Liv certainly does draw a ton of attention on the Boneyard, and no shortage of advice and criticism, most of the latter focused on her lack of bulk and strength, her lack of a baby hook, etc. I've contributed some criticism here and there, hopefully without sarcasm or being demeaning or meanspirited. Please indulge me here, at season's end, after watching her closely for three seasons. I offer this summary based only on video viewing (and re-viewing) her habits and tendencies. I'm still not sure I can claim to "know" why she falls short of what we think is her full set of capabilities. For any of us fans to be sure of a full diagnosis, we would need extended observation, day-to-day, of her practice and scrimmage sessions. But only the UConn coaching staff can offer that.
But . . . this is what I think I see: a tall, earnest young player who is not a richly gifted natural athlete. This is not someone who lacks "character" or a desire to improve herself. But I see in games someone who does not use her jumping ability (her legs) or have a feel for a proper jump shot:
1. she does not get lift from her legs when on offense
2. takes long steps instead of shorter quicker ones that allow
her to keep her balance, make reversals, make quick upward
movement. (A la N Collier, Stewie, even Steph Dolson)
3. often shoots layups and "gimmie" jumpers by shoving the
the ball with her arms, often off the heel of her hand. True
and controlled layups, jumpers are finessed and directed
with fingers/finger tips. She doesn't seem to do that, so
every layup, etc. is an adventure. I don't know if or when she
has been intensively coached on those principles. Heaven
knows I spent hours with "beginning" players about basic
shooting principles. I have to assume that Liv's coaches
have worked with her about those mechanics.
4. She often seems to have planned her first moves in the
low blocks before she has located her defender(s) instead of
feeling where they are and then faking (shot or spin move) to
move them before committing herself.
She has had three full seasons to improve her game, but i don't think she has yet found the way to refine or add to her offensive skill set. I'm not sure why. Is it partly a confidence issue?
