The Transformation of Christyn Williams

[hoophuskee]

What I find so subtle, even counter-intuitive (as I noted in the Geno postgame thread).
Is that coach somehow knew that focusing Christyn's mind on something other (bigger) than her errant shot, would be the key to unlocking the offensive potential, in plain view since Junior High School...
Remember, she was a #1 recruit.

I dimly recall Geno using that technique in the past; for the life of me can't remember for whom...perhaps someone can help...But in this case the medication has had a startling effect; that drive to the hoop, switching hands was a classic; never saw that before...

If Professor G's treatment continues towards completion of a cure; as he said: If Christyn plays like that...

Maybe it was Hartley when she moved to the bench for that 1 year?

 

[willtalk]

This does not describe Christyn's improved game at all. In fact, taking what defenses give her had been her problem. Defenses have been willing to give Christyn perimeter shots all game long figuring she'll miss more than she'll make. Christyn gets in to trouble when she does exactly what the defense wants her to do. It's been her aggressiveness, her willingness to impose her will on defenses that has led to improved production and efficiency.

Doing what the defense wants you to do is not really being oppertunistic. If you are not hitting your outside shot then you just do not take them. I guess I did not make that clear in my post. What I meant is that she can not really created shots off the dribble when defended well like Paige can. Even on her drives she either needs her defender to make a mistke or recognize an opening. With better players around her she is not that much of a defensive focus.. Her problem was always attempting to play out side of her abilities. Most players coming out of high school have to learn to recognize what will work for them at this higher level. Not every player can do the same things in college they were successful at in high school.

 

[UConnCat]

Doing what the defense wants you to do is not really being oppertunistic. If you are not hitting your outside shot then you just do not take them. I guess I did not make that clear in my post. What I meant is that she can not really created shots off the dribble when defended well like Paige can. Even on her drives she either needs her defender to make a mistke or recognize an opening. With better players around her she is not that much of a defensive focus.. Her problem was always attempting to play out side of her abilities. Most players coming out of high school have to learn to recognize what will work for them at this higher level. Not every player can do the same things in college they were successful at in high school.

You're the one who described Christyn as being "an opportunistic player who takes what the defense gives her." I never used the word "opportunistic;" that was your term. I simply replied that generally good defenses give you the shots they want you to take. I imagine many teams were pleased when Christyn hung out at the 3-point line and missed most of her shots. Fortunately for her and her team, she has changed her mindset and is attacking the basket more. As I and others predicted, doing so would likely improve her 3-point shooting and that is what has happened. We'll see if it continues. BTW, that is exactly how she played in high school.

Christyn Williams is the 2nd leading scorer on the team. I suspect defenses are focused on stopping her. LOL