Natalie Butler Not Playing until Christmas

[RockyMTblue2]

I don't usually refer to people I have never met by their first names or nickname. I believe Lewis is her legal last name. As for the other thing I offer you this:

Happiness is a warm gun (Happiness bang, bang, shoot, shoot)
Happiness is a warm gun, mama (Happiness bang, bang, shoot, shoot)
When I hold you in my arms (Oo-oo oh yeah)
And I feel my finger on your trigger (Oo-oo oh yeah)
I know nobody can do me no harm (Oo-oo oh yeah)

M-L is her last name. Hyphenated. There is a youtube somewhere with her talking on the why of it. I want to thank you for cracking me up with "the warm gun"!

PS. This one will go to daughter at Christmas because she insists on camping in Griz territory. But I'll still break it in.

 

[UcMiami]

It was very hard to trap Wilt the Stilt or even the guy from Cleveland. But unfortunately Louisville trapped and mugged Senior Griner --and look what happened. Fallacious argument. Refer to the original comment about FRESHMEN being trapped.

I would say they double and triple teamed her on offense within 15 ft of the basket and were extremely physical, but I wouldn't call that 'trapping her', nor did it cause many turnovers - BG had three for that game and averaged 2.1 for her career. Considering she touched the ball on just about every offensive set, she was not being 'trapped' as she took 10 shots and had the 3 turnovers - so she was passing the ball out of the double/triple teams something like 60 times. (Baylor shot 67 times, and had 13 additional turnovers so 80 +/- offensive possessions.

 

[UcMiami]

I don't understand sports injuries. Why does it take so long to determine whether surgery will be needed? I know you have to wait for the swelling to go down, yadayadayada. But aren't there better diagnostics out there? Seems the same story for Tuck and many others in many sports. Anyone have a medical explanation for this phenomenum?

Medicine has never been an exact science - it gets better and better but there are still a lot of mysteries involved.

With an athlete whose physical well being is an absolute necessity there are often a number of options and a few different opinions as to the best course of treatment. Because of the importance of proper function for athletes, there are also options at the very cutting edge of medicine that may not yet have a deep enough track record for them to even be considered for non-athletes.

There is also usually a 'season' and in many instances a debate whether the injury precludes playing through the 'season' and fixing it after the season or fixing it immediately and missing significant parts of the season. And with that, a certain amount of time may be required after the injury to allow things to settle down and pain thresholds and the utility of the injured area to be determined.

All of those consultations and decisions take time to work through, and it is time that generally would not be useful anyway, because you do need a certain amount of time to allow the region of the injury to get out of its traumatic state - swelling/spasms whatever - before you operate if that is the final decision.

Specific to Morgan Tuck - she could have continued to play sparingly through the season, she could have had a standard procedure, or she could have had the one she chose which does not have a long track record yet. So far it appears she made the right decision as the knee is strong and the pain has disappeared.

No idea what the options were for Butler, but I am sure there were some. She had surgery about 2 weeks after the injury so perhaps a few days longer delay than had the decision been made the day of her injury.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Any player on any team can be trapped--Muffet's teams against Uconn has proven that--even with Doty a very experienced 5th year senior was trapped.

By her 5th season Doty was a shell of her former self and at times didn't look like she belonged out there with the better UConn players. She's not a good example.

This UConn team has too many good ball-handlers and passers with vision and high BBIQ to be bothered by traps which is why no team really traps them.

 

[BroadwayVa]

By her 5th season Doty was a shell of her former self and at times didn't look like she belonged out there with the better UConn players. She's not a good example.

This UConn team has too many good ball-handlers and passers with vision and high BBIQ to be bothered by traps which is why no team really traps them.

We shall see. If Geno, the Master, who knew Doty's limitations --knowing ND propensity to trap--why put her in that position 3 times??

 

[Kibitzer]

We shall see. If Geno, the Master, who knew Doty's limitations --knowing ND propensity to trap--why put her in that position 3 times??

You answered your question in the bolded portion of your quoted question. Geno, the Master (heh heh) knew what he was doing,

 

[Sluconn Husky]

We shall see. If Geno, the Master, who knew Doty's limitations --knowing ND propensity to trap--why put her in that position 3 times??

I never said he always made the best decisions at crunch times in close games. That being the case, he didn't trust Jefferson late in tight games as a frosh. So you had Faris and Hartley and some question marks as far as handling the ball. At least the current roster options will give him more margin for error.

 

[BroadwayVa]

You answered your question in the bolded portion of your quoted question. Geno, the Master (heh heh) knew what he was doing,

No one said differently. Are you suggesting he wanted to lose that game?? Have a blessed day!!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

I never said he always made the best decisions at crunch times in close games. That being the case, he didn't trust Jefferson late in tight games as a frosh. So you had Faris and Hartley and some question marks as far as handling the ball. At least the current roster options will give him more margin for error.

I won't argue pro or con about Geno's decision making--he is after all a Human being, and all make mistakes/errors.
You are exactly right--in this particular game, he tried Jefferson for about 3 minutes, Diggy babe swatted the ball away from her and stole it. She was pulled quickly Doty went it.
Diggins stuffed and stole that ball from Faris at least twice in one game. Hartley, as good as she was , at times was a bit out of control--don't remember her being trapped. But if you do , I won't argue.
I didn't give a guarantee that ND would trap anyone on UConn this year--only offered initially as a possiblity based on experience. If that is wrong shoot me. Have a wonderful blessed God fearing day.
Amen..(that means the end).

 

[Kibitzer]

We have been down this road often (i.e., wondering how our Huskies will match up vs. a formidable foe). Permit me to flip the coin, so to speak and consider the challenge facing Miss Muffet: how to match up with UConn.

First, there is the 60-80 equation to deal with. Seldom do the Huskies surrender 60+ ppg and, second they normally score over 80. Somehow, we must try to reverse this equation - or at least alter the numbers in our favor.

Let's start with our defense. Four questions leap off the scouting report: How in Knute Rockne's hallowed name do we put a lid on Stewie? Moriah? Nurse? Tuck?

And who else? Williams, Collier, or a TBA? Even Butler after exposure to Raigle magic.

Hmmm. Maybe Allen on Jefferson, Turner on Tuck, Cable on Nurse, Boley on Stewie and Mabrey on Katie Lou/Collier/Williams.

Hmmm. Time for an adult drink or a bi-carb.

To be continued. . . .

 

[baggerbob]

Gabby may have a year of experience but remember that Geno didn't trust her in any games against the best competition they played last year. On the other hand, he did trust Nurse, certainly more so than Chong. I think it comes down to individual players and also who the alternatives are. I would be stunned if the coaching staff doesn't realize immediately that KLS and Collier can play with the big girls already. I think Boykin will be brought along a bit slower due to being more raw offensively.

Unless Gabby has come up with something outside of 10 feet, the offense will have a problem with her in the starting lineup. Moriah, Kia, and Stewie like to be able to drive into the paint, and with someone as limited as Gabby was, she might end up in the way.

 

[billnaples]

Auriemma hardly needs an apologist in his corner to protect his legacy or stroke his ego. But I've told many that I do love numbers. So here are a few to chew on. In his first 8 seasons Geno amassed a decent record with an average of just over 20 wins and and just under 10 losses per year. So often you will hear a coach or school having their successes measured by 20 win seasons. Now with the last 22 years under Geno the numbers are scarier than Nightmare on Eagleville Rd. 756 - 56, over 34 wins and barely 2.5 losses. 93% win percent. So when this coach makes some decisions about who is riding point or pine I'm giving him the benefit. Mistakes don't happen much.

 

[meyers7]

I won't argue pro or con about Geno's decision making--he is after all a Human being, and all make mistakes/errors.

As if...


You funny.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Unless Gabby has come up with something outside of 10 feet, the offense will have a problem with her in the starting lineup. Moriah, Kia, and Stewie like to be able to drive into the paint, and with someone as limited as Gabby was, she might end up in the way.

Yeah, but she's light on her feet, too. I remember during games asking myself this question involving Gabby a lot last year: Where the hell did she come from!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

As if...


You funny.

I thought everyone got that memo...or was it a stone tablet. Been some years since it came down off the mount.

 

[meyers7]

Unless Gabby has come up with something outside of 10 feet, the offense will have a problem with her in the starting lineup. Moriah, Kia, and Stewie like to be able to drive into the paint, and with someone as limited as Gabby was, she might end up in the way.

 

[UcMiami]

By her 5th season Doty was a shell of her former self and at times didn't look like she belonged out there with the better UConn players. She's not a good example.

This UConn team has too many good ball-handlers and passers with vision and high BBIQ to be bothered by traps which is why no team really traps them.

And yet, the specific roster change made to begin the push toward a successful championship campaign was Bria going to the bench and Doty being shifted into the starting line-up. Somehow the chemistry adjustment that the roster move made worked, though clearly Doty was no longer as good a player as Bria had become.

One of those mysteries of team dynamic and coaching. It didn't change the actual number of minutes being played in a noticeable way, but the team performed better.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

And yet, the specific roster change made to begin the push toward a successful championship campaign was Bria going to the bench and Doty being shifted into the starting line-up. Somehow the chemistry adjustment that the roster move made worked, though clearly Doty was no longer as good a player as Bria had become.

One of those mysteries of team dynamic and coaching. It didn't change the actual number of minutes being played in a noticeable way, but the team performed better.

The minutes did change though. Doty's starting role was mostly ceremonial later that year.

In the BE tourney she played 18 minutes against DePaul, 4 against Syracuse, and then didn't play at all against ND. In the NCAA tourney she played 4, 13, 3, and 13 minutes over the last 4 games. She struggled against the Kentucky press in the elite 8. After she was taken out UConn started to roll.

 

[Gabbyfan]

We have already read that Morgan Tuck said Gabby was the most improved player on the team this fall.....let's just wait to see what she can do before writing her off as a viable starter...Butler healthy or not.

 

[Bestiarius]

I thought everyone got that memo...or was it a stone tablet. Been some years since it came down off the mount.

Unfortunately we'll never know for sure. Photographic evidence:

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Unfortunately we'll never know for sure. Photographic evidence:

Clearly an imposter. He was wearing a kilt when he came down. At least that is how I remember it.

PS. I know, Bestiarius and Rocky are going to hell.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

And yet, the specific roster change made to begin the push toward a successful championship campaign was Bria going to the bench and Doty being shifted into the starting line-up. Somehow the chemistry adjustment that the roster move made worked, though clearly Doty was no longer as good a player as Bria had become.

One of those mysteries of team dynamic and coaching. It didn't change the actual number of minutes being played in a noticeable way, but the team performed better.

That's a bit of history that I forgot. I think Bria was having some real angst/nerves...and that is one thing the Doty never had. Of all our kids who suffered injury and forever after begged the question: What might have been? Yes, she is my number 1 on that question. Combative, impish, devil that she was with a superb sense of where the basket was.

 

[Intpseeker]

Unless Gabby has come up with something outside of 10 feet, the offense will have a problem with her in the starting lineup. Moriah, Kia, and Stewie like to be able to drive into the paint, and with someone as limited as Gabby was, she might end up in the way.

I must have been watching different games. Speed, ups, nose for the ball, nose for the hoop, and all this from someone who had not played the game in a few years, and was playing a new position. She changed games in a heartbeat.

While I thought NB would start, being a "true" 5, I have no problem with Gabby starting. That's a pretty fast crew with her in there

 

[HoopsFan21]

I must have been watching different games. Speed, ups, nose for the ball, nose for the hoop, and all this from someone who had not played the game in a few years, and was playing a new position. She changed games in a heartbeat.

While I thought NB would start, being a "true" 5, I have no problem with Gabby starting. That's a pretty fast crew with her in there

Chong is faster and a better shooter than Gabby.

 

[Waquoit]

I'm more worried for Butler than for the team. I'm afraid she could be left behind.

 

[Intpseeker]

Chong is faster and a better shooter than Gabby.

End to end, I'll take Gabby every single time.

Shooting. Long range or under the hoop? Gabby is one of the best at cleaning up garbage that we've had.

I'm still in for GW

 

[HoopsFan21]

I'm more worried for Butler than for the team. I'm afraid she could be left behind.

You can't teach height, so I doubt it. She's had a year of practicing with the team and 3 years of eligibility. Plenty of time.

 

[HoopsFan21]

End to end, I'll take Gabby every single time.

Shooting. Long range or under the hoop? Gabby is one of the best at cleaning up garbage that we've had.

I'm still in for GW

Chong is nearly as fast as Mo and we already have a couple of players in Tuck and Stewart that are better than Gabby around the hoop, so we're all set there. If Gabby learns to shoot free throws and can hit at least a midrange shot, then I'll be all in on Gabby too, but we can't have everyone playing in the paint.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Boykin may do time in there too, though if the Achilles is still the least bit tender I'd wait and I hope she wears some wrist support at least for a while. Gabby was a more than credible presence inside last year, so she can do duty inside if called on.

 

[PhillyCoach]

Chong is nearly as fast as Mo and we already have a couple of players in Tuck and Stewart that are better than Gabby around the hoop, so we're all set there. If Gabby learns to shoot free throws and can hit at least a midrange shot, then I'll be all in on Gabby too, but we can't have everyone playing in the paint.

Hey HoopsFan - Agree that Chong is in the same time zone as Mo on quickness. Chong also has a better outside shot than Gabby. Chong also has a sneaky quick drive to hoop at times too. However, I just read another article this week (on top of many articles this season and last season, and the season before) that defense is a PRIORITY. Remember, Chong started last year because of her offensive skills (and dedicated practice), but was quickly pulled because of her defense. *If your opponent can't score, they can't win! Hey look, that one player is being picked on because she can't stop their opponent. Let's feed the ball to that area.
A positive issue is what area of the court Gabby will be playing. Defensively she could play the 3 or wing area. With her size, jumping ability, and quickness she could handle any top scorer. (Remember, wing is usually a high scoring and leading scoring position.) Gabby was a top defender last year. Rebounding is another important factor. Gabby could crash the boards both offensively (and use her 65% shooting to put it back in) or defensively rebound and start the fast break using her AA track skills. And let's say--Oh Well, she doesn't have a great outside shot. Give me all her pluses and I will accept the lack of an outside shot.
Believe me, I like Chong a lot. I think she has the potential to be a very, very good player. However, her defense and her overall consistency has to improve if she wants to start.