Poffenbarger to UConn

[Charliebball]

It's a good question. In 2016 UConn had Stewart. Butler was big but hardly a dominant player. Other than that there was Tuck, listed at 6'2" but really 6'1" and freshmen Collier & Williams. So who was the 2nd dominant front court player? I say Tuck but I'm sure you think "how can that be? She is but 6'1". If you agree about Tuck then I say your worries are needless because UConn is loaded with that size for years to come?

yes I had Tuck in mind..............I'm not sure if she was 6"1" or 6'2" but she had some of the best inside offensive moves I've ever seen and had a great basketball IQ...........you'll note I have said in an earlier post that a power forward would be fine and also noted that if any new recruits were named Tuck or Collier or had the same skill sets I'd be good with it............I'm not aware of anybody on next year's team or that is committed that fits that criteria

 

[Charliebball]

I assume since you want "bigs" they have to be at least 6-4. So '15-'16, had Stewart and Butler, but don't know if I'd consider Butler dominant.

not necessarily that tall....................my definition of a big is someone that can defend inside against a 6'4" post without being pushed around and also be somewhat dominant inside at both ends of the floor..................... an inside scorer with a skill set like Tuck who held her own at both ends of the court would be fine by me although I know they are not easy to come by...............

 

[JordyG]

That is exactly the situation- you don’t know how they may turn out but based on the programs success these past 12 FINAL FOUR APPEARANCES, I think we’ll be okay. And as I mentioned in the thread that all but Cox and maybe Holmes, from the HG 2016 Class rankings have been busts at the top level and not worthy of their ranking. Where as a 5’1” Jackie Young was awesome. Granted she played everywhere, but that is exactly the type of Player UConn recruits. This was also my point that too many bigs are OVER rated by everyone with only a handful able to handle The rigors of D1 elite teams. So besides Baylor this past few years-name an elite team with multiple bigs who actually contributed? I can’t recall any. And given the number of posts you put out bemoaning our lack of height, yes, it’s a tad unhealthy, mostly to us. I get your concern is to field the best team possible but until we can’t make consecutive FF, or get 5+ losses in a season- I trust the process.

How about the UConn teams with Big Mama, Stewie, Tuck, Lou et. al.? How about the So. Car team? How about ND.? All had at least 2 players above 6'2" or more ready to contribute.

 

[DefenseBB]

How about the UConn teams with Big Mama, Stewie, Tuck, Lou et. al.? How about the So. Car team? How about ND.? All had at least 2 players above 6'2" or more ready to contribute.

Well lets parse that shall we.. South Carolina lost to UConn with Coates and WIlson but won the title without Coates (and without playing UConn). ND ha down only Sheppard the year they won the title and 5’11” Jackie Young and lost to UConn during the season. So while you downgraded bigs to 6’2” we need to know if Batouly is healthy and if Geno is willing to let her play meaningful minutes like she did as a freshman at Kentucky against quality opponents. Is Evelyn, at 6’1” a legit big to help out Ono? I still do not see any elite teams with 2 bigs beside Baylor and Oregon (they have lots of bigs but it is unknown if they play in the paint or on the wing as in Elder Sabally. So I appreciate your comments but I am still skeptical

 

[DefenseBB]

I keep saying this but I always get attacked by the board. ONO

I keep saying this but get attacked constantly. I think ONO is great but its a lot to ask her to go a full 40 minutes against that big girl centers at the elite level. She needs a partner her size to get a break and allow her to share some fouls so she can be aggressive. What's wrong with a Lobo Wolters duo? Having a partner will also support ONO staying healthy.

So, what big girls exist that Ono has to go against for 40 minutes? Other than Cox who is great but her cardio is not 40 minute per game level. Baylor does have numerous bigs. I see Hebard, Herbert-Harrington and not a lot after that on their schedule. Maybe in the NCAA Elite 8, Final Four ish matchups but if UConn get started that far, I suspect BC, Megan, Evelyn have all stepped up their rebounding games. Did anyone think Gabby capable of her game after Stewie, Morgan and Mo left? We don’t know is my point.

 

[bantamlaker]

Saylor was very impressive as a freshman. As a sophomore she made the USA U16 team. It is exciting just thinking about how good she will become over the next few seasons before she gets to UConn.

Let’s hope Saylor continues progressing and that three years from now we are talking about her becoming an elite college player when she makes the sophomore leap.

 

[Geew1992]

So, what big girls exist that Ono has to go against for 40 minutes? Other than Cox who is great but her cardio is not 40 minute per game level. Baylor does have numerous bigs. I see Hebard, Herbert-Harrington and not a lot after that on their schedule. Maybe in the NCAA Elite 8, Final Four ish matchups but if UConn get started that far, I suspect BC, Megan, Evelyn have all stepped up their rebounding games. Did anyone think Gabby capable of her game after Stewie, Morgan and Mo left? We don’t know is my point.

The only thing I will disagree with in this post is about Cox. She can def play 40 mins if needed.

 

[oldude]

So, what big girls exist that Ono has to go against for 40 minutes? Other than Cox who is great but her cardio is not 40 minute per game level.

While Cox should be an AA this season, I will be very curious to see how Baylor does with only one of their two twin towers. So much of their offense this past year was comprised of wide open jump shots, backdoor layups and easy offensive put backs because opposing teams were doubling Brown in the post.

Last season Cox was able to roam inside and out in Baylor’s offense. This season she will be the focal point of the offense and getting much of the defense’s attention.

 

[Blue Ghost]

I agree about the need for a couple of backup players who can be physical in the paint along with blocking shots and rebounding. Stokes was not only good at those things, at some of them she was the best on the team. But for a couple of fans Stokes, at a mere 6'2" just doesn't fill UConn's need.

Except in rare cases true centers need 2 years to develop at UConn. Their size makes it easy to score and rebound in HS and many never learn much technique or develop stamina and IMO a big entering her 3rd year of HS is 4 years away from being a factor at UConn. Trying to predict that far in advance is a crap shot. Every 2 years a Wilson or a Brown comes along but mostly it takes time. (Tina Charles)

I'll take Fudd and take my chances with 3 years of what could end up being a legendary back-court.

Also Stokes being 6'2" was actually a good height for a center in 2015. Now you have all these 6'5" to 6'7" girls. Times have changed quickly.

 

[donalddoowop]

not necessarily that tall.....my definition of a big is someone that can defend inside against a 6'4" post without being pushed around and also be somewhat dominant inside at both ends of the floor...... an inside scorer with a skill set like Tuck who held her own at both ends of the court would be fine by me although I know they are not easy to come by.....

I guess I'm the only one on the board who thinks the way you do. Having a better then average 6' 3" or taller player added to the team would be invaluable to UConn.

 

[Alydar]

not necessarily that tall.....my definition of a big is someone that can defend inside against a 6'4" post without being pushed around and also be somewhat dominant inside at both ends of the floor...... an inside scorer with a skill set like Tuck who held her own at both ends of the court would be fine by me although I know they are not easy to come by.....

Do you honestly think Tuck could have guarded Brown down low? Because that's usually the standard I read as one problem UConn had using Collier at the post the last 2 years. Collier is 6'1", and an effective inside player with inside moves as good if not better than Tuck.

I am sympathetic to your point. I think size is nice to have while you seem to see it as a necessity. It's more important to me to have a transcendent player. All those twin towers who were on NC teams either were one or played with one. Taurasi, Moore and Stewart won all 9 of the UConn titles this century. I think another of that type arrives in 2020/21.

 

[Zanzman]

Collier is more athletic than Tuck but I think Tuck is physically stronger and could defend Brown effectively

 

[oldude]

I guess I'm the only one on the board who thinks the way you do. Having a better then average 6' 3" or taller player added to the team would be invaluable to UConn.

I think the entire BY would like to have another “better than average 6’3” or taller player added to the team.” But some of us have come to terms with the fact that we’re not going to see it next season, so we might as well be satisfied with the team we will have, which, in the hands of the master, will be pretty darned good.

 

[donalddoowop]

While Cox should be an AA this season, I will be very curious to see how Baylor does with only one of their two twin towers. So much of their offense this past year was comprised of wide open jump shots, backdoor layups and easy offensive put backs because opposing teams were doubling Brown in the post.

Last season Cox was able to roam inside and out in Baylor’s offense. This season she will be the focal point of the offense and getting much of the defense’s attention.

Cox was not as effective when Brown was not in the game, at least defensively. She is not quick and players were driving past her and offensively she had a number of her shots blocked. My hope for her is that she comes back this season fully healed. Even if she is not as effective without Brown, she will still be an elite player.

Do you honestly think Tuck could have guarded Brown down low? Because that's usually the standard I read as one problem UConn had using Collier at the post the last 2 years. Collier is 6'1", and an effective inside player with inside moves as good if not better than Tuck.

I am sympathetic to your point. I think size is nice to have while you seem to see it as a necessity. It's more important to me to have a transcendent player. All those twin towers who were on NC teams either were one or played with one. Taurasi, Moore and Stewart won all 9 of the UConn titles this century. I think another of that type arrives in 2020/21.

There will be some disappointed people on this board if that 2021 player commits to another school

 

[donalddoowop]

I think the entire BY would like to have another “better than average 6’3” or taller player added to the team.” But some of us have come to terms with the fact that we’re not going to see it next season, so we might as well be satisfied with the team we will have, which, in the hands of the master, will be pretty darned good.

What happened OD? You did not finish your post.

 

[oldude]

What happened OD? You did not finish your post.

Read it now

 

[j66kicker]

Cox was not as effective when Brown was not in the game, at least defensively. She is not quick and players were driving past her and offensively she had a number of her shots blocked. My hope for her is that she comes back this season fully healed. Even if she is not as effective without Brown, she will still be an elite player.

There will be some disappointed people on this board if that 2021 player commits to another school

@Alydar said “2020/21.” There will indeed be “EDD-like” disappointment if Beuckers commits to another school

 

[MilfordHusky]

Collier is more athletic than Tuck but I think Tuck is physically stronger and could defend Brown effectively

Tuck is strong and smart and has great footwork. She shut down Alaina Coates. In 2012, she was also the only player in her age group who could effectively guard Stewie.

 

[JordyG]

Well lets parse that shall we.. South Carolina lost to UConn with Coates and WIlson but won the title without Coates (and without playing UConn). ND ha down only Sheppard the year they won the title and 5’11” Jackie Young and lost to UConn during the season. So while you downgraded bigs to 6’2” we need to know if Batouly is healthy and if Geno is willing to let her play meaningful minutes like she did as a freshman at Kentucky against quality opponents. Is Evelyn, at 6’1” a legit big to help out Ono? I still do not see any elite teams with 2 bigs beside Baylor and Oregon (they have lots of bigs but it is unknown if they play in the paint or on the wing as in Elder Sabally. So I appreciate your comments but I am still skeptical

Let's really parse that. On the SCar team that won a championship was Wilson (6'4"). Coates (who did not play), Jennings (6'2"), Harrigan (6'2"), and Davis (6'2"). As for the Irish, Shepard (6'4"), Nelson (6'4") and Westbeld (6'2"). All of these players count. This year UConn has only one player above 6'2".

 

[Alydar]

Also Stokes being 6'2" was actually a good height for a center in 2015. Now you have all these 6'5" to 6'7" girls. Times have changed quickly.

LOL Come on. There are always a couple of huge centers. And many around 6'5"

 

[Alydar]

Let's really parse that. On the SCar team that won a championship was Wilson (6'4"). Coates (who did not play), Jennings (6'2"), Harrigan (6'2"), and Davis (6'2"). As for the Irish, Shepard (6'4"), Nelson (6'4") and Westbeld (6'2"). All of these players count. This year UConn has only one player above 6'2".

Yeah, like S Car. "Wilson (6'4"). Coates (who did not play), Jennings (6'2"), Harrigan (6'2"), and Davis (6'2"))

 

[JordyG]

Yeah, like S Car. "Wilson (6'4"). Coates (who did not play), Jennings (6'2"), Harrigan (6'2"), and Davis (6'2"))

I should have said, "UConn has only one player 6"2" and above". Better? The truth is UConn proves my argument consistently. UConn always feeds their forwards and their guards shoot less than most teams.

 

[Mdoggie]

The Boneyard would like the entire team to be 6'4 lol

 

[Alydar]

There will be some disappointed people on this board if that 2021 player commits to another school

LOL Not me. I got my wish on April Fool's Day Anything else is just gravy. I want Fudd but I won't whine if she goes elsewhere. In any case, UConn is flush with guards after this coming year.

BTW, I'm looking forward to the coming season too. I think a lot of nervous nellies are in for a pleasant surprise. The biggest weakness is only 2 upperclassmen starting.

 

[HopJim]

Very true, but she did have Stokes backing her up for 3 of the 4 years. Also Stewie in the games that mattered played the entire game so that made up for not having a backup. I understand the concern of Ono having to play heavy minutes without a backup.

Stewie used her long arms and jumping ability perfectly-rarely fouled. No disrespect towards Ono but she tends to slap down on ball and rightly so gets called for many fouls. Expect her to improve but would be useful to have as much backup talent as possible.

 

[veryolddog]

My position on a very tall young woman has been made many times because it is the final piece to the championship equation for Uconn. The type of woman that I want is so tall that when she is standing on the ground and raises her hands above her head she can grab the rim of the basket. And the only problem we would have with this person is calls for "goal tending". That is my position and a piece of my sense of humor on this whole topic. The Team has always has been rich in guards and wings. And, there are times when I would like to see the five guard approach in order to provide a full court press. I almost would like some platooning in order to give folks a rest during the game and better player match up. But, that is my wishfull thinking. This is my view in looking for more versatility in order to confuse the opposition in thinking that that they will see the same thing every time.

 

[oldude]

Stewie used her long arms and jumping ability perfectly-rarely fouled. No disrespect towards Ono but she tends to slap down on ball and rightly so gets called for many fouls. Expect her to improve but would be useful to have as much backup talent as possible.

Agree that Liv was prone to swing down and foul often when she got to UConn. She also had a problem with her footwork at first, resulting in her being out of position and getting up in the air on a head fake. But by the end of the season, under the guidance of UConn’s coaches she had improved substantially.

As Liv learns to just move her feet and stand straight up with her very long arms extended she will be very difficult to shoot over and she will be able to avoid foul trouble. My hope is that Liv becomes a 6’5” version of Pheesa when it comes to blocking shots. Hopefully, she learned some things from Pheesa before she graduated. Pheesa had the best technique I’ve ever seen, and was equally proficient blocking shots with either hand.

 

[augustaTC]

I thought this was about Saylor? Must have misread the title. Or maybe we need a separate thread about "Bigs". Tired of this same old s..t creeping everywhere.

 

[DEpup]

Pheesa was good but I've never seen anyone like Stokes who could block and then recover the ball.

Agree that Liv was prone to swing down and foul often when she got to UConn. She also had a problem with her footwork at first, resulting in her being out of position and getting up in the air on a head fake. But by the end of the season, under the guidance of UConn’s coaches she had improved substantially.

As Liv learns to just move her feet and stand straight up with her very long arms extended she will be very difficult to shoot over and she will be able to avoid foul trouble. My hope is that Liv becomes a 6’5” version of Pheesa when it comes to blocking shots. Hopefully, she learned some things from Pheesa before she graduated. Pheesa had the best technique I’ve ever seen, and was equally proficient blocking shots with either hand.

Pheesa is good but for me Stokes was the best. I have never seen anybody who could block and then recover the ball too. Most players just swat the ball where Stokes has a way of blocking it towards herself and the get it.

 

[oldude]

Pheesa was good but I've never seen anyone like Stokes who could block and then recover the ball.

Pheesa is good but for me Stokes was the best. I have never seen anybody who could block and then recover the ball too. Most players just swat the ball where Stokes has a way of blocking it towards herself and the get it.

Yes, Stokes was very good. Pheesa too had that ability to block and recover shots. Many bigs try to swat away shots into the 10th row of the stands. While that gets a lot of oohs & ah’s, the other team gets the ball back with another chance to score. The greatest of all time at blocking and recovering shots was Bill Russell who would basically tip a shot to himself and then fire an outlet pass to a Celtic teammate starting their devastating fast break.