Natalie Butler Not Playing until Christmas

[RockyMTblue2]

Similar to last year. Tuck at the 5, Stewart at the 4, Nurse at the 2, Jefferson at the 1 and Williams at the 3. However it wouldn't be the spot up 3 that KML played last year, but a more slasher 3. I think Williams can get out on the break and Nurse can spot up in the transition game.

Well, only if Williams has made a big jump (no pun intended), otherwise I'd stick KLS at the 3 and ride out the freshman stuff.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

We have bodies to fill her spot, but the larger problem is that UConn would play a different game with her in. Since we won't see until December, the team loses the non-conference portion of the schedule to adjust to having her in place. I think this unfortunate injury changes her role this year and that's a shame. Still it is good that we have options. It will be interesting to see how Geno adapts. I'm guessing Gabby as the 5th starter.

I like the intelligence of the post, but not the 5th starter unless....see above.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Well, only if Williams has made a big jump (no pun intended), otherwise I'd stick KLS at the 3 and ride out the freshman stuff.

That's what I was thinking too. If there's no serious 3 point threat, defenses will just load up down low and take their chances playing hack a mole or flopping. This is what ND did in those years they were winning the majority of the games pre-KML. KML was the ultimate lie detector: she kept defenses honest. She forced opponents to put a body on her that might otherwise be used to double someone else, and if they cheated ever so slightly, she'd drop in 6, 8, or 10 3s. We have a freshman that could be the next great defense extender which creates space for everyone else. All we need KLS to do in her freshman year is all Geno asked of KML in hers, and that's to go out and score. If you do that, then the team looks an awful lot like last year's and no one has to change position.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Wasn't hypothesizing on why or how we don't need Butler. I definitely think we need another big in the rotation. I was just guessing Williams was gonna start out of the gate.

Meyers7---forgive a goof---in no way was I trying to say that you were --HYPOTHESING ABOUT BUTLER. It was a general (expecting a non directed ) comment that WE as participants on thE Boneyard can speak in nice tones why she won't be needed until DEC.

I can project a few scenarios where her presence will be needed. Against USC if Tuck and or Stewie get in foul trouble. Gabby, Boykin, Collier may help, but going against the USC front line would be tough for them. Same goes for ND with Riemer and Turner.
Butler whether she started or not could give me my crib blanket of comfort knowing she could (hopefully) hold off opposing bigs. Sorry you could take it the way you did.. No attack/offense intended.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Similar to last year. Tuck at the 5, Stewart at the 4, Nurse at the 2, Jefferson at the 1 and Williams at the 3. However it wouldn't be the spot up 3 that KML played last year, but a more slasher 3. I think Williams can get out on the break and Nurse can spot up in the transition game.

The new kids could play a part but Geno likes experience, especially good proven experience, except for her long ball shooting and some lacks in defense last year (which I hope are corrected) Gabby gives Geno that experience. But don't count Collier out--as a shot or two from KLS.
But remember when the game is on the line Muffet loves to trap the inexperienced freshmen.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

That's what I was thinking too. If there's no serious 3 point threat, defenses will just load up down low and take their chances playing hack a mole or flopping. This is what ND did in those years they were winning the majority of the games pre-KML. KML was the ultimate lie detector: she kept defenses honest. She forced opponents to put a body on her that might otherwise be used to double someone else, and if they cheated ever so slightly, she'd drop in 6, 8, or 10 3s. We have a freshman that could be the next great defense extender which creates space for everyone else. All we need KLS to do in her freshman year is all Geno asked of KML in hers, and that's to go out and score. If you do that, then the team looks an awful lot like last year's and no one has to change position.

Said that far better than I could ... obviously!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

But remember when the game is on the line Muffet loves to trap the inexperienced freshmen.

Geno doesn't think he has inexperienced freshmen. So, there is that. And, pray tell, what inexperienced freshman on CT is being trapped by what 2/3 Irishfolk, while the 4 experienced UConn players go get a drink of water? So, there is that, too. To me, the whole Geno doesn't like to play freshman thing is a bit overcooked.

 

[OldAlum]

Poor Natalie must want to punch something - but she better not! To practice and work hard on developing for over a year with no serious injuries and then have a kind of freak accident! Frustrating for sure but she should be at full strength when she is ready to come back.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Geno doesn't think he has inexperienced freshmen. So, there is that. And, pray tell, what inexperienced freshman on CT is being trapped by what 2/3 Irishfolk, while the 4 experienced UConn players go get a drink of water? So, there is that, too. To me, the whole Geno doesn't like to play freshman thing is a bit overcooked.

No he didn't have an "experienced " Freshman in KML when Muffet trapped her. Then when Jefferson was a freshman, Geno yanked her quickly against ND after Digging did her diggins trick of swatting the ball away to herself from the Uconn point guard. Geno may not think them inexperienced but he plays them like he doesn't trust them. Much like the guards going to Geno at the end of the regular season saying to him "trust Jefferson". And Moriah came in a very very high level guard. Division One experience isn't gained in High School or even playing 6 USA games.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

The new kids could play a part but Geno likes experience, especially good proven experience, except for her long ball shooting and some lacks in defense last year (which I hope are corrected) Gabby gives Geno that experience. But don't count Collier out--as a shot or two from KLS.
But remember when the game is on the line Muffet loves to trap the inexperienced freshmen.

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.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

No he didn't have an "experienced " Freshman in KML when Muffet trapped her. Then when Jefferson was a freshman, Geno yanked her quickly against ND after Digging did her diggins trick of swatting the ball away to herself from the Uconn point guard. Geno may not think them inexperienced but he plays them like he doesn't trust them. Much like the guards going to Geno at the end of the regular season saying to him "trust Jefferson". And Moriah came in a very very high level guard. Division One experience isn't gained in High School or even playing 6 USA games.

I knew I could provoke you into something! Muffet should have been suspended for at least 3 games for tackling KML that way. BTW, don't hate me, but you didn't answer my question. If Geno has 1 freshman and 4 AA's on the court, do you really think we are in jeopardy? Remember, it is Geno who decided to put her out there. I like every kid Geno & Co. recruits, but I know what Gabby was last year, and I know what KLS was - yeah, not college level - and I would rather have what I saw in KLS last year at the 3 than what I saw in Gabby last year at the 3. 'Til we see both in the 3 in game settings, what we are doing here and now, is just a game. My guess, just that, just like yours: Absent a really big jump for Gabby, KLS is a better 3. 4, it's Gabby all the way for now.

 

[Tonyc]

Im not really worried about the preseason without Butler out. First we won games last season by 20+. No having Natalie and we didn't have her last season will make a 20+ pt difference? I don't. Heck we might have some double digit wins but maybe not 20+. We gonna be fine. When she gets back look out.

 

[UcMiami]

The new kids could play a part but Geno likes experience, especially good proven experience, except for her long ball shooting and some lacks in defense last year (which I hope are corrected) Gabby gives Geno that experience. But don't count Collier out--as a shot or two from KLS.
But remember when the game is on the line Muffet loves to trap the inexperienced freshmen.

Hard to trap a team with senior Moriah at point and Sophomore NT star Kia at off guard, and it is hard to trap 6'3" players (Lou) in the front court unless they dribble into corners.

FYI Kia played that exhibition against the USA NT pre freshman year and received a very quick lesson from Uconn alum helping Geno prepare the soon to be starter about giving up her dribble after crossing half court! I believe it was Sue and DT that forced an immediate turnover - she is a fast learner and I don't think she has done that again for Canada or for Uconn.

 

[Alydar]

That's what I was thinking too. If there's no serious 3 point threat, defenses will just load up down low and take their chances playing hack a mole or flopping. This is what ND did in those years they were winning the majority of the games pre-KML. KML was the ultimate lie detector: she kept defenses honest. She forced opponents to put a body on her that might otherwise be used to double someone else, and if they cheated ever so slightly, she'd drop in 6, 8, or 10 3s. We have a freshman that could be the next great defense extender which creates space for everyone else. All we need KLS to do in her freshman year is all Geno asked of KML in hers, and that's to go out and score. If you do that, then the team looks an awful lot like last year's and no one has to change position.

While Lewis certainly made some 3's against Notre Dame, if we look at her freshman stats in the 4 games UConn played against the Irish we see something different.

(the bracketed numbers are the fg stats then the 3 pt breakout)
1/07/12 loss 33 mins, 7 pts (2-7, 2-5), 4 rb, 3 ass, 6 to
2/27/12 loss 20 mins 10 pts (4-8, 0-1), 0 rb, 0 ass, 1 to
3/06/12 win 30 mins 19 pts (8-14,1-4), 8 rb, 0 ass, 3 to
4/01/12 loss 36 mins 13 pts (5-13,0-3), 7 rb, 1 ass, 1 to

So in the 4 games, Lewis' 3pt stats were 3/13 ( 23%). She was 16/29 (55%) from 2.
It's something to consider when couting on Samuelson to have big 3 pt games vs Notre Dame.

 

[meyers7]

Well, only if Williams has made a big jump (no pun intended), otherwise I'd stick KLS at the 3 and ride out the freshman stuff.

That's probably a possibility. 5 more days to find out.

 

[meyers7]

Geno doesn't think he has inexperienced freshmen. So, there is that. And, pray tell, what inexperienced freshman on CT is being trapped by what 2/3 Irishfolk, while the 4 experienced UConn players go get a drink of water? So, there is that, too. To me, the whole Geno doesn't like to play freshman thing is a bit overcooked.

Agree, but usually there isn't a need to. Don't know if he'll need to this year either, but he may want to.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Agree, but usually there isn't a need to. Don't know if he'll need to this year either, but he may want to.

Exactly! Imagine the fun we will all have when he crosses us all up.

 

[UConn79]

Horrible break for Natalie. Wish her a full and speedy recovery. I am sure the staff and teammates will keepbher focused and involved. Notre Dame, Maryland, Ohio St. Games just became a little tougher.

These games w/o NB will provide 20 extra minutes or so for our bench players, which will help them in the rest of the season. Is it November 2 yet ??

 

[BroadwayVa]

Hard to trap a team with senior Moriah at point and Sophomore NT star Kia at off guard, and it is hard to trap 6'3" players (Lou) in the front court unless they dribble into corners.

FYI Kia played that exhibition against the USA NT pre freshman year and received a very quick lesson from Uconn alum helping Geno prepare the soon to be starter about giving up her dribble after crossing half court! I believe it was Sue and DT that forced an immediate turnover - she is a fast learner and I don't think she has done that again for Canada or for Uconn.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Hard to trap a team with senior Moriah at point and Sophomore NT star Kia at off guard, and it is hard to trap 6'3" players (Lou) in the front court unless they dribble into corners.

FYI Kia played that exhibition against the USA NT pre freshman year and received a very quick lesson from Uconn alum helping Geno prepare the soon to be starter about giving up her dribble after crossing half court! I believe it was Sue and DT that forced an immediate turnover - she is a fast learner and I don't think she has done that again for Canada or for Uconn.

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. Moraih at point--is wonderful--but not when say a Frosh has the ball in her hand, that's when the trap comes.
Fast learner or not--people trained in producing a quick and effective trap --do it quick and often an to the weakest link in the team they are playing.
I would be very much depressed if any team can trap Moriah. Kia may be difficult to again trap. But Notre Dame usually goes after FRESHMEN as stated in the original posting--so any comments relating to UConn WBB players above FRESHMEN is purely argumentative and without merit.

 

[Kibitzer]

To me, the whole Geno doesn't like to play freshman thing is a bit overcooked.

After Sue, Swin et al (2002 NC champions) graduated to the WNBA, weren't Barbara Turner and Ann Strother (and Wilnett) freshmen on the 2003 NC yeam?

 

[UcMiami]

While Lewis certainly made some 3's against Notre Dame, if we look at her freshman stats in the 4 games UConn played against the Irish we see something different.

(the bracketed numbers are the fg stats then the 3 pt breakout)
1/07/12 loss 33 mins, 7 pts (2-7, 2-5), 4 rb, 3 ass, 6 to
2/27/12 loss 20 mins 10 pts (4-8, 0-1), 0 rb, 0 ass, 1 to
3/06/12 win 30 mins 19 pts (8-14,1-4), 8 rb, 0 ass, 3 to
4/01/12 loss 36 mins 13 pts (5-13,0-3), 7 rb, 1 ass, 1 to

So in the 4 games, Lewis' 3pt stats were 3/13 ( 23%). She was 16/29 (55%) from 2.
It's something to consider when couting on Samuelson to have big 3 pt games vs Notre Dame.

ND typically played their best perimeter defender on KML and often in almost ball denial. I think that is going to be harder to do against a 6'3" player with a very quick release. It shows up in the number of 3s KML shot in those games as well - average of just over 3. But ND is also consistently one of the best defensive teams each year for a reason - they really focus on it.

 

[UcMiami]

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. Moraih at point--is wonderful--but not when say a Frosh has the ball in her hand, that's when the trap comes.
Fast learner or not--people trained in producing a quick and effective trap --do it quick and often an to the weakest link in the team they are playing.
I would be very much depressed if any team can trap Moriah. Kia may be difficult to again trap. But Notre Dame usually goes after FRESHMEN as stated in the original posting--so any comments relating to UConn WBB players above FRESHMEN is purely argumentative and without merit.

But it is much harder to effectively trap taller players - they can see over and hold the ball above the 'speed' players who are typically not six foot and that height advantage does not depend on college experience. A lot of teams who have decent handling big players specifically use those players in the center of the court as the release valve against trapping teams.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I knew I could provoke you into something! Muffet should have been suspended for at least 3 games for tackling KML that way. BTW, don't hate me, but you didn't answer my question. If Geno has 1 freshman and 4 AA's on the court, do you really think we are in jeopardy? Remember, it is Geno who decided to put her out there. I like every kid Geno & Co. recruits, but I know what Gabby was last year, and I know what KLS was - yeah, not college level - and I would rather have what I saw in KLS last year at the 3 than what I saw in Gabby last year at the 3. 'Til we see both in the 3 in game settings, what we are doing here and now, is just a game. My guess, just that, just like yours: Absent a really big jump for Gabby, KLS is a better 3. 4, it's Gabby all the way for now.[/QUOTE


I respect any of your opinions. I seriously doubt Geno will have any of his Freshmen at games end if the score is 60-59 with ND leading and 100 seconds to go. I agree it is Geno and only Geno who decides who shall be on the floor at any time. The admonition was just to tweek the memory that Muffet, therefore ND, that when the game is on the line she'll look for the weakest ball handler and seek to trap that one. Nothing more intended or expected. Gabby if on the floor with the other 4 expected to start--I will not be surprised if her teams works to trap Gabby.
There is nothing more that I'd like to see than for the 3 new Freshmen, Gabby, Ekmark, Soniya to hit the floor running and perform at high Div one level. But that's not the usual case, even at Uconn as we see many years.
No argument here. KLS is a good 3=4, but Gabby has a one year of Div one experience. Often time (like KML as a Frosh) there is a tendency to a bit lost at times in offense and defense.

 

[BroadwayVa]

But it is much harder to effectively trap taller players - they can see over and hold the ball above the 'speed' players who are typically not six foot and that height advantage does not depend on college experience. A lot of teams who have decent handling big players specifically use those players in the center of the court as the release valve against trapping teams.

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.

 

[PhillyCoach]

Like all the posters I am disappointed that Butler got hurt. Most of us are mainly sad for her since she was the one that put in over a year of work to get ready for this season. However, I am even more excited about the decisions to be made about starters and playing time. First, even with this injury UConn has, by far, the best returning team. Let's see---Stewie as the best player in the nation, Mo as best PG, Tuck as top 5 player and Nurse as top 5. Last year was a dominating season and the fined tuned machine is 80% returning. Yes, 3 players with International experience and a monster Tuck. Many posters feel that Geno loved the style of play last year--I agree. Who will be the 5th wheel? I think it is a simple process.

Geno has a vision of what it takes to win. I do think he will start with Gabby (Chong wouldn't fit as a third guard in this scheme.) Unless Lou or Collier play so outstanding that they outplay Gabby. IMHO Geno gives Gabby the first shot out of respect since she is a soph. Nevertheless, I think a quick hook is still in play (remember Chong & Stokes last year.) Gabby has the defense, the speed, and one year experience with the system. The one thing that could stop Gabby is if Geno is looking for more a long range shooter rather than a slasher or inside presence.

If Lou is shooting the lights out and can play minimal defense then she gets the next look. Collier is so talented and seems to be an all-around talent (she won the skills contest even against the guards in the McDonalds AA tourney) that she could adapt to whatever Geno wanted and perform at a level Geno would accept. She has a untiring motor, good defense, rebounding, and can score too.

Don't know about everyone else, but I am more interested in how this unfolds. Next man up! Remember, Stokes did not play big minutes in the South Carolina game. UConn can win with a mid-size line-up.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Lewis

Who is this Lewis person? Am I on the wrong board (there's a fungo for you!)? Kay, K, KML ML but Lewis? Sorry, Alydar, just giddy because I just acquired another firearm and it's a sweetie.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Your post suggests I'm touchy Broadway. I'm not. We are good and I hold your views and analysis in high esteem!

 

[Sonny44]

Butler sustained the injury in practice two weeks ago. Eventually it was determined surgery would be required. She will be in a cast, and then rehab, to rebuild the strength in her hand and wrist, a process Auriemma expects to take at least eight weeks.

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?

 

[Alydar]

Who is this Lewis person? Am I on the wrong board (there's a fungo for you!)? Kay, K, KML ML but Lewis? Sorry, Alydar, just giddy because I just acquired another firearm and it's a sweetie.

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)