Is KLS actually getting better..????

[DavidinNaples]

Someone had the audacity to claim Katie Lou Samuelson is improving in various parts of her game. This can't be, because KLS can't hit a shot, will never be Stewie and wears her hair up in a bun. I'm sure there are several other reasons but I can't remember them this early in the morning...

Any way, to prove this barking canine wrong, I analyzed KLS for her first 4 games vs her last 4 games. How did she start her career at UConn versus how has she done lately. Nothing scientific about picking those games, I just wanted a reasonable sample.

First 4 games:
Total points = 24
Rebounds = 13
Assists = 9
3 pt % = 4-18 or 22%
Minutes = 18 per average

Last 4 games:
Total points = 45
Rebounds = 17
Assists = 14
3 pt % = 10-23 or 43%
Minutes = 23 per average

Summary: Dramatic improvement in points and 3 pt shooting %. Nice improvement in assists and rebounds.
Playing more minutes because Geno likes her effort and improvement.

 

[mrmojack]

She is expanding her game nicely. Good effort on defense also.

 

[FairView]

I like the present.
I like the future.
It's good to be a fan of UConn women's basketball.

 

[JudgeSCR]

We have been spoiled. We've had Diana, Maya and Stewie, three of the best women's basketball players ... ever. They set our expectations absurdly high and some want to compare KLS with them -- in order to be good she must burst on the scene much like they did and play great from her first dribble and dominate (forgetting the growing pains they suffered). We give little chance for a learning curve, or adjustment to college life and basketball. (I'm so old I remember when they didn't let freshmen play because of the transition --academically and athletically -- to college).
I believe that KLS will ultimately be an All-American player. Will it happen this year? Likely not. But the skills are there. Yes she can shoot, and pass and rebound. She has good court awareness and she is a team player. As she acclimates she will get better and better. DavidNaples has already shown that process has begun. Let's cheer wildly for her (and Napheesa) and give them a chance to adjust and show their full skillset.

 

[pacific 44]

She's more athletic than i thought she was gonna be,her shot is coming around,defense is improving,her passing ability and rebounding skills are excellent,but other than this,her good looks,infectious smile,and 4.0ish smarts i can't figure out why Stanford is so upset that they didn't get their third Samuelson girl.

 

[Aluminny69]

Make no mistake, everybody loves Katy Lou! What's not to love, she's very attractive, and always appears to be smiling. Yes, she is a freshman, and yes she is improving. Several posters have pointed out that she should start doing more than launching 3 point bombs. I'm fairly confident that Geno and staff have also pointed this out to her. Geno even sat her out for more than a half, after starting her the game before. (Don't remember which game.) Is it fair to compare her to KML, the starter whom she is trying to replace? No, it's not fair to compare Katy to the best 3 point shooter in UConn history, but it is still interesting as a measuring stick. That being said, it was clear to me that last night's game was Katy Lou's best so far, very well rounded, proves that she can do a lot more than shoot threes. It is great that she chose UConn.

 

[UcMiami]

Loved Moriah's 'short person' jab when asked about Lou's flying offensive rebound in the post game interview - something about how she does occasionally allow a little bit of air to appear between her sneakers and the floor of the court! It was almost Geno like in its cutting subtlety!

 

[Carnac]

View attachment 11704

Someone had the audacity to claim Katie Lou Samuelson is improving in various parts of her game. This can't be, because KLS can't hit a shot, will never be Stewie and wears her hair up in a bun. I'm sure there are several other reasons but I can't remember them this early in the morning...

Any way, to prove this barking canine wrong, I analyzed KLS for her first 4 games vs her last 4 games. How did she start her career at UConn versus how has she done lately. Nothing scientific about picking those games, I just wanted a reasonable sample.

First 4 games:
Total points = 24
Rebounds = 13
Assists = 9
3 pt % = 4-18 or 22%
Minutes = 18 per average

Last 4 games:
Total points = 45
Rebounds = 17
Assists = 14
3 pt % = 10-23 or 43%
Minutes = 23 per average

Summary: Dramatic improvement in points and 3 pt shooting %. Nice improvement in assists and rebounds.
Playing more minutes because Geno likes her effort and improvement.

I've been following the team since the first day of official practice, you can see the growth and development of KLS.
She's going through the transformation from high school to college that all freshmen must go through. That transformation takes longer for some than it does for others.

How do we (fans) really know what's going on inside the program? Media interviews, Geno's TV show, and print media articles, and most importantly, our own visual perception. Has KLS turned the corner on learning how to play within Geno's system?.

It would appear she has. She's learning that she must do more than just shoot "set shots" with no one guarding her (like she did in high school). She has to be part of the defensive scheme (game plan) that UConn incorporates. She has to "do her job" while she's on the floor.

I love to watch the Geno Auriemma Show, and his post game interviews. He shares his thoughts on the state of the team, on individual players He shares with us the areas he thinks the team needs to improve in. We don't have to guess or surmise what he's thinking. We get to hear it straight from the coach's mouth.

The 3 quarter benching KLS endured at Houston at the beginning of this recent road trip, served as a lesson and wake up call that if you don't/can't play defense, you're not going to play.
Her play in yesterday's game against Memphis would suggest that she got the message. She's shooting the ball with more confidence, and playing defense like never before.
She's beginning to see the light and the fruits of her labor.

There are certain things she/anyone must be able to do if she's going to play at UConn. She's learning what she has to do. It's more that just shooting 3's. It a mind set, a mental toughness and a will to push through the pain and fatigue when you're down by 4 with a minute thirty left, and your body wants to quit. You also earn to trust your teammates.
You learn believe in the system and your coaches.

Yeah, I'd say she has improved since her arrival in Storrs. The good thing is, she's going to get much better. She's better than she was 2 months ago, but not nearly as good as she will be this time next year.

I remember what Gabby Williams said during an interview at the beginning of official practice this year. She said "I know what I'm doing now. I know the plays, I know where I'm suppose to be". Her play so far is year supports what she said. Have you noticed her mid-range shooting percentage so far this season? Last year it was just layups and bunnies. Her free throw shooting has also improved. Most importantly, she has become Geno's 6th man!!

 

[Nuyoika]

To answer the question simply.... yup.

 

[UcMiami]

Carnac - nice post, but ...
A little unfair in terms of what Lou was doing in HS as she did a lot more than just shoot threes.
And I think a lot of how freshman adapt depends on the team they come into - going back a way, Rene and then Bria came into teams that needed their skills immediately in pretty well defined positions that were the same as what they were used to playing, as did Stef. KML came into a team that had just lost Maya and was still pretty young in terms of returning starters so there was a defined position and not a lot of deference required. Stewart, Tuck, and Moriah came into a more established rotation and Moriah specifically came in behind one of those established players and struggled more than the other two. This year's class came into a team with four established starters - three with three years of experience, and the other an international summer star. Establishing a pecking order and the specific roles with the returning bench players and the freshman has taken more time for all. I think both Lou and Collier have struggled in different ways with knowing how aggressive to be, how deferential, and exactly what they need to be providing to make the team hum.

I would say the same about Gabby. While others were over the moon with Gabby at the start of the season, I had some reservations that she was still relying on her comfort zone - in the last few games she appears to be doing more varied things on offense outside that zone and is looking really good.

With Butler and Chong the injures have delayed what they can bring, and we are seeing with Natalie specifically the team and her trying to figure out how to integrate her skills.

 

[Kaizen]

KLS and Collier will be very good players in coming years....

 

[Icebear]

View attachment 11704

Someone had the audacity to claim Katie Lou Samuelson is improving in various parts of her game. This can't be, because KLS can't hit a shot, will never be Stewie and wears her hair up in a bun. I'm sure there are several other reasons but I can't remember them this early in the morning...

Any way, to prove this barking canine wrong, I analyzed KLS for her first 4 games vs her last 4 games. How did she start her career at UConn versus how has she done lately. Nothing scientific about picking those games, I just wanted a reasonable sample.

First 4 games:
Total points = 24
Rebounds = 13
Assists = 9
3 pt % = 4-18 or 22%
Minutes = 18 per average

Last 4 games:
Total points = 45
Rebounds = 17
Assists = 14
3 pt % = 10-23 or 43%
Minutes = 23 per average

Summary: Dramatic improvement in points and 3 pt shooting %. Nice improvement in assists and rebounds.
Playing more minutes because Geno likes her effort and improvement.

One thing is sure. When you have watched over the last several games there are a slew of great things she is doing at both ends of the court.

 

[JS]

there are a slew of great things

Ugh.

Perslunal attacks will not be tolerated.

 

[Blue Huskie]

It seems like KLS seems so much more relaxed now. Having fun out there instead of forcing it. It takes time to get into the flow for most players. Lots to learn and remember. Good for her (And for us )

 

[Go/huskies]

Question for the board, are most people here expecting big things from Lou because she was a number 1 player in her class? I noticed she get most of the treads here while some players are not getting as much attention here. It sounds like a few of the posters here think Lou has to become a 3 time POY candidate for Uconn to have a chance at continued success, but why can't it be Kia, Pheesa, or Gabby who turns in to the next big Uconn star? Maybe it's her versatility that sets her apart?

 

[CocoHusky]

Good stuff David.
Q: Is KLS actually getting better?
A: Yes.

Commentary: Did anyone ever doubt that she would under the tutelage of this coaching staff?

 

[DavidinNaples]

Good stuff David.
Q: Is KLS actually getting better?
A: Yes.

Commentary: Did anyone ever doubt that she would under the tutelage of this coaching staff?

1. Thanks.
2. Agree
3. Apparently, from what I read, several did...

 

[Jeff H]

Question for the board, are most people here expecting big things from Lou because she was a number 1 player in her class? I noticed she get most of the treads here while some players are not getting as much attention here. It sounds like a few of the posters here think Lou has to become a 3 time POY candidate for Uconn to have a chance at continued success, but why can't it be Kia, Pheesa, or Gabby who turns in to the next big Uconn star? Maybe it's her versatility that sets her apart?

Hopefully, they will all be stars, just like, Stewie, Mo and Tuck. For UCONN to have the success we've become accustomed to it will take more than one star player, but what I think we'll see in KLS is that she can do more things well (versatility as you say) than most 6'3" women. My guess is that will add up to her being a little bigger star than the others.

 

[Roundball fan]

KLS did not travel across the county to be babied, I think she came here to be the best she could be. I think she knew it wasn't going to be all roses. Geno did his thing by sending the message and Lou responded very nicely. I don't think it will be the last message she will get at UConn. I wonder some times if Stewie talks to her about the lessons Geno some times sends, she has had her share.

 

[Icebear]

Ugh.

Perslunal attacks will not be tolerated.

Moi?

 

[meyers7]

KLS and Collier will be very good players in coming years....

Ah yep.

 

[willtalk]

Carnac - nice post, but ...
A little unfair in terms of what Lou was doing in HS as she did a lot more than just shoot threes.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------..

I totally agree with your statement. I have watched her play quite a bit in High School ball and in past posts have responded to those comparing her to KLM. Katie was a far more rounded and versatile player. Players that come from teams like MD that play a national schedule against the top teams in the country get to shoot a lot less uncontested three's than the majority of high school players that play against lesser teams and players. Thus the adaption curve is far shorter. Gabby high school team, on the other hand, did not generally travel out of a state where the competition is somewhat limited. This would make her adjustment period is far longer. As UcMiami stated they stay in their comfort zone longer because it worked so well for them in high school.

Oh by the way, coming from NorCal I am not a MD or KLS fan boy. I am just a fan of her game.

 

[ucbart]

My take on Lou:

The pressure was on her IMO, to be the next Stewie and took a toll on her. She is a very well rounded basketball player....and a future All-American, IMO. I think the least impressive part of her game thus far has been her outside shooting, which she is known for. When that starts to get rolling, she is going to be something very special.

 

[Carnac]

Carnac - nice post, but ...
A little unfair in terms of what Lou was doing in HS as she did a lot more than just shoot threes.
And I think a lot of how freshman adapt depends on the team they come into - going back a way, Rene and then Bria came into teams that needed their skills immediately in pretty well defined positions that were the same as what they were used to playing, as did Stef. KML came into a team that had just lost Maya and was still pretty young in terms of returning starters so there was a defined position and not a lot of deference required. Stewart, Tuck, and Moriah came into a more established rotation and Moriah specifically came in behind one of those established players and struggled more than the other two. This year's class came into a team with four established starters - three with three years of experience, and the other an international summer star. Establishing a pecking order and the specific roles with the returning bench players and the freshman has taken more time for all. I think both Lou and Collier have struggled in different ways with knowing how aggressive to be, how deferential, and exactly what they need to be providing to make the team hum.

I would say the same about Gabby. While others were over the moon with Gabby at the start of the season, I had some reservations that she was still relying on her comfort zone - in the last few games she appears to be doing more varied things on offense outside that zone and is looking really good.

With Butler and Chong the injures have delayed what they can bring, and we are seeing with Natalie specifically the team and her trying to figure out how to integrate her skills.

UcMiami, I made that statement based on the one game I saw her play in person, A California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) post-season game last year. As you know, she attended Mater Dei High School here in southern California. I also saw KML at our local high school when she was a senior at Mater Dei. That too was a CIF post season game. Mater Dei is a private parochial school that has a long reputation and tradition of having championship caliber boys & girls basketball teams. Like UConn, it's news when they lose. They have a very large and loyal following.

Both boys and girls teams are usually rated #1 in the state, and top 10 in the country. Mater Dei recruits it's players. They are also petitioned by parents of some of the best female players in the area for admission into their school and their basketball program. ALL of their players are hand picked. They are the best players from various local club teams.

Katy Lou's Mater Dei team did not need her to do the things that Geno is asking her to do. The game I saw featured her as their 3 point shooter. She never once drove to the basket, as she was defended by smaller, quicker opponents. I did not see her take a shot off of a dribble. She took lots of 3's with no one in her face (set shots), or shot from behind a screen.

As I remember, she only missed 1 or 2 shots. She didn't bang down low under the basket on defense. They had a very capable big handling those duties. Mater Dei blew out their opponent that night. Katie Lou was the star and MVP of the game. That night, she did what was asked and expected of her. Granted it was only 1 game. I'm NOT suggesting that she's not a well rounded player. I just made an observation based on the 1 game I saw her play.

If you have seen her in action more than once (while she was in high school) in person or on TV, then I bow to your opinion. You would have more games from which to draw an opinion from than me.

We're usually on the same page, but if you disagree on this one, I'm OK with it.

 

[Geew1992]

Didn't Stewie have an adjustment period??