Point Guard Duty Next Year?

[Huskies Rule]

The General

-------------------------The 5-Star General---------------

 

[Roundball fan]

1. I think language is important here. I never said Butler is "not that good"... what I said was that she's not the post player that UCONN needs and is accustomed to this year offensively. Because she's so static, it may lead to Geno changing his offense if she's to start at Center. I'm not a coach, so maybe Geno sees something in Butler that I don't see when I watch her at game speed. He's the one with her at practice not me, so if he decided to play Butler at Center next year then that doesn't necessarily mean he's "playing down"., it could mean he really sees potential in Butler that I'm currently not aware of. Butler is a traditional center, much like our own Alaina Coates. When I speak of offense in this case, pretend that I'm talking about the player positions. If Butler starts for UCONN next year then that offense is PROBABLY going to look more traditional than the one that currently starts for UCONN. We start a very traditional roster.. Baylor is another elite team that starts a very traditional roster. Maryland does as well. To me, a traditional offensive roster is PG, SG, SF, PF, C... currently, correct me if I'm wrong, but UCONN starts a PG (Jefferson), SG (nurse), SF (Samuelson, who's also a Wing and better ball handler than her height would suggest), W/PF (Stewart, who can really play anywhere) and Tuck (PF/C, who can also play outside at times). You see what I'm saying? That versatility in the 3-5 positions allows so much offensive creativity, you have players that can play all over the floor... they can literally switch positions within a play and it would still work flawlessly. If that starting lineup for next year comes from the group you gave me then you have CD (pg), KN (sg), KLS (sf), GW (an undersized but good PF in my eyes), and NC (I guess a W/PF?). So I guess that's still versatile... But my entire point in my original post was how you'd lose a lot of versatility at PF/C if you have Butler starting at Center next year because she's a traditional center. I also said, "unless she revamps her game"... for what it's worth..

2. I used Moriah Jefferson because she was also very highly ranked within her class. While Hartley was highly ranked as well, I don't recall her being a consensus top 5 player. Moriah Jefferson was (I think?). Crystal Dangerfield is. So that comparison made much more sense.
South Carolina fan, you are correct. You are not saying anything that I don't agree with. Nothing against any player on any team, they all are giving their best. Some have it and some don't but Wilson would foul Butler out in half a quarter. Good luck to your team.
3. No... but then again, who knows. I could be wrong, it won't be the first time. It's really difficult to determine how quickly a player, even a highly ranked player, is going to acclimate to college.

Wilson was a top recruit and while she did have a pretty good freshmen year, in my eyes the game didn't really come to her until this year. That doesn't take anything away from Wilson, she's still great, there's just obviously an adjustment period coming from high school/AAU and going to high level D1 college ball. Same for Dangerfield, she's very highly praised and if she comes in and doesn't win the starting spot it won't be because she's not good, it'll be because she's adjusting..

 

[JordyG]

I think Sanaiya Chong will determine how much time Dangerfield gets next year based on well she performs during practice and the early part of the season (the first 10 games). I personally don't care who starts at the point. I'm going to root for whoever earns it. I know it sounds like I'm stumping for Dangerfield. I'm not.

Saniya has been here 3 years. I think its her job to lose. If she does lose it, Dangerfield may get a shot at it. If Chong steps up and takes over the position as she is expected to, then we'll see Crystal at the point her sophomore year.

If Chong falters, and Crystal is not ready, then one would assume that Kia Nurse will assume the point. There will be an opening at the point guard position next season. Who fills it then is anybody's guess. Even ol' Carnac can't see that far ahead. We'll all just have to wait and see. Right now, we have the best PG in the country running things for us.

I agree point for point. PG is a difficult position at any program. Starting at the point on the college level as a freshman is doubly so. Starting at UConn after a legend has left with all of the added pressures and changes of merely being a freshman in college is asking too much, even for one as skilled as Danger. To me the past of Mo is Danger's prologue. Danger's every misstep will be magnified by coaches in practice and fans. I've said this before, but Chong WILL start at the season's beginning. Danger will see increasing minutes. How effective she'll be by the time the Dance rolls around will be up to her. Don't be surprised if Molly sees more minutes initially at the point than Danger. Don't be surprised by the opening critical salvo's Geno throws her way. Don't be surprised if Danger looks lost even in January. Yet with her leadership this may indeed be a different team come time for the Big Boogie.

 

[Carnac]

I agree point for point. PG is a difficult position at any program. Starting at the point on the college level as a freshman is doubly so. Starting at UConn after a legend has left with all of the added pressures and changes of merely being a freshman in college is asking too much, even for one as skilled as Danger. To me the past of Mo is Danger's prologue. Danger's every misstep will be magnified by coaches in practice and fans. I've said this before, but Chong WILL start at the season's beginning. Danger will see increasing minutes. How effective she'll be by the time the Dance rolls around will be up to her. Don't be surprised if Molly sees more minutes initially at the point than Danger. Don't be surprised by the opening critical salvo's Geno throws her way. Don't be surprised if Danger looks lost even in January. Yet with her leadership this may indeed be a different team come time for the Big Boogie.

I like your reference to the NCAA tournament. I'm telling you now I'm going to plagiarize it at some point, so look for it.

 

[UcMiami]

The roles and demands on every returning player (with or without Morgan) will change significantly with the removal of an absolutely unique player in Stewart and an absolutely phenomenal PG in Moriah. It is not unlike the transition that happened two years ago when Dolson and Hartley graduated - there was no player on the returning team (or as a recruit) that could in way match what Dolson had been providing. The team that took the floor the next year had a completely different offensive look without Dolson in the middle, and the defense was very different as well - Tuck and Stewart were much smaller but also much quicker and the switching defense we are all are used to today became the norm. What we see next year may be very different than what we have seen the last two years. Lou is an interesting piece, but she will not be Stewart, and the team may end up being a zone defense or a much more tradition hedge and recover defense.

 

[Huskies Rule]

Chong still hesitates on passing, unsure of driving and makes some poor decisions on defense. Her handle is also average. She has quickness and a good shot. Ekmark is similar to Chong. Her strength is her shot. The other skills are undeveloped. Crystal seems to have more all around PG skills.

 

[cbraarj]

I think Kia Nurse would do great at PG next year. I know Dangerfield is great, but I really don't think her acclimation to the college game will be so easy that she starts on day one.. Moriah Jefferson, as great as she is, wasn't even capable of that. But I don't think PG will be your biggest problem next year.. UCONN has multiple players with the skills necessary to carry out that role. You guys have flexibility because you have so many players that can play multiple positions. I think you can comfortably place Katie Lou anywhere between 2-4 for most teams. She would struggle at 4 against the bigger, more elite teams. To me, she's your prototypical 3, except with more size which makes her a matchup problem.. and we all know Geno is the master of exploiting matchup problems. Nurse at PG, Chong at 2, KLS at 3, Williams at 4, and Butler eek at C.

Allow me to segue here.. I know this is a PG thread and I'm a visiting fan so my opinion is probably of very little value.. but I watch UCONN more than probably most fans of opposing teams and just let me say, I really don't think Butler is the Center you guys need. I understand that you work with what you have but still.. she needs A LOT of work. I was skeptical of her early when she was receiving so much praise and figured she would struggle to get up to UCONN's speed of play. Unless she has a completely amazing offseason and just revamps her game.. I don't see her being the post you guys will need. With Butler in, you all lose so much versatility because not only is she a static player but she also lacks the weapons you guys are so used to getting from your post players lately... and that's the thing I've always admired about UCONN.. the ability of the starting five to play all over the floor.

Unless Geno moves to a more traditional offense then I don't see Butler being the player you guys really need in the paint. But that's just me.. I'm sure many of you disagree.

Moriah didnt start because they had Caroline Doty to start the game.Already a 2 time National Champion.Then there was Bria Hartley who started from her first game at Conn.Next years team will not have that luxury.Moriah is going to pass the torch to Kia.She will be the leader of the team and Crystal Dangerfield will be the starting point guard.IMO Saniya can not handle this role and will be the 4th guard behind those 2 and Lou.I see Lou playing mainly the 2 and 3.

 

[cbraarj]

I agree point for point. PG is a difficult position at any program. Starting at the point on the college level as a freshman is doubly so. Starting at UConn after a legend has left with all of the added pressures and changes of merely being a freshman in college is asking too much, even for one as skilled as Danger. To me the past of Mo is Danger's prologue. Danger's every misstep will be magnified by coaches in practice and fans. I've said this before, but Chong WILL start at the season's beginning. Danger will see increasing minutes. How effective she'll be by the time the Dance rolls around will be up to her. Don't be surprised if Molly sees more minutes initially at the point than Danger. Don't be surprised by the opening critical salvo's Geno throws her way. Don't be surprised if Danger looks lost even in January. Yet with her leadership this may indeed be a different team come time for the Big Boogie.

Dangerfield will be thrown in the fire.Chong does not have the confidense of the coaches after 3 years at Uconn,IMO,she has lost her chance.In tight games Lou will play before Saniya at the 2 with Kia or Crystal at the point.It is not Saniya spot to lose because it was never hers to begin with.

 

[hoophuskee]

1.. I never said Butler is "not that good"... what I said was that she's not the post player that UCONN needs and is accustomed to this year offensively. Because she's so static, it may lead to Geno changing his offense if she's to start at Center.

2. I used Moriah Jefferson because she was also very highly ranked within her class. While Hartley was highly ranked as well, I don't recall her being a consensus top 5 player. Moriah Jefferson was (I think?). Crystal Dangerfield is. So that comparison made much more sense.

3. No... but then again, who knows. I could be wrong, it won't be the first time. It's really difficult to determine how quickly a player, even a highly ranked player, is going to acclimate to college.

Wilson was a top recruit and while she did have a pretty good freshmen year, in my eyes the game didn't really come to her until this year. That doesn't take anything away from Wilson, she's still great, there's just obviously an adjustment period coming from high school/AAU and going to high level D1 college ball. Same for Dangerfield, she's very highly praised and if she comes in and doesn't win the starting spot it won't be because she's not good, it'll be because she's adjusting..

1--- I understand now - I think. The word "more" in terms of "traditional" is because we would be playing someone who "isn't Tuck" but who will be more of a pick setter and no ball-handling whatsoever therefore won't wander very far from the paint and won't create away from the paint. Though, I think we can agree that UCONN can still run well even if she is the lineup, correct? Otherwise if you didn't agree, I would disagree with the context for quite a few of your statements in bold below because the LA Lakers were able to run SHOWTIME even with the slow and more traditional Abdul-Jabbar. Not comparing the talent (no comparison ) just the potential tempo of play (no way am I saying UCONN would be SHOWTIME either) :

(1) I really don't think Butler is the Center you guys need . . . . . (2) she needs A LOT of work . . . . . .(3) Unless she has a completely amazing offseason and just revamps her game.. I don't see her being the post you guys will need.. . . (4) I was skeptical of her early when she was receiving so much praise and figured she would struggle to get up to UCONN's speed of play. . .

And when you said the above in bold about NB being static so Geno may have to change his offense - you aren't suggesting we play "slow ball" in order to accommodate NB. We can run well enough, even with Butler, right? And Geno will still look to run more than likely even with Butler, right? That is what I meant by "play down." Geno is not going to "accommodate" NB. He will still want UCONN to run quite a bit and okay with quick shots but not like we can right now.

2-- This is where you and I disagree. You are using MoJeff as a comparison to CD because they were both top 5 recruits. I use the all-americans (CD vs BH) as comparisons - Hartley imo is much more appropriate because imo both BH and CD are scorers. I don't know much about MoJeff's H/S. But the moment I saw her play at UCONN, I saw a reluctant shooter/scorer. Yet MoJeff who had everything else. From what I've seen of CD, she is much more like Hartley - fearless as a scorer.

3-- Who will be your pg's next year? One thing; I am expecting Danger to be superior to Cuevas by year-end.

 

[SCGamecock]

3-- Who will be your pg's next year? One thing; I am expecting Danger to be superior to Cuevas by year-end.

Our point guard position will likely be filled by some rotation of Bianca Cuevas, Tiffany Davis (she'll be a redshirt junior) and Aarion Bradshaw (true freshmen). If Cuevas continues to improve throughout the summer like she has these last few games (especially defensively, wow) then she will fill in admirably at starting point guard next year.

Our other ball handlers will be Doniyah Cliney, Alisha Gray, Kaela Davis, Kaydra Duckett and Victoria Patrick (true freshmen). They are all either shooting guards or wings but this is important because early on, whoever our point guard is going to be, she will lean heavily on our SGs and Ws for ball handling help. There will likely be some interchangeability from both groups as well.. somebody in the SG/W group may end up playing point guard and vice versa for the group of PGs I've mentioned. The only player currently playing for SC is Cliney.

 

[malevocalist#]

Hit the Nail on the head with that Statment.

 

[JordyG]

Dangerfield will be thrown in the fire.Chong does not have the confidense of the coaches after 3 years at Uconn,IMO,she has lost her chance.In tight games Lou will play before Saniya at the 2 with Kia or Crystal at the point.It is not Saniya spot to lose because it was never hers to begin with.

If you think Geno will "throw in the fire" a freshman point guard then you know little of the history of UConn. Few point guards have started from game one. Few get significant minutes. And fewer still get more minutes than established, experienced guards. Hartley got significant minutes. Before that perhaps one more. Mark my words, the first half of the year will be a difficult learning experience for Danger on offensive and defense.

 

[JordyG]

I like your reference to the NCAA tournament. I'm telling you now I'm going to plagiarize it at some point, so look for it.

Well hell, I've stolen enough from you. Feel free.

 

[Tonyc]

Well Genos ole saying you've got to have good guards. So we have Kia and who else. A little premature to say right now. Saniya has been injured and we will see what happens next season. Dangerfield imo is thought to be the point guard of the future and I think she sees a lot of minutes. IMO Butler could be an AA. Shes big can score and rebound. She needs to be coached and taught as we will need a big next season. Another point we have a tuff OOC schedule next season so we will need a big at times. Hey we cant compare this years team to next years team. It will be a different team next season. We need to see who steps up. We need to understand we are going to make mistakes next season that we don't make this season. We wont be at the level we are at right now next season and either will anybody else. We have some terrific players and we will be depending on underclassman next season so it will take time to develop and create chemistry. We will be much better next season then most fans think. Ive heard fans say we could lose 5-8 games next season with our tuff OOC schedule. Its really tuff to get a handle on how good we will be next season until we see how we develop. Next season is a mystery for me right now. How ever with our talent, I think next March is going to be a lot of fun.

 

[cbraarj]

If you think Geno will "throw in the fire" a freshman point guard then you know little of the history of UConn. Few point guards have started from game one. Few get significant minutes. And fewer still get more minutes than established, experienced guards. Hartley got significant minutes. Before that perhaps one more. Mark my words, the first half of the year will be a difficult learning experience for Danger on offensive and defense.[/quote I forgot more about this program than you will ever know.Coached a couple players that were on FF team in 1991.Been following team since 87.Coached for almost 3 decades.Played against alot of uconn men players in the day.Dont ever tell me what I know and dont know.The only thing you said right is Crystal will struggle begginning of year.No kidding she will be a freshmen.A hard one Jordy.If you know the history then you know Saniya has struggled for 3 years!IMO a no brainer Crystal Dangerfield!

 

[cbraarj]

If you think Geno will "throw in the fire" a freshman point guard then you know little of the history of UConn. Few point guards have started from game one. Few get significant minutes. And fewer still get more minutes than established, experienced guards. Hartley got significant minutes. Before that perhaps one more. Mark my words, the first half of the year will be a difficult learning experience for Danger on offensive and defense.

Jordy if you know the history so well then you know Saniya in the last 3 years cant cut it.You are right it will be a learning experience for Crystal because she is a freshmen.That was a hard one.Would it be better for her to learn playing next to Kia right away or watching Saniya on the floor starting.Dont tell me what I know and dont know because I have coached 2 kids on the first FF team and been following them since 1987 and played against quite a few of the mens players and beat them.So be in the know about people before making a stupid comment.Crystal Dangerfield will have the confidense of the coaches and IMO will take what they can from Chong as a sub and sometimes you just have to except that from a player.

 

[hoophuskee]

Moriah didnt start because they had Caroline Doty to start the game.Already a 2 time National Champion.Then there was Bria Hartley who started from her first game at Conn.Next years team will not have that luxury.Moriah is going to pass the torch to Kia.She will be the leader of the team and Crystal Dangerfield will be the starting point guard.IMO Saniya can not handle this role and will be the 4th guard behind those 2 and Lou.I see Lou playing mainly the 2 and 3.

Where do you see KLS playing on defense? Do you see her playing inside at all? Not saying 40 minutes.

 

[MilfordHusky]

The General

Field Marshal Montgomery.

Here's the other one. He has almost as many awards as Maya.

 

[CocoHusky]

Where do you see KLS playing on defense? Do you see her playing inside at all? Not saying 40 minutes.

That depends on who else gets to start. With Natalie this year UCONN is almost exclusively 3 X 2 zone. If Natalie starts next year backline-2 could be Natalie and KLS, and top 3 could be Gabby, Kia & Napheesa.

 

[JordyG]

Jordy if you know the history so well then you know Saniya in the last 3 years cant cut it.You are right it will be a learning experience for Crystal because she is a freshmen.That was a hard one.Would it be better for her to learn playing next to Kia right away or watching Saniya on the floor starting.Dont tell me what I know and dont know because I have coached 2 kids on the first FF team and been following them since 1987 and played against quite a few of the mens players and beat them.So be in the know about people before making a stupid comment.Crystal Dangerfield will have the confidense of the coaches and IMO will take what they can from Chong as a sub and sometimes you just have to except that from a player.

Where and how did I question you knowledge of BB? Not my point at all. I would NEVER question someone else on their knowledge of sports. My point was about Geno and his past treatment of point guards. I apologize if you took offense. I don't disagree on Chong's lack of improvement. I disagree with idea that Geno will suddenly change his MO and start a freshman at the point when more experience hands are available. Geno has never been one to throw his point guards in the fire from day one. Perhaps as the season progressed. Again, Mo is a good example of someone with Danger's skill set, and only did last year become her year.

 

[Zorro]

Let the nabobs natter on, time will prove them wrong.
Butler is going to be just fine, and likewise so is Chong.
Their writing off of these two kids could hardly be unsubtler;
But Chong will be just fine next year, and likewise so will Butler.
P.L (semi-retired)

 

[Biff]

Let the nabobs natter on, time will prove them wrong.
Butler is going to be just fine, and likewise so is Chong.
Their writing off of these two kids could hardly be unsubtler;
But Chong will be just fine next year, and likewise so will Butler.
P.L (semi-retired)

Most people think that I don't have a Clue but I'll roll the dice and predict that Butler will do it, on the court, with a ball.

 

[Zorro]

Yup, Biffster, some faces are going to be plum scarlett when they see that these kids CAN cut the mustard. It's a lead pipe cinch that it is going to be a wrench for some!

 

[MilfordHusky]

-------------------------The 5-Star General---------------

She looks so TALL in this pic!

 

[hoophuskee]

Where and how did I question you knowledge of BB? Not my point at all.

You accidentally did but the poster probably isn't on enough to see that you in no way meant it. You're a classy poster.

 

[cbraarj]

Where do you see KLS playing on defense? Do you see her playing inside at all? Not saying 40 minutes.

No Defensively she will have to play some 4 and maybe even the 5 if they go small.Lou being the second tallest on the team with the most experience it will be interesting next year.On offense IMO she will be more like KML than Stewie but with the unknown with Butler she could end up in the 4 if Natalie doesnt step up.
It will be interesting next year.

 

[cbraarj]

Where and how did I question you knowledge of BB? Not my point at all. I would NEVER question someone else on their knowledge of sports. My point was about Geno and his past treatment of point guards. I apologize if you took offense. I don't disagree on Chong's lack of improvement. I disagree with idea that Geno will suddenly change his MO and start a freshman at the point when more experience hands are available. Geno has never been one to throw his point guards in the fire from day one. Perhaps as the season progressed. Again, Mo is a good example of someone with Danger's skill set, and only did last year become her year.

It was the first sentence and as far as I am concerned its done.If Saniya was playing meaningful minutes against the better teams then I would say yes but not to fill a spot and again Moriah had Doty and Hartley to learn from.In 2013 Caroline was at 70% but she was a 2 time NC point guard(first year torn ACL but she still knew how to lead the team.Crystal is an incredible talent and IMO will be able handle the pressure just like Hartley did.I do not post everyday but I do read alot because this is the BY and we are like DNA where 999,998,945 have great insight on Uconn Womens Basketball!

 

[hoophuskee]

No Defensively she will have to play some 4 and maybe even the 5 if they go small.Lou being the second tallest on the team with the most experience it will be interesting next year.On offense IMO she will be more like KML than Stewie but with the unknown with Butler she could end up in the 4 if Natalie doesnt step up.
It will be interesting next year.

Absolutely I see her like KML and next year definitely. As for KLS- I was speaking defense only - her playing inside. Offense - her 3pt shot is special.