Next Elena Delle Donne?

[HopJim]

I too watched the Iowa vs Indiana game and was impressed with Gustafson. But she is no EDD. MAKE NO MISTAKE.

What she is , is a good and solid college player. Strong . Methodical . And has a WNBA future as a power forward. Unable to defend out on the perimeter , but able to take up space in the paint and rebound. Good form on her shot out to the FT line and elbow. Good low post player.

But she is no EDD.

Saw EDD play several times at Delaware and at this point, would say Gustafson is playing at a more consistent level. Went to several games where EDD only scored in single digits first 3 quarters. Usually ended with 25-35 points. EDD, particularly in college, was not very strong, had issues with Lyme's Disease, and seemed to pace herself against poor competition. Today she is much better player than in college.

 

[CocoHusky]

EDD college version could replace any of the UConn's current starting 5. Who can Gustafson replace? Definitely not Z as the first sub of the bench.

EDD at her best could not replace Crystal as a PG in the current UCONN line up nor could she replace the perimeter defense that Kia Nurse provides.
Also don't think EDD can replace the defensive versatility and offensive setup skills of Gabby. EDD could however replace both KLS and and Napheesa Collier in the current UCONN lineup or Azura as the sixth man.
On the current UCONN team Gustafson could replace Napheesa because she has the shooting percentage to match (leading the country in scoring) and provide more rugged rebounding (5th in the country) and is better/taller post defender. Gustafson could also replace Azura as the UCONN 6th man because Azura's 3 point shooting has proven to be less than neth. Gustafson is also a better finisher than Azura and has a more diverse set of offensive moves at the basket. Azura is a much more dynamic passer and overall better suited for UCONN's offense but in reality next year they could be dynamic together if Gustafson were at UCONN.
Interesting side note: Had EDD decided to stay at UCONN she would have been joining a starting line up with Maya, Tina, Renee, & Kalana Greene. Would this have been the best starting 5 UCONN ever had?

 

[wallman]

Actually EDD couldn't replace any of Uconn players as she was and is not as good defensively if that is the focus.

 

[Striper69]

Actually EDD couldn't replace any of Uconn players as she was and is not as good defensively if that is the focus.

Elana was a one in a million player. It's not fair to subject any of the current UCONN players to any comparisons to her.

I remembered why I titled the thread as I did.

When EDD was in college she was the focal point of whatever team Delaware played. She regularly faced double and triple team defense schemes but drove right through them and still got her points.

Gustafson faces the same defenses but she stays in the low post and doesn't dribble but uses her pivot to get the advantage on whatever defense they throw at her.

Gustafson will thrive in the WNBA much the same way as Elena has.

 

[Striper69]

EDD at her best could not replace Crystal as a PG in the current UCONN line up nor could she replace the perimeter defense that Kia Nurse provides.
Also don't think EDD can replace the defensive versatility and offensive setup skills of Gabby. EDD could however replace both KLS and and Napheesa Collier in the current UCONN lineup or Azura as the sixth man.
On the current UCONN team Gustafson could replace Napheesa because she has the shooting percentage to match (leading the country in scoring) and provide more rugged rebounding (5th in the country) and is better/taller post defender. Gustafson could also replace Azura as the UCONN 6th man because Azura's 3 point shooting has proven to be less than neth. Gustafson is also a better finisher than Azura and has a more diverse set of offensive moves at the basket. Azura is a much more dynamic passer and overall better suited for UCONN's offense but in reality next year they could be dynamic together if Gustafson were at UCONN.
Interesting side note: Had EDD decided to stay at UCONN she would have been joining a starting line up with Maya, Tina, Renee, & Kalana Greene. Would this have been the best starting 5 UCONN ever had?

One of the most ridiculous posts I've ever read on this forum. LOL!

 

[inthisopinion]

EDD is one of the 2 or 3 greatest players in WCB history. She was a great offensive player and an excellent rebounder and defender. At Delaware she was at a disadvantage because her coaching couldn't figure out how to run the offense through her all the time. Because of her versatility there were many ways to do it but the opponent was allowed to take her out of the offense way too much. With a little better supporting cast and better coaching she would have been devastating almost all the time.

 

[CocoHusky]

EDD is one of the 2 or 3 greatest players in WCB history. She was a great offensive player and an excellent rebounder and defender. At Delaware she was at a disadvantage because her coaching couldn't figure out how to run the offense through her all the time. Because of her versatility there were many ways to do it but the opponent was allowed to take her out of the offense way too much. With a little better supporting cast and better coaching she would have been devastating almost all the time.

That is not consistentent with my recollection of having attended more than 30 Delaware home games while EDD was playing there. The Delaware offense began with,was run through & ended with EDD all the time every time. There really wasn't that much for a coach to figure out.