Katie Lou Samuelson

[BroadwayVa]

Kia was the first Freshmen off the bench last year not Courtney. Look at the replay of the UC Davis and you will see that Kia was on her second rotation before Courtney came in the game. 3 point shooting is not going to be enough to get Courtney in the rotation this year. Courtney must show that she can defend her position and also demonstrate that she can move the ball and hit open teammates. Chong got taken out of starting line up because she could not defend her position after a game where she hit 4 Treys- Stanford.

Your are right--Nurse is hard to think of as a Freshman.
The Stanford Game caused Geno to re-evaluate his starting 5. The Stanford game it appeared no one could defend the drive. That failing followed Uconn in to the NCAA's . Yet prior to that game Geno hyped the growth and talents of Kiah Stokes and Saniya---Stoke it was proclaimed was hitting 3's constantly. The best player in Practice proclamation was Saniya and that changed after Stanford.
Courtney, Gabby, Saniya, KLS, Boykin, Collier all have to defend or fight for a spot in the 11 person team (2 walkons not included).
Courtney until her injury was, by reports, thought well of by Geno. Whether 3 ball shooting gets Courtney into games is something Geno usually decides but we shall see. Courtney more than likely will not start, true.
Some of the "proclamations " above is there because some put heavy belief that once Geno say something about a player prior starting the season--it is cast in stone. Gabby, Courtney each have a season of Practice and Uconn philosophy under their belts with loads of guidance ----let us see where it all shakes out in November. Geno says he puts his emphasis on Freshman and Soph--but time one is Junior they either have it or the don't --does Saniya have it???

 

[CocoHusky]

Your are right--Nurse is hard to think of as a Freshman.
The Stanford Game caused Geno to re-evaluate his starting 5. The Stanford game it appeared no one could defend the drive. That failing followed Uconn in to the NCAA's . Yet prior to that game Geno hyped the growth and talents of Kiah Stokes and Saniya---Stoke it was proclaimed was hitting 3's constantly. The best player in Practice proclamation was Saniya and that changed after Stanford.
Courtney, Gabby, Saniya, KLS, Boykin, Collier all have to defend or fight for a spot in the 11 person team (2 walkons not included).
Courtney until her injury was, by reports, thought well of by Geno. Whether 3 ball shooting gets Courtney into games is something Geno usually decides but we shall see. Courtney more than likely will not start, true.
Some of the "proclamations " above is there because some put heavy belief that once Geno say something about a player prior starting the season--it is cast in stone. Gabby, Courtney each have a season of Practice and Uconn philosophy under their belts with loads of guidance ----let us see where it all shakes out in November. Geno says he puts his emphasis on Freshman and Soph--but time one is Junior they either have it or the don't --does Saniya have it???

I certainly hope Saniya has it and that Courtney improves as well. Overall I am not worried because the UCONN way is for "someone" to step up and fill a role on the team or Geno & staff to find a different way to win. No sense speculating about who that someone will be or what role is required at this point. As I wrote in a previous post I have no issues with Geno "hyping" a player because he is equally frank in critique. For example when asked what happed to Chong's shortly after the Stanford game he said I'm paraphrasing “We started playing games is what happened! Then all the good things that she was doing in practice did not carry over to the game."

 

[Buzzyboy]

Yeah, 3-point shooting isn't going to cut it. Stewart, Nurse, Tuck, and Moriah can all hit 3s, so if you want to crack the rotation you will need more than that.

Last year there were many, many posters that suggested that they really winced when Morgan Tuck even thought to take a three point shot and yet you're stating that she is a viable three point shooter? Actually Nurse also struggled mightily with the three point shot, particularly early on though she did seem to start showing improved accuracy in the latter part of the season. I remember Rashad Anderson for the men whose overall game wasn't that good who proved an unbelievable "assassin" playing primarily as a three point shot specialist. He was an integral part of one of our championships.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Your are right--Nurse is hard to think of as a Freshman.
The Stanford Game caused Geno to re-evaluate his starting 5. The Stanford game it appeared no one could defend the drive. That failing followed Uconn in to the NCAA's . Yet prior to that game Geno hyped the growth and talents of Kiah Stokes and Saniya---Stoke it was proclaimed was hitting 3's constantly. The best player in Practice proclamation was Saniya and that changed after Stanford.
Courtney, Gabby, Saniya, KLS, Boykin, Collier all have to defend or fight for a spot in the 11 person team (2 walkons not included).
Courtney until her injury was, by reports, thought well of by Geno. Whether 3 ball shooting gets Courtney into games is something Geno usually decides but we shall see. Courtney more than likely will not start, true.
Some of the "proclamations " above is there because some put heavy belief that once Geno say something about a player prior starting the season--it is cast in stone. Gabby, Courtney each have a season of Practice and Uconn philosophy under their belts with loads of guidance ----let us see where it all shakes out in November. Geno says he puts his emphasis on Freshman and Soph--but time one is Junior they either have it or the don't --does Saniya have it???

Kia Nurse played some pretty solid defense during the Stanford game and it was when she fouled out that the wheels really came off. Saniya's defensive lapses weren't as evident earlier in the game and were compensated for by her scoring but when Nurse fouled out, Stanford totally abused Chong and got back into the game that till then, appeared like a safe win. Then when Tuck fouled out in overtime, it was over because she was seemingly the only person doing anything offensively in the latter part of the game.

 

[CocoHusky]

Last year there were many, many posters that suggested that they really winced when Morgan Tuck even thought to take a three point shot and yet you're stating that she is a viable three point shooter?

Don't think so. The statement was; Stewart, Nurse, Tuck, and Moriah can all hit 3s, so if you want to crack the rotation you will need more than that." The word Viable was your addition and you also ignored the words "more than that"-both of which are critical to understanding the point being made.

 

[billnaples]

Don't think so. The statement was; Stewart, Nurse, Tuck, and Moriah can all hit 3s, so if you want to crack the rotation you will need more than that." The word Viable was your addition and you also ignored the words "more than that"-both of which are critical to understanding the point being made.

For the record - Jefferson just a shade under 50%, Nurse was almost 41%, Stewart was about 31% and Tuck was 29%. Off the bench Chong chipped in at 37%. Ekmark was at 27% and Gabby was 0-1. The conversion rate (point production from 3 point land vs. 2 point shots) coulfrom inside the arc.d suggest the effective rates are 75-60-45-45 for the four returning starters. Conclude from last years stats Tuck and Stewart are just about the same from long range. I would not expect Gabby or Natalie to throw up many/any from long range nor would I guess Geno wants them shooting out there either. Time in practice will tell the staff where the 3 frosh and Ekmark will fit. I am quite comfortable with the roles I think are pretty well established for those first 7 right now.

 

[CocoHusky]

For the record - Jefferson just a shade under 50%, Nurse was almost 41%, Stewart was about 31% and Tuck was 29%. Off the bench Chong chipped in at 37%. Ekmark was at 27% and Gabby was 0-1. The conversion rate (point production from 3 point land vs. 2 point shots) coulfrom inside the arc.d suggest the effective rates are 75-60-45-45 for the four returning starters. Conclude from last years stats Tuck and Stewart are just about the same from long range. I would not expect Gabby or Natalie to throw up many/any from long range nor would I guess Geno wants them shooting out there either. Time in practice will tell the staff where the 3 frosh and Ekmark will fit. I am quite comfortable with the roles I think are pretty well established for those first 7 right now.

Yup, I would say that would also make then (Tuck, Jefferson & Nurse) pretty viable. During the second half of the 2015 National championship game after ND had cut the lead to 5, 7, & 6 respectively all three (Tuck, Jefferson-2 & Nurse) made treys to stem the ND momentum. So they are not only viable, what's the word I'm looking for?.......... CLUTCH!

 

[Huskies Rule]

One hand to the hoop for Lou too View attachment 10383

WOW!! I LOVE THIS. If that picture isn't photo-shopped or taken from a really deceptive camera angle, then not only is Katie Lou a beautiful kid with a beautiful outside shot, but she can clearly get up with the best of 'em and play inside at the rim. (The girl she's rising over is clearly a big kid- she makes Lou look comparatively petite).

Whereas before I was dreaming of #33 limited to simply bombing away from three-point range, I am now dreaming of Stewie, Morgan, Natalie, Gabby, Napheesa and KATIE LOU dominating in the paint, crashing the boards and scoring in bunches.

 

[ochoopsfan]

Will UConn be scheduling a game of HORSE between KLS and Stewart during the season? I think you could pack Gampel, even on a snowy night.

 

[billnaples]

WOW!! I LOVE THIS. If that picture isn't photo-shopped or taken from a really deceptive camera angle, then not only is Katie Lou a beautiful kid with a beautiful outside shot, but she can clearly get up with the best of 'em and play inside at the rim. (The girl she's rising over is clearly a big kid- she makes Lou look comparatively petite).

Whereas before I was dreaming of #33 limited to simply bombing away from three-point range, I am now dreaming of Stewie, Morgan, Natalie, Gabby, Napheesa and KATIE LOU dominating in the paint, crashing the boards and scoring in bunches.

I like to dream with the best of them. Another undefeated season is a dream, not a stretch, Title #11 is certainly in play. I might hold off on how significant the contributions from KLS, Collier, Boykin, Butler for that matter will be and while she may not play a major role inside I think you left out Nurse. She did after all start 36 of 39 games and averaged 25 minutes.

 

[Huskies Rule]

I like to dream with the best of them. Another undefeated season is a dream, not a stretch, Title #11 is certainly in play. I might hold off on how significant the contributions from KLS, Collier, Boykin, Butler for that matter will be and while she may not play a major role inside I think you left out Nurse. She did after all start 36 of 39 games and averaged 25 minutes.

I did not leave Kia out. Neither Kia, nor Moriah or Saniya (hmm, rhymes ) or Tierney, Briana or Courtney had anything to do with that post. I was talking specifically about players I expect to be "dominating in the paint, crashing the boards," and ochoopsfan's great photo excited me sufficiently to add Katie Lou's name to that list (Stewie, Morgan, Natalie, Gabby, Napheesa.)

And as far as your feeling that I should refrain from guessing "how significant the contributions from KLS, Collier, (Boykin, I'll concede) and Butler will be," ... Well, I can't quantify that. But as a crazed, completely non-objective UConn fan, my DNA compels me to believe they are all going to be Husky greats. As a reasonably well-informed basketball nut and a long,long,long ago collegiate player, having seen Katie Lou play 4 times, Napheesa 5 times, and Natalie 3 times at GTown (and Nat, with a practice year under her belt, is going to be way better than what I saw), I believe what my eyes tell me. These kids will absolutely make significant contributions, yes, even as freshmen.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Geno found out early that Nurse could contribute significantly as a freshmen. He's going to find out the same thing about Collier and KLS. No way those two get held back. They will be in the main rotation.

 

[Waquoit]

I certainly hope Saniya has it and that Courtney improves as well.

I think Chong has had all the chances in the world so far. I think it may be WYSIWYG with her. Players get better their 2nd year but Ekmark showed no indication last season that she can hang with the big dogs. Williams showed flashes, she can be a player. But there is plenty of PT available for a newbie to come in and earn.

 

[uconnfan68]

One hand to the hoop for Lou too View attachment 10383

Not going to get many blocked at that point.

 

[uconnfan68]

I think Chong has had all the chances in the world so far. I think it may be WYSIWYG with her. Players get better their 2nd year but Ekmark showed no indication last season that she can hang with the big dogs. Williams showed flashes, she can be a player. But there is plenty of PT available for a newbie to come in and earn.

In fairness to CE, she was hurt since preseason last year. I think she started to get it later when she was able to play again late in the year.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I certainly hope Saniya has it and that Courtney improves as well. Overall I am not worried because the UCONN way is for "someone" to step up and fill a role on the team or Geno & staff to find a different way to win. No sense speculating about who that someone will be or what role is required at this point. As I wrote in a previous post I have no issues with Geno "hyping" a player because he is equally frank in critique. For example when asked what happed to Chong's shortly after the Stanford game he said I'm paraphrasing “We started playing games is what happened! Then all the good things that she was doing in practice did not carry over to the game."

Yes I recall Geno say---"we started playing". Point was ---prior to that, early practices he was touting Stokes and Chong. So I don't hang my wallet on Geno's assessment/nice words prior to the season starting and then some. I agree makes no difference in which way the earth shall spin if we speculate correctly or incorrectly about Chong/Ekmark/Gabby/KLS/Boykin/Kia/Collier-- it's just an opinion and as Geno has said so eloquently opinions are like armpits some stink and some don't. Quote from Geno!! (paraphrased). So i don't get bent to breaking if you don't agree. I try to keep it civil in comments even if I agree when I disagree. Tomorrow will happen, for most, for those it doesn't happen for it doesn't matter. However I appreciate corrections when they are correct!!!
Usually some one steps up, but not always but Uconn didn't have the warehouse of talent it had last year and this, I'll worry when/IF Uconn is down to ND with 20 second to go--until then no worry.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Kia Nurse played some pretty solid defense during the Stanford game and it was when she fouled out that the wheels really came off. Saniya's defensive lapses weren't as evident earlier in the game and were compensated for by her scoring but when Nurse fouled out, Stanford totally abused Chong and got back into the game that till then, appeared like a safe win. Then when Tuck fouled out in overtime, it was over because she was seemingly the only person doing anything offensively in the latter part of the game.

As Geno is so oft said---the game was lost long before some last second plays. The inability of the team to stop the dribble drive early on was a significant contributor to the final out come.
But I like your ability to give Kia this kind of after the fact talent assessment.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

As Geno is so oft said---the game was lost long before some last second plays. The inability of the team to stop the dribble drive early on was a significant contributor to the final out come.

With all respect to Geno, if he said that he was wrong. The game wasn't played like most UConn games are, but the Huskies still had a 6-pt lead and the ball with less than 2 minutes remaining. Sure there were many reasons that game was closer than it could've been, but it was still beyond winnable.

 

[DaddyChoc]

cant let this slip, gonna keep that fear in their heart

 

[Sonny44]

"The summer of Ekmark arrival in Storrs I made the unfortunate mistake at telling her supporters that they were off the charts in their enthusiasm about how she would transform things"- So you are validating your prediction from a year ago based on Courtney having played 1 injured year? Courtney has 3 years of eligibility left to invalidate your prediction. The enthusiasm from her supporters was definitely justified.
"You just wait and see, She (Courtney) is going to be one of Geno Auriema's favorite players. She reminds me so much of Kelly Faris, only with a better shot as a younger player."
Bret McCormick, All Star Girls Basketball '2014.
http://articles.courant.com/2014-01-20/sports/hc-uconn-women-0121-20140120_1_courtney-ekmark-uconn-women-kia-nurse
"I think Courtney shoots the ball and knows the game about as well as anybody we have ever recruited"
Geno Auriema' November 2013
http://elmcitytoeaglevillenhr.blogspot.com/2013/11/geno-auriemma-happy-with-uconns-early.html
"I saw her more of a Duke type recruit then Uconn". Not sure when this (UCONN recruit > Duke recruit) happened.

"Perhaps she should have taken a place beside Butler last year! " Why? Butler was required to sit per NCAA rules. Courtney had no such restriction, let her play and enjoy the effort!

CE will have a much greater challenge getting PT than Kelly had. We have much more depth now than any of Kelly's teams.

 

[CocoHusky]

CE will have a much greater challenge getting PT than Kelly had. We have much more depth now than any of Kelly's teams.

I'm not sure I agree with that. To get playing time Farris depending on the year had to compete against MoJeff, Brianna Banks, Caroline Doty, Bria Hartley, Tiffany Hayes, Lorin Dixon & Kalana Greene. It has only been 1 year so far but to get into the regular rotation as a SG, CE only had to compete with Saniya so far + Gabby?? for this year. Dangerfield and Bent are a year away from arriving on campus and Espinoza-Hunter is two years away.

 

[billnaples]

I'm not sure I agree with that. To get playing time Farris depending on the year had to compete against MoJeff, Brianna Banks, Caroline Doty, Bria Hartley, Tiffany Hayes, Lorin Dixon & Kalana Greene. It has only been 1 year so far but to get into the regular rotation as a SG, CE only had to compete with Saniya so far + Gabby?? for this year. Dangerfield and Bent are a year away from arriving on campus and Espinoza-Hunter is two years away.

What happened to Kia Nurse in all of these projections? While Geno could certainly move her back didn't Gabby play pretty exclusively as a front court player? She shot nearly 64% but most of that was in the paint. Nurse shot nearly 49% from the field including almost 41% from beyond the arc, So Mo Jeff and Kia, IMHO, are the starting point and 2 guards. How flexible will Collier or Boykin be to get time there and how quickly do they fit into the UConn way and are they good enough ball handlers? Right now more questions than answers for those three freshman. I know the outlook is great.

 

[PhillyCoach]

As Geno is so oft said---the game was lost long before some last second plays. The inability of the team to stop the dribble drive early on was a significant contributor to the final out come.
But I like your ability to give Kia this kind of after the fact talent assessment.

Happy September Broadway (and all posters) - I don't know the answer to this so I am asking for insights or (a better memory than mine.) In last year's Stanford game, I remember UConn playing almost 100% Man defense. I don't remember any zone or even any 'Man switch" that Geno used later in the season. Very effectively I must add. I thought that Geno was staying with the man to see how Chong would (eventually) or hopefully adjust. Geno (IMHO) still thought UConn could win the game, even giving up so many dribble-drives.
Help shed some specific light on this for me gang. Thanks.

 

[CocoHusky]

What happened to Kia Nurse in all of these projections?

I simply don't see a scenario where Kia Nurse will not be competing with Courtney for playing time at SG, therefore I excluded Kia from these projections.

 

[ricky]

What happened to Kia Nurse in all of these projections? While Geno could certainly move her back didn't Gabby play pretty exclusively as a front court player? She shot nearly 64% but most of that was in the paint. Nurse shot nearly 49% from the field including almost 41% from beyond the arc, So Mo Jeff and Kia, IMHO, are the starting point and 2 guards. How flexible will Collier or Boykin be to get time there and how quickly do they fit into the UConn way and are they good enough ball handlers? Right now more questions than answers for those three freshman. I know the outlook is great.

This sounds like a traffic jam. Now, Collier is just too good to be sitting, except to take a breather from her high level of hustle. Her handle, perimeter shot, defense, length, unselfish team attitude and maturity beyond her years would be wasted on the sidelines. Geno better make a hole for this special talent who is ranked way too low for her talent level. She probably should be ranked # 1 followed by Durr at # 2.