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.
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.
It’s difficult to say until she goes to a Sun game and stands next to Hartley.
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?
Playing sound team defense requires more than "defensive positioning". And defensive positioning is not as simple or as easily grasped as you imply.
Agree about the outside shooting, not the quickness. Sarah is very quick for a big, Juju and Blanca are guard quick.
True, but hopefully a little less true for Serah, coming in as a big time senior. Her problem is she only has 1 year to put the whole package together. Whereas Dorka had 2 years and got better and better.
From what I’ve seen of Blanca’s game, she is an athletic, physical, top level defender with an excellent ability to handle the ball, pass, attack the basket and rebound. As I and others point out, her outside shot is still a work in progress. But she certainly demonstrated the ability to knock down shots from the arc.
This sounds exactly right. The Italian league may not be the most competitive of the European leagues. But it’s a whole lot more competitive than what any ordinary American high school kid is used to. They are used to playing against other kids ranging from 14 to 18 years old, while Blanca typically played against talent in the 24-30 year old range. These were mature very athletic professionals. What’s more, Blanca was in a pretty unique position among the high school kids in that league. Most of them were reserves while Blanca was a main rotation player and sometimes a starter. She held her own with the pros, not just the kids. At the end of last season, the league held a tournament for all their high school kids, and Blanca was simply a cut above everyone else, stronger, more confident, more mature.
Read the last sentence of my post for some context. "For me her PT may be determined by how well she can find a way to impact the game offensively". Three recent examples, Bueckers, Fudd, and Strong had no HS experience in a complex, switching defense. However, as soon as Auriemma realized that they were going to be able to contribute significantly to his offense, his concern about them understanding all those complexities quickly went away and they played major minutes immediately. And because they had good fundamentals, quickness, and gave full effort, the team defense didn't suffer. Smart BB players learn quickly, and if they're good offensively they can get their opportunity sooner than others. We'll see where Quinonez fits in.
BobbyJ, I agree with the tenor of your comments. All the signs suggest Blanca is going to be more than ready to assimilate quickly into the UConn style of play. Her skills and years of experience at the pro level in Serie A - which is more than just games, but pro-level practices as well - have her way ahead of any incoming high school freshman in the country.
Molisanos, thanks for your insight, and for your infectious, enthusiastic outlook on Blanca. As a person who spent three years living in Italy, I can attest to the high standards and expectations that coaches (and leagues) have on the foreign imports that augment the Italian players.
I'm betting it's Yee-Haw.
I agree and would also mention that as a coach, the last thing you want is for a kid with her level of talent and presence to come in and attempt to defer to older teammates. Just work hard, stay loose, play your game, and let it rip. The coaches will coach you and make any needed adjustments with you. If she enjoys the experience and responds to the big crowds, this is going to get really interesting.
Horses are Behind the College of Ag building.
gee, so many questions. No answers, the only way to know is obvious, time will tell. No matter how many suppositions are posted none of us know the answers. We can pontificate till the livestock come home, but Time Will Tell.
We'll have to see how things play out, but my guess is that Blanca's best shot to impact the game on offense is via put-backs and running hard in transition. My best "W.A.G." comp for her is our own Aubrey.
So I guess we should shut the Boneyard down until mid October then. Or maybe just do songs about stuff.