There’s been a Blanca sighting in Storrs

[BobbyJ]

Question for the more educated on such matters. The UConn men's team added an experienced Serbian kid. Due to his time as a professional, the NCAA is taking away years of eligibility (likely 2).

Is there something about Blanca's time as a "pro" which is causing the NCAA to not concern themselves with it? Not paid (?) or not paid enough. Not high enough level or not even time at a high enough level? Age?

From what I understand she wasn't paid a salary and didn't sign any contracts so as to preserve her amateur standing. In some cases the younger kids like her are allowed a limited stipend to take care of school and staying with a host family but it's complicated and varies by country and level of the league they play in. Dominique Malonga came from a similar situation in France.

 

[oldude]

From what I understand she wasn't paid a salary and didn't sign any contracts so as to preserve her amateur standing. In some cases the younger kids like her are allowed a limited stipend to take care of school and staying with a host family but it's complicated and varies by country and level of the league they play in. Dominique Malonga came from a similar situation in France.

The terminology the NCAA uses to determine eligibility of international players has changed. It used to be that international players could not be paid a “significant” amount. It has recently been changed to state that compensation must be limited to an “actual and necessary” amount. How you determine whether an international player’s compensation was either “significant” or “actual and necessary” I have absolutely no idea.

 

[HopJim]

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.

To my eye, what stands out about her physically is her combination of size and speed. She reminds me of Aubrey but is rather larger at 6’2”. But she has that same loping speed with occasional bursts of intense quickness. Sarah ran most of the transition breaks last season. Blanca is sure to join her in that role. She also has similarly quick hands on defense, which means she could create her own fast breaks if she’s stationed at the top of the key.

Couple of additions to add:
-Everyone is commenting on Blanca's defense being the key to her getting some minutes. She would not be at UConn unless she felt she could be a primary player, excelling on both offense and defense. Perhaps offense will determine her minutes since we alreay have a strong defensive team.
-Nit regarding the comment comparing her to US HS girls. Most of the top US players have at least 2 years of strong AAU experience and coaching. That being said, Blanca's pro experience will help in her maturity and ability to quickly adapt to UConn's style.

 

[oldude]

Couple of additions to add:
-Everyone is commenting on Blanca's defense being the key to her getting some minutes. She would not be at UConn unless she felt she could be a primary player, excelling on both offense and defense. Perhaps offense will determine her minutes since we alreay have a strong defensive team.
-Nit regarding the comment comparing her to US HS girls. Most of the top US players have at least 2 years of strong AAU experience and coaching. That being said, Blanca's pro experience will help in her maturity and ability to quickly adapt to UConn's style.

Hmmm. Ask Geno what he thinks about US AAU ball vs international player development and their focus on fundamentals.

 

[psconn]

Probably just wing it and guess, like setting tariffs. 🙄😉

Tic, tic, tic......

 

[cgshuskie]

My expectations for Blanca are sky hight!!! I expect her to be a fast break leader, a team leader from the beginning leading to a National Championship, a vocal team leader. Awards will be determined later. AA? NPOY? I think she will join Sarah as team leader......

 

[Bone Dog]

I think she will join Sarah as team leader......

Picture a lineup like this:

Sarah 6’2”
Blanca 6’2”
Morgan 6’2”
Azzi 5’11”
KK 5’9”

This would be the small lineup.

 

[MSGRET]

Looks like she's a solid 6'2"- this pic is from last winter on her visit to Storrs.View attachment 111212

Just looking at this picture I would guess that Blanca is closer to 6'3". Paige is 6', Sarah is 6'2" and Jana is 6'5". Blanca appears to be at least three inches taller than Paige, about an inch taller than Sarah and about two inches shorter than Jana.

 

[sun]

Paige scored a lot of mid-range buckets which hopefully Blanca also has (or will develop) enough of a polished mid-range game to be a threat. If she does then that should earn her some extra minutes since it could help to take defensive pressure off some of the other scorers. Blanca may not need to score as much as she needs to be a scoring threat on all three levels. The more that she can accomplish in that respect should earn her more PT and become more like Paige's replacement.

 

[oldhusky]

Paige scored a lot of mid-range buckets which hopefully Blanca also has (or will develop) enough of a polished mid-range game to be a threat. If she does then that should earn her some extra minutes since it could help to take defensive pressure off some of the other scorers. Blanca may not need to score as much as she needs to be a scoring threat on all three levels. The more that she can accomplish in that respect should earn her more PT and become more like Paige's replacement.

I remember some step back and fall-aways from mid-range in her game. Not so much the classic Paige or Azzi put on the breaks and then a smooth pull up jumper, but stopping a drive, turning your back to the defender and falling away. Time will tell, but at this point I would consider her getting out on the break, and attacking the basket in the half court as her biggest offensive strengths, the mid range game next, and her perimeter shooting being the biggest question mark.

I think her offensive game will depend somewhat on what position she plays. I consider her more 3 than 4. At that position she may even post up some smaller opponents, and the mid-range game against smaller 3's could be a go to move.

At the 4 her advantage would be her quickness. If she can make them guard her at the 3pt line, I don't see many college 4's that could stay in front of her on drives to the basket, but being good enough from the perimeter to make defenders come out is the key there.

I believe she has been very efficient on two point shots and has the ability to create those on her own. Getting some easy baskets on the break is also a given for her IMO. I expect her to be pretty good moving without the ball (more to the hoop than the 3pt line) but if she can nail the perimeter shot consistently she could be a well rounded scorer that was way above average on volume and efficiency.

 

[Tonyc]

A few things about Blanca. She has experience at a higher level of competition. She played up. Her mentality and experience is at a different level then most others. She is a scorer, quick, fast, has good instincts, plays tuff defense and most likely will be taller then most of the opponents she will defend. One thing she will have to be and that is "coachable". I was told that by my cousins dad who watched her play. He said Blanca reminded him of Tamika Catchings and Napheesa Collier. He was a college player and has 2 daughters who play(ed) D1. He has seen her play many times in Italy. With that said Blanca has to learn American College Basketball. The rules are different and the refs are different. She will adjust and Geno will make sure of that.

From everybody who has seen Blanca play they all rave about her abilities. This says alot about her. Geno will make her a star. With all her abilities and experience she may be playing down a level against American college teams. Im not worried about her shooting Geno and Chris will handle that. If appears from what we've been told she has the goodies to be an all time great. Geno knows that and will work her hard so she becomes an all time great.

All this talk about her outside shooting. This girl at 6'3 is a scorer. She not here to shoot a ton of 3 pointers. She's here because of what she is, what she can become and what she can do. We have shooters and Blanca will become a better outside shooter. I think we can all agree that she is a special talent with experience at the next level. I will be at Sacred Heart for the UConn practice next month and will have a report when I see her play.

 

[jabstep]

I think she will remind us of Aubrey. She will be great in transition, rebounding, and very good on defense. She is very fast and will be an exciting player. I hope she is working on her outside shot, which will make her a complete player. I had picked her as part of my early bird starting five.

 

[BBallF]

I'm hoping for much more. She has guard skills which means we should also expect to some degree whether good or great is her ability to penetrate and finish, or make excellent "attacking" passes off her pentration setting up others.

Unless Aubrey was playing vs "Princeton," her ability to drive and find a teammate was limited which is why her assist to turnover ratio was just 1-to-1.

Depending on the degree, Blanca should be able to set up players much more. So, on fastbreaks if for example Shade catches a pass 30+ feet from the basket she is not really a gifted penetrator though she can take the ball to the hole and can do stop and pops. When Aubrey catches a pass that far out, unless she was so more athletic superior or had a wide wide open lane she wasn’t going to lead a fastbreak. With Blanca we should expect that she Sarah grabs the rebound and passes to KK then KK passes the ball up the sideline to Blanca, unless there are more defenders back than offense, we should expect Blanca to attack drive hard and finish, -- or drive hard and set up someone like Azzi for a 3.

I agree. Different player than Aubrey. Aubrey was a floor player first, meaning defend, rebound, pass, and a scorer second. Blanca has a nose for the basket, is a scorer first and while Aubrey was long and quick off the dribble, Blanca is explosive. What an addition!

 

[BBallF]

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 agree. She has more strength and much better form on her 3 and pull ups however than KK has shown thus far. I also think Blanca will be shooting both whenever she is open. She is a strong 6'2" meaning she is a big guard/swing player who can rebound, post up, drive and score.

To think that we have her for 4 years is unreal. These practices are going to be unlike any we have seen here, maybe ever.

 

[Charliebball]

I think she will remind us of Aubrey. She will be great in transition, rebounding, and very good on defense. She is very fast and will be an exciting player. I hope she is working on her outside shot, which will make her a complete player. I had picked her as part of my early bird starting five.

I loved Aubrey's game but Blanca has a much more sophisticated and finished offensive game.....the similarities would be at the defensive end and on the fast break.......I fully expect that Geno will be making similar comments about Blanca to the ones he made about Sara when practices started last season......something like "she's good...........really good"......

 

[MooseJaw]

So I guess we should shut the Boneyard down until mid October then. Or maybe just do songs about stuff.

never said that, never said don't speculate, just made the observation that none of us know for sure. If you want songs, strum away. If you want to misinterpret what I wrote have at it.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I loved Aubrey's game but Blanca has a much more sophisticated and finished offensive game.....the similarities would be at the defensive end and on the fast break.......I fully expect that Geno will be making similar comments about Blanca to the ones he made about Sara when practices started last season......something like "she's good...........really good"......

Just two goods I hope. When he goes three bad things happen.

 

[cgshuskie]

I'm down with Bone Dog. Blanca will be a star. Those who have seen her play or who have watched her video's, i.e., at Basketball Without Borders. have raved about her skills. I'm sold that she will, along with Sarah Strong, be a star. Uconn has had many stars but not two transcendent stars playing together. (Maybe Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi were exceptions.) Here, now... the connection between Sarah and Blanca opens a new window into Uconn greatness. "Let the games begin".

 

[Molisanos]

I'm down with Bone Dog. Blanca will be a star. Those who have seen her play or who have watched her video's, i.e., at Basketball Without Borders. have raved about her skills. I'm sold that she will, along with Sarah Strong, be a star. Uconn has had many stars but not two transcendent stars playing together. (Maybe Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi were exceptions.) Here, now... the connection between Sarah and Blanca opens a new window into Uconn greatness. "Let the games begin".

You’re ironic right?

 

[Huskee11]

l

never said that, never said don't speculate, just made the observation that none of us know for sure. If you want songs, strum away. If you want to misinterpret what I wrote have at it.

Well, you did suggest that I was pontificating, so there's that.......🤨

 

[MooseJaw]

l

Well, you did suggest that I was pontificating, so there's that.......🤨

I genuflect to your pontificating.

 

[Superhuskies]

VIVA ECUADOR !! 🇪🇨

 

[Doctor G]

Looks like she's a solid 6'2"- this pic is from last winter on her visit to Storrs.View attachment 111212

Our starting front 3 in 2026-2027.

(Plus the rare Husky guard who plays the low post as well as DT did -- amazing that Paige played power forward back in the day, isn't it?)

 

[Bone Dog]

Our starting front 3 in 2026-2027.

It will be awesome, won't it! And with Gandy coming off the bench (and maybe Olivia!) this will be a mighty front court! What gets me is how athletic it will be. For the past half decade, SC has been the athletic powerhouse. But now UConn will be.

 

[oldude]

It will be awesome, won't it! And with Gandy coming off the bench (and maybe Olivia!) this will be a mighty front court! What gets me is how athletic it will be. For the past half decade, SC has been the athletic powerhouse. But now UConn will be.

You point to an interesting fact. For many years, the battle between SC & UConn was primarily a battle between SC’s size, rebounding and defense against UConn’s quickness and execution. Certainly that’s what played out in the 2 meetings last season.

This year and hopefully next, I don’t think UConn will take a backseat to anyone when it comes to size and rebounding. Add to that a deep, athletic group of guards and wings, and you can make a case that matching up with the Huskies will be extremely difficult for any team in WBB.

 

[Alydar]

You point to an interesting fact. For many years, the battle between SC & UConn was primarily a battle between SC’s size, rebounding and defense against UConn’s quickness and execution. Certainly that’s what played out in the 2 meetings last season.

This year and hopefully next, I don’t think UConn will take a backseat to anyone when it comes to size and rebounding. Add to that a deep, athletic group of guards and wings, and you can make a case that matching up with the Huskies will be extremely difficult for any team in WBB.

I am seeing more and more freshmen across the country coming into college playing at an elite level from day one. If it was a mens team, more than a couple of UConn's players would have moved to the pros after a season or two. And now UConn can plug gaps with transfers.

 

[cwh20]

Question for the more educated on such matters. The UConn men's team added an experienced Serbian kid. Due to his time as a professional, the NCAA is taking away years of eligibility (likely 2).

Is there something about Blanca's time as a "pro" which is causing the NCAA to not concern themselves with it? Not paid (?) or not paid enough. Not high enough level or not even time at a high enough level? Age?

I hadn’t heard the men’s guard was ruled to be eligible for only two years but that seems reasonable. So, keep in mind I’m not claiming to know all the NCAA eligibility rules (does anyone?) but the fact is that the Serbian guard is 24. The age (more likely) and/or playing professionally has to have factored in to the ruling. Obviously he wasn’t intending to play at UConn until he was 28 anyway. Also, not relevant to his eligibility but just FYI, he’s primarily for depth and practice and can be a break in case of emergency player. He’s not expected to have much impact in games.

 

[cgshuskie]

Please show some pictures of Blanca with her teammates at Storrs!!!!

 

[Scud49]

She seems so poised, articulate, and thoughtful....and she speaks 3 languages. The young lady had over 70 college offers, and UCONN wasn't the first, but she said they eventually came through. I'm feeling more and more we are going to be wonderfully blessed with her on the team.

 

[Bone Dog]

Is Blanca going to be #4?