Serah Williams - UConn Power Forward?

[oldude]

I came across this video on YouTube from a source that I have never heard of before by the name of Prime Field, so I don't know where they get their information from or whether or not it's accurate. But it is interesting to say the least. Prime Field covers the relative strengths of three known suiters for Serah Williams: LSU, UNC & UConn. They suggest that LSU is pulling out all the stops in a "loud and public" process, and that Serah would be the frontcourt player that the Tigers would build their team around next season. So much for inbound frontcourt transfers Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner. UNC is portrayed as something of a dark horse possibility for Serah.

The analysis of UConn is really intriguing if true. Prime Field suggests that UConn's approach with Serah has been far more strategic in nature, not only emphasizing academics and culture (Canadian), two things that are reportedly important to Serah, but also going through a review of "detailed analytics" to show Serah where she fits, not only on UConn's roster next season, but also how her skill set would best be developed and positioned for the pros. Serah is viewed as a mobile big, who can play out on the floor, similar to fellow Canadian Aaliyah Edwards.

The general idea that comes from this video is that Serah would fit as a 4/5 in UConn's system along with Jana & Sarah, giving UConn one of the most formidable frontlines in WBB. As I said, I am not sure how accurate this assessment is. But the pitch suggested by the video makes absolute sense.

 

[Bigboote]

“. . . how her skill set would be best developed and positioned for the pros.” That’s one helluva selling point if that’s where Serah wants to go. I doubt Lou Lopez Senechal would have been drafted by the WNBA if not for the one year at UConn. Chen definitely improved her chances and really enhanced her skills with one year at UConn. Dorka had two years, but she’s been a solid pro, and Serah would do well to talk to her (if allowed) about her development.

 

[oldude]

If you watch any video of Serah on defense, you will notice that she’s almost as quick off the floor as Sarah, and she’s 3” taller. So we can all fantasize about next season’s “Block Party” with Sarah & Serah having a friendly competition to see who leads the team in blocks…..

 

[Bone Dog]

If you watch any video of Serah on defense, you will notice that she’s almost as quick off the floor as Sarah, and she’s 3” taller. So we can all fantasize about next season’s “Block Party” with Sarah & Serah having a friendly competition to see who leads the team in blocks…..

3”? I suspect it’s closer to 1”. One is a little taller than 6’2, the other a little shorter than 6’4.

 

[MooseJaw]

I came across this video on YouTube from a source that I have never heard of before by the name of Prime Field, so I don't know where they get their information from or whether or not it's accurate. But it is interesting to say the least. Prime Field covers the relative strengths of three known suiters for Serah Williams: LSU, UNC & UConn. They suggest that LSU is pulling out all the stops in a "loud and public" process, and that Serah would be the frontcourt player that the Tigers would build their team around next season. So much for inbound frontcourt transfers Kate Koval and Amiya Joyner. UNC is portrayed as something of a dark horse possibility for Serah.

The analysis of UConn is really intriguing if true. Prime Field suggests that UConn's approach with Serah has been far more strategic in nature, not only emphasizing academics and culture (Canadian), two things that are reportedly important to Serah, but also going through a review of "detailed analytics" to show Serah where she fits, not only on UConn's roster next season, but also how her skill set would best be developed and positioned for the pros. Serah is viewed as a mobile big, who can play out on the floor, similar to fellow Canadian Aaliyah Edwards.

The general idea that comes from this video is that Serah would fit as a 4/5 in UConn's system along with Jana & Sarah, giving UConn one of the most formidable frontlines in WBB. As I said, I am not sure how accurate this assessment is. But the pitch suggested by the video makes absolute sense.

A good 10 minute investment in time. I think the thing that my mind wraps around, if you want flash, over the top frivolity, a circus environment then Kim and LSU is the place to be. I was unable to garner any meaningful take on NC St, other than another good Univ. with a good team, coach, and a great campus. What does UConn have to offer, no I'm not going into what we already know. All three schools have different things to offer. if she is down to 3. From a fans perspective each school has different things to offer.
#1 UNC a chance to play on a well-coached team, one that has the ability to be in almost every game.
#2 LSU a team that is becoming known for it's flash and cash. It is also notable that the Tigers are also a well-coached team, built almost half on portal and transfer players. Which means larger than average turnover most years, making it tough on developing younger players.
#3 UConn The Basketball Capital of the World. Team play with crisp offense and stifling defense. Few transfers in or out. 12 Natty banners, wall of individual player banners. Oh, Oh, We have Gramps Geno and staff, and nobody else does. The staff who develops more W ready players than any other program in WCBB. Take your pick Ms Serah, wink, wink it should be easy.

 

[Bone Dog]

I’d guess PT will be similar at all three schools or somewhat less at UConn.

If there's ~80 mins in the front court and I have no doubt Sarah will get 30 of those. That leaves 50 for Jana, Ice, Ayanna and (if she comes) Serah. That looks like 20 mins max Geno has to offer Serah. Either that's attractive or it isn't. And, of course, Geno makes no promises.

 

[Blakeon18]

Do we have any idea when Serah announces her choice? She would need to call the coaches
where she is not going...maybe today? Announce tomorrow?

 

[Charliebball]

Do we have any idea when Serah announces her choice? She would need to call the coaches
where she is not going...maybe today? Announce tomorrow?

Hopefully, this week so that I can start worrying about something else.....

 

[oldude]

I’d guess PT will be similar at all three schools

Good point. I don’t know. All 3 teams have several posts/forwards who will compete for PT.

LSU also brought in Koval from ND & Joyner from ECU. Kim will bring in top-rated players and not play them, i.e. Rosario & Wolfenbarger, now both in the transfer portal.

UNC only has Toomey as a legitimate big next year, and she can play out on the perimeter. So there’s a good opportunity for Big minutes for Serah.

UConn will be loaded in the frontcourt if Serah comes to Storrs, with Jana, Ice, Ayanna & Gandy all competing for PT, and don’t forget Geno can go small with Sarah at the 5.

 

[Bone Dog]

UNC only has Toomey as a legitimate big next year, and she can play out on the perimeter. So there’s a good opportunity for Big minutes for Serah.

There's also Thomas, who is likely to start at the 5 next season. But also Key [and Grays?]. That's at least three other 6'4"+ kids to share time among the 4 and the 5 with Serah.

 

[Fossil]

A good 10 minute investment in time. I think the thing that my mind wraps around, if you want flash, over the top frivolity, a circus environment then Kim and LSU is the place to be. I was unable to garner any meaningful take on NC St, other than another good Univ. with a good team, coach, and a great campus. What does UConn have to offer, no I'm not going into what we already know. All three schools have different things to offer. if she is down to 3. From a fans perspective each school has different things to offer.
#1 UNC a chance to play on a well-coached team, one that has the ability to be in almost every game.
#2 LSU a team that is becoming known for it's flash and cash. It is also notable that the Tigers are also a well-coached team, built almost half on portal and transfer players. Which means larger than average turnover most years, making it tough on developing younger players.
#3 UConn The Basketball Capital of the World. Team play with crisp offense and stifling defense. Few transfers in or out. 12 Natty banners, wall of individual player banners. Oh, Oh, We have Gramps Geno and staff, and nobody else does. The staff who develops more W ready players than any other program in WCBB. Take your pick Ms Serah, wink, wink it should be easy.

It could all come down to dollar bills unfortunately. Has no one spoken with her ex coach in some podcast.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

What an intelligent approach to recruiting, no flash and cash, but how her total life would be affected and improved by choosing UConn!
I remember Ann Strother's recruitment by TN. They also wined and dined her, wore orange T-shirts with Ann's baby picture on them, and over-the-top videos!
Ann signed with Geno because he was honest and didn't promise her anything but a chance to play for an established program!
"Be a part of something bigger than yourself!
Most big time recruits like the honesty and no frills approach that Geno and Staff offers!

 

[Rings R Us]

Lots of people on social media at least seem to think it's going to be LSU. That was her last visit, and people were posting pics from it on Twitter including Mikayla Williams and an assistant coach referencing it.

 

[Bone Dog]

Most big time recruits like the honesty and no frills approach that Geno and Staff offers!

As I recall Sarah was "wined and dined" (i.e. flattered) by lots of programs, but Geno and CD stood out for telling her some hard truths. In particular, she said they told her she'd need to get into better shape to play at the D1 level. That's what she remembered about the process, and apparently she appreciated that honesty.

Serah is a bit older and may be even more prepared to hear some hard truths from a coach.

 

[oldude]

Lots of people on social media at least seem to think it's going to be LSU. That was her last visit, and people were posting pics from it on Twitter including Mikayla Williams and an assistant coach referencing it.

With all due respect, we don’t know if LSU was Serah’s last visit. All we know is that it took place this past Thursday & Friday, and that Kim pulled out all the stops to put on a show for Williams.

If you listen to Serah getting interviewed, it’s pretty clear that she’s an intelligent, mature young lady. She’s had 3 days to think about her trip to Baton Rouge and we’re still waiting for the jury to come in with a verdict.

 

[Rowdy831]

LSU certainly pours the resources into WCB so they get some great transfers. The problem I see at LSU is they don't really push themselves to play the best non conference schedule and their team really doesn't get that early toughness that the big programs have and it hurts them at tournament time. Kim was lucky to have Reese who was a difference maker when the game was on the line. I don't particularly like her overall game but if she wanted the ball she got the ball.

 

[Rings R Us]

With all due respect, we don’t know if LSU was Serah’s last visit. All we know is that it took place this past Thursday & Friday, and that Kim pulled out all the stops to put on a show for Williams.

If you listen to Serah getting interviewed, it’s pretty clear that she’s an intelligent, mature young lady. She’s had 3 days to think about her trip to Baton Rouge and we’re still waiting for the jury to come in with a verdict.

I believe people have mentioned that she has already visited UConn and North Carolina. LSU is last school on her list. supposedly.

 

[oldude]

I believe people have mentioned that she has already visited UConn and North Carolina. LSU is last school on her list. supposedly.

Other than pure speculation, there is no confirmation that she visited UConn the weekend of March 22-24, during the first rounds of the NCAA tournament, which would have been immediately after she declared for the transfer portal. Nevertheless, she has still not declared where she’s going, and LSU’s full court press on her this past week did not immediately result in a decision. So I’m hopeful until I learn something to the contrary.

 

[oldhusky]

I’d guess PT will be similar at all three schools or somewhat less at UConn.

If there's ~80 mins in the front court and I have no doubt Sarah will get 30 of those. That leaves 50 for Jana, Ice, Ayanna and (if she comes) Serah. That looks like 20 mins max Geno has to offer Serah. Either that's attractive or it isn't. And, of course, Geno makes no promises.

I will agree with the first part of your analysis, namely Sarah gets 30 of the 80, but disagree on the rest. I don't think Serah would consider Uconn unless she fully expected to be the starter at the 5. She is being pursued not as a comparable player to the rest, but as a clear upgrade IMO.

In fact I think it is at least conceivable that 2 out of the remaining three players mentioned would not even be in the rotation, Gandy as well potentially. The reason I say that is Geno has used three big rotations before, namely with Liv, Aaliyah and Dorka.

When that happens it generally means two things are true, the drop-off to the fourth best big is sizable, and at least one of the three can play the 4 and the 5. Both Strong and Williams could play either position. Suppose Jana makes a big leap but the other bigs don't. Then Jana could be the third big playing about 20 minutes a game at the 5 and Serah playing 20 minutes there and 10 minutes as Sarah's backup at the 4.

Or if Ayanna or Ice emerged as the clear next best big to Strong and Williams, one of them could play 20 minutes at the 4 as the third big, and Sarah playing 20 minutes at the 4 and 10 as Serah's backup at the 5. Now of course it would be better if two of the presumed backups are playing at a high enough level to have a 4 big rotation with a designated 4 backup, a designated 5 backup and a player behind each as injury insurance.

My view is even if we get Serah, that doesn't mean all of our issues upfront are solved. I think the starters would be, and that is 60 minutes of high level output to be be expected, but the backup scenario at least by Uconn standards is just OK not great IMO. There are plenty of talented candidates that might step up, but if they are similar to what they have shown thus far, I would consider our backup bigs to be below Uconn's usual standards, but there is upside that could be achieved.

 

[HuskyNan]

I came across this video on YouTube from a source that I have never heard of before by the name of

Then they don’t belong here. I’ve said that several times before. Some of the videos people have linked from YouTube are from outside the country and are of dubious origin.