With Butler's experience at Georgetown and one red-shirt year of practice with UConn--I expected Butler to be at a "starters level." The lack of live game experience for one plus year and the hand injury really threw everything out of kilter. To be honest, I was disappointed with Butler's play this season. Even taking in the negative circumstances. However, there was one factor that I (and some others) overlooked this season.
Geno has stated a few times that the starters work together as a team and need numerous reps to get into the flow. In the beginning of the year, each new starter got all the reps with the other 4 starters from last year. Just like the NFL when the # 2 or #3 players don't get the attention or the time. For Geno, it is a closed shop. Natalie got nothing during the injury and coming back slowly she probably was working with the last group who would see little floor time. In games, when Natalie played with "her group" she looked a little better. With a top group, she seemed unsure and a half-step slow. MY POINT - next year if/when Nat gets time with the starters she will smooth out and be much more effective. We do know that she can shoot the mid-range shot and she can pass the ball well. Her rebound average is pretty good too. The glass looks half full from here.