How good is Blanca

[Alydar]

I think Blanca is a real wildcard for next year. She could put us way over the top if she can play well and be a threat.

Can anybody make a reasonable comparison to the competition that Blanca has had vs top 10 NCAA teams? I'm just thinking that if she plays against a lot of WNBA players (or maybe it is only a few), then whatever she has accomplished thus far, may be the baseline for what we may reasonably expect next year. What can we expect or project from her? Any thoughts...

A better comparison would be between her Euro-league competition and what the incoming college freshmen faced in high school and AAU. Some elite high school teams play against highly talented teams nationally but most are never challenged in HS, especially posts. Strong played on a average high school team that she made relevant and made the adjustment amazingly well but she's an exception.
The key to me is that Quinonez has been practicing a lot more than most high school(AAU) players and against 19-25 year-olds, not 15-18 year-olds. It's the long practices of "team skills" that Geno likes about Euros.

 

[hookshot]

We just have to wait, see and hope. I hav heard everything from Tamara Catchings to Maya Moore by way of comparison. Let's just relax. She will be the equivalent of neither Catchings nor Moore. Bt she might still be terrific and the is what we hope. The mystery superwoman.

Seems more Swin Cash like, don't you think

 

[Alydar]

Geno played the small line up partly because he didn't have a big who could run the floor that effectively........that's not going to be the case next season with Serah Williams........a front court of Sara, Serah and Blanca with Azzi and KK will be incredibly difficult for any team to handle......mix and match with the very deep and talented bench and it's going to be quite some show......next season can't get here soon enough......

Geno succeeded at small ball because he had Strong. Besides her offense she may be the best rebounder in the country. What she did against SCar, twice, was domination in the paint. The fact that she was also out front in transition or taking the ball away from elite guards behind the arc is just ridiculous.

I'd like to see a lot of substitutions in November because it will mean that a lot of players are impressing the coaches. So many possible combinations!

 

[Bone Dog]

Geno succeeded at small ball because he had Strong. Besides her offense she may be the best rebounder in the country

This seems right, and it calls to mind the Pheesa-KLS teams. They played a similar sort of small-ball. KLS was 6’3” but was typically stationed at the perimeter. The paint was left to the smaller Pheesa and Gabby. Geno had such an innovative sense of how to put disparate parts together into a powerhouse team.

 

[towerman]

Let us all take a deep breath. Seems like I read a lot of the same kind of posts regarding Jana. It is a big step up from national teams and foreign leagues to the top of D1 college bball.

 

[MHD789]

Her home town is Milagro ("miracle" in English). Sounds appropriate given we appear to have landed a WNBA star that the greater US college basketball world doesn't seem to be aware of.

I just hope she's fun to watch develop & improve over time. It'll be a great story for a Ecuadorian player.

I think if she has a reliable 3 point shot, she'll have a good chance to see some meaningful court time next year. If not, realistically it'll be tough to steal minutes from the existing roster (even without a potential Kayleigh Heckel addition or Caroline comeback). In competitive games (not conference blow-outs), , SS & Serah Williams will sub-out only a little and if you assume that one of the remaining two spots are some form of a true point/combo guard then that leaves a lot of players competing for the last spot/minutes (third guard or small forward).

That's just how I'm envisioning her role next year assuming we don't truly get back-to-back generational players (i.e., Sarah Strong & Blanca Quinonez). That truly would be a "un milagro"!!

 

[CTBballfan243]

No one really knows how she will play, but we are going to find out in a few months.

 

[Cuango]

While we (The Boneyard) almost always project our incoming players to be instant superstars, the hype around Blanca is astounding. I’m seeing references to Catchings and Moore, two of the greatest players that ever played in the W and/or college. I hope all this hype is true and we end up with two Sarah Strongs but I have to say, I’m not sure where all this is coming from. I freely admit that I’m not nearly as knowledgeable as many on this board but really, all I’ve seen are some videos (where she looked promising) and an interview with some international scout (who thought the world of her) To me, she looked big, strong, and athletic but she did not elicit any kind of Sarah Strong, Paige like “Wow” feelings. For example, I didn’t see her as better than a healthy Caroline or Morgan.
This is certainly not a put down or any kind of disappointment, I’m very happy to have her. I’m just honestly perplexed at the overwhelming expectation that she is an instant starter, game changing recruit when I question if she will be able to beat out Morgan or (a potentially healthy) Caroline? Again, as I previously posted, I truly hope she is the second best player on he team. I just am not seeing what others are, I guess. I see an obviously talented player with outstanding physical attributes whom I would expect to follow (more or less) the usual schedule of the non superstar recruit.

 

[Charliebball]

While we (The Boneyard) almost always project our incoming players to be instant superstars, the hype around Blanca is astounding. I’m seeing references to Catchings and Moore, two of the greatest players that ever played in the W and/or college. I hope all this hype is true and we end up with two Sarah Strongs but I have to say, I’m not sure where all this is coming from. I freely admit that I’m not nearly as knowledgeable as many on this board but really, all I’ve seen are some videos (where she looked promising) and an interview with some international scout (who thought the world of her) To me, she looked big, strong, and athletic but she did not elicit any kind of Sarah Strong, Paige like “Wow” feelings. For example, I didn’t see her as better than a healthy Caroline or Morgan.
This is certainly not a put down or any kind of disappointment, I’m very happy to have her. I’m just honestly perplexed at the overwhelming expectation that she is an instant starter, game changing recruit when I question if she will be able to beat out Morgan or (a potentially healthy) Caroline? Again, as I previously posted, I truly hope she is the second best player on he team. I just am not seeing what others are, I guess. I see an obviously talented player with outstanding physical attributes whom I would expect to follow (more or less) the usual schedule of the non superstar recruit.

You must not have seen the videos I've seen.......Blanca is extremely talented and can do things on the court that Caroline and Morgan can only dream of ..........I assume it will take a bit of time for her to adapt to the UConn system but some of her finishes at the basket are almost freakishly good and she has some of the same anticipatory defensive skills that Sarah made famous last season......I'll be disappointed if she doesn't grab 20 minutes plus a game as the season progresses....

 

[tower1]

You must not have seen the videos I've seen.......Blanca is extremely talented and can do things on the court that Caroline and Morgan can only dream of ..........I assume it will take a bit of time for her to adapt to the UConn system but some of her finishes at the basket are almost freakishly good and she has some of the same anticipatory defensive skills that Sarah made famous last season......I'll be disappointed if she doesn't grab 20 minutes plus a game as the season progresses....

I have to agree with you, I saw the videos too. She is very talented. I think she is ready for Uconn basketball .

 

[CTBballfan243]

You must not have seen the videos I've seen.......Blanca is extremely talented and can do things on the court that Caroline and Morgan can only dream of ..........I assume it will take a bit of time for her to adapt to the UConn system but some of her finishes at the basket are almost freakishly good and she has some of the same anticipatory defensive skills that Sarah made famous last season......I'll be disappointed if she doesn't grab 20 minutes plus a game as the season progresses..

Can she play defense the way Geno demands? If she can’t then I am sure she will see some time on the floor. If she can’t then we all know where she will be.

 

[jeff30189]

So we're saying Blanca is this year's Sarah Lite?

What we really need is a thread that discussed who ISN'T going to see any playing time next year, because every game only 200 minutes to spread around and by my count (going by BYers) at least 8 who should be getting 25-30 minutes a game... 9 if Heckel signs.

Sure it all changes if there's another rash of injuries, but assuming last year's health, who gets those 5 minutes a game in a blowout?

 

[oldude]

So we're saying Blanca is this year's Sarah Lite?

What we really need is a thread that discussed who ISN'T going to see any playing time next year, because every game only 200 minutes to spread around and by my count (going by BYers) at least 8 who should be getting 25-30 minutes a game... 9 if Heckel signs.

Sure it all changes if there's another rash of injuries, but assuming last year's health, who gets those 5 minutes a game in a blowout?

If the games were played in the Multiverse UConn would not be limited to only 200 minutes per game…….

 

[donalddoowop]

Can she play defense the way Geno demands? If she can’t then I am sure she will see some time on the floor. If she can’t then we all know where she will be.

Your last two sentences don't make sense.

 

[Molisanos]

Is funny that nobody gives credit to the opinion of someone who watched almost every Blanca’s game live. Not videos, real games, and saw a lot of Italian leagues games and a lot of ncaa games… and not even the WNBA scout opinions… better like this, hope she can get some minutes in her senior year when she will transfer to Wichita State!

 

[jazz]

So we're saying Blanca is this year's Sarah Lite?

What we really need is a thread that discussed who ISN'T going to see any playing time next year, because every game only 200 minutes to spread around and by my count (going by BYers) at least 8 who should be getting 25-30 minutes a game... 9 if Heckel signs.

Sure it all changes if there's another rash of injuries, but assuming last year's health, who gets those 5 minutes a game in a blowout?

Fireworks will fly if you do that. So here goes.

There are going to be some really good players who don't get any or much time in big games. I think CD will hardly play. Maybe Gandy takes a redshirt year. Then I wonder how Allie plays much, unless she significantly improves here defense and the rest of her game outside of shooting. She is a one trick pony at this point, but she is exceptional at that one trick, so we will see.

Then I think there will be a battle between Morgan, Yanna and Ice as to who is the second big to sub in and get most of that time (after Jana who I think will take an incremental step forward). There is also Kelis who may be a better version of KK, although not a true point guard which I think helps her to bully her way into playing time. But, there is also Heckel, so if she signs, then it may come down to Kelis and Heckel.

This assumes GA sticks to his 8 or so rotation but he may expand it to 10, but in big games (assuming the score is close), I doubt it. Then he will have a litany of line-ups based on matchups, etc. Go big, go small, go traditional, etc.

We are loaded and unfortunately, like I said, some really good players are not going to play much.

 

[FormerCTrez]

Geno succeeded at small ball because he had Strong. Besides her offense she may be the best rebounder in the country. What she did against SCar, twice, was domination in the paint. The fact that she was also out front in transition or taking the ball away from elite guards behind the arc is just ridiculous.

I'd like to see a lot of substitutions in November because it will mean that a lot of players are impressing the coaches. So many possible combinations!

Yes, I agree with you. And I’ll add that it’s my hope, as well as many other Boneyarders, that both Ice and Jana put in a lot of work during the summer. They both have the potential to literally add power to the team, but they have to do the prep work.

 

[Doctor G]

Yes, that's probably what motivated it initially. But it quickly showed other virtues and became choice-worthy in its own right. By March, other coaches were wondering if they should go small to counter it.

But I take your point that we could have a lineup with a front court that runs the floor really well. I can hardly wait to see what they're capable of!

Strong at the 5 was our most potent lineup. Though small, they proved impossible to match up with when on offense and they were fierce defenders, too.

 

[oldude]

Strong at the 5 was our most potent lineup. Though small, they proved impossible to match up with when on offense and they were fierce defenders, too.

Even with Serah and all the Bigs Geno will have on his roster next season, he will find it very difficult to completely abandon his small lineup with Sarah at the 5. You need only look at how that small lineup sliced through UCLA’s big frontline with beautiful movement, sharp passing and deadly outside shooting to realize that no team in the country could defend it.

 

[PacoSwede]

Strong at the 5 was our most potent lineup. Though small, they proved impossible to match up with when on offense and they were fierce defenders, too.

that was last season (with the amazing paige) ... who knows about the totally new uconn team (which is what matters)?

 

[donalddoowop]

Allie is more than a one trick pony. She can handle with either hand and is good at going to the basket.

 

[jazz]

Fireworks will fly if you do that. So here goes.

There are going to be some really good players who don't get any or much time in big games. I think CD will hardly play. Maybe Gandy takes a redshirt year. Then I wonder how Allie plays much, unless she significantly improves here defense and the rest of her game outside of shooting. She is a one trick pony at this point, but she is exceptional at that one trick, so we will see.

Then I think there will be a battle between Morgan, Yanna and Ice as to who is the second big to sub in and get most of that time (after Jana who I think will take an incremental step forward). There is also Kelis who may be a better version of KK, although not a true point guard which I think helps her to bully her way into playing time. But, there is also Heckel, so if she signs, then it may come down to Kelis and Heckel.

This assumes GA sticks to his 8 or so rotation but he may expand it to 10, but in big games (assuming the score is close), I doubt it. Then he will have a litany of line-ups based on matchups, etc. Go big, go small, go traditional, etc.

We are loaded and unfortunately, like I said, some really good players are not going to play much.

Forgot to mention Ash, does she start at the three? I was impressed with her weakside rebounding and even though she gives up a few inches, that means a three is going to have to chase Ash around the arc. She also brings a fiery temperament, has a solid pull-up, plays very good D, help D included, and is a smart, opportunistic player. She seems to make a lot of little plays that help win games, not to mention big shots like the one that sent SC crying going into half-time.

GA is going to have his hands full sorting out his rotation next year....

 

[jazz]

Allie is more than a one trick pony. She can handle with either hand and is good at going to the basket.

hope you are right, but seen very little of it. Seen a glimpse a couple times though.

I don't think she really shot it great from three this year..maybe 30-35%, but her picture perfect form tells me she is capable of shooting 40% plus in future years. That may be enough to get her on the court for meaningful minutes, but maybe not until Azzi leaves.

 

[Zonepress]

Fireworks will fly if you do that. So here goes.

There are going to be some really good players who don't get any or much time in big games. I think CD will hardly play. Maybe Gandy takes a redshirt year. Then I wonder how Allie plays much, unless she significantly improves here defense and the rest of her game outside of shooting. She is a one trick pony at this point, but she is exceptional at that one trick, so we will see.

Then I think there will be a battle between Morgan, Yanna and Ice as to who is the second big to sub in and get most of that time (after Jana who I think will take an incremental step forward). There is also Kelis who may be a better version of KK, although not a true point guard which I think helps her to bully her way into playing time. But, there is also Heckel, so if she signs, then it may come down to Kelis and Heckel.

This assumes GA sticks to his 8 or so rotation but he may expand it to 10, but in big games (assuming the score is close), I doubt it. Then he will have a litany of line-ups based on matchups, etc. Go big, go small, go traditional, etc.

We are loaded and unfortunately, like I said, some really good players are not going to play much.

you are correct a14 player roster leaves at least
5 players out of the rotation most or all who have the ability to play at Uconn level
seems.even more difficult in the new era of the portal especially with only 3 seniors

 

[ed4ourgirls]

Your last two sentences don't make sense.

I'm sure that most folks recognized that his first "can't" was meant to be a "can".