Serah Williams Commits to UConn

[jazz]

One universal constant at UConn is that players get better each and every season. Jana improved significantly over the course of this past season. She has an enormous upside and will continue to improve. Serah will probably be better than Jana at the start of next season. But it won’t be by a lot. The competition for playing time will make both better basketball players.

We will have to disagree on this. In my view, Jana got better but not significantly better. She has a lot of upside but I have seen nothing to suggest it is enormous. Serah is significantly better than Jana now and more so next year. Afterall, I expect Serah, at worst to be a top 5 pick next year.

But yes, I do hope and expect Jana to get better incrementally each year. I think and hope that maybe by her Junior year, she can be a consistent threat inside.

Maybe next year, we can get a consistent 8 and 6 out of her without too many fouls. I do think she is pretty good defensively, has a little bit of a 'mean streak' and can really set some terrific screens. I think she has potential to hit the foul line jumper but haven't seen that yet. I hope she can develop a few extra moves in the paint and learn to finish. If she does all of this by her Junior, year, I am thrilled. If she can do it all by next year, I'd be a bit surprised but more than thrilled.

I'm rooting for her, just so everybody knows. But there is a reason why GA went out and got Serah and it isn't because JEA has the middle on lock-down. At least not yet...

 

[HuskyNan]

One of the things I really like about Serah is that she’s really quick off the floor, just like Sarah. UConn’s offense will come along as the season progresses. But the defense will very likely be even better than this past season when the Huskies led the nation in scoring defense.

There will also be an interesting competition between the 2 before the season over which one jumps center next season.

Don’t forget Gandy. She’s tall and long

 

[donalddoowop]

We will have to disagree on this. In my view, Jana got better but not significantly better. She has a lot of upside but I have seen nothing to suggest it is enormous. Serah is significantly better than Jana now and more so next year. Afterall, I expect Serah, at worst to be a top 5 pick next year.

But yes, I do hope and expect Jana to get better incrementally each year. I think and hope that maybe by her Junior year, she can be a consistent threat inside.

Maybe next year, we can get a consistent 8 and 6 out of her without too many fouls. I do think she is pretty good defensively, has a little bit of a 'mean streak' and can really set some terrific screens. I think she has potential to hit the foul line jumper but haven't seen that yet. I hope she can develop a few extra moves in the paint and learn to finish. If she does all of this by her Junior, year, I am thrilled. If she can do it all by next year, I'd be a bit surprised but more than thrilled.

I'm rooting for her, just so everybody knows. But there is a reason why GA went out and got Serah and it isn't because JEA has the middle on lock-down. At least not yet...

You seem to be hung up on number of points scored. Players can impact a game even when not scoring points. KK rarely scores a lot of points and impacts almost every game she plays in and so does Shade. You also are comparing a freshman to a junior. Unfair. I am glad Serah committed but Jana's contributions to the team are more than you are willing to admit.

 

[BobbyJ]

We will have to disagree on this. In my view, Jana got better but not significantly better. She has a lot of upside but I have seen nothing to suggest it is enormous. Serah is significantly better than Jana now and more so next year. Afterall, I expect Serah, at worst to be a top 5 pick next year.

But yes, I do hope and expect Jana to get better incrementally each year. I think and hope that maybe by her Junior year, she can be a consistent threat inside.

Maybe next year, we can get a consistent 8 and 6 out of her without too many fouls. I do think she is pretty good defensively, has a little bit of a 'mean streak' and can really set some terrific screens. I think she has potential to hit the foul line jumper but haven't seen that yet. I hope she can develop a few extra moves in the paint and learn to finish. If she does all of this by her Junior, year, I am thrilled. If she can do it all by next year, I'd be a bit surprised but more than thrilled.

I'm rooting for her, just so everybody knows. But there is a reason why GA went out and got Serah and it isn't because JEA has the middle on lock-down. At least not yet...

I have to agree. She works hard but if she has a higher or top gear, she doesn't know how to get to it yet. She needs a lot of foot and skill work to overcome her inability to play fast and vertically. She has a lot of horizontal movement while trying to play around people instead of using her size to go up over them. Which takes her off balance and basically makes her play about 6-1. She seems motivated and tough enough but really needs to find a good skills trainer this summer (plus conditioning is lacking) if she wants to come back a different player.

 

[Bone Dog]

I’ve been Jana’s biggest booster on this board and have very high hopes for her. But I have to admit @jazz is right that so far her game is mainly potential and hasn’t come to fruition as much as I hoped. I can make excuses for her — mainly that she is only just recovering from an ACL tear — and that’s what a fan is supposed to do. But the simple fact is that Serah’s game is more reality than potential. That’s an obvious improvement at the low post for UConn.

That said, as a fan I always look for the bright side and offer the most optimistic reading of tea leaves. This is why I think Jana will benefit from competing against Serah in practices and why I expect she’ll show us all the next huge step forward in the fall.

I also agree with @jazz that Jana’s third season is what Geno is preparing her for by signing Serah. She’ll be the primary big that season with Ice and Gandy (and maybe Olivia) backing her up. This coming season playing behind Serah will be really important for her development. Before the ACL tear, I had hoped she’d be able to give Geno three great seasons. I suspect this is what Geno was hoping for too. Now I hope she can give us two great seasons, and this appears to be what Geno is thinking too.

As a teacher, the main pleasure I get from watching youth sports is seeing how kids discover how great they can be. Not every kid realizes their full potential, but when they do it is wonderful to behold. This is why UConn has been my favorite program for decades — practically the only one I always make time to see. No program is more focused on developing talent. It’s also why I have zero interest in finding fault in players during the offseason. This is a moment to imagine what’s possible, not to dwell on what might not develop.

When I look at Jana, I see a kid who has the potential to anchor a team on offense and defense, but also as an emotional leader. She has a big heart for her teammates and is capable of great ferocity. What I saw in her high school games was a bigger version of Nika, and I have a feeling we will see that Jana soon enough. I am patient and can wait a little longer to see Big Nika make her appearance in Storrs.

 

[Jewels]

I’ve been Jana’s biggest booster on this board and have very high hopes for her. But I have to admit @jazz is right that so far her game is mainly potential and hasn’t come to fruition as much as I hoped. I can make excuses for her — mainly that she is only just recovering from an ACL tear — and that’s what a fan is supposed to do. But the simple fact is that Serah’s game is more reality than potential. That’s an obvious improvement at the low post for UConn.

That said, as a fan I always look for the bright side and offer the most optimistic reading of tea leaves. This is why I think Jana will benefit from competing against Serah in practices and why I expect she’ll show us all the next huge step forward in the fall.

I also agree with @jazz that Jana’s third season is what Geno is preparing her for by signing Serah. She’ll be the primary big that season with Ice and Gandy (and maybe Olivia) backing her up. This coming season playing behind Serah will be really important for her development. Before the ACL tear, I had hoped she’d be able to give Geno three great seasons. I suspect this is what Geno was hoping for too. Now I hope she can give us two great seasons, and this appears to be what Geno is thinking too.

As a teacher, the main pleasure I get from watching youth sports is seeing how kids discover how great they can be. Not every kid realizes their full potential, but when they do it is wonderful to behold. This is why UConn has been my favorite program for decades — practically the only one I always make time to see. No program is more focused on developing talent. It’s also why I have zero interest in finding fault in players during the offseason. This is a moment to imagine what’s possible, not to dwell on what might not develop.

When I look at Jana, I see a kid who has the potential to anchor a team on offense and defense, but also as an emotional leader. She has a big heart for her teammates and is capable of great ferocity. What I saw in her high school games was a bigger version of Nika, and I have a feeling we will see that Jana soon enough. I am patient and can wait a little longer to see Big Nika make her appearance in Storrs.

Achilles tear??

 

[BobbyJ]

I’ve been Jana’s biggest booster on this board and have very high hopes for her. But I have to admit @jazz is right that so far her game is mainly potential and hasn’t come to fruition as much as I hoped. I can make excuses for her — mainly that she is only just recovering from an ACL tear — and that’s what a fan is supposed to do. But the simple fact is that Serah’s game is more reality than potential. That’s an obvious improvement at the low post for UConn.

That said, as a fan I always look for the bright side and offer the most optimistic reading of tea leaves. This is why I think Jana will benefit from competing against Serah in practices and why I expect she’ll show us all the next huge step forward in the fall.

I also agree with @jazz that Jana’s third season is what Geno is preparing her for by signing Serah. She’ll be the primary big that season with Ice and Gandy (and maybe Olivia) backing her up. This coming season playing behind Serah will be really important for her development. Before the ACL tear, I had hoped she’d be able to give Geno three great seasons. I suspect this is what Geno was hoping for too. Now I hope she can give us two great seasons, and this appears to be what Geno is thinking too.

As a teacher, the main pleasure I get from watching youth sports is seeing how kids discover how great they can be. Not every kid realizes their full potential, but when they do it is wonderful to behold. This is why UConn has been my favorite program for decades — practically the only one I always make time to see. No program is more focused on developing talent. It’s also why I have zero interest in finding fault in players during the offseason. This is a moment to imagine what’s possible, not to dwell on what might not develop.

When I look at Jana, I see a kid who has the potential to anchor a team on offense and defense, but also as an emotional leader. She has a big heart for her teammates and is capable of great ferocity. What I saw in her high school games was a bigger version of Nika, and I have a feeling we will see that Jana soon enough. I am patient and can wait a little longer to see Big Nika make her appearance in Storrs.

El Alfy didn’t have an ACL tear, it was a torn Achilles tendon. And why is a fan supposed to make excuses for anyone?

 

[jazz]

You seem to be hung up on number of points scored. Players can impact a game even when not scoring points. KK rarely scores a lot of points and impacts almost every game she plays in and so does Shade. You also are comparing a freshman to a junior. Unfair. I am glad Serah committed but Jana's contributions to the team are more than you are willing to admit.

Not really. I admit JEA has helped us out this year. I never said she does not have impact. She is not a consistent low post presence or a serious threat as of yet. I also mentioned that she does a lot of things well, like defense, setting screens and at times rebounding, but you must have missed my comments on that.

That said, it would be great if we can get more points out of the position as well, hence the recruitment of Serah.

KK and Shade score more than JEA and have more of an impact on the game, hence they usually play more as well. Shade hasn't been scoring as well late in the year, but she is awesome with her help defense and weakside rebounding, and teams have to guard her from 3, stretching the floor. Shade in particular, can impact a game in her minutes without scoring much due to these other things she does. It would be great if she scored a bit more next year and the same goes for JEA.

 

[jazz]

I have to agree. She works hard but if she has a higher or top gear, she doesn't know how to get to it yet. She needs a lot of foot and skill work to overcome her inability to play fast and vertically. She has a lot of horizontal movement while trying to play around people instead of using her size to go up over them. Which takes her off balance and basically makes her play about 6-1. She seems motivated and tough enough but really needs to find a good skills trainer this summer (plus conditioning is lacking) if she wants to come back a different player.

Yes and I think JEA is going to be fine. I do think we could use a proven threat in the post next year and Serah provides this. Give JEA another year and I think she can be a lot better than she is right now. But, she is still pretty good at a number of things, scoring not one of them at the moment.

 

[Dogstar]

Don’t forget Gandy. She’s tall and long

View attachment 109231

Might be the camera angle but either way thts some serious hops

 

[Dogstar]

Or maybe the ref is under 4 ft

 

[MooseJaw]

I thought Geno and CD got all their ideas from the Boneyard? If you go back and read every single post this past season I’m sure we covered everything.

Yep, covered, recovered and dam near beaten to death, like this thread.

 

[MSGRET]

Jana limited offense, similar to Kiah's, would limit the success of a typical "twin tower" approach. Suspect Geno 99% of the time will continue to use the same offensive flow that has gotten UConn to the NC finals the past two years.

They didn't get to the finals last year, they lost to Iowa in the Final Four. If it limited the "twin tower" approach, then why did Geno continue to use it?

 

[CL82]

Don’t forget Gandy. She’s tall and long

View attachment 109231

I think she's (at least) a year away from materially participating, but I would be delighted to be wrong about that

 

[Centerstream]

They didn't get to the finals last year, they lost to Iowa in the Final Four. If it limited the "twin tower" approach, then why did Geno continue to use it?

Just because I like to nitpick and nothing against you, but isn't the National Semi-final of the Final Four considered part of the finals?

 

[HuskyNan]

Just because I like to nitpick and nothing against you, but isn't the National Semi-final of the Final Four considered part of the finals?

No. As you said, it’s the semi-final

 

[BBallF]

But here’s the thing. Geno, the mad scientist, loves to experiment with different lineups as he did throughout this past season. He’s done the twin tower, high-low 2 Big lineup several times going all the way back to Rebecca & Kara. He also did it with Steph & Stewie.

I seem to remember one game during the NCAA tournament when Geno tried out a lineup on the court of Steph, Stewie, Kiah Stokes, Tuck & KML. Stewie brought the ball up and the opposing team couldn’t come down with a rebound at either end of the court.

While I doubt we will see a steady diet of Jana & Serah on the court together next season, I will not be surprised if Geno experiments with it to see how it looks.

Jana has proven she can pass and has the height to see over a defender and get a pass off. We will see a high-low with Serah and Jana to be sure at some point. Also, Serah can actually play some 4 at times so there is no limit, no won't happens on this team. It's very very exciting.

 

[BBallF]

No. As you said, it’s the semi-final

Otherwise there would be 3 Finals. Are we approaching a record for longest thread here?

 

[HuskyNan]

Otherwise there would be 3 Finals. Are we approaching a record for longest thread here?

Not even close

OT: - Best Pizza in CT

There's a thread on the wcbb board discussing the USA womens olympic team tune-up trip currently going on in Italy. The subject of pizza came up in one of the young lady's home blogs. It made me start craving some of my favorite slices, so I thought I'd share a few of my favorite places and...

the-boneyard.com

 

[Centerstream]

Otherwise there would be 3 Finals. Are we approaching a record for longest thread here?

Just recently, the original 2025 Transfer Portal thread was closed after 1,974 posts.

 

[BBallF]

Just recently, the original 2025 Transfer Portal thread was closed after 1,974 posts.

See above from Nan. Boneyarders have very strong, vocal and prolific opinions about their team and women's basketball, but they apparently pale in comparison when compared to Connecticut's best pizza. 346 pages of posts.

 

[oldude]

See above from Nan. Boneyarders have very strong, vocal and prolific opinions about their team and women's basketball, but they apparently pale in comparison when compared to Connecticut's best pizza. 346 pages of posts.

Mangiare la pizza.

 

[BBallF]

Mangiare la pizza.

Diavolo si!

 

[Bone Dog]

See above from Nan. Boneyarders have very strong, vocal and prolific opinions about their team and women's basketball, but they apparently pale in comparison when compared to Connecticut's best pizza. 346 pages of posts.

Ooh, we’re arguing about pizza now? Yummy! Let’s go!

PS: in case anyone’s wondering, this is my way of acknowledging that this thread has just about exhausted the original topic. Stick a fork in it…

 

[CL82]

Mangiare la pizza.

Se insisti, gracie.

 

[CL82]

this is my way of acknowledging that this thread has just about exhausted the original topic. Stick a fork in it…

Pssh, it's not even close to being finished. Not until every pizzeria, and every variety of pizza in each pizzeria, in Connecticut has been thoroughly analyzed and discussed.

 

[BBallF]

Pssh, it's not even close to being finished. Not until every pizzeria, and every variety of pizza in each pizzeria, in Connecticut has been thoroughly analyzed and discussed.

I think Bone Dog was referring to this Serah Williams thread when he said stick a fork in it. I say that because he could not possibly be referring to the Pizza thread. I mean, who uses a fork to eat pizza? I am making a bold prediction here. If Kayleigh comes here we easily eclipse the total posts in this thread. In fact, the spin off "Who will be in Geno's Rotation for the NCAA in 2026?" may even break the Pizza thread record.

 

[oldude]

I think Bone Dog was referring to this Serah Williams thread when he said stick a fork in it. I say that because he could not possibly be referring to the Pizza thread. I mean, who uses a fork to eat pizza? I am making a bold prediction here. If Kayleigh comes here we easily eclipse the total posts in this thread. In fact, the spin off "Who will be in Geno's Rotation for the NCAA in 2026?" may even break the Pizza thread record.

Interestingly, it was and still is standard practice to eat pizza with a fork in Italy, the birthplace of pizza. It was only when pizza made its way to America that people started eating it with their hands.

 

[Centerstream]

See above from Nan. Boneyarders have very strong, vocal and prolific opinions about their team and women's basketball, but they apparently pale in comparison when compared to Connecticut's best pizza. 346 pages of posts.

Sorry I was only including a very recent WBB Forum thread. My bad.
Another sorry because I have never looked at any other Forum.

 

[BBallF]

Interestingly, it was and still is standard practice to eat pizza with a fork in Italy, the birthplace of pizza. It was only when pizza made its way to America that people started eating it with their hands.

See, this is why oldude is MOP. Of course, he was around when pizza was invented so he would know.