Is Nika the X-Factor?

[eebmg]

I have to comment on the idea that Mikayla Coombs had a reliable jump shot in HS, something she’s never demonstrated at UConn or UGA. Other than on her HS highlight tapes, where she makes 100% of all her outside shots because they wouldn’t be included in a highlight tape if she didn’t make them, there is little indication that Coombs possessed a reliable jump shot.

On Hoopgurlz, Olson assesses Coombs over 3 successive years. Only in his first year assessment does he even mention her outside shooting to suggest she has, “stationary range at the arc,” a somewhat dubious assessment. In subsequent years Olson emphasizes Coombs ability to finish at the rim, but makes no mention at all of her outside shooting.

The suspicion of Coombs lack of shooting prowess is further bolstered by her performance in the McD AA game. In a game when everyone is firing up 3’s, Coombs didn’t take a single outside shot. In just 10 games, Nika has made 3 times as many 3-pt shots as Coombs did in 2 full seasons at UConn + 14 games at UGA.

One thing that Coombs has done well which I did not expect is playmaking.

 

[oldude]

One thing that Coombs has done well which I did not expect is playmaking.

Yes, as I’ve said before, when UConn signed her she appeared to check all the boxes: great defender, talented athlete, ability to attack the basket and good passer. While her ability to shoot the ball was suspect, I don’t think Geno and his staff had any idea how fundamentally flawed her shooting mechanics were.

I am happy to see she’s doing well at UGA. But as for her shooting, through 14 games Coombs has taken only one 3-pt shot, a miss.

 

[RedStickHusky]

If Paige has to miss another game, I'd consider playing EW and CW in the backcourt with Nika rotating through as needed; that leaves liv, AG, AE, and Mir to divvy the frontcourt minutes. Presents a big vs small problem for Arkansas though. More zone?

 

[MD#12Fan]

Not sure what is meant by X-factor. My thinking Aubrey is the X-factor. If she were to blossom, which is not that far off, it would jettison this team to another level.
Not Nika IMO. But I see her and Mir in the same category, as contributors to a really good team.
I think point guards cannot be judged in the same way as other positions. Think of the star point guards in this program. I would argue that they are all unique. Different shapes and sizes. She has talents and characteristics that no one else has had. With improved savviness, can you picture her penetrating a defense, like a wrecking ball. Can you see her hitting the open shot. Can you see her cashing in on a steal in the open court. Can you see her stepping in and taking a charge? I can see these things. Keep giving her minutes. Press Geno!

 

[CocoHusky]

So your suggestion is to take a kid just out of HS who hasn’t played any organized basketball this season and will only start practicing with the Huskies this week, assuming she clears the protocol, and give her major minutes against a ranked team on the road.

I would be ecstatic if Saylor can provide meaningful minutes anytime this season, but you and I both know that’s not going to happen during the next several weeks.

Your request was for suggestion to alter the rotation for this season. Awful myopic of you to just be looking at the next game for which Saylor will likely not be available.

 

[oldude]

Your request was for suggestion to alter the rotation for this season. Awful myopic of you to just be looking at the next game for which Saylor will likely not be available.

No, I actually appreciate the fact that you answered my inquiry. I just don’t think Saylor will have an impact this season, although I would be delighted to be proven incorrect.

 

[BobbyJ]

Yes, as I’ve said before, when UConn signed her she appeared to check all the boxes: great defender, talented athlete, ability to attack the basket and good passer. While her ability to shoot the ball was suspect, I don’t think Geno and his staff had any idea how fundamentally flawed her shooting mechanics were.

I am happy to see she’s doing well at UGA. But as for her shooting, through 14 games Coombs has taken only one 3-pt shot, a miss.

I don't see how they could have missed it. They had to have decided to overlook it. I don't know about them but the first thing I look at is if the kid can shoot. They either can or they can't. At that point I'd decide if it's fixable and if I don't think it is, they'd have to be elite in the other areas or I'm moving on. But of course that's their business and recruiting prerogative they followed. What's surprising to me is that neither she nor they seem to have attempted any changes. It's not like there was any risk to her results involved. And that would include her HS coach.

 

[oldude]

I don't see how they could have missed it. They had to have decided to overlook it. I don't know about them but the first thing I look at is if the kid can shoot. They either can or they can't. At that point I'd decide if it's fixable and if I don't think it is, they'd have to be elite in the other areas or I'm moving on. But of course that's their business and recruiting prerogative they followed. What's surprising to me is that neither she nor they seem to have attempted any changes. It's not like there was any risk to her results involved. And that would include her HS coach.

We don’t know what went on at practice with Coombs shot, but IMO, by the time you get through HS, with fundamentally flawed shooting mechanics, it’s almost impossible to correct.

In contrast, Megan Walker also had a shooting problem out of HS with a flat trajectory. That was a simpler problem she was able to correct in college to become an excellent 3-pt shooter.

 

[CocoHusky]

I don't see how they could have missed it. They had to have decided to overlook it. I don't know about them but the first thing I look at is if the kid can shoot. They either can or they can't. At that point I'd decide if it's fixable and if I don't think it is, they'd have to be elite in the other areas or I'm moving on. But of course that's their business and recruiting prerogative they followed. What's surprising to me is that neither she nor they seem to have attempted any changes. It's not like there was any risk to her results involved. And that would include her HS coach.

I agree with you that it should have been noticed and fixed in HS or UCONN. I also could understand why it wasn't. At UCONN there simply isn't enough time and I struggle to think of any player who has rebuilt shot mechanics while playing for a top 10 program. In HS is the classic problem. 99.9999 of HS & AAU coaches don't have a player as talented as Mikayla. Those that do are so happy with having a player of that caliber improvement is the last thing on their minds.

 

[BobbyJ]

We don’t know what went on at practice with Coombs shot, but IMO, by the time you get through HS, with fundamentally flawed shooting mechanics, it’s almost impossible to correct.

In contrast, Megan Walker also had a shooting problem out of HS with a flat trajectory. That was a simpler problem she was able to correct in college to become an excellent 3-pt shooter.

To me it looks like pretty much nothing. She was the same going out as she was coming in. I agree that in some cases bad mechanics can be unfixable. I won't bore anyone with details but I believe hers were correctable.

 

[BobbyJ]

I agree with you that it should have been noticed and fixed in HS or UCONN. I also could understand why it wasn't. At UCONN there simply isn't enough time and I struggle to think of any player who has rebuilt shot mechanics while playing for a top 10 program. In HS is the classic problem. 99.9999 of HS & AAU coaches don't have a player as talented as Mikayla. Those that do are so happy with having a player of that caliber improvement is the last thing on their minds.

I 100% agree with your AAU reasoning however I'll throw out one name who just fixed her own this past offseason. Aaliyah Boston, from the foul line and 3 point line. Plus she's done in one offseason what ONO hasn't done in 2 at UConn, she's learned how to turn and shoot a jumpshot AND a baby hook with no dribble. The kid just has to know they need it and want it.

 

[oldude]

To me it looks like pretty much nothing. She was the same going out as she was coming in. I agree that in some cases bad mechanics can be unfixable. I won't bore anyone with details but I believe hers were correctable.

I’ve seldom seen worse shooting mechanics. Coombs sort of slings the ball from her waist. You would almost need to completely scrap her current mechanics and start from scratch. I guess it’s possible to fix, but it would be the basketball equivalent of Anne Sullivan teaching Helen Keller to communicate, kind of a basketball miracle worker.

 

[BobbyJ]

I’ve seldom seen worse shooting mechanics. Coombs sort of slings the ball from her waist. You would almost need to completely scrap her current mechanics and start from scratch. I guess it’s possible to fix, but it would be the basketball equivalent of Anne Sullivan teaching Helen Keller to communicate, kind of a basketball miracle.

LMAO, if she calls me I'll still give it a shot!

 

[mbr33ct]

UConn needs to call in the X-Factor team for some help.

 

[BobbyJ]

UConn needs to call in the X-Factor team for some help.

View attachment 63887

LOL, wish I knew how to do this stuff.

 

[oldude]

So a fellow BY’er just pointed out that Nika is not the only freshman guard who’s had a tough game. In the near upset by unranked Wake Forest, Louisville’s Hailey Van Lith scored 5 pts on 2-7 shooting with 5 turnovers, and she’s been starting all season long. Hopefully, Louisville will recruit a better guard next season so they don’t have to play Van Lith.....

For what it’s worth, Louisville was recruiting Nika hard before Geno showed up in Croatia.

 

[BobbyJ]

So a fellow BY’er just pointed out that Nika is not the only freshman guard who’s had a tough game. In the near upset by unranked Wake Forest, Louisville’s Hailey Van Lith scored 5 pts on 2-7 shooting with 5 turnovers, and she’s been starting all season long. Hopefully, Louisville will recruit a better guard next season so they don’t have to play Van Lith.....

Well it is always good to cover yourself.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Didn't Culmo say recently that Geno was really high on Nika?

I loved Molly and so wish things had turned out differently for her. But I don't see a comparison. Nika as a freshman is way better than Molly as a senior.

Context is key. Look at the situation she's been in. And consider how Geno & Co. put so much emphasis on stripping new players down, undoing bad habits, and then building them back up. Nika just needs time.

 

[Urshurak]

I like Nika and I’m rooting for her, but I guess I’m missing something. I don’t see her, at least at this point, being a key In UCONN winning another NC. Someone said it earlier that she is really just a slightly more talented Molly Bent. I tend to agree. Haven’t really seen much more. I hope she continues to improve and give the team great minutes off the bench, including adding to the score.

 

[JordyG]

You, like some others, are taking for granted the incoming freshmen are going to grasp the UConn system quicker than the current group. I doubt it, except for maybe Fudd. Let's see how quickly Poffenbarger learns this season. If Anna gets over her injury, I believe she will continue to start. She came to UConn this season in great physical shape but due to the pandemic, she lost that edge, and now the injury. I believe Anna will play a lot next season even with the new additions.

Yeah, I am. Anna isn't playing as much now. Remember, I'm one of those guys that has said repeatedly that Saylor should consider it a victory if she gets significant minutes this year, and I've previously mentioned a myriad of reasons. In watching Saylor at the U16's however her body, her flow, her defense on the perimeter and her shot, against very good competition (and the fact that she made the squad) makes me feel she will, by next season have Anna sitting more than standing. Now, in watching Ducharme I'm not impressed by her speed nor her athleticism. But her agility, body control, shot making skills, size, body type and offensive IQ are better than what I've seen of Anna last year and this year.

With Fudd however there is no doubt that Nika, who has been awful in the 2 guard position this year, will be no where near what Fudd is already at PG. It's funny how so many believed Paige, even before she stepped onto campus, to be an AA, but some question whether Fudd will be. I've seen as much of Fudd's HS and international play as I saw of Paige before she came to UConn, and I can tell you that Fudd kid is special indeed. She doesn't turn the ball over, is a better shooter than Paige from 3 and with her pull up (which when going from left to right is one of the best I've ever seen), has quick feet on defense, and a strong frame and lower body that is comparable to CW's when she hit campus. Her quick power drive to the basket is also a thing of beauty, and she's also a finisher at the hoop. If Fudd and Nika came to Storrs at the same time Nika would barely be seeing mop up time.

 

[Gus Mahler]

hey don't laugh at 14%...........she was at 0% for the entire season.........one good shooting game and she's golden!!.........

Reminds me of Geno's comment last year re Anna: "O for America"

 

[BobbyJ]

Yeah, I am. Anna isn't playing as much now. Remember, I'm one of those guys that has said repeatedly that Saylor should consider it a victory if she gets significant minutes this year, and I've previously mentioned a myriad of reasons. In watching Saylor at the U16's however her body, her flow, her defense on the perimeter and her shot, against very good competition (and the fact that she made the squad) makes me feel she will, by next season have Anna sitting more than standing. Now, in watching Ducharme I'm not impressed by her speed nor her athleticism. But her agility, body control, shot making skills, size, body type and offensive IQ are better than what I've seen of Anna last year and this year.

With Fudd however there is no doubt that Nika, who has been awful in the 2 guard position this year, will be no where near what Fudd is already at PG. It's funny how so many believed Paige, even before she stepped onto campus, to be an AA, but some question whether Fudd will be. I've seen as much of Fudd's HS and international play as I saw of Paige before she came to UConn, and I can tell you that Fudd kid is special indeed. She doesn't turn the ball over, is a better shooter than Paige from 3 and with her pull up (which when going from left to right is one of the best I've ever seen), has quick feet on defense, and a strong frame and lower body that is comparable to CW's when she hit campus. Her quick power drive to the basket is also a thing of beauty, and she's also a finisher at the hoop. If Fudd and Nika came to Storrs at the same time Nika would barely be seeing mop up time.

I agree with you about the 3 wings/ guards that are coming. Other than Bueckers they are well ahead of the wing/ guards of the last two classes fundamentally and in terms of understanding concepts, plus moving and shooting in traffic. They all can shoot and have been prepared by playing good AAU competition.

 

[donalddoowop]

Yeah, I am. Anna isn't playing as much now. Remember, I'm one of those guys that has said repeatedly that Saylor should consider it a victory if she gets significant minutes this year, and I've previously mentioned a myriad of reasons. In watching Saylor at the U16's however her body, her flow, her defense on the perimeter and her shot, against very good competition (and the fact that she made the squad) makes me feel she will, by next season have Anna sitting more than standing. Now, in watching Ducharme I'm not impressed by her speed nor her athleticism. But her agility, body control, shot making skills, size, body type and offensive IQ are better than what I've seen of Anna last year and this year.

With Fudd however there is no doubt that Nika, who has been awful in the 2 guard position this year, will be no where near what Fudd is already at PG. It's funny how so many believed Paige, even before she stepped onto campus, to be an AA, but some question whether Fudd will be. I've seen as much of Fudd's HS and international play as I saw of Paige before she came to UConn, and I can tell you that Fudd kid is special indeed. She doesn't turn the ball over, is a better shooter than Paige from 3 and with her pull up (which when going from left to right is one of the best I've ever seen), has quick feet on defense, and a strong frame and lower body that is comparable to CW's when she hit campus. Her quick power drive to the basket is also a thing of beauty, and she's also a finisher at the hoop. If Fudd and Nika came to Storrs at the same time Nika would barely be seeing mop up time.

I believe Fudd will be ready. However, I see DeBerry and Ducharme struggling just as Walker and Williams did. They were ranked even higher in high school. I expect Saylor to struggle when she starts practicing this season. Because she is starting practice this season, she may be ready early next season. I hope they all develop soon. At my age, I don't know if I can be looking to 2023 or 2024, as many of you can.

 

[donalddoowop]

I agree with you about the 3 wings/ guards that are coming. Other than Bueckers they are well ahead of the wing/ guards of the last two classes fundamentally and in terms of understanding concepts, plus moving and shooting in traffic. They all can shoot and have been prepared by playing good AAU competition.

That still does not prepare them for UConn concepts. Williams and some of the others played top level AAU competition and look how they struggled.

 

[Littlemin]

That still does not prepare them for UConn concepts. Williams and some of the others played top level AAU competition and look how they struggled.

I am not familiar with women’s AAU but if it is anything like men’s the only thing most of it prepares you for is bad basketball.

 

[BobbyJ]

I believe Fudd will be ready. However, I see DeBerry and Ducharme struggling just as Walker and Williams did. They were ranked even higher in high school. I expect Saylor to struggle when she starts practicing this season. Because she is starting practice this season, she may be ready early next season. I hope they all develop soon. At my age, I don't know if I can be looking to 2023 or 2024, as many of you can.

I see DeBerry being very similar to ONO as a freshman. Although playing with the Philly Belles for at least one summer, her HS competition was pretty weak so it might take a while.

 

[BobbyJ]

That still does not prepare them for UConn concepts. Williams and some of the others played top level AAU competition and look how they struggled.

I’m talking basic BB concepts that would coincide with UConn concepts. Like understanding how to offensively use a high ball screen or defensively how to defend one. True about AAU, however they struggled because some of them were taught limited fundamentals. The AAU competition is necessary to experience the speed and physicality of other advanced athletes, whereas the coaching competence can be iffy.

 

[CocoHusky]

That still does not prepare them for UConn concepts. Williams and some of the others played top level AAU competition and look how they struggled.

You keep saying Williams struggled yet she was a day 1 starter, dropped 28 against the #1 team at ND and averaged 18 PPG in her first NCAA tournament. Can we sign all the freshman up for this kind of struggle?

 

[Littlemin]

You keep saying Williams struggled yet she was a day 1 starter, dropped 28 against the #1 team at ND and averaged 18 PPG in her first NCAA tournament. Can we sign all the freshman up for this kind of struggle?

Earlier you made a point about players improving under Auriemma; just curious, would you say Williams has improved from that freshman performance?

 

[CocoHusky]

Earlier you made a point about players improving under Auriemma; just curious, would you say Williams has improved from that freshman performance?

Absolutely not. She regressed tremendously as a sophmore and has only rebounded slightly this season. Yes, very rare for a Geno player and tremendously disappointing.