Natalie Butler, The forgotten woman

[UcMiami]

The thing people tend to forget is that Maya who was perhaps the most college ready player to every arrive at Uconn did not start a game until the injury to Greene, left the team short handed. Kalana started the first 8 games, Moore the last 30. If you go back to DT - same story.
It is rare for Freshman to start if there is a viable alternative - it relieves some of the pressure on them while they learn the system. While Butler has not been on the court, she cannot be considered a new-comer, so I tend to think she is a more likely option, though I am not sure she will play more minutes than one or two of the freshman.


On Stewart scoring - she played 117 fewer minutes as a junior than she did as a sophomore - one fewer game, but 3+ fewer games in terms of minutes played - Moriah played 66 minutes less.

Edit:
RVWsleep - Interesting you bring up KML who had a very good year as a scorer as a freshman - but she only start a single game her freshman year out of 38 possibles. Sort of making the opposite point of what I think you were suggesting.

 

[rvwsleep]

The thing people tend to forget is that Maya who was perhaps the most college ready player to every arrive at Uconn did not start a game until the injury to Greene, left the team short handed. Kalana started the first 8 games, Moore the last 30. If you go back to DT - same story.
It is rare for Freshman to start if there is a viable alternative - it relieves some of the pressure on them while they learn the system. While Butler has not been on the court, she cannot be considered a new-comer, so I tend to think she is a more likely option, though I am not sure she will play more minutes than one or two of the freshman.


On Stewart scoring - she played 117 fewer minutes as a junior than she did as a sophomore - one fewer game, but 3+ fewer games in terms of minutes played - Moriah played 66 minutes less.

Edit:
RVWsleep - Interesting you bring up KML who had a very good year as a scorer as a freshman - but she only start a single game her freshman year out of 38 possibles. Sort of making the opposite point of what I think you were suggesting.

I just looked that up.. Probably should have worded it differently and used starter minutes instead of starter. If form holds true then it will be either Butler or Williams as the 5th starter.

 

[jdubct]

I just looked that up.. Probably should have worded it differently and used starter minutes instead of starter. If form holds true then it will be either Butler or Williams as the 5th starter.

I agree one of the two will start. I think a deciding factor will be who would be most valuable coming off the bench possibly bringing new energy and skills to the game.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

I agree one of the two will start. I think a deciding factor will be who would be most valuable coming off the bench possibly bringing new energy and skills to the game.

I hope she gets 20 minutes a game this year but I'd be stunned if Gabby starts for various reasons.

 

[meyers7]

But what's puzzling you
Is the nature of my game.

Favorite song of all time

 

[watanabe]

The rest of the nation has no idea, but I've been waiting a long time for Natalie to "Come out and play."

 

[meyers7]

The rest of the nation has no idea, but I've been waiting a long time for Natalie to "Come out and play."
View attachment 10737

 

[Gus Mahler]

I assume you saw in the news recently that the cast of this film had a reunion? [The Warriors]

I saw this when it came out and was horrified that such a world could exist.

 

[meyers7]

I assume you saw in the news recently that the cast of this film had a reunion? [The Warriors]

I saw this when it came out and was horrified that such a world could exist.

Yes, they rode the subway line again.

 

[billnaples]

The premise of bringing logic and reason to the discussion has already been undermined by someone but...... Any discussion about how many minutes Maya or Diana or anyone else got as a freshman is almost irrelevant when talking about Butler. She is not a first year player. From the age and physical side she is a JUNIOR. A sophomore from games played, but remember she has been practicing with the team for a full year, she has been keeping in shape within the UConn regimen, so I would be very surprised if she doe not fill the slot as the 5th starter. Said often though, nice problem for Geno, Gabby, Saniya, KLS, Collier, Boykin, Ekmark... who comes off the bench, when, replacing who (whom?) Fans could have the most fun in years predicting who plays and when.

 

[Huskies Rule]

If you do a quick search of the Boneyard you will find the word forgotten associated with every current players except Stewie & MoJefferson. Go back a few season an the word forgotten was used in relation to MoJefferson-because someone posted that Chong would/should soon replace MoJeff as the starting PG. The title of one thread was "Boykin the forgotten recruit"
Sadie Edwards was also "almost" the forgotten recruit as was KLS-this was clearly in jest. Time to retire the adjective "forgotten" as it relates to players on a UCONN roster IMO. Try using the phrase "less talked about" instead. Seriously Butler is a forgotten woman! Already?

Coco- Haha, that was my post and my thoughts at the time were, in light of all the nonstop chatter and excitement over Katie Lou and Napheesa, that there were other kids coming up (and on the roster now) who deserved some attention. too. As I saw it, De'Janae wasn't being talked about less, she was being completely ignored. And that pissed me off.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Yes, they rode the subway line again.

Meyers- This was the first film my old high school buddy Joel Silver produced (well, co-produced). It kept me far away from Coney Island for years.

 

[CocoHusky]

Coco- Haha, that was my post and my thoughts at the time were, in light of all the nonstop chatter and excitement over Katie Lou and Napheesa, that there were other kids coming up (and on the roster now) who deserved some attention. too. As I saw it, De'Janae wasn't being talked about less, she was being completely ignored. And that pissed me off.

I hear you, but come on this is UCONN we are talking about! The UCONN players don't care about our chatter. They let thier play do the talking and De'Janae will be speaking volumes soon.

 

[huskyd]

The premise of bringing logic and reason to the discussion has already been undermined by someone but. Any discussion about how many minutes Maya or Diana or anyone else got as a freshman is almost irrelevant when talking about Butler. She is not a first year player. From the age and physical side she is a JUNIOR. A sophomore from games played, but remember she has been practicing with the team for a full year, she has been keeping in shape within the UConn regimen, so I would be very surprised if she doe not fill the slot as the 5th starter. Said often though, nice problem for Geno, Gabby, Saniya, KLS, Collier, Boykin, Ekmark... who comes off the bench, when, replacing who (whom?) Fans could have the most fun in years predicting who plays and when.

Again, it all depends upon which way Geno chooses to go: up-tempo (no Butler) or half-court (Butler). When Geno had Stef, he used a center-oriented system; without a real center (who could score), he went last year to a transition game. The decision about this year will depend upon how Geno plans to use the talent he has. That's his genius. My guess is that sometimes Butler will start, sometimes not. If Lou is as terrific as I think she'll be, Butler will get less playing time. The question of whether, as a matter of principle, freshmen should start (before "paying their dues") is silly. If you can play, you will play. As for whether we "remember" Butler or not, she hasn't done anything at UConn yet. Maybe after this season we can say: the Butler did it.

 

[CocoHusky]

Again, it all depends upon which way Geno chooses to go: up-tempo (no Butler) or half-court (Butler). When Geno had Stef, he used a center-oriented system; without a real center (who could score), he went last year to a transition game. The decision about this year will depend upon how Geno plans to use the talent he has. That's his genius. My guess is that sometimes Butler will start, sometimes not. If Lou is as terrific as I think she'll be, Butler will get less playing time. The question of whether, as a matter of principle, freshmen should start (before "paying their dues") is silly. If you can play, you will play. As for whether we "remember" Butler or not, she hasn't done anything at UConn yet. Maybe after this season we can say: the Butler did it.

Once a starting lineeup has been established (meaning successful) Geno does not change starters. The question of Freshmen starters has nothing to do with "paying dues", it has everything to do with the significant jump a Freshmen has to make from HS basketball to UCONN level starter & and a second consideration being the strength of the UCONN roster.

 

[Ouremblem]

Has anyone read or heard how Geno intends to use Gabby this season, forward or guard? I hate even thinking of Mo & Breanna graduating, but Geno also has to start playing some of next year's combinations this year for experience.

 

[CocoHusky]

Has anyone read or heard how Geno intends to use Gabby this season, forward or guard? I hate even thinking of Mo & Breanna graduating, but Geno also has to start playing some of next year's combinations this year for experience.

Mid summer Gabby was working on shooting, coming of screens & ball handling- all of which suggest being a wing/guard. The official roster listed her at G exclusively. With Butler & Boykin on the roster this year I don't see a need for Gabby to play F and primarily be post up like she did last year. Playing for "next year" is a good way to get in trouble IMO.

 

[huskeynut]

Mid summer Gabby was working on shooting, coming of screens & ball handling- all of which suggest being a wing/guard. The official roster listed her at G exclusively. With Butler & Boykin on the roster this year I don't see a need for Gabby to play F and primarily be post up like she did last year. Playing for "next year" is a good way to get in trouble IMO.

However, Gabby's experience playing in the post area was valuable experience. If she plays the 2 or 3, she has the ability to post up a guard down low. That could be deadly for our opponents, especially with Gabby's verticle leaping ability.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

However, Gabby's experience playing in the post area was valuable experience. If she plays the 2 or 3, she has the ability to post up a guard down low. That could be deadly for our opponents, especially with Gabby's verticle leaping ability.

Guards who go down low against UConn will be few and far between. There are very few "bigs" who have shots that can draw our bigs out of the "kill zone".

 

[CocoHusky]

However, Gabby's experience playing in the post area was valuable experience. If she plays the 2 or 3, she has the ability to post up a guard down low. That could be deadly for our opponents, especially with Gabby's verticle leaping ability.

I agree completely. That is why I said not primarily in the post.

 

[billnaples]

Coco- Haha, that was my post and my thoughts at the time were, in light of all the nonstop chatter and excitement over Katie Lou and Napheesa, that there were other kids coming up (and on the roster now) who deserved some attention. too. As I saw it, De'Janae wasn't being talked about less, she was being completely ignored. And that pissed me off.

Imagine how the young lady felt if you in fact were p'o'd with her being ignored. I have only concluded that Butler is the more likely starter because she had a full year of practice learning everything CD and Geno could toss at her. Will her conditioning allow her to participate in a very up tempo pace? Time answers. We can I think be comfortable that if NB starts then everyone on the bench will/should be able to come in and jump start the pace. Gabby and Saniya are as quick as anyone on the team ('cept for Mo of course), looking forward to seeing how KLS, Collier, and Boykin present and does Ekmark get some pace back after her injury issues. Like I said, what a fun time to be Geno.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I think too much emphasis has been put on "up tempo" vs center centric half court, like it is one or the other. Frankly, I don't see Natalie starting meaning the Huskies cannot push the pace. Gabby was used as she was used last year because she had a learning curve deficit where she should have been used. Demonstrably she can continue to be used that way, but answer me this: She did not start last year, so why would Geno start her inside this year? Because Kiah is not around to come off the bench, so Natalie should slide into that role? And why did Kiah come in as opposed to starting - cuz she would not/could not turn on her offense. Don't stick Butler with that label before she has played a game for UConn.

 

[Carnac]

We speculate because UCONN must start 5 players and the roster has more than 5 players that are capable of starting. We speculate because we also don't know if Natalie can/will play defense at "UCONN's level" either. We speculate because it is the off season. We speculate because it is fun and per chance we speculated correctly we get to tell you "I told you so".
For the record: I'm speculating that Collier will be able to play defense and do many more things at the UCONN level & that KLS will be among the elite scorers in WCBB from the start of their college careers. If/when Natalie Butler beats out Collier & KLS for a starting position, this will not make our speculation wrong. It will just make Natalie Butler one hell of a player!

Coco.....You are not alone in your observations. Move over, let me get on that bandwagon.

 

[billnaples]

Coco.....You are not alone in your observations. Move over, let me get on that bandwagon.

Certain I think we can be that Stewart, Jefferson, Tuck, & Nurse will start. I completely agree that the 5th could come from likely five. I don't see Ekmark and probably not Boykin but who knows. Collier, KLS, Chong, Williams, Butler, all could, only one will. Maybe the exhibition games will give us a clue. It will be a fun filled year for sure, can we go undefeated and secure #11 in the process? Listen for the screams, Break up the Huskies!!!!! Good luck with that!

 

[BroadwayVa]

You replied to the wrong poster. muscat was the poster who started the thread not msf22b. The premises you disagree with were not stated by msf22b. Hence the confusion by a few posters following this post I'm quoting.

I find it interesting that you are making some ado over an "ado about nothing". And even more interesting that I'm adding to the ado(s) and don'ts.

Back to Natalie: I'm really looking forward to see her play for UConn. I've been excited since she transferred. I have no idea whether or not she reads publications about the team. There are people who derive motivation when they feel ignored or slighted. I'm not sure if this is important or not to Natalie.

Ado Ado kind friends Ado, I can no longer stay with you, so I'll hang my hat on a weeping willow tree, and may the world go well with thee---Ado!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

Natalie Butler, as a transfer, hasn't been seen in Uconn action as of yet. So the pundits, scribes, commenters have not had a chance to see her in that context. Give them a chance to see what she can do. MAYBE they and we shall see something they are missing. I haven't seen her in action at Uconn yet either--but from her GT play in the BE, Geno, and a few of the BE coach comments--she is the real deal.

But I too think the comments on the Title or the promises of the Premises leave a little tact behind on an otherwise UConn Loving Site. Isn't that what the Boneyard is about --heralding all Uconn
Players, bench sitters, or star or those who transfer IN?

 

[PaulD]

I've been reading several of the preseason team reviews (the Sporting News, as far as I know, is the only one that doesn't have UCONN as the preseason number one). However, none of the three written reviews that I've seen have mentioned Butler at all. If she's as good as I think she's going to be, that's a big wild card that most of the "experts" are completely ignoring. Hope she takes that as motivation.

Butler will be an all star. She has the motivation, drive and genes to ensure she is a force in the middle. If what she did at Georgetown is any indication, she will excel here, as well.

 

[watanabe]

Natalie Butler, as a transfer, hasn't been seen in Uconn action as of yet. So the pundits, scribes, commenters have not had a chance to see her in that context. Give them a chance to see what she can do. MAYBE they and we shall see something they are missing. I haven't seen her in action at Uconn yet either--but from her GT play in the BE, Geno, and a few of the BE coach comments--she is the real deal.

But I too think the comments on the Title or the promises of the Premises leave a little tact behind on an otherwise UConn Loving Site. Isn't that what the Boneyard is about --heralding all Uconn
Players, bench sitters, or star or those who transfer IN?

What? Where's the fun in that?

 

[Bgillon]

What? Where's the fun in that?

It is a lot of fun to read different opinions that wax poetic on how great a new player will be, even a 6' 5"center who has worked to hone her skills and fitness for 12 months at UCONN.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

But I too think the comments on the Title or the promises of the Premises leave a little tact behind on an otherwise UConn Loving Site. Isn't that what the Boneyard is about --heralding all Uconn
Players, bench sitters, or star or those who transfer IN?

Huh? Sorta Tennessee like. I don't get it. Watcha saying here? Seems to go round and round. Seriously, whatcha saying.