I’ll give you Ekmark transferring for lack of playing time but Boykin never suited up for a game (injuries/academics), and Edwards & AEH didn’t even make it to their 2nd semester at UConn. Their issues were far deeper than a lack of PT.
Courtney transferred for the fifth year scholarship and the pre-law degree. She may have wanted more playing time but basketball is not at the top of her list. And more power to her! She gave her all in games and practice at UConn and apparently was a great teammate. I saw a couple of her games last year and she really hasn't changed much. Defensive skills average to below average and a tendency to get lost in the schemes.
Walz doesn't do well with bigger players. Ciera Johnson, Erin DeGrate and now Retta Kakala. They come in with high hopes and big fan expectations but when they get on the court they don't fit Walz up tempo style. Plus, they are not in the best shape either. Every school has transfers but Walz goes for the best players he can and the chips fall where they may. He isn't a bad guy but if he doesn't use this strategy Lville has no chance at final fours. Doesn't sound ideal but it's the truth. Retta should do great at Pacific and Ciera will be interesting to watch this year at A&M. She has big shoes to fill. Erin hopefully will continue to progress at Texas Tech.
He was desperate for size and wasn't as committed to a team that could run until recently. He didn't do a good job getting the right kind of players. When he went after DeGrate he was just happy to get someone big. He thought Ciera Johnson was going be great but she slowed the team down. Looks like he made the same mistake with Retta. Even Mariya Moore slowed down the team her final year. Jaz Jones was a much better "fit" for Walz style of play. Kylee Shook doesn't fit his style 100% but I think she is going to make it. Sam Fuehring and Myisha Hines-Allen can/could board and run. Walz didn't have the luxury of Geno picking and choosing the kind of player he wants to a degree. His players until last year always seemed to lack chemistry on the offensive end. Last year they actually looked like they knew what they were doing on offense.
Walz is better off leaving the pr alone at this stage. He has a good program, is a good guy and it is what it is.
Kia won the WBCA National Defensive Play of the Year award/
Everyone wants more playing time but Ekmark NEVER would get it if she remained a Huskie.
