Is UConn still the front runner for Megan Walker?

[CocoHusky]

Howard Gardner's landmark book on multiple intelligences that allowed us to see that there are many ways to measure "intelligence" besides the traditional IQ way. Kinesthetic (what I've been calling for short kinetic) intelligence wasn't part of his original theory. But he revised his book after seeing Michael Jordan, because he realized that he missed that one!

The Wikipedia article defines it: "a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses."
Theory of multiple intelligences - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

we'd say "court sense". I think in any fast moving, continuous action game (basketball, soccer, lacrosse etc) we all get a feeling that some players really "get it"--how they envision at some subconscious level how all the parts on the field/court are unfolding and in what way their own physical skills can be used to maximum advantage at that precise moment. Like an artist, faced with a blank canvas, can suddenly paint a picture almost from the subconscious.

So you mean like how MJ could switch hands in mid flight or Maya could just glide forever it seem like, or how Dr. J could start on one side of the backboard and end up on the other side almost hit his head and is still going up, or how DT could be falling out of bounds and instinctively switch hands and swish the shot left handed, or how Magic could throw a bounce pass the length of the court behind his back with the right spin to hit Michael Cooper in stride for a dunk or how Larry Bird could do the same thing as a tribute to Magic in one of his last games at the Garden. I'm I getting close?

 

[Buzzyboy]

Howard Gardner's landmark book on multiple intelligences that allowed us to see that there are many ways to measure "intelligence" besides the traditional IQ way. Kinesthetic (what I've been calling for short kinetic) intelligence wasn't part of his original theory. But he revised his book after seeing Michael Jordan, because he realized that he missed that one!

The Wikipedia article defines it: "a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses."
Theory of multiple intelligences - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

we'd say "court sense". I think in any fast moving, continuous action game (basketball, soccer, lacrosse etc) we all get a feeling that some players really "get it"--how they envision at some subconscious level how all the parts on the field/court are unfolding and in what way their own physical skills can be used to maximum advantage at that precise moment. Like an artist, faced with a blank canvas, can suddenly paint a picture almost from the subconscious.

The Great One, Wayne Gretzky had a capacity of seeing the ice and visualizing what would be transpiring seemingly seconds before it actually happened, thus being able to react ALMOST before the fact. A wonderful gift, indeed!

 

[Kibitzer]

I don't understand why an opposing team wouldn't think about using a zone against outside shooters. Of course, it depends on the personnel and how they work in (say) a 2-3, but that's usually the first response to that type of offense.

I am sure they thought about it, BUT. . .

Once they perceived Mo, Lou, and Kia as long-range bombers, the "2" in a 2-3 zone could not match up well against three good shooters.

 

[bags27]

So you mean like how MJ could switch hands in mid flight or Maya could just glide forever it seem like, or how Dr. J could start on one side of the backboard and end up on the other side almost hit his head and is still going up, or how DT could be falling out of bounds and instinctively switch hands and swish the shot left handed, or how Magic could throw a bounce pass the length of the court behind his back with the right spin to hit Michael Cooper in stride for a dunk or how Larry Bird could do the same thing as a tribute to Magic in one of his last games at the Garden. I'm I getting close?

Since you've forgotten more about basketball than I'll ever know, CocoHusky, I'm not expressing myself well here, because maybe I don't even know what I mean exactly. Yes, for sure, all these things that you say, these seemingly impossibly spontaneous actions. But--and I admit this is entirely subjective, even mystical--don't you get a sense that some players see everything, like Buzzyboy says about the Great One, even before things happen? (don't skate for the puck, skate to where the puck is going to be....) That they sense patterns and player tendencies; that they can move players around with passes to the best position rather than to where the player happens to be then (like Magic could always do; and which I sense that UConn's Lou could do when she becomes more the top dog on the team).

I remember one game where the Lakers were playing (don't remember the opponent), and it was 3 on 1 fast break with only Jerry West on defense. Like he's supposed to, he begins to challenge the point pulling up at the foul line, but it's a fake: instead, West jumps to his right, perfectly anticipating that the point is going to throw to that wing. 1 in 3 chance maybe, but I always thought that Jerry West somehow knew, not guessed. Again, a kind of mystical ability to integrate multiple sensations and intelligences. Maybe what Csikszentmihalyi (had to look up the spelling!) calls "The Flow."

 

[bags27]

I am sure they thought about it, BUT. . .

Once they perceived Mo, Lou, and Kia as long-range bombers, the "2" in a 2-3 zone could not match up well against three good shooters.

Then a 3-2? . Of course, that zone would be taken apart by Stewie and Tuck. But every type of defense was taken apart by UConn. But we aren't talking about the last team, but the next one, where it's not apparent that UConn will be so dominant underneath.

 

[UcMiami]

Bags - zone defenses are notoriously bad at defending the arc. They are mostly designed to prevent dribble penetration, pick and roll offense, and to collapse on strong post offenses. It takes a truly remarkable zone to deal with a perimeter shooting team. Even in a match-up zone, the ability to overload the perimeter on offense is too great. Hence the JPM's record against Uconn!

 

[Sonny44]

Posting this here too cause I know it's hard to read every thread:

Ok, I'm convinced.

 

[bags27]

Bags - zone defenses are notoriously bad at defending the arc. They are mostly designed to prevent dribble penetration, pick and roll offense, and to collapse on strong post offenses. It takes a truly remarkable zone to deal with a perimeter shooting team. Even in a match-up zone, the ability to overload the perimeter on offense is too great. Hence the JPM's record against Uconn!

Of course, you're right UcMiami. Thanks for this. I honestly don't know what I was thinking. Like it's summer time and my mind is in brain freeze or something, and the more I thought about it, the "wronger" I got. Like trying to screw in a light bulb the wrong direction and keep doing it. wow. Thanks again.

 

[SciHiGuy]

That team would be tough to zone because Crystal, Collier and Walker will drive the zone and kick out when the coverage comes... that was my point. That's exactly what her teammates did for Kaleena M-L.

 

[Bgillon]

Howard Gardner's landmark book on multiple intelligences that allowed us to see that there are many ways to measure "intelligence" besides the traditional IQ way. Kinesthetic (what I've been calling for short kinetic) intelligence wasn't part of his original theory. But he revised his book after seeing Michael Jordan, because he realized that he missed that one!

The Wikipedia article defines it: "a sense of timing, a clear sense of the goal of a physical action, along with the ability to train responses."
Theory of multiple intelligences - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

we'd say "court sense". I think in any fast moving, continuous action game (basketball, soccer, lacrosse etc) we all get a feeling that some players really "get it"--how they envision at some subconscious level how all the parts on the field/court are unfolding and in what way their own physical skills can be used to maximum advantage at that precise moment. Like an artist, faced with a blank canvas, can suddenly paint a picture almost from the subconscious.

Another example of this ability was Wayne Gretsky in hockey. He was described by a number of analysts as knowing where the puck was going to be , not following the puck on its way to a particular spot. It was also described as being able to anticipate a few plays in advance of what was likely to happen and therefore be there ahead of the play.

 

[Carnac]

Posting this here too cause I know it's hard to read every thread:

Try this...........
After watching this video, try to imagine Walking scoring all of those baskets on a regular basis wearing a UConn uniform. I just did, and it was a very satisfying experience.

This video shows why she's on the top of every team's "want list" ranked in the top 50 of Division 1 WCBB. Thus it's obvious that she would be welcomed at ANY program she wants to go to. If by chance, that program did not have a scholarship available, they'd create one.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Another player who seemed to have that innate ability to "know" or anticipate what was going to happen in the next few milliseconds and respond to it was Maya. Her instincts and basketball acumen were (are) off the charts and part of what makes her so remarkable.

 

[Mdoggie]

2 pics of MW and the ND coaches on her Instagram . Makes me nervous.

 

[TitleTown]

2 pics of MW and the ND coaches on her Instagram . Makes me nervous.

IMHO she been a huge ND lean from day 1.

 

[DaddyChoc]

welp, time to move on I guess... smh

 

[MikeR01950]

Oh my GENO and company better cancel her official visit in the fall. This is actually funny!! There high school kids who live 100% of there lives through social media which in my mind can be bad. Unfortunately it's the world we live in. I wouldn't read to much into a pic on Instragram. It's actually quite comical. Wasn't it 2 months ago everyone was a sure she would commit to uconn cause they thought she was wearing what they saw was a husky jersey. If she comes awesome if she doesn't the world will be ok and uconn will be just fine. If she's so positive it will be Notre Dame then she would just end the recruiting process and commit to the Irish!!! Let's see what happens in a few weeks when she posts a pic of her with the Virginia coaching staff will we all be ready to throw in the towel. I love my huskies but just because we are uconn doesn't mean we are Intitled to get every player we want. Let the cards fall where ever they may be. There is way more important things in this world and especially in this country to worry about then where a player who still in high school where there going to play college ball!!!

 

[Charliebball]

Oh my GENO and company better cancel her official visit in the fall. This is actually funny!! There high school kids who live 100% of there lives through social media which in my mind can be bad. Unfortunately it's the world we live in. I wouldn't read to much into a pic on Instragram. It's actually quite comical. Wasn't it 2 months ago everyone was a sure she would commit to uconn cause they thought she was wearing what they saw was a husky jersey. If she comes awesome if she doesn't the world will be ok and uconn will be just fine. If she's so positive it will be Notre Dame then she would just end the recruiting process and commit to the Irish!!! Let's see what happens in a few weeks when she posts a pic of her with the Virginia coaching staff will we all be ready to throw in the towel. I love my huskies but just because we are uconn doesn't mean we are Intitled to get every player we want. Let the cards fall where ever they may be. There is way more important things in this world and especially in this country to worry about then where a player who still in high school where there going to play college ball!!!

As a matter of fact MW just started following a UVA assistant basketball coach............from what I see from a social media perspective she is still in the middle of the process, I would be surprised if she doesn't hold off on her decision until after her ND visit in the fall.............

 

[CocoHusky]

I don't know which is more disturbing: A) That so many are so actively checking out at 17 years old social media. B) The definitive conclusions being draw from a few pictures she has posted.

 

[meyers7]

I don't know which is more disturbing: A) That so many are so actively checking out at 17 years old social media. B) The definitive conclusions being draw from a few pictures she has posted.

For reals.

 

[jdubct]

I don't know which is more disturbing: A) That so many are so actively checking out at 17 years old social media. B) The definitive conclusions being draw from a few pictures she has posted.

Agree. Have patience. After her official visits, she'll let everyone know her decision. Until she does, it seems all else is speculation.

 

[j66kicker]

Oh my GENO and company better cancel her official visit in the fall. This is actually funny!! There high school kids who live 100% of there lives through social media which in my mind can be quite bad....... It's actually quite comical. Wasn't it 2 months ago everyone was a sure she would commit to uconn cause they thought she was wearing what they saw was a husky jersey........

I love my huskies but just because we are uconn doesn't mean we are entitled to get every player we want. Let the cards fall where ever they may be. There is way more important things in this world and especially in this country to worry about then where a player who still in high school where there going to play college ball!!!

Whoa, whoa, WHOA!!!! So what are you trying to say here? I was with you up to that point, but.........

 

[Dillon77]

Agree. Have patience. After her official visits, she'll let everyone know her decision. Until she does, it seems all else is speculation.

Third this. Ms. Walker has been pretty consistent about what she intends to do and that includes making visits to the four schools she mentioned. On the other hand, she's also a teenager (and a human), so I fully could see how a change of mind (s) could come into play. I'm a fan, too, but in the greater context of things...que sera sera.

 

[BigBird]

We tend to disparage those who pay attention to the recruit's online communication, unless of course she is announcing her decision to attend UConn, right?

This is a new era of media communication. We are still in the early phase of understanding and using the comparatively newer social media. More importantly, the groundrules, to the extent there can actually be any, are currently still being negotiated. While it's OK to have an opinion about Twitter followings, etcetera, it's a bit odd to insist that others see and use social media the same way we do. It reminds me of telephone party-line ettiquette of the 1950's. There were rules back then - sort of.

I will concede that 17 or 18 year old kids are still kids, and we should not lose sight of that. And while I would like to think that people of any age who post in the Twitter-verse know what they are doing, it's safe to say that experience has so far proven otherwise. But it isn't going away any time soon, so we can chose to live with it, or ignore it.

Moderation in all things?

 

[Charliebball]

We tend to disparage those who pay attention to the recruit's online communication, unless of course she is announcing her decision to attend UConn, right?

Moderation in all things?

Absolutely right.........I never bothered with the social media until Azura Stevens chose UConn and that was first recognized by those on the board that were following her twitter account.........everybody wants to be the person in the know on where UConn stands with their recruits but some disparage the very techniques that can be helpful in determining the recruits attitude or actions.......I certainly don't interact with these kids but I like to play detective now and then to see where UConn fits in their thought process...........

 

[CocoHusky]

We tend to disparage those who pay attention to the recruit's online communication, unless of course she is announcing her decision to attend UConn, right?

This is a new era of media communication. We are still in the early phase of understanding and using the comparatively newer social media. More importantly, the groundrules, to the extent there can actually be any, are currently still being negotiated. While it's OK to have an opinion about Twitter followings, etcetera, it's a bit odd to insist that others see and use social media the same way we do. It reminds me of telephone party-line ettiquette of the 1950's. There were rules back then - sort of.

I will concede that 17 or 18 year old kids are still kids, and we should not lose sight of that. And while I would like to think that people of any age who post in the Twitter-verse know what they are doing, it's safe to say that experience has so far proven otherwise. But it isn't going away any time soon, so we can chose to live with it, or ignore it.

Moderation in all things?

Moderation? No, not in this instance. I'm advocating a thicker, healthier, more distinct separation between the space where adults interact & those where teenagers interact. This should be for all things not just Social Media & regardless of which school this teenager decides to attend, or which decade we are living in.

 

[CocoHusky]

Absolutely right....I never bothered with the social media until Azura Stevens chose UConn and that was first recognized by those on the board that were following her twitter account....everybody wants to be the person in the know on where UConn stands with their recruits but some disparage the very techniques that can be helpful in determining the recruits attitude or actions..I certainly don't interact with these kids but I like to play detective now and then to see where UConn fits in their thought process......

If the only means of knowing where a recruit stands with UCONN is to follow and then try and decipher a teenager's twitter, that is a technique I would disparage and something not worth knowing IMO.

 

[bags27]

Moderation? No, not in this instance. I'm advocating a thicker, healthier, more distinct separation between the space where adults interact & those where teenagers interact. This should be for all things not just Social Media & regardless of which school this teenager decides to attend, or which decade we are living in.

This should be posted as a banner for this blog.

These are kids who live in the bubbles of their early athletic success and often (almost always!) fail to appreciate how their actions and statements can be interpreted by adults. We adults tend to over-interpret what is to them simply social noise. And in that over-interpretation, boundaries are crossed. These are not obscenely paid professional athletes who (along with their highly paid sports agents) intentionally generate media attention to sell tickets and are therefore fair game for sports-obsessed fans to speculate about publicly. They're kids, and they deserve a little less scrutiny by strangers.

To apply the Golden Rule here: do unto these kids as you would have it done unto your own kids, were they similarly blessed with such talent.

 

[DaddyChoc]

wow the shift in attitude/post... imagine how the Irish fans felt as we were celebrating her wearing a UConn jersey. Let's wait and let this play out

 

[ucalum]

Notre Dame probably was thinking they were out of the running when Megan posted that she was on Storrs campus a week after the NC at the year end dinner. Don't read too much into anything. What will be will be.

 

[ctchamps]

This should be posted as a banner for this blog.

These are kids who live in the bubbles of their early athletic success and often (almost always!) fail to appreciate how their actions and statements can be interpreted by adults. We adults tend to over-interpret what is to them simply social noise. And in that over-interpretation, boundaries are crossed. These are not obscenely paid professional athletes who (along with their highly paid sports agents) intentionally generate media attention to sell tickets and are therefore fair game for sports-obsessed fans to speculate about publicly. They're kids, and they deserve a little less scrutiny by strangers.

To apply the Golden Rule here: do unto these kids as you would have it done unto your own kids, were they similarly blessed with such talent.

I'm not on social media of any kind except being a Boneyard groupie.
And I'm not sure there is any more interaction than a bunch of us old folks showing up at games played by these 18 and 19 years old. I think the salient point is our behavior.
I'm not advocating creeping kids out by stalking or gawking at them. And I'm strongly against bullying of any kind including cyber bullying. But I think kids should be the ones to decide if our following them is appropriate or not.