Saniya....and her use of the left hand

[TimeWillTell]

Here's a LINK to video highlights (4:27) of Saniya's game on Wednesday. She shows very good use of her left hand at the 1:24, 2:42, 3:05, and 3:17 mark.

At the 2:15 mark she drops in a tear drop from the left baseline (right handed)......at the 2:29 mark she fires a perfect, half court, bullet pass to a teammate for an easy score........and at the 3:37 mark she hits an extra long 3 pt bucket. Check it out!

Make sure you enlarge it to "Full Screen" to catch all the details.....Enjoy!

 

[doggydaddy]

Here's a LINK to video highlights (4:27) of Saniya's game on Wednesday. She shows very good use of her left hand at the 1:24, 2:42, 3:05, and 3:17 mark.

At the 2:15 mark she drops in a tear drop from the left baseline (right handed)......at the 2:29 mark she fires a perfect, half court, bullet pass to a teammate for an easy score........and at the 3:37 mark she hits an extra long 3 pt bucket. Check it out!

Make sure you enlarge it to "Full Screen" to catch all the details.....Enjoy!

Not bad for a bench warmer.

 

[sTu]

Time, thanks for the links and updates you have provided.

 

[doggydaddy]

Not bad for a bench warmer.

I forgot the smiley face if anyone thought I meant that.

I really meant to say that she is a role player. Her role is to be GREAT!

 

[MilfordHusky]

Saniya's use of her off-hand is better than that of Renee Montgomery, Tiffany Hayes, Alana Beard, and Skylar Diggins, to name a few. I'm impressed how advanced some of her skills are. MoJeff also dribbles left well, but usually shoots with her right, I believe.

 

[doggydaddy]

Saniya's use of her off-hand is better than that of Renee Montgomery, Tiffany Hayes, Alana Beard, and Skylar Diggins, to name a few. I'm impressed how advanced some of her skills are. MoJeff also dribbles left well, but usually shoots with her right, I believe.

She has all the offensive skills that a scorer needs. Three pointers, pull up jumpers, tear drops in the lane, left and right handed drives to the basket.

What makes her different is her court vision and willingness to pass. It's rare to see that combination of scoring and assisting.

Tiny Archibald comes to mind.

 

[huskyharry]

Thanks!
Clearly, it will be a major adjustment moving up to the level of competition of UConn's opponents, but she has excellent instincts and basketball tools. That quick move, quickly taken floater with the off hand was very impressive.

 

[Kibitzer]

What makes her different is her court vision and willingness to pass. It's rare to see that combination of scoring and assisting.

Tiny Archibald comes to mind.

Archibald is an appropriate, if lofty, comparison. Tiny remains the only player in NBA history to lead the league in scoring and assists the same season!

I think Wilt also led the league in both categories, but he cheated -- did it different seasons. He was also a little bit better rebounder than Tiny.

If Saniya can evoke memories of Tiny when she comes to UConn, I'll take it.

So will Geno.

 

[doggydaddy]

Thanks!
Clearly, it will be a major adjustment moving up to the level of competition of UConn's opponents, but she has excellent instincts and basketball tools. That quick move, quickly taken floater with the off hand was very impressive.

Harry, that specific move is someone you just don't see from a college player, heck, WNBA player let alone a HS player.

I think Chong will make a huge impact at UConn and quickly. Espcially with losing 2 starting playmakers.

 

[meyers7]

If she can make the jump to college level, she will have ample opportunity to play next year. Looking forward to see how her game translates to the college level.

 

[doggydaddy]

If she can make the jump to college level, she will have ample opportunity to play next year. Looking forward to see how her game translates to the college level.

Something tells me you are concerned about her game making the jump to the college level. Am I right??

 

[meyers7]

Something tells me you are concerned about her game making the jump to the college level. Am I right??

No not really. At least no more than any other FR coming in. She does come in with some gaudy numbers though (pts / assists). Be really nice if she could get half of those in college.

 

[wbfree]

No not really. At least no more than any other FR coming in. She does come in with some gaudy numbers though (pts / assists). Be really nice if she could get half of those in college.

I thing she'll need to get stronger, like most freshmen. Also, I think she'll have to learn to protect her dribble. Also, her defense will need work. Other than that, man can she shoot, penetrate, and dish. I love her passing and attitude.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Kib is right about Tiny. He may have led the league in both categories in the same season 2 or 3 times. He was a megastar for a while.

 

[meyers7]

I thing she'll need to get stronger, like most freshmen. Also, I think she'll have to learn to protect her dribble. Also, her defense will need work. Other than that, man can she shoot, penetrate, and dish. I love her passing and attitude.

Yea defense. Most Freshmen have to learn that.

 

[TimeWillTell]

I believe Saniya possesses all the physical/basketball skills and instincts she’ll need to be a very successful contributor at UConn (even as a freshman). And, as she progresses from freshman to senior year, under the watchful eyes of the UConn coaching staff, those skills and instincts will become even sharper and more refined.

Saniya will also get stronger and faster, especially after she hits the UConn weight room with her teammates. She draws and takes contact in the lane very well,…….. but I agree, elite, D1 women’s basketball physicality is a whole different animal than in high school ball. I do believe, however, her game will adapt to the physicality she’ll encounter at UConn.

My main concern for Saniya will be her mental approach to elite D1 women’s college basketball….especially her freshman year. It can be a very fragile time for the mind, even for the best of players. If she’s having trouble picking things up (but wants to do all things perfectly), the coaches get on her, her confidence wanes….you catch my drift. Fortunately Saniya’s high school coach, Dan Ricci, seems to be a no nonsense, do it right type of guy, who isn’t afraid to get into your face if you don’t, including Saniya. I’m sure that will help her, come the time when Geno, at practice, lays into Saniya for doing this, and not that, in only a way that Geno can……….I believe Saniya will weather the storm mentally though….….and if she can maintain a positive attitude, she’ll be a very useful contributor her freshman year……..and maybe even a star at some point after that.

PS……Saniya will be the only member of the freshmen class…….that can be a little disconcerting too. It’s better to be able to share an experience (UConn women’s basketball team) with someone who’s an equal (another freshman)…whether that experience is a good or bad one………….I’ve got my fingers crossed for her…..go UConn!

 

[sarals24]

I think being the only member might not be a bad thing. It worked out well for Kelly! Saniya will have tons of upperclassmen to look up to and help her. Of course it helps to have fellow freshman to commiserate with, but if she has a personality anywhere close to Kelly's she should be fine!

 

[TimeWillTell]

Time, thanks for the links and updates you have provided.

You’re welcome, sTu.

I first became interested in Saniya during the tail end of her sophomore year at Ossining. I kept reading about this sophomore who kept putting up really good numbers. When her junior year basketball season started, she continued putting up great numbers, so I said “I’ve got to go see this girl play. I saw Saniya play six times last year…..and four of those times Marisa, Shea, Chris or Geno were there to see her too! I was hoping they (UConn) would hear about her……and I’m so glad she chose to come to UConn. I can’t wait to see her in action next year.

 

[TimeWillTell]

She has all the offensive skills that a scorer needs. Three pointers, pull up jumpers, tear drops in the lane, left and right handed drives to the basket.

What makes her different is her court vision and willingness to pass. It's rare to see that combination of scoring and assisting.

Tiny Archibald comes to mind.

Doggy, Geno said almost exactly the same thing when asked about why he liked Saniya so much. Very rare to have a scorer who loves to pass so much. The first time I saw Saniya play I noticed it immediately. Saniya seemed to enjoy making a great pass to a teammate even more than scoring. Stefanie, Kiah, Breanna and Morgan are going to be doing a lot of smiling next year when Saniya’s sitting at the scorers table waiting to check into the game!! LOL!

 

[TimeWillTell]

Harry, that specific move is someone you just don't see from a college player, heck, WNBA player let alone a HS player.

I think Chong will make a huge impact at UConn and quickly. Espcially with losing 2 starting playmakers.

DD, I believe Saniya certainly has the potential to make a significant impact.

Two things……….she’ll need to adjust to the speed/physicality of D1 college basketball quickly……and she will need to keep her head on straight when things aren’t going her way; in practice and in games. Play hard, play with confidence and try and have fun doing it. MoJeff said she is finding that to be the formula for her……I think it’s the formula for everyone, especially all newbies (freshmen).

 

[jplotinus]

If she can make the jump to college level, she will have ample opportunity to play next year. Looking forward to see how her game translates to the college level.

It's anyone's guess how any player will adjust to the next higher level. Saniya appears to play on her toes and to adjust her pace to the flow of the game. At UCONN I think she'll have to get used to adjusting her pace ever faster. She might have to run on her feet more as a way of absorbing the contact with the bigger and initially older college bodies. Saniya is slender and will probably need to bulk up during UCONN tenure.

I foresee her having a great career, and a typical freshman learning curve.

 

[WildEagle]

Having watched her for 4 years I don't think there is an off hand. She dribbles and passes equally well with either hand. Uses the right hand on the line and to launch all of her 278 three bombs. But when push comes to shove she will use the left to penetrate and make that run at the hoop.
I have really enjoyed watching her the last 4 years and the best is yet to come this season. I think you Lady Husky fanatics will not be disappointed.

 

[Icebear]

Having watched her for 4 years I don't think there is an off hand. She dribbles and passes equally well with either hand. Uses the right hand on the line and to launch all of her 278 three bombs. But when push comes to shove she will use the left to penetrate and make that run at the hoop.
I have really enjoyed watching her the last 4 years and the best is yet to come this season. I think you Lady Husky fanatics will not be disappointed.

Welcome to the board and thanks for the insights. One bit of info to help connect you to UConn hoops. There is 1 important thing to know. There are no Lady Huskies. Just Huskies. Geno has emphasized from the very beginning that UCONN just has basketball players, male or female both teams are just Husky basketball players.

 

[WildEagle]

Icebear, thanx for the lesson. I will probably be on and off of here the next 4 years or so, at least I will not sound so much like an outsider. Huskies it is, whatever Luigi wants.

 

[HuskyNan]

Icebear, thanx for the lesson. I will probably be on and off of here the next 4 years or so, at least I will not sound so much like an outsider. Huskies it is, whatever Luigi wants.

Some people here are a tad persnickity about the "Lady" thing. Don't mind them. And just as a warning, the Spelling And Grammar Police make their presence known from times to time.

Let me add my welcome to the board.