Impenetrable

[bags27]

We've always known she can shoot 'em. She just has to get her rhythm and timing down (hadn't played competitively for 18 months).

 

[HopJim]

Upon further reflection, what was missing was not a shot blocker ,but an intimidator. When Stewie and Kiah were in the game, if you drove to the hoop you were looking for them, and (maybe) changed your shot. Pheese doesn't intimidate but Z at 6'6" does.

Agree but have to give Stewie and Kiah kudos for their shot blocking. Unlike Z who tends to come down with her hands and arm, often fouling, Stewie and Kaih had classic form, keeping their arms up/not fouling. Suspect Geno working on that tendency. Many games Z saved from fouling out by only playing 20 min.

 

[HopJim]

If Stevens continues to develop as a shot-blocker and rim protector, UConn’s defense might be impenetrable.

UConn Takeaways: Crystal Dangerfield's Evolution

Z is a big, big (no pun intended) story for UConn. Her willingness and ability to change her game, as we see game-by-game, is really remarkable. Not someone who wanted to play inside, now clearly gets joy doing it. As she evolves, she may well exceed expectations, and, given the expectations, that's saying a whole lot!

Certainly having 6'6" helps inside. Would still like to see a shut down defender, particularly in the Mo model. Crystal much more advanced than last year but seems opposing guards the past two years still getting to basket (as we saw in UConn's last play of NCAA's).