--I'll put 35 cent in a bet they shall start.

OK, it looks like you've got Chong, Butler, Collier, Gabby and Lou starting? No Kia Nurse? I agree that Butler's size will be needed in games against teams with a large post player. I can't see Nurse not being in the starting lineup. I'm guessing (and it's only a guess): PG-Nurse, SG-Lou, W-Collier, W-Williams, P-Butler. The first 4 I'm sure of. Butler is the wild card. I'm not sure about her yet. She'll either play her way into or out of a starting role.
I've got Chong as my 6th man, Unless Geno goes with Nurse, Chong, Lou, Williams and Collier. Too early to tell. So many options at this point. It's still August.

 

[Carnac]

I feel very comfortable saying PG isn't her best position.

I understand, but the rest of the team may leave Geno no choice. Who would YOU start at the point? Chong? A lot of BY's would. We don't know how much Chong's overall game as improved over the summer. She may have addressed and cleaned up the issues that kept her on the bench last year. If she has, then that makes Geno's decision a lot easier, Chong starts at the point!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I understand, but the rest of the team may leave Geno no choice. Who would YOU start at the point? Chong? A lot of BY's would. We don't know how much Chong's overall game as improved over the summer. She may have addressed and cleaned up the issues that kept her on the bench last year. If she has, then that makes Geno's decision a lot easier, Chong starts at the point!

I just can't see it being Chong, but who knows. So my guess would have to be either Dangerfield or Nurse. This wouldn't be that big of a deal if the schedule were flipped and the conference games came first. But it's hard to see them throwing Crystal Dangerfield in the fire like that against that level of non-conference opponents at the start.

 

[BroadwayVa]

OK, it looks like you've got Chong, Butler, Collier, Gabby and Lou starting? No Kia Nurse? I agree that Butler's size will be needed in games against teams with a large post player. I can't see Nurse not being in the starting lineup. I'm guessing (and it's only a guess): PG-Nurse, SG-Lou, W-Collier, W-Williams, P-Butler. The first 4 I'm sure of. Butler is the wild card. I'm not sure about her yet. She'll either play her way into or out of a starting role.
I've got Chong as my 6th man, Unless Geno goes with Nurse, Chong, Lou, Williams and Collier. Too early to tell. So many options at this point. It's still August.

You caught me--KIA has to start with her experience--I think having her on the floor is a like having Tuck--she's a leader and a calming influence.
Chong, if she is healthy and knowing Geno's system I suspect she shall be Point until Geno trusts Crystal enough then they'll be interchanged. A big question for me is Butler. She is big, she shoots well, rebounds OK, but I haven't seen her enough to know how well she defends bigs. What will she do against Wilson (or even Stevens in practice). Geno, even in WON games, only gave Butler clean up time--to me (and I'm usually wrong) says he has no confidence in her.
I threw out those names Chong, Butler, Collier, Lou, Gabby as Geno "core" but I forgot KIA--
I have reservations about Kia as a charging bull--but when it comes to experience none can compare. Geno is loyal, sometimes to a fault (Doty), and needs lots of time (sometimes) to trust his guards. So that is why I think Chong.
For just a second--consider Chong is 100 per cent and finds her HS shooting touch--where would she fit in your list then?? Why? You know more about this than I do--.\

 

[JoePgh]

For just a second--consider Chong is 100 per cent and finds her HS shooting touch--where would she fit in your list then?? Why? You know more about this than I do--.\

I think Geno's issue with Saniya is her defense, not her shooting or her offense generally. If she gets to the point where she can guard people on the perimeter rather than watch them drive to the hoop, she can get a lot of minutes. But she has had three years to reach that point, and hasn't done it yet. I don't really think it's likely that she will climb that mountain in her senior year.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I think Geno's issue with Saniya is her defense, not her shooting or her offense generally. If she gets to the point where she can guard people on the perimeter rather than watch them drive to the hoop, she can get a lot of minutes. But she has had three years to reach that point, and hasn't done it yet. I don't really think it's likely that she will climb that mountain in her senior year.

At this point Chongs value is : She knows Geno's system Offense and Defense. She has experience
In terms of Defense; she can't grow much at her age, so defending bigs will rarely happen. Her dis ability may slow her more than her body style indicates. Point is Chong is what she is--and I'm sure Geno shall use what is good and in games of less importance will live with her deficiencies.
Having said that--I'd like Chong to shoot the 3 and get her accuracy back. I'd like her to slash and attack the basket--she does that well and it takes pressure off of katie Lou
.
I would never talk for Geno (which I do regularly) if Chong is healthy I think she starts--at least for a while--Geno likes experience--unless it never develops.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I understand, but the rest of the team may leave Geno no choice. Who would YOU start at the point? Chong? A lot of BY's would. We don't know how much Chong's overall game as improved over the summer. She may have addressed and cleaned up the issues that kept her on the bench last year. If she has, then that makes Geno's decision a lot easier, Chong starts at the point!

Im not Kia's biggest fan nor biggest detractor--I like and dislike that's she's the toughest kid on the floor. If the Choice is among Crystal, Chong (disabled) and Kia--at least early in the season, it's an easy choice--KIA. If Chong is 100 percent that changes the formulae. If she can shoot the 3 with 40 percent accuracy, can slash to the basket, and defend the perimeter Chong should be Point--lots of If's.

 

[BroadwayVa]

OK, it looks like you've got Chong, Butler, Collier, Gabby and Lou starting? No Kia Nurse? I agree that Butler's size will be needed in games against teams with a large post player. I can't see Nurse not being in the starting lineup. I'm guessing (and it's only a guess): PG-Nurse, SG-Lou, W-Collier, W-Williams, P-Butler. The first 4 I'm sure of. Butler is the wild card. I'm not sure about her yet. She'll either play her way into or out of a starting role.
I've got Chong as my 6th man, Unless Geno goes with Nurse, Chong, Lou, Williams and Collier. Too early to tell. So many options at this point. It's still August.

Your next to the last sentence---I think you can almost (never always)guarantee that line up will be used against "smaller" teams. The big ???? is Butler and how BIG Lou plays this year.
Lou has the ability, showed some in the final games she played, to block, defend, slash, hit the 3, 6, 14, and 17 ft shots has a sweet jumper near the foul line. We've been over looking her in the Chong Kia discussion. She handles the ball as well as Stewie down the floor. No she's not my point guard.

 

[Rixxx]

As I said before, Natalie has to play big. I haven't seen enough of Natalie to know if she can play that way.

 

[bags27]

Watched this year's NC game again last night. Was particularly impressed by Napheesa: she a number of things well. Most importantly, it was hard to tell that she was in an NC game: played very naturally and in the flow. She has spectacular ball instincts that you just can't teach. Will deliver big time over the next 3 years.

 

[Carnac]

Your next to the last sentence---I think you can almost (never always)guarantee that line up will be used against "smaller" teams. The big ???? is Butler and how BIG Lou plays this year.
Lou has the ability, showed some in the final games she played, to block, defend, slash, hit the 3, 6, 14, and 17 ft shots has a sweet jumper near the foul line. We've been over looking her in the Chong Kia discussion. She handles the ball as well as Stewie down the floor. No she's not my point guard.

IF, and it's a BIG IF, Lou can come close to playing the role that Stewie played with similar results, that would give Geno a lot of wiggle room with his starting lineup. Butler didn't play a lot last year because Geno didn't need her. He had Stewie. Stewie played wherever Geno needed her to play, whether it was guarding the perimeter, or playing in the paint in a 2-3 zone, or guarding the opponent's post 1 on 1.

Stewie could handle any assignment Geno gave her. She was very flexible, kinda like a "Swiss Army Knife" if you will. Obviously Lou was being groomed to take her place. If Lou can effectively assume Stewie's role this year, that would have a huge impact on who that 5th starter will be.

If Lou can't effectively guard opposing BIGS, and rebound (and block shots) then Butler will be pressed into service. We'll find out real quick how she fares when they play Baylor on November 17, the 2nd game of the season. Baylor will feature their twin towers 6'7" Kalani Brown and 6'4" Beatrice Mompremier. No doubt these ladies will prove to be an excellent barometer with which to measure exactly where Lou is in her development.

 

[CocoHusky]

IF, and it's a BIG IF, Lou can come close to playing the role that Stewie played with similar results, that would give Geno a lot of wiggle room with his starting lineup. Butler didn't play a lot last year because Geno didn't need her. He had Stewie. Stewie played wherever Geno needed her to play, whether it was guarding the perimeter, or playing in the paint in a 2-3 zone, or guarding the opponent's post 1 on 1.

Stewie could handle any assignment Geno gave her. She was very flexible, kinda like a "Swiss Army Knife" if you will. Obviously Lou was being groomed to take her place. If Lou can effectively assume Stewie's role this year, that would have a huge impact on who that 5th starter will be.

If Lou can't effectively guard opposing BIGS, and rebound (and block shots) then Butler will be pressed into service. We'll find out real quick how she fares when they play Baylor on November 17, the 2nd game of the season. Baylor will feature their twin towers 6'7" Kalani Brown and 6'4" Beatrice Mompremier. No doubt these ladies will prove to be an excellent barometer with which to measure exactly where Lou is in her development.

Perfectly plausible for KLS to be "helping" out in the post during the Baylor game and not have to contend with Brown, Cox, Mompremier, or Cave. Mompremier and Brown rarely play together and Baylor's best post player is 5'11" Nina Davis is a much better matchup for KLS. The same can be said for most of the rest of the Teams on UCONN schedule with two notable exceptions ( teams that have a tall dual post threat) tOSU and South Carolina.
I trust Geno's ability to scheme defensively in those games exponentially more than I trust all the other coaches ability to develop a dual post threat. Coates & Wilson for example at SC are, at times, dominating against the rest of WCBB; in two years against UCONN Coates might as well have been pictured on a milk carton-she has been MIA.

 

[BroadwayVa]

IF, and it's a BIG IF, Lou can come close to playing the role that Stewie played with similar results, that would give Geno a lot of wiggle room with his starting lineup. Butler didn't play a lot last year because Geno didn't need her. He had Stewie. Stewie played wherever Geno needed her to play, whether it was guarding the perimeter, or playing in the paint in a 2-3 zone, or guarding the opponent's post 1 on 1.

Stewie could handle any assignment Geno gave her. She was very flexible, kinda like a "Swiss Army Knife" if you will. Obviously Lou was being groomed to take her place. If Lou can effectively assume Stewie's role this year, that would have a huge impact on who that 5th starter will be.

If Lou can't effectively guard opposing BIGS, and rebound (and block shots) then Butler will be pressed into service. We'll find out real quick how she fares when they play Baylor on November 17, the 2nd game of the season. Baylor will feature their twin towers 6'7" Kalani Brown and 6'4" Beatrice Mompremier. No doubt these ladies will prove to be an excellent barometer with which to measure exactly where Lou is in her development.

Stewie wasn't Stewie unitil the NCAA in her Freshman year and she was absolutely needed--even with a good or better supporting cast. Katie Lou never really had that pressure or reason to excel beyond where she became.

Butler WAS NOT needed to plug many holes, because there were few, in big games. Nevertheless --GENO did not use her extensively with some of the not really top teams--AAC not among them. Initially she wasn't fit to play a lot--then--why?? Do you or any Boneyarder really believe Geno can shake his magic dust on Butler and make her become a Stef Dolson?? Because for Uconn to go far in the NCAA I think that is required--but what do I know??

To even come close to thinking Katie Lou shall become a slightly shorter Stewie has no merit (you didn't say that). I believe Katie Lou, the best of the Samuelsons, will shine and excel come April 2017. But she will need everything Napheesa, Kayla, Crystal, Gabby, Kia and Chong can pull up from their inner beings to go far in the NCAA--my expectation is Elite 8/Final 4 (maybe more of a hope). It is good for WCBB for Geno to have an off year--but not for us Fan of UCWBB..

 

[bags27]

Stewie wasn't Stewie unitil the NCAA in her Freshman year and she was absolutely needed--even with a good or better supporting cast. Katie Lou never really had that pressure or reason to excel beyond where she became.

Butler WAS NOT needed to plug many holes, because there were few, in big games. Nevertheless --GENO did not use her extensively with some of the not really top teams--AAC not among them. Initially she wasn't fit to play a lot--then--why?? Do you or any Boneyarder really believe Geno can shake his magic dust on Butler and make her become a Stef Dolson?? Because for Uconn to go far in the NCAA I think that is required--but what do I know??

To even come close to thinking Katie Lou shall become a slightly shorter Stewie has no merit (you didn't say that). I believe Katie Lou, the best of the Samuelsons, will shine and excel come April 2017. But she will need everything Napheesa, Kayla, Crystal, Gabby, Kia and Chong can pull up from their inner beings to go far in the NCAA--my expectation is Elite 8/Final 4 (maybe more of a hope). It is good for WCBB for Geno to have an off year--but not for us Fan of UCWBB..

Like this a lot, until the last 7 words. Of course, every fan of every teams wants to end the season with a final game win. But even if UConn doesn't (as you rightly say, odds are against it), it will be a great time to see Geno have to actually earn his salary (just kidding: he earns it already, but now no one will dispute it). And, what's really cool about 2016-2017 is appreciating that, however good it is this year, UConn will be even the more awesome in 2017-2018.

 

[UcMiami]

BoradwayVA - like it. But as I posted long ago with respect to Butler, by the time she was actually able to get back on the court, the team had completely shifted away from whatever they had started to install prior to her injury and she was uniquely different from everyone else who was playing her position in her absence. If she is able to remain healthy this coming preseason and through the season, I do expect to see both a different Natalie on the court and a different offense being run to maximize her unique qualities as a player. By December of last year when she was cleared to play, she was coming into an already established rotation that was working very well, and she was sort of left in the cold to struggle along at the end of the bench.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Like this a lot, until the last 7 words. Of course, every fan of every teams wants to end the season with a final game win. But even if UConn doesn't (as you rightly say, odds are against it), it will be a great time to see Geno have to actually earn his salary (just kidding: he earns it already, but now no one will dispute it). And, what's really cool about 2016-2017 is appreciating that, however good it is this year, UConn will be even the more awesome in 2017-2018.

As Geno and ALL Uconn fans I don't like to see them lose (I don't play for Geno). However there is so much more in losses to comment on (kidding). It will be interesting to see Mulkey all over herself if she beat Uconn or ND fans yahoo and the Courant once again saying Muffet has Geno's number (yuk).

 

[BroadwayVa]

BoradwayVA - like it. But as I posted long ago with respect to Butler, by the time she was actually able to get back on the court, the team had completely shifted away from whatever they had started to install prior to her injury and she was uniquely different from everyone else who was playing her position in her absence. If she is able to remain healthy this coming preseason and through the season, I do expect to see both a different Natalie on the court and a different offense being run to maximize her unique qualities as a player. By December of last year when she was cleared to play, she was coming into an already established rotation that was working very well, and she was sort of left in the cold to struggle along at the end of the bench.

No argument, all you say is correct. But allow me to see something differently. Players, BB players with lots of experience (Div 1), if healthy, no matter the rotation if they have practiced with and watched practices intently should be able to slide into the rotation with minimal effect on themselves or the team. Pro players are just experienced players who get paid--and they are expected to enter the "rotation" even after injuries and perform. (A long stretch I know). So to me there must be more than the injury or the unfamiliarity of playing in a certain rotation.
Having said that--I shall cheer loudly and often if Butler performs as we were initially led to believe. It is a certainty that she is needed to perform at a very high level. And as you say Geno will have a "play or two" set up for her to score or defend a more athletic player for her "unique qualities". This year she will be a Red Shirt Junior--that should say experienced. I hope I am wrong and you (all) are right.

 

[Carnac]

Like this a lot, until the last 7 words. Of course, every fan of every teams wants to end the season with a final game win. But even if UConn doesn't (as you rightly say, odds are against it), it will be a great time to see Geno have to actually earn his salary (just kidding: he earns it already, but now no one will dispute it). And, what's really cool about 2016-2017 is appreciating that, however good it is this year, UConn will be even the more awesome in 2017-2018.

Let us not forget the year Geno went to the final four with only six players. I believe it was the 2010-2011 season. Senior Lauren Dixon was the only player that came off the bench for Geno after the Christmas break.
Samarie Walker left the team at the end of the first semester (December) for Kentucky, Heather Buck was injured. That left two freshmen: Lauren Engeln & Michala Johnson on the bench along with Dixon.
The starting five: Tiffany Hayes, Bria Hartley, Maya Moore, Stefanie Dolson and Kelly Faris, knew they were expected to play all 40 minutes, could not get tired, could not get in foul trouble and could not get hurt.

Down to eight players after the break, and yet Geno guided his team to the final four. He did more with less. I thought HE should have received "coach of the year" for the job he did that year. It would be a fair statement to say that Geno earned his salary that season. How many other coaches could take their team that far dressing only 8 players, 4 of which were freshmen (Hartley & Dolson)? The fact that they went as far as they did, is a testament to those starting 5 along with Geno and his staff. UConn succumbed to Notre Dame 72-63 in the semi-final game.

In contrast to that season, 2016-2017 should usher in a team with an unlimited potential for Geno and staff to work with. I'm expecting nothing less that a sweet 16 appearance in the BIG Boogie.

 

[UcMiami]

No argument, all you say is correct. But allow me to see something differently. Players, BB players with lots of experience (Div 1), if healthy, no matter the rotation if they have practiced with and watched practices intently should be able to slide into the rotation with minimal effect on themselves or the team. Pro players are just experienced players who get paid--and they are expected to enter the "rotation" even after injuries and perform. (A long stretch I know). So to me there must be more than the injury or the unfamiliarity of playing in a certain rotation.
Having said that--I shall cheer loudly and often if Butler performs as we were initially led to believe. It is a certainty that she is needed to perform at a very high level. And as you say Geno will have a "play or two" set up for her to score or defend a more athletic player for her "unique qualities". This year she will be a Red Shirt Junior--that should say experienced. I hope I am wrong and you (all) are right.

I think you are correct in most respects, but Butler compared to Tuck and Stewart is fundamentally different - they depend on speed, and three point shooting, and motion on offense, and were capable of defending guards and wings on defense so they could switch on every screen. The team got into those defensive and offensive rhythms, and suddenly you had a big, back to the basket, post up kind of center in the game who did not have the quickness to defend 15+ feet from the basket, so offense which depended on 5 players threatening to drive or shoot from distance, and defense that depended on Moriah switching with Stewart and Tuck on every screen, was asked to find a compromise. It didn't look pretty most of the time.

A comparison would be the struggles MN had last year when in mid-season they completed the trade for Sylvia Fowles - she ended up being the finals MVP, but the team really struggle for the 6 weeks or so prior to the playoffs, figuring out how to use her strengths and cover her weaknesses - and that was a very mature team and a very mature player.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I think you are correct in most respects, but Butler compared to Tuck and Stewart is fundamentally different - they depend on speed, and three point shooting, and motion on offense, and were capable of defending guards and wings on defense so they could switch on every screen. The team got into those defensive and offensive rhythms, and suddenly you had a big, back to the basket, post up kind of center in the game who did not have the quickness to defend 15+ feet from the basket, so offense which depended on 5 players threatening to drive or shoot from distance, and defense that depended on Moriah switching with Stewart and Tuck on every screen, was asked to find a compromise. It didn't look pretty most of the time.

A comparison would be the struggles MN had last year when in mid-season they completed the trade for Sylvia Fowles - she ended up being the finals MVP, but the team really struggle for the 6 weeks or so prior to the playoffs, figuring out how to use her strengths and cover her weaknesses - and that was a very mature team and a very mature player.

Your first paragraph is exactly my point--Butler, isn't as mobile, not a terrific defender --she does have assets: Size (takes up territory) and she shoots well. If she has not progressed significantly beyond last March she, in my estimation, will get less PT than Collier or Gabby. Geno has stated, often, Geno's method of defense will change little--seamless switching is one of his trademark--as you have said ; he'll design his defense and offense, if he wants or needs a specific player, for that player. This November shall be worth the price just to see who and how's with this years team--including Butler.

All these have been great posts--and in each I learn a bit more. Thanks

 

[UcMiami]

Your first paragraph is exactly my point--Butler, isn't as mobile, not a terrific defender --she does have assets: Size (takes up territory) and she shoots well. If she has not progressed significantly beyond last March she, in my estimation, will get less PT than Collier or Gabby. Geno has stated, often, Geno's method of defense will change little--seamless switching is one of his trademark--as you have said ; he'll design his defense and offense, if he wants or needs a specific player, for that player. This November shall be worth the price just to see who and how's with this years team--including Butler.

All these have been great posts--and in each I learn a bit more. Thanks

It really only became a 'trademark' when Stef Dolson graduated - before that with Stef, and with Tina before her, he seldom ran seamless switching defense because putting Stef or Tina on the perimeter guarding a quick player was a disaster. With them he always ran hedge and recover defense which is what i expect with Butler.

 

[BroadwayVa]

It really only became a 'trademark' when Stef Dolson graduated - before that with Stef, and with Tina before her, he seldom ran seamless switching defense because putting Stef or Tina on the perimeter guarding a quick player was a disaster. With them he always ran hedge and recover defense which is what i expect with Butler.

It would appear you are correct once again! I suspect too that, if he chooses to use Butler, her lack of foot speed will need to be masked in some manner. In Tina's first 2 years Geno had so many issues (apparently) with Tina
I failed to note her lack of defense. She did turn out nicely didn't she?
Switching defense, along with Zone trapping, has been around since before I played BB--150 years ago--it was a square ball with laces !

 

[CocoHusky]

It would appear you are correct once again! I suspect too that, if he chooses to use Butler, her lack of foot speed will need to be masked in some manner. In Tina's first 2 years Geno had so many issues (apparently) with Tina
I failed to note her lack of defense. She did turn out nicely didn't she?
Switching defense, along with Zone trapping, has been around since before I played BB--150 years ago--it was a square ball with laces !

I would expect Geno to limit Natalie's exposure on the perimeter by playing much more zone defense. Next to sharing the basketball the biggest team activity at UCONN is rebounding. When you have a team that rebounds as well as UCONN that allows you to play more zone. On a rebounds per minutes played basis Gabby Williams, Napheessa Collier, and Natalie Butler are among the best in WCBB.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I would expect Geno to limit Natalie's exposure on the perimeter by playing much more zone defense. Next to sharing the basketball the biggest team activity at UCONN is rebounding. When you have a team that rebounds as well as UCONN that allows you to play more zone. On a rebounds per minutes played basis Gabby Williams, Napheessa Collier, and Natalie Butler are among the best in WCBB.

Thanks---I read last season that Napheesa's teammates called her the ball magnet because of her rebounding--and we saw how inch for inch she is among the best. But that's just me, there isn't much about Ms Collier that I don't like. It is nice to read that Natalie in Rebound/minute is among the best in WCBB!! I surely would like to see Natalie Butler, a Virginian, to succeed big time in the WCBB big time team..

 

[BroadwayVa]

Let us not forget the year Geno went to the final four with only six players. I believe it was the 2010-2011 season. Senior Lauren Dixon was the only player that came off the bench for Geno after the Christmas break.
Samarie Walker left the team at the end of the first semester (December) for Kentucky, Heather Buck was injured. That left two freshmen: Lauren Engeln & Michala Johnson on the bench along with Dixon.
The starting five: Tiffany Hayes, Bria Hartley, Maya Moore, Stefanie Dolson and Kelly Faris, knew they were expected to play all 40 minutes, could not get tired, could not get in foul trouble and could not get hurt.

Down to eight players after the break, and yet Geno guided his team to the final four. He did more with less. I thought HE should have received "coach of the year" for the job he did that year. It would be a fair statement to say that Geno earned his salary that season. How many other coaches could take their team that far dressing only 8 players, 4 of which were freshmen (Hartley & Dolson)? The fact that they went as far as they did, is a testament to those starting 5 along with Geno and his staff. UConn succumbed to Notre Dame 72-63 in the semi-final game.

In contrast to that season, 2016-2017 should usher in a team with an unlimited potential for Geno and staff to work with. I'm expecting nothing less that a sweet 16 appearance in the BIG Boogie.

Great memory--I enjoyed this posting!! Engeln and injured Johnson provided nothing to that team. Samarie was a good,very good player--but had a special friend on Kentucky. Dixon, all 3 feet of her (yea she was taller but on TV looked like 3 ft) was speed on wheels and made some significant plays for Geno. Poor Maya--no bench and not much help in the final game--I think she got like 35 point--but not enough. Maya is the type of player and person fans fall in love with--and even in the Olympics. Thanks for this--nice memory--it lets us Uconn fans know we can still honor players in a lost game.

Geno has scheduled some tough teams long before I believe the UCWBB team shall be ready for them--I think this is Brilliant! His team will learn what they have to do to beat the teams that they fall to--and if they don't their confidence shall carry them further in the NCAA. Is he the master or what?????