How Kia Has Grown Up

[JoePgh]

As some of you may recall, I have always seen a close parallel between Kia Nurse and Kelly Faris as basketball players. I wonder if that will continue at the next level. If it does, Kia's pro career is likely to disappoint some of those who are writing here, just as Kelly's career disappointed (and surprised) me. I really thought that after she learned to shoot the 3 reliably as a UConn senior, she would be able to score enough in the WNBA to be an important contributor to her team. But for whatever reason, her 3-point shot deserted her in the pros, and as a result (although she still played good defense and made plays) there were too many games where she had a goose egg in the points column, or maybe 1 or 2 points. You can't survive and contribute in the WNBA if that is your profile.

Kia does have a better 3-point shot now than Kelly did as a senior, so that may not happen to her. Still, she is hardly an offensive artist (any more than Kelly was), and she may not be fast enough to defend pro guards.

I think she will go late in the first round, just as Kelly did. I hope she doesn't go to the Sun, because it will look like they took a UConn player just because she was from UConn (again).

 

[RockyMTblue2]

This is a non sequitur , save for it involving Kia. This kind of stuff always blows me away. "Last week's bye week for the NHL's Edmonton Oilers came at a perfect time for defenseman Darnell Nurse. Forty-eight hours after scoring the first overtime goal and second game-winning goal of his career in a victory over the Vegas Golden Knights, Nurse was at the Frank Erwin Center in Austin, Texas, a week ago tonight to watch his younger sister play for the first time as a collegian." I understand it, yet I find it hard to fathom. Walker takes Auriemma's advice, takes action

 

[Woof 101]

If I were voting for a UConn player for All-America right now, it'd be Kia. She's been really solid. Lou has played like an All-American, too, but her injuries have held her back. She might well still make it though.

Was thinking just the other day about this as I have a ton of respect for what Kia has done here. Having met her a few times, her personality is as big as her game and her smile. Having said that my thoughts were what would the headlines read?
Sacre Bleu Canadian Is All-American!

 

[connie]

It appears you deliver with one hand and take with the other.

My point is straightforward. By all appearances, Kia is not and may never be a transcendent player in her sport. She is not Maya Moore, or DT, or Tamika Catchings, etc. I think the OP effectively makes that point. Fine. I can live with that. Doesn't mean Kia is not or cannot become a good, perhaps very good professional basketball player. Who knows? We may be looking back in 20 years and talking about Kia as the Cal Ripkin of women's basketball. You just never know how things may turn out. Time will tell. She's sure off to a good start.

 

[BroadwayVa]

My point is straightforward. By all appearances, Kia is not and may never be a transcendent player in her sport. She is not Maya Moore, or DT, or Tamika Catchings, etc. I think the OP effectively makes that point. Fine. I can live with that. Doesn't mean Kia is not or cannot become a good, perhaps very good professional basketball player. Who knows? We may be looking back in 20 years and talking about Kia as the Cal Ripkin of women's basketball. You just never know how things may turn out. Time will tell. She's sure off to a good start.

No offense intended, meant, or given. I could discuss/argue that Kia has exceptional high level (Olympic, etc) with her Canadian team for 6 or probably more years against the best talent in the world (including playing the USA team).
But I assume you will feel the same and I shall always say of KIA, never say never, so let us wait a year or so and see how she does. Is there any value is killing the horse you are riding until its necessary?? Did I say Kia is my Canadian woman. I like the way you think on everything except KIA.

 

[connie]

No offense intended, meant, or given. I could discuss/argue that Kia has exceptional high level (Olympic, etc) with her Canadian team for 6 or probably more years against the best talent in the world (including playing the USA team).
But I assume you will feel the same and I shall always say of KIA, never say never, so let us wait a year or so and see how she does. Is there any value is killing the horse you are riding until its necessary?? Did I say Kia is my Canadian woman. I like the way you think on everything except KIA.

I think we are of like minds re. Kia in pretty much every respect. I posted a few weeks ago (I think) that she already arguably qualifies as among the five greatest guards in UConn history. In many ways, she is the very embodiment and apotheosis of the UConn player--hard-working; tenacious; smart; poised; competitive; a team-player; great passer; greater defender; contributor on "off" nights; leader; passionate; articulate; outgoing; mature beyond her years; a role model in virtually every respect. The world is a much better place with people like Kia in it. And I am thankful to have witnessed her development. She gives us a lot to look forward to.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I think we are of like minds re. Kia in pretty much every respect. I posted a few weeks ago (I think) that she already arguably qualifies as among the five greatest guards in UConn history. In many ways, she is the very embodiment and apotheosis of the UConn player--hard-working; tenacious; smart; poised; competitive; a team-player; great passer; greater defender; contributor on "off" nights; leader; passionate; articulate; outgoing; mature beyond her years; a role model in virtually every respect. The world is a much better place with people like Kia in it. And I am thankful to have witnessed her development. She gives us a lot to look forward to.

I could not agree more with any posting than this one. NICE, just nice. Thanks

 

[Coach]

My response likely won't be very popular here.
Kia is a truly wonderful college player who puts in and gets out everything that is possible out of her abilities. She is as hard nosed a player as there is in WCB. She plays relentless defense and is now a very good shooter. She's very bright, well spoken and focused.
In terms of first team AA or a really good WNBA player I don't see it. I don't think she has the quickness and innate athletic ability to be a top notch pro player. From all I've seen she isn't able to create her own shot.
I'm sorry but while I don't know what this team would do without her, many here might be getting a tad carried away.
Bronx23

I can't agree with you on this one. I think she'll be very successful in the pros.

Depending on the team and defensive strategy, Kia is often assigned to "shutting down" the best player on the other team. If she's not quick enough, I would assume Geno would not have given her this assignment. I think all coaches would love a defensive stopper.

I think you'll be surprised to see her "create her own shot" by watching tapes of the Canada national team. This is what Geno had to say about Kia in the 2015 Pan Am Finals.



Highlights of Kia in the FIBA Americas Women's Championship. She was voted the MVP.

Kia Nurse (Canada) - MVP - 2015 FIBA Americas Women's Championship

 

[Carnac]

My point is straightforward. By all appearances, Kia is not and may never be a transcendent player in her sport. She is not Maya Moore, or DT, or Tamika Catchings, etc. I think the OP effectively makes that point. Fine. I can live with that. Doesn't mean Kia is not or cannot become a good, perhaps very good professional basketball player. Who knows? We may be looking back in 20 years and talking about Kia as the Cal Ripkin of women's basketball. You just never know how things may turn out. Time will tell. She's sure off to a good start.

Many players have improved their overall game once they get to the professional level. I gave you Elizabeth Williams and Tiffany Hayes as but 2 examples. It's impossible to project a player's success plateau while they're still in college.

 

[hussybulldog]

I don’t know what you guys are talking about.. Kia was a mature player when she arrived at UConn, how many players at UConn can you remember who became a starter as soon as she did? The only limit she has is she can’t grow taller! She can’t be more mature, any more of that will make her an old lady.