Latest video of Gandy Malou-Mamel (merged)

[Tufkas]

Just as in the NBA, the era of the big low-post scorer is fading fast. There was a time when many teams would dump the basketball into the paint and watch their center go to work. Outside of a handful of WBB teams, that system doesn’t work at all against teams who can spread the floor. Consider how UConn dismantled UCLA, OK & Iowa St this season by playing tough defense on post entry passes, while spreading the floor with their small lineup, forcing Betts, Beers & Crooks to defend out on the floor.

UConn won those games against teams with stars in the post by 34, 23 & 33 points respectively. Give me a team with 5 players who can pass, shoot and move on the court, and I don’t care how big your post player is.

That doesn’t mean I don’t want or need Bigs on my roster. Jana, Ice, Ayanna & Gandy are important to rebound, defend and score the occasional basket. But the team’s offense does not depend on double digit scoring from the 5.

Cycles mate. And horses for courses.

Clearly - especially in the NBA - the constant improvement in 3-pt shooting aligned to nerds with metrics has driven the movement away from low block scorers. Calculate the 3-pt make percentage, leverage 3 pts v 2. Add in a Steph Curry who can make shots with a millimeter of space, from near half court, run sets to free him and friends. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The NBA has become unwatchable (and I grew up with the 1970's Knicks), given the physical change in athletes from the time the height of the hoop was set, and the 3-pt shot was introduced. For me, the sport needs an overhaul - higher baskets, 3-pt lines farther out. Will never happen, as it would dictate an expansion of the court, loss of seats, etc.

A bit different in college. While there are proficient shooters, not nearly as prolific, hence the need to fit the offense to the talent. UConn was unique, starting 4 elite to reasonable 3-pt shooters. Sometimes all 5 on the court. When shots drop, results. But they don't always, resulting in long scoring droughts.

The counter - not that long ago - is the four-peat with Tuck on the low blocks, Stewart posting on occasion. Winning teams need that balance for easy baskets to offset shooting slumps.

Of course when a team shoots with incredibly consistent accurary, as per UConn in the tournament, the results are compelling.

 

[JoePgh]

Yes, but what you don’t see anymore is a Chamberlain or Jabbar, who gets the ball in the low blocks and dribbles a few times, then shoots it, while the rest of their teammates stand around and watch. Part of that has to do with the rules change that allows teams to double on the ball.

All the players you mention can also shoot it, which makes them extremely difficult to defend. When it comes to WBB, think about how difficult it is to defend Stewie who’s a 3-level scorer who can also post up. Not a lot of players like Stewie in WBB….yet.

Can you imagine what the UCLA-UConn game would have been like if Betts could shoot the 3-ball? And the mid-range shots? And she could drive to the rim from somewhere on the perimeter where she actually had to be guarded? (In other words, what if Betts were a 6-7 version of Stewie?) I think the game would have been totally different, and the outcome might well have been different.

I agree -- there aren't many such players either in WCBB or in the WNBA. But there have been some -- Lauren Jackson and Elena Della Donne come to mind. Kalani Brown was supposed to be another one like that, but she seemed to lack either the motor of the basketball IQ to really use those skills.

In the game that actually occurred, Betts scored 26 points -- she certainly made her contribution, and UConn really couldn't defend her when she got the ball in the low post. Somehow she only got 5 rebounds, which is a definite shortcoming of her performance. Sarah and Jana both got 8 rebounds playing against her, and UConn out-rebounded UCLA in the game -- which certainly shouldn't have happened. Overall, what happened is that UConn's "other 4" outplayed UCLA's "other 4", which makes sense based on the season-long resumes of those players.

 

[oldude]

Cycles mate. And horses for courses.

Clearly - especially in the NBA - the constant improvement in 3-pt shooting aligned to nerds with metrics has driven the movement away from low block scorers. Calculate the 3-pt make percentage, leverage 3 pts v 2. Add in a Steph Curry who can make shots with a millimeter of space, from near half court, run sets to free him and friends. Lather, rinse, repeat.

The NBA has become unwatchable (and I grew up with the 1970's Knicks), given the physical change in athletes from the time the height of the hoop was set, and the 3-pt shot was introduced. For me, the sport needs an overhaul - higher baskets, 3-pt lines farther out. Will never happen, as it would dictate an expansion of the court, loss of seats, etc.

A bit different in college. While there are proficient shooters, not nearly as prolific, hence the need to fit the offense to the talent. UConn was unique, starting 4 elite to reasonable 3-pt shooters. Sometimes all 5 on the court. When shots drop, results. But they don't always, resulting in long scoring droughts.

The counter - not that long ago - is the four-peat with Tuck on the low blocks, Stewart posting on occasion. Winning teams need that balance for easy baskets to offset shooting slumps.

Of course when a team shoots with incredibly consistent accurary, as per UConn in the tournament, the results are compelling.

I generally agree, although it’s worth noting that both Stewie & Tuck could knock down 3’s, which is why UConn ran a 5-out offense with Stewie, Tuck and others occasionally flashing in the paint to post up helpless defenders.

 

[oldude]

Can you imagine what the UCLA-UConn game would have been like if Betts could shoot the 3-ball? And the mid-range shots? And she could drive to the rim from somewhere on the perimeter where she actually had to be guarded? (In other words, what if Betts were a 6-7 version of Stewie?) I think the game would have been totally different, and the outcome might well have been different.

I agree -- there aren't many such players either in WCBB or in the WNBA. But there have been some -- Lauren Jackson and Elena Della Donne come to mind. Kalani Brown was supposed to be another one like that, but she seemed to lack either the motor of the basketball IQ to really use those skills.

In the game that actually occurred, Betts scored 26 points -- she certainly made her contribution, and UConn really couldn't defend her when she got the ball in the low post. Somehow she only got 5 rebounds, which is a definite shortcoming of her performance. Sarah and Jana both got 8 rebounds playing against her, and UConn out-rebounded UCLA in the game -- which certainly shouldn't have happened. Overall, what happened is that UConn's "other 4" outplayed UCLA's "other 4", which makes sense based on the season-long resumes of those players.

Betts had 26 points. It’s true. But she had to work extremely hard to get those points, facing really tough defense from a combination of Jana, Ice & Sarah, with frequent double teams from weak side guards. At the same time, no other Bruin did much of anything on offense as UConn’s scrambling defense did a spectacular job of closing out on perimeter shooters.

 

[Zarathustra]

Totally agree with your account, ... and this particular point is one of the reasons I think Gandy's salient virtue right now is running the court really well. She can build on this. That's what I took away from the recent videos. She's not as fast as Sarah in transition, but what big is, really? The closest I can think of was Aaliyah, who also ran really well. But Gandy looks to be quite a bit faster than Beers or Betts (and especially Crooks) in the open floor. She just needs to have the stamina to run like that consistently.

I also agree about Sarah being the central element of the small ball lineup. She a very difficult player for opposing teams to defend against, perhaps the most difficult in the country. She's too quick for the bigs, too good a perimeter shooter to leave alone, and too big for the guards to defend. Perhaps the only person in D1 with physical skills similar enough to stay with her is Joyce Edwards, though even she is stretched by Sarah. I remember what Sarah said in an interview, that she played against Joyce's teams several times in high school, and that Joyce usually got the better of it. In their senior year, they had a final matchup -- there's highlights of this one online -- and Sarah outscored her, while Joyce won the rebounding battle. But it's clear from the video that Joyce can't consistently keep Sarah from scoring, and that no coach would want Sarah to get the foul trouble that might come from having her defend Joyce exclusively.

The small ball lineup is most effective when they can force a transition game on opponents. And Sarah and Azzi are the scoring 'hammer' in those situations. If all goes well, Ash and Blanca will add that extra threat. But I don't see any of the bigs being able to play in that game, not Jana or Ice, probably not Serah, and though Ayanna used to run the floor well, not her either since she didn't finish well in transition. Clearly, Gandy has no obvious role in a transition game either, other than providing an outlet pass.

About that last sentence: " Clearly, Gandy...etc. ". There was a recent
posting of a comparison of Gandy "early in H.S." to Gandy "LATER in H.S.".
The point the commentator made was (I think) that when Gandy
ran the floor in transition, with her 6' 6" size, and her 7'1" reach,
she was a great target for passes from her H.S. guard teammates.
At least in these highlights, Gandy was on the receiving end of
transition passes. Gandy displayed rather good speed down the floor, good "hands" in collecting in the passes, and an ability to "finish" (she was, of course, the biggest player on the floor with no one of any size to challenge her). Check out the highlight videos and see if you don't agree... maybe it is not as "Clearly,
Gandy has not obvious role" after a review??

 

[Bone Dog]

About that last sentence: " Clearly, Gandy...etc. ". There was a recent
posting of a comparison of Gandy "early in H.S." to Gandy "LATER in H.S.".
The point the commentator made was (I think) that when Gandy
ran the floor in transition, with her 6' 6" size, and her 7'1" reach,
she was a great target for passes from her H.S. guard teammates.
At least in these highlights, Gandy was on the receiving end of
transition passes. Gandy displayed rather good speed down the floor, good "hands" in collecting in the passes, and an ability to "finish" (she was, of course, the biggest player on the floor with no one of any size to challenge her). Check out the highlight videos and see if you don't agree... maybe it is not as "Clearly,
Gandy has not obvious role" after a review??

That's fair. I was primarily thinking of a role as a finisher. That's not her strong suit. But if you're right and she can play role as a finisher in transition, I'll dance a jig. Can you just picture her bearing down on a little guard who's stuck trying to keep her away from the rim?

 

[Cuango]

I don’t really care whether she is able to contribute right away! She’s big, strong, has a 7’1” wingspan, runs the floor well, and appears to be very serious about the game. That’s good enough for me. I’d say she warrants a little hopeful talk! One of these “projects” will eventually come through and considering her obvious physical gifts, I hope it’s Gandy!

 

[ABCDFE]

Ditto the Dude's comments. Many teams with strong low post players often find themselves trading 2's with teams such as UConn that can drain 3's. While every team would love a Stewie like player that can move outside as needed, it’s easier to double a true 5 down low or prevent her pass. Stef Dolson or our recruiting target, Olivia V, are some of the few 5's with the diversity of skills needed to drive a team to the National Championship.

Mostly agree with the comments here. However, if Gandy is as athletic as she shows in the videos and can be defensive presence then it allows Geno another option to play teams with an outstanding big (or 2) such as UCLA. It’s ok to trade 2s for 3s but that only works if you’re making shots. In a scenario where Strong gets in foul trouble and Jana gets in foul trouble and we are not hitting shots Geno may very well utilize Gandy in select minutes to battle the Betts sisters. Obviously not ideal, but you can’t teach 6’6” with wingspan over 7 ft. Just saying.

 

[Zarathustra]

Mostly agree with the comments here. However, if Gandy is as athletic as she shows in the videos and can be defensive presence then it allows Geno another option to play teams with an outstanding big (or 2) such as UCLA. It’s ok to trade 2s for 3s but that only works if you’re making shots. In a scenario where Strong gets in foul trouble and Jana gets in foul trouble and we are not hitting shots Geno may very well utilize Gandy in select minutes to battle the Betts sisters. Obviously not ideal, but you can’t teach 6’6” with wingspan over 7 ft. Just saying.

Of course, "You can't teach 6'6" with a wingspan of 7'1", we have to
leave that to Gandy's Mom and Dad! But I am
sure, the UCONN staff is going to give Gandy a good "education".
Isn't that what teaching is all about? To be clear == I'm
agreeing with you!

 

[Ozimoto]

Most of this discussion has centered around the ability to play defense against other bigs, and this is important. However, UConn has had a problem over the past few seasons with quick guards beating defenders off the dribble and taking the ball into the lane, attacking the basket, and creating front court foul trouble. Think Ari MacDonald and Hannah Hidalgo as two examples. If the Huskies are able to have a defensive presence in the paint to stop that sort of penetration it will go a long way to addressing that chink in the armor. Gandy's 6'-6" frame and 7'-1" wingspan may be part of addressing this.

 

[uconnfan68]

There were a few rumors floating around that Gandy was being tutored/trained by Bob Hurley Sr. I think we’re getting a potential gem.

 

[Zonepress]

From what I have seen from her, and I saw two of her games in person, I think that would be a really high bar. She will need to improve a lot between now and next season for her to get on the court for even a minute of time when a game is not already decided.

I think you’re take is very accurate
will be interesting if GA considers a Red Shirt
year

 

[HuskyNan]

This is where she can help UConn, perhaps immediately. She’s a willing, capable defender and rebounder. She’s a terrific passer. Her game has shortcomings, of course. It’s a work in progress. She is behind most players in areas of experience and fundamentals….

[on being nervous to play in front of Geno] …“(Geno) was calm,” Malou-Mamel said. “That made me calm. He knows why he’s here. I know why I’m here. There’s no reason for me to panic. Him caring about all the little things I’m doing, knowing I can do this much better in the future, it’s something that meant a lot to me. Him saying, ‘You can rebound so much for our team,’ or, ‘If you make that bank shot again and again and again, that shot is going to beneficial for our team in future years.’ He just kept saying that I can make an impact on the team in the future if I just keep working. That makes it feasible. That makes it feel real.

https://www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/gandy-malou-mamel-geno-auriemma-20013713.php

 

[Charliebball]

Can you imagine what the UCLA-UConn game would have been like if Betts could shoot the 3-ball? And the mid-range shots? And she could drive to the rim from somewhere on the perimeter where she actually had to be guarded? (In other words, what if Betts were a 6-7 version of Stewie?) I think the game would have been totally different, and the outcome might well have been different.

I agree -- there aren't many such players either in WCBB or in the WNBA. But there have been some -- Lauren Jackson and Elena Della Donne come to mind. Kalani Brown was supposed to be another one like that, but she seemed to lack either the motor of the basketball IQ to really use those skills.

In the game that actually occurred, Betts scored 26 points -- she certainly made her contribution, and UConn really couldn't defend her when she got the ball in the low post. Somehow she only got 5 rebounds, which is a definite shortcoming of her performance. Sarah and Jana both got 8 rebounds playing against her, and UConn out-rebounded UCLA in the game -- which certainly shouldn't have happened. Overall, what happened is that UConn's "other 4" outplayed UCLA's "other 4", which makes sense based on the season-long resumes of those players.

You won't have to imagine it much longer as the younger of the Betts sisters joins big sis at UCLA.......she's a 6'4" hybrid four who can shoot the three and has both a midrange and post-up game too.....

 

[oldude]

You won't have to imagine it much longer as the younger of the Betts sisters joins big sis at UCLA.......she's a 6'4" hybrid four who can shoot the three and has both a midrange and post-up game too.....

She sounds just like Janiah Barker…….