The Fantastic Four

[RockyMTblue2]

F the Yankees

They already took care of that for you. Long term do it yourself project.

 

[huskeynut]

And do not ever compare anything UConn has ever done to anything done by the Yankee's. Ever again.

Sorry Jordy - Yankees did it first and that's a fact.

 

[j66kicker]

Proudly wearing my Yankee sweatshirt today. 27!!

When I lived in CT and frequently went to games at Yankee stadium there were no "Red Sox Suck" t-shirts - only Red Sox fans wore the "Yankees Suck" version. It was a one-sided rivalry - Red Sox fans hated the Yankees but Yankee fans just considered the Red Sox another loser wannabe team.

 

[Scud49]

I hope Sonya's game and contribution keeps developing, so by the end of the year the "Core 4" has evolved into the "Fantastic 5" - and the 2106-17 team will then forever be known as such.

 

[Oldbones]

It


It was good you mentioned Chong, Dangerfield and Butler. If I was Saniya or Tierney I would be tired of the "core four" (however true) references. Geno forgetting the team members who have been a part of the current "streak" represents what could be considered a slight or disregard for those upperclassmen on the bench. Chong has improved her consistency and ball handling, creating a few daring drives, taking seriously this her last chance for relevancy.

At the risk of becoming Johnny Raincloud, count me in as finding both "Core Four" and "Fantastic Four" as exclusionary monikers. The "Seven Blocks of Granite" included the entire Fordham offensive line. The "Four Horsemen" were the entire Notre Dame Backfield. The "Ottawa Silver Seven" included, at that time, all seven Ottawa players on the ice. Michigan's "Fab Five" comprised a freshman class that came in together and were quite often all on the court at the same time. All very nice and inclusionary. I won't even point out the "Dirty Dozen," all tightly bonded convicted felons, as another example. the "Magnificent Seven" didn't have Smiley Burnette or Pat Buttram following along behind. The "47 Ronin" united in Seppuku.

With UCONN five players on the court, one or more players are excluded from being "core" or "fantastic," as well as the five players on the bench. Since Saniya is a starter, her exclusion is usually most notable. Maybe if Saniya, Natalie, and Crystal were not individually made out to be a fifth wheel, they would shoot more and worry less about feeding "the Four."

 

[johnnyc]

Obviously not a lot of Yankee fans here..lol I've been one since the early 70's. Oops!

That's okay. Try the New York Football Giants! Everybody in New England loves them!

 

[Chong-Master]

The one player most easily replaced of the starting five is Saniya. Not to take anything away from her; she's played a key part in a few games. However, would you want to replace one of the other four starters? Crystal is an excellent replacement for Chong but not for any of the other four.

Despite Crystal Dangerfield's tremendous upside, she is 'presently' NOT an excellent "REPLACEMENT" for Saniya Chong (rather an excellent compliment to the "STARTING FIVE" (as is Natalie Butler)

 

[Oldbones]

That's okay. Try the New York Football Giants! Everybody in New England loves them!

Love reading "New York Football Giants," a term perhaps strange, even archaic, to anyone under 70. Thank you.

 

[Oldbones]

I hope Sonya's game and contribution keeps developing, so by the end of the year the "Core 4" has evolved into the "Fantastic 5" - and the 2106-17 team will then forever be known as such.

If they continue, they will be the "Untenable ten." (that no on can hold onto or defend)
Wait - how about the "Deadly Denary!" The "Dynamic Decuple?" The "Fantastic Five and Five...." With all the invaluable practice and bench support from Camara and Stevens, the Dazzling Dozen." Let's add in the four coaches and they can simply be our "Hexadenary Heroes."

 

[Sonny44]

KLS’s emerging and almost unstoppable offensive game is fun to watch. She can shoot the three, shoot the pull-up 15 footer and drive to the basket. She has a variety of moves and is starting to use her left hand. She is running the floor which results in some easy baskets. If she learns to survive the bumping, banging and grinding she will inevitably face she will likely be an All-American and a serious NPOY candidate this year. So far, she has shown grit and toughness (mental and physical). As she gets physically stronger her game will only get better … and she may become an unstoppable force on offense. Her defense has made large strides this year already. She is starting to challenge shots (even blocking some). She is starting to crash the boards with authority and effect. She shows something new almost every game. She is an elite talent and is getting elitier (yeah, there should be such a word). My fear for her is injury, but if she stays healthy….

Collier’s all around game continues to surprise. She will score on a variety of inside moves, rebound-put-backs and a deadly short to mid-range jumper (not to mention a three pointer here and there). She has an uncanny knack for getting rebounds and gets them at key times. She also keeps the ball alive off the glass for the team to capitalize on. As she continues to improve and refine her offensive game and cements her offensive confidence she will get better and better. When she doesn’t hesitate on her shot she is smooth and accurate. Her defense will continue to improve. I believe that will come to be a plus component of her game over time. She has the strength and lateral movement and the instincts to become a very, very good defender. That will come in time. Not hard to see “All-American” in her future … and maybe even this year. She is heading towards being a great all around talent and every game she is getting closerer and closerer (yeah, there should be such a word) to that level.

Gabby Williams is a Rock. At 5’11” she plays center against players 4, 5, and even 6 inches taller. She holds her own with incredible physical ability, great instincts and a refusal to give in. She never complains about her situation. She accepts the banging of women much bigger than she is. She rebounds with the best of them. Her toughness is unmatched. She runs the “high” part of their offense. She is a good passer but still makes ill-advised passes and creates turnovers here and there. But you have to be willing to accept that to some extent. As she figures out what she can and can’t do from the top of the key her turnovers will decrease. Gabby runs the floor and seems to have virtually limitless energy. Her offensive game is evolving. She is great around the basket. She is amazingly quick off her feet. As she gets more confidence and consistency in her 15-foot and extended jump shot she will be unstoppable. She is never too high or too low. She is also emerging as the team leader. She seems wise beyond her years. Doesn’t blame others and sees herself and the team with clear eyes. She is the unbreakable, calming spirit of the team.

Nurse shows grit and determination. She brings the defensive toughness that we are used to seeing on UConn teams. She takes pride in her defense. She will bump and grind with the best of them. She can wear you out defensively. Her open three point shot has found its groove and is a dagger. The other parts of her offensive game are still under construction. She drives to the basket on little savvy and shear force. Sometimes that works and sometimes … more savvy would have been better. But as a third option on offense she is a very, very, very nice piece. She also is emerging as a team leader. She doesn’t need to carry that mantle alone. She is part of the glue of this team and is getting gluier and gluier (yeah, there should be such a word).

These four with great assists from Chong, Dangerfield and Butler are perhaps the most surprising UConn team (along with the rest of the bench). Not in the fact that they are winning a lot but that they are refusing to lose at all.
(Sorry for the length, I couldn't sleep last night).

From last November after the Dayton game. Couldn't agree with me more.

What Core Four?
I'm not a big fan of that term; like it diminishes the others' contributions IMO.

 

[BroadwayVa]

They already took care of that for you. Long term do it yourself project.

Isn't it unusual to have a Southern boy from Brooklyn????

 

[BroadwayVa]

From last November after the Dayton game. Couldn't agree with me more.

Core four ---diminishes the 5 player--who was instrumental in winning the MD game and provided a Turnover to Assist ratio others cannot achieve. That 5th player is not a robot, without feelings, but a kid on the team we all are cheering for.
If she isn't cornpone or mush--and as much a teammate as the other four--and one who tells the new kid, who want to take her job, all there is to know to play point guard on the UC div 1 team---every team in America needs a kid like this who works for the team--not herself.
THE CORE FIVE---OR NOTHING--IT'S AN INSULT TO THE TEAMS 5 TH STARTER AND MANY OF US UCONN FANS.
THANKS SONNY---she needs all the support we can give.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Isn't it unusual to have a Southern boy from Brooklyn????

I'm too dense for this? Not a Dodger fan. Not a Southern Boy. Nova Scotia kid.

 

[BroadwayVa]

If they continue, they will be the "Untenable ten." (that no on can hold onto or defend)
Wait - how about the "Deadly Denary!" The "Dynamic Decuple?" The "Fantastic Five and Five...." With all the invaluable practice and bench support from Camara and Stevens, the Dazzling Dozen." Let's add in the four coaches and they can simply be our "Hexadenary Heroes."

if anything it should not be the Core 4---that is a huge insult to the 5th starter---Fantastic five and five has a flow to it.

 

[Lynx23]

At the risk of becoming Johnny Raincloud, count me in as finding both "Core Four" and "Fantastic Four" as exclusionary monikers. The "Seven Blocks of Granite" included the entire Fordham offensive line. The "Four Horsemen" were the entire Notre Dame Backfield. The "Ottawa Silver Seven" included, at that time, all seven Ottawa players on the ice. Michigan's "Fab Five" comprised a freshman class that came in together and were quite often all on the court at the same time. All very nice and inclusionary. I won't even point out the "Dirty Dozen," all tightly bonded convicted felons, as another example. the "Magnificent Seven" didn't have Smiley Burnette or Pat Buttram following along behind. The "47 Ronin" united in Seppuku.

With UCONN five players on the court, one or more players are excluded from being "core" or "fantastic," as well as the five players on the bench. Since Saniya is a starter, her exclusion is usually most notable. Maybe if Saniya, Natalie, and Crystal were not individually made out to be a fifth wheel, they would shoot more and worry less about feeding "the Four."

I agree. At the beginning of the year it was the "The Big Three" that was (or "were", whatever) being heralded to the exclusion of Kia, which I thought was unfair. Her obvious (to me at least) contributions as a player were disregarded due to her early offensive struggles. The motto shouted at the break of every team huddle is "Together!". The idea of a Core Four seems to undermine the concept of UCONN's success as a team effort. Saniya is a Senior and she has fought an uphill battle since she came to UCONN. There is something that doesn't feel right about her symbolic exclusion from this group given that she is a starter. Sort of "still on the outside looking in". I give her a lot of credit for still hanging in there. She should graduate with one of the best records of any player that has ever put on a UCONN uniform, man or woman.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I'm too dense for this? Not a Dodger fan. Not a Southern Boy. Nova Scotia kid.

Port Royal?? Some in fur south are not partial to Yankees. I'm a damn Yankee--I came and stayed.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Port Royal?? Some in fur south are not partial to Yankees. I'm a damn Yankee--I came and stayed.

Ah, I am dense. Nope, Cape Briton.

 

[oldude]

OK, this whole name thing is creating some serious problems. Everyone has been using "Core Four." Even Geno started using the term. But the last thing we need is a bunch of frustrated Yankee fans lamenting the fact that they haven't won a World Championship since their Core 4 all retired.

The Fantastic 4 is a great moniker, but as soon as we all start putting it on t-shirts, hats & posters we will be inundated with copywrite lawsuits.

We need something new. How about the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?" Nobody has ever used that, right?

 

[Kibitzer]

We need something new. How about the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?" Nobody has ever used that, right?

Not since Grantland Rice.

 

[j66kicker]

OK, this whole name thing is creating some serious problems. Everyone has been using "Core Four." Even Geno started using the term. But the last thing we need is a bunch of frustrated Yankee fans lamenting the fact that they haven't won a World Championship since their Core 4 all retired.

The Fantastic 4 is a great moniker, but as soon as we all start putting it on t-shirts, hats & posters we will be inundated with copywrite lawsuits.

We need something new. How about the "Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse?" Nobody has ever used that, right?

How about "Las Cuatro Chingaderas"? (Loosely... "badasses")

 

[Hongster]

I really don't like the term core four nor fantastic four because it excludes Chong.

 

[hoophuskee]

I didn't like The Core 4 initially but I like it now and even The Fantastic 4 etc. These 4 players are All-American quality. ANd we have had Big 3 before so I see no reason to not coin a cool phrase. I didn't like it much before because I was like many on here, I wasn't sure what this team would be other than I expected an Elite 8 then depending on matchups we can continue to go farther. Now I'm just amazed of NOT ONLY the Core 4 but the bench -- ALL THREE OF THE BENCH had enormous impacts, keeping us as number 1 and being undefeated. I'm thrilled.

But the Core 4, the player who has surprised me the most is Gabby. Can't say enough about everything she does and being just 5'10 or so. If you would have told ne she would lead the team in assists, I would have said "no way." Her ability to compete everywhere on the floor. What I would like to see she be able to do before she graduates (other than win 2 more titles) is hit 3's.

But the beauty of this team is that they have JUST ENOUGH answers to cause bigger teams trouble. The 4 can all shoot, pass and dribble. You zone them- they can shoot the hell out of the ball. Lou and Nurse are terrific shooters from 3 and Chong and Collier and up until recently so was Danger - they just cause a great concern to play them zone. You go man to man, Gabby and Collier are so darn athletic and skilled. Then throw in a little inside from Lou and Nat.

ANd because of all their guards and their ability to pass and shoot along with Gabby being like a guard - they have "options" to defeat a gimmick defense. They have just enough offensive versatility from all over the floor to be extremely dangerous. The have 4 All-American caliber players. The have had 2 bench players and a 5th starter able to bring something different than the 4 starters and add their mark. It's amazing to think Chong vs FSU, Danger vs Baylor and Nat vs Texas (I know they've played other good games) helped the COre 4/Fantastic Four remain unblemished.

It really is remarkable so far. But I think the 4 players deserve credit to being potential A/A's. That differentiates them from the other 3.

 

[oldude]

How about "Las Cuatro Chingaderas"? (Loosely... "badasses")

Yo no hablo espanol

 

[cabbie191]

Ever.

Didn't you mean everer?

 

[cabbie191]

Ah, I am dense. Nope, Cape Briton.

I love Cape Breton. Being on the rocky shore makes me feel like I'm standing in a National Geographic cover.

 

[Dennygrnn]

"Fantastic 4"... I kinda love that.

I REALLY like this, as well! Core 4 sounds rather mundane. I know this group has been referred to as "blue collar", but from my seat, the way they are gelling as a team makes them more electric every game. However, I am happy to reserve the "Fant4stic" moniker for the "Fin4al".

 

[OldAlum]

I would prefer a nickname that involves the whole team. Dont know what that is, however. Ultimately, nicknames just seem to catch on with the general public or not.

I think of the team as Geno's Swiss Army Knife. There is not one huge blade, but several different types of blades that can be used for different things, many interchangeably. Extremely versatile and adaptable to different situations. There are some blades that are rarely used but can be pulled out at crucial times. And there are some that are still being honed for later use.

 

[UC10NN]

Question: Why do some have issues with any name that excludes Chong when everyone was ok with The Big Three from the past 2 years? That excluded 2 players from the starting five.......

 

[Naples Husky]

Question: Why do some have issues with any name that excludes Chong when everyone was ok with The Big Three from the past 2 years? That excluded 2 players from the starting five..

While I agree with the talent displayed by your core group .I feel it is demeaning to at least three of the Huskies ,Soniya Dangerfield and Natalie. With out those three you would have at least two losses. FSU and Baylor. It is also a team sport with different roles for different players. If the core four were that good why not just start the "core four" against South Carolina ?

 

[herbiep]

KLS’s emerging and almost unstoppable offensive game is fun to watch. She can shoot the three, shoot the pull-up 15 footer and drive to the basket. She has a variety of moves and is starting to use her left hand. She is running the floor which results in some easy baskets. If she learns to survive the bumping, banging and grinding she will inevitably face she will likely be an All-American and a serious NPOY candidate this year. So far, she has shown grit and toughness (mental and physical). As she gets physically stronger her game will only get better … and she may become an unstoppable force on offense. Her defense has made large strides this year already. She is starting to challenge shots (even blocking some). She is starting to crash the boards with authority and effect. She shows something new almost every game. She is an elite talent and is getting elitier (yeah, there should be such a word). My fear for her is injury, but if she stays healthy….

Collier’s all around game continues to surprise. She will score on a variety of inside moves, rebound-put-backs and a deadly short to mid-range jumper (not to mention a three pointer here and there). She has an uncanny knack for getting rebounds and gets them at key times. She also keeps the ball alive off the glass for the team to capitalize on. As she continues to improve and refine her offensive game and cements her offensive confidence she will get better and better. When she doesn’t hesitate on her shot she is smooth and accurate. Her defense will continue to improve. I believe that will come to be a plus component of her game over time. She has the strength and lateral movement and the instincts to become a very, very good defender. That will come in time. Not hard to see “All-American” in her future … and maybe even this year. She is heading towards being a great all around talent and every game she is getting closerer and closerer (yeah, there should be such a word) to that level.

Gabby Williams is a Rock. At 5’11” she plays center against players 4, 5, and even 6 inches taller. She holds her own with incredible physical ability, great instincts and a refusal to give in. She never complains about her situation. She accepts the banging of women much bigger than she is. She rebounds with the best of them. Her toughness is unmatched. She runs the “high” part of their offense. She is a good passer but still makes ill-advised passes and creates turnovers here and there. But you have to be willing to accept that to some extent. As she figures out what she can and can’t do from the top of the key her turnovers will decrease. Gabby runs the floor and seems to have virtually limitless energy. Her offensive game is evolving. She is great around the basket. She is amazingly quick off her feet. As she gets more confidence and consistency in her 15-foot and extended jump shot she will be unstoppable. She is never too high or too low. She is also emerging as the team leader. She seems wise beyond her years. Doesn’t blame others and sees herself and the team with clear eyes. She is the unbreakable, calming spirit of the team.

Nurse shows grit and determination. She brings the defensive toughness that we are used to seeing on UConn teams. She takes pride in her defense. She will bump and grind with the best of them. She can wear you out defensively. Her open three point shot has found its groove and is a dagger. The other parts of her offensive game are still under construction. She drives to the basket on little savvy and shear force. Sometimes that works and sometimes … more savvy would have been better. But as a third option on offense she is a very, very, very nice piece. She also is emerging as a team leader. She doesn’t need to carry that mantle alone. She is part of the glue of this team and is getting gluier and gluier (yeah, there should be such a word).

These four with great assists from Chong, Dangerfield and Butler are perhaps the most surprising UConn team (along with the rest of the bench). Not in the fact that they are winning a lot but that they are refusing to lose at all.
(Sorry for the length, I couldn't sleep last night).

I like "THE FAB FOUR"