Natalie Butler and Saniya Chong

[JSB60]

Loved Butler's game. Athleticism is overrated for a big, if you play smart D, shoot, and rebound, you'll be fine.

 

[chrissaran]

Are you only looking at the box score or did you see the game on TV?

KLS was making a visit to Chateau Bow-wow tonight. She didn't enter the game until about a minute was left in the third quarter, with UConn up by about 35 or 40 points. The announcers showed her on the bench in the first half, looking puzzled but not overly upset. The announcers said that she had been a full participant in the morning shoot-around and in the pregame warmups, so they did not attribute her benching to either injury or illnss. After the game, Geno was asked about this and said (basically) that she needs to work harder and play with more intensity. When she finally got in, she seemed to try to do that, going for several steals (usually not successfully).

On the other hand, Natalie Butler came into the game in the first quarter and played short minutes frequently throughout the game. She really impacted the game while she was in and generated excellent stats for her limited minutes.

Running the court, she seemed slow -- the last UConn player down the court in transition when I noticed her. She will have trouble guarding other posts who can run the floor. But I think she will be able to play effectively against opponents like Alaina Coates, who is not known for her gazelle-like floor play either.

You have to be kidding. Do you know when the last time was that Natalie played a competitive basketball game? Stef seemed to do pretty well, and Natalie is already a better athlete. Also, who are these other posts who run the floor so well? You think she will be able to play effectively? You need to take a closer look at the game or get a pair of glasses because you saw what many of us didn't.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Wanted to devote a thread to these 2 ladies - both injured for most of the year and both finally playing tonight. This was the 2nd very good game in a row for Chong.

First on Butler - how does 11 points and 8 rebounds sound in her UCONN debut in limited (15) minutes? Also 2 blocks and 2 steals. Cinci is simply a bad team but, a great game to get her feet wet and get into the flow with nothing "needed" from her. No idea how she will grow and develop, but what a tremendous start.

Now for Chong - 22 minutes, time-wise only behind Collier, Nurse and Jefferson. 13 points, 4 boards, 3 assists, 1 steal, 1 block and NO turnovers. It may be too soon to say she's turned the corner but 2nd game in a row with a really solid performance - and I'm sure no one is happier than her, but so great to see her go out and play with confidence the way we all knew/hoped she could.

A few other observations - lots of PT for Collier who logs another double double. Interesting that she led the team with 29 minutes to Samuleson's 12. Is KLS injured or sick?

And how awesome is it to see UCONN with 8 players in double figures for scoring? Any other team woulda played Stewie 30 minutes so she could score 30 or more points. Not Geno. 22 minutes in a modest but effective 7-11 shooting night. This is one reason why UCONN wins championships.

\
I was impressed with Butler--good defense, excellent foul line "jumper"--early on she was a point a minute--pretty fair begining--don't you think??
Chong---when she is healthy, she belongs as a 5 or 6th off the bench. Certain games I expect her to start. Her 3 seems to be back.
Katie Lou GOT the MESSAGE--she attacks the basket with vigor. She played defense with gusto. Geno knows she will start dumping three after three on the opponents, because that is what she does, she can do most of what Stewie does--(no one is Stewie)--but apparently like a Freshman Stewied Katie Lou needs a kick in the butt to get started She'll be a super star before she is done.
Collier--I've been her cheerleader since the USA games--been beat up a few times over it, but now most are seeing what Eric and I saw
early one.
Wasn't it great Geno gave Collier's dad lots of PT for Napheesa to show off with?? She did Dad proud.

The sky for the Uconn WBB will remain in place for the remainder of the year with the addition of Natalie and the come of age of Collier and the return to health of Chong along with Tuck, Stew, Moriah et al.

 

[Jim R]

Loved Butler's game. Athleticism is overrated for a big, if you play smart D, shoot, and rebound, you'll be fine.

You hit the nail on the head.
Natalie's first UCONN outing revealed a number of things. Despite the layoff, she did what "gamers" do when they get the ball, they react naturally, instinctually, which is what we saw with that short baseline jumper early in the game...and it seemed so, "natural" - no hesitation, and simply smooth. And the same from the foul line later - no hesitation, and smooth. And, did you notice, when she got the ball, she seemed to know what to do with it, whether shooting, going back up, or passing out to the open man.
"Smarts" go a long way on the court, and from what I've seen in her short playing time, Natalie looks like she's got it. As cohenzone said, "it was easy to see why she was ROY in the BE".
And, from Geno, "she's only going to get better." Natalie unwrapped - You just got to love it!

 

[huskeynut]

If anyone doubts the depth of this team, last night should put those doubts to rest.

Sinaya looked great, moved with ease and shot the ball with confidence. Natalie, for such a long layoff of real game time, looked great. She knows what to do with the ball when on offense and her defense is pretty darn good too. Love her foul line jumper - instinctive.

 

[Icebear]

One of the nice things I saw in Natalie's game was nice soft hands releasing a very soft shot from several positions on the court. I, especially, loved the turn around from up high.

 

[vtcwbuff]

I remember describing Dolson as "lumbering" during her freshman year. She came to UConn with some conditioning issues. Look how much that changed during her 4 years at UConn. I would not be surprised to see the same sort of improvement in Butler but I didn't think that she was particularly slow in last night's game.

The UConn gold standard for getting up and down the floor was Tina Charles. I hope no one is expecting that kind of speed from Butler.

 

[Icebear]

I remember describing Dolson as "lumbering" during her freshman year. She came to UConn with some conditioning issues. Look how much that changed during her 4 years at UConn. I would not be surprised to see the same sort of improvement in Butler but I didn't think that she was particularly slow in last night's game.

The UConn gold standard for getting up and down the floor was Tina Charles. I hope no one is expecting that kind of speed from Butler.

Nor did I. She was not the last one down the court except when she gathered the rebound and waited to clear it.

 

[KevCav]

I remember describing Dolson as "lumbering" during her freshman year. She came to UConn with some conditioning issues. Look how much that changed during her 4 years at UConn. I would not be surprised to see the same sort of improvement in Butler but I didn't think that she was particularly slow in last night's game.

The UConn gold standard for getting up and down the floor was Tina Charles. I hope no one is expecting that kind of speed from Butler.

I believe that Natalie needs to be somewhat cautious about falling down and reinjuring her thumb. That said, she moved well, asserted herself, rebounded, blocked and even shot well. She has a soft sweet touch. Tina was one of a kind. What Natalie has going for her is that she had a year plus of conditioning and practicing with team before she ever got into a real game. Dolson was unique as well, but I think Natalie might pattern her game after Stef more than Tina. Tina was in the doghouse her first year but then she emerged as one of the truly great Huskies of all time.

 

[Icebear]

I believe that Natalie needs to be somewhat cautious about falling down and reinjuring her thumb. That said, she moved well, asserted herself, rebounded, blocked and even shot well. She has a soft sweet touch. Tina was one of a kind. What Natalie has going for her is that she had a year plus of conditioning and practicing with team before she ever got into a real game. Dolson was unique as well, but I think Natalie might pattern her game after Stef more than Tina. Tina was in the doghouse her first year but then she emerged as one of the truly great Huskies of all time.

Even more like Kara in her game than Stef. Kara, also, transformed her body and conditioning.

 

[KevCav]

I believe that Natalie needs to be somewhat cautious about falling down and reinjuring her thumb. That said, she moved well, asserted herself, rebounded, blocked and even shot well. She has a soft sweet touch. Tina was one of a kind. What Natalie has going for her is that she had a year plus of conditioning and practicing with team before she ever got into a real game. Dolson was unique as well, but I think Natalie might pattern her game after Stef more than Tina. Tina was in the doghouse her first year but then she emerged as one of the truly great Huskies of all time.

Also, I agree that Tina is the gold standard for a center going up and down the court but she had nothing over Stewie's speed racing down the court and making an intimidating block as Stewie has done so often. Regarding centers, Dolson excelled in the high post - no one in past years could pass and pick like Dolson - she thrived on it, whereas I think Natalie will "ow
n" the paint. Let KLS and Collier and Moriah fly down the court because Natalie will be dominating the defensive board and will be passing to those race horses. Everybody has their niche.

 

[UcMiami]

Also, I agree that Tina is the gold standard for a center going up and down the court but she had nothing over Stewie's speed racing down the court and making an intimidating block as Stewie has done so often. Regarding centers, Dolson excelled in the high post - no one in past years could pass and pick like Dolson - she thrived on it, whereas I think Natalie will "ow
n" the paint. Let KLS and Collier and Moriah fly down the court because Natalie will be dominating the defensive board and will be passing to those race horses. Everybody has their niche.

I think with her obvious touch at the free throw line you will see Natalie playing a fair amount of time in that Dolson spot - depending on her ability with an entry pass which we really did not see last night, she could be deadly bringing the central defense out to her and then passing over them to either Stewart or Tuck at the basket. She did not play a whole lot with either Tuck or Stewart in the game and the other Uconn forwards are not as developed as post up players. And based on the shots she did take, I suspect she may extend her range like Dolson to the top of the key over the next few years further opening the lane for other players.

 

[VAMike23]

I remember describing Dolson as "lumbering" during her freshman year. She came to UConn with some conditioning issues. Look how much that changed during her 4 years at UConn. I would not be surprised to see the same sort of improvement in Butler but I didn't think that she was particularly slow in last night's game.

The UConn gold standard for getting up and down the floor was Tina Charles. I hope no one is expecting that kind of speed from Butler.

Tina would regularly beat not only the opponents' bigs down the floor -- she would beat their wings and even their guards sometimes, too!!

She could really haul a*s. Honorable mention to Stef who, as a JR/SR, could definitely "move with purpose" up and down the floor as well.

 

[JoePgh]

Kiah Stokes, when motivated, could run the court as fast as Tina. If there was a shot to block, she was motivated. But if the only carrot was a chance to beat the opposing center and get a layup, she was often content to jog. That was a big part of why her offensive potential was unfulfilled at UConn.

I agree that Natalie is more in the mold of Stef than of Kiah, and that will make her a very effective player on offense, and probably on defense as well.

I agree that there don't seem to be a lot of "big and fast" centers among the other top teams this year. The Florida State center may be one example of that. A'ja Wilson (if she is playing without Coates) is certainly another, as is Brianna Turner of Notre Dame. On February 8, Dawn Staley may decide not to play Wilson and Coates together, since that makes it easier for Stewie to guard Wilson and Natalie to guard Coates. I don't think Natalie would be able to guard Wilson, so that might leave her to guard a perimeter player, which would also be a problem.

But in general, even against Top 10 teams, Natalie can certainly be effective based on what we saw last night.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I think we can all agree that with both Saniya & Natalie healthy, added to the improving freshmen & the vets, things are looking ROSES for UCONN this season & the future!

 

[huskyd]

My guess is that Natalie runs the floor better than Stef Dolson as a senior.

Saniya Chong [aka the Sing Sing Assasin..g]: her trey daggers take no prisoners. Whatever new treatment is receiving from Rosemary...keep it going. She was fabulous.

Glad someone mentioned Stef because when Natalie dropped a couple of 15-footers I was reminded of one of the skills that made Dolson special. Stef was no high jumper, but footwork and positioning served her well--as they will with Butler. But Dolson's real specialty was as a passer. She was often called the best passing big in WCBB. As a result, Geno ran the offense through Stef, starting most sets from the high post. Will he do the same with Natalie? Time will tell; my guess is YES.

 

[vtcwbuff]

An added plus - apparently Butler has studied Tina Charles' ability to pad her offensive rebound stats. A couple of times last night Butler missed a chippy but got the ORB and the put back.

 

[Fiftyish]

Sinaya looked great, moved with ease and shot the ball with confidence.

Really happy to see her have a couple of great games. Also great to have a legit 3 point shooter coming off the bench. It took her awhile but it looks like she is now a capable defender and an offensive threat. Good for her!!

 

[HuskyNan]

Also, I agree that Tina is the gold standard for a center going up and down the court but she had nothing over Stewie's speed racing down the court and making an intimidating block as Stewie has done so often.

Stewie, despite her size, is not a center. She's a 4 that can play the 3.

 

[Jim R]

Stewie, despite her size, is not a center. She's a 4 that can play the 3.

And some might argue.....the 2 & the 1 as well!

 

[topogigio]

I remember describing Dolson as "lumbering" during her freshman year. She came to UConn with some conditioning issues. Look how much that changed during her 4 years at UConn. I would not be surprised to see the same sort of improvement in Butler but I didn't think that she was particularly slow in last night's game.

The UConn gold standard for getting up and down the floor was Tina Charles. I hope no one is expecting that kind of speed from Butler.

Gotta' agree with you there. It appeared to me that Butler was light years ahead of Dolson in similar stages of development. Dolson was a "lumberer" for her first two years, before she really got into shape. Butler gives solid effort running down the floor, and has a sweet touch from 10'. She is going to make this team much, much better - and that is a very scary concept for upcoming opponents.
As for Saniya, if you watch video of her in high school - she looks now like the same player - very confident, who can score at will.

 

[Monte]

Are you only looking at the box score or did you see the game on TV?

KLS was making a visit to Chateau Bow-wow tonight. She didn't enter the game until about a minute was left in the third quarter, with UConn up by about 35 or 40 points. The announcers showed her on the bench in the first half, looking puzzled but not overly upset. The announcers said that she had been a full participant in the morning shoot-around and in the pregame warmups, so they did not attribute her benching to either injury or illnss. After the game, Geno was asked about this and said (basically) that she needs to work harder and play with more intensity. When she finally got in, she seemed to try to do that, going for several steals (usually not successfully).

On the other hand, Natalie Butler came into the game in the first quarter and played short minutes frequently throughout the game. She really impacted the game while she was in and generated excellent stats for her limited minutes.

Running the court, she seemed slow -- the last UConn player down the court in transition when I noticed her. She will have trouble guarding other posts who can run the floor. But I think she will be able to play effectively against opponents like Alaina Coates, who is not known for her gazelle-like floor play either.

I agree with your statement that Butler did appear "slow" running the floor. I would like her to get in better shape. The thumb injury would not hamper this. If she has the will, she can do it. Dolson got herself in better shape as time progressed......time will tell.
It is too bad, that the only real test for ALL players will not be until South Carolina.

 

[iri10]

I agree with your statement that Butler did appear "slow" running the floor. I would like her to get in better shape. The thumb injury would not hamper this. If she has the will, she can do it. Dolson got herself in better shape as time progressed.time will tell.
It is too bad, that the only real test for ALL players will not be until South Carolina.

It's been a little while since Dolson played for UConn, but she really was not fast at any point in her career. The speed at which Dolson ran the floor wasn't really any faster than how Butler ran yesterday. Butler's actually ahead of where Dolson was, comparing early sophomore Dolson to RS sophomore Butler.

The main difference between the current Butler and the junior/senior Dolson is stamina. That version of Dolson could stay in most of the game, whereas I doubt Butler could come close to that without gassing to exhaustion. It's only her first game back, but she was breathing hard during her longer stretches of play time.

That is one thing that I do expect to improve, at least to Dolson levels and possibly beyond...given time.

 

[Kmoney]

My first impression of Natalie is that she runs very hard. She may not be fast, but she sprints as hard as she can. It does appear that she is a quick thinker. She is quick with the ball and makes good decisions with it. I love how quickly she turns on her jumper. It is amazing that she had not played a game in @21 months. It will be interesting to see her against players her size. I want to see if she can fake the jumper and dribble past her defender.

Saniya is so calming and confident with her play. She is just the opposite from this time last year. You can see how happy Geno is with her.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Did you mean?

My post was a take off on this song.