Killer Instinct
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When I look up "killer instinct" in the dictionary , all I see is a picture of Nika. Paige, Azzi and Aaliyah are all what I would call clutch, which to me is different than having a killer instinct.
But I want all of them on my team at the end of a close game!
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The ones I see from the current roster are Caroline, Nika and Paige (listed alphabetically!). Nika for obvious reasons, passion and competitiveness. Paige and Caroline because those are the two that most seem to want the ball in clutch situations - that's a "killer instinct" trait for me. I can't gauge the freshmen based on how they looked against high school players, we'll see how confident they are when they hit the court against top level D1 college opponents.
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Aaliyah could be a first teams or second team payer.
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Aaliyah, Paige, & Nika for me. If Nika had a consistent shot, she would be at the top of my list. But she has that killer instinct of, I am going guard whoever is the best player on the other team and guard them like my life depended on it! Might not give me a bucket but I know that she is going to guard someone 94 feet and make it tough on that player to where they lose control of the ball and we score on a layup or something. Aaliyah because of how she went at some of the other team's best players. She did not shy away from going bucket for bucket, rebound for rebound, and shove for shove. That Lady Vol game was awesome! Paige just because we know she is that "Alpha" dog. She is going to go at you and when there is a shot to be taken to decide the game, win or lose, Paige is going to take that shot.
Carnac
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Nika was the first player that came to mind for me as well, followed closely by Paige. A killer instinct is something you bring with you, not something you acquire as you go along. One or more of the freshmen may have it, but it remains to be seen.
Michael Jordan had a killer instinct. Kobe Bryant had a killer instinct. Others may not agree, and that’s fine. But IMHO, KI can't be taught. It's like common sense. You either have it or you don't.
Nika has it!! .-.
AgStatesman
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Freshman Paige had killer instinct. Does she still have it is a big wild card. Killer instinct is a pretty wide open term. How do we define it? Im guessing we each have a different definition. To me, killer instinct goes hand in hand with clutch. With a crucial or important game in the balance, who can make the plays that lifts your team to victory and rips the heart out of the other team in the process. To be honest, we haven't seen that ability from anyone on the team in a couple years. If anyone on last year's roster had killer instinct, then you don't get pasted by Ohio St. in the Sweet 16.
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I agree with you on the bolded sentences. You'll have to wait another season or so but if you like "piranhas on a pot roast" you will really like seeing Morgan Cheli lock on to people starting next year.Nika was the first player that came to mind for me as well, followed closely by Paige. A killer instinct is something you bring with you, not something you acquire as you go along. One or more of the freshmen may have it, but it remains to be seen.
Michael Jordan had a killer instinct. Kobe Bryant had a killer instinct. Others may not agree, and that’s fine. But IMHO, KI can't be taught. It's like common sense. You either have it or you don't.
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The only Huskies I can remember making shots to win are Bueckers and Ducharme. Bueckers also iced the 2021 E8 game against Baylor when she intercepted Baylor's last chance pass.
UConn hasn't had many nail-biters historically.
Carnac
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Aaliyah could be a “killer”. To me, she’s too nice. She’s not NASTY enough (IMO. Angel Reece is nasty. Skylar Diggins is nasty. Taurasi is nasty. Dee would rip your heart out, then try to put it back through a different orifice.
Nika is nasty.......all the time, and I love it!!! She wakes up in a foul mood. Maya Moore was an assassin. A “silent” assassin. She could out up the quietest 25 points you’ve ever seen. So is Azzi. Assassins don’t bite, killers do.
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Paige offensively
Nika defensively
Possibly KK if what’s being said about her is true.
Azzi and Aaliyah both have a drive to win, make big plays, and are exception players, but I don’t see them as killer instinct players. I always think that “killer instinct” requires vocal leadership to go along with the willingness and ability to dominate despite whatever the opponent is doing or what situation the team is in (e.g., up by 20, down by 20, down 1 with a couple seconds to go, etc.). They both more remind of how the coaches described Stewie early on—basically that they had to bring that instinct out in her since she was so casual/nice naturally.
Nika defensively
Possibly KK if what’s being said about her is true.
Azzi and Aaliyah both have a drive to win, make big plays, and are exception players, but I don’t see them as killer instinct players. I always think that “killer instinct” requires vocal leadership to go along with the willingness and ability to dominate despite whatever the opponent is doing or what situation the team is in (e.g., up by 20, down by 20, down 1 with a couple seconds to go, etc.). They both more remind of how the coaches described Stewie early on—basically that they had to bring that instinct out in her since she was so casual/nice naturally.
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For me, the ultimate killer was Sue who would drop the dagger and put opposing teams out of their misery. Who’s like that now? Really only one answer: Paige.
We’ve got scrappers and fighters. They often build the big leads. But a killer is the person who crushes the comeback attempt with a couple of deadly demoralizing buckets.
We’ve seen Azzi do this a few times: like against Tennessee last year and Texas this year. We’ve seen Caroline do it against DePaul last year. Give us an injury free year and we may have three killers.
We’ve got scrappers and fighters. They often build the big leads. But a killer is the person who crushes the comeback attempt with a couple of deadly demoralizing buckets.
We’ve seen Azzi do this a few times: like against Tennessee last year and Texas this year. We’ve seen Caroline do it against DePaul last year. Give us an injury free year and we may have three killers.
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There are two players who have clearly shown killer instinct. Paige is obviously number one, the other (to a lesser extent) is Caroline! Others may have it and be able to show it in the future but right now, Paige and Caroline are the only ones who have shown it consistently!
I like her toughness, but that were times that Nika (and to a lesser extent Azzi) looked like she did not want to take the last shot. A basketball "assassin" doesn't have a conscience about shooting when necessary and feels confident that they will make every shot. I love Nika's intangibles, but I have to slightly disagree with folks about this question.
All of the dialogue in this thread has been fascinating to see different perspectives. In my mind, killer instinct in basketball terms means I’m either going to put you out of your misery and bury you or your team (score wise) or there’s no way you’ve going to stop me.
I agree with what everyone has stated about Nika, and I too absolutely want her on my team. She has attitude, determination, leadership, no backing down, etc. in spades. I think, however, killer instinct relates more to the offensive side of the ball, because even if you shut the other team down, someone has to score to win.
I see killer instinct as a trait where there is no hesitation in decision-making, intense focus and drive and no doubt you can execute something to ensure the goal is met. In other words, no fear, ever! If we’re down 2 points at the end of the game, whether we’re going for a 2 or a 3, Paige and Caroline as a close second are the only ones I’ve never seen fail exhibiting a killer instinct, particularly with the no hesitation. If I were the coach, the ball is going to Paige or secondarily Caroline, hands down, even if the other team knows that. These two will do whatever it takes to ensure we get a good shot off, no matter how they are defended. Other team members can demonstrate a killer instinct at times but not always. With these two, I don’t have to think twice.
I agree with what everyone has stated about Nika, and I too absolutely want her on my team. She has attitude, determination, leadership, no backing down, etc. in spades. I think, however, killer instinct relates more to the offensive side of the ball, because even if you shut the other team down, someone has to score to win.
I see killer instinct as a trait where there is no hesitation in decision-making, intense focus and drive and no doubt you can execute something to ensure the goal is met. In other words, no fear, ever! If we’re down 2 points at the end of the game, whether we’re going for a 2 or a 3, Paige and Caroline as a close second are the only ones I’ve never seen fail exhibiting a killer instinct, particularly with the no hesitation. If I were the coach, the ball is going to Paige or secondarily Caroline, hands down, even if the other team knows that. These two will do whatever it takes to ensure we get a good shot off, no matter how they are defended. Other team members can demonstrate a killer instinct at times but not always. With these two, I don’t have to think twice.
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Can't argue with that.
I'm not sure any of them have demonstrated a killer instinct. For me, killer instinct is coming out of the gates and go on a run with tough defense and be up by 30 at half time. Then build it in the third before taking a seat on the bench for the night. Stewie, MoJeff, and Tuck are the last class for me that truly had it. KLS and Pheesa in the conversation for recent classes.
This new generation for me including Paige can get up by 12 or 15 and then relax, stop hunting shots, and give it all back. I just haven't seen a consistent trend where they play full out each possession regardless of the score. I love to watch them but killer instinct? Not there. I know folks will say injuries but even when healthy they relax if they get up by a bunch.
Majic Hands
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The difference between Paige and Nika in my opinion is: Nika has the full 40 minute (actually it's probably 24/7) killer instinct. She doesn't know when or how to back down. Paige's killer instinct rises to the occasion, builds as the game goes on reaching a crescendo, and if need be, goes off the charts in the last 5 minutes of the game. It's good to have both.
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When Didi Richards went down ( which was a d——d shame) in the E8 Baylor game, the Lady Bears seems stunned and back on their heels.
The fact that the Huskies were on their way to losing that game when Didi got hurt is secondary.
What mattered was the 19-0 UCONN run that followed and the willingness to kick your opponent when they are down and KEEP kicking them.
That was the nasty Paige leading the way and inspiring the “killer instinct “ in her teammates.
Of everything I hope to see from “Buckets” this season, it’s the leadership and inspirational skills which will make all the difference.
Wanna see 14 killers arguing with Geno over who gets to cut down the net when the smoke clears.
The fact that the Huskies were on their way to losing that game when Didi got hurt is secondary.
What mattered was the 19-0 UCONN run that followed and the willingness to kick your opponent when they are down and KEEP kicking them.
That was the nasty Paige leading the way and inspiring the “killer instinct “ in her teammates.
Of everything I hope to see from “Buckets” this season, it’s the leadership and inspirational skills which will make all the difference.
Wanna see 14 killers arguing with Geno over who gets to cut down the net when the smoke clears.
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This right here. Being up by 15, then just putting it away and it's a 30 point blowout!
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