Jovana turning heads

[HuskyNan]

Silent But Deadly: Why Serbian Point Guard Jovana Popovic Will Bring Excitement To UConn Next Season

PORTLAND, Ore. – As Jovana Popović returns to Portland, Oregon, for the Nike Hoop Summit, she hopes to represent her country proudly while bringing excitement to college fans everywhere. The 5-9 18-year-old guard from Vrbas, Serbia, signed with the UConn Huskies in November, looking to add to a team

www.worldexposurereport.com

 

[1974yankees]

I read that she is similar to Kelsey Plum.

She might be taking Azzis position on day 1 if she is that good.

 

[BobbyJ]

Silent But Deadly: Why Serbian Point Guard Jovana Popovic Will Bring Excitement To UConn Next Season

PORTLAND, Ore. – As Jovana Popović returns to Portland, Oregon, for the Nike Hoop Summit, she hopes to represent her country proudly while bringing excitement to college fans everywhere. The 5-9 18-year-old guard from Vrbas, Serbia, signed with the UConn Huskies in November, looking to add to a team

www.worldexposurereport.com

She probably won’t get a shot at regular PG PT this season because of the experience factor with Arnold and Heckel. But starting with her sophomore season, I think she’ll have a major impact on this team. She doesn’t just go flying into the paint out of control with no plan. She can penetrate, finish or dish, and really shoot the 3.

 

[Bone Dog]

She probably won’t get a shot at regular PG PT this season because of the experience factor with Arnold and Heckel. But starting with her sophomore season, I think she’ll have a major impact on this team. She doesn’t just go flying into the paint out of control with no plan. She can penetrate, finish or dish, and really shoot the 3.

It’s an interesting question how she’ll play with Kayleigh in her sophomore season. Either one could probably play PG, but Jovana might be the better SG. It could be another one of those teams where Geno plays two PGs together.

As for this fall, I don’t see her displacing KK at PG. She just doesn’t have the same physicality… yet, from what I can see. Same goes for Kayleigh. But the following year, the guard corps will be Kayleigh Jovana Kelis Allie and maybe Morgan. The only thing I see upsetting this path is if Kaleena comes to Storrs.

 

[1974yankees]

It’s an interesting question how she’ll play with Kayleigh in her sophomore season. Either one could probably play PG, but Jovana might be the better SG. It could be another one of those teams where Geno plays two PGs together.

As for this fall, I don’t see her displacing KK at PG. She just doesn’t have the same physicality… yet, from what I can see. Same goes for Kayleigh. But the following year, the guard corps will be Kayleigh Jovana Kelis Allie and maybe Morgan. The only thing I see upsetting this path is if Kaleena comes to Storrs.

We have a vacancy at SG.

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

She probably won’t get a shot at regular PG PT this season because of the experience factor with Arnold and Heckel. But starting with her sophomore season, I think she’ll have a major impact on this team. She doesn’t just go flying into the paint out of control with no plan. She can penetrate, finish or dish, and really shoot the 3.

Im telling you, its like she slithers thru that paint and wills herself to the basket. Anyone guarding her cannot let off for a second because the gameplay is simple, she is going to drive to the basket for a layup. I predict she is going to have a lot of and 1's or at the very least, a lot of free throw attempts. Her motor reminds me of Napheesa's motor, it just never stops.

 

[Basingstoke]

Im telling you, its like she slithers thru that paint and wills herself to the basket. Anyone guarding her cannot let off for a second because the gameplay is simple, she is going to drive to the basket for a layup. I predict she is going to have a lot of and 1's or at the very least, a lot of free throw attempts. Her motor reminds me of Napheesa's motor, it just never stops.

Hopefully that motor will also lend itself to intense defense.

 

[HopJim]

It’s an interesting question how she’ll play with Kayleigh in her sophomore season. Either one could probably play PG, but Jovana might be the better SG. It could be another one of those teams where Geno plays two PGs together.

As for this fall, I don’t see her displacing KK at PG. She just doesn’t have the same physicality… yet, from what I can see. Same goes for Kayleigh. But the following year, the guard corps will be Kayleigh Jovana Kelis Allie and maybe Morgan. The only thing I see upsetting this path is if Kaleena comes to Stor

Interested in other's thoughts on Kelis-PG or shooting guard? Since she played so little, hard to understand her overall skills. Fun to watch her drives to the basket but that was about all we saw.

 

[Cheddie]

Im telling you, its like she slithers thru that paint and wills herself to the basket. Anyone guarding her cannot let off for a second because the gameplay is simple, she is going to drive to the basket for a layup. I predict she is going to have a lot of and 1's or at the very least, a lot of free throw attempts. Her motor reminds me of Napheesa's motor, it just never stops.

It would be nice to have players that force refs to call a lot of fouls on opponents.

 

[Bone Dog]

Interested in other's thoughts on Kelis-PG or shooting guard? Since she played so little, hard to understand her overall skills. Fun to watch her drives to the basket but that was about all we saw.

I didn’t see more than highlights from her time at IMG. But what I did see was that Kelis operated mainly as an SG. I read that the coaches tried to give her some experience as a PG in her senior year. She seems to be a scoring threat from outside the paint, but her focus this season has been limited to slashing to the rim, and she’s pretty good at it. This is probably in part due to playing only in garbage time. But she has yet to show the range of offensive skills, including passing, that we’d all like to see in a PG.

More limiting, however, is her defense. I don’t think she has shown the intensity Geno looks for yet. She doesn’t fight through screens, for example, and often looked lost on defense. This also may be an artifact of the minutes she got this season. I don’t think she’ll get major minutes at PG until she shows that defensive intensity and focus. This is what Geno will be looking for in practice.

This same reflection will apply to Jovana this season. She won’t see major minutes until she shows she can play defense. The formula is always the same for Geno: give 100% at both ends of the floor and you get playing time.

 

[BobbyJ]

Interested in other's thoughts on Kelis-PG or shooting guard? Since she played so little, hard to understand her overall skills. Fun to watch her drives to the basket but that was about all we saw.

I doubt it will be PG. Ball security, floor vision, and understanding the nuances of playing off ball screens are not near where they need to be to play PG at this level. I think these would be a long term project.

 

[BB Dawg]

It’s an interesting question how she’ll play with Kayleigh in her sophomore season. Either one could probably play PG, but Jovana might be the better SG. It could be another one of those teams where Geno plays two PGs together.

As for this fall, I don’t see her displacing KK at PG. She just doesn’t have the same physicality… yet, from what I can see. Same goes for Kayleigh. But the following year, the guard corps will be Kayleigh Jovana Kelis Allie and maybe Morgan. The only thing I see upsetting this path is if Kaleena comes to Storrs.

I have seen some highlights of Jovana playing with older professionals. Nothing is etched in stone…I am seeing a “Blanca” impact on the team.

 

[donalddoowop]

She probably won’t get a shot at regular PG PT this season because of the experience factor with Arnold and Heckel. But starting with her sophomore season, I think she’ll have a major impact on this team. She doesn’t just go flying into the paint out of control with no plan. She can penetrate, finish or dish, and really shoot the 3.

"Flying into the paint out of control with no plan" is something that is very irritating to me and makes no sense. Maybe a couple of UConn's upper classmen guards will learn from watching Jovana.

 

[BobbyJ]

"Flying into the paint out of control with no plan" is something that is very irritating to me and makes no sense. Maybe a couple of UConn's upper classmen guards will learn from watching Jovana.

You would think so but I’m not holding my breath. It’s a mental and reflexive part of the game that if not understood by the third and fourth year of college, many times doesn’t happen. It’s very hard to coach those non productive instincts out of players. For the best PGs that control/discipline usually comes naturally. Kind of like Sue Bird.

 

[Steelerone]

I love how Geno brings in players under the radar. Last year Brenda and now Jovana. Do not be surprised if y the third or forth game of the season if she is not starting beside KK.

 

[Bills Fan]

I love how Geno brings in players under the radar. Last year Brenda and now Jovana. Do not be surprised if y the third or forth game of the season if she is not starting beside KK.

Who is Brenda? And JP may be starting beside KK but it won't be replacing Ash, who does all the things that a great team needs someone to do that Geno sees but many Boneyarders don't. Kind of like all the "why is Nika starting?" group a few years ago as she now holds all the Husky assist records. Due to heights, I see KK, Ash, K9 and JP as the rotation at the 1 & 2 spots. If we are up against a team with more height at the 1 and/or 2 , then Allie and Morgan might fill the 2 role, with both Allie and Morgan primarily playing the 3

 

[BRS24]

Who is Brenda? And JP may be starting beside KK but it won't be replacing Ash, who does all the things that a great team needs someone to do that Geno sees but many Boneyarders don't. Kind of like all the "why is Nika starting?" group a few years ago as she now holds all the Husky assist records. Due to heights, I see KK, Ash, K9 and JP as the rotation at the 1 & 2 spots. If we are up against a team with more height at the 1 and/or 2 , then Allie and Morgan might fill the 2 role, with both Allie and Morgan primarily playing the 3

Probably Blanca, a victim of the cursed auto correct.

 

[Longtime fan]

I read that she is similar to Kelsey Plum.

She might be taking Azzis position on day 1 if she is that good.

It is so wonderful to be in the early stages of the off season. All is bells and cherries. "Like Kelsey Plum" ( one of the world's very best); "take AZZI's place" ( no wishful thinking in that one. ). These reports are thrilling, but I remain just a bit cautious. Sign me up anyway, I love the optimism.

 

[BB Dawg]

Who is Brenda? And JP may be starting beside KK but it won't be replacing Ash, who does all the things that a great team needs someone to do that Geno sees but many Boneyarders don't. Kind of like all the "why is Nika starting?" group a few years ago as she now holds all the Husky assist records. Due to heights, I see KK, Ash, K9 and JP as the rotation at the 1 & 2 spots. If we are up against a team with more height at the 1 and/or 2 , then Allie and Morgan might fill the 2 role, with both Allie and Morgan primarily playing the 3

Think she meant to write Bianca instead of Brenda

 

[Bone Dog]

Probably Blanca, a victim of the cursed auto correct.

Otto Korrekt is my nemesis, my sworn enemy.

 

[1974yankees]

It is so wonderful to be in the early stages of the off season. All is bells and cherries. "Like Kelsey Plum" ( one of the world's very best); "take AZZI's place" ( no wishful thinking in that one. ). These reports are thrilling, but I remain just a bit cautious. Sign me up anyway, I love the optimism.

I am always cautious about anything I read. I didn't say one single word about Blanca until I actually saw her play...

With Blanca the speculation was through the roof with some fans. Many had Blanca penciled in as a starter before most of us even knew who she was or she stepped one foot on campus.

I said Blanca should start after I actually saw her play..(I dont follow the Italian league lol)

Same thing with Jovana. I saw a 3 minute clip. Thats it.

But one writer said she is a another Kelsey Plum. Lol.

Well if she is "another Kelsey Plum" then she no doubt has to start on day one. How could anyone sit Kelsey Plum on the bench.

 

[trisailin]

The Boneyard: A top level example of Shiny Penny Syndrome.

 

[JoePgh]

Otto Korrekt is my nemesis, my sworn enemy.

Getting from Blanca to Brenda is a leading example of the increasing effect of AS (Artificial Stupidity).

 

[huskyd]

She probably won’t get a shot at regular PG PT this season because of the experience factor with Arnold and Heckel. But starting with her sophomore season, I think she’ll have a major impact on this team. She doesn’t just go flying into the paint out of control with no plan. She can penetrate, finish or dish, and really shoot the 3.

Ok. There are KK and Heckle. They are not going to give you many points. They have other concerns. Ash was in the line-up for points, and she is also a tenacious defender and rebounder. But her point production fell off last season; her mid-range jumper had always been money but not lately. Maybe Jovana could replace Ash if she turns out to be a dependable scorer. We know little about her at the moment.
So enjoy the wealth and the available choices. Geno will, of course, decide.
Keep Morgan in mind when you think of players with up-sides who can also play inside. Geno likes her a lot, especially her height and toughness. But the first order of business is to find 15-20 points somewhere.

 

[Rowdy831]

The point guard needs to be a leader. KK is a great leader but she really needs to figure out how to score at least 8-10 per game which shouldn't be that difficult with her quickness. Kayleigh on the other hand is a decent player but not someone that has a spot carved in stone on next years lineup.

To me the bigger question is how do you replace the scoring you lose with Azzi? I don't think they can have a player in key roles who can't score next year after watching what happened this year when Azzi struggled. The wildcard in all of it to me is Cheli and what will she be next year if she is healthy.

Should be an interesting year with a lot of opportunities.

 

[Bone Dog]

Ash was in the line-up for points, and she is also a tenacious defender and rebounder. But her point production fell off last season; her mid-range jumper had always been money but not lately.

I see how you’re thinking, but I’m not sure I entirely agree. Maybe mostly, but with a reservation. Two seasons ago, Ash seemed to be a better scorer. I suspect some of that has to do with being the 4th option on a team with 3 superstars. Defenses had to pay more attention to Paige Azzi and Sarah and that sometimes let Ash slip through the cracks. Last season, Ash had become the 3rd option. Many of us had hoped Serah would play that role, but it was not to be.

Now, flash forward to next fall. Will Ash be the 3rd option or the 4th? That depends a lot on whether Olivia can get up to speed in her freshman season. Theoretically, Jovana could help here, but I don’t think she’ll be on the floor next to Ash all that much. Could it be Allie or Kayleigh? It’s all speculation at this point. But if any of us is dreaming of seeing Ash pick up her scoring, I have a feeling it will depend on someone else picking up the slack next to her.

So, for now, I’m more comfortable saying that Ash is in the lineup for her defense and rebounding and generally scrappiness… and might also provide a 3rd/4th scoring option, depending on what some others do.

 

[Husky fanatic]

It’s an interesting question how she’ll play with Kayleigh in her sophomore season. Either one could probably play PG, but Jovana might be the better SG. It could be another one of those teams where Geno plays two PGs together.

As for this fall, I don’t see her displacing KK at PG. She just doesn’t have the same physicality… yet, from what I can see. Same goes for Kayleigh. But the following year, the guard corps will be Kayleigh Jovana Kelis Allie and maybe Morgan. The only thing I see upsetting this path is if Kaleena comes to Storrs.

No chance Kaleena is coming

 

[jeff30189]

No chance at Kaleena, but she still has KK, Heckel and Kelis in front of her at PG. In a small sample size, Kelis didn't exactly show any kind of shooting range ... or accuracy.... so lets not slide her into SG quite yet. But KK and Heckel did play together regularly, and they both have some 3pt range. You're not going to replace Azzi's shooting unless Allie starts at SG or SF and gets the green light to fire away.

 

[1974yankees]

No chance Kaleena is coming

Which Kaleena are you referring to?

Kaleena Smith?

 

[Basingstoke]

I have no idea where my thread alerting the Boneyard about when and where to see tonight's Hoop Summit game went, BUT the USA demolished the World team. They had a lot more exciting talent than the World team and were much better at playing together.
That said, Jovana is going to be a tremendous addition to UConn’s team. To me, she is not a combo guard but a really talented point guard with the ability to make her teammates better. Although she's not as big, I see a bit of Paige in her. She plays with a compositional sense, patiently taking in the way all the pieces on the board are positioned and need to move. She cannot really be stopped on drives, because she is very shifty with a secure dribble & always seems to suck the defense in and pass to a spot-up shooter or finish very efficiently at the basket with either hand.
I can't access game stats, but I think she shot 6 for 8 from the field, with the only misses being on a 3 and one other outside shot (she was 2 for 2 from the foul line). Also, in a game where the World squad committed an ungodly amount of turnovers, I don't believe she turned the ball over until the fourth quarter when the game had long since been decided, and she forced a couple of bad passes.
She also seems to stick to her opponent on defense and is good at playing passing lanes and picking off opponents' passes. She, of course, will have to step up that part of her game and mesh with UCONN'S defensive concepts.
She is a very, very exciting addition in my book.