Kiah....again!!

[Bigpetunia]

Geno and staff, are transforming KS before our very eyes, giving this team a huge (literally and figuratively) added dimension as we approach the last few weeks of the regular season. This forum, earlier in the season, dwelled incessantly on our mutual worries about all the dire things that would transpire if Stef got into foul trouble. I don't see too much of that kind of conjecture anymore. Kiah's upside potential is through the roof, and what we're seeing now is just the infancy of her transformation, and there's clearly still a long way to go. Further, we know from experience that however big the strides made by a Freshman, a Sophomore slump may be lurking around the corner. Nevertheless, we all have to be pleased with the amazing progress we're seeing. Next breakout project: Breanna Banks!

 

[VAMike23]

I think quite a number of people identified Kiah as the newcomer whose development could most impact the team, seeing that she had the potential to be a rebounder and shot blocker--the stuff we need the most--as well as a capable backup for Stef. I think that early in the year, our worries were well-placed, while we waited (hoped??) for Kiah to come along her freshman learning curve. Every frosh progresses at a different rate, depending on their own makeup and also the circumstances (i.e. Stef and Bria being forced into leading roles from the get-go).

She has been worth the wait!!!

 

[Fiftyish]

Geno and staff, are transforming KS before our very eyes, giving this team a huge (literally and figuratively) added dimension as we approach the last few weeks of the regular season. This forum, earlier in the season, dwelled incessantly on our mutual worries about all the dire things that would transpire if Stef got into foul trouble. I don't see too much of that kind of conjecture anymore. Kiah's upside potential is through the roof, and what we're seeing now is just the infancy of her transformation, and there's clearly still a long way to go. Further, we know from experience that however big the strides made by a Freshman, a Sophomore slump may be lurking around the corner. Nevertheless, we all have to be pleased with the amazing progress we're seeing. Next breakout project: Breanna Banks!

I agree with your comments on Kiah and I was suprised at CD's less than enthusiastic comments to Meghan before the start of the second half. Seems like CD just can't give the kid any props yet.

 

[Wonkster]

Something happened tonight that tips Geno's hand about what's really going on with post assignments. Early in the game, when Stef still did not yet have a single foul, Geno lost it over some play that Stef screwed up. He went nuts and sent Kiah to the scorer's table to check in. There was no break in the action for a while so that the connection might have been lost on TV viewers, but when the break finally happened, Stef sat down and Kiah was playing center.

It looks like Kiah's role is more than simply spelling Stef when she's fouled too much for her time on the floor, but now also as a goad to get Stef's priorities straight. In case you didn't notice - Geno got 26 of the Huskies' 66 points from the center position tonight.
.

 

[speedoo]

We are set at center through 2015. Way to go Kiah.

 

[alexrgct]

I agree with your comments on Kiah and I was suprised at CD's less than enthusiastic comments to Meghan before the start of the second half. Seems like CD just can't give the kid any props yet.

Heck, Geno couldn't resist calling Tina "numbnuts" in the locker room the game after she set the UConn scoring record. I bet Kiah will grow on Geno and CD quicker than that.

 

[alexrgct]

We are set at center through 2015. Way to go Kiah.

Yeah, the 2014-15 starting lineup of Moriah, KML, Morgan, Breanna, and Kiah is going to be pretty damn stout. Hopefully, UConn has more than just Brianna Banks off the bench.

 

[Sonny44]

Heck, Geno couldn't resist calling Tina "numbnuts" in the locker room the game after she set the UConn scoring record. I bet Kiah will grow on Geno and CD quicker than that.

I think at this stage of her career Kiah is more likable than Tina was. There's something about Kiah that makes you want to see her succeed beyond our selfish reasons, no?

 

[HuskyNan]

I think at this stage of her career Kiah is more likable than Tina was. There's something about Kiah that makes you want to see her succeed beyond our selfish reasons, no?

Surely you didn't mean to use the word likable?

 

[RoyDodger]

Geno and CD are obviously hesitant to praise Kiah Stokes for her improvement. Whenever Kiah's improvement is noted by Meghan Culmo (either on the Geno Show or at halftime of the game), the reaction is slightly cynical or half-hearted. Maybe it's the coaches' feeling that verbally poking Kiah is working but she's not quite there yet. So they have to keep it up until she's there.

 

[JimGunther]

Any chance Geno will use a Twin Towers line-up the next time we see Ms. Griner?

 

[Icebear]

Surely you didn't mean to use the word likable?

Sweetness?

 

[Rayvin56]

Any chance Geno will use a Twin Towers line-up the next time we see Ms. Griner?

Being able to have them both in the lineup, when needed (against Baylor would be a prime opportunity), is one exciting luxury we now have that puts a huge smile on my face. Kiah's footwork was outstanding last night! Their individual styles/assets can make them a super inside-out game unto themselves. Once again, it's a great time to be a fan...

 

[Icebear]

Any chance Geno will use a Twin Towers line-up the next time we see Ms. Griner?

I expect that will be part of the game plan. With Stef shooting probably near 60%+ from the top of the key now if Baylor follows ETT's suggestion of letting Stef take that shot until she proves she can hit it the price may be steep for Baylor. Stef is quickly approaching 3 point range. If Griner does come out to her there are few if any bigs in WCBB that pass the ball as well a Stef and with Kiah down low and Tiff and Kelly cutting to the hoop we may have the basis of some new strong offensive options.

 

[VAMike23]

I have a feeling Heather Buck will still be called upon for significant minutes against Baylor should we meet again. I'm all about Kiah Stokes, but HB has proven to have particular effectiveness against BG. Heather's base is just so strong, and that's what you need against Griner (see Samarie Walker).

I think Kiah's emergence has mostly come from [finally] utilizing her length in numerous ways, via a much higher intensity level on the court. This will serve her well in any game, Baylor included, but we will need Heather as well in that game--much more than we will probably 'need' her in others now that Kiah is beginning to establish herself.

 

[VAMike23]

Yeah, the 2014-15 starting lineup of Moriah, KML, Morgan, Breanna, and Kiah is going to be pretty damn stout. Hopefully, UConn has more than just Brianna Banks off the bench.

It's shaping up as a great vintage! I think the prior year may be even more spectacular....

 

[UcMiami]

I agree with everything here, but ...
I also think we have to give Kiah props for taking the coaching and prodding and running with it. I am really impressed with the work she has obviously been putting in to transform herself from an end of the bench player to a real force for the team. It takes two to tango, so while great work by the coaches, it is also great work by Kiah for recognizing there was a problem and fixing it!

 

[meyers7]

I think at this stage of her career Kiah is more likable than Tina was.

IDK, Tina seemed pretty likable to me. (though like most people on here, I've never really met either or know enough about them to determine who is more likable)

 

[connboy77]

Yeah, the 2014-15 starting lineup of Moriah, KML, Morgan, Breanna, and Kiah is going to be pretty damn stout. Hopefully, UConn has more than just Brianna Banks off the bench.

Thats why the 2013 class is so important!

 

[alexrgct]

IDK, Tina seemed pretty likable to me. (though like most people on here, I've never really met either or know enough about them to determine who is more likable)

Agree. Tina was (and is) a big, New York personality. Very likable though. Just took some time for her game to match completely. Kiah's an understated Midwestern girl. Hope she can reach her ceiling when all is said an done like Tina did.

 

[hoopsdiva]

Surely you didn't mean to use the word likable?

Whatever word you want to use (and I think use of the word "likable" just reflects the poster's search for the right term, not an opinion on the personalities of either of these two playes), there is something about Kiah that just makes me want for her to succeed, not just for the sake of the team, but for her own sense of accomplishment. Sometimes there are players who through their personal stories of determination and self transformation, as well as their athletic talents, really grab your attention and make you root for their success. For me, Kiah is such a player, so are Stef and Caroline, as well as many others through the years.

 

[Joe6cats]

there is something about Kiah that just makes me want for her to succeed

- Hoopsdiva

Ditto! "Likeability" is maybe a little cringe-making, but watching the passion of her play last night, the gentle intelligence of her responses to Meghan after the game... What's not to like? Surely the likeability factor is a big part of team fan appeal, and recruiting success. Kiah is special and so is the team.

 

[Tonyc]

UConn has the two best guards and two best centers in WCBB, end of subject. It is truly amazing how UConn continues to develop post players. Kiah and Stef in their freshman years have emerged as great post players. I would love to see them on the floor together. What a great high low game. We were amazed last season on how Stef came on and now this season how Kiah has come on....gotta wonder about next season. The OK game on the road will open alot of fans eyes and the ND game will show how much we've grown as a team. I think UConn will send a message to WCBB when the ND game is over.

 

[Sonny44]

Surely you didn't mean to use the word likable?

Hah, even when I try to be nice I foul up.
Never foresaw that, funny!

 

[Icebear]

Agree. Tina was (and is) a big, New York personality. Very likable though. Just took some time for her game to match completely. Kiah's an understated Midwestern girl. Hope she can reach her ceiling when all is said an done like Tina did.

That's why I suggested the term, "Sweetness."