Patterson ready to dunk

[Alydar]

Most of these kids can barely control the ball with one hand, but need to in order to get it over the rim. Not Griner, of course. Notably, Toby Fournier uses two hands, because she's a leaper. Ayanna is also a two-handed dunker. For them, the challenge doesn't seem to be getting above the rim, which means their dunk isn't so precarious, and therefore not as risky in game play.

What's more, since Ayanna can get above the rim without a run up, I expect there to be lots of occasions for her to muscle up from the post to throw it down. To defend it, you'd have to knock it out of her hands, which may be easier said than done.

My worry is that defenders will undercut a dunker and cause an injury. Officials let a lot of contact in the act of shooting go uncalled inside and defenders aren't used to defending leapers. Muhl took a simple jump shot in the paint against GT in the BET as a freshman and the defender stepped under her and Mühl came down on the defender's leg, resulting in a high ankle sprain that limited her in the NCAA's. Getting hit in the legs when you are 3 feet off the floor can cause serious injury. It just isn't worth it.
I thought Maya's finger roll was a much more elegant move.

 

[oldude]

Right now, 6'1" Fran Belibi (Stanford) is recognized as the most prolific female dunker in WCBB. But........she's not alone. There are others here and on the horizon. Take a look. Ayanna is featured in this video. In one scene, she dunks with 2 hands.

Hopefully, Ayanna has a much greater impact on the basketball court than Belibi who started only 4/35 Stanford games as a junior, averaging just 13.6 mpg. If Ayanna is only playing 13.6 mpg as a junior, she will be a huge disappointment. Rest assured that Geno, CD and company have much greater expectations for Ayanna.

 

[Bone Dog]

My worry is that defenders will undercut a dunker and cause an injury. Officials let a lot of contact in the act of shooting go uncalled inside and defenders aren't used to defending leapers. Muhl took a simple jump shot in the paint against GT in the BET as a freshman and the defender stepped under her and Mühl came down on the defender's leg, resulting in a high ankle sprain that limited her in the NCAA's. Getting hit in the legs when you are 3 feet off the floor can cause serious injury. It just isn't worth it.
I thought Maya's finger roll was a much more elegant move.

We already saw this in the Villanova game in the last BE tournament. Mullins submarined Aaliyah on a rebound. In that case Aaliyah landed on top of her and Mullins was called for the foul and went to the bench as a result of the impact. Creighton also got caught in a similar situation when one of their players tried to box out someone who’d already leapt for the ball. It was against Aaliyah again iirc, but I don’t remember the Creighton player.

 

[Alydar]

We already saw this in the Villanova game in the last BE tournament. Mullins submarined Aaliyah on a rebound. In that case Aaliyah landed on top of her and Mullins was called for the foul and went to the bench as a result of the impact. Creighton also got caught in a similar situation when one of their players tried to box out someone who’d already leapt for the ball. It was against Aaliyah again iirc, but I don’t remember the Creighton player.

I see undercutting all the time now. A big player is boxed out by a smaller player who sticks her butt back into the bigger player and backs up. A classic example was in a UConn-Stanford game. A shot went up and Nneka slid down the baseline and attempted to back into Dolson to displace her from rebounding position. Dolson sidestepped the move and Nneka stumbled backward and knocked over another UConn player who tried to cushion the fall and landed on her elbow. The crowd hushed from her scream. She missed several games. Can you name the UConn player? Of course, the displacement was ignored by the refs and the media.
Displacement is supposed to be illegal but refs ignore it for the most part in the paint. And then they call fouls outside if the defender's finger brushes the shooter's jersey.

 

[Bone Dog]

If by displacement you mean what I mean by submarining — ie boxing out against a player who’s already in the air — it looks to me like the BE refs have been calling it pretty well.

 

[Carnac]

I see undercutting all the time now. A big player is boxed out by a smaller player who sticks her butt back into the bigger player and backs up. A classic example was in a UConn-Stanford game. A shot went up and Nneka slid down the baseline and attempted to back into Dolson to displace her from rebounding position. Dolson sidestepped the move and Nneka stumbled backward and knocked over another UConn player who tried to cushion the fall and landed on her elbow. The crowd hushed from her scream. She missed several games. Can you name the UConn player? Of course, the displacement was ignored by the refs and the media.
Displacement is supposed to be illegal but refs ignore it for the most part in the paint. And then they call fouls outside if the defender's finger brushes the shooter's jersey.

Yes, it was Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis on Monday November 11, 2013. KML was reported out indefinitely after suffering a nerve contusion of the right elbow in the 76-57 victory over No. 3 Stanford at Gampel Pavilion, the team announced. An MRI administered the next day revealed the damage.

UConn's KML out indefinitely with elbow injury​

UConn's KML out indefinitely with elbow injury

UConn junior All-American Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis is out indefinitely after suffering a...

www.ctpost.com

 

[visitingcock]

Right now, 6'1" Fran Belibi (Stanford) is recognized as the most prolific female dunker in WCBB. But........she's not alone. There are others here and on the horizon. Take a look. Ayanna is featured in this video. In one scene, she dunks with 2 hands.

A whole buncha’ practice dunks in that clip with no defenders. Only one player in that clip has game time dunks - and even her’s are uncontested breakaways. Yes, belibi has dunked a few times in games and someone recently posted an impressive Fournier game-time dunk but let’s face it, they are rare.

Appreciate their leaping ability for its potential to rebound and block/alter shots. The importance of dunks themselves are minimal. Show me a video history of dunks in games between top flight teams. It will be a very short clip.

We too have a heralded freshman dunker coming aboard this year. I very VERY seriously doubt she will have double digit dunks during her entire collegiate career (more like 5 max) , and I expect none against good teams that play defense. I care only because it shows her potential for rebounds and blocks - I’m just not excited about dunks.

Nobody alters a defensive scheme to account for a dunker. An Azzi Fudd level jump shooter is a different story. Gotta’ account for that hot handed three! Good luck to Ayanna ( except against top defenses -wink). I expect her to be an excellent rebounder/shot blocker. But dunks? meh. I’m not on the train for her - or our frosh - or anybody else.

 

[Carnac]

My point.
If you CAN make it, at the right time, under the right circumstances: Take IT! It is a high percentage shot.

Once again.........I’m going to step out on a limb, but not too far. I’m predicting right now on September 24, 3 weeks before official practice begins, that Patterson flushes not one but two down THIS season.

IMO, this is low-hanging fruit. Not much risk in being wrong. 31 regular season games and 3 post-season tournament games. That’s 34 games. I like the odds. Numerous opportunities should present themselves throughout the year. She may not wait until the latter half of the season when UConn begins to play against less talented midmajor Big East teams.

 

[visitingcock]

Once again.........I’m going to step out on a limb, but not too far. I’m predicting right now on September 24, 3 weeks before official practice begins, that Patterson flushes not one but two down THIS season.

IMO, this is low-hanging fruit. Not much risk in being wrong. 31 regular season games and 3 post-season tournament games. That’s 34 games. I like the odds. Numerous opportunities should present themselves throughout the year. She may not wait until the latter half of the season when UConn begins to play against less talented midmajor Big East teams.

Okay. Let’s make friendly avatar bet of one week. I’ll bet she doesn’t get two in her “true freshman” year,

 

[Carnac]

Okay. Let’s make friendly avatar bet of one week. I’ll bet she doesn’t get two in her “true freshman” year,

Ok, you’re on.

 

[eebmg]

I know how I will celebrate an Ayanna Dunk .

Am I the only one who sees an NIL deal for Ayanna?? A UConn fan promotion ?

 

[Bone Dog]

I’d go further out on that limb, merely because Ayanna is a two-handed, stand-still dunker. She doesn’t need a run up or a fast break, like pretty much all the other college women who dunk. All she needs is a point guard to drive and dish to her — no dribble, just pivot and muscle the ball up and through.

I still remember a kid I used to play pickup games with in high school who could dunk. He was only about 5’10” and lanky, but couldn’t completely control the ball with one hand. He had to hold it in the crook of palm and wrist on the way up. I remember the first time he did it, it blew the rest of us away. We weren’t expecting anything like that from him, and it took a moment to recover our senses. Watching Belibi dunk reminds me of him. It’s surprising and gratifying. But it also feels precarious, like she might lose the ball on the way up. This is absolutely not the impression I get watching Ayanna dunk.

 

[JellyBean]

If Ayanna is able to get a dunk during a game, especially during a home game, it is going to be an electrifying moment.

 

[shiverz45]

I’d go further out on that limb, merely because Ayanna is a two-handed, stand-still dunker. She doesn’t need a run up or a fast break, like pretty much all the other college women who dunk. All she needs is a point guard to drive and dish to her — no dribble, just pivot and muscle the ball up and through.

I still remember a kid I used to play pickup games with in high school who could dunk. He was only about 5’10” and lanky, but couldn’t completely control the ball with one hand. He had to hold it in the crook of palm and wrist on the way up. I remember the first time he did it, it blew the rest of us away. We weren’t expecting anything like that from him, and it took a moment to recover our senses. Watching Belibi dunk reminds me of him. It’s surprising and gratifying. But it also feels precarious, like she might lose the ball on the way up. This is absolutely not the impression I get watching Ayanna dunk.

Has Ayanna ever dunked in a high school game? If not, I doubt if she does it in a college game. I would love to see it.

 

[Bone Dog]

Has Ayanna ever dunked in a high school game? If not, I doubt if she does it in a college game. I would love to see it.

Homestead didn’t have a point guard who could consistently drive and dish the ball to Ayanna in a position to throw it down in the lane. I’m not talking about the usual lob in to a post up scenario.

They had a few good perimeter shooters, and some scrappy defenders. But crisp interior passing off the drive is something they lacked. This won’t be a problem at UConn.

 

[Carnac]

I’d go further out on that limb, merely because Ayanna is a two-handed, stand-still dunker. She doesn’t need a run up or a fast break, like pretty much all the other college women who dunk. All she needs is a point guard to drive and dish to her — no dribble, just pivot and muscle the ball up and through.

I still remember a kid I used to play pickup games with in high school who could dunk. He was only about 5’10” and lanky, but couldn’t completely control the ball with one hand. He had to hold it in the crook of palm and wrist on the way up. I remember the first time he did it, it blew the rest of us away. We weren’t expecting anything like that from him, and it took a moment to recover our senses. Watching Belibi dunk reminds me of him. It’s surprising and gratifying. But it also feels precarious, like she might lose the ball on the way up. This is absolutely not the impression I get watching Ayanna dunk.

I figured predicting 2 dunks this year was safe. I’ve already had to eat a crow soufflé recently. It was nasty, and I had a hard time getting that “God-awful” rancid taste out of my mouth. I noticed the hops Ayanna displayed in the short practice video posted this week. She was jumping like she was on a pogo stick. She has no problem getting lift standing flat-footed jumping on her toes and the balls of her feet.

But I digress, dunking is nice, and it sends the crowd into a frenzy. Especially if she gets a running start, holds the ball over her head and flushes one ala “The Doctor” Julius Erving. But I'd much rather see Patterson be consistent in her play all season than get one dunk. THAT would help win games.



If she "rocks the baby" and puts her to sleep, especially against a ranked team, THAT would make me get up out of my recliner and fist pump the air. I might even say a cuss word or two. THAT PLAY would be all over Sports Center.......and rightfully so. Look at the reaction from the fans. Spectacular dunks get people out of their seats!!! Nobody gets out of their seat for a made layup. The narrator was the Hall of Fame Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn.

 

[Bone Dog]

I figured predicting 2 dunks this year was safe. I’ve already had to eat a crow soufflé recently. It was nasty, and I had a hard time getting that “God-awful” rancid taste out of my mouth. I noticed the hops Ayanna displayed in the short practice video posted this week. She was jumping like she was on a pogo stick. She has no problem getting lift standing flat-footed jumping on her toes and the balls of her feet.

But I digress, dunking is nice, and it sends the crowd into a frenzy. Especially if she gets a running start, holds the ball over her head and flushes one ala “The Doctor” Julius Erving. But I'd much rather see Patterson be consistent in her play all season than get one dunk. THAT would help win games.



If she "rocks the baby" and puts her to sleep, especially against a ranked team, THAT would make me get up out of my recliner and fist pump the air. I might even say a cuss word or two. THAT PLAY would be all over Sports Center.......and rightfully so. Look at the reaction from the fans. Spectacular dunks get people out of their seats!!! Nobody gets out of their seat for a made layup. The narrator was the Hall of Fame Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn.

Excellent video clip. Michael Cooper is so gracious in his remarks at the end.

 

[Carnac]

Some of the "filthiest" dunks in NBA history. Enjoy.



I forgot that Vince Carter is the same height as Michael Jordan......6'6". He didn't look that tall on TV.

 

[CL82]

My worry is that defenders will undercut a dunker and cause an injury. Officials let a lot of contact in the act of shooting go uncalled inside and defenders aren't used to defending leapers. Muhl took a simple jump shot in the paint against GT in the BET as a freshman and the defender stepped under her and Mühl came down on the defender's leg, resulting in a high ankle sprain that limited her in the NCAA's. Getting hit in the legs when you are 3 feet off the floor can cause serious injury. It just isn't worth it.
I thought Maya's finger roll was a much more elegant move.

I guess, although, if I recall correctly Maia received a forearm shiver in the back from a Rutgers player while attempting that elegant finger roll that knocked her to the ground and resulted in her being limited during the playoffs that year.

 

[Zarathustra]

I figured predicting 2 dunks this year was safe. I’ve already had to eat a crow soufflé recently. It was nasty, and I had a hard time getting that “God-awful” rancid taste out of my mouth. I noticed the hops Ayanna displayed in the short practice video posted this week. She was jumping like she was on a pogo stick. She has no problem getting lift standing flat-footed jumping on her toes and the balls of her feet.

But I digress, dunking is nice, and it sends the crowd into a frenzy. Especially if she gets a running start, holds the ball over her head and flushes one ala “The Doctor” Julius Erving. But I'd much rather see Patterson be consistent in her play all season than get one dunk. THAT would help win games.



If she "rocks the baby" and puts her to sleep, especially against a ranked team, THAT would make me get up out of my recliner and fist pump the air. I might even say a cuss word or two. THAT PLAY would be all over Sports Center.......and rightfully so. Look at the reaction from the fans. Spectacular dunks get people out of their seats!!! Nobody gets out of their seat for a made layup. The narrator was the Hall of Fame Laker broadcaster Chick Hearn.

A great post, to a great link, to an incredible shot! U MASS's Greatest Player! THANKS, Z

 

[Alydar]

I guess, although, if I recall correctly Maia received a forearm shiver in the back from a Rutgers player while attempting that elegant finger roll that knocked her to the ground and resulted in her being limited during the playoffs that year.

I was at that game. It was Rutgers (what a surprise) and I believe it was EPP who "defended". I thought it was more of a grab and twist than a shiver but in any case it was a dangerous defensive move.

And yes, it's any player who elevates is at risk because wcbb rules don't protect defenseless players. Not intentionally, it's because it's so rare, or has been in the past.

Sadly, in most sports rules against dangerous play don't happen until a player or three get seriously hurt. It took a disturbing incident like Daryl Stingley before the NFL even thought of doing anything about assassins like Jack Tatum et al. Those blindside hits from safeties were featured on highlight tapes until that Stingley hit.

 

[CL82]

I was at that game. It was Rutgers (what a surprise) and I believe it was EPP who "defended". I thought it was more of a grab and twist than a shiver but in any case it was a dangerous defensive move.

And yes, it's any player who elevates is at risk because wcbb rules don't protect defenseless players. Not intentionally, it's because it's so rare, or has been in the past.

Sadly, in most sports rules against dangerous play don't happen until a player or three get seriously hurt. It took a disturbing incident like Daryl Stingley before the NFL even thought of doing anything about assassins like Jack Tatum et al. Those blindside hits from safeties were featured on highlight tapes until that Stingley hit.

True. Although I have to say basketball refs pretty good about recognizing and stopping people from undercutting people on lay ups and reasonably good about stopping elbows above the shoulders.

 

[ballerfan]

If Patterson dunks with UConn far in the lead, it will be entertaining but irrelevant. If she does a smashing one or two handed dunk in a crowd of defenders during a close game, it will be a psychological dagger in the opposing team. Nobody here knows what Patterson will be capable of during her time at UConn.

 

[visitingcock]

If Patterson dunks with UConn far in the lead, it will be entertaining but irrelevant. If she does a smashing one or two handed dunk in a crowd of defenders during a close game, it will be a psychological dagger in the opposing team. Nobody here knows what Patterson will be capable of during her time at UConn.

I very strongly doubt she will get a dunk in a “ crowd of defenders.” Any that she gets will come on breakaways. The crowd of defenders will be chasing her.

In the history of wbb, there have been few dunks and fewer that were other than breakaways. The couple that occurred as part of any offense against a defense were poorly defended one-on-ones. Not “a crowd” of defenders.

 

[Zarathustra]

If Patterson dunks with UConn far in the lead, it will be entertaining but irrelevant. If she does a smashing one or two handed dunk in a crowd of defenders during a close game, it will be a psychological dagger in the opposing team. Nobody here knows what Patterson will be capable of during her time at UConn.

If Yanna gets a few "put backs" for a score like Aaliyah Edwards did on that
Azzi Fudd missed shot towards the end of the N. C. State doubly overtime
game.. I will be watching those highlights for years to come! Go Aaliyah!
Go Yanna, GO Huskies!

 

[WFFL]

I very strongly doubt she will get a dunk in a “ crowd of defenders.” Any that she gets will come on breakaways. The crowd of defenders will be chasing her.

In the history of wbb, there have been few dunks and fewer that were other than breakaways. The couple that occurred as part of any offense against a defense were poorly defended one-on-ones. Not “a crowd” of defenders.

The only crowd dunks ive ever seen from a women's player was Brittney Griner. The rest are always fast breaks.

 

[Alydar]

The only crowd dunks ive ever seen from a women's player was Brittney Griner. The rest are always fast breaks.

Patterson has had 2-handed dunks from a flatfooted position.
I'm thinking that we are going to see more dunks off of alleyoop passes in the next few years. And those plays could result in injuries if the defender makes contact.

 

[WFFL]

Patterson has had 2-handed dunks from a flatfooted position.
I'm thinking that we are going to see more dunks off of alleyoop passes in the next few years. And those plays could result in injuries if the defender makes contact.

Ill take the notion of ...stand by and see , im not convinced tbh yet.

 

[Alydar]

It's the crowd-pleasers who get the big bucks. It's to Patterson's financial advantage to dunk.

 

[sun]

Once Ayanna establishes that she can dunk during a game, defenses will need to adjust their defense to prevent it which can open up more scoring opportunities for other players.
They may want to place a big closer to the basket which could help our mid range game.
Or Ayanna can draw fouls if they play tighter defense.
And if we have 2 threats to dunk in the game at the same time like Amari & Ayana, then if they try to block one them then we can pass to the other.
A dunker could open up a new inside scoring strategy whether it's real or imagined.
That's why I think that the sooner and more often that Ayanna or any other UConn player can dunk and score, then the better for UConn.
Dunking has the potential to become more than just an exhibition, it can become a show of force and part of UConn's offensive tool box.
Ayanna should be allowed & encourage to become as proficient at dunking as possible.
It would require some team work but in some situations it could pay off by making a difference in the results.