She's a specimen for sure. Just can't have "the weapon" go off in our back pocket.
don't u think that the truly formidable teams will do that too? uconn had better deal with the missed bunnies issues -- if it's a problem v. the cupcakes it surely will be a problem against the cream of WCBB. we should ignore this?
I particularly noticed one possession last night where Ash was an energizer bunny face-guarding their fast point guard, who finally got the ball far outside the key with most of the shot clock burned. She's such a smart and tough player. Her three-pointer not falling for a few games is the least of my concerns.
I didn’t even suggest ignoring it in my comment to BobbyJ. I was reacting to the implication some posters made that UConn was missing layups due to some kind of mechanics issue and not because the other team was trying to keep them from making easy buckets.
I would say that the BY is already in Mid-season and Tournament form. Also, I did not see an inordinate number of complaints per se' just observations that we had an inability to make layups and put backs, which is a very fair observation. Serah also had at least two of her shots blocked inside which is a bit perplexing to me. Does that mean I am complaining, no, but I am observing.
I watched the game in person and then again on replay. Blanca's skills were more apparent to me on the replay. The speed and the aggressiveness are clear, but I think foul trouble is going to be a problem for her until she figures out how games are called on this side of the ocean.
That was her first game ever in American college basketball. So you want everything to come together for the team and Blanca in the third game which was her first? We don't have zero upside and if we did we would not be even discussing her and the team.
I don't have a short memory, I have a long one when it comes to this team and I remember how much she improved during last year and how well she stepped up when needed. We are not NCAA champions without her. If you don't see improvement in her game both offensively and defensively this year then I both respectfully and strongly disagree.
That's what I said. UConn has a huge upside. We can be more realistic and objective about what we're seeing and still enjoy the journey.
Haha. So true. It is an almost an addiction here. I thought we would be better this year after winning #12. Not even close.
That's right it is a journey, both individually and as a team. You are talking about a future AA in Blanca I am sure so I am willing to give her at least a few more games. Jeez.
I wondered the same thing about ICE. Did I miss an announcement that she was ill or, for some other reason, would not be playing? She has been as good as anyone up until now. I mean, I was aware of no on court reason why Geno would sit her. I didn't see her on bench. But I didn't really look hard.
Slow down, just a bit, please. Blanca does not look close to starting for UCONN, much less moving to the pro level of the game. It is fun to watch her develop, and she may be ( as advertised ) a special talent. But she is an out of control player at the moment. Let's not cal her a bigger, faster Maya Moore just yet.
Yes I agree. There was one play last night where she drove and had nowhere to finish so she just shot a great form fall away jumper that just rimmed out. That takes a lot of strength. I think she was just used to going all the way in all the time so there will be an adjustment. She is a smart passer already however and a team player. She is very talented, strong and coordinated with great length and that length helps her defend on the dribble tightly. She has every shot and I believe she is going to have her name up on the wall someday and play in the W. I know she was called the "X" factor by oldude before the season began but I never thought she would be this talented and this athletic. Again, we all have to just wait and watch as fans.
Nan, do you know any reason why Ice Brady did not play? was she ill or injured?
Geno said she has some inflammation in her knee but didn’t seem worried about it
I completely agree that she can have whatever thoughts about Geno and UConn she wants. She's an individual just like all of us. I was just commenting on the entertainment I got from watching it play out on TV. Its the same laugh I get when Geno and Muffet talk about each other. I find it funny when you sense someone being very deliberate with their word choices.
She is taller than Sarah, no way she's 6'2. She could play in the paint if they needed her. And she is all fast twitch. She is going to be really special, an AA before she leaves
Sorry you missed her.
I have seen Betts, Beers and other top-rated players miss as many or more than three layups in a game and they are upper classmen. They also bring the ball down when they catch it, something Boneyarders constantly complain about Jana.
You're right, she's about 6-3 and the same height as Brady. Extremely athletic and her game right now is built on instincts. With so much access to pro games on tv in the US she can pick up some offensive moves and shots just by observing and applying. If coaching her I'd give her little goals to stretch her natural ability like challenging her use it to get 10 rebounds a game or something. She's going to be a sponge and I'd like to see her be able to hook up with a shooting/skills trainer for a couple of weeks each offseason like Fudd and Bueckers did because her ceiling is ridiculously high.
She has benefitted from practicing with Serah. She blocks shots differently now and last night made moves to the basket with fewer steps. She, barring injury, is going to be a terror on the court before she graduates, imo
Great summary. The spin move was Paigesque. I was most heartened however with her by the two passes to Sarah and the long perfect pass to Allie. Tells me she is a team player, is conscious of the clock, knows how to set up a player for a score, and is already being unselfish. That was just a glimpse of the future. Pretty, pretty, exciting.
I totally agree. She is much more aggressive this year and ready to have a 20 point game this year. Just needs a baby jumper to complete the array and a little more quickness and fluidity.
Agree. Said it above about her name getting on the wall in the future. I was thinking the same thing about her height. When she stood next to Sarah she looked an inch taller. .
