Saylor is coming!!!

[Argonaut]

To quote Kim Mulkey, its not about academics, it's about the almighty dollar for these private schools.

As an employee of a large, expensive private school, I cannot deny this statement. lol.

 

[JoePgh]

I don't agree with those who say that the make-or-break factor for how many minutes Saylor gets this year is whether she can consistently hit 3-point shots. I agree that is what the current UConn team most needs, and that it is supposed to be one of Saylor's strengths. However ...

Very few 3-point shooting specialists begin their college careers by dropping 3's at an amazing rate. (in this respect, as in many others, Paige is proving to be an extreme exception, but 3-point shooting was never advertised as her central talent, so perhaps there is less pressure on her to live up to that.)

We all know about Anna's 0-for-America experience last year, but I wonder if people are forgetting that Lou's 3-point percentage was abysmal for the first 10 or more games of her freshman year. I believe that KML did not show her inner Curry for the first several games of her freshman year. Saniya did not shoot 3's terribly well for most of her freshman season. I think Maya may have been another exception, but as with Paige, 3-point shooting was not her major advertised skill.

And, as others have noted, it is very hard for any 3-point shooter to retain accuracy if she is only playing limited minutes.

Finally, I don't think Geno wants to obscure the distinction that he has always made between shooting well and playing well. I think Saylor will get minutes if she plays well, regardless of her shooting. And I think she will play well (but not as well as if she had been here all year).

 

[hoophuskee]

I agree with you that she has some real freakish skills. To me she looks super-human and it doesn't seem fair to the other players because she just going to snatch the rebound or ball away from them anytime she wants.

The things that AG is good at, she is extremely good at...game changing good at them.....defense, rebounding, running the court and harassing the opponent. In my view, she is so good at those things that she can change a game by just doing these things.

She has a nice stroke but just hasn't shown it much. She is more comfortable being on the move which is why I call her a movement player. What gives me hope is as you pointed out she is good at the FT line and she certainly isn't moving when she is shooting FTs, so maybe it is just a matter of time for her to settle down and be able to consistently hit the 15 footer. She has only played a year and a handful of games.....

I think many players show a progression from F/T shooting to hitting outside shots. Additionally, I think she finishes beautifully around the basket. IMO of which I'm near certain - if she were ever to get beaten out that she is relegated to mop-up minutes - it would mean UCONN is in our discussions comparing that team to our other all-time great teams. It would mean that the UCONN offense is "THAT" unstoppable that you can't use a big-time defender.

--------------

**But in regards to Saylor-- I've read your posts - I'm in the skeptical camp of her having any sort of impact this year-- though nearly all games leading up to NCAA with exceptions of SC and a rare game will be blowouts. I am skeptical that she is a "sharp-shooter" in year 1. Actually year half-of-one. I think she is a good shooter but -- "sharp-shooter?" I doubt it in year half-of-one in which she missed a year previously. . If she was a sharp-shooter anyhow from everything I see - she'd be top 5 imo.

Anna and CWill were regarded as good shooters or even better - along with Evina who is pretty good- and now we consider them "worst Geno has ever had" as Geno puts it. Now These other college players are no longer someone UCONN can rely on but a H/S player who has been out of hoop for a long time is going to step in and be a super shooter for an elite WCBB program? And I'll just reiterate again I did not read she was sharpshooter. She was very good but not a sharpshooter. Maybe what I read is wrong. We'll see. If my skepticism proves unfounded then she may play right away in some big games but I think as me and few others have said – imo we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves in our expectation for her. But hey if she is awesome then do it!!!!

 

[CocoHusky]

I think many players show a progression from F/T shooting to hitting outside shots. Additionally, I think she finishes beautifully around the basket. IMO of which I'm near certain - if she were ever to get beaten out that she is relegated to mop-up minutes - it would mean UCONN is in our discussions comparing that team to our other all-time great teams. It would mean that the UCONN offense is "THAT" unstoppable that you can't use a big-time defender.

--------------

**But in regards to Saylor-- I've read your posts - I'm in the skeptical camp of her having any sort of impact this year-- though nearly all games leading up to NCAA with exceptions of SC and a rare game will be blowouts. I am skeptical that she is a "sharp-shooter" in year 1. Actually year half-of-one. I think she is a good shooter but -- "sharp-shooter?" I doubt it in year half-of-one in which she missed a year previously. . If she was a sharp-shooter anyhow from everything I see - she'd be top 5 imo.

Anna and CWill were regarded as good shooters or even better - along with Evina who is pretty good- and now we consider them "worst Geno has ever had" as Geno puts it. Now These other college players are no longer someone UCONN can rely on but a H/S player who has been out of hoop for a long time is going to step in and be a super shooter for an elite WCBB program? And I'll just reiterate again I did not read she was sharpshooter. She was very good but not a sharpshooter. Maybe what I read is wrong. We'll see. If my skepticism proves unfounded then she may play right away in some big games but I think as me and few others have said – imo we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves in our expectation for her. But hey is she is awesome then do it!!!!

Who or what do you consider a sharpshooter.

 

[Tonyc]

So Saylor is 6'2. She handles the ball like a guard, she rebounds and gets the fast break going, she can shoot and she can shoot the 3. So do you think at 6'2 with her moves (see videos I posted) do you think she may not see alot of playtime. I think she'll play good minutes in blowouts and hopefully she will be ready to put in some good minutes in the conference tourney and the NCAAs. At 6'2 with all her qualities you've got to find time for her. Heck shes a top 10 player. She could be exactly what we need more height plus plus plus. Even if she doesnt knock down all her treys like many other kids not named Paige shes 6'2 and a scorer.

 

[hoophuskee]

At 6'2 with all her qualities you've got to find time for her. Heck shes a top 10 player. She could be exactly what we need more height plus plus plus. Even if she doesnt knock down all her treys like many other kids not named Paige shes 6'2 and a scorer.

Who is Geno going to bench over her? As you've said UCONN is the most talented team right now and the best team. So who warrants the benching to get Saylor significant minutes? For a wing who is she better than? If for example she isn't better than CWill? Anna? or Evina then the next step is she going to beat out the bench players?

Is she better than Edwards or Aubrey as far as PF?

Are we going to discount Nika and Mir from getting any extended minutes? Do we think Aubrey or Edwards will get more minutes than what they are getting now? How can they if Saylor's play pf? And do we think Liv is only going to average 21.7 minutes by year's end?

I agree with some of your prior posts -- one is

"Dont expect to much, shes missed alot of competiitve BB in HS but she is 6'2 athletic and a good ballhandler and really good shooter. Shes gonna be just fine."

**************There are five players on this team not getting big minutes, Nika, Mir, Liv, Aubrey, and Edwards but can get more. How is it that Saylor is going to break in ahead of them? The only way is if she light up 3 pt shooting but even then - you could have Nika whom many are high on be the PG and move Paige to sg then you have 3 options at SF.

Further, when do we see Geno go 9-10 players? Especially from someone who hasn't played in year and not 1 college game???? **********I am excited for having Saylor. And I think she can potentially be terrific for her career. She looks terrific. Her versatility is extremely exciting and style of play is also exciting for the future.

 

[BobbyJ]

So Saylor is 6'2. She handles the ball like a guard, she rebounds and gets the fast break going, she can shoot and she can shoot the 3. So do you think at 6'2 with her moves (see videos I posted) do you think she may not see alot of playtime. I think she'll play good minutes in blowouts and hopefully she will be ready to put in some good minutes in the conference tourney and the NCAAs. At 6'2 with all her qualities you've got to find time for her. Heck shes a top 10 player. She could be exactly what we need more height plus plus plus. Even if she doesnt knock down all her treys like many other kids not named Paige shes 6'2 and a scorer.

All those moves and 3s were against HS kids, most of which will never play college ball. Maybe she should show it against UConn kids in practice first before they get her up to “good minutes”.

 

[Bigboote]

I don't agree with those who say that the make-or-break factor for how many minutes Saylor gets this year is whether she can consistently hit 3-point shots. I agree that is what the current UConn team most needs, and that it is supposed to be one of Saylor's strengths. However ...

Agreed. Saylor's playing time will be determined by how well she learns (or fits into) the offense and defense. She's a coach's kid, great passer, big, strong, good court vision, good shooter, and a hard worker. But she's missed half the season and all the preseason.

Getting her early has made my 2021 (thus far). That's not a high bar, but I really am excited.

 

[CTBballfan243]

I suspect Saylor has a long way to go before she is in game shape. If I were UConn I would be happy with Saylor just practicing with the team, learning UConn’s system, and getting herself back into game shape so she is ready to go next year.

 

[Cuango]

Yeah. So wrong. It's more about Saylor going to public school where there is no tuition and just needing the credits to have free will. The private schools where Caroline Ducharme and Azzi attend want their money....

Wait, what exactly was said that impugned Saylor’s academic inclinations?

 

[cbraarj]

I think you are way too harsh on her. And imo she does know the offense. She just hasn't shown an outside shot other than once. To further that however, I'm more inclined to believe she will hit shots outside the paint - enough by next year to still be competent enough. She knocks down ft's now with high efficiency and some posters on here said in H/S she was capable as a shooter.

But most importantly-- UCONN should have no trouble with shooting and scoring next year. Aubrey's defense is freakish. I wonder if early in season her back was bothering her more than the 1 game she played limited minutes. I think before that game she was hurting. Anyhow, last game did you see her guard the other team's quickest player on the floor? She's UCONN's best defender and will be that next year. That's not easily replaced especially - other than Azzi- who do we know for sure that will be terrific as a frosh beside Azzi?

She was huge as a freshman in helping beat Tennessee and Seton Hall when UCONN could have easily lost. It’s one thing to play well without pressure- she did with pressure as a frosh. Compare that to some other freshmen-- like Moriah Jefferson. Could she ever have taken over a game as a frosh? Not even close – no way she could. What about Gabby? What about Collier? As frosh they could have bene huge beating a top 25 team like Tennessee? Maybe but I doubt it. Anyhow - at worst Aubrey is a freak defender that will have the luxury of having 4 others very good to amazing offensive players that surround her along with that you can't foul Aubrey. To further that- to think about UCONN being among the best teams in wcbb this year and the next 2-- it is pretty obvious to say that she is the best defender. That is special. You can't foul her and she is a freak athlete that can score around the basket at worst.—So other than Azzi next year - those other frosh are going to have to be pretty terrific to supplant her. We have no idea how they will perform.

And I understand she only hit one outside shot but it was in her last game. I agree with many of your posts on here- but on this I think you are being too harsh about not knowing offense. If she didn’t know it by now, Geno would be giving Edwards more than just 16.9 minutes and Liv more than 21.7.

The other day she played her overall best game for UConn. First game she didn't look out of place running a half court set. Her defense will keep getting her minutes but against the better teams UConn can't play 5 on 4. She reminds me of Ashley Battle alot. If next years class is that good and come in and shows they're as good as advertised. I stand by what I said. Hopefully she starts being consistent and follows up with another game like Providence.

 

[cbraarj]

Ok, not knowing the offense as much as she should, I may agree with that a bit more than not knowing the offense at all, which is what I understood you to mean. I don't think she is natural with pre-detemined places to go on the floor. She is all instinct and backyard ball. She does know te offense well enough from what I saw.

Also, AG helps this team in so many ways that if she never hits a shot outside of 4 feet, she is still a big threat coming in off the bench. I know if I was playing that she is the last person I want to guard and chase around and run like hell up the court to stay with. Not to mention I would need to work like hell to keep her off the boards and then I have to deal with her constantly harassing me baseline to baseline, all day long.

Every time she enters the game, she makes an impact in multiple ways..every single time!

She isn't a perfect fit in a half court but man, she can help a lot and will. Now if she ever develops a consistent 15 footer, she is instant AA in my opinion.

She is fun to watch with great athletic ability. In a grind it out type of game. It would be tough for her with the offense liability. I do think Providence was her best overall game since she's been at Connecticut.

 

[jazz]

She is fun to watch with great athletic ability. In a grind it out type of game. It would be tough for her with the offense liability. I do think Providence was her best overall game since she's been at Connecticut.

Hopefully it is the start of something more consistent. It is always a good thing when your last game was your best game!

 

[jazz]

I think many players show a progression from F/T shooting to hitting outside shots. Additionally, I think she finishes beautifully around the basket. IMO of which I'm near certain - if she were ever to get beaten out that she is relegated to mop-up minutes - it would mean UCONN is in our discussions comparing that team to our other all-time great teams. It would mean that the UCONN offense is "THAT" unstoppable that you can't use a big-time defender.

--------------

**But in regards to Saylor-- I've read your posts - I'm in the skeptical camp of her having any sort of impact this year-- though nearly all games leading up to NCAA with exceptions of SC and a rare game will be blowouts. I am skeptical that she is a "sharp-shooter" in year 1. Actually year half-of-one. I think she is a good shooter but -- "sharp-shooter?" I doubt it in year half-of-one in which she missed a year previously. . If she was a sharp-shooter anyhow from everything I see - she'd be top 5 imo.

Anna and CWill were regarded as good shooters or even better - along with Evina who is pretty good- and now we consider them "worst Geno has ever had" as Geno puts it. Now These other college players are no longer someone UCONN can rely on but a H/S player who has been out of hoop for a long time is going to step in and be a super shooter for an elite WCBB program? And I'll just reiterate again I did not read she was sharpshooter. She was very good but not a sharpshooter. Maybe what I read is wrong. We'll see. If my skepticism proves unfounded then she may play right away in some big games but I think as me and few others have said – imo we're getting a bit ahead of ourselves in our expectation for her. But hey if she is awesome then do it!!!!

I hear ya hoop and I do understand your skepticism. There is something to be said for 'seeing is believing'. I'm just projecting at this point.

I guess I am a 'glass is half full' kind of guy with Saylor. I have only seen clips, which normally means she has made all her shots, but she looks darn good on them. Gets them off quick and creates space to do so. She does a lot more than just shoot threes, but the rest is harder to project. I think the shooting does project to this level. Like I said, I'd like to know her 3-point % in HS.

Right now, we need options for better three-point shooters and I think at worst, she give us one. Collectively, the team is in a funk with regard to 3-point shooting. The good side is that we are getting good looks and there are glimpses of our players working their way out of this collective funk. They can't all keep missing at a 65%-70% clip the rest of the year. I can't believe that. I also think Saylor can hit at a better percentage than that too.

The fun part, is soon we will get an opportunity to see what Saylor brings and, IMHO, that is going to be much better than nothing.

 

[Calbysdad]

Note that Bonjour still clings to Caroline's freshman height - 4" less than her actual height. Such sloppiness refries my beans!

While I liked your entire post, I wish there was a "Love Button" for this jewel!

 

[CL82]

Academic scholarships are typically based on need, and do not cover all tuition, room & board. While Autumn is clearly deserving of an academic scholarship, it would only cover a portion of her costs at UConn, with the remainder to be covered by work-study, summer job, student loans and family contribution.

UConn offers a number of academic scholarships. The Nutmeg scholarship pays for full tuition in cost of attendance.

 

[oldude]

UConn offers a number of academic scholarships. The Nutmeg scholarship pays for full tuition in cost of attendance.

Note that the Nutmeg scholarship is only available to in-state students, so Autumn would not be eligible.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Who is Geno going to bench over her?

Easy Peasy! If she shoots >40% for 3pt'ers in her "trial" minutes, then she gets minutes from anyone who shoots the three worse than her and not named Olivia, Aaliyah, and Paige. Everyone else better practice the three. They are free game. Also benching isn't necessary, just leeching minutes from all players other than the aforementioned players. Saylor's overall game is her calling card, not just shooting threes. If she can deliver threes at a 40+% rate, then she and Paige can stretch the opponent's defense giving Olivia more room to operate and fewer double teams or face a collapsing defense.

 

[SVCBeercats]

I don't agree with those who say that the make-or-break factor for how many minutes Saylor gets this year is whether she can consistently hit 3-point shots. I agree that is what the current UConn team most needs, and that it is supposed to be one of Saylor's strengths.
Well he did do just that with KLS as a freshman. She just planted herself at the three line, hands cocked, ready to launch. Nonetheless, I do agree on this team Saylor won't play big minutes based solely on her three point shooting. Interestingly, none of us has ever produced her high school 3pt stats, since high school stats are notoriously difficult to locate. So her three point rep has been primarily manufactured on this board. Where is the empirical evidence? In her USA basketball experience she faced players better than in her high school games. She shot 9-29 31% for threes. We can only hope for the best. And I do, against all odds!

Very few 3-point shooting specialists begin their college careers by dropping 3's at an amazing rate. (in this respect, as in many others, Paige is proving to be an extreme exception, but 3-point shooting was never advertised as her central talent, so perhaps there is less pressure on her to live up to that.)
I don't believe Paige feels pressure as do other players. Her on court demeanor reminds me of Maya's on court demeanor - calm, cool, and unrushed.

We all know about Anna's 0-for-America experience last year, but I wonder if people are forgetting that Lou's 3-point percentage was abysmal for the first 10 or more games of her freshman year.

I am guessing Saylor may see action in 10 geams so ... KLS 1st 10 games was an abysmal 11-44 25% 3pters 7.1 pts/game.
I believe that KML did not show her inner Curry for the first several games of her freshman year.
KML's 1st 10 games were quite good 31-74 42% 3pters 15.4 pts/game.
Saniya did not shoot 3's terribly well for most of her freshman season.
Saniya shot 32.3% for her freshman season.
I think Maya may have been another exception, but as with Paige, 3-point shooting was not her major advertised skill.
Maya shot 42% for her freshman year. Ever notice how the archive section of the UCONN Women's Basketball website could not be worse.
And, as others have noted, it is very hard for any 3-point shooter to retain accuracy if she is only playing limited minutes.
Which is why if she shows promise she will play more then a few minutes.
Finally, I don't think Geno wants to obscure the distinction that he has always made between shooting well and playing well. I think Saylor will get minutes if she plays well, regardless of her shooting. And I think she will play well (but not as well as if she had been here all year).
Primarily Geno wants to win another national championship. If he thinks he can by leveraging Saylor's skills and ability, then he will and she will play over anyone else not named Olivia, Aaliyah, and Paige.

However, how many UCONN freshmen have grasped (groked for Heinlein fans) Geno's offensive and defensive systems quickly? Within 10-15 games? Quickly enough to gain his trust in the NCAA tourney?

 

[CocoHusky]

However, how many UCONN freshmen have grasped (groked for Heinlein fans) Geno's offensive and defensive systems quickly? Within 10-15 games? Quickly enough to gain his trust in the NCAA tourney?

Well just going back a decade I'd say quite a few:
Stefanie Dolson, Bria Hartley & Samarie Walker
KML & Brianna Banks
Stewie, Moriah & Morgan
Saniya Chong
Kia Nurse & Gabby Williams
Napheesa Collier & KLS
Crystal Dangerfield
Christyn Williams
Anna
Paige & Aaliyah Edwards

 

[HopJim]

Who is Geno going to bench over her? As you've said UCONN is the most talented team right now and the best team. So who warrants the benching to get Saylor significant minutes? For a wing who is she better than? If for example she isn't better than CWill? Anna? or Evina then the next step is she going to beat out the bench players?

Is she better than Edwards or Aubrey as far as PF?

Are we going to discount Nika and Mir from getting any extended minutes? Do we think Aubrey or Edwards will get more minutes than what they are getting now? How can they if Saylor's play pf? And do we think Liv is only going to average 21.7 minutes by year's end?

I agree with some of your prior posts -- one is

"Dont expect to much, shes missed alot of competiitve BB in HS but she is 6'2 athletic and a good ballhandler and really good shooter. Shes gonna be just fine."

**************There are five players on this team not getting big minutes, Nika, Mir, Liv, Aubrey, and Edwards but can get more. How is it that Saylor is going to break in ahead of them? The only way is if she light up 3 pt shooting but even then - you could have Nika whom many are high on be the PG and move Paige to sg then you have 3 options at SF.

Further, when do we see Geno go 9-10 players? Especially from someone who hasn't played in year and not 1 college game???? **********I am excited for having Saylor. And I think she can potentially be terrific for her career. She looks terrific. Her versatility is extremely exciting and style of play is also exciting for the future.

All the players in your post (Mir, Liv, Aubrey, Edwards), except Nika, are forwards or posts - not Saylor's likely position. While we have no evidence of how Saylor will play at the college level, Nika's start has been bumpy. Saylor has guard skills and her height would be a great addition to UConn's currently poor zone defense. For those who love man to man (as I do), watch Baylor's recent loss. Geno will need this tool in his coaching bag.

 

[SVCBeercats]

Well just going back a decade I'd say quite a few:
Stefanie Dolson, Bria Hartley & Samarie Walker
KML & Brianna Banks
Stewie, Moriah & Morgan
Saniya Chong
Kia Nurse & Gabby Williams
Napheesa Collier & KLS
Crystal Dangerfield
Christyn Williams
Anna
Paige & Aaliyah Edwards

OK! I said: However, how many UCONN freshmen have grasped (groked for Heinlein fans) Geno's offensive and defensive systems quickly? Within 10-15 games? Quickly enough to gain his trust in the NCAA tourney? Notice the word quickly!
Everyone of the aforementioned players had 3-4 months of practice and 30+ games to prepare for the NCAA tourney which by the way not all of them were trusted enough to be in the rotation at NCAA time. Poffenbarger has about a month and half to learn the systems and to demonstrate reults earning trust for the NCAA.
The ones who probably gained Geno trust quickly were KML, Nurse, Anna and Paige. It took the entire season for Geno to trust Stewie. Gabby was off and on due to her fluctuating confidence. All the rest required the practice time and the entire season or were used because there was no one else.

 

[eebmg]

OK! I said: However, how many UCONN freshmen have grasped (groked for Heinlein fans) Geno's offensive and defensive systems quickly? Within 10-15 games? Quickly enough to gain his trust in the NCAA tourney? Notice the word quickly!
Everyone of the aforementioned players had 3-4 months of practice and 30+ games to prepare for the NCAA tourney which by the way not all of them were trusted enough to be in the rotation at NCAA time. Poffenbarger has about a month and half to learn the systems and to demonstrate reults earning trust for the NCAA.
The one's who probably gained Geno trust the quickly were KML, Nurse, Anna and Paige. It took the entire season for Geno to trust Stewie. Gabby was off and on due to her fluctuating confidence. All the rest required the practice time and the entire season or were used because there was no one else.

and Saylor's situation is even tougher in this crazy world where Geno needs to get his rotation locked with as much on court time as possible with games being cancelled left and right. Saylor is by necessity on the outside looking in and it will take a monumental effort on her part to get the coaches notice and some how break into the rotation. Just absorbing the environment, getting a start on her classes and being a good teammate and body for practice is good enough.

 

[CocoHusky]

OK! I said: However, how many UCONN freshmen have grasped (groked for Heinlein fans) Geno's offensive and defensive systems quickly? Within 10-15 games? Quickly enough to gain his trust in the NCAA tourney? Notice the word quickly!
Everyone of the aforementioned players had 3-4 months of practice and 30+ games to prepare for the NCAA tourney which by the way not all of them were trusted enough to be in the rotation at NCAA time. Poffenbarger has about a month and half to learn the systems and to demonstrate reults earning trust for the NCAA.
The one's who probably gained Geno trust quickly were KML, Nurse, Anna and Paige. It took the entire season for Geno to trust Stewie. Gabby was off and on due to her fluctuating confidence. All the rest required the practice time and the entire season or were used because there was no one else.

The answer is still the same and the reality is it doesn't takes 30 plus games in the system or months of practice. If you want to add a criteria of 30 games ( in Geno's system) then I'd want to add Azura Stevens and and Evina Westbrook to the list. It depends on the player and the skill set. For example Aubrey has had as many UCONN practices and more games in the system than Evina. The other factor you are also ignoring is the composition of the roster. Christyn Williams, Anna and many others did not have much competition to gain trust and start. As I have said before there is not a single player (besides Paige) playing well enough that Geno would not consider an alternative at this point in the season. Saylor will get her opportunity because her skill set and versatility will help UCONN. BTW Stewie was a Day 1 starter and averaged 19 PPG though her first couple of starts before a stubborn streaked kicked in and she hit a wall and struggles in some big games against Baylor and ND.

 

[CocoHusky]

and Saylor's situation is even tougher in this crazy world where Geno needs to get his rotation locked with as much on court time as possible with games being cancelled left and right. Saylor is by necessity on the outside looking in and it will take a monumental effort on her part to get the coaches notice and some how break into the rotation. Just absorbing the environment, getting a start on her classes and being a good teammate and body for practice is good enough.

UCONN rotations are not "locked" we are only 7 games into the season and the starting lineup & rotations were changed before the last game.