Observations on tonight's game

[alexrgct]

I remember how good Stewie looked in her first several games in 2012-13, and how much she faded later. And then I felt her emerge just a little in the second half of the BET championship game. Subsequently, she had a fine run of four games into the national semis. And THEN the Breanna Stewart she'd been hyped to be emerged so fully she took off like a rocket.

I'm not saying KLS=Stewie. I'm saying recruits/freshmen like her take some time. Maybe she hits the "freshman wall" even to start the season, and maybe she'll look all-world to finish it...

 

[Bonpland]

In my twenty plus years of watching the UCONN women, I don't remember seeing a team as fast and as doggedly persistent on defense as what we witnessed last night.

I'm one of the group that asserted all summer that Natalie Butler was the obvious candidate to fill the fifth starter spot on the roster, and I still feel that she was the obvious fifth starter candidate but Gabby's performance against OSU was startling. She was everywhere. Coupled with Moriah she was frightening.

Before the game we heard about just how fast the Buckeye guards were and how they would be hard to stop, but honestly, they and their teammates looked as if they were wearing lead sneakers on a few of those plays.

Butler will be essential against our taller opponents, and there is no reason to suppose anything else, but last night as a UCONN fan I was stunned at what was happening on court. A forty-four point victory with five weapons on the court, anyone of which who can carry a team for long stretches (Mo had twenty-one when Stewie had eight, and then Mo passed the ball for the second half and Stewie wound up with twenty-four) has got to send shudders through our future opponents' coaching staffs.

I happily admit that I didn't expect to see what happened last night. Even Geno in his comments afterward said that the girls didn't perform like a team that was playing their first game of the season.

It is only one game, but boy what a game it was.

 

[DobbsRover2]

Stokes may have been on the court when UCONN went on many of their runs, but I don't doubt for a minute that UCONN goes on the same run with Tuck/Stewart/whoever else on the floor instead and Stokes on the bench in that situation..

You also misquoted me, I didn't say UCONN was significantly better offensively without Stokes, I said individually each player in the starting 5 was a much better offensive player than Stokes. It's now getting ticky tacky and off point, by my original point is that from what I saw last night, UCONN's best line up will be one with Williams on the floor causing havoc for opposing teams and that Butler slides in better as a role player off the bench bringing a different dimension and provides relief for the starters.

The points you brought up about last night's game are very good, and even last year there were times when UConn O looked incredible because of Gabby's incredible talents everywhere except at the FT line. But again, there were many times last year when UConn actually was not rolling and were actually stuck and in some danger until Kiah entered the game and both the defense and offense took off, and then UConn was on a roll. Whether they would have rolled to a title without her or maybe had another Stanford game waiting down the road is impossible to say now. But she had a massive effect on the offense last year. As seen last night, UConn's defense is often the key to its offense, and when you have a Kiah-type player in there, every teammate on the floor has their production elevated.

Take a situation for a hypothetical team (not UConn last year, but somewhat very distantly related) where the five starters play at maybe a C+ level on offense. But whenever the coach substitutes in the 6th man who averages 1.0 ppg, somehow the team always goes on a scoring tear and the players are all playing at an A level. So who's the most important offensive player on the team? Clearly that 6th man. It may be picks, offensive rebounds, high post assists, and opponents scared crapless of her, but she's the key on O.

 

[CajunHusky]

Sometimes I wonder if I watched the same game as everybody else .....

My Observations:

The team played terrific defense. The freshmen showed excellent defensive skills and blended well in to the defensive scheme.

Stewie looked fantastic. Mo also looked great as well but she looked just a little out of rhytym - but maybe it was the rest of the team was out of sync with her.

When Stewie went to the bench with four fouls, they looked sloppy on offense. Way too many turnovers. When Stewie came back in, she took charge and everything started to click.

I don't think anybody noted what Mo confirmed in the post game interview...... Gabby moved out front on defense and Kia took KML's role.

I think it was also evident on offense that the four returning starters functioned very well among themselves perhaps to the detriment of the new players by not involving them. Lou and Phee looked great on defense. But sometimes got lost on offensive sets. Understandable for freshmen. I think the upperclassman need to do more to involve the new players

 

[MilfordHusky]

One tiny unnoticed moment:

When I think of Shea (not knowing her...just observing her appearance on the bench mostly through TV coverage), I think of one of the most intense woman I've ever encountered. Virtually throughout, a most concentrated, concerned, visage.

And yet

Just prior to the start of yesterday's festivities, as the team broke huddle, Shea gave someone (all?) the most maternal smile I've just about ever seen. So striking in contrast to her more usual expressions.

This woman is more complex than I imagined.

When Shea seems that the team has matched or exceeded her level of determination, she relaxes into a smile.

 

[donalddoowop]

Sometimes I wonder if I watched the same game as everybody else .....

My Observations:

The team played terrific defense. The freshmen showed excellent defensive skills and blended well in to the defensive scheme.

Stewie looked fantastic. Mo also looked great as well but she looked just a little out of rhytym - but maybe it was the rest of the team was out of sync with her.

When Stewie went to the bench with four fouls, they looked sloppy on offense. Way too many turnovers. When Stewie came back in, she took charge and everything started to click.

I don't think anybody noted what Mo confirmed in the post game interview. Gabby moved out front on defense and Kia took KML's role.

I think it was also evident on offense that the four returning starters functioned very well among themselves perhaps to the detriment of the new players by not involving them. Lou and Phee looked great on defense. But sometimes got lost on offensive sets. Understandable for freshmen. I think the upperclassman need to do more to involve the new players

When Stewart went to the bench UCONN was up by 24. When she came back in UCONN was up by more than 30. The offense won't run as smooth without her, but it did just fine yesterday.

 

[CajunHusky]

When Stewart went to the bench UCONN was up by 24. When she came back in UCONN was up by more than 30. The offense won't run as smooth without her, but it did just fine yesterday.

Stewie sub out at 6:25 in 3rd quarter the score 59 - 35 (diff 24)
Stewie sub in at 8:31 in the 4th quarter and the score 76 - 50 (diff 26)
Stewie sub out 3:21 in the 4th quarter and the score 92 - 52 (diff 40)

When Stewie came in the team went on a 16 - 2 run in a little over 5 minutes.

 

[watanabe]

Collier, Gabby and Nurse are the future of Husky Basketball.
Very impressive. Great foundation for NC 12+.
I know there are others too, but I was very happy looking ahead.

 

[Bayareahusky]

i would like to see how Natalie is folded into the offense..... will the offense run through her as it did with stefanie..... or will she play a classic post....

 

[DobbsRover2]

Stewie sub out at 6:25 in 3rd quarter the score 59 - 35 (diff 24)
Stewie sub in at 8:31 in the 4th quarter and the score 76 - 50 (diff 26)
Stewie sub out 3:21 in the 4th quarter and the score 92 - 52 (diff 40)

When Stewie came in the team went on a 16 - 2 run in a little over 5 minutes.

Well that shows the importance of giving Stewie a breather. The announcers were remarking on how anxious looking she seemed to get back in the game, and when she did she made up for lost time by exploding for 9 quick points, an assist, and a rebound. Release the Kraken!

 

[huskyd]

Butler AVERAGED a double double as a freshman so with a year of seasoning at Uconn she should be a good rebounder with the muscle to own the paint and to score efficiently around the basket. For teams like SC that have great size having that kind of offensive and defensive presence will be a big help - against them with Stewart sitting with 4 fouls, it could be a big problem for us without Butler.
Word is Lou had some illness tonight, but thought she and Collier both played well - looking forward to her first 5-6 from three which will come, but they both saw good minutes in this game which should help them. Collier actually reminds me of Tuck.
#6 is very true for most teams, especially those seeing uconn for the first time - it has been something like 20 years since a first time opponent has beaten Uconn. It is one reason why teams like SC want to get us on their schedule - familiarity is the first step to learning how to deal with that pressure. Good move by OSU, they aren't ready yet, but ...

Butler is important for one more reason: having her in the post takes a lot of pressure off Stewart as well as wear and tear on Bre's body. Natalie can rebound, score some, but how's her passing? That was Stef's genius.

 

[Huskies Rule]

I missed UConn WBB so damn much; it's wonderful to finally see them back in action. Just watched the replay. Again. And the BYers have made so many excellent observations. As far as I'm concerned every kid played great, especially considering it was the first real game. Very little to add but one exciting comment from Stephanie
White, who isn't given to hyperbole, which I haven't seen mentioned...

As a WNBA coach, White certainly knows talent. She compared Stewie's skill set to that of the great Lauren Jackson, but added that "Stewart is much more athletic. She has the potential to become one of the greatest that's ever played this game."

 

[MilfordHusky]

Butler is important for one more reason: having her in the post takes a lot of pressure off Stewart as well as wear and tear on Bre's body. Natalie can rebound, score some, but how's her passing? That was Stef's genius.

Based on what we've seen from Stef and read about Natalie, I think that Natalie is a better rebounder at the same stage of her career. I think that Stef was a slightly better shooter. I don't expect Natalie to be the passer that Stef was, because Stef was exceptional for a post. If senior Natalie can be as good as sophomore Stefanie, we'll be very happy. I think she can do that and perhaps more.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Collier, Gabby and Nurse are the future of Husky Basketball.
Very impressive. Great foundation for NC 12+.
I know there are others too, but I was very happy looking ahead.

I think that Lou is also a huge key, as is Crystal. We haven't seen Natalie or De'Janae yet, but hopefully one of them will be a star. In terms of Gabby and Kia, both clearly have All-American potential. Getting 2 AAs in the same academic class is stellar.

 

[Carnac]

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

In a perfect world (and setting), I might agree with you. IF the Huskies can remain free of injury throughout the season, I will agree.
I wanted to post a comment about my prediction of the outcome of the Ohio State game, but I was so busy packing for a brief road trip, I didn't have time.

I didn't think OS would crack the 60 point barrier, let along score 80. I figured UConn's defense would hold to a final score in the 50's.
UConn held most to their opponents to under 60 points last season. Only 2 reached 70 (Stanford & USF). Most teams will find it difficult to score 70.

I also figured UConn would score "at will" against the Cornhuskers. They simply don't have the personnel to stop UConn. I figured it would get ugly before the half. I didn't see it getting away from Ohio State that fast. Enjoyed the game. A great start to what should be a fun and record breaking season. Go Huskies.

 

[HuskyNan]

Sometimes I wonder if I watched the same game as everybody else .....

My Observations:

The team played terrific defense. The freshmen showed excellent defensive skills and blended well in to the defensive scheme.

Stewie looked fantastic. Mo also looked great as well but she looked just a little out of rhytym - but maybe it was the rest of the team was out of sync with her.

When Stewie went to the bench with four fouls, they looked sloppy on offense. Way too many turnovers. When Stewie came back in, she took charge and everything started to click.

I don't think anybody noted what Mo confirmed in the post game interview. Gabby moved out front on defense and Kia took KML's role.

I think it was also evident on offense that the four returning starters functioned very well among themselves perhaps to the detriment of the new players by not involving them. Lou and Phee looked great on defense. But sometimes got lost on offensive sets. Understandable for freshmen. I think the upperclassman need to do more to involve the new players

First game of the year, against a top 10 team, on the road, with the freshmen getting 33 combined minutes - I'm really good with the result.

 

[VAMike23]

Butler is important for one more reason: having her in the post takes a lot of pressure off Stewart as well as wear and tear on Bre's body. Natalie can rebound, score some, but how's her passing? That was Stef's genius.

Yep - and I would add the jumper from the high post was also part of her genius. Kept the D honest so cutters could get to the hoop, and/or Stef could work the hi-low. She was just perfect for that Offense

 

[watanabe]

League play is going to be very difficult to watch this year. Last year it seemed to drag on, but this year... maybe we can just skip it and go to the top 10 team games. I sure hope SNY doesn't have those stupid bank commercials again.

 

[meyers7]

I also figured UConn would score "at will" against the Cornhuskers.

You are Carnac. You can see into the future.

 

[Barkin' Out]

Being a cord cutter (my wife's doing) I did not get a chance to see the game live. But I enjoyed the first half last night via uconnhuskygames.com. Agree with many posters about how well gabby and mo played d at the top of the zone. Got the OSU gaurds out of sync at the very beginning. And then I thought Kia made two huge plays by going agressively right at Mitchell before she got settled, and put her out of the game for several minutes with foul trouble. While OSU had a good run without her, I don't think they are nearly as dangerous with her out, or in and cautious.

I have to think Shea and geno might have suggested this? Either way, what a weapon to have - fearless, agressive and great body control. Kind of reminds me of that kid a few yrs back from south bend, without the pout of course.

Looking forward to the 2nd half!

 

[chrissaran]

Natalie Butler not playing. You have to be kidding. She is the size they do not have in the lineup. She will allow Breanna and Morgan more freedom to move. She will allow Breanna and Morgan to take less of a pounding. She will be the physical presence against teams that try to beat down Breanna because they know there's very little chance of stopping her. Louisville comes to mind, among others.

 

[hoophuskee]

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

1. Jefferson and Nurse make up on heck of a backcourt. Both are standouts defensively and are dynamic threats in that they can beat you off the dribble and hit from the perimeter. I don't think they're at the level of Bird/Taurasi, but I think Bird/Taurasi would have a hard time keeping up with these two. These were the two best players on the court tonight IMO.

2. Stewart was great tonight. For some reason I notice the shots she misses more than the ones she hits. I don't think of her being as efficient as a player like Jefferson or even Tuck, but she always puts up monster stat lines and makes a huge impact defensively with her length and shot blocking.

3. I'm not sure how Natalie Butler figures into this lineup when she gets healthy if Williams continues to play like she did tonight. Williams is an incredible leaper and has a great nose for rebounds. She also runs the floor well and looked much more in sync offensively. I haven't seen Butler play, but from what I gather people are hoping she'll be a Dolson 2.0. When you have a backcourt of Williams, Jefferson and Nurse along with Stewart/Tuck in the front court who can get up the court in a hurry, I don't see a real place or need for Butler. Similar to Stokes in many regards last year, where Kiah filled her role well but realistically UCONN still rolls to a title without her playing.

4. KLS did not look like the #1 recruit in the country. She could very well wind up being another KML, but she didn't show it tonight. Collier looked very good in the minutes she played. Seems to be a good team player who fills her role well and can step up but ultimately is comfortable wherever she needs to be put.

5. Tuck looked like the Tuck of last year but with a better perimeter shot.

6. UCONN as a team just overwhelms opponents and teams mentally self destruct. Once they start to struggle, teams for whatever reason just cannot get into any rhythm and seem to struggle to find that spark and extra energy to make big plays or show all out hustle. The players are so visibly deflated and don't think they have a shot to win the game, and that shows in their play. That was the case tonight after UCONN stormed ahead 24-15 and never looked back. Watching them play SC, there was a lot more intensity and passion in their play which led to a better performance. Against UCONN, it's difficult to play with that intensity and passion since UCONN gets defenses so flustered and frustrated.

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

A few things stood out tonight---thought I'd share my input:

1. Jefferson and Nurse make up on heck of a backcourt. Both are standouts defensively and are dynamic threats in that they can beat you off the dribble and hit from the perimeter. I don't think they're at the level of Bird/Taurasi, but I think Bird/Taurasi would have a hard time keeping up with these two. These were the two best players on the court tonight IMO.

2. Stewart was great tonight. For some reason I notice the shots she misses more than the ones she hits. I don't think of her being as efficient as a player like Jefferson or even Tuck, but she always puts up monster stat lines and makes a huge impact defensively with her length and shot blocking.

3. I'm not sure how Natalie Butler figures into this lineup when she gets healthy if Williams continues to play like she did tonight. Williams is an incredible leaper and has a great nose for rebounds. She also runs the floor well and looked much more in sync offensively. I haven't seen Butler play, but from what I gather people are hoping she'll be a Dolson 2.0. When you have a backcourt of Williams, Jefferson and Nurse along with Stewart/Tuck in the front court who can get up the court in a hurry, I don't see a real place or need for Butler. Similar to Stokes in many regards last year, where Kiah filled her role well but realistically UCONN still rolls to a title without her playing.

4. KLS did not look like the #1 recruit in the country. She could very well wind up being another KML, but she didn't show it tonight. Collier looked very good in the minutes she played. Seems to be a good team player who fills her role well and can step up but ultimately is comfortable wherever she needs to be put.

5. Tuck looked like the Tuck of last year but with a better perimeter shot.

6. UCONN as a team just overwhelms opponents and teams mentally self destruct. Once they start to struggle, teams for whatever reason just cannot get into any rhythm and seem to struggle to find that spark and extra energy to make big plays or show all out hustle. The players are so visibly deflated and don't think they have a shot to win the game, and that shows in their play. That was the case tonight after UCONN stormed ahead 24-15 and never looked back. Watching them play SC, there was a lot more intensity and passion in their play which led to a better performance. Against UCONN, it's difficult to play with that intensity and passion since UCONN gets defenses so flustered and frustrated.

7. I'll be very surprised if anyone stays within 15 points of UCONN. I think this could be their best team ever if Nurse elevates to All-American form. That was a scary dominant performance for the first game of the year.

You're right this team is sensational. I am sooooo impressed with Gabby because of her defense. I knew it was good but how we looked going against a terrific backcourt away from home was incredible. UCONN has now three players from guard-to--wing that are excellent in shooting the lanes for steals. Stewie is also good at it for her size - and she is also a big-time intimidator.

Do you see similarities in terms of defense/steals and intimidation to your great Tenn team with the Miques and "Boo" Randle?

And I agree this team has the potential to be the greatest team ever.

 

[hoophuskee]

Sometimes I wonder if I watched the same game as everybody else .....

My Observations:



(1) Mo also looked great as well but she looked just a little out of rhytym - but maybe it was the rest of the team was out of sync with her.

(2) When Stewie went to the bench with four fouls, they looked sloppy on offense. Way too many turnovers. When Stewie came back in, she took charge and everything started to click.

(3) I don't think anybody noted what Mo confirmed in the post game interview. Gabby moved out front on defense and Kia took KML's role.

(4) I think it was also evident on offense that the four returning starters functioned very well among themselves perhaps to the detriment of the new players by not involving them. Lou and Phee looked great on defense. But sometimes got lost on offensive sets. Understandable for freshmen. I think the upperclassman need to do more to involve the new players

1-- Maybe the team was out of rhythm - but it is 1st game and we are playing a top-tier team that already played a game, and we were playing away from home.

2--- Great for Stewie! Right?

3--- Kind of shows how awesome are defense can be for the whole season, right?

4--- My comment also relates to 1-3. All of our players including the seniors are still YOUNG bball players. And after the 1tsgame they have A LOT to work on YET they totally annihilated a top-tier team away from home. Looks like our defense in the backcourt along with defending quick wings is "settled" isn't it? Last year we had questions after Stanford. Not so this year. SO this year we need to work our offense a bit more. That's fine isn't it?

It seems like you were expecting perfection after game 1 vs a very very good team away from home. The Ohio State backcourt is probably 2nd or 3rd best in the country, aren't they? While MoJeff may have been out of rhythm havign4 assists vs to's -- she was equally spectacular sometimes taking the ball to the basket, wasn't she? And I'm looking forward seeing that pull up jumper more. Though she doesn't really to show it much.

 

[bballnut90]

You're right this team is sensational. I am sooooo impressed with Gabby because of her defense. I knew it was good but how we looked going against a terrific backcourt away from home was incredible. UCONN has now three players from guard-to--wing that are excellent in shooting the lanes for steals. Stewie is also good at it for her size - and she is also a big-time intimidator.

Do you see similarities in terms of defense/steals and intimidation to your great Tenn team with the Miques and "Boo" Randle?

And I agree this team has the potential to be the greatest team ever.

Potentially there are similarities there. The 1998 team pressed and pressed and pressed which led to so many turnovers and easy buckets. I'd love to see this UCONN team bring out a full court press, they have the players to run it and even if the opposing team beats the press, they are athletic enough to recover.

 

[hoophuskee]

League play is going to be very difficult to watch this year. Last year it seemed to drag on, but this year... maybe we can just skip it and go to the top 10 team games. I sure hope SNY doesn't have those stupid bank commercials again.

I can't wait for all the games. I still enjoy good thrashings when UCONN teams put their foot on someone's neck and don't let up. But I can't wait to see if Gabby can hi some outside jumpers. Imagine if she drills two or three in a row? Then the next game drop in another tow or 3 in a row? To see the pattern emerge right before your eyes - then you begin to realize the kid is going to make the pros and she is going to become an alla-Mercian and become a HUGE impact vs top tier teams offensively also in the future.

To watch Stewie (possibly the best ever at UCONN) and MoJeff (possibly best pg ever at UCONN) playing electrifying/high quality play. MoJeff exploding into the lane and getting more a knack of hitting pull-up jumpers or "rock-the-cradle" drives - going to miss that. Stewie's combo of size, athleticism and skill. Just one more year then it's gone.

Tuck - I don't if it is just me but her shot looks sooo much more fluid from 3. We could be watching her game expand from being a primary terrific low post scorer and an average perimeter shooter to something much much better.

Can we see Nurse elevate her game to the player that tore up Stewie and MoJeff?

How better defensively can Chong and Ekmark get? IMO their question isn't their offense.

What are we going to get by the end of the season from NB, KLS and NC? Potentially all extremely high impact players. Each of the three have the potential to be something obscenely tremendous.
Can NB be some hybrid of Dolson (skill) and Tina (offensive rebounding) which would put her in elite class?
Can KLS become the weapon KML was from three WHILE expanding her game to be able to score vs nearly any type of player whether it be much cloer to the basket or from 3?
Can Collier be some type of hybrid Maya but with better ball-handling without having Maya's ability to knock down 3's often and efficiently? Maybe not as strong as Maya but better laterally?
How will these three players mold into the current roster and who will have biggest impact now and for the future?

**With an eye on the future - just one lineup to look at - can it work- Nurse at pg, KLS and NC at the wings and Gabby and Nas 4/5's. Of which if Gabby's shot can improve - the possibilities have the potential to become endless.

I'm excited to see see how all of this and many other things unfold

 

[hoophuskee]

Potentially there are similarities there. The 1998 team pressed and pressed and pressed which led to so many turnovers and easy buckets. I'd love to see this UCONN team bring out a full court press, they have the players to run it and even if the opposing team beats the press, they are athletic enough to recover.

You see the potential there, right? They have that kind of ability? Geno might press 1st half then call off the dogs early on. They do have other players not supreme for a press. But can be good enough. I don't see him using it like Tenn I think he is going ot push his team to run efficient halfcourt sets as well.

 

[Rixxx]

Hoophuskee, you are really excited as we all are. Someone pointed out on another thread, we have the potential to score 102. Are we there?

 

[hoophuskee]

Hoophuskee, you are really excited as we all are. Someone pointed out on another thread, we have the potential to score 102. Are we there?

Would it ONLY be 102? How about 152!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[watanabe]

I can't wait for all the games. I still enjoy good thrashings when UCONN teams put their foot on someone's neck and don't let up. But I can't wait to see if Gabby can hi some outside jumpers. Imagine if she drills two or three in a row? Then the next game drop in another tow or 3 in a row? To see the pattern emerge right before your eyes - then you begin to realize the kid is going to make the pros and she is going to become an alla-Mercian and become a HUGE impact vs top tier teams offensively also in the future.

To watch Stewie (possibly the best ever at UCONN) and MoJeff (possibly best pg ever at UCONN) playing electrifying/high quality play. MoJeff exploding into the lane and getting more a knack of hitting pull-up jumpers or "rock-the-cradle" drives - going to miss that. Stewie's combo of size, athleticism and skill. Just one more year then it's gone.

Tuck - I don't if it is just me but her shot looks sooo much more fluid from 3. We could be watching her game expand from being a primary terrific low post scorer and an average perimeter shooter to something much much better.

Can we see Nurse elevate her game to the player that tore up Stewie and MoJeff?

How better defensively can Chong and Ekmark get? IMO their question isn't their offense.

What are we going to get by the end of the season from NB, KLS and NC? Potentially all extremely high impact players. Each of the three have the potential to be something obscenely tremendous.
Can NB be some hybrid of Dolson (skill) and Tina (offensive rebounding) which would put her in elite class?
Can KLS become the weapon KML was from three WHILE expanding her game to be able to score vs nearly any type of player whether it be much cloer to the basket or from 3?
Can Collier be some type of hybrid Maya but with better ball-handling without having Maya's ability to knock down 3's often and efficiently? Maybe not as strong as Maya but better laterally?
How will these three players mold into the current roster and who will have biggest impact now and for the future?

**With an eye on the future - just one lineup to look at - can it work- Nurse at pg, KLS and NC at the wings and Gabby and Nas 4/5's. Of which if Gabby's shot can improve - the possibilities have the potential to become endless.

I'm excited to see see how all of this and many other things unfold

Still don't want to sit through all those stupid SNY bank commercials.