So... What's next for recruiting??!

[Sluconn Husky]

Hoophuskee,

I find it nearly unthinkable that Geno would bring Butler to UConn, talk her up so much, and then decide she's a 10-15 minute bench player. They will need size and rebounding. She'll give them that at least and will start. I'd bet the farm on it.

KLS shouldn't impact Butler since she'll play the wing. I suppose Boykin can and will play some "center" in smaller lineups, but I don't think she supplants Butler. Unless Butler turns out to be a complete bust which I'm not anticipating.

 

[Buzzyboy]

Eric,

Stewart and Jefferson played 30 minutes per game as sophomores. Do you really think they're going to play 20-25 as seniors? If anything they could play more. Butler played 36 per at Georgetown. She won't get that at UConn, but being the only center she's going to play 25+, and that's being conservative. Tuck is a complete unknown. She could play 25 minutes, or half that, or not be healthy enough to play at all. Samuelson likely will be good enough to play 20+. Then there's Nurse, Ekmark, Williams..... What if Chong makes majors strides this year and deserves 20+? [mod edit]

To give you an idea of the talent congestion, let's say Tuck can't play and Chong transfers. Stewart (30), Jefferson (30), and Butler (25-30) could take up 85-90 minutes alone. Give KLS 20 and you're down to something like 90 minutes for Nurse, Williams, Edwards, Ekmark, Boykin, and Collier. One of the first two would probably be the starting guard and play 20+. That leaves app. 70 minutes for the other five. And that's minus Chong and Tuck in this scenario.




Yes, but these kids want to play. They don't want to come to UConn to get 5-10 minutes.

In your scenario (without Tuck and Chong) you'd have 5 players with 70 minutes. That comes out to 14 MPG if they all get the same opportunities, on average. I don't think that's too bad for someone who's a freshman and it's not too bad even for a sophomore on a talent rich team like UConn. Knowing that if you continue to flourish in the system and get better, you'll have a lot more opportunities your junior and senior years with the loss of upperclassmen. As has been mentioned, if you work hard and over-achieve, you'll likely get an even bigger piece of the pie and that doesn't even take into account the possible minor injuries (hopefully only minor) that happen seemingly every year, where there would be more minutes to be spread around. Insofar as Butler is concerned, Geno has been known to play a lot of different type lineups dependent on the situation and so if he wants to work in a smaller lineup even when not playing against a team where that type of lineup is required, she might get lesser minutes than you've presumed her to have. I'm inclined to think that Geno will be able (in his infinite wisdom) to work something out to minimize a lot of belly aching.

 

[UcMiami]

On paper Duke, ND, TN, and SC all have loaded rosters but paper isn't the same thing as actually playing skills at the college level from freshman year forward - that is what I am trying to say. We love our 2014 players but on paper they aren't any better than a lot of the players on rosters on the other 'contender' teams.
As for minutes - 2001 (the link for 2002 on the Uconn site is messed up) gives you an idea of what a loaded teams minutes look like:
Svet - 24.5 (19 games)
Swin - 23.8
DT - 24.0
Sue - 27.7
Tamika - 19.9
Shea 23.7 (30)
Asjha 19.5
Kelly 16.9
Kinnitra 17.9
Ashley 10.4 (5)
Morgan 10.3
Maria 7.1
Christine 6.1
Marci 5.7
I don't believe anyone was complaining about minutes on that team or that Swin was upset with getting only 24 minutes a game or Asjha and Tamika playing under 20 minutes a game as juniors and it didn't seem to stunt their prospects of being drafted highly after their senior season. I always did feel sorry though for Sue having to struggle by with under 30 minutes per game. Our NPOY:
Tina Charles for her career - 25.5 min/gm (27.6 her senior year)
Maya Moore 30.4 m/gm (33 as a senior)
Sue Bird 28.14 (29.9)
DT 29.3 (31.9)
Kara 22.9 (26.3
Rebecca 28.3 (28.7)
Jen 30.6 (32.4)
And our #3 scorer:
Sales 25.6 (28 - not counting the last game)

 

[Sluconn Husky]

In your scenario (without Tuck and Chong) you'd have 5 players with 70 minutes. That comes out to 14 MPG if they all get the same opportunities, on average. I don't think that's too bad for someone who's a freshman and it's not too bad even for a sophomore on a talent rich team like UConn.

On the other hand, with Tuck and Chong it could be more like 30 minutes for 5 players. Geno and his staff will have to do some magical rearranging.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

UcMiami,

I see your point and there's some validity to it. However, I think the '15 roster has more depth and ability once you get past the top seven players than '01 did. A lot of that is hypothetical since seven of them are still in HS, I admit, but I've seen enough of Collier and KLS to believe they can be impact freshmen.

Maybe for one year Geno will go lineup by committee again. He may have to. Or use a shoehorn.

 

[hoophuskee]

Hoophuskee,

I find it nearly unthinkable that Geno would bring Butler to UConn, talk her up so much, and then decide she's a 10-15 minute bench player. They will need size and rebounding. She'll give them that at least and will start. I'd bet the farm on it.

KLS shouldn't impact Butler since she'll play the wing. I suppose Boykin can and will play some "center" in smaller lineups, but I don't think she supplants Butler. Unless Butler turns out to be a complete bust which I'm not anticipating.

Has he talked her up so much more than his others? Even if he did "talk" he can't talk about the other 3, can he? I just don't see the relevance of the talk.

You mean with Boykin, Tuck, NC and KLS ---we don't have size? Look at the number two team last year ND- their starting sf was lloyd. What is she 5'10?

If you want to bet the farm, you might wind up on welfare. I say - might.

KLS can impact Butler in an instance and the others can do the same. As stated on a prior post of mine, you get a big finesse 6'6 big that shoots well European style and can face up - Butler may not be able to play her on the perimeter. I believe even if Butler would start the three of KLS and DJB nad NC have the versatility to become dominant even when she sits. Each one probably has some style of specialty that can account for defending a different type of post. While KLS can be though of as a "wing" I think she will be used only as a sf (and pf and can guard a specialty center if needed) not a sg. I expect two guards on the floor - at least - when she is in so you can get good ball movement and better spread of the floor to allow her to stick the three. Which is why I would not classify her as a wing. I expect at least two guards to always be on the floor when she is in. But defensively I see no reason why a player of her size can't guard big players. Is she that soft? I seriously doubt it. In the WNBA - she will be a combo of a sf and a stretch 4 if she hits her potential. I find it hard to believe someone who can be a stretch four in the pros can't be a very good rebounder in college. It is possible she winds up being soft and can't defend the post. But for right now I doubt it. I expect her to be a 1st team a/a eventually and be both a good rebounder and scorer. At 6'3 not just rebound from the sf.

I see no reason why 6'2 Boykin can't guard centers in her soph year going forward when we've even seen Walker guard Griner. I lean toward she will. I just think sometimes we are in search of a "boogeyman" from another team out there. And by that I mean a mammoth player like a Griner. But even with Griner --Walker was serviceable. And in her frosh year she defended Griner better than Steph.

I don't agree with what you are saying but I am probably mis-interpeting it. It's tough posting - you don't always get the full meaning of another's post. In this case your last sentence - I wouldn't consider her a bust at all if Boykin beats her out. I've read on here by Godfather that Boykin was number 1 before her injury, is that right?

I do remember from years ago Walker commited to UCONN prior year she was number 1 then the year she committed she was dropping. Before that there were others but I can't recall. If Boykin is not what the poster Godfather said, and her quality of play is dropping, then I agree Butler will get the position not by default but thatBoykin is not what Godfather said. But if it was like what Godfather said, and the way Collier is, then as ericsandiego has said, this class is among UCONN's best ever then I believe Butler will come off the bench. But it doesn't mean she would be a bust in my eyes.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

You mean with Boykin, Tuck, NC and KLS ---we don't have size? Look at the number two team last year ND- their starting sf was lloyd. What is she 5'10?

ND had Achonwa to defend the paint and rebound inside. Samuelson won't defend the paint, imo. I'm not sure Collier will either. Regardless, are you assuming all four of them are going to play decent minutes? That's what it gets back to. Unless the plan is to give 8 players 12 minutes apiece, I believe Butler has to get significant PT.

In this case your last sentence - I wouldn't consider her a bust at all if Boykin beats her out. I've read on here by Godfather that Boykin was number 1 before her injury, is that right?

I'm just referring to '15, and I'd be surprised if Boykin can beat out Butler that year after watching Boykin in AAU games.

Maybe Butler comes off the bench but I'd be shocked. It's well known that a center/large post was needed. To get one and than not start her doesn't make sense to me.

 

[Buzzyboy]

On the other hand, with Tuck and Chong it could be more like 30 minutes for 5 players. Geno and his staff will have to do some magical rearranging.

I'm sorry if I was less than impressed with Chong's development last year. It seems to me she regressed and considering how much time she spent on the court in the early "significant" games with top 20 teams and then her almost disappearing on the court in the last month of the season, it seems Geno made a definitive decision. I would have thought in order to rest his starters somewhat, she would have gotten a little more court time but that surely didn't happen. If the incoming class is as good as they're rated to be, she might have major problems finding the court. I know a lot has to do with the practice effort of the new kids but Ekmark appears to be a gym rat and Nurse looks like a special player considering her role on the Canadian national team on both the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. It really wouldn't surprise me if she transferred. On the other hand, Morgan Tuck was having issues with her knee throughout her time with UConn and still impressed a great deal with her well rounded game. I'm expecting her to only be better, after her recuperation period. I didn't get the impression her surgery was overtly serious and I expect a full recovery. That does play into your remarks of lesser minutes for the other 5 girls because Tuck will certainly get some good minutes if my impression of her injury and recovery are accurate.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

If the incoming class is as good as they're rated to be, she might have major problems finding the court

........

I didn't get the impression her surgery was overtly serious and I expect a full recovery.

Seems like Chong could be the odd player out. But I do like her skills and think she and Nurse get first crack at the starting guard spot. As for Tuck, I was under the impression that her surgery WAS quite serious. I believe she had microfracture surgery which is riskier than, say, ACL surgery. It's at least her third knee operation which is why I put her PT as a major question mark. Hoping for the best though, I'm a big fan.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Getting back to recruits for a minute, the 2017 class looks to be loaded with Megan Walker at the top. One of the other premium talents is Jade Williams, a 6-3 forward from Texas that UConn has had contact with.

http://starlocalmedia.com/thecolony...cle_b3c62086-8b0f-11e3-bfa0-0019bb2963f4.html

 

[Buzzyboy]

UcMiami,

I see your point and there's some validity to it. However, I think the '15 roster has more depth and ability once you get past the top seven players than '01 did. A lot of that is hypothetical since seven of them are still in HS, I admit, but I've seen enough of Collier and KLS to believe they can be impact freshmen.

Maybe for one year Geno will go lineup by committee again. He may have to. Or use a shoehorn.

The number 8, 9, 10, and 11 players averaged double digit minutes in his scenario. I would think that even a talented freshman coming to a two time national champion team, would be pretty satisfied if they were to get double digit minutes, particularly if the people who had more minutes were very gifted players. If you felt that you weren't getting a lot of minutes while someone less talented was getting more, you'd start to question why? Was it something you weren't doing, was it something extra they were doing, was there some bias that was upsetting????? If it was just someone working harder and with more talent or both, then I think it might entice you to work even harder to improve and make an impression.

 

[MilfordHusky]

On paper Duke, ND, TN, and SC all have loaded rosters but paper isn't the same thing as actually playing skills at the college level from freshman year forward - that is what I am trying to say. We love our 2014 players but on paper they aren't any better than a lot of the players on rosters on the other 'contender' teams.
As for minutes - 2001 (the link for 2002 on the Uconn site is messed up) gives you an idea of what a loaded teams minutes look like:
Svet - 24.5 (19 games)
Swin - 23.8
DT - 24.0
Sue - 27.7
Tamika - 19.9
Shea 23.7 (30)
Asjha 19.5
Kelly 16.9
Kinnitra 17.9
Ashley 10.4 (5)
Morgan 10.3
Maria 7.1
Christine 6.1
Marci 5.7
I don't believe anyone was complaining about minutes on that team or that Swin was upset with getting only 24 minutes a game or Asjha and Tamika playing under 20 minutes a game as juniors and it didn't seem to stunt their prospects of being drafted highly after their senior season. I always did feel sorry though for Sue having to struggle by with under 30 minutes per game. Our NPOY:
Tina Charles for her career - 25.5 min/gm (27.6 her senior year)
Maya Moore 30.4 m/gm (33 as a senior)
Sue Bird 28.14 (29.9)
DT 29.3 (31.9)
Kara 22.9 (26.3
Rebecca 28.3 (28.7)
Jen 30.6 (32.4)
And our #3 scorer:
Sales 25.6 (28 - not counting the last game)

I largely agree. Tamika was the #1 HS player, and Asjha went on to a nice pro career and Olympic gold. Neither one started consistently until their senior year, yet they became cogs in arguably the greatest team of all time and top 6 WNBA picks. Some players may play about 10, 15, 20, and 25 ppg over their 4 years. They can be part of several championships and develop their skils without being starters for the majority of their career.

 

[hoophuskee]

Slu-we'll have three players 6'3, 6'2 and 6'1. IMO that adressses your prior size point. I believe Notre Dame was a terrific rebounding team with small size, was my point. We don't need to sacrifice quality of overall play just so we can be a stronger rebouding team. We've won may titles without being the best rebounding team overall. So overall imo we don't need to sacrfice our overall quality of play if our bigs of 6'3 and 6'2 and 6'1 are big enough to be just good enough if other parts of the game are superior.

I was referring to soph years of Boykin vs Butler then going forward. I expect Butler to be ahead of Boykin frosh year but when you had mentioned "25 minutes" for Butler, I don't see 25 minutes for Butler in 15-16 as I expect Stewie and Tuck to start with Stewie getting around 30+ and Tuck to get about 25+. So as you said you think Collier and KLS are future studs.- So I'm thinking they (KLS and NC) will get minutes anyhwere in the front line (sf/pf/c) but I don't believe either will see anything at sg. So Boykin won't get completely shut out either, so I don't see big minutes from Butler in her 1st year.

I just think that the main need was to get as many quality players as we can up front. Butler is "ideal" but I believe Geno plays the better player. But he would have no qualm not starting Butler and give her productive bench minutes. He had Stokes come off the bench and she was really good. No reason why Butler couldn't be similar IF Boykin is better.

Slu- I value your inputs - can you answer a few questions for me? I would appreciate it. You've seen these kids. First off I read a prior post from you that you like Collier a ton, right? What do you think she is going to be really good at - at UCONN? And how do you foresee KLS and NC will interact with one another ). I know "great" but HOW do you see their styles mesh to compliment one another?

As for Boykin, it doesn't seem like you buy into Godfather's assessement that she was hurt and will come back near the top of her class (I'm sorry Godfather if I mis-interpreted yoru post. I beleive you are really highon her). I try to compare player's of past to present and situations. As stated, I remember Walker was number 1 and then her stock dropped over a year or two. And I also remember similar story with Tuck but it was an injury that dropped her rating. A few questions- - whose game do you see Boykin more similar to- Tuck or Walker? Probably somewhere in between----- but who is she closer to in terms of style? And secondly, if she played at the level we saw Morgan Tuck play with early in her sophomore year, do you see the equivalent of a sophomore Tuck can beat out Butler in order to start and get more minutes than Butler?

Thanks I appreciate it!!!!!!!!!

 

[rvwsleep]

Interesting discussion over playing time in the 2015-2016 season. But in all but a few games it won't matter, as far as outcome, on who starts and who plays how many minutes. Certainly not in the AAC. So what we are discussing will only come into play in a few OOC games and in the NCAA's. And in those games it might be a matter of match ups. For what it's worth, I see Butler playing more minutes than all but 2 starters but overall playing time spread fairly evenly among 9 or 10 players. Similar to Eric's distribution with slightly less minutes played by Stewart, Jefferson and Butler

 

[Sluconn Husky]

First off I read a prior post from you that you like Collier a ton, right? What do you think she is going to be really good at - at UCONN? And how do you foresee KLS and NC will interact with one another ). I know "great" but HOW do you see their styles mesh to compliment one another?

Yes, I'm a big fan of Collier's game. She's just a really smart, efficient player within 12 feet or so. She uses the glass well and has a nice touch from that range. Her ability to move without the ball is perfect for UConn and she runs the floor like a gazelle. She's also an adept passer. She, Nurse, and Williams would make a killer pressing trio together. And I'm sure she'd mesh well with KLS. Players who pass well and move without the ball pretty much fit in with anyone.

--

Re: Boykin, I know she sprained her ACL about a year ago but then went on to be very productive for Team USA. She hasn't dropped much in the rankings, and what she has may be due to the rise of others more than anything concerning her. I've only seen her play twice at Boo Williams and she was pretty much a non-factor. She just rarely was involved, but then that's only two AAU games.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Here's a photo of Collier playing against Eric Boley from the Naples Shootout in January:

http://media.naplesnews.com/media/img/photos/2013/12/30/1231_NCSP_SHOOTOUTHOOPS05_t607.JPG

 

[Sonny44]

There just isn't going to be a whole bunch of time though. There's going to be a major minutes issue in 2015, and if they decided to take 2-3 more in '16 that'll continue to be the case. Barring numerous injuries, transfers, or player busts, of course.

I have the time solution; play a 40 game season.

 

[hoophuskee]

Slu- the link below from another thread regarding the three of KLS, NC and DJB. This is why I don't see a lock for NB.

http://elmcitytoeaglevillenhr.blogspot.com/2014/05/thoughts-on-three-uconn-commits.html

Many college teams don't have "Moses Malone" as a center which means KLS can guard some. And this articles speaks of KLS grabbing tough rebounds. This isn't going to be a player that will be isoalted just playing the sf. It seems to me Collier can/will guard quick 3's with scoring punch, won't she? Where would that leave KLS? To guard the pf or c.

The article also speaks of DJB being scrappy and an outstanding rebounder among other things. Plus Fuller speaks of her 3 point shooting. Three point shooting spreads the floor. There is a good chance DJB is quicker, faster, and more versatile by that I mean can go out and contest shooters better from the perimeter. How many Moses Malone's are in the college game? Anyhow, Fuller is comparing her to Tuck in a way. A point I was thinking of- but of course don't know because I haven't seen her. But as I read articles like this - it's the type of player/style I can envision DJB can be. An outstanding rebounder that can spread the floor and is versatile enough to guard and contest multiple positions, and if like Tuck, has good speed.

The article also speaks of NC. A player you said you like a ton too. I see it says she isn't as much of a 3 point threat as KLS and DJB- so whose to say she won't flourish more with the court being spread open by having both Boykin and Samuelason spread the floor? This also tells me she is a terrfic offensive rebounder that can play both inside and out and excels in the open court. What deoes all of what has been written potentially add up to? A player that seems like she can guard potent sf's as well as defend pf's without a problem. Anyhow- if she is able to guard sf's then it means KLS can guard a less potent offensive pf or center if KLS's defense isn't as good.

And one common theme in this article is Fuller's mention of their rebounding capabilites. Thus Natalie may very well be a better rebounder, but this trio seems strong enough and tall enough to be easily good enough to compete on the glass. . And for example if their transition from defense to offense and their ability to spread the floor is better -and if they can get back on defense quicker and they can cause more turnovers with steals - then imo it is nothing near a lock for Natalie. IMO this isn't far-fetched or a long reach at all from what I've read so far of Boykin and the KLS and NC to start / get more minutes than Natalie from DJB's soph season moving forward.

Anyhow I love it. Fabulous recruiting class. Fabulous!!! Fabulous!!!Fabulous!!!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Hoophuskee,

You make some good points and it's probably not completely out of the question that Boykin could take that spot. That said, when Geno calls someone a potential "game changer" as he did Butler, it leads me to believe he plans on giving her significant opportunities. I still see her as the starting center barring strange circumstances.

 

[hjoerring]

Hoophuskee, stop screaming. All are in agreement that the players in question are not one-dimensional. Still, I don't think Stewart or KLS should be playing center- they are best at what they have been doing. Looking at the NBA there are a lot of teams that are winning even as their centers sit on the bench due to injuries, but the teams cannot wait to have them back. I'm sure Minn can be Moore at center and Chi can put Delle there too, but in the long run it will come to hurt them and the players. Your discussion makes it seem as a chess game with pieces moving round-and-round, but having a legit. center playing 15-20 mins/game have served most teams well.

 

[hoophuskee]

Hoophuskee,

You make some good points and it's probably not completely out of the question that Boykin could take that spot. That said, when Geno calls someone a potential "game changer" as he did Butler, it leads me to believe he plans on giving her significant opportunities. I still see her as the starting center barring strange circumstances.

I hope she is. I can also remember howver Geno comparing Gilian Goring's potential to Hakeem Olajuwon in some manner.

 

[Zorro]

Yes, but Butler has proved herself at the college level. Only way I can see that she might fail is if she overworks herself into physical problems ala Jackie Stiles.

 

[hoophuskee]

Yes, but Butler has proved herself at the college level. Only way I can see that she might fail is if she overworks herself into physical problems ala Jackie Stiles.

I agree with you - she has proved herself at the college level. She has proven herself at the mid-level college level. while the Big East is above mid-level - to get to championship level they are average at best. The difference of the final four teams caliber of play and overall the Big East- they are an average conference. You can get 15 and 15 vs a 65 ranked team. It doesn't mean you are going to get 10-10 vs a top ten team. We're on a different planet than a team like DePaul. A player like Brianna Banks could average double digits in the new Big East. And I believe most of us believe she is a fine player. But UCONN - and competing against other super super teams- it's an entirely different animal.

I just don't believe one can tie in mid college level and make it sound so assured she can lock in 25 minutes on the team like UCONN. Can she? Absolutely. And I believe she can be a star. I just don't believe she is as near of a lock as most of you. And I do believe if she came off the bench - and provided 15 minutes for example on championship teams maybe even close to 20 for example- I would not even close think of that as a failure either.

 

[EricSD]

It remains to be seen how the players progress. While the big 3 have proven themselves in high school, it's not like Butler is a complete unknown. She was one of the better freshmen in the nation on a very consistent basis. She's received high praise from other coaches in the league, and Geno has had a chance to see her play as well. Oh, and Geno had some very positive things to say about her.

Given that neither Samuelson, Collier nor Boykin have played in college (against girls bigger, stronger, and faster), and given that none of them are over 6'3" (Boykin looks to be only about 6'2"), it's an incredibly long stretch to assume any of them would play the 5, never mind play significant minutes there, AND as a freshman no less. Geno NEVER starts freshmen unless there is no one else, or injuries require him to make changes.

Additionally, given that Butler is 6'5", and the year after Stokes graduates, will essentially have 2 years in college, 1 of those practicing with the UCONN team, I find it a huge stretch to say that essentially junior Butler with 2 years college experience would be beaten out by 6'2" freshman Boykin.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that's sort of like saying Stewie should be the backup 2G. Sure she has guard skills, but when you look at the complete picture, it's really really unlikely, and makes even less sense.

 

[hoophuskee]

Additionally, given that Butler is 6'5", and the year after Stokes graduates, will essentially have 2 years in college, 1 of those practicing with the UCONN team, I find it a huge stretch to say that essentially junior Butler with 2 years college experience would be beaten out by 6'2" freshman Boykin.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but that's sort of like saying Stewie should be the backup 2G. Sure she has guard skills, but when you look at the complete picture, it's really really unlikely, and makes even less sense.

I don’t agree with this at all. As you said – everyone is entitled to their opinion. So we can agree to disagree.
Notre Dame had a super phenom season and their center was 6’3 and their sf was 5'10. I can’t believe one inch would make such a difference. A’Ja Jones was 6’3 – maybe 6’2. And most of us on this board say 2002 was best team ever.

And I don’t believe just because Butler is a junior means it’s so obvious she is going to be better than 6’2 soph Boykin whom will may very well have the "soph jump" in improvement.

 

[EricSD]

I don’t agree with this at all. As you said – everyone is entitled to their opinion. So we can agree to disagree.
Notre Dame had a super phenom season and their center was 6’3 and their sf was 5'10. I can’t believe one inch would make such a difference. A’Ja Jones was 6’3 – maybe 6’2. And most of us on this board say 2002 was best team ever.

And I don’t believe just because Butler is a junior means it’s so obvious she is going to be better than 6’2 soph Boykin whom will may very well have the "soph jump" in improvement.

Well, clearly you are among the very small minority. When even Geno disagrees with you, I think one has to put a little stock in that. Additionally, Boykin will be a freshman. Butler will be a red shirt sophomore, but with 2 years college hoops experience, so in theory, a junior "hoops-wise". So your point has some of the facts wrong.

Teams play with the best players they can. If you are referring to Reimer and Achonwa, the starting 4 for ND was Bracker who is 6'1". McBride is 5'11' or 6' tall. So again, facts are wrong in your post. their starting SF was 6'1", not 5'11".

It's awfully hard to have a discussion when the person disagreeing has so many factual errors in their post...

But my point about playing with the best players you have is this... If Butler had chosen to go to UVA, then UCONN would be looking at having no true center on the roster. But that's not the case. They will have someone with a ton of experience and the only true 5 on the team.

Why on earth would Geno plan on starting a 6'2" kid with no college experience over a kid who has already proven herself at the college level and will have 2 years more experience? Of course anything can happen. Butler can flat out suck at UCONN. Or be barely average. But my money's on her being really good.

 

[rvwsleep]

Have to agree with EricSD. Butler led the Big East in minutes per game at 36 and rebounds per game at 13 and was voted freshman of the year. Given that she will gain another year's experience at UConn's practices, I don't see her being supplanted by Boykin or anyone else presently on the roster in the 2015-2016 season. Now, I'm sure she's not going to play 36 mins a game for UConn but she will get the majority of those minutes. As far as ND goes, Anchonwa is listed at 183lbs and a senior, Boykin at 155 lbs and a freshman/sophomore. They are totally different types and shouldn't be compared. Now if Cox or McCoy should arrive.....

 

[Godfather]

Has he talked her up so much more than his others? Even if he did "talk" he can't talk about the other 3, can he? I just don't see the relevance of the talk.

You mean with Boykin, Tuck, NC and KLS ---we don't have size? Look at the number two team last year ND- their starting sf was lloyd. What is she 5'10?

If you want to bet the farm, you might wind up on welfare. I say - might.

KLS can impact Butler in an instance and the others can do the same. As stated on a prior post of mine, you get a big finesse 6'6 big that shoots well European style and can face up - Butler may not be able to play her on the perimeter. I believe even if Butler would start the three of KLS and DJB nad NC have the versatility to become dominant even when she sits. Each one probably has some style of specialty that can account for defending a different type of post. While KLS can be though of as a "wing" I think she will be used only as a sf (and pf and can guard a specialty center if needed) not a sg. I expect two guards on the floor - at least - when she is in so you can get good ball movement and better spread of the floor to allow her to stick the three. Which is why I would not classify her as a wing. I expect at least two guards to always be on the floor when she is in. But defensively I see no reason why a player of her size can't guard big players. Is she that soft? I seriously doubt it. In the WNBA - she will be a combo of a sf and a stretch 4 if she hits her potential. I find it hard to believe someone who can be a stretch four in the pros can't be a very good rebounder in college. It is possible she winds up being soft and can't defend the post. But for right now I doubt it. I expect her to be a 1st team a/a eventually and be both a good rebounder and scorer. At 6'3 not just rebound from the sf.

I see no reason why 6'2 Boykin can't guard centers in her soph year going forward when we've even seen Walker guard Griner. I lean toward she will. I just think sometimes we are in search of a "boogeyman" from another team out there. And by that I mean a mammoth player like a Griner. But even with Griner --Walker was serviceable. And in her frosh year she defended Griner better than Steph.

I don't agree with what you are saying but I am probably mis-interpeting it. It's tough posting - you don't always get the full meaning of another's post. In this case your last sentence - I wouldn't consider her a bust at all if Boykin beats her out. I've read on here by Godfather that Boykin was number 1 before her injury, is that right?

I do remember from years ago Walker commited to UCONN prior year she was number 1 then the year she committed she was dropping. Before that there were others but I can't recall. If Boykin is not what the poster Godfather said, and her quality of play is dropping, then I agree Butler will get the position not by default but thatBoykin is not what Godfather said. But if it was like what Godfather said, and the way Collier is, then as ericsandiego has said, this class is among UCONN's best ever then I believe Butler will come off the bench. But it doesn't mean she would be a bust in my eyes.

Boykin was #1 until the "national scouts" discovered she transferred to her public HS (Flowers) from national power Riverdale Baptist, but that is all history now she will have to prove it at the next level and I think she will, she can play 1-5, I think she is that versatile she will never play the 1 or 2 but she can if needed, everything we are discussing here will be decided in the fall of 2015

 

[Godfather]

Have to agree with EricSD. Butler led the Big East in minutes per game at 36 and rebounds per game at 13 and was voted freshman of the year. Given that she will gain another year's experience at UConn's practices, I don't see her being supplanted by Boykin or anyone else presently on the roster in the 2015-2016 season. Now, I'm sure she's not going to play 36 mins a game for UConn but she will get the majority of those minutes. As far as ND goes, Anchonwa is listed at 183lbs and a senior, Boykin at 155 lbs and a freshman/sophomore. They are totally different types and shouldn't be compared. Now if Cox or McCoy should arrive.....

NB is going to play starting or not, KLS,DJB,NC are going to play, what you fail to realize is the defensive side of the ball, unless we are going to play a lot of zone with NB it maybe hard to play her more than 15-20min a game, with the others he will be able to defend every position in man 2 man with switching etc. how many 6'5" centers will uconn have to deal with in 2015 to 2019, ask yourself if NB could guard KLS,DJB,NC because that might be the type of players she may have to guard on defense

 

[hoophuskee]

eric- no offense my friend but you didn't read one of my earlier posts (or at least my first post my very 1st three sentences) which got this started which means you have totally misunderstood what I was saying. Thank you Godfather for your post abotu Boykin. Eric all I said is below in italics and aded to that premise throughout all my posts as to not automtiacly pencilling in NB. I did say NB could wind up as a star too. I said I have not seen them play. It's just that I am not sold as most of you are that it is so obvious that NB will start and get 25+ minutes. So as my 1st 3 sentences said in italics:

There has been a lot of talk of just "penciling in" Natalie as a starter and a near lock for 25 miintues. etc. I don't agree with that at all. It is possible sure.

And by me being in the minority as you suggest that is soooo irrelevant because I believe so many like me haven't watched Natlie and DJB live to make an accurate assessement. Nowhere has Geno said NB will start, has he? Regarding Geno's game changer comment - I made a post stating how Geno once compared Gillain Goring in some manner or spoke of her in a manner to Hakeem Olajuwon. And I can't recall one post that showed a comment that Geno said NB is a lock to start.

What I have suggested is that a poster such as Godfather could be right. Boykin could be a top 5 player or better. That is more relevant than others offering their opinion based on not watching any of them at all but just have "a feeling." I think Godfather did- and Fuller spoke very highly of DJB as well. So I'm not as confident as you- or slu etc. Big deal.

I don't want to get into a long drawn out fight here of what was said and wasn't. I realize to go back and read my comments and slu's and read Godfather's etc - it isn't worth it. So I'm done. IMO my point has ran it's course. There is no further point to rehash other than - You have your opinion I have mine. I am not saying NB won't start or won't be a star. And Geno's comment of her being a game changer imo is so irrelevant that I don't put much stock in it at all. If that makes me in the minroity so be it. But I have never known Geno to give any player anything. It has to be earned. Which then means Natalie is NOT assured of any starting slot. Therefore anyone that disagrees with my last underlined statement is in the minority imo.