Serah Williams Commits to UConn

[ec33]

People are discussing the potential transfer and its implications for the team. That’s fine. The Boneyard is here for people to discuss the team

I didn't realize I suggested otherwise. I was replying to a person who didn't understand how some people can suggest that Kayleigh Heckel would move straight into the starting lineup (which does seem a stretch to me) and I -- personally -- don't understand the reluctance to add a player that Geno wants added to the roster.

I don't think I implied that people aren't free to disagree with me (or my appeal to authority). That would be foolish as that line of argument is one of the famous logical fallacies and Geno can in fact be wrong.

 

[jazz]

We will win in a more balanced way this coming year.

Last year, we almost had no post presence outside of Sarah. I can't remember a team (men or women) who won with such a weakness inside. This coming year we essentially replace the greatness of PB with a low post presence in Serah. In my view, if Azzi can be more consistent game to game and become the dominate 18-20 pt scorer that she should be, we will be even better next year. We will be more balanced and better on the interior. It will be hard to keep us from scoring at least 80 a game.

 

[HopJim]

Actually he ran Kiah and Stewie between the Olivia/Dorka and the Stef/Stewie lineups.

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.

 

[Crossover]

We will win in a more balanced way this coming year.

Last year, we almost had no post presence outside of Sarah. I can't remember a team (men or women) who won with such a weakness inside. This coming year we essentially replace the greatness of PB with a low post presence in Serah. In my view, if Azzi can be more consistent game to game and become the dominate 18-20 pt scorer that she should be, we will be even better next year. We will be more balanced and better on the interior. It will be hard to keep us from scoring at least 80 a game.

Did you watch the UCLA game?

 

[Zarathustra]

Students you say???? hmmmm......

In reference to Kayleigh Heckel. The documentation is
there about K9 being a scholar-athlete: She was an
honor student in H.S. while playing volleyball, basketball,
and softball. She also played AAU ball with Exodus NYC.
Spent part of the summer with the USA U18 Gold Medal team. I know
this comment was probably in the context of many
"pro-caliber" NCAA student (on many teams), but I
I couldn't avoid expressing my opinion that it should
probably not apply to Ms. Heckel. As they say: IMHO.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Officially official.

So Serah comes in with 1,494 career points. With a big year, she could end up as a 2,000-point career scorer. Might be a little harder with all the talent and scorers on this UConn team.

 

[Zonepress]

Did you watch the UCLA game?

JAE in the ucla game
23 mini 6 pts 8 rebounds and 4 assists
her defense especially in the first have on Betts
set the tone for the game, and was as much responsible for the win anything else
quite certain the team had a “ post presence”

Did you watch the UCLA game?

 

[Charliebball]

In reference to Kayleigh Heckel. The documentation is
there about K9 being a scholar-athlete: She was an
honor student in H.S. while playing volleyball, basketball,
and softball. She also played AAU ball with Exodus NYC.
Spent part of the summer with the USA U18 Gold Medal team. I know
this comment was probably in the context of many
"pro-caliber" NCAA student (on many teams), but I
I couldn't avoid expressing my opinion that it should
probably not apply to Ms. Heckel. As they say: IMHO.

agreed........I was making a comment about the current state of college sports where NIL money is more important than the quality of an education in making recruiting/transfer choices......

 

[BBallF]

We will win in a more balanced way this coming year.

Last year, we almost had no post presence outside of Sarah. I can't remember a team (men or women) who won with such a weakness inside. This coming year we essentially replace the greatness of PB with a low post presence in Serah. In my view, if Azzi can be more consistent game to game and become the dominate 18-20 pt scorer that she should be, we will be even better next year. We will be more balanced and better on the interior. It will be hard to keep us from scoring at least 80 a game.

If you meant offensive post presence exclusive of Sarah it was definitely limited. However, JAE had big games when it mattered most and they were what we used to call "floor games". Rebounds, defense, steals/deflections and some put backs and layups. I would go so far as to say she had 3 great critical floor games, twice against SC and also against UCLA. Bear in mind that she was a true freshman last year after missing a full year of playing with a serious injury to come back from. She did what was needed in order for us to win and will have a whole summer to develop offensively. Serah is a strong inside offensive presence. She has advanced moves, seals better than Betts, and can play defense. This is nothing but good for Jana. She will be a different player come next March after playing against Serah in practice. Just watch what Geno will do with all of these crazy options and here's the kicker- an improved Sarah?

 

[NYCHUSKIES]

I'm just thinking of how competitive these Uconn practices will be next year. Serah stands out to me the most really because she played in the Big Ten conference, a very good conference at that. And to almost average a double double per game, in the big ten conference, speaks volumes about her overall game. I do agree with some posters here that she would need to develop her .I'd range shot a bit more, but that won't be so hard of an adjustment for her because she'll have the luxury of shooting, and even if she misses, the chances of an offensive rebound are in Uconns favor.

 

[jazz]

Did you watch the UCLA game?

hmmm yeah. Did you watch any other games this year?

I saw betts dominate and go for 26 while Janna and Ice went for a combined 11 (which was a fairly good game for them combined). Surely we will be much better with and balanced with Serah.

Also if Azzi can have great games vs top opponents as she did against UCLA on a consistent basis, this will help clear the post for Serah to go one on one.

 

[jazz]

JAE in the ucla game
23 mini 6 pts 8 rebounds and 4 assists
her defense especially in the first have on Betts
set the tone for the game, and was as much responsible for the win anything else
quite certain the team had a “ post presence”

yes JAE had a very good game, but you can surely see that Serah would be much better.

Some games you failed to mention: Why couldn't JAE follow this game up with a good game against SC where she had 2 points, 2 rebounds and 4 fouls in 12 minutes. How about the USC game before at 0 pts and 3 rebounds. Did she give us the much of a post presence in these games?? How about OK with 0 points again but a very good game on the boards at 9 rebounds.

So the last 4 games, even with a very good game against UCLA, JAE averaged a paltry 2 pts and 5 rebounds. Would you call this a post presence? You can't just cherry pick one game. what about the rest??

How about the rest of the season, where JAE averaged 5 points a game and 5 rebounds? We can do better in the post and evidently GA agrees.

 

[oldude]

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.

 

[CL82]

Sarah adds a little more

 

[GoUconn7961]

Gotta hand it to Geno, he knows how to use the portal even though he’s not a fan of it. he’s strategic.

 

[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