Most underrated player

[Geew1992]

I don't think she is underrated. We know who she is and what she brings to the team. She starts so she's rated just right

I think the reason she’s underrated is because she isn’t talked about enough. I don’t remember anyone talking about her pursuit of offensive rebounds, keeping the ball alive. Even when she isn’t scoring, she’s effecting the offense.

 

[Dove]

Welcome to the Boneyard Thread Drift!

Well, the thread title doesn't mention Ashlyn's name. And SVC didn't even write an opinion. Just posted a video.

Left door open to add a player.

 

[HopJim]

I don't believe she's a natural pg. As a result, imo her time will be determined as to how well she can hit 3's and next year how well Jovanna is. Kellis looks like to me a scorer (1st) that can pass (2nd). With UCONN scoring is not an issue this year and probably not next year either. So for this year and next UCONN probably needs floor generals to assist in ball movement or knock down shooters. While Kellis wouldn't need to be "Knock down," she does need to be "good" imo. Kellis is amazing to watch because her athleticism appears to be electric. But the top teams have in some combo of strong athleticism, strong coaching, solid fundamental defense, and a certain amount of size which limits a small guard's ability score efficiently inside the 3. If she can hit the 3 then she is "different" than KK and K9 and who knows with Jovanna as to how good she is. She won't surpass KK but I don't think she is the floor general K9 is either. So, she might be underrated because she is so gifted it seems to score, but a scoring less effcicent small guard is tough to say :"underrated" for this team. I'll just say again her athleticism is electric. But hey all of this is subjective. she certainly can be as you point out. 😀I'm excited toi watch her play.

Would add that UConn will need a "point guard that plays defense." Not saying that Kellis can't play this role but we don't know. Most of the top teams play a 3 guard lineup with 1-2 super quick players that like to drive to the basket. Today, Kellis backs off the player she is guarding, unlike KK, Ash, or Azzi. Her offense often looks like a highlight reel but time will tell if she can make these moves against the 1st or 2nd teams, versus the low subs from other teams.

 

[JellyBean]

Like others, I just love watching Ashlynn play. She brings that "innocent" element to the game. That pure joy of playing. From the way she plays all out on both ends of the floor. You can see she is having fun out there and of course when she hits a 3 ball and that awesome smile with that fist pump. You gotta love seeing that stuff!! Ashlynn is definitely a joy to watch.

 

[Inthepaint]

Ash plays like she means it

 

[Bone Dog]

Just to defend Ash, she has been doing exactly what Geno wants from her from day one. Missed shots or no missed shots, there is so much more to her game, and Geno values the whole package. The only person whose opinion really matters is Geno’s, and he shows how he rates her by how he uses her. There may come a time when Blanca replaces Ash in the starting lineup, but that’s not a guarantee. I think it’s not only possible but even likely that Ash will keep that starting spot all season. And next season, too, if Geno goes with a lineup of Sarah Blanca Ash KK and Allie. In that case, Ash will have been a starter for three of her four seasons, which puts her (and KK) in some pretty august company.

I think it’s an interesting question whether Ash can make it in the W. She’s a tough, feisty, relentless, high energy guard, not undersized, who can hit 3s and has an excellent midrange game and hunts rebounds, in addition to everything she does on defense. I think there are coaches in the W who know how to use a player like that.

 

[FanSince17]

Just to defend Ash, she has been doing exactly what Geno wants from her from day one. Missed shots or no missed shots, there is so much more to her game, and Geno values the whole package. The only person whose opinion really matters is Geno’s, and he shows how he rates her by how he uses her. There may come a time when Blanca replaces Ash in the starting lineup, but that’s not a guarantee. I think it’s not only possible but even likely that Ash will keep that starting spot all season. And next season, too, if Geno goes with a lineup of Sarah Blanca Ash KK and Allie. In that case, Ash will have been a starter for three of her four seasons, which puts her (and KK) in some pretty august company.

I think it’s an interesting question whether Ash can make it in the W. She’s a tough, feisty, relentless, high energy guard, not undersized, who can hit 3s and has an excellent midrange game and hunts rebounds, in addition to everything she does on defense. I think there are coaches in the W who know how to use a player like that.

Glue Guys. Every great team has ‘em. Mistake teams make is not having them.
Celtics fan- they’ve gone from sub-500, 9th in the east to 17-11, third in the east, when they inserted first Minott and then Walsh into the starting lineup. I like them a lot now, whatever happens.

 

[ERWUC65]

Just to defend Ash, she has been doing exactly what Geno wants from her from day one. Missed shots or no missed shots, there is so much more to her game, and Geno values the whole package. The only person whose opinion really matters is Geno’s, and he shows how he rates her by how he uses her. There may come a time when Blanca replaces Ash in the starting lineup, but that’s not a guarantee. I think it’s not only possible but even likely that Ash will keep that starting spot all season. And next season, too, if Geno goes with a lineup of Sarah Blanca Ash KK and Allie. In that case, Ash will have been a starter for three of her four seasons, which puts her (and KK) in some pretty august company.

I think it’s an interesting question whether Ash can make it in the W. She’s a tough, feisty, relentless, high energy guard, not undersized, who can hit 3s and has an excellent midrange game and hunts rebounds, in addition to everything she does on defense. I think there are coaches in the W who know how to use a player like that.

Ash may start, but I would expect relative equal playing time with her and Blanca until tournament time. Then opposing lineups will dictate how and when each is used. As far as the W is concerned, Ash's height, form and consistency with her offensive shooting will put her at a disadvantage in the selection process.

 

[Bigboote]

Just to defend Ash, she has been doing exactly what Geno wants from her from day one. Missed shots or no missed shots, there is so much more to her game, and Geno values the whole package. The only person whose opinion really matters is Geno’s, and he shows how he rates her by how he uses her. There may come a time when Blanca replaces Ash in the starting lineup, but that’s not a guarantee. I think it’s not only possible but even likely that Ash will keep that starting spot all season. And next season, too, if Geno goes with a lineup of Sarah Blanca Ash KK and Allie. In that case, Ash will have been a starter for three of her four seasons, which puts her (and KK) in some pretty august company.

I think it’s an interesting question whether Ash can make it in the W. She’s a tough, feisty, relentless, high energy guard, not undersized, who can hit 3s and has an excellent midrange game and hunts rebounds, in addition to everything she does on defense. I think there are coaches in the W who know how to use a player like that.

Posters sometimes say a player isn't doing this or that, and will lose her position in the lineup if she doesn't start doing this or that, but she's playing 20-30 minutes a game. Well, if she wasn't doing what Geno wants her to do, she wouldn't be playing that much. Ashlynn can score and does score when others are having an off game. And Geno has said he's more comfortable when she's on the floor.

Re: the W, I think she'll make a team. One thing you forgot about her is that she's quite athletic. Not blazing speed, but she's fast, quick, jumps well, and she's really strong, plus has great fundamentals and a great motor. As Cheryl Reeve has said about UConn players, she'll get to training camp ready. She won't be a star, may just be a role player, but there are plenty of teams who could use her. Just look at how well the Valkyries did last year with a bunch of players just like her.

 

[Bone Dog]

As far as the W is concerned, Ash's height, form and consistency with her offensive shooting will put her at a disadvantage in the selection process.

Disagree, at least as far as height is concerned. At 5’10” she’s right in the sweet spot for guards in the W. As for “form” I have no idea what you mean. She may be a streaky shooter at times. But she is good enough to do exactly what Geno wants, namely to prevent defenses from focusing too much on Azzi and Sarah. This is also a valued property in the W.

 

[ERWUC65]

Disagree, at least as far as height is concerned. At 5’10” she’s right in the sweet spot for guards in the W. As for “form” I have no idea what you mean. She may be a streaky shooter at times. But she is good enough to do exactly what Geno wants, namely to prevent defenses from focusing too much on Azzi and Sarah. This is also a valued property in the W.

"Form": She does not have a smooth quick release, needs time and space to shoot and there is a lot less of that in the W. She may be just what Geno wants, but to make the cut in the W at the 1 or 2, one needs to have an AA level skill set or have better credentials than the competition coming from SC,TX,UCLA,LSU, et al.

 

[mudcat]

I don't believe she's a natural pg. As a result, imo her time will be determined as to how well she can hit 3's and next year how well Jovanna is. Kellis looks like to me a scorer (1st) that can pass (2nd). With UCONN scoring is not an issue this year and probably not next year either. So for this year and next UCONN probably needs floor generals to assist in ball movement or knock down shooters. While Kellis wouldn't need to be "Knock down," she does need to be "good" imo. Kellis is amazing to watch because her athleticism appears to be electric. But the top teams have in some combo of strong athleticism, strong coaching, solid fundamental defense, and a certain amount of size which limits a small guard's ability score efficiently inside the 3. If she can hit the 3 then she is "different" than KK and K9 and who knows with Jovanna as to how good she is. She won't surpass KK but I don't think she is the floor general K9 is either. So, she might be underrated because she is so gifted it seems to score, but a scoring less effcicent small guard is tough to say :"underrated" for this team. I'll just say again her athleticism is electric. But hey all of this is subjective. she certainly can be as you point out. 😀I'm excited toi watch her play.

I don't know why you would say that: she played point guard for her high school, she handles the ball well, and has demonstrated in her limited minutes a willingless and ability to pass the ball. She is also the same height as both KK and K9 and whether she could "surpass KK" or be a better floor general than K9 is something that can only be determined by her play on the floor as she develops. Right now she shows as much talent as either KK or K9 displayed as freshmen. You may turn out to be right (or wrong), but I don't see any evidence to support your assertion.

 

[Nicvan07]

Ash reminds me of Kelly Faris. She has a lot of heart & hustle, she’s always going to give it her all. She’s a valuable player to ANY team she plays for. I love watching her play. She has a knack for playing ball.

 

[hoophuskee]

I don't know why you would say that: she played point guard for her high school, she handles the ball well, and has demonstrated in her limited minutes a willingless and ability to pass the ball. She is also the same height as both KK and K9 and whether she could "surpass KK" or be a better floor general than K9 is something that can only be determined by her play on the floor as she develops. Right now she shows as much talent as either KK or K9 displayed as freshmen. You may turn out to be right (or wrong), but I don't see any evidence to support your assertion.

Paige played the PF spot for UCONN quite a bit. But that's not her natural posistion.
And i just want to add I can't "know.." Just an opinion on a thread that can ony be "opinuion." I just can't say all the time "imo" for every sentence. I'll also add imo I think so much of Kellis's athletcism that if she can hit the 3pt shot she has a/a potential. at a future time. She apears to be a gifted scorer to me.
And looking back on this site when she was being recruited I didn't see one game in which her passing was highlighted over her scoring. There were times it was incuded but it's always been the points. I didn't see naywow game with assists.

And the biggest game when the beat Montverde in which she had 5 assits in that, she wasnt the pg completely. It was also Asia Keels.

And a quote from slu on the 1st page of the recruiting thread -- I read this and these are the type of things that I think of her -- this is more what I think of her so then I add up on that same page hukynan had a screenshot from David Beechum in which he referred to her a a 3-level scorer in high school.

"2025 UConn commit Kelis Fisher is a walking paint touch. Super explosive as a driver & creative around the rim. “When it comes to finishing, I’m not really worried about who’s in the paint because I know I can finish around them.”"

I could be wrong. ANd if there are games vs quality opponents that she had some big assist numbers etc then sure I'd change my mind. But just looking into this; I see more of a combo but could be elite if she hits the 3.

So back to this thread, imo you can't be that "underrated" if your team impact isn't much. IMO the moment she starts hitting 3's - then everything changes.

 

[boontonbomber]

Of course, everyone loves watching the way Shade goes at the game. What bothers me about her game is the lack of improvement, at least looking at her game statistically. She hits wide open 3's, but beyond that really struggles offensively.She had one of the better frosh years, but I just don't see her building on that. Kelly Faris was taller, went at the game the same way, and I think was the better player. But really didn't find a place in the W.
That said, Shade is still rather important to this UConn team.

 

[Longtime fan]

I don’t think Kelis has to be a pure point guard, nor have a good three point shot to get playing time next year. She’ll likely be on the floor with either KK or Kayleigh for most of her minutes, so being a combo guard would be good. And if she comes in halfway through the first quarter with Blanca, there’s your complete defensive disruption/destruction.

Kelis has yet to show she is willing to be a defender first, and an offensive guard second. Until she does that, her time will be limited. But she has brilliant skills, and Geno would not have recruited her unless she had the correct mindset for UCONN. So the future is bright.

 

[ubasketball]

I interpret "underrated" to be how much the way they are playing now is appreciated, in contrast with a player's potential and how much they are playing up to it. For me, I think the upside for Kellis and Blanca is enormous, and I am so looking forward to their development and contribution in the years ahead. As for underrated, it's a toss-up between Ashlynnn and KK who often get lost in the appreciation of Sarah and Azzi. We're #1 because we are a strong functioning t-e-a-m, and KK and Ashlynn's high energy, aggressive, solid play make that happen. As exciting and talented as Blanca and Kellis are, Geno still has to take them out when they get too far ahead of themselves.

 

[asuwish]

Regarding everything said so far I have several thoughts. A good case could be made for KK instead of Ash as most underrated. They were close in their first couple of years, but this year KK has been the better player overall, largely due to a bad start by Ash. KK has also finally gotten to play mostly at her natural position this year for the first time. They both are underrated but I think the case for KK is stronger.

As for how many combo guards we have and how more than one "PG" can successfully co-exist I generally agree. I believe Kayleigh, Kelis, and Popovic can all be considered combo guards that could be effective at the 1 or 2. Playing time next year for one or two of them, however, could be limited.

Assuming three guards in the starting lineup is far from a sure thing. We have a natural "3" that is already very good and a probable star in Blanca, that surely will get at least near starter minutes next year at a minimum. Allie has made the rotation and has bumped up her rebounding so she is a good candidate for major minutes at the 3 next year as well. And of course Morgan who can play so many positions could get plenty of minutes there too, and if we got another big, say Okeke for arguments sake, Sarah could play a lot at the 3, and Blanca some at the 2.

Instead of 120 minutes for the "guards", it could be just 80, conceivably even less if Blanca plays some at the 2. Of course it could go the other way too. Maybe if we don't make an addition Geno uses Blanca as the backup 4 and her significant minutes are split between the 3 and 4 and Sarah almost never is used at the 3.

My best guess is that the minutes at the 3 next year will be consumed by Blanca and Allie a big guard. I presume KK and Ash start at the 1 and 2, and get 25 minutes a game. In that scenario Allie could also play some behind Ash at the 2. Are there still minutes for a combo guard in the rotation? Sure but not for three of them, Kayleigh, Kelis and Popovic. If the later two want regular minutes in this scenario, they probably need to beat out Kayleigh as the best combo guard off the bench IMO, or we have problems or injuries upfront and use a true guard at the 3 on a regular basis.

I have been impressed by Kelis too, think Kayleigh has set a pretty high bar for a combo guard, think Allie has earned big minutes next year, think Popovic has potential, and think at a minimum Blanca will get lots of minutes at the 3 next year. At least one and probably two of the guards will not be in the rotation despite having rotation ability and being good enough to start on the vast majority of division 1 programs.

KK is not a great shooter, and yet is the starting pg. Allie is not a great defender and is getting time. If Kellis keeps improving she could be an elite defender and one of the few guards that can get to the basket from the outside. Next season I think she will show why she was a top 25 recruit.