Serah Williams to LSU?

[oldude]

Here’s how I view the possibility of Serah Williams to UConn. She is not a necessity. But she would be one hell of an addition for several reasons:

• Williams would give UConn a dominant frontcourt rotation along with Jana, Ice, Ayanna and newbie Gandy, not even considering that the Huskies can still go small with Sarah at the 5.
• Jana will continue to get better. Having Williams on the team will “lengthen the runway” for Jana to develop her considerable potential. They can be used as a 1-2 punch or together as a Big lineup.
• Williams takes some of the pressure off the guards to orchestrate the offense without Paige and Kaitlyn. Particularly early in the season, UConn’s offense is unlikely to be as fluid as this past year. Having a Big who can score consistently in the paint or clean up missed shots is one way to put up points while the team develops their offensive flow.
• The best thing is that UConn’s defense, which led the nation this past season, would be even better. Williams is an exceptional rim protector. She and KK in the starting lineup along with Azzi, Sarah & Ash is just plain scary for opposing offenses. Jana will continue to get better. Blanca looks like a big time defender and Ayanna, Ice, Morgan & Allie will all be + defenders coming off the bench. Gandy & Kellis both have excellent potential on the defensive side of the ball.

If you don’t get your pocket picked against UConn, you’ll likely end up at a Block Party with Serah and Sarah doing the honors.

 

[BobbyJ]

This is fair to say. But it is at best a speculative argument for a supposed necessity. Other sources to replace Paige’s production are already in place, and my saying so is equally speculative.

I don’t want to fuss about the distinction between a need and a nice addition, since all of us agree that we’d like to see Serah come to Storrs. We can all guess at ways Serah might contribute, just as we might for Blanca or Caroline or Ayanna. And I’m sure some of us think Serah’s record makes her seem more likely to contribute. But one of this amounts to a necessity.n

Just the fact that Auriemma is working the portal for Williams indicates to me that he thinks it's a necessity. If he was satisfied with the progress of JEA and Brady from this past season and expected a noticeable improvement over a few months this summer without competition, he wouldn't be looking. So he isn't leaving it to chance because he knows you can never have too much inside scoring, depth, and interior defense. He realizes better than anyone how big the Bueckers gap will be to fill. Having Williams would create competition among the bigs and reiterate one of his favorite challenges to them: 'Force me to play you or force me to sit you'.

 

[PacoSwede]

Just the fact that Auriemma is working the portal for Williams indicates to me that he thinks it's a necessity. If he was satisfied with the progress of JEA and Brady from this past season and expected a noticeable improvement over a few months this summer without competition, he wouldn't be looking. So he isn't leaving it to chance because he knows you can never have too much inside scoring, depth, and interior defense. He realizes better than anyone how big the Bueckers gap will be to fill. Having Williams would create competition among the bigs and reiterate one of his favorite challenges to them: 'Force me to play you or force me to sit you'.

true enough ... still, this doesn't morph into necessity -- that's the source of conflict in this debate. ... why not simply replace 'necessity' with 'desirable great improvement?' the huskies can get #13 without serah ... or without sarah or azzi or kk or blanca or etc.; they've done it before ... it's the whole that is the necessity, not the individuals who comprise it. ... a year ago they almost went all the way with just 6 participants, i'd say they were all necessities.

 

[Bigboote]

As opposed to the, “OT - Songs about getting a Flat Tire”? If a post doesn’t interest someone, then why not simply ignore it?

Since you brought it up:

 

[mhshuskies]

I think Geno morphed a bit this season into realizing how effective it could be when you have multiple options coming off the bench just to change things up. He used to have an approach of only using 7-8 players in tough games in specific rolls. We were all curious at the beginning of the season to see how he was going to manage player minutes. It turned out to be very effective guard play with 5 guards averaging more than 20 minutes per game. Between Paige and Kaitlyn they will be filling 50+ minutes per game. That would be plenty of playing time for Serah and Kayleigh.

 

[BobbyJ]

true enough ... still, this doesn't morph into necessity -- that's the source of conflict in this debate. ... why not simply replace 'necessity' with 'desirable great improvement?' the huskies can get #13 without serah ... or without sarah or azzi or kk or blanca or etc.; they've done it before ... it's the whole that is the necessity, not the individuals who comprise it. ... a year ago they almost went all the way with just 6 participants, i'd say they were all necessities.

You can do that if YOU want. I just don't believe that's how Auriemma is viewing it. You may be rating the rest of the roster higher than he is and from what I've seen over the years, he likes to leave as little as possible to chance and maybe. As for the second bolded area, I believe that's a contradiction.

 

[donalddoowop]

I think Geno morphed a bit this season into realizing how effective it could be when you have multiple options coming off the bench just to change things up. He used to have an approach of only using 7-8 players in tough games in specific rolls. We were all curious at the beginning of the season to see how he was going to manage player minutes. It turned out to be very effective guard play with 5 guards averaging more than 20 minutes per game. Between Paige and Kaitlyn they will be filling 50+ minutes per game. That would be plenty of playing time for Serah and Kayleigh.

Who is Kayleigh?

 

[SCHuskiedad]

Who is Kayleigh?

Heckel. Transfer speculation, former freshman from Southern Cal. I haven't seen, but perhaps others have, a mutual interest between Heckel and UConn, except some players are following her on social media.

 

[oldude]

Who is Kayleigh?

Kayleigh Heckel is the pg from USC that’s in the transfer portal. There was some initial information that there was mutual interest between UConn & Heckel. But I’m not sure that’s true.

 

[Urshurak]

Kayleigh Heckel is the pg from USC that’s in the transfer portal. There was some initial information that there was mutual interest between UConn & Heckel. But I’m not sure that’s true.

Skim Milkey seems to think maybe.

https://preview.redd.it/kayleigh-heckel-may-be-heading-to-uconn-v0-c37d51d5n2ue1.jpeg?width=640&crop=smart&auto=webp&s=8dfa5a299dd2f30812bc0aea94286e8ae7e5c6e9

 

[Dogstar]

So, you think Jana and Ice's ppg average will not improve. Don't underestimate them. Plus, UConn has Morgan, Allie, Caroline and Blanca for next season. Jana and Ice will improve.

Not saying that they won't improve thts to be expected but the team lost 26.8 ppg ( 31.2 if you include Aubrey) do you thk they'll make up tht difference or even close to it? We can only hope. Morgan (2.5 ppg) didn't get more time bcus she missed A LOT of defensive assignments possibly from a lingering leg or foot injury. Allie (2.8 ppg) while I believe thts she's a good shooter had trouble getting her shot off so she got mop up minutes. Caroline was and will be a question mark, we all hope she gets healthy enough to play significant minutes. Gandy, Blanca, and kelis are question marks not having played against D1 competition. I'm not saying tht Serah will guarantee a NC but we're losing points, rebounds, assists, and leadership and she'd definitely help with the points, rebounds and defense part but the leadership is gonna be hard to replace and im sorry but right now I don't see the solution on this team but I hope I'm wrong. But to make a long story even longer....We definitely need Serah imho

 

[Dogstar]

So, you think Jana and Ice's ppg average will not improve. Don't underestimate them. Plus, UConn has Morgan, Allie, Caroline and Blanca for next season. Jana and Ice will improve.

You didn't answer my question which stats would you prefer?

 

[Dogstar]

Don’t get me wrong. I’d like to see Serah come to Storrs too. But the comparison you lay out here doesn’t speak to the question of need. Geno just proved he could win an NC with Jana and Ice. That makes it difficult to argue for a need. Your data comparison only shows that Serah would be a nice addition. I hope she chooses UConn.

The other teams tht have a chance at winning a NC are loading up, my grandfather always said " You hunt or sit on the porch " .....Dawgs will hunt!

 

[donalddoowop]

You didn't answer my question which stats would you prefer?

I am hoping Serah comes to UConn. However, her stats at UConn may not be as high as they were at Wisconsin. (See Dorka) I'd rather have Serah stats but, I expect much scoring improvement from Jana and Ice. There is no guarantee Serah will average nineteen points at UConn and no guarantee that Jana and Ice won't improve. But my preference is that Serah commits to UConn.

 

[JLW]

Serah is committing to UConn which is why she’s visiting us last. Who wouldn’t want to play for Geno and play with Azzi and Sarah with a loaded UConn team coming off a National Championship for her last season? Girls who play meaningful minutes for Geno don’t transfer. Girls who play meaningful minutes for Kim Mulvey transfer every year, often several. That’s says something about both coaches!

 

[DemonDeac22]

We all know that Serah would add great value on the offensive end and she’s the type of great defender that Geno loves on the court. The good news is that Serah did not immediately commit to LSU after their dog-and-pony show so it implies we still have a shot at getting her. I’m staying cautiously optimistic - in Geno I trust!

 

[Forego]

Jerzy Robinson 2026 recruiting thread post by SluConn shows Geno in Phoenix attending EYBL this weekend. If he is there it is unlikely that Serah is visiting UConn this weekend.

 

[Tonyc]

From what Im seeing this portal thing is good and bad. LSU and Kim had Rosario 6'6 and Wolfenbarger 6'5 and they both are leaving. Koval left ND and is now at LSU. IF Kim bring Serah in and already has Koval well to me that looks familiar meaning Rosario and Wolfenbarger and now Koval and Williams and Koval left ND for loosing playtime. For me alot of question marks. USC is loosing alot as is UCLA. IMO coaches who depend on the portal to make their team better should not have recruited the kids they did only to push them back and bring in somebody to replace them in the lineup. That ruins attitudes and creates resentment. If your a top recruit you should be given play time and experience and not live in fear of being replaced by a kid from the portal. If your injured then to replace you with a portal player for a year is fine. That is the reputation I feel some coaches are getting. That is.. I will recruit you and if you dont cut it then I will go to the portal and replace you.

My concern is if Serah comes to UConn which would be a great addition, how would that affect, Jana Ice Yana Morgan Blanca and Caroline. Well Caroline Morgan and Yana will need time to get up to speed coming back from injuries. Jana and Ice need playtime and improvement to get up to Serahs ability. For one year Serah could help UConn and give everybody else a year to get up to speed and still see playtime.

UConn has players that need improvement whether its skills or scoring consistently. One thought I had was Morgan playing the point at 6'2 and becoming a consistent scorer much like she was in HS. Her injury set her back and we dont know when she will be back. A big key for UConn will be can Caroline comeback and be close to what she was before she went down? Geno and Caroline know but we dont. A healthy Caroline would give us exactly what we need. Jana and Ice showed us signs of what they can do. They arent up to Serahs caliber. They need more time to develop and will still see playtime. Coming back from injuries Yana Morgan and Caroline abilities are unknown for now and when they do come back they will need time to make the transition. As far as guard play Ash and KK provide a great defense. Allie has shown some great shooting and scoring skills. We need to get her going. I expect to see more of her this season. Fischer is athletic and quick but still needs playtime. Blanca is athletic quick and a special talent. She has experience at a higher level then most freshman. She will be and asset under Genos tutelage.

 

[PvP]

I just saw that too. LSU women similar to St John's men with lots of players in and out of the portal every year.

As the article says, LSU lost 5 to the portal but now have 4 gained from the portal including Fulwiley, Williams and Koval from ND

LSU lands ex-S.C. guard Fulwiley as transfer

Former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is transferring to LSU, landing the Tigers one of the most coveted players in the portal.

www.espn.com

Can you guys READ? This article never mentions Serah Williams,. Here is what was said: "
Fulwiley now joins a guard-heavy LSU squad headlined by Mikaylah Williams and Flau'jae Johnson, but she should be able to carve out a similar role with the Tigers, perhaps with more playing time.

LSU lost five players in the transfer portal, and between the portal and exhausted eligibility, it lost all five of its forwards and centers. Fulwiley is LSU's THIRD addition from the portal, joining Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner.
"

I just saw that too. LSU women similar to St John's men with lots of players in and out of the portal every year.

As the article says, LSU lost 5 to the portal but now have 4 gained from the portal including Fulwiley, Williams and Koval from ND

LSU lands ex-S.C. guard Fulwiley as transfer

Former South Carolina guard MiLaysia Fulwiley is transferring to LSU, landing the Tigers one of the most coveted players in the portal.

www.espn.com

 

[Charliebball]

From what Im seeing this portal thing is good and bad. LSU and Kim had Rosario 6'6 and Wolfenbarger 6'5 and they both are leaving. Koval left ND and is now at LSU. IF Kim bring Serah in and already has Koval well to me that looks familiar meaning Rosario and Wolfenbarger and now Koval and Williams and Koval left ND for loosing playtime. For me alot of question marks. USC is loosing alot as is UCLA. IMO coaches who depend on the portal to make their team better should not have recruited the kids they did only to push them back and bring in somebody to replace them in the lineup. That ruins attitudes and creates resentment. If your a top recruit you should be given play time and experience and not live in fear of being replaced by a kid from the portal. If your injured then to replace you with a portal player for a year is fine. That is the reputation I feel some coaches are getting. That is.. I will recruit you and if you dont cut it then I will go to the portal and replace you.

My concern is if Serah comes to UConn which would be a great addition, how would that affect, Jana Ice Yana Morgan Blanca and Caroline. Well Caroline Morgan and Yana will need time to get up to speed coming back from injuries. Jana and Ice need playtime and improvement to get up to Serahs ability. For one year Serah could help UConn and give everybody else a year to get up to speed and still see playtime.

UConn has players that need improvement whether its skills or scoring consistently. One thought I had was Morgan playing the point at 6'2 and becoming a consistent scorer much like she was in HS. Her injury set her back and we dont know when she will be back. A big key for UConn will be can Caroline comeback and be close to what she was before she went down? Geno and Caroline know but we dont. A healthy Caroline would give us exactly what we need. Jana and Ice showed us signs of what they can do. They arent up to Serahs caliber. They need more time to develop and will still see playtime. Coming back from injuries Yana Morgan and Caroline abilities are unknown for now and when they do come back they will need time to make the transition. As far as guard play Ash and KK provide a great defense. Allie has shown some great shooting and scoring skills. We need to get her going. I expect to see more of her this season. Fischer is athletic and quick but still needs playtime. Blanca is athletic quick and a special talent. She has experience at a higher level then most freshman. She will be and asset under Genos tutelage.

Tony, who's to say that players all left their teams because of playing time or bad relationships with the coach? It could simply be about trying to get more NIL money on the open market and hey why not do it every year? Regarding Serah, I share your concerns but if you want to see UConn battling for another NC then she would clearly increase those odds.......she can play the four or the five and offers the consistent offense, defense and rebounding that UConn has not been getting from Ice or Jana.....will it cost those two playing time? yes it will but on the other hand as a one-year transfer, they can learn a lot from practicing against her and observing how she operates and will have the time to improve on their own.......as much as I would love to see Caroline revert back to her freshman year, even if she does she's just one elbow away from concussion protocol....I'm intrigued by what Ayanna will bring to the team......she was a great athlete and could bring some defense and rebounding to the front court too......a front court of Sarah, Serah and Blanca would be quite something to watch.......

 

[Rowdy831]

Wishing and hoping here.

If UConn was able to get Serah it would give them a “super big” option with Jana at the 5, Serah at the 4, Sarah at the 3, Azzi at the 2 and KK at the 1. Geno could do damage with that lineup.

Geno doesn't coach super big basketball so even if they have the capacity I wouldn't expect to see it on the floor. He is guard and guard like player coach and he is extremely good at that type of lineup. He isn't going to change now and quite frankly he shouldn't. No team has beaten UConn because they lacked height and when you look at the great bigs of WCBB you will learn all of them combined didn't win half what UConn and Geno have won.

 

[PvP]

The article in question was about Fulwiley. It mentioned, in passing, that she would benefit from playing alongside "Williams" (with no first name). Just a random observation by a random person that does not count as a commitment announcement by the player or school. Please do better.

That Williams is Mikaylah Williams with the name clearly spelled out!

 

[Charliebball]

Geno doesn't coach super big basketball so even if they have the capacity I wouldn't expect to see it on the floor. He is guard and guard like player coach and he is extremely good at that type of lineup. He isn't going to change now and quite frankly he shouldn't. No team has beaten UConn because they lacked height and when you look at the great bigs of WCBB you will learn all of them combined didn't win half what UConn and Geno have won.

Geno would have gladly coached "super big" basketball if the majority of bigs he recruited chose UConn..........unfortunately many didn't.....

 

[oldude]

That Williams is Mikaylah Williams with the name clearly spelled out!

You missed the original ESPN article.

The original ESPN article indicated in one paragraph that Fulwiley would be playing with Mikayla Williams. But in the last paragraph it indicated that Fulwiley was the 4th inbound transfer joining Koval, Joiner & Serah Williams.

The mention of Serah Williams transferring to LSU was a mistake that was subsequently corrected by ESPN, eliminating the reference to Serah Williams transferring to LSU.

 

[oldude]

Geno would have gladly coached "super big" basketball if the majority of bigs he recruited chose UConn..........unfortunately many didn't.....

Geno can win championships with any kind of lineup. He won his first with 2 AA post players: Rebecca & Kara. He won two with a massive frontcourt that included Steph, Stewie & Tuck, with Kiah Stokes coming off the bench.

He’s also won championships with guard heavy lineups like this year or going back aways with Sveta, Shea & Sue.