Lou - National Player of the Year?

[DefenseBB]

For UCONN players, Collier gets my vote. IMO, Alexis Jones is as strong a candidate as anyone but probably won't be considered because she wasn't on the radar last year, and in WCBB you often get rewarded for what you did last year and what your reputation is coming into the season.

Thus, A'ja Wilson will most likely be the POY since she is the most hyped coming into the season. That is not to say that she is not a super player, just that she is the most hyped and therefore has the edge with those who get to vote. I also think that if WNBA teams could pick any player from any classification that Wilson would be the top pick in the WNBA draft.

No disrespect but you lost me on this preamble. So according to your logic, UConn who #3 preseason and even that as generous should not be considered as the favorite for the NC now. The season has unfolded (at least 1/3 of the way), and here is UConn #1 with ND a distant #2. Therefore Recomsidering who is the key player for this team must be considered and that is KLS not NC or GW. That is not a slight at either of these two ladies, as without them UConn would not be in the current situation. If you are Brenda Frese or Dawn Staley, which player are you focused on to stop from beating you? Its KLS, not GW nor NC who are key but secondary (1B/1C) contributors.
Plum is definitely a leader as is Anigwa from Cal (they, as our esteemed collegue pointed out on MD, played more cupcakes than the school bakesale has mad) depending how well they do in Conference Play. Turner lost out to NC, GW and KLS in their head to head. Aja has not been as strong as Coates to this point and then there's Mitchell who was clearly second fiddle to our stars. Am I missing anyone else truly worthy? Durr, Vivians, Allen or any MD players?

 

[Ouremblem]

Rick Barry! The mention of his name brought back memories of listening to the NY Nets (this was in the ABA days) on my transistor radio in the late '60s. I remember his trademark underhanded free throw technique, and his teammates Bill Melchionni and, of course, the amazing Dr. J. Remember those red, white and blue balls?
Thanks for triggering those memories, Bags.

Ray,
I actually attended games at the Island Garden arena before they went to the Nassau Coliseum. Sonny Dove. Billy Paultz. John Roche. That does bring back memories. Mel Daniels. Dan Issel. Charlie Scott.

 

[HumblePie]

No disrespect but you lost me on this preamble. So according to your logic, UConn who #3 preseason and even that as generous should not be considered as the favorite for the NC now. The season has unfolded (at least 1/3 of the way), and here is UConn #1 with ND a distant #2. Therefore Recomsidering who is the key player for this team must be considered and that is KLS not NC or GW. That is not a slight at either of these two ladies, as without them UConn would not be in the current situation. If you are Brenda Frese or Dawn Staley, which player are you focused on to stop from beating you? Its KLS, not GW nor NC who are key but secondary (1B/1C) contributors.

Well said!

 

[easttexastrash]

No disrespect but you lost me on this preamble. So according to your logic, UConn who #3 preseason and even that as generous should not be considered as the favorite for the NC now. The season has unfolded (at least 1/3 of the way), and here is UConn #1 with ND a distant #2. Therefore Recomsidering who is the key player for this team must be considered and that is KLS not NC or GW. That is not a slight at either of these two ladies, as without them UConn would not be in the current situation. If you are Brenda Frese or Dawn Staley, which player are you focused on to stop from beating you? Its KLS, not GW nor NC who are key but secondary (1B/1C) contributors.
Plum is definitely a leader as is Anigwa from Cal (they, as our esteemed collegue pointed out on MD, played more cupcakes than the school bakesale has mad) depending how well they do in Conference Play. Turner lost out to NC, GW and KLS in their head to head. Aja has not been as strong as Coates to this point and then there's Mitchell who was clearly second fiddle to our stars. Am I missing anyone else truly worthy? Durr, Vivians, Allen or any MD players?

I'm sorry, but at what point did I indicate that UCONN should not be considered as the favorite for the National Championship? I'm not sure what you are smoking that you interpreted ANYTHING I said as an indication that UCONN is not the favorite. I was discussing POY candidates and merely stated that since Wilson had more hype before the season started that she is going to get some votes simply based on reputation. If I were a WNBA GM and I could pick any player in WCBB, my pick would be Wilson. Sorry if that bothers you.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Wait..... timeout..., A'Ja is not a guard? Has anyone communicated this to her?

Apparently you missed that memo---Dawn sent that memo only to staff and Uconn fans---don't know how you could have missed it??? Just to be sure---Aja Wilson --IS NOT A GUARD!! GOT IT???

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'm sorry, but at what point did I indicate that UCONN should not be considered as the favorite for the National Championship? I'm not sure what you are smoking that you interpreted ANYTHING I said as an indication that UCONN is not the favorite. I was discussing POY candidates and merely stated that since Wilson had more hype before the season started that she is going to get some votes simply based on reputation. If I were a WNBA GM and I could pick any player in WCBB, my pick would be Wilson. Sorry if that bothers you.

The quote could have been mine in Sept---Uconn can't win it all-- I changed in November--and said Uconn is on to the Final 4. Wait until next monday--it may change again. But I'm a rigid in my belief!!!

You are here on the Boneyard--how can you even mention Wilson?? Some have had audacity to say Turner. I think they were tarred and feathered.

Being sorry it bothers me isn't enough--Shakespeare wrote of taking pounds of something--that should be adequate.

 

[BroadwayVa]

How many shots does it take to accomplish her ppg average and how high is her shooting per centage? I've watched her play for three years and she is as much of a ball hog as Kelsey Mitchell to the point that one of her teammates got on her last season about not trusting her teammates.

I suppose it's a fine line for Katie Lou to follow--satisfying Geno's demands to shoot and teammate demands she passes---but for the games I've seen (and i've seen all of them) at times Katie Lou can be faulted for passing when she has the shot. Damned if you do damned if you don't!!

 

[oldude]

I'll live & die with Lou shooting the ball any time, anywhere. I watched KML miss her 1st five 3's of a game more than a few times, only to catch fire and bury an opponent. IMO, Lou is even better, and what's more important is that Geno both trusts her & expects her to take the shots to get the offense rolling, to stop an opposing team's run, coming out of a timeout; in short, at all the key points of the game.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I have been shocked and elated with her play this year. I was afraid that she would be another Ann Strothers, a kid who had a great freshman year playing second fiddle to Diana Taurasi, but who struggled the next three years when the team depended on her.

KLS has really evolved into an all-around star: great inside game, strong defense underneath, great passing, and superb outside shooting. She is light years beyond Strothers in her second year.

Anne in my opinion would be in 7th heaven if she were on this team---she would not alone be responsible for scoring or the big moments those can be handled by Collier, Gabby, Saniya, Danger, (assuming Katie Lou isn't there). Anne wouldn't score as much as KLS
but she'd be happy and contribute. She wasn't as big or as great a shooter as KLS. Light years beyond Anne is a bit harsh. You are comparing apples and ball bearing--you guess which is which. Remember Anne is good enough to be Wnba and play in China or Europe for big bucks---that says something about her talent and ability to contribute. With apparently time to think of starting a family>/?

 

[Huskee11]

I have read all of these posts and they are terrific.

I will take a step back and think back to this summer, when I was looking all over to try and find out how Lou was progressing with her foot, and Pheese with her hip.

It is truly wonderful to now be discussing those two badasses as potential players of the year.

We are blessed, Husky fans. Happy holidays.

 

[dtbtbtb]

I doubt KLS or Phee will win POY this season, not because they are not deserving but due to the media not wanting to givea UConn player after the last few years. IMO Plum will win it.
In regard to the UConn MVP so far this season, i'll go with KLS as she is clearly the focal point of any defensive planning for opposing coaches and the one who is looked for to score whenever UConn needs a basket...

 

[donalddoowop]

I suppose it's a fine line for Katie Lou to follow--satisfying Geno's demands to shoot and teammate demands she passes---but for the games I've seen (and i've seen all of them) at times Katie Lou can be faulted for passing when she has the shot. Damned if you do damned if you don't!!

What does this have to do with my post? It is referring to Plum. I don't think KLS shoots too often. Also dtbtbtb, your last sentence is not necessarily true, imo. Any one of four players could fill that role.

 

[wallman]

I don't know how you can nominate Lou for NPOY without giving the same nod to Napheesa. I think they are both potential NPOY candidates, but I don't see Lou overshadowing NC at this stage of the season. To me, NC appears to be further along in the mental side of the game and does a lot of other things well (blocks, steals and rebounds). Lou, on the other hand, is a really explosive offensive player, more explosive than Stewie was, in my view, and scores points rapidly and effortlessly. Her overall game is steadily improving in almost all facets and will continue to do so under Geno (this, after all, is why she came to UConn). By the end of the year, they could both well be serious NPOY candidates (in fact, it's scary to think how good they could be as juniors and seniors). To me, they are the backbone of this team (and its quiet leaders), something that I think Geno acknowledged in his recent comment about how you need two players of their caliber around which to build a championship team. They have really risen to the challenge this year, taking on leadership roles. This is not meant to take anything away from Gabby or Kia, who are very key players in their own right. The future of UConn WBB is truly exciting. And next year's team, OMG!

Gabby Wiliams IMO is the best defensive player on the team, flat out so to me that excludes Collier from the discussion as she does not have the offensive game of KLS and Wiliams matches Collier offensively. When 90% of your baskets come around the rim and the majority are wide open due to your team they cannot be on par with what Williams does to get her baskets i.e. skying over players 5" taller with a hook shot or any of the offensive moves that KLS has with the D keying on her. The Nebraska game was pretty eye opening to the extent that they left Collier open away from the basket and she missed every shot and they were wide open. Before any player can be in the conversation they at least need to show that they can hit a quick shot while being aressively guarded that is not within 2 feet of the basket.

And dt is absolutely correct and it goes in this order KLS, Nurse, WIliams, which is probably why everyone is worried about Nurse but teams know what she can do. You take KLS off the team and you are swamped inside with defensive players with 1 overplaying Nurse, you take Nurse off your teams and your inside players would never get a basket.

 

[meyers7]

I agree with the sentiment and support provided. However, I believe that if anyone from UConn is given serious consideration, it will be Gabby, simply because her athletic feats are so much more...ostentatious...than Lou's work.

I also agree that this is largely a race between Wilson and Plum, but others (Kelsey Mitchell in particular) could knock Wilson out of that spot. Barring a Danny Manning/Carmelo Anthony/Kemba Walker-esque performance between now and the Final Four, I think that Lou is a longshot due to her being a sophomore. Maya is the only sophomore Wade winner ever; the Naismith has been won by a sophomore woman four times (Maya, Stewie, Clarissa Davis and Cheryl Miller).

Actually Parker won her Soph year. (She had r/s her FR year, but technically for BB purposes, it was her Soph year 06-07) She won Wade, Wooden and AP that year. Harding took the Naismith.

 

[CocoHusky]

The Nebraska game was pretty eye opening to the extent that they left Collier open away from the basket and she missed every shot and they were wide open.

In the Texas Game Napheesa made 3 of 4 shots like you are describing and is shooting a very respectable 38% on trey balls for the season.

Before any player can be in the conversation they at least need to show that they can hit a quick shot while being aressively guarded that is not within 2 feet of the basket.

All 10 players on the UCONN roster can do what you are suggesting.

You take KLS off the team and you are swamped inside with defensive players with 1 overplaying Nurse, you take Nurse off your teams and your inside players would never get a basket.

Say what? Assists totals for UCONN this season:
1) Gabby 51
2) Kia 46
3) Crystal 33
4) KLS 32
5) Saniya 25
Gabby is the best interior passer on the team, just ask ND. Gabby destroyed ND by passing from the high post.

 

[oldude]

Gabby is a very good passer, but she has a tendency to attempt to thread the needle by making very difficult passes in traffic. As a result, she also leads the team in turnovers with 33.

For the primary 7 player rotation the assist/turnover ratio breaks down as follows:

Saniya = 5.0
Kia = 2.3
Gabby = 1.6
Danger = 1.5
Lou = 1.4
Pheesa = 1.2
Nat = 0.8

 

[HardHatGuy#2]

Actually Parker won her Soph year. (She had r/s her FR year, but technically for BB purposes, it was her Soph year 06-07) She won Wade, Wooden and AP that year. Harding took the Naismith.

...a distinction that the Wade trust doesn't recognize, but I do.

 

[Buzzyboy]

No change to my opinions. I try to think from the voter's standpoint, and upper classmen/high scorers/big names/big schools tend to get the most votes. Both Mitchell and Wilson are upperclassmen at big programs, Mitchell making a run at the all-time NCAA scoring record and Wilson is as big a name as there is in Women's Basketball today.

For Example: Kelly Faris may have been the single best all around player UConn ever had, but she was never seriously considered for either award (outside of the BY and the like). She was arguably the best shutdown defender UConn has ever had, a tireless worker both in practice and on the court, a Leader in the locker room, and (paraphrasing the color commentator for the NC game) referred to as "The embodiment of all that is Good in Women's Basketball". All of that, and not even on the final list of Wade candidates; while she did make the final 30 for the Naismith, there was no buzz over her.

Nope, I stand on Mitchell, Wilson, and Plum. At this time my money is on Plum, despite being at a lesser (or newcomer) program.

Kelly Faris is unequivocally not the best all around player UConn has ever had and to suggest that is totally out there. She probably has made as much out of her talent level as anyone that UConn has had but her talent level wasn't anywhere near as good as a whole bunch of players that Geno has had. Maybe that's the reason you aren't hearing very many stories about her success in the WNBA. It isn't like she's decided to play with less aggressiveness and desire since leaving Storrs. Her abilities aren't close to being special in the WNBA and though she is loved for her contributions here, to suggest that she's that special doesn't work. Your statement suggests that she is the best shutdown defender UConn has had and I don't think she was or is as good as Moriah Jefferson or Breanna from last years team. You're obviously entitled to your opinion but my opinion is you're dead wrong.

 

[CajunHusky]

I doubt KLS or Phee will win POY this season, not because they are not deserving but due to the media not wanting to givea UConn player after the last few years. IMO Plum will win it.
In regard to the UConn MVP so far this season, i'll go with KLS as she is clearly the focal point of any defensive planning for opposing coaches and the one who is looked for to score whenever UConn needs a basket...

Frankly I think Lou is the new Katniss Everdeen ..... she has clearly caught fire with the media, commentators etc. She is getting unbelievable publicity ..... Her mom, dad, sisters must be so proud!

 

[DefenseBB]

I'm sorry, but at what point did I indicate that UCONN should not be considered as the favorite for the National Championship? I'm not sure what you are smoking that you interpreted ANYTHING I said as an indication that UCONN is not the favorite. I was discussing POY candidates and merely stated that since Wilson had more hype before the season started that she is going to get some votes simply based on reputation. If I were a WNBA GM and I could pick any player in WCBB, my pick would be Wilson. Sorry if that bothers you.

The curious thing about boards is to promote dialogue and thought similar to a conversation in which you would never be as aggressive as you were above. I will ignore the imprudence and clarify why I disagree with you in a normal manner. You said these "other" players deserve the award due in large part on what they had done last year, which in my mind not entirely true. In watching 3 USC games this year, I watched Wilson shrink when the time came to step and especially against Duke. POY candidate is not a forum on who would make the best Professional. I hope your watched the UConn-MD game tonight and watched KLS shake off the Cold/flu, and lead the team while NC struggled. So my point is with UConn beating all the contenders and with the soft conference schedule ahead, her stats should only get better. Hopefully A'ja steps up her game to contend with the SEC schedule and the Feb matchup with UConn.

 

[Charliebball]

Brianna Turner one of the favorites for POY this season had a meager 7 points and 4 rebounds in the Notre Dame loss to NC State tonight..........didn't even have to vomit in a bucket to get those stats!!!

 

[eebmg]

Brianna Turner one of the favorites for POY this season had a meager 7 points and 4 rebounds in the Notre Dame loss to NC State tonight.....didn't even have to vomit in a bucket to get those stats!!!

Huhm. I thought she only shrunk in big games. I guess it is spreading to medium games.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Lou caught the attention of voters tonight. That was pure BADASS.

 

[CocoHusky]

I will ignore the imprudence and clarify why I disagree with you in a normal manner. You said these "other" players deserve the award due in large part on what they had done last year, which in my mind not entirely true. In watching 3 USC games this year, I watched Wilson shrink when the time came to step and especially against Duke. POY candidate is not a forum on who would make the best Professional. I hope your watched the UConn-MD game tonight and watched KLS shake off the Cold/flu, and lead the team while NC struggled. So my point is with UConn beating all the contenders and with the soft conference schedule ahead, her stats should only get better. Hopefully A'ja steps up her game to contend with the SEC schedule and the Feb matchup with UConn.

I think it was my English professor who first pointed out that you can't ignore imprudence by pointing out that you are "ignoring the imprudence". The preseason publicity is a very real part of selecting the POY- I think that was @easttexastrash main point-perceived imprudence aside. Oops I did the same thing you did, didn't I?

 

[alexrgct]

Is it time to say hell yes about KLS again? Lou for NPOY? HELL YES! so far, anyway...

She's certainly making her case for WBCA and eventual Huskies of Honor Wall recognition. That's gppd enough for me, though NPOY as a sophomore would be amazing.

Remember, there are a bunch of NPOY awards: The Wade, Wooden, AP, USBWA, and Naismith...and sometimes the Honda as well. KLS could make a run at any one of 'em.

 

[HGN]

I think both Lou and Naphessa are going to get due consideration for NPOY. Its going to be unavoidable playing for UConn and on such a historic win streak.

Keep in mind that Stewie won it multiple times by being on a NC team ; Averaging less than 20pts/ game. Point being that the award doesn't always go to the player with high scoring averages or the gaudy numbers. But the player who proves invaluable to her teams overall success. And normally that overall success is measured in wins , and wins on a national stage if Stewie's winning of the award is used as a gauge.

Thus , Naphessa and Lou has contributed greatly in the teams overall success. The Huskies could not have survived this far without either one of them. Either one could win it and there should not be any argument from anyone.

 

[Phil]

-Plum (I expect her numbers to drop in Pac12 play. Washington's OOC schedule is dreadful, they've won by an average of 33 points per game. That wont have in the PAC)

You could be right, but she had 44 today.

 

[chrissaran]

Lou, Gabby and Napheesa should all be player of the year. Without one they would not be where they are, and they take turns being the best. Gabby will get overlooked by some because her scoring average will be the lowest of the three; however, what other 5'11" centers do you see guarding people 4, 5 or even 6 inches taller and then are able to guard a guard. None that I can see. The "Three Musketeers". All for one and one for all, or something like that.

 

[mhshuskies]

I thought next season this talk would occur and we would discuss how she has surpassed a certain AA and coach (MM) projected best player. She has already shown to be a better player than that "only AA" in the game on 12/7.

 

[Rayvin56]

Ray,
I actually attended games at the Island Garden arena before they went to the Nassau Coliseum. Sonny Dove. Billy Paultz. John Roche. That does bring back memories. Mel Daniels. Dan Issel. Charlie Scott.

Was the Island Arena in Commack?