KML and Loyd 1st regular season game
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ThisJustIn
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My uninformed take on Loyd is that she'll have a Diggins-esque rookie year. Why? Mostly judging from her performances against UConn's defense.
UConnCat
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I caught most of the Storm/Sparks game last night. I wouldn't say Loyd "stunk up the joint." She shot poorly, but we've seen that before against UConn's defense (as mentioned by TJI). A couple of her misses were the result of nerves, others due to tough D. She did some other good things on the court.
Renee was on last night. We've seen that before. The Storm will see both sides of Renee.
From the "that didn't take long" category, the Storm broadcaster mentioned KML's weight. He believes she's already lost weight since joining training camp. Must be those magic diet pills Boucek hands out. In any event, KML will be faced with a choice she never had to make in college. She either becomes more fit and plays or she stays the same and doesn't play that much. We'll find out how much playing means to her. I expect to see a different looking KML next season. There's certainly a place for her terrific offensive skills in the WNBA.
Renee was on last night. We've seen that before. The Storm will see both sides of Renee.
From the "that didn't take long" category, the Storm broadcaster mentioned KML's weight. He believes she's already lost weight since joining training camp. Must be those magic diet pills Boucek hands out. In any event, KML will be faced with a choice she never had to make in college. She either becomes more fit and plays or she stays the same and doesn't play that much. We'll find out how much playing means to her. I expect to see a different looking KML next season. There's certainly a place for her terrific offensive skills in the WNBA.
ThisJustIn
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Cat - you're identifying one of the hidden challenges of the W - transitioning from an environment when you're monitored and supported day in/day out to one where you are, mostly, on your own. Having the discipline to shoot 500 shots on your own is different than having the discipline to run stairs and suicides. Liberty fans certainly witnessed the ups and downs of that with Tamika Whitmore, back in the day.
I've got my Shoni - who was beaten badly on defense a couple of times opening night, Danielle Adams and Kaleena.
I've got my Shoni - who was beaten badly on defense a couple of times opening night, Danielle Adams and Kaleena.
MilfordHusky
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Despite her weight, I'm surprised that KML hasn't gotten more PT in preseason or the first regular season game. She's in good shape, even though she's clearly heavier than she was 2 years ago. She should look at what Diana, Kara, and Tierra Ruffin-Pratt did to change their bodies. Maya even largely gave up red velvet cake.
Regarding Jewell, how good she will be depends on her head. Hopefully, she'll learn from Jenny, Sue, and Renee. She can get off almost any shot at any time, but she needs to have good shot selection, something Angel still needs to learn. One of the hallmarks of former UConn players is good shot selection.
As for Renee, I think the change in scenery and playing with Sue will help her. She was on an upward trajectory 2-3 years ago. Yes, she'll have poor shooting nights, but she'll be an asset for the Storm.
Regarding Jewell, how good she will be depends on her head. Hopefully, she'll learn from Jenny, Sue, and Renee. She can get off almost any shot at any time, but she needs to have good shot selection, something Angel still needs to learn. One of the hallmarks of former UConn players is good shot selection.
As for Renee, I think the change in scenery and playing with Sue will help her. She was on an upward trajectory 2-3 years ago. Yes, she'll have poor shooting nights, but she'll be an asset for the Storm.
UConnCat
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Shoni is going to be beaten badly a lot this season. She has struggled with her weight since college and right now looks as big as I've seen her look.
I'm not going to put Kaleena in the same category as Adams and Shoni. She's a rookie and, like I said, is faced with this choice for the first time.
BTW, Tricia Liston is looking more fit and now playing more minutes for the Lynx. KML is as good (if not better) a shooter and is a better overall player than Liston.
Carnac
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From the "that didn't take long" category, the Storm broadcaster mentioned KML's weight. He believes she's already lost weight since joining training camp. Must be those magic diet pills Boucek hands out. In any event, KML will be faced with a choice she never had to make in college. She either becomes more fit and plays or she stays the same and doesn't play that much. We'll find out how much playing means to her. I expect to see a different looking KML next season. There's certainly a place for her terrific offensive skills in the WNBA.
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EricLA
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It will be fascinating to see how KML progresses in the WNBA, but it will also be very interesting to see how UCONN fans address her fitness/weight. In college, it would occasionally be brought up, and whoever made the comment would be summarily squashed by many other posters. But now that she's in the pros, I'm already seeing many more weight and fitness comments and she's only just started her pro career.
If I had to guess, I suspect it's because her weight was a non issue in college as she was able to pretty much score at will, or so it seemed. But now that she's in the pros and the game is faster, the players are stronger, and everyone is more talented, she will need every advantage she can get.
If I had to guess, I suspect it's because her weight was a non issue in college as she was able to pretty much score at will, or so it seemed. But now that she's in the pros and the game is faster, the players are stronger, and everyone is more talented, she will need every advantage she can get.
Carnac
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From the "that didn't take long" category, the Storm broadcaster mentioned KML's weight. He believes she's already lost weight since joining training camp. Must be those magic diet pills Boucek hands out. In any event, KML will be faced with a choice she never had to make in college. She either becomes more fit and plays or she stays the same and doesn't play that much. We'll find out how much playing means to her. I expect to see a different looking KML next season. There's certainly a place for her terrific offensive skills in the WNBA.
We (UConn fans) could see from year to year KML slowly lose the battle she was having regarding her weight. Some athletes are lucky. They don't gain weight until well after their playing days are over. Others are not that fortunate. Motivation is a strange phenomena. It effects people in different ways.
I've often had the same thoughts about Kaleen's weight that others (the Storm announcer) have expressed in this and other threads, but would never express those thoughts in writing. I'm too much of a fan and supporter to do that. She knows her physical state, and odds are she's not happy with it. At UConn, she was able to play through it. It wasn't a deal breaker. It appears that won't be the case in Seattle.
I'm not close enough to the program, or to the players and coaches to be critical. There are so many "behind the scenes" issues and personal dramas that we as fans are not privy to, and never will be. Yet we think we know the answers to everything that happens within a program, or it's players, and we're critical when decisions are made that don't make sense to us, or we don't agree with.
How many times has someone said to you "well that just doesn't make any sense". And you had information regarding that matter that they did not have. Then, after you explained it to them, they said "oh, well that makes a difference. Now it makes sense".
Perspective is everything. The view or perspective one has, plays a large part in the opinion one comes away with. An "insider" (one who has first hand knowledge or information about a particular case or matter) has a lot more knowledge or incite than that of an outsider (one who hears about something from the media, or an online chat room), and thus their takes and understanding on a particular matter will be totally different.
Every once in a while this past season, I saw an offensive player go right by Kaleena. I'm sure it drove Geno crazy, but her offensive production far outweighed any defensive liabilities she had, thus it was tolerated. It also didn't hurt to have Kiah or Brianna behind her to pick up her man if she got beat. That was then, this is now.
She's in a new environment now, and the expectations and degree of tolerance are much different. I'm sure she got the message last night. Given her options, I think a change is forthcoming. She knows what she has to do, and what the Storm expect from her. Like Dorothy (in the movie The Wizard of Oz) told Toto...."I don't think were in Kansas anymore". When she gets her proverbial "legs" under her, she'll be fine.
Kaleena has a team of Storm personnel available to her 24/7, that are licensed and trained to assist people in her particular situation. Let's not jump to conclusions and fear the worst. Let's see where she is at the all-star break, and go from there. Kiah Stokes has her challenges as does Kaleena. Let's see how they deal with those giants. Although totally different in nature, both are very real.
Let's give them both time to grow and become acclimated to their new environment. UConn Nation is hoping they both will be successful in slaying their giants as David was. Let's stay behind them and root for them as loudly and frantically as we can. I'm betting we won't recognize them in a couple of years. Neither will resemble the players they are today. They'll be accomplished, comfortable with their team's expectations and their ability to deliver, and they'll have a glossy exterior because they'll be polished.
In spirit, I'm sitting between them constantly giving them words of encouragement during their maiden voyage through this WNBA season. Hop on this conveyance (whatever it is), there's plenty of room for you too. We need all of the fan support and encouragement we can get. Go Kaleena - Go Kiah.
We (UConn fans) could see from year to year KML slowly lose the battle she was having regarding her weight. Some athletes are lucky. They don't gain weight until well after their playing days are over. Others are not that fortunate. Motivation is a strange phenomena. It effects people in different ways.
I've often had the same thoughts about Kaleen's weight that others (the Storm announcer) have expressed in this and other threads, but would never express those thoughts in writing. I'm too much of a fan and supporter to do that. She knows her physical state, and odds are she's not happy with it. At UConn, she was able to play through it. It wasn't a deal breaker. It appears that won't be the case in Seattle.
I'm not close enough to the program, or to the players and coaches to be critical. There are so many "behind the scenes" issues and personal dramas that we as fans are not privy to, and never will be. Yet we think we know the answers to everything that happens within a program, or it's players, and we're critical when decisions are made that don't make sense to us, or we don't agree with.
How many times has someone said to you "well that just doesn't make any sense". And you had information regarding that matter that they did not have. Then, after you explained it to them, they said "oh, well that makes a difference. Now it makes sense".
Perspective is everything. The view or perspective one has, plays a large part in the opinion one comes away with. An "insider" (one who has first hand knowledge or information about a particular case or matter) has a lot more knowledge or incite than that of an outsider (one who hears about something from the media, or an online chat room), and thus their takes and understanding on a particular matter will be totally different.
Every once in a while this past season, I saw an offensive player go right by Kaleena. I'm sure it drove Geno crazy, but her offensive production far outweighed any defensive liabilities she had, thus it was tolerated. It also didn't hurt to have Kiah or Brianna behind her to pick up her man if she got beat. That was then, this is now.
She's in a new environment now, and the expectations and degree of tolerance are much different. I'm sure she got the message last night. Given her options, I think a change is forthcoming. She knows what she has to do, and what the Storm expect from her. Like Dorothy (in the movie The Wizard of Oz) told Toto...."I don't think were in Kansas anymore". When she gets her proverbial "legs" under her, she'll be fine.
Kaleena has a team of Storm personnel available to her 24/7, that are licensed and trained to assist people in her particular situation. Let's not jump to conclusions and fear the worst. Let's see where she is at the all-star break, and go from there. Kiah Stokes has her challenges as does Kaleena. Let's see how they deal with those giants. Although totally different in nature, both are very real.
Let's give them both time to grow and become acclimated to their new environment. UConn Nation is hoping they both will be successful in slaying their giants as David was. Let's stay behind them and root for them as loudly and frantically as we can. I'm betting we won't recognize them in a couple of years. Neither will resemble the players they are today. They'll be accomplished, comfortable with their team's expectations and their ability to deliver, and they'll have a glossy exterior because they'll be polished.
In spirit, I'm sitting between them constantly giving them words of encouragement during their maiden voyage through this WNBA season. Hop on this conveyance (whatever it is), there's plenty of room for you too. We need all of the fan support and encouragement we can get. Go Kaleena - Go Kiah.
Orangutan
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Loyd also had 3 assists, 0 turnovers and a +/- of +19. To my eye, she played pretty solid defense as well. "Stunk up the joint" is a bit harsh. She just had a poor shooting night.
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I've stated in other threads that I thought Loyd was going to have a tougher time adjusting to the WNBA than some of the other first rounders, but I have to agree with Orangutan. She had a bad shooting night (so did Seth Curry last night). Beyond that I thought she looked like she belonged and that she is going to become and important part of the Storm offense. It's only one game, but she didn't look lost.
Orangutan
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The larger issue for Loyd is that her jumper has been missing for a while now. She has a nice stroke but it tends to get a little flat. Her first three of the game missed off the front rim, just what was happening at ND. If you look at her sophomore numbers, she clearly can shoot efficiently, so I think she'll figure out eventually.
In the interim, she'll be effective with her defense, rebounding, and athleticism. Watching her on Saturday was like watching freshman year Loyd. She wasn't pressing like she did last year for Notre Dame and was playing within herself. That's the most important thing for me.
In the interim, she'll be effective with her defense, rebounding, and athleticism. Watching her on Saturday was like watching freshman year Loyd. She wasn't pressing like she did last year for Notre Dame and was playing within herself. That's the most important thing for me.
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Give the rookies a break. LOL!
Sue Bird missed Jewell on a fast break that would've brought the house down.
Kaleena will get her chances- that night Renee was ON FIRE!
Great game to watch as was the Mystic-Liberty game Sat. night!
PS: Sue Bird is playing like the Best Point Guard In The World that she is!
Sue Bird missed Jewell on a fast break that would've brought the house down.
Kaleena will get her chances- that night Renee was ON FIRE!
Great game to watch as was the Mystic-Liberty game Sat. night!
PS: Sue Bird is playing like the Best Point Guard In The World that she is!
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MilfordHusky
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I agree about Jewell's shot tending to be flat. She needs to observe the great Lewis Launch up close.
ThisJustIn
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Speaking of flat, how about the Storm v. Tulsa tonight. *rim shot*
MilfordHusky
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23.8% FG shooting is flat. Lots of rim shots and maybe a few air balls. More swooshes than swishes.
ocoandasoc
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Lloyd was zero-for-ten and committed four fouls. I think "stunk" would be accurate for this performance.
DaddyChoc
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nooooooo its "stunk up the joint"... and that she did.
KML did pretty good for a rookie
UConnCat
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I feel badly for Loyd. Her shots will start to fall, starting, hopefully, with uncontested layups. Sue fed her beautifully on a fast break and . . . clank.
She's obviously pressing, which we've seen from her in college. Relax and play.
She's obviously pressing, which we've seen from her in college. Relax and play.
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I was wondering why Kaleena didn't get in the game sooner. The rest of the team was ice cold. She looks like she'll have no trouble once she gets her chance to start.
Angel Goodrich was cut by the Shock and picked up by the Storm. She was sitting on the end of the bench in street clothes next to Gatling (who was also picked up off waivers). The guy announcing the game had no idea she was at the game. Kind of funny.
Oddessey Sims hurt her ankle in the first half and was out for the rest of the game. They didn't know how bad the injury was. She was looking like she'd have a good season.
The Shock have a winning record for the first time since they moved to Tulsa.
Angel Goodrich was cut by the Shock and picked up by the Storm. She was sitting on the end of the bench in street clothes next to Gatling (who was also picked up off waivers). The guy announcing the game had no idea she was at the game. Kind of funny.
Oddessey Sims hurt her ankle in the first half and was out for the rest of the game. They didn't know how bad the injury was. She was looking like she'd have a good season.
The Shock have a winning record for the first time since they moved to Tulsa.
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