Olivia Vukosa to UConn (merged)

[darrell]

Besides Austin, I would chose ONO over the other 2. Also, did Uconn recruit Austin?

I was actually looking at that Yesterday. Per HoopGurlz, UConn was listed under “also considered”. Same with Nalyssa and Sedona. No recruits up until the last week, when Christyn and ONO committed consecutively. Looking much like this class, I hope Jerzy follows Big O.

 

[DEpup]

I agree. I think Jerzy or a transfer guard is important to keep the pipeline going.

 

[Bone Dog]

So a couple things FWIW. I had a chance to watch a bunch of video on her. I agree with @BobbyJ - the player she most reminds me of is a 2" taller Morgan Tuck, sans the 3 point shot. Things I LOVE about her game (especially for a high school kid)

• Smooth and graceful
• Has a really good motor and moves well for a "big girl"
• Really solid footwork in the post, AND never seems to rush
• Feet that are quick enough on defense to stay in front of her opponent without fouling
• NO tomahawk chop when blocking
• Equally adept at using her left hand when making layups
• Does NOT shy away from contact
• Keeps the ball HIGH when she catches it, making it that much harder to strip
• Does NOT instinctively put the ball on the floor when catching it close to the basket like so many posts, even in the W, do
• Already has a large array of post moves

I totally get this comparison. When I'm reminded of Morgan's game, the first thought that comes to me is 'efficiency.' she didn't waste time or movement once she got the ball. Of course, to get the position that made her efficiency possible, a lot of work had to be done. But it was hard to see on TV. I'm not sure Olivia is that efficient... yet. She's more of a flasher and a diver than a steady presence in the paint. But even this will come soon enough.

Others have speculated about her setting screens for Sarah. I'm sure that will happen too. But I don't think she's quite as solid or strong as Ice or Jana. She seems lankier than either of them. That doesn't preclude settling screens, but it may not be her best thing, unless she bulks up quite a bit.

Edit:
Another way to think of Morgan’s efficiency is by comparison to Aneesah Morrow’s game. As a paint presence on offense and defense she’s remarkably efficient. Quick decisions, no wasted moves. Outside the paint, her game is a lot less efficient, even a bit incoherent. Aneesah may be better in the paint than Morgan. But from the midrange and the perimeter Morgan’s game was better. Olivia seems to have a perimeter shot like Morgan’s. But with her height, even if she’s less efficient than either of them in the paint now, she could well surpass either or both of them. Only time will tell.