Nika Muhl

[MooseJaw]

I wouldn't hold him exactly to that. Nika subs for the guards and AE is probably first for the bigs but Aubrey will get hers. The problem with Aubrey is that you will need to have shooters in the game when she is in. Aubrey hasn't shown us a jumper yet and that makes her limited and the team limited on offense when she is in.

But there is no denying that, despite this, she makes an impact when she comes in...

I just think that maybe the offense doesn't flow as nicely as GA wants with Aubrey in the game, but she makes up for it with second chance rebounds and amazing defense which often leads to easy fast break points. She also runs better than anybody so she wears down the other team and I've seen GA use her as a post up too. GA is figuring out how to get the most out of Aubrey when she is in the game. Think about it, he calls a post up for the 8th man in the rotation? Yeah, he is looking to get her involved given her 'super human' athleticism.

She is a nice piece to have coming in off the bench. Teams aren't too excited to know that after playing X amount of minutes AND being a little tried, now they have to bust it up and down the court and bust in on getting rebounds because the jack rabbit is in the game!

You could substitute Gabby in place of Aubrey for her first 2 years, she turned out OK I think Aubrey will as well.

 

[jazz]

You could substitute Gabby in place of Aubrey for her first 2 years, she turned out OK I think Aubrey will as well.

I really think you are on to something here. Very similar players. Gabby didn't do much her first couple years. She never had a consistent outside jumper but they used her a lot a the foul line extended and she gets the ball and uses her quickness to get to the rim. I think going forward. Geno will have more options than he did when Gabby was here, so it's possible that AG plays a smaller role however.

 

[HopJim]

I really think you are on to something here. Very similar players. Gabby didn't do much her first couple years. She never had a consistent outside jumper but they used her a lot a the foul line extended and she gets the ball and uses her quickness to get to the rim. I think going forward. Geno will have more options than he did when Gabby was here, so it's possible that AG plays a smaller role however.

I hope you are correct. Gabby had a very specific and productive role, particularly as a soph on. She moved/cut constantly, lead the team in pick and roles, driving for layups, and taking attention away from the 3 point shooters. Teams needed to guard Gabby.

 

[HuskylnSC]

There is an adjustment to make as you move between USA and Euro ball. The change from here to there was easy for me. You just amp up the aggression a bit. Don't worry about going through that pick or pushing for position. But the move back requires a different mind set you have to overcome the reflexive reactions to situations. Changing those instinctive moves is the hardest part. Trying to change instincts causes a player to appear indecisive and slows their reaction times. Losing games is terrible for Nika's development. She needs to be able to have fouls called that won't impact the outcome of the game until those instincts are altered. She needs game minutes. I believe by tourney time she will be able to really slow down some of these quick guards that have been a problem to us.

 

[jazz]

I hope you are correct. Gabby had a very specific and productive role, particularly as a soph on. She moved/cut constantly, lead the team in pick and roles, driving for layups, and taking attention away from the 3 point shooters. Teams needed to guard Gabby.

Gabby had a sense of where to go. AG does that in rebounding only but not in creating space or within the offense. but it is still early in her soph year. no matter what, it is a dream to have an athlete like AG coming in off the bunch to run the other athletic big into the ground.

You will make the most athletic kid on the other team guard her, which means running like hell up and down the court and working like hell to keep her off the boards. Usually, the most athletic kid is a number 1 or 2 scorer, so you are wearing them out as well.

So playing AG to me makes even better strategy if you know that the number 1 or 2 scorer will have to check her. That kid is going to be tired and compromised on offense. Not to mention AG is probably our best defender, including perimeter defender...I think she is better at perimeter defense than any of our guards.

 

[hoophuskee]

There is an adjustment to make as you move between USA and Euro ball. The change from here to there was easy for me. You just amp up the aggression a bit. Don't worry about going through that pick or pushing for position. But the move back requires a different mind set you have to overcome the reflexive reactions to situations. Changing those instinctive moves is the hardest part. Trying to change instincts causes a player to appear indecisive and slows their reaction times. Losing games is terrible for Nika's development. She needs to be able to have fouls called that won't impact the outcome of the game until those instincts are altered. She needs game minutes. I believe by tourney time she will be able to really slow down some of these quick guards that have been a problem to us.

I hope I'm wrong-- but she doesn't seem quick enough to be able to slow down the quick guards. I know there are issues with her foot- but she still seems like she will never be that quick-- and especially year one as a frosh - to be much of a factor to slow down the quicker guards.

And offensively, if she can't shoot - she will affect how UCONN plays. The really good teams are going to affect UCONN's offense when she is in regardless how well she passes. Especially if a player on UCONN's perimeter is struggling to go along with if she is in at the same time as Griffin.

She does need minutes and she'll get some because UCONN will blow out many teams. But i'm just skeptical of her quickness, and her ability to shoot the basketball. Overall I think her defense can become adequate in year 1 but as far as her offense-- imo any time off kills her - and she's already missed valuable time not only for herself but how her teammates play with her during game conditions. But if you give her time for a pg that can't shoot - you affect how the game is being played all in the "hopes" that a bench player "might" find a touch.

So not only I think the defense is critical for her and ofc her passing on offense - but can she knock down shots? If she can't know down shots imo you are making it way too hard on other players- especially if she is also playing with Griff. And until she shows she is a "stopper" in any capacity she is "not Kelly Faris."

 

[oldude]

I hope I'm wrong-- but she doesn't seem quick enough to be able to slow down the quick guards. I know there are issues with her foot- but she still seems like she will never be that quick-- and especially year one as a frosh - to be much of a factor to slow down the quicker guards.

And offensively, if she can't shoot - she will affect how UCONN plays. The really good teams are going to affect UCONN's offense when she is in regardless how well she passes. Especially if a player on UCONN's perimeter is struggling to go along with if she is in at the same time as Griffin.

She does need minutes and she'll get some because UCONN will blow out many teams. But i'm just skeptical of her quickness, and her ability to shoot the basketball. Overall I think her defense can become adequate in year 1 but as far as her offense-- imo any time off kills her - and she's already missed valuable time not only for herself but how her teammates play with her during game conditions. But if you give her time for a pg that can't shoot - you affect how the game is being played all in the "hopes" that a bench player "might" find a touch.

So not only I think the defense is critical for her and ofc her passing on offense - but can she knock down shots? If she can't know down shots imo you are making it way too hard on other players- especially if she is also playing with Griff. And until she shows she is a "stopper" in any capacity she is "not Kelly Faris."

While it remains to be seen just how well Nika will do at the collegiate level, I would suggest we have some indication from her performance last year during the FIBA U-18 European championships. In 7 games Nika averaged 12.6 ppg, shooting 8/21 from the arc for a respectable 38%. She also averaged 6.6 apg, 5.7 rpg and 2.6 stpg. That indicates to me a very active and versatile player who can knock down the 3.

Obviously Nika needs to be healthy and get comfortable at the US collegiate level. But I’m reasonably confident that she’s got what it takes to succeed. More importantly, Geno seemed to be very confident that Nika would contribute this year, prior to her foot injury.

 

[jazz]

I hope I'm wrong-- but she doesn't seem quick enough to be able to slow down the quick guards. I know there are issues with her foot- but she still seems like she will never be that quick-- and especially year one as a frosh - to be much of a factor to slow down the quicker guards.

And offensively, if she can't shoot - she will affect how UCONN plays. The really good teams are going to affect UCONN's offense when she is in regardless how well she passes. Especially if a player on UCONN's perimeter is struggling to go along with if she is in at the same time as Griffin.

She does need minutes and she'll get some because UCONN will blow out many teams. But i'm just skeptical of her quickness, and her ability to shoot the basketball. Overall I think her defense can become adequate in year 1 but as far as her offense-- imo any time off kills her - and she's already missed valuable time not only for herself but how her teammates play with her during game conditions. But if you give her time for a pg that can't shoot - you affect how the game is being played all in the "hopes" that a bench player "might" find a touch.

So not only I think the defense is critical for her and ofc her passing on offense - but can she knock down shots? If she can't know down shots imo you are making it way too hard on other players- especially if she is also playing with Griff. And until she shows she is a "stopper" in any capacity she is "not Kelly Faris."

Too early to tell but based on her Euro success and the small sample size we have thus far, I think she can give us some quality minutes to spell the guards. Most teams don't have much as far as guards coming off the bench but I think we will be very good there with NM and EW playing guard in some situations.

I'm reserved on NM's movement skills due to the foot injury. I think when she concentrates more on moving her feet and less on swiping at the ball, she will be better than average. But, as I said, it is too early to be sure since she has had the foot issues. Despite the foot, I saw some things however, that gave me some hope on the defensive end.

 

[DefenseBB]

First and foremost MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Second, let’s all understand that trying to say Aubrey is Gabby redux is not accurate. Gabby was a guard in High School and her first years at UConn. She knew how to pass and move without the ball so her transition to Point-forward or point-center was fairly transparent. Gabby was a facilitator whereas Aubrey is more of a wing-slasher. As she learns more and gets comfortable with the new flow of the UConn system she will develop. If she can up her defense intensity to become a lockdown defender she can really help this team.

mom Nika, she’s had all of 2 games and both while playing hobbled so please how about some patience and compassion here?

Please Enjoy the day and stay safe! 4 days until DePaul!

 

[Bills Fan]

Too early to tell but based on her Euro success and the small sample size we have thus far, I think she can give us some quality minutes to spell the guards. Most teams don't have much as far as guards coming off the bench but I think we will be very good there with NM and AE playing guard in some situations.

I'm reserved on NM's movement skills due to the foot injury. I think when she concentrates more on moving her feet and less on swiping at the ball, she will be better than average. But, as I said, it is too early to be sure since she has had the foot issues. Despite the foot, I saw some things however, that gave me some hope on the defensive end.

You have Edwards playing Guard ????????

 

[hoophuskee]

While it remains to be seen just how well Nika will do at the collegiate level, I would suggest we have some indication from her performance last year during the FIBA U-18 European championships. In 7 games Nika averaged 12.6 ppg, shooting 8/21 from the arc for a respectable 38%. She also averaged 6.6 apg, 5.7 rpg and 2.6 stpg. That indicates to me a very active and versatile player who can knock down the 3.

Obviously Nika needs to be healthy and get comfortable at the US collegiate level. But I’m reasonably confident that she’s got what it takes to succeed. More importantly, Geno seemed to be very confident that Nika would contribute this year, prior to her foot injury.

As I said- I hope I'm wrong. And really "wrong" is the "wrong" word. More like - "hopeful to see" very good play eventually. Anyway, she'll get enough open looks to see if she can knock down shots. I'm rooting for your assessment of the games you cited to be more representative of the player she is/ will become as the season progresses.

In terms of Geno, imo he puts in players at start of season with an expectation of progression. Not all players progress in the way he'd like them to while others progress at a much higher rate than the players that don't .- Ergo- too valuable to take out. . I'm concerned that she isn't going to show that progression this year but obviously love it if she does. And obviously my concern means nothing. We can all watch her play - because I expect she'll get minutes because I expect a lot of blowouts. So I am eager to see what she can do.

 

[hoophuskee]

First and foremost MERRY CHRISTMAS TO ALL!

Second, let’s all understand that trying to say Aubrey is Gabby redux is not accurate. Gabby was a guard in High School and her first years at UConn. She knew how to pass and move without the ball so her transition to Point-forward or point-center was fairly transparent. Gabby was a facilitator whereas Aubrey is more of a wing-slasher. As she learns more and gets comfortable with the new flow of the UConn system she will develop. If she can up her defense intensity to become a lockdown defender she can really help this team.

mom Nika, she’s had all of 2 games and both while playing hobbled so please how about some patience and compassion here?

Please Enjoy the day and stay safe! 4 days until DePaul!

I agree with your assessment regarding Gabby vs Griffin. To further that- I think Gabby was showing legit post moves even as a frosh. Aubrey - I'm not so sure yet she has legit post moves. I love Aubrey's game but I don't see Gabby in it- at least not yet.

As far as Nika - were you referring to me? I hope not. I said I'm hopeful I'm wrong - and wrong was a bad word to use because I am eager to watch her. That I hope doesn't mean I'm not being "compassionate." I was strictly speaking of her skills what I see. That's what this site is for in part. This doesn't mean I'm not compassionate.

I wish you a super Merry Christmas as well!!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

While it remains to be seen just how well Nika will do at the collegiate level, I would suggest we have some indication from her performance last year during the FIBA U-18 European championships. In 7 games Nika averaged 12.6 ppg, shooting 8/21 from the arc for a respectable 38%. She also averaged 6.6 apg, 5.7 rpg and 2.6 stpg. That indicates to me a very active and versatile player who can knock down the 3.

Obviously Nika needs to be healthy and get comfortable at the US collegiate level. But I’m reasonably confident that she’s got what it takes to succeed. More importantly, Geno seemed to be very confident that Nika would contribute this year, prior to her foot injury.

Calling her slow is ridiculous. In Europe she made a career out of stealing the ball and burning it to the other end for a layup. Blatantly false as a mere passing glance at her European footage demonstrates. Her defensive footwork is also very good and accounts for a lot of those steals. The penchant some have for all but burying recruits early in their freshman year does not reflect well on the some.

 

[jazz]

You have Edwards playing Guard ????????

EW I meant...sorry. I've corrected it now.

 

[hoophuskee]

Calling her slow is ridiculous. In Europe she made a career out of stealing the ball and burning it to the other end for a layup. Blatantly false as a mere passing glance at her European footage demonstrates. Her defensive footwork is also very good and accounts for a lot of those steals. The penchant some have for all but burying recruits early in their freshman year does not reflect well on the some.

Are you talking about me? I said I am burying her? I said she is going to get a chance. If you are talking about me implying that I am even close to burying her a complete exaggeration of what I said.

I said she is going to get minutes in blowouts to see what she can do. And what I see yes she is slow. I think anyone that sees her and doesn't think that is wrong. Slow players however can be great. You don't need to have elite speed to be great -and you can still be good even if you are slow. And I'll just say again to even imply that I am even closely burying her completely misrepresents my post. I said she'll have her chances. How do you interpret that as "burying her?"

It's Christmas not looking for a fight. I can't believe you implied that I am burying her if you did so. . .

 

[HopJim]

Calling her slow is ridiculous. In Europe she made a career out of stealing the ball and burning it to the other end for a layup. Blatantly false as a mere passing glance at her European footage demonstrates. Her defensive footwork is also very good and accounts for a lot of those steals. The penchant some have for all but burying recruits early in their freshman year does not reflect well on the some.

My view is somewhere between your two comments. While we know what she did in Europe and that Geno went out of his way to recruit her, in the few snapshots seen for UConn, she does not appear quick. Could it be her injury, her lack of knowledge of UConn's schemes, the self imposed pressure of frosh year at UConn? Let's have this conversation after she plays another 10+ games.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

My view is somewhere between your two comments. While we know what she did in Europe and that Geno went out of his way to recruit her, in the few snapshots seen for UConn, she does not appear quick. Could it be her injury, her lack of knowledge of UConn's schemes, the self imposed pressure of frosh year at UConn? Let's have this conversation after she plays another 10+ games.

The beauty of sports. It should play out on the court if Covid will leave the program alone. I will be surprised in Nika sits because she is slow. Maria Conlon was the last slow guard Geno recruited.

 

[Littlemin]

Muhl tried playing hurt, I wonder how often all of you calling her slow ever tried playing hurt and didn’t have it have some physical affect on your game. When she comes back, she will without a doubt get minutes and not just in blowouts. She has impressed some pretty astute basketball minds in a short time, not the least of which are Auriemma and Popovich.

 

[jazz]

Muhl tried playing hurt, I wonder how often all of you calling her slow ever tried playing hurt and didn’t have it have some physical affect on your game. When she comes back, she will without a doubt get minutes and not just in blowouts. She has impressed some pretty astute basketball minds in a short time, not the least of which are Auriemma and Popovich.

Well said Littlemin. It is much too early to write Muhl off. She also has a toughness to her game and mentality that is lacking some in today's game. I'm sure Geno appreciates this more than the average joe...

 

[psconn]

My only concern with Nika is that she heals fast and completely. She has plenty of talent and altheticism, but needs some time to adjust to the NCAA style in real games. Her biggest challenge, IMO, is to establish her value and role this year ASAP before the logjam of talent hits the gym next season.

 

[hoophuskee]

The beauty of sports. It should play out on the court if Covid will leave the program alone. I will be surprised in Nika sits because she is slow. Maria Conlon was the last slow guard Geno recruited.

And if she had Con

Muhl tried playing hurt, I wonder how often all of you calling her slow ever tried playing hurt and didn’t have it have some physical affect on your game. When she comes back, she will without a doubt get minutes and not just in blowouts. She has impressed some pretty astute basketball minds in a short time, not the least of which are Auriemma and Popovich.

She never looked that fast during the little I saw even in Europe too. And just because she had a lot of steals-- Larry Bird had a lot of steals too comparing him vs other NBA players. But Larry Bird had them in pro ball- while Nika has not had them yet in college. I hope you're right. Until I see it - it's okay if I am skeptical, right? And right now from what I see - she was slow - and I have no idea how much the degree of the injury has affected her from practice one maybe she was extremely fast then gradually slowed or was hurt from day in practice etc. . You could guess/ project but I don't think anyone here knows. There are posters that wanted to see Paige in college before making a prediction. Are they wrong for doing that? Until I see it-- I'm just like the ones that wanted to see Paige. Or the ones that want to see more of Liv (I predicted she'd be 3rd team a/a or possibly better to start season however she lost two opportunities to go at Louisville and Miss State which hurts her in the view nationally imo.). Telling me that she is fast when I haven't seen it - and it's not like I can see her many Europe games on the internet. I had said many, many times that Edwards would not be a small forward much at all at UCONN too. But with Nika I just need to see more. I hope you and others nailed it with her.

And I doubt if game is close vs Baylor - if not foul trouble or very poor play from other guards/ wings etc- that she gets legit backup minutes. Other than Baylor and SC - and a game with DePaul or Marquette all other games will be blowouts. So regardless if she doesn't see vs Baylor- she'll get a lot of opportunities throughout this this season. I hope you're right. And I am very eager to see. All the players will have lots of opportunities (as long as games don't get canceled.).

If the Baylor game is close throughout - you really think Geno is going to play her - in that he hasn't seen her in a game in which she was healthy ? We just heard with the talked about practices vs games- and her style of rough defense - she may be committing too many fouls. I'm not saying without a doubt . . . - just saying I am skeptical.

 

[MooseJaw]

As I said- I hope I'm wrong. And really "wrong" is the "wrong" word. More like - "hopeful to see" very good play eventually. Anyway, she'll get enough open looks to see if she can knock down shots. I'm rooting for your assessment of the games you cited to be more representative of the player she is/ will become as the season progresses.

In terms of Geno, imo he puts in players at start of season with an expectation of progression. Not all players progress in the way he'd like them to while others progress at a much higher rate than the players that don't .- Ergo- too valuable to take out. . I'm concerned that she isn't going to show that progression this year but obviously love it if she does. And obviously my concern means nothing. We can all watch her play - because I expect she'll get minutes because I expect a lot of blowouts. So I am eager to see what she can do.

We have a much better chance to see her progress getting meaningful minutes, she needs to break a sweat and get into the flow of a real game. If she is ready Geno will know, therefore we will know as well, by the way coach uses her. I feel all of us want her to be a rotation player and we should be able to see the path in a few days. Like you I am pulling for her.

 

[jazz]

And if she had Con


She never looked that fast during the little I saw even in Europe too. And just because she had a lot of steals-- Larry Bird had a lot of steals too comparing him vs other NBA players. But Larry Bird had them in pro ball- while Nika has not had them yet in college. I hope you're right. Until I see it - it's okay if I am skeptical, right? And right now from what I see - she was slow - and I have no idea how much the degree of the injury has affected her from practice one maybe she was extremely fast then gradually slowed or was hurt from day in practice etc. . You could guess/ project but I don't think anyone here knows. There are posters that wanted to see Paige in college before making a prediction. Are they wrong for doing that? Until I see it-- I'm just like the ones that wanted to see Paige. Or the ones that want to see more of Liv (I predicted she'd be 3rd team a/a or possibly better to start season however she lost two opportunities to go at Louisville and Miss State which hurts her in the view nationally imo.). Telling me that she is fast when I haven't seen it - and it's not like I can see her many Europe games on the internet. I had said many, many times that Edwards would not be a small forward much at all at UCONN too. But with Nika I just need to see more. I hope you and others nailed it with her.

And I doubt if game is close vs Baylor - if not foul trouble or very poor play from other guards/ wings etc- that she gets legit backup minutes. Other than Baylor and SC - and a game with DePaul or Marquette all other games will be blowouts. So regardless if she doesn't see vs Baylor- she'll get a lot of opportunities throughout this this season. I hope you're right. And I am very eager to see. All the players will have lots of opportunities (as long as games don't get canceled.).

If the Baylor game is close throughout - you really think Geno is going to play her - in that he hasn't seen her in a game in which she was healthy ? We just heard with the talked about practices vs games- and her style of rough defense - she may be committing too many fouls. I'm not saying without a doubt . . . - just saying I am skeptical.

I hear ya Hoop. But I am confused..are you saying Nika is slow? I don't think she is slow. She might not be MoJeff fast but I think she is in the (near) lead for wind sprints for the guards. I wouldn't say I am skeptical, but I would like to see if she can improve on keeping players in front of her and all freshman have this problem.

NM also likes to swipe at the ball too often and in doing so, slows her feet and lateral movement skills. From what I have seen, I think she has promise in this area to improve and be at last an above average defender. But she has to stop swiping and keep moving her feet. I don't see anything that suggests she is slow.

Also, IMHO, if she doesn't get much time at Baylor, it is an indication of how well the starters are doing.

 

[CL82]

I hope you are correct. Gabby had a very specific and productive role, particularly as a soph on. She moved/cut constantly, lead the team in pick and roles, driving for layups, and taking attention away from the 3 point shooters. Teams needed to guard Gabby.

Gabby was always one of my favorites to watch an isolation on game replays. She just produced one jaw dropping moment after another and her constant movement reminded me of Rip Hamilton on the men’s team. His motor never quit.

 

[Littlemin]

And if she had Con


She never looked that fast during the little I saw even in Europe too. And just because she had a lot of steals-- Larry Bird had a lot of steals too comparing him vs other NBA players. But Larry Bird had them in pro ball- while Nika has not had them yet in college. I hope you're right. Until I see it - it's okay if I am skeptical, right? And right now from what I see - she was slow - and I have no idea how much the degree of the injury has affected her from practice one maybe she was extremely fast then gradually slowed or was hurt from day in practice etc. . You could guess/ project but I don't think anyone here knows. There are posters that wanted to see Paige in college before making a prediction. Are they wrong for doing that? Until I see it-- I'm just like the ones that wanted to see Paige. Or the ones that want to see more of Liv (I predicted she'd be 3rd team a/a or possibly better to start season however she lost two opportunities to go at Louisville and Miss State which hurts her in the view nationally imo.). Telling me that she is fast when I haven't seen it - and it's not like I can see her many Europe games on the internet. I had said many, many times that Edwards would not be a small forward much at all at UCONN too. But with Nika I just need to see more. I hope you and others nailed it with her.

And I doubt if game is close vs Baylor - if not foul trouble or very poor play from other guards/ wings etc- that she gets legit backup minutes. Other than Baylor and SC - and a game with DePaul or Marquette all other games will be blowouts. So regardless if she doesn't see vs Baylor- she'll get a lot of opportunities throughout this this season. I hope you're right. And I am very eager to see. All the players will have lots of opportunities (as long as games don't get canceled.).

If the Baylor game is close throughout - you really think Geno is going to play her - in that he hasn't seen her in a game in which she was healthy ? We just heard with the talked about practices vs games- and her style of rough defense - she may be committing too many fouls. I'm not saying without a doubt . . . - just saying I am skeptical.

So you saw a small sample size of Europe tapes with no idea of the speed of the other players, a couple of minutes of games here playing hurt and decided she is slow. And saying she “never looked that fast” is not being skeptical, it is passing judgement. If you can tell all that from the little you have seen of Muhl, I hope you make a living evaluating athletes.
As for meaningful minutes, since we have had all blowouts, I guess Bueckers and Edwards have yet to play a meaningful minute by your criteria.

 

[BostonBay]

Nika is key to our Title chances. As Geno said, she is #1 or #2 off the bench. You need that defensive intensity (especially on the perimeter) when it gets to the Elite 8 or Final 4.

 

[hoophuskee]

So you saw a small sample size of Europe tapes with no idea of the speed of the other players, a couple of minutes of games here playing hurt and decided she is slow. And saying she “never looked that fast” is not being skeptical, it is passing judgement. If you can tell all that from the little you have seen of Muhl, I hope you make a living evaluating athletes.
As for meaningful minutes, since we have had all blowouts, I guess Bueckers and Edwards have yet to play a meaningful minute by your criteria.

The definition of skeptical is "Not easily convinced." "Having reservations."

It is NOT NOT NOT "passing judgement." She didn't look fast and right now she has not been fast but I hope I'm wrong is NOT NOT NOT passing judgement.

And what you are trying to say about my definition is NOT what I said from my 1st post (maybe you didn't read my 1st post?). Or you're trying to change my narrative.?

Paige is going to play because she can not only pass but she can shoot. I have questioned Nika's shooting ability too. As many have I believe (thus another poster brought up Maria Conlon. But that wasn't relevant if you also take shooting into account. Just looking at sped sure- but for me I did include BOTH when speaking of Nika.). And Edwards is going to play because she has showed she can rebound and she can finish inside.

Nika has showed she can make a nice pass- I think like many she is a good passer - but what else has she showed?

You seem to want to argue with me so bad- - then please tell me- if Baylor game is close- do you think Nika is going to play if the game is tight? You see-- my definition is that I have seen Paige and Edwards perform vs the sub-tier teams. I have not seen Nika perform well vs the sub tier teams. So if the game is tight-- you think she is going to play? if you say "YES!" then great!!! Great great I hope she does and she is part of an eventual blowout in which she helped to create. But I am skeptical. Me being skeptical is NOT "passing judgement." As I said - I want to see more. But with Paige and Edwards I don't need to see more.

Many on here saw Paige early-on and some may have immediately made comment that she needs to get stronger. Were they passing judgement and wrong for doing so too?

 

[hoophuskee]

We have a much better chance to see her progress getting meaningful minutes, she needs to break a sweat and get into the flow of a real game. If she is ready Geno will know, therefore we will know as well, by the way coach uses her. I feel all of us want her to be a rotation player and we should be able to see the path in a few days. Like you I am pulling for her.

It's not about her though. I think you mean that too. Its about Geno. I don't think he is looking at things such as "meaningful minutes" vs an elite team or "meaningful" minutes vs a team you are going to blowout. I think there are meaningful minutes even vs the teams you eventually will blow out. And I'm not sure there is a sense of trust vs Baylor. I guess it depends if she is impressive if she plays against DePaul.

 

[hoophuskee]

I hear ya Hoop. But I am confused..are you saying Nika is slow? I don't think she is slow. She might not be MoJeff fast but I think she is in the (near) lead for wind sprints for the guards. I wouldn't say I am skeptical, but I would like to see if she can improve on keeping players in front of her and all freshman have this problem.

NM also likes to swipe at the ball too often and in doing so, slows her feet and lateral movement skills. From what I have seen, I think she has promise in this area to improve and be at last an above average defender. But she has to stop swiping and keep moving her feet. I don't see anything that suggests she is slow.

Also, IMHO, if she doesn't get much time at Baylor, it is an indication of how well the starters are doing.

I'm saying right now from what I've seen yes she is slow/not that quick. I wasn't differntiating between speed and quickness. All I have to go on is just a few European videos and the 1st game she played.

Wind sprints are also endurance. And what you "improve upon keeping players in front of her"-- UCONN played UMASS Lowell. That's been her only game. OFC she was hurt - but that opponent-- you should be able to keep in front of you. It could ben as you say she reaches then she gets beat. But I'm concerned she reaches because she gets beat too.

I'm not saying she isn't going to be good. Just saying for now -she is slow -or instead of slow - just not that quick (could be 100% due to injury) to be relied upon to keep a good player in front of her. Not saying she can't - which is why I said she'll have opportunities to show her stuff.

As far as the Baylor game-- imo if the game is close-- then it would have to be something rare in which all 4 or Paige, CWill, Evina and AMak are playing well while we are getting beaten up pretty badly in the frontcourt- in order for the score to be close. I'd be surprised if all 4 perimeter players are playing well while we just are getting wiped out in the paint. If the 4 perimeter players are all playing well then I don't expect the game to be close.

OFC it is possible all 4 will play well and the 3 in the paint will get wiped out- but I have said at start of season I thought Liv was going to be 3rd team all-american. OFC the two games vs Louisville and Miss State would have ben important to achieve that-- but I would be surprised if things break near in a certain way in which all perimeter players play well vs all in paint don't. Part of the reason why I would say our guards play well is because they are getting our bigs involved offensively.

SO anyhow in regards to speed quickness- if she has been hurt- then why would I or anyone else have no worry that she has the necessary speed/quickness unless you are just sold on those few European vids? DId they show it without a doubt? I could see in the few vids of Edwards that she was going to be pf/ c and not a sf- though I didn't know she would look this strong. But in my view the vids from Nika are much more unclear. I can say though I still don't know how well Edwards will paly vs Baylor. Refs might pick her apart as an example.

 

[CajunHusky]

The general public has seen exactly 27 minutes of gameplay on a bum foot.

The coaching staff has been evaluating her for about three months.

I'll wait and see how she does when she is 100%