Is UConn's Roster A Forward Short?

[huskyd]

Geno tried to play Ann Strother as a forward and that did not work out well.

But Geno also tried to use Gabby as a forward: how did that work out? "Necessity is the mother of invention."

 

[Carnac]

I keep hearing that, but Geno went after multiple"bigs" that we didn't get. So logically even Geno must think we are a bit short, even though he can't say it.

I know Geno like to play it "close to the vest", but this is one time I hope he as an "ace " or two up his sleeve.

 

[chrissaran]

I think UConn is short on players overall. They only have 4 coming back.

Kia Nurse, Katie Lou Samuelson, Gabby Williams, Napheesa Collier, Natalie Butler, Saniya Chong and Courtney Ekmark. Waquoit, you're right. Only four.

 

[Fairfield Fan]

Tuck is 6'2" with limited ups. She made up for that with smarts. Collier at 6'1" plays way taller than Tuck. Geno and Co. will teach her the smarts. Anyone that has watched Williams play knows that she is 6'6" in a 5'11" body.

I realize it's off season but kvetching about who or what the team doesn't have is a waste. Better to consider who the team does have and what their impact might be. IMO Butler will improve in the off season, at least enough to start at center. Samuelson at the wing, Collier a PF, Williams a floater with Nurse and Chong in the back court. My only real question mark for the season is Chong. Will she or won't she? OMG! That's only 6 players in the starting lineup.

I am a born pessimist. I wish I had TonyC's optimism but my glass is usually 90% empty. My prediction - next years team will make the FF.

Yes, Tuck was 6'2", but she was a wide body and very strong. That was a major factor underneath. Napheesa is an inch shorter, but not a big body underneath, so big difference.

Yes, it's the off-season, but just saying that before we talk about another NC, we need serious help in the middle. Need to recruit help.

 

[CocoHusky]

But Geno also tried to use Gabby as a forward: how did that work out? "Necessity is the mother of invention."

It worked out brilliantly because Gabby literally has world class athleticism that allowed her to out jump players that were several inches taller than her. Imagine if Geno tried to do the same (make her a PF) with Courtney-who happens to be "taller" than Gabby BTW.

 

[Charliebball]

I know Geno like to play it "close to the vest", but this is one time I hope he as an "ace " or two up his sleeve.

Based on Geno's recent quote from another thread apparently not: "We ain't winning this again the next few years."

 

[CocoHusky]

Let's declare that all of this is speculation: no one knows how the future will play out. But, among points not made, consider these. Stewart as a freshman was bounced around pretty hard, sometimes into the cheap seats. She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. Recent studies of the physical Bre indicate that she has an extremely FLEXIBLE body, which enables her to contort herself in ways not available to every player. She became adept at avoiding unnecessary contact, as a bullfighter avoids the bull (and Bre avoided fouling). Her long arms and jumping ability along with superb coordination and anticipation contributed immeasurably to her success. I am not saying that Lou has all of Bre's assets or particular experiences coming in, but I am saying that she should experience a growth trajectory if she is, indeed, a superior player. The bodies of the two are similar; why not anticipate similar upsides?

Are you kidding me. Much of this is not speculation and this is simply not correct: She (Stewie) never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. The team actually keeps records of weight lifting capacity from year to year. Guarantee you Stewies numbers went up every year she was at UCONN.
It has nothing to do with similar body type, It has to do with God-Given athletic ability (fast twitch muscles). Stewie is explosively athletic, KLS is athletic.
You can develop fast twitch muscles but you cannot grow them if you are not born with them.

 

[victor64]

After reading this thread, I have a couple of observations.

1. Kyla Irwin, from the video I saw is not a post. She appears somewhat "Tuck" like in physique but handles it better and shoots it outside better. I never saw her in the post. I would have hard time believing that she could compare to Tuck's post play next year or ever.

2. Collier does not play bigger than Tuck. She is a runner. She is not an outside shooter yet but will be. I think her and Gabby have similar games.

3. If Butler can't stay out of foul trouble or defend or rebound to meet Geno's needs, it will be fun watching them play small ball. I just can't visualize how it will look.

4. I am looking forward to next season and I bet the staff is too. The pressure will be off a little. The staff was terrific the last four years. They will demonstrate even more so next year how great they are.

 

[HuskyNan]

Are you kidding me. Much of this is not speculation and this is simply not correct: She (Stewie) never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. The team actually keeps records of weight lifting capacity from year to year. Guarantee you Stewies numbers went up every year she was at UCONN.
It has nothing to do with similar body type, It has to do with God-Given athletic ability (fast twitch muscles). Stewie is explosively athletic, KLS is athletic.
You can develop fast twitch muscles but you cannot grow them if you are not born with them.

Freshman Stewie and Senior Stewie. Check out the shoulders in the second picture.

 

[Biff]

I realize it's off season but kvetching about who or what the team doesn't have is a waste.

I know you felt that should be said but I also know you've been around long enough to realize the real kvetching hasn't even gotten traction yet. Going to be a long off season. And, to ice the cake, the in-season kvetching next winter could be world class.

 

[vtcwbuff]

She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced.

I'll risk being chastized for foul grammer (sic) twice in one day, but you gotta' be ****g (is that enough asterisks?) me. Did you actually watch her play? Just a guess but I thought that she had put on several pounds and non of it was fat. One of her biggest improvements was that she got so much stronger that opponents could no longer push her around.

 

[UcMiami]

I know you felt that should be said but I also know you've been around long enough to realize the real kvetching hasn't even gotten traction yet. Going to be a long off season. And, to ice the cake, the in-season kvetching next winter could be world class.

Hey - you got to admire our ambitions! World class or bust!

 

[Charliebball]

Hey - you got to admire our ambitions! World class or bust!

That first loss is going to be brutal..............just hope it's not to a team that we all really dislike!!!!!!!

 

[easttexastrash]

Thanks...I knew I wasn't imagining that..the fact that two quality bigs went to Louisville in the same class is confusing to me, Cox going to Baylor with 3-4 other 6'4"+ bigs on the roster is also a bit weird but I guess she's just a homebody.......

Next season Davis and Cave will be seniors. Once those two are gone that will mean that Cox is going to get a LOT of playing time, along with Brown and Mompremier. Brown is a true center and will most likely never play any position other than the 5, but Mompremier and Cox will be able to play the 4 or the 5 so there are going to be a lot of minutes for all three in the following season.

I expect a big improvement from freshman to sophomore seasons for Brown and Mompremier. They were really solid players this past season but with a year of college ball under their belts I anticipate that they will be pretty dominant.

 

[Charliebball]

Next season Davis and Cave will be seniors. Once those two are gone that will mean that Cox is going to get a LOT of playing time, along with Brown and Mompremier. Brown is a true center and will most likely never play any position other than the 5, but Mompremier and Cox will be able to play the 4 or the 5 so there are going to be a lot of minutes for all three in the following season.

I expect a big improvement from freshman to sophomore seasons for Brown and Mompremier. They were really solid players this past season but with a year of college ball under their belts I anticipate that they will be pretty dominant.

Yes they both are pretty athletic for their size...........not sure exactly how UConn is going to handle them.........perhaps Geno will put Crystal Dangerfield on Brown for a few moments just for the comic effect.............................................

 

[hoophuskee]

Let's declare that all of this is speculation: no one knows how the future will play out. But, among points not made, consider these. Stewart as a freshman was bounced around pretty hard, sometimes into the cheap seats. She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. Recent studies of the physical Bre indicate that she has an extremely FLEXIBLE body, which enables her to contort herself in ways not available to every player. She became adept at avoiding unnecessary contact, as a bullfighter avoids the bull (and Bre avoided fouling). Her long arms and jumping ability along with superb coordination and anticipation contributed immeasurably to her success. I am not saying that Lou has all of Bre's assets or particular experiences coming in, but I am saying that she should experience a growth trajectory if she is, indeed, a superior player. The bodies of the two are similar; why not anticipate similar upsides?

I have been a HUGE fan of KLS this year. I even loved it early as she continued to bomb three's and missed (I didn't LOVE the "missing" but loved the aggressiveness.) . I made a comment once she that a bit of Larry Bird in her only to find out later she's grown up watching tapes of him- trying to emulate. She is an absolute joy to watch. With that said - even as a fan- no way she becomes superior to Stewie. This type of comment you made - sets up next year for trolls to pop in and unduly criticize KLS for NOT BEING Stewie. I know that is not your intent -- but even this year we win a game by over 20 points and the game was never close vs Texas and someone posts that the UCONN team "was exposed." Arguably the greatest team ever - wins by over 20 with a lead comfortable throughout - yet "they were exposed?" Next year could be worse. A few losses next year and you'll have some "new posters" looking to blame.

IMO your post is WAY off with last two sentences. KLS is not as quick, not as fast, not as athletic laterally or leaping and not as explosive leaping and is a little shorter but also doesn't have Stewie's freakish wingspan. The wingspan and athleticism and quickness lead to soooo much more than just blocking shots and defense. Bottom line is that they are soooo different. Stewie's. Stewie's 1st three years she was only a 33% three point shooter. KLS's this season was 39.4%. Which is superior to KML's three point FG%. To put it in perspective; a .394 3pt % from KLS is like a fg% of over 65%!!! SO I hope when I read that some want KLS "to be more like Stewie" they mean "defense." Sure she can learn to take more 2's. But her bread and butter has to be shooting the long ball. I do find it interesting to see if/how much she can defend inside.

KLS is NOT Stewie. She CAN'T BE. Stewie's height but more importantly laong with her wingspan to catch the ball ALONG WITH her quickness around the basket ALONG with getting off her feet- along with THAT wingspan in which she could get off her shots quicker inside -- KLS can't BE THAT. It's not just ONE FACTOR it is teh accumulation of them. But what she can be is an amazing 3 point shooter and over time gradually learn how to use her size inside when guards try to guard her by denying her the ball from the perimeter.


'

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Each preseason the ONLY hopes I have is that the whole team stays 100% healthy, no illnesses or injuries! Then let the chips fall where they may. if they wind-up in the FF and/or win the Championship that's a bonus!
I am quite willing to "go into battle" with the roster UCONN has now knowing that with the best coaching staff in the country the team will perform above and beyond their level!
As I stated before I'm excessive compulsive, so to me there are NO shades of grey, just black & white, meaning if a HS girl says she wants to be the best player she can possibly be, she has 1 choice to go to college, UCONN! If she chooses any other college she wasn't telling the truth as things now stand in WCBB! As things now stand in Div. I WCBB no one demands more from their players than UCONN!

 

[DaddyChoc]

Let's declare that all of this is speculation: no one knows how the future will play out. But, among points not made, consider these. Stewart as a freshman was bounced around pretty hard, sometimes into the cheap seats. She never got bigger and stronger in the sense that her physical make-up made her more effective in the post as her career advanced. Recent studies of the physical Bre indicate that she has an extremely FLEXIBLE body, which enables her to contort herself in ways not available to every player. She became adept at avoiding unnecessary contact, as a bullfighter avoids the bull (and Bre avoided fouling). Her long arms and jumping ability along with superb coordination and anticipation contributed immeasurably to her success. I am not saying that Lou has all of Bre's assets or particular experiences coming in, but I am saying that she should experience a growth trajectory if she is, indeed, a superior player. The bodies of the two are similar; why not anticipate similar upsides?

 

[DaddyChoc]

That first loss is going to be brutal....just hope it's not to a team that we all really dislike!!!!!!!

is Syracuse on the schedule?

 

[Zorro]

Well, there is no denying that Gabby IS a relatively short forward.

 

[nd2tty]

I have been a HUGE fan of KLS this year. I even loved it early as she continued to bomb three's and missed (I didn't LOVE the "missing" but loved the aggressiveness.) . I made a comment once she that a bit of Larry Bird in her only to find out later she's grown up watching tapes of him- trying to emulate. She is an absolute joy to watch. With that said - even as a fan- no way she becomes superior to Stewie. This type of comment you made - sets up next year for trolls to pop in and unduly criticize KLS for NOT BEING Stewie. I know that is not your intent -- but even this year we win a game by over 20 points and the game was never close vs Texas and someone posts that the UCONN team "was exposed." Arguably the greatest team ever - wins by over 20 with a lead comfortable throughout - yet "they were exposed?" Next year could be worse. A few losses next year and you'll have some "new posters" looking to blame.

IMO your post is WAY off with last two sentences. KLS is not as quick, not as fast, not as athletic laterally or leaping and not as explosive leaping and is a little shorter but also doesn't have Stewie's freakish wingspan. The wingspan and athleticism and quickness lead to soooo much more than just blocking shots and defense. Bottom line is that they are soooo different. Stewie's. Stewie's 1st three years she was only a 33% three point shooter. KLS's this season was 39.4%. Which is superior to KML's three point FG%. To put it in perspective; a .394 3pt % from KLS is like a fg% of over 65%!!! SO I hope when I read that some want KLS "to be more like Stewie" they mean "defense." Sure she can learn to take more 2's. But her bread and butter has to be shooting the long ball. I do find it interesting to see if/how much she can defend inside.

KLS is NOT Stewie. She CAN'T BE. Stewie's height but more importantly laong with her wingspan to catch the ball ALONG WITH her quickness around the basket ALONG with getting off her feet- along with THAT wingspan in which she could get off her shots quicker inside -- KLS can't BE THAT. It's not just ONE FACTOR it is teh accumulation of them. But what she can be is an amazing 3 point shooter and over time gradually learn how to use her size inside when guards try to guard her by denying her the ball from the perimeter.


'

Agreed on KLS. I think where UConn potentially gets a bit of the freakish wingspan blocking ability of a Stewart or a Stokes is in - with the right amount of weight room work and timing work in the off season - Collier. She has the build, not quite the height, but has the wingspan longer than her height attribute (do we have a measurement of her wingspan? my guess is 6'6''-ish?), and while she can't jump out of the gym like Williams, she is quite athletic. Collier was the only player other than Stewart that made blocks out of nowhere last year, and probably would have made more if she featured in the defensive role that Stewart occupied. She could be a Stewart/Stokes Jr. as a rim protector, floating 4/5 next year.

 

[Charliebball]

is Syracuse on the schedule?

I don't think so but all of a sudden that blue/white scheduling phone is ringing non-stop...................................................

 

[Mdoggie]

I like Cuse

 

[Charliebball]

I like Cuse

What's Your exCUSE!!!!!!!!!

 

[Mdoggie]

What's Your exCUSE!!!!!!!!!

My daughter is a junior at Syracuse.