Saniya Rivers has hit the portal!!! | Page 3 | The Boneyard

Saniya Rivers has hit the portal!!!

Come on home Ms Rivers, as long as its not Orange County
 
ThatCG1801 said:
I posted this in the transfer portal thread but I'm going to copy and paste it here as well just in case others look here for info associated specifically with Saniya vs the transfer portal thread:


Regarding Saniya Rivers, there was an article where she made some interesting comments regarding her departure from Gamecock WBB. She did not, however, address anything in relation to the 3 game suspension that I still suspect played a role and had nothing at all to do with class attendance issues.

She said that she wanted to leave mid-season. That she was "not a piece of the puzzle" and basically did not feel as if she belonged. Also, she says her "phone has been blowing up" with random programs contacting her (yet her status has been from the moment she entered the portal, and remains, "do not contact"). She said she plans on taking the max number of visits allowed as a transfer, which is to 3 programs that she does not name. I'll try to locate the link to the article again and edit this with that link.

ETA: Here is the link to the article:

Not the piece of the puzzle: Rivers talks decision to leave South Carolina basketball

Exclusive interview from the former Wilmington high school star on her decision to find a new college home after one year with the Gamecocks
www.starnewsonline.com www.starnewsonline.com
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If it did not have to do with missing class then do you know why she was suspended?
 
Dino said:
He clearly does not.
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*She :p

And no, I don't know. There are rumors from ppl who are usually privy to info the rest of us are not but bc it's not substantiated and bc it implies that it was not due to classes but was due to issues of another nature that falls on Saniya, I'm not gonna spread the rumors. They have been very vague in naming anything very specific other than saying it reflects poorly on the player herself, anyway.

As another person has pointed out, and this can be substantiated, it has never happened before that Dawn reacts that severely simply due to skipping classes. Not to the point of suspending someone 3 games, especially during the NCAA tournament.

ETA: that was not to imply that she doesn't react at all, just that a 3 game suspension as opposed to fewer games than 3 being the punishment is more in line with anything similar that has occurred previously.
 
ThatCG1801 said:
*She :p

And no, I don't know. There are rumors from ppl who are usually privy to info the rest of us are not but bc it's not substantiated and bc it implies that it was not due to classes but was due to issues of another nature that falls on Saniya, I'm not gonna spread the rumors. They have been very vague in naming anything very specific other than saying it reflects poorly on the player herself, anyway.

As another person has pointed out, and this can be substantiated, it has never happened before that Dawn reacts that severely simply due to skipping classes. Not to the point of suspending someone 3 games, especially during the NCAA tournament.

ETA: that was not to imply that she doesn't react at all, just that a 3 game suspension as opposed to fewer games than 3 being the punishment is more in line with anything similar that has occurred previously.
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I have said more than I desire. I will take my leave with this, your whole “further explanation” is defamatory in nature. Those who are “privy” to the information should know exactly what the suspension was for, your implications here let me know they do not.
 
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Regardless of what lead to Saniya’s suspension from those 3 games, I’m sure it weighed on her departure as well. Definitely not as severely as her not feeling as though she’s a “puzzle piece,” but she may have acted out in some type of way because she was already mentally checked out. Either way, we hate to see her go. Whoever gets her is getting a heap of talent. I hope she returns to her home state, imo. North Carolina is on the upward trajectory, and Coach Banghart is doing a great job. Saniya could be the missing “puzzle piece” for them.
 
Dino said:
I have said more than I desire. I will take my leave with this, your whole “further explanation” is defamatory in nature. Those who are “privy” to the information should know exactly what the suspension was for, your implications here let me know they do not.
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You're a salty little fella. Wonder why that is? I also believe I very clearly stated what they were saying were RUMORS as it was UNSUBSTANTIATED.
 
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I trust that Dawn made the right call; I have enough to worry about with my own employees and still not being fully staffed.
 
I saw the posts too. It really doesn’t matter why she’s going because she wasn’t happy with something. There’s nothing wrong with the “culture” Dawn has created because most of them love it. Saniya was just looking for something different. I will say this…she, along with the other 2 transfers, were at the spring game last night with the rest of the team and the coaches. She was laughing and joking with them - you would never know there was anything wrong just to watch them and I watched specifically for that. Again, I just think it wasn’t a fit and there are no hard feelings. As fans sometimes we want to fault a coach, program or player if it doesn’t work out.
 
stwainfan said:
I expect Tennessee to add a post player. If anyone else comes via transfer portal. Tennessee will have three potential first round draft picks Horston, Key, and Jackson.
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There’s only 12 first round draft picks and goodness there are going to be some players in it. How about the big girls - Boston, Amihere, Key, Ayoka Lee, Dorka - and those are just the ones off the top of my head. That draft is gonna be nuts.
 
TC22 said:
There’s only 12 first round draft picks and goodness there are going to be some players in it. How about the big girls - Boston, Amihere, Key, Ayoka Lee, Dorka - and those are just the ones off the top of my head. That draft is gonna be nuts.
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Yes maybe the best ever draft.
 
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I am a really big fan of Saniya Rivers and I hope that she succeeds at her new school. We have all been trying to figure out why she would leave a National Championship winning program when she was clearly an integral part of the future. I have come to the conclusion that maybe the stage at SC and the 15,000+ fans at Colonial Life Arena were just too much for her. To go from being such a prolific scorer in high school to shooting 1 for 31 from the 3 point line seems to be all MENTAL. Some players thrive under the bright lights and some players wilt under the intensity of the big stage. I think that a change of scenery is the only thing that may allow her to get her mental confidence back and let her natural ability shine. Playing in front of smaller crowds and not being surrounded by teammates that are more talented and accomplished than her should help her return to her #3 ranked status. It is easier to play and shoot confidently when you know that your are the best player on the court and at SC she was nowhere near that stature. When you think of Boston, Bueckers, Jones, Clark.....the bigger the stage, the better they play.....it is just in their DNA. UNC would be a good fit for her...up and coming program, she would be one of 2 -3 star quality players, smaller crowds, less pressure to perform. As mentioned in previous posts, sometimes players and programs just don't FIT...nothing wrong with the player and nothing wrong with the coach/program....this seems to be one of those times.
 
Rivers is a really good player that would have been really good at South Carolina and will be really good at her next stop.

I wish it had worked out better, but this is how it happened, so I wish her well except when we face her in the tournament.
 
GamecockFan said:
Regardless of what lead to Saniya’s suspension from those 3 games, I’m sure it weighed on her departure as well. Definitely not as severely as her not feeling as though she’s a “puzzle piece,” but she may have acted out in some type of way because she was already mentally checked out. Either way, we hate to see her go. Whoever gets her is getting a heap of talent. I hope she returns to her home state, imo. North Carolina is on the upward trajectory, and Coach Banghart is doing a great job. Saniya could be the missing “puzzle piece” for them.
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I hope she goes to NC State if she goes home. NC seems like the more immediate threat the way they are recruiting.
 
It seems to me that the decision to leave a program after winning the national championship is easier than if you were on a team that almost won or is picked to win the next year. She had that experience; the game, the crowd, cutting down the net, the parade, etc. She will forever be a national champion. She can check that off her bucket list. Now, as stated in that article, she has a year under her belt and she knows more of what she wants. Good luck to her.
 
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CockyDoc said:
I am a really big fan of Saniya Rivers and I hope that she succeeds at her new school. We have all been trying to figure out why she would leave a National Championship winning program when she was clearly an integral part of the future. I have come to the conclusion that maybe the stage at SC and the 15,000+ fans at Colonial Life Arena were just too much for her. To go from being such a prolific scorer in high school to shooting 1 for 31 from the 3 point line seems to be all MENTAL. Some players thrive under the bright lights and some players wilt under the intensity of the big stage. I think that a change of scenery is the only thing that may allow her to get her mental confidence back and let her natural ability shine. Playing in front of smaller crowds and not being surrounded by teammates that are more talented and accomplished than her should help her return to her #3 ranked status. It is easier to play and shoot confidently when you know that your are the best player on the court and at SC she was nowhere near that stature. When you think of Boston, Bueckers, Jones, Clark.....the bigger the stage, the better they play.....it is just in their DNA. UNC would be a good fit for her...up and coming program, she would be one of 2 -3 star quality players, smaller crowds, less pressure to perform. As mentioned in previous posts, sometimes players and programs just don't FIT...nothing wrong with the player and nothing wrong with the coach/program....this seems to be one of those times.
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If you accept an offer from a team like SC, then you had to know the conditions under which you would play. If you're tweeting you want to beat UCONN, you better be ready for the big lights. And playing against lesser talent and ducking competition from the equally yoked to gain confidence is fool's gold. Nika didn't start out shooting lights out and neither did lots of freshmen. No matter where she goes...she needs patience...on and off the floor. Not sure why she left, but hope she settles in and reaches her potential. A lot of these kids aren't getting it. The best in HS is not usually the best in college.
 
CockyDoc said:
I am a really big fan of Saniya Rivers and I hope that she succeeds at her new school. We have all been trying to figure out why she would leave a National Championship winning program when she was clearly an integral part of the future. I have come to the conclusion that maybe the stage at SC and the 15,000+ fans at Colonial Life Arena were just too much for her. To go from being such a prolific scorer in high school to shooting 1 for 31 from the 3 point line seems to be all MENTAL. Some players thrive under the bright lights and some players wilt under the intensity of the big stage.
Expand ...

If the crowd was an issue, did you notice any change in her play when South Carolina played away from CLA? I don't think that would really be the issue to be honest.
 
CockyDoc said:
I am a really big fan of Saniya Rivers and I hope that she succeeds at her new school. We have all been trying to figure out why she would leave a National Championship winning program when she was clearly an integral part of the future. I have come to the conclusion that maybe the stage at SC and the 15,000+ fans at Colonial Life Arena were just too much for her. To go from being such a prolific scorer in high school to shooting 1 for 31 from the 3 point line seems to be all MENTAL. Some players thrive under the bright lights and some players wilt under the intensity of the big stage. I think that a change of scenery is the only thing that may allow her to get her mental confidence back and let her natural ability shine. Playing in front of smaller crowds and not being surrounded by teammates that are more talented and accomplished than her should help her return to her #3 ranked status. It is easier to play and shoot confidently when you know that your are the best player on the court and at SC she was nowhere near that stature. When you think of Boston, Bueckers, Jones, Clark.....the bigger the stage, the better they play.....it is just in their DNA. UNC would be a good fit for her...up and coming program, she would be one of 2 -3 star quality players, smaller crowds, less pressure to perform. As mentioned in previous posts, sometimes players and programs just don't FIT...nothing wrong with the player and nothing wrong with the coach/program....this seems to be one of those times.
Expand ...
I was a big fan of Saniya and could still be. Her defensive tool kit, length, and level of athleticism make her elite. Her shooting woes go back to high school and suggest something deeper. Her shot mechanics and athleticism would indicate that she should be making many more shots. I'm seriously suggesting an eye exam and vision correction. Her next stop needs to be a place where she can play up tempo all the time. Saniya also needs to lock in on a primary position. She does most other things (shooting being the exception) well enough to be a contributor on a contending team. Here comes the critical part of the SC program and Dawn: Shooting 1 for 31 from deep is egregious. Saniya should NEVER have gotten that many 3PT FGA. Ironically her only 3 point make of the season was in her first game against Buffalo.
 
CockyDoc said:
To go from being such a prolific scorer in high school to shooting 1 for 31 from the 3 point line seems to be all Mental.
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:eek: I don't know that I've ever seen season stats like hers - she made her very first three pointer in a Gamecocks uniform and then never made another one again. Given how poorly she shot last year in general, I'd have to agree it was something mental going on. Sometimes a change of scenery can make all the difference in the world.
 
CocoHusky said:
I was a big fan of Saniya and could still be. Her defensive tool kit, length, and level of athleticism make her elite. Her shooting woes go back to high school and suggest something deeper. Her shot mechanics and athleticism would indicate that she should be making many more shots. I'm seriously suggesting an eye exam and vision correction. Her next stop needs to be a place where she can play up tempo all the time. Saniya also needs to lock in on a primary position. She does most other things (shooting being the exception) well enough to be a contributor on a contending team. Here comes the critical part of the SC program and Dawn: Shooting 1 for 31 from deep is egregious. Saniya should NEVER have gotten that many 3PT FGA. Ironically her only 3 point make of the season was in her first game against Buffalo.
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LwrcasefaN said:
If you accept an offer from a team like SC, then you had to know the conditions under which you would play. I're tweeting you want to beat UCONN, you better be ready for the big lights. And playing against lesser talent and ducking competition from the equally yoked to gain confidence is fool's gold. Nika didn't start out shooting lights out and neither did lots of freshmen. No matter where she goes...she needs patience...on and off the floor. Not sure why she left, but hope she settles in and reaches her potential. A lot of these kids aren't getting it. The best in HS is not usually the best in college.
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What she actually said was she wanted to go to a place where she could beat UCONN and that was before UCONN started recruiting. I'm pretty sure she knew SC was going to be playing UCONN on a regular when she signed on. Seems to me that she chose pretty wisely and was not afraid of the "bright light". It also not like Saniya lit it up against lesser teams and then didn't show up for UCONN.
Saniya did not have a game this season in which she scored in double figures and the most minutes she played in a game was 25 against MD.
 
.-.
CocoHusky said:
I was a big fan of Saniya and could still be. Her defensive tool kit, length, and level of athleticism make her elite. Her shooting woes go back to high school and suggest something deeper. Her shot mechanics and athleticism would indicate that she should be making many more shots. I'm seriously suggesting an eye exam and vision correction. Her next stop needs to be a place where she can play up tempo all the time. Saniya also needs to lock in on a primary position. She does most other things (shooting being the exception) well enough to be a contributor on a contending team. Here comes the critical part of the SC program and Dawn: Shooting 1 for 31 from deep is egregious. Saniya should NEVER have gotten that many 3PT FGA. Ironically her only 3 point make of the season was in her first game against Buffalo.
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No wonder I could not remember her hitting one. It was so long ago. If Dawn allowed her to hoist 31 3s and she felt comfortable doing it, she must be hitting them in practice. Her attempts have to be in SC top 4.
 
shiverz45 said:
No wonder I could not remember her hitting one. It was so long ago. If Dawn allowed her to hoist 31 3s and she felt comfortable doing it, she must be hitting them in practice. Her attempts have to be in SC top 4.
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It was 7th on the team. She shot 26% from 3 in HS. Not great by any means but far better than going 1/31.

HS Stats Link

What surprised me most was just how badly she missed shots. Like routinely shooting airballs or hitting the side of the backboard. From her HS footage I thought she had potential to be the next Angel McCoughtry. Tall wing, extremely athletic, great at taking the ball to the basket, not a great shooter but capable, great defender, solid passer, etc. None of that really transpired on the court at SC and she never looked confident or in rhythm. Her strengths never fit SC's style of play this year, since the offense didn't utilize much slashing and was largely about pounding it inside and finishing around the basket. It worked and got them a championship, but I can see how Rivers feels like she wasn't the right puzzle piece for the program.
 
It's surprising to see those solid FT shooting percentages in high school, because she went 12 for 24 at South Carolina. Something must have changed mechanically or confidence-wise when she got to college.
 
Shooting Extra Credit not a good fit? :confused:;)
 
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