State College product Kyla Irwin thought she was a hard worker. Then she went to UConn.

[MilfordHusky]

I'm reminded of Brianna Banks. I'm paraphrasing, but her comments were: "I thought I played hard, but my hard is not their hard."

 

[Florida Fan]

It ain't me that has to do it. Kyla and Molly have to dig deep and get dirty to break into this lineup. I like both of them, but if they are going to emulate Jamielle Elliot and Barbara Turner they will need to work harder than their more athletic peers. Kyla will have to block out and knock some people down. Opposing forwards will need to bounce off her. And Molly needs to claw the ball from opposing guards, get up on them and stay on them. She passes the ball well and has to develop a dependable jump shot. Kyla has shown she can shoot on those few occasions she's been in the game late and open . Of course if Kyla and Molly are in the best shape of their lives, ahead of the new frosh, it could happen for them. I hope it does and they can be part of posse that can press for 40 minutes against the best out of conference teams.

 

[Scotter]

You never know what will happen over the course of a four year career. I'm sure there weren't many people who ever thought Meghan Gardler would play much, and yet she played the 7th most minutes on the team as a senior. I've been thinking about Meghan's senior season with respect to Kyla because that's pretty much the model for how Kyla eventually earns significant playing time. Her shooting 3s consistently toward the end of the year was big for her. If she can do that to space the floor along with playing hard and physical she at least gives herself a chance to play.

 

[Carnac]

I agree. I just disagree with those who think honestly assessing her freshman year is somehow a crime.

I completely agree. I was referring to reasonable expectations, not honest assessments. I applaud those posters with the stones to give an honest assessment of a UConn player, (which may be unpopular if it's negative), and then back it up if/when they are challenged on it.

Dangerous is going to ball out next season. She's going to make a lot of folks look on in wonderment, scratching their heads (and ass) wondering "how'd she do that"?

 

[Icebear]

C

Danger never seemed to regain her momentum once she had the stress fracture. Wonder how much this affected her at end of year. While "In Geno we trust" is my mantra, I do question based on the continual issues we have each year whether he does push the issue too far, particularly in a year with little substitutions.

It isn't just UCONN, stress fractures or stress reactions are relatively common throughout many programs and retentive impact sports like gymnastics.

 

[Ukonnfan]

It's possible we may see a much different Kyla in the fall.

 

[Buzzyboy]

I remember her saying that. If a 2 year starter from a major top 10 program can come in, and be overwhelmed, why can't a freshman?
Judging from some of the posts I read, there were a lot of folks that expected her to be a starter by the first of the year. They expected her to make the leap during the first two months, then became impatient when she didn't.

I didn't read any article or comment where Azura said or hinted she was "overwhelmed". Surprised might be a word that she may have uttered. I know she's seen an appreciable difference in what's expected both physically and emotionally here but overwhelmed suggests that she wasn't up to the task, at least initially and I don't think that's the case. From what I've heard, she's looked outstanding from day one with the team.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I didn't read any article or comment where Azura said or hinted she was "overwhelmed". Surprised might be a word that she may have uttered. I know she's seen an appreciable difference in what's expected both physically and emotionally here but overwhelmed suggests that she wasn't up to the task, at least initially and I don't think that's the case. From what I've heard, she's looked outstanding from day one with the team.

What she said has been my signature line since shortly after she said it. Look below.

 

[Buzzyboy]

What she said has been my signature line since shortly after she said it. Look below.

Her quote says it all! Love it!

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Her quote says it all! Love it!

She found the right place, didn't she. She made no bones about it. She wanted the program that would get her pro ready and hopefully she's happy as a clam at high tide!

 

[Gus Mahler]

I completely agree. I was referring to reasonable expectations, not honest assessments. I applaud those posters with the stones to give an honest assessment of a UConn player, (which may be unpopular if it's negative), and then back it up if/when they are challenged on it.

Dangerous is going to ball out next season. She's going to make a lot of folks look on in wonderment, scratching their heads (and ass) wondering "how'd she do that"?

Now wait a minute . . .

 

[Gus Mahler]

It's possible we may see a much different Kyla in the fall.

Wouldn't it be cool if she came back absolutely ripped?

 

[JustinesGuy]

I think if given some minutes KI will make the most of them. She may be a role player now but why not more?

I see a world of potential. Good hands, good shot, good poise for a frosh. I'm all in.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Now wait a minute . . .

Your "and ass" link doesn't work. Wait, it isn't a link is it.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

It isn't just UConn, stress fractures or stress reactions are relatively common throughout many programs and retentive impact sports like gymnastics.

I read today one of the guys in the Jordan Brand Classic injured his foot.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Your "and ass" link doesn't work. Wait, it isn't a link is it.

I'll have to remember not to use blue for emphasis.