Nika's Performances and Playing Time

[genzhusk]

It's completely unfounded to draw this conclusion ("really a poor 3 point shooter") based apparently on tonight's game. Remember that she had an 0-for-America period from the 3-point line at the beginning of last season that lasted longer than this, but eventually (when she played a lot of minutes) she became a credible 3-point shooter.

I think that she and Caroline are in the same boat. If they got a lot more minutes, their play would improve markedly, but it's a Catch-22 because Geno can't afford to give them a lot more minutes until they are more productive.

I think it will work out for both of them, but it may take until mid-January for that to happen.

based on every game this season actually. which game did she have good 3-point shooting?

 

[sun]

Nika was tied for having the 2nd most 3 pointers on the team last year.
Her 3 point ability shouldn't be questioned, but she's more of a play maker that produces good team chemistry.

 

[JBK]

Welcome to BY. Nika will not be a starter this year (may be next year) but she will be in Geno's rotation. I also think she has great potential. And wish she has a fast recovery of

It's completely unfounded to draw this conclusion ("really a poor 3 point shooter") based apparently on tonight's game. Remember that she had an 0-for-America period from the 3-point line at the beginning of last season that lasted longer than this, but eventually (when she played a lot of minutes) she became a credible 3-point shooter.

I think that she and Caroline are in the same boat. If they got a lot more minutes, their play would improve markedly, but it's a Catch-22 because Geno can't afford to give them a lot more minutes until they are more productive.

I think it will work out for both of them, but it may take until mid-January for that to happen.

She is 0 for 6 this year after making it a priority

It's completely unfounded to draw this conclusion ("really a poor 3 point shooter") based apparently on tonight's game. Remember that she had an 0-for-America period from the 3-point line at the beginning of last season that lasted longer than this, but eventually (when she played a lot of minutes) she became a credible 3-point shooter.

I think that she and Caroline are in the same boat. If they got a lot more minutes, their play would improve markedly, but it's a Catch-22 because Geno can't afford to give them a lot more minutes until they are more productive.

I think it will work out for both of them, but it may take until mid-January for that to happen.

I did state I am rooting for Nika, but 0 for 6 this season after she made it a point of emphasis is disappointing. What’s more disappointing is she is hesitant to shoot the ball. - no threat at all and teams know that- and it will eventually create more double teaming on Paige. She also was a great passer upon coming to UCONN and her lack of confidence has impacted that part of her game as well.
I know Geno creates added pressure on these young ladies, but I hope her toughness comes through at some point.
As far as Caroline, she needs to play for a period of time and work out her nerves.

 

[HopJim]

She is 0 for 6 this year after making it a priority

I did state I am rooting for Nika, but 0 for 6 this season after she made it a point of emphasis is disappointing. What’s more disappointing is she is hesitant to shoot the ball. - no threat at all and teams know that- and it will eventually create more double teaming on Paige. She also was a great passer upon coming to UCONN and her lack of confidence has impacted that part of her game as well.
I know Geno creates added pressure on these young ladies, but I hope her toughness comes through at some point.
As far as Caroline, she needs to play for a period of time and work out her nerves.

I am more concerned with Nika's defense this year (althought her hesitantcy on offense is an issue as well). She seems to be a half step slow and is playing defense with her hands versus moving her feet. Her 4 fouls last night were a great example - most were on straightforward one on one assignments that she did well with last year.

 

[npignatjr]

@Nick Pignatello
Why can’t you take her games now at face value? She has not showed any improvement in 5 games this year and a whole summer and fall to practice. Not only does she get a chance to prove herself in practice, she also proves each game this year. Cristyn was phenomenal her freshman year but has regressed. No one judges Cristyn based on her freshman year they judge her based on NOW. You should do the same for Nika. Base her game for face value in what she’s doing right now.

Face value when playing 35 minutes at a time not only a few. The point is she blossomed when put in the starting lineup.

 

[BobbyJ]

I love how Nika plays the game, BUT if I remember correctly she stayed at UCONN and worked on her game during the summer. Watching her this year (small sample size) she clearly didn't work on her shooting. She has been awful from outside so far. She has to improve if she wants to play.

The definition of insanity is something like doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different outcome. Until a coach or instructor who understands shooting mechanics teaches her the footwork and consistent release of a good shooter and how to dribble into a jumpshot, she's not going to improve.

 

[LoboDays]

There is also a time limit that Nika (and Caroline) are facing. If they don’t show the coach a reason to give them more minutes before Azzi and Aubrey return, it will be a long season spent on the bench. Nika’s chance may come from contributing the intensity and aggressiveness that this team (except Paige) seems to be missing. That’s really why she is a fan favorite. Finesse is fine to a certain point but there are times when you need to let the other team know that your going toe to toe with them. That’s when this team needs Nika.

 

[sun]

Nika reminds me of how Jen Rizzotti used to play.
"Put a tiger in your tank"

 

[CocoHusky]

There is also a time limit that Nika (and Caroline) are facing. If they don’t show the coach a reason to give them more minutes before Azzi and Aubrey return, it will be a long season spent on the bench. Nika’s chance may come from contributing the intensity and aggressiveness that this team (except Paige) seems to be missing. That’s really why she is a fan favorite. Finesse is fine to a certain point but there are times when you need to let the other team know that your going toe to toe with them. That’s when this team needs Nika.

This is not a boxing match it is basketball. Both Caroline and Nika need to contribute by keeping the other team from scoring and putting the ball in the basket. This is the same challenge for all the players and notice the use of the word and as opposed to or. Azzi and Aubrey are both hurt so it must be Caroline and Nika until they return. This is why they said they came to UCONN-opportunity knocks!

 

[CocoHusky]

Nika reminds me of how Jen Rizzotti used to play.
"Put a tiger in your tank"

Wade Trophy and AP POY, that Jen Rizzotti?

 

[topogigio]

Nika simply has not been good when she is on the court. She hustles, but plays like a bull in a china shop. Her outside shot has been atrocious, bad decisions, bad passes, and too man fouls - and I like Nika! Tryin' too hard, maybe.

 

[sun]

Nika simply has not been good when she is on the court. She hustles, but plays like a bull in a china shop. Her outside shot has been atrocious, bad decisions, bad passes, and too man fouls - and I like Nika! Tryin' too hard, maybe.

Then why was she tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year?
Some would say that Nika played lights out as a freshmen.

 

[genzhusk]

Face value when playing 35 minutes at a time not only a few. The point is she blossomed when put in the starting lineup.

@Nick Pignatello

These are Nika’s 3-point stats against teams that were at one point ranked top-25 last year:
SC 1-3
depaul 1-4
arizona 0-1
arkansas 2-4
Overall top-25 teams: 4-12; 33%. That’s hardly a true threat. Her only great games were against bottom of the barrel big east teams. we’re not winning a championship by only playing good against BE. You and I may just have different outlooks on competition. I don’t base performance on BE schools.

All I ask if that you judge her objectively like everyone else. Enough “energy” points. Her energy is getting more fouls than points. No team energies their way to a championship. It requires skill as well. Even Arizona had skill in Ari McDonald and defense without fouling and slapping

 

[sun]

Someone who was at the SH game posted that Nika and Caroline were making all of their 3 point shots during the 30 minute pre-game warm up.
There's more to scoring than making baskets such as by making assists, crisp & smart passes, good cuts, having good chemistry and knowing how the offense works.
Some players like Nika are naturally more athletic and can hustle more than others.
That's why she should be in the playing rotation, at least she helps to prevent wear & tear on other players.
No one is perfect, but Geno can quantify Nika's ability compared to other players when he decides who should play & how much.
She'll get to prove herself against some of the better teams.

 

[ballerfan]

Then why was she tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year?
Some would say that Nika played lights out as a freshmen.

Geno said that some players are struggling because they are trying to adjust to the new 3 point line. Even Paige’s 3 point percentage is way down.

 

[topogigio]

Then why was she tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year?
Some would say that Nika played lights out as a freshmen.

I was referring to this season. I agree that last year she was a huge asset - this year, hasn't impressed at all.

 

[CocoHusky]

Then why was she tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year?
Some would say that Nika played lights out as a freshmen.

Uhm.... Nika wasn't tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year.
Official stats are right here.

Women's Basketball Cumulative Statistics

@description

uconnhuskies.com

 

[CocoHusky]

Someone who was at the SH game posted that Nika and Caroline were making all of their 3 point shots during the 30 minute pre-game warm up.
There's more to scoring than making baskets such as by making assists, crisp & smart passes, good cuts, having good chemistry and knowing how the offense works.
Some players like Nika are naturally more athletic and can hustle more than others.
That's why she should be in the playing rotation, at least she helps to prevent wear & tear on other players.
No one is perfect, but Geno can quantify Nika's ability compared to other players when he decides who should play & how much.
She'll get to prove herself against some of the better teams.

Forgot to welcome you to the BY.
If Nika and Caroline are making all of their shots in pre-game warmups that's a good thing but not nearly as good as making a few in the real games. Come to think of it , it's rather disturbing to go from making all your shots in practice and shooting air balls in the game.

 

[JoePgh]

Uhm.... Nika wasn't tied for the 2nd most number of 3 pointers on the team last year.
Official stats are right here.

Women's Basketball Cumulative Statistics

@description

uconnhuskies.com

The correct statement (based on the stat page that you linked) is that Nika was tied for second place on the team in 3-point percentage. Paige was first at 46.4%, and Christyn and Nika tied for second with a 34.3% success rate from the arc.

Nika took about half as many 3-point shots as Christyn, which is very roughly proportional to their minutes played.

 

[JoePgh]

Forgot to welcome you to the BY.
If Nika and Caroline are making all of their shots in pre-game warmups that's a good thing but not nearly as good as making a few in the real games. Come to think of it , it's rather disturbing to go from making all your shots in practice and shooting air balls in the game.

But, like Nika's 3-point shooting percentage last year, it is a strong indication that both Nika's and Caroline's current problems are with butterflies in their stomach(s) when they get on the court for very limited minutes.

I understand Geno's dilemma: he can't afford to play them for a lot of minutes unless they are more productive than they have shown in the limited minutes he has given them. Last year, Nika got larger minutes when injuries forced other starters to play less. The same thing is happening now with Azzi's and Aubrey's injuries. I expect that Nika and Caroline will get gradually increased minutes, and (very gradually) they will get over the butterflies and perform at the level that their skills permit.

 

[CocoHusky]

The correct statement (based on the stat page that you linked) is that Nika was tied for second place on the team in 3-point percentage. Paige was first at 46.4%, and Christyn and Nika tied for second with a 34.3% success rate from the arc.Nika took about half as many 3-point shots as Christyn, which is very roughly proportional to their minutes played.

Understood but that's not what the post said. I can also easily flip this conversation and point out that Nika had the 2nd Lowest FG% on the team last year. You should also understand that 3PG% isn't "roughly" proportional to minutes played because of that thing call fatigue kicking in.

 

[CocoHusky]

But, like Nika's 3-point shooting percentage last year, it is a strong indication that both Nika's and Caroline's current problems are with butterflies in their stomach(s) when they get on the court for very limited minutes.

I understand Geno's dilemma: he can't afford to play them for a lot of minutes unless they are more productive than they have shown in the limited minutes he has given them. Last year, Nika got larger minutes when injuries forced other starters to play less. The same thing is happening now with Azzi's and Aubrey's injuries. I expect that Nika and Caroline will get gradually increased minutes, and (very gradually) they will get over the butterflies and perform at the level that their skills permit.

It is entirely possible that a player can overcome butterflies. Anna Makurat started with butterflies and overcame them. Nika started last season by making 1 of her first 15 FG attempts and I'm not talking about her first 15 3PT attempts either-most of those were layups. Caroline I can understand butterflies but Nika is a former starter who so far is shooting 27% this season. During the 2nd half of the SH game Nika is becoming something that is even more dangerous than an inaccurate shooter- she has become a reluctant shooter having passed up many shots yesterday- Mikayla Coombs kind of reluctant. In 49 minutes of game action Nika has attempted 12 shots. That is roughly 1 shot for every 4 minutes on the court & is not enough shots to keep the defense honest especially for the primary facilitator of the offense.

 

[Monte]

It is entirely possible that a player can overcome butterflies. Anna Makurat started with butterflies and overcame them. Nika started last season by making 1 of her first 15 FG attempts and I'm not talking about her first 15 3PT attempts either-most of those were layups. Caroline I can understand butterflies but Nika is a former starter who so far is shooting 27% this season. During the 2nd half of the SH game Nika is becoming something that is even more dangerous than an inaccurate shooter- she has become a reluctant shooter having passed up many shots yesterday- Mikayla Coombs kind of reluctant. In 49 minutes of game action Nika has attempted 12 shots. That is roughly 1 shot for every 4 minutes on the court & is not enough shots to keep the defense honest especially for the primary facilitator of the offense.

You're right. She has become a reluctant shooter. She has to keep throwing it up when she is open, and things will come together.

 

[BostonBay]

Bottom line - if she want PT she needs to develop a mid range shot and make her layups. Players are cheating off her because they know she is not a shooting threat.

 

[CocoHusky]

Bottom line - if she want PT she needs to develop a mid range shot and make her layups. Players are cheating off her because they know she is not a shooting threat.

The UCONN opponents are sagging off everyone not named Paige. Only Azzi was able to make USF pay.

 

[sun]

The correct statement (based on the stat page that you linked) is that Nika was tied for second place on the team in 3-point percentage. Paige was first at 46.4%, and Christyn and Nika tied for second with a 34.3% success rate from the arc.

Nika took about half as many 3-point shots as Christyn, which is very roughly proportional to their minutes played.

Thanks for the correction and the reference page.
I got the info. from a UCTV video that didn't mention the word "percentage."
What it said is that "...she is tied for the 2nd highest 3 pointers on the team..."
Unfortunately I believed the video content which can be seen below at the 1:02 mark.

 

[sun]

On the other hand, Nika had 62 assists compared to CW with 64, and who played almost twice as many minutes.
When she wasn't shooting 3's, Nika was used to passing the ball off to other players to score.
That was her role.

 

[CocoHusky]

On the other hand, Nika had 62 assists compared to CW with 64, and who played almost twice as many minutes.
When she wasn't shooting 3's, Nika was used to passing the ball off to other players to score.
That was her role.

Well when you are a poor shooter like Nika, it makes perfect sense to pass the ball to someone who can shoot-that would be Christyn.

 

[The deacon]

On the other hand, Nika had 62 assists compared to CW with 64, and who played almost twice as many minutes.
When she wasn't shooting 3's, Nika was used to passing the ball off to other players to score.
That was her role.

I wouldn't judge Nika's assist profiency by comparing her to Christyn. The latter isn't exactly known for looking for open teammates once she has the ball. As you said, that is Nika's role. It's not Christyn's.

 

[npignatjr]

@Nick Pignatello

These are Nika’s 3-point stats against teams that were at one point ranked top-25 last year:
SC 1-3
depaul 1-4
arizona 0-1
arkansas 2-4
Overall top-25 teams: 4-12; 33%. That’s hardly a true threat. Her only great games were against bottom of the barrel big east teams. we’re not winning a championship by only playing good against BE. You and I may just have different outlooks on competition. I don’t base performance on BE schools.

All I ask if that you judge her objectively like everyone else. Enough “energy” points. Her energy is getting more fouls than points. No team energies their way to a championship. It requires skill as well. Even Arizona had skill in Ari McDonald and defense without fouling and slapping

My numbers were as a starter, didn't start against Arizona played 20 minutes on a bad leg after Arizona built their 1st half lead. The worst number you show was against a BE team. Take DePaul out, 3-8 against the others. Against Marquette 5-13. Geno inserted her as a starter not because of her shooting, the other intangibles.