Recruiting Needs for 2013

[wallman]

I don't know what Stewart's stats are, but Griner averaged 33 points, 15 rebounds, 12 blocks, 3 steals and 3 assists as a senior. I am sure that Stewart has more offensive moves, but that doesn't mean that Griner's limited number of moves in high school weren't more effective. Geno's advice to Griner was not to try to have too many of moves, but to have two ore three go-to moves and hone those to perfection.

Unless Stewart is averaging 12 blocks a game, I doubt that she is on the same level that Griner was on when it came to defense. Griner stepped right into college and set the single season record for blocks.

Hey ETT, HS stats are not comparable, they could be against the weakest of the weak competition or as Stewart did when she went to AZ TOC against the best - club is the best indicator of whether a kid can make the step to college, being able to compete at a Nike Nationals or a Boo Williams, which I watched Griner and she was not the star of her club team, she was the defensive fill in the paint, the points were scored by the guards as she did not make any moves around the basket, with her limited footwork. This is why I think her progression has been great in college and although a lot of people expected more from her early on, she did better in my eyes than expected. Stewart, a completely different player, is very versatile, with great length and leaping ability.

 

[easttexastrash]

Hey ETT, HS stats are not comparable, they could be against the weakest of the weak competition or as Stewart did when she went to AZ TOC against the best - club is the best indicator of whether a kid can make the step to college, being able to compete at a Nike Nationals or a Boo Williams, which I watched Griner and she was not the star of her club team, she was the defensive fill in the paint, the points were scored by the guards as she did not make any moves around the basket, with her limited footwork. This is why I think her progression has been great in college and although a lot of people expected more from her early on, she did better in my eyes than expected. Stewart, a completely different player, is very versatile, with great length and leaping ability.

I think Kelsey Bone, who was the second rated post player in her class, may disagree with you. Griner dropped 16 points in the first quarter on Bone in her senior season. Griner played in class 5A in Houston, and I'm sure you know that the competition level in Houston big schools is top notch. To imply that Griner was playing against lesser competition is a bit silly.

I can only assume that you have seen Stewart play in person, and I have not, thus I truly cannot compare the two. But not to acknowledge Griner's stats as a senior in high school doesn't add much credence to your argument.

As far as versatility, I would say that there are a lot of players who are more versatile than Griner. Versatility doesn't make you more effective. Candace Parker is possibly the most versatile player of all time, but she is not going to out perform Griner in the paint. How versatile does Griner really need to be? Do you think Geno would want Griner anywhere but on the block? She shoots a 15 footer from time to time, and quite well, but versatility is not what makes her great. Being unstoppable on the low block is what makes her great.

 

[doggydaddy]

Versatility doesn't make you more effective.

When you are 6'4" with a 7' wingspan (so I've been told) and can dribble like a guard, shoot from 3, have several post moves and can block shots as good as anyone not named Griner, well, versitility is great.

 

[Icebear]

Let me re-phrase. I am certain he has "influence."

Yes, that is certainly true. But it is not automatic as some would believe. Some in orangeville grumbled about Geno blocking or neglecting players from there.

 

[easttexastrash]

When you are 6'4" with a 7' wingspan (so I've been told) and can dribble like a guard, shoot from 3, have several post moves and can block shots as good as anyone not named Griner, well, versitility is great.

Agreed. That versatility made Parker nearly impossible to stop. She just didn't have the 3 point range.

Stewart should be fun to watch, in a painful way. I assume that I will get to see her play in the all-star game at the Final Four.

 

[wallman]

I think Kelsey Bone, who was the second rated post player in her class, may disagree with you. Griner dropped 16 points in the first quarter on Bone in her senior season. Griner played in class 5A in Houston, and I'm sure you know that the competition level in Houston big schools is top notch. To imply that Griner was playing against lesser competition is a bit silly.

I can only assume that you have seen Stewart play in person, and I have not, thus I truly cannot compare the two. But not to acknowledge Griner's stats as a senior in high school doesn't add much credence to your argument.

As far as versatility, I would say that there are a lot of players who are more versatile than Griner. Versatility doesn't make you more effective. Candace Parker is possibly the most versatile player of all time, but she is not going to out perform Griner in the paint. How versatile does Griner really need to be? Do you think Geno would want Griner anywhere but on the block? She shoots a 15 footer from time to time, and quite well, but versatility is not what makes her great. Being unstoppable on the low block is what makes her great.

Reading is fundamental, I did not discount her stats I said they are incomparable, if thats a word, unless you play the same competition - too many high schools in different divisions, with varying talent level around the players to do that. Thats why high school rankings both school and player mean very little until the kids get into college.

 

[EricSD]

He has no votes. Given he comments from the summer I expect he wants her. Coaches never have votes.

correct-a-mundo. Orange fans were vociferous in their criticism of Geno for leaving former vols off the US National team last year, conveniently forgetting that factoid. they also blamed Rizotti for leaving Simmons off the U-19 team. tons of comments about conspiracies. delusion knows no bounds...

 

[easttexastrash]

Reading is fundamental, I did not discount her stats I said they are incomparable, if thats a word, unless you play the same competition - too many high schools in different divisions, with varying talent level around the players to do that. Thats why high school rankings both school and player mean very little until the kids get into college.

So, to confirm, you have seen Stewart play in person? I am just curious since you are giving the impression that you have seen her play.

I have not seen Stewart play so I truly cannot offer an opinion on her, only one of Griner. When I saw her play in high school I had not doubt that she would step into college and have an immediate impact. Apparently we had different opinions of her talent level.

 

[easttexastrash]

correct-a-mundo. Orange fans were vociferous in their criticism of Geno for leaving former vols off the US National team last year, conveniently forgetting that factoid. they also blamed Rizotti for leaving Simmons off the U-19 team. tons of comments about conspiracies. delusion knows no bounds...

Having watched Simmons play quite a bit since she arrived at Tennessee, I can see why she would not really fit into that team.

 

[Sonny44]

We have had those years, Roy, where UConn went scrambling for plan #2 or 3.

Lazt year Kiah was Geno's third choice I believe.

 

[wallman]

So, to confirm, you have seen Stewart play in person? I am just curious since you are giving the impression that you have seen her play.

I have not seen Stewart play so I truly cannot offer an opinion on her, only one of Griner. When I saw her play in high school I had not doubt that she would step into college and have an immediate impact. Apparently we had different opinions of her talent level.

Have seen both play, my opinion of Griner was that she would make an immediate impact on the defensive end in college and she did, and her offense has improved at Baylor.

 

[easttexastrash]

Have seen both play, my opinion of Griner was that she would make an immediate impact on the defensive end in college and she did, and her offense has improved at Baylor.

Griner averaged 18.4 points a game her freshman year, which is a pretty big impact on the offensive end as well. Her freshman stats (18.4 points and 8.5 rebounds a game) are similar to Tina Charles' senior stats (18.2 points and 9.5 rebounds a game). Granted, Griner didn't play with Maya Moore, who was going to score her fair share of points. In my book, Griner's scoring average qualifies as having an immediate impact on offense as well. I am not sure what scoring number would have been required for you to consider her ready to be an offensive impact.

However, if you feel that Stewart is capable of coming in an having a bigger impact than Griner did, I cannot argue that since I have not see her play and the only footage I can find is from her sophomore season. She certainly is not the number 1 rated player for no reason, as was the same with Griner. When I saw Griner play in the state playoffs I thought that she could have immediately made a leap to the WNBA.

On a side note, in looking at Charles' college stats I was surprised to find that she never averaged double digit rebounding in any season. It certainly felt like she pulled down a lot more rebounds.

 

[Icebear]

Since you haven't seen her it is probably a good thing not to talk about Stewart or to attempt any comparisons.

 

[easttexastrash]

Since you haven't seen her it is probably a good thing not to talk about Stewart or to attempt any comparisons.

Yeah, that's why I said it. But thanks for pointing out the same thing that I have already said...twice. But does this mean that anyone who has not seen her play is banned from talking about her? That is probably going to eliminate about 99% of the talk about her on this board.

"I have not seen Stewart play so I truly cannot offer an opinion on her, only one of Griner. When I saw her play in high school I had not doubt that she would step into college and have an immediate impact. Apparently we had different opinions of her talent level."

"However, if you feel that Stewart is capable of coming in an having a bigger impact than Griner did, I cannot argue that since I have not see her play and the only footage I can find is from her sophomore season. She certainly is not the number 1 rated player for no reason, as was the same with Griner."

 

[doggydaddy]

the only footage I can find is from her sophomore season.

Here is one from a few weeks ago

 

[Icebear]

Yeah, that's why I said it. But thanks for pointing out the same thing that I have already said...twice. But does this mean that anyone who has not seen her play is banned from talking about her? That is probably going to eliminate about 99% of the talk about her on this board.
"

And that is why your observations about Griner in comparison to anything are essentially useless.

 

[easttexastrash]

And that is why your observations about Griner in comparison to anything are essentially useless.

I would like for someone to find a post where I made a comparison. I have disputed what was said about Griner's offensive game not being ready for college, and I made observations on the limited footage that I saw on her, and actually pointed out myself that the footage was old. However, I do not recall making a single statement that compared the two. Now, I say a lot of crap I don't remember, so I could be wrong, but I do not recall drawing any direct comparisons.

 

[easttexastrash]

I take that back, I did make the following statement but it was later pointed out that the footage provided was of her sophomore year. I was not aware at the time that the footage that was provided in this thread was that old when I made that comment. Someone also suggested that I look at the footage from the Pan Am games, which I did look for but could not locate anywhere.

"I'm not sold yet as I saw Griner play in high school and she was much more impressive."

So, as I have stated, I have nothing to compare the two with at the same stages of their high school careers, so I have no opinion of Stewart's talents, only those of Griner's, which was my debate with the poster who also saw Griner play in high school. That poster apparently did not find 33 points a game her senior year in high school and 18.4 points a game in her freshman year of college as proof that Griner was ready to make an impact on the offensive end of the court. To me, that seems like lack of talent analysis.

I look forward to seeing Ms. Stewart play as it sounds as if she is going to be something special to watch.

 

[easttexastrash]

See if you can find video of her playing on the Pan American game. You are way off about her in almost every way.

Does anyone know where this footage can be found? I've searched for this footage and cannot find it. I truly would love to get a look at Stewart and her current skills. That video of Jefferson was incredible.

 

[easttexastrash]

Nice game by one of Baylor's signees for 2013, Niya Johnson. She may be able to step in and add some scoring punch for Baylor.

"With her team trailing by 17 entering the fourth quarter, Johnson fueled a rally and beat Buchholz (Gainesville, Fla.) 85-77 with her 51-point, 15-rebound, seven-assist and four-steal performance. The Baylor signee is averaging 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists on the season."

Of course, the UCONN signees had some spectacular performances as well.

http://espn.go.com/high-school/girl...d/7501892/four-new-faces-join-star-watch-race

 

[doggydaddy]

Nice game by one of Baylor's signees for 2013, Niya Johnson. She may be able to step in and add some scoring punch for Baylor.

"With her team trailing by 17 entering the fourth quarter, Johnson fueled a rally and beat Buchholz (Gainesville, Fla.) 85-77 with her 51-point, 15-rebound, seven-assist and four-steal performance. The Baylor signee is averaging 26 points, eight rebounds and eight assists on the season."

Of course, the UCONN signees had some spectacular performances as well.

http://espn.go.com/high-school/girls-basketball/story/_/id/7501892/four-new-faces-join-star-watch-race[/quote]

Looks like a good replacement for when Sims graduates in two years.

 

[speedoo]

Does anyone know where this footage can be found? I've searched for this footage and cannot find it. I truly would love to get a look at Stewart and her current skills. That video of Jefferson was incredible.

Try "USA Basketball". I don't know if they have any video archived, but it's worth a try.

 

[easttexastrash]

Try "USA Basketball". I don't know if they have any video archived, but it's worth a try.

Nothing anywhere. I am surprised at how little video they have.

 

[rjuconn]

I think "needs" is too strong a word. I think that "wants" is more like it. UConn doesn't seem to need much in 2013, but that's not to say Geno won't be going after some awfully good players.

I've always wondered how the locker room dynamic is on a team with so many great high school players. There are obviously many "back-up" players who must swallow some pride and realize they won't be making major contributions.

 

[UcMiami]

ETT - to be clear, I don't think anyone is likely to have the kind of impact BG had as a freshman (or continues to have) - because she was and remians a unique physical specimen for a woman. There may be others who come in and have better statistics - ppg, rpg, etc - but not the 'impact'. That is one reason why it is likely she will make the USA Olympic team - while there are probably other choices who are fundamentally better players in the pro ranks, none of them have the height of BG and in the women's game that height stands out more.
(For example - I think Paris at OU probably put up the best freshman stats of any center ever in WCBB but her 'impact' was not as great as BG. She was just a very good player, not a unique palyer

 

[easttexastrash]

ETT - to be clear, I don't think anyone is likely to have the kind of impact BG had as a freshman (or continues to have) - because she was and remians a unique physical specimen for a woman. There may be others who come in and have better statistics - ppg, rpg, etc - but not the 'impact'. That is one reason why it is likely she will make the USA Olympic team - while there are probably other choices who are fundamentally better players in the pro ranks, none of them have the height of BG and in the women's game that height stands out more.
(For example - I think Paris at OU probably put up the best freshman stats of any center ever in WCBB but her 'impact' was not as great as BG. She was just a very good player, not a unique palyer

I agree. Well said.

 

[magical2]

Stanford gets Beebe. Baylor gets top 10-15 Alexis Prince and three recruits ranked in the 43-60 range.

and one over 100
tnvol I am glad you had clarified for those who kept referring as Beebe coming to Baylor next year! Beebe is a Ca kid,#12 6'3" who your are correct is going to Stanford. Unless there is another Beebe I did not understand why in recent weeks it kept being being stated in threads re Baylor that Beebe was going to be at Baylor next season! The big recruit that they got is Prince #16 FL 6'2' wing! The other commits are #43Johnson 5'7"pg,#44 Fuqua6'0"f,#56 Higgins6'4"p,plus 100 Brown guard.I think Prince is the one player that may benefit the team for next season. As I remember it all of the starters will be back for them,with Condrey who does avg 20 mpg,Field,and Palmer graduating SRs. They also have RS players in Chandler and Washington that can help the team. There is no reason to believe that if everyone who is not graduating returns plus Prince they will be an even better team than this season. As how that relates to us,we do lose only Hayes,but add what could be the unprecidated class of #1Stewart 6'4",#2Jeferson 5'7",and #3-5 Tuck. This would not only be great because of the level of talent,but the size and skills of Stewart***** and Tuck will address the issues of height,size,power that we are lacking this season! The versatily it will allow is mind boggling when you add Mo J who may be the quickest guard in college.Add CD,Bria,KML,Kelly,Dolson,Stokes and Banks with Buck,Johnson,and Engelin struggling for playing time with a line up that goes 10 deep This will provide Various lineups that can more than matchup with Baylor or any other team next year! I anticipate that CT and Baylor will be ranked as the prohibitive best 2 teams all season.
If we do play them next year during the regular season as has been recently discussed. One team is going to be undefeated and the other with one loss to the other. That game should be fantastic and then I suspect they will meet again in the Final Championship game. I do not see any other team comparing to them next season. Thank God for Womens Basketball still be 4 seasons and being student/athletes.