There’s been a Blanca sighting in Storrs

[oldude]

I am stunned by the long interview with Blanca. I knew she was a pro player in Italy---but NO normal fan would expect that she played 6 years against 25 and 30 year old pros. The league had rookies that were 22-23 too. Here is what I see -
Maturity-she understood goal setting through and through. She actually left home at 13 to play pro ball in Italy. That's right, she started pro ball at 13.
Born with instinct - She has a NOSE for the ball.
Quickness with TIMING - smooth as ice.
Like Sarah, Blanca has superior Anticipation. Gretsky like.
Not a good outside shooter - - but can't be stopped GOING TO THE HOOP!
If KK can learn some new tricks from a 6 year PRO, UConn will have 2 drivers and 3 shooters.
Every talent I mentioned above is obvious from the film. I agree with many posters that "learning UConn defense" is complex and very challenging. Blanca could be off the Bench all season. Like KK last year, some players can make things happen quickly.
With Serah, a "Defender of the Year" in the Big 10, UConn will have 2 replacements that are proven defenders.
HOLY MACKERAL!!

The only thing I would modify about your post is that Blanca’s shooting is a “work in progress.” She can certainly knock down shots from the arc. She just needs a little work to become more consistent, not unlike KK.

 

[BobbyJ]

There have been a report or two from alleged Euro-savvy observers that say that she is the No 1 recruit of 2025. Bueckers Fudd and Strong all "fit in" from day one so there is precedent.

That's a lot of if's though.

I’d say those observers could be right. For comparison, at her present ability and experience would Dorka Juhasz, a WNBA pro, be the top incoming freshman this year? If so, Quinonez played successfully at her level against her a couple times this past season in the same league. And impacted the games just as much if not more. Different skill sets and position but at least the same impact. Sure there will be some adjustment but she’s not just a normal top 5 US HS recruit coming in.

 

[Bone Dog]

I’d say those observers could be right. For comparison, at her present ability and experience would Dorka Juhasz, a WNBA pro, be the top incoming freshman this year? If so, Quinonez played successfully at her level against her a couple times this past season in the same league. And impacted the games just as much if not more. Different skill sets and position but at least the same impact. Sure there will be some adjustment but she’s not just a normal top 5 US HS recruit coming in.

The natural comparison might be to Juju. Judging from game film, she’s not the perimeter shooter Juju is, but she has a similar physicality and may be a better defender. What’s striking about each of them is how well they move at their size. Blanca may be slightly bigger and perhaps a little quicker. But she doesn’t drive directly into defenders the way Juju does. That’s a hallmark of Juju’s game and makes her really hard to defend. Blanca seems to prefer a shiftier style, though that may change as she gets used to D1 level play.

I don’t doubt that Azzi and Sarah will be happy to pass to Blanca. Serah is a good passer too, though she’s used to being the person who’s supposed to finish the play and not just pass it on. I think Blanca is used to thinking this way too. Give her the ball and she’s going to do something with it.

 

[Bigboote]

I thought the first bit of speculation based on this picture would be about her height.......if Kelis really is 5'9" how tall is Blanca?

It’s difficult to say until she goes to a Sun game and stands next to Hartley.

 

[Alydar]

The natural comparison might be to Juju. Judging from game film, she’s not the perimeter shooter Juju is, but she has a similar physicality and may be a better defender. What’s striking about each of them is how well they move at their size. Blanca may be slightly bigger and perhaps a little quicker. But she doesn’t drive directly into defenders the way Juju does. That’s a hallmark of Juju’s game and makes her really hard to defend. Blanca seems to prefer a shiftier style, though that may change as she gets used to D1 level play.

I don’t doubt that Azzi and Sarah will be happy to pass to Blanca. Serah is a good passer too, though she’s used to being the person who’s supposed to finish the play and not just pass it on. I think Blanca is used to thinking this way too. Give her the ball and she’s going to do something with it.

I don't think the stage will be too big. She seems a lot more confident and self-reliant than I remember being at 18. Confidence is great as long as you can back it up. I think she's ready.

Not trying to hijack but a better matchup for JuJu is Strong. Bigger, stronger, just as quick and a better outside shot. Maybe we see that in a year and a half.

I hope for a Geno interview after Quinonez has a half dozen pickup games.

 

[Crossover]

Yes. That also applies to Serah, Kayleigh, Kelis & Gandy, none of whom played professionally this past season.

All of whom were around for the summer session. All the poster is saying is that Blanca has some catching up to do. Why is that so hard for you to accept?

 

[Crossover]

It's not really that complex. It's just fundamentally correct defensive positioning combined with maximum effort. A kid willing to travel the world to chase her dream like her will have the commitment and effort and her footwork and quickness is as good or better than any freshman coming into college this year. For me her PT may be determined by how well she can find a way to impact the game offensively while the offense is justifiably being run through Strong and Fudd.

Playing sound team defense requires more than "defensive positioning". And defensive positioning is not as simple or as easily grasped as you imply.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Having watched as many of Blanca's videos as I could I believe she will fit in both offensively and defensively just perfect!
She's a 6 year Pro player coming in as a freshman!
The only thing I wish were different where she really didn't have all of June to hang out and find out about her teammates, on the court and off! As new players, Kellis, Gandy, Serah, and Kaleigh did! She just came in August and classes start the end of August!
Individual and team bonding are a very important part of team success!
UConn WBB has always been known for it's close bonding between it's players!

 

[Bone Dog]

but a better matchup for JuJu is Strong. Bigger, stronger, just as quick and a better outside shot.

Agree about the outside shooting, not the quickness. Sarah is very quick for a big, Juju and Blanca are guard quick.