UConn Assist Record - Nika

[The deacon]

It is not a safe bet at all. She has to play defense and for as high a ranking of a recruit she is, she's having to learn a new system AND battle Ines for playing time initially. Given the depth of the back court, I think her time will be limited. A starting point for comparison would be Moriah Jefferson, who backed up Briana Hartley her freshman year and only had 17 min per game and 69 assists on the whole season. Given that Moriah was the only backup, I don't even think KK will come close to average that many minutes but it shows Geno may be willing to see what she can do IF she can play defense (which Moriah clearly could do).

As I said, 'DefenseBB, 'some playing time.' I'd be really surprised if it even approaches 17 minutes per, but that's not what I had said.

 

[BBallF]

One thing I’ve been noticing for the first time is how often Muhl uses screeners bringing the ball up to half court. This is not an unusual tactic, except that Muhl often seems to anticipate rather than react to the potential for a screen.

On a related note, I don’t think I’ve seen one post player almost nonchalantly jog up the floor in Muhl’s vicinity, rather than race down like a transition team ought to, as often as it happens this year.

That's right she uses the moving screen bringing it up much as is done in the NBA when she is not pushing or out on the break. Very smart. Why would you trot up the court when Nika has the ball in transition? If you are open for a nanosecond she will find you. Actually the pass at the end of the first quarter that got her yelled at by Geno was as good as you will ever see except that Aaliyah did not anticipate it one step before. It threaded the needle between defenders.

 

[JordyG]

If you watched last night, that inside cut on the right with the fake hand off and perfect finish was a thing of beauty. She is going to get there. One more summer. Whatever she and Aaliyah did over last summer is a must do for Ay and Amari this summer.

That fake hand off, a variation off the 23 keep, is a UConn staple. My complaint in her freshman year was that she didn't shoot a single pull up, in her sophomore year it was rare, and I harped on it. No matter how open she'd dribble off or pass. I noted then as I'll note now, pull ups are a tough skill to learn, and a player just can't find competency at it in just two years. I said then that perhaps in her senior year she'd have some effectiveness at it, but, as then, I don't think she'll be a pull up dead eye at the college level. If she works at it IMO, perhaps at the next level.

 

[BBallF]

It is an interesting season this year as Uconn typically does not have a single player averaging more than about 5 assists per game while also usually being at the top of the assist tables as a team. Not sure exactly why Nika is dominating the team in assists as the other players are also passing well and it doesn't feel like the offense is significantly different from previous years.

Uconn has had a lot of really good point guards, but they have never led the nation individually in assists and their career assist numbers are outside the top 25 probably outside the top 50 and maybe not even in the top 100.

I get the mystery but a lot of those assists are on 3 point or other outside shots or in transition or off her bounce. She has become a great passer and there are 3 players around her, Lou, Dorka and Aaliyah that are burying outside shots. Last night was sick. Those rims were tight but it doesn't matter for a swish. She looks up court right away and always finds the open player. Her timing with Aubrey last night was unbelievable. She got her the ball the second she was open and it felt like Aubrey was going to dunk one.

 

[JordyG]

That's right she uses the moving screen bringing it up much as is done in the NBA when she is not pushing or out on the break. Very smart. Why would you trot up the court when Nika has the ball in transition? If you are open for a nanosecond she will find you. Actually the pass at the end of the first quarter that got her yelled at by Geno was as good as you will ever see except that Aaliyah did not anticipate it one step before. It threaded the needle between defenders.

The problem with that pass was its dependency on two things. 1) Aliyah recognizing the fade and continuing toward the hoop and 2) Aliyah's ability to control the hard and low pass for the basket. Low passes are anathema for bigs. The real issue though was Nika's poor situational awareness. With so little on the clock the real play was to pull up, use the clock, and make a better percentage pass for a better percentage shot.

 

[JordyG]

It is an interesting season this year as Uconn typically does not have a single player averaging more than about 5 assists per game while also usually being at the top of the assist tables as a team. Not sure exactly why Nika is dominating the team in assists as the other players are also passing well and it doesn't feel like the offense is significantly different from previous years.

Uconn has had a lot of really good point guards, but they have never led the nation individually in assists and their career assist numbers are outside the top 25 probably outside the top 50 and maybe not even in the top 100.

Good to see you check in.

 

[BBallF]

That fake hand off, a variation off the 23 keep, is a UConn staple. My complaint in her freshman year was that she didn't shoot a single pull up, in her sophomore year it was rare, and I harped on it. No matter how open she'd dribble off or pass. I noted then as I'll note now, pull ups are a tough skill to learn, and a player just can't find competency at it in just two years. I said then that perhaps in her senior year she'd have some effectiveness at it, but, as then, I don't think she'll be a pull up dead eye at the college level. If she works at it IMO, perhaps at the next level.

You obviously have played the game a lot. Her pull up is not a pure jumper right now, and that is the problem. She releases it on her way up, not at the top of her jump or on the way down so it is not controllable. It is also not purely vertical as in the Big O or Russell Westbrook or Azzi or even Lou. She needs to be taught it and then shoot it a 1000 times. If she gets one, she will be an unstoppable PG because her energy and speed are tremendous and she can get into the lane when she wants to. However, right now, she is just a joy to watch in person. The intensity, the grit, the take no prisoners attitude is beautiful. There was a point in the game where you could see she was annoyed at Park-Lane. Two possessions later she put that move I discussed above on her and we all laughed.

 

[PhillyCoach]

if she stays healthy she gets all the records. I was at the game last night with good seats. I watched her carefully. As soon as she gets the ball in transition she looks up court and you can see her visualizing the break. She is a more vertical stop and pull up jump shot and a stronger left hand away from being the best PG in the country if she isn't it right now. She is such force out there on offense and forget about it on defense. She controls the game and knows exactly where to put the ball for each player.

Funniest moment for me last night was when Geno yelled at her for trying to pass the ball with 30 seconds left to Aaliyah on a break instead of holding for the last shot in the first quarter. You could just read her mind- " Forget about it Bro, we are up 25-9".

BBallF sees what I also see. EVen the announcer mentioned that Nika has to have a better jump stop to avoid offensive fouls and the dreaded "walking" turnover.. Also, when driving and it's all clogged up--she has to develop a smooth pull-up jumper. Azzi and Lou can help her with that. And the left hand can be developed to be an added weapon. This is very picky and technical because Nika is playing lights out. But as BBall stated if she continues her growth by adding those skills---she would be one of the best point guards.

 

[BBallF]

The problem with that pass was its dependency on two things. 1) Aliyah recognizing the fade and continuing toward the hoop and 2) Aliyah's ability to control the hard and low pass for the basket. Low passes are anathema for bigs. The real issue though was Nika's poor situational awareness. With so little on the clock the real play was to pull up, use the clock, and make a better percentage pass for a better percentage shot.

No question she should have held it for a set offense and that it was a tough pass to handle but if Aaliyah did anticipate it it would have been highlight reel stuff. Nika thinks she can make any and every pass which is a two edged sword.

 

[BBallF]

Any other "personal" observations you made that you would care to share with us? I ALWAYS like to hear from posters who attended a game in person. They see a completely different game than those of us forced to watch it through a camera lens.

Yes. 1) Aaliyah. The energy, the tenacity, the athleticism are not done justice on television at all. She was the dominant player in the game last night despite the great games Dorka and Aubrey had. I don't see how she is not one of the 10 best players in the country right now. 2) They are so well coached it is seamless. They run their offense so adroitly and their switching defense, when you can see the whole half court, is non pareil. There were several times that Hall players got past their man into the lane and all of a sudden there were 2-3 UCONN players there. Seton Hall was stymied, frustrated and downright shut down. 3) The esprit de corps. They just comport themselves like professionals, maybe better. Nika is in charge out there. She looks at Geno every time she has the ball to bring up except on a break or in quick transition. If he gives her the set fine, if not, she picks it. Everyone listens to Nika. You watch her you see great leadership and unselfishness. 4) If you love basketball in its pure form, see them live and as close as possible. Nika's facial expressions are very entertaining. 5) Finally, there was an 8th man in warm ups last night and on the bench. Who was that?

 

[BBallF]

BBallF sees what I also see. EVen the announcer mentioned that Nika has to have a better jump stop to avoid offensive fouls and the dreaded "walking" turnover.. Also, when driving and it's all clogged up--she has to develop a smooth pull-up jumper. Azzi and Lou can help her with that. And the left hand can be developed to be an added weapon. This is very picky and technical because Nika is playing lights out. But as BBall stated if she continues her growth by adding those skills---she would be one of the best point guards.

1000% dead on.

 

[diggerfoot]

That's right she uses the moving screen bringing it up much as is done in the NBA when she is not pushing or out on the break. Very smart. Why would you trot up the court when Nika has the ball in transition? If you are open for a nanosecond she will find you. Actually the pass at the end of the first quarter that got her yelled at by Geno was as good as you will ever see except that Aaliyah did not anticipate it one step before. It threaded the needle between defenders.

Perhaps I was unclear, or perhaps you did get my meaning.

The nearest post to Muhl often took her time in transition to be used as a moving screen. Once again, this is not unusual, my point being that Muhl often anticipated her best line of bringing up the ball, rather than reacting to what the post was doing.

Either this is something practiced more this year or Muhl just has a good sense for this, or both.

 

[OldSchooler]

On one break last night she dished what would have been a beautiful assist for an easy layup, but in doing so, she ran into the defender and was called for an offensive foul, thus negating the score and the assist. That's not the first time she has been called for such a play. This is not said as criticism, because this is a selfless play. But as some have said, the ability to stop and pop from close range (a la Sue Bird) would add a whole new dimension to her leading the break.

 

[JordyG]

No question she should have held it for a set offense and that it was a tough pass to handle but if Aaliyah did anticipate it it would have been highlight reel stuff. Nika thinks she can make any and every pass which is a two edged sword.

Agreed. But it seems Sarge, @MSGRET doesn't agree with me. Yet, for me, the highlight pass, though a wonderful thing to see has to be weighed, as a PG, against situational awareness. With ball, a lead, and 27 secs on the clock, the prudent play was to pull off and play for the last shot. It also seemed by Geno's screams (added to mine) he agreed with me.

 

[JordyG]

You obviously have played the game a lot. Her pull up is not a pure jumper right now, and that is the problem. She releases it on her way up, not at the top of her jump or on the way down so it is not controllable. It is also not purely vertical as in the Big O or Russell Westbrook or Azzi or even Lou. She needs to be taught it and then shoot it a 1000 times. If she gets one, she will be an unstoppable PG because her energy and speed are tremendous and she can get into the lane when she wants to. However, right now, she is just a joy to watch in person. The intensity, the grit, the take no prisoners attitude is beautiful. There was a point in the game where you could see she was annoyed at Park-Lane. Two possessions later she put that move I discussed above on her and we all laughed.

I played a little, but I watch more. I like to watch games multiple times to see what Geno runs and how players work these actions during certain situations. I'll frequently watch to see specific strengths and weaknesses of a player, especially newer players., how they react to adversity and how they adapt. For instance, watching Azzi adapt to physical play and length against her on offense, and how teams try to tire her out on defense by running her through multiple screens has been a joy to watch. Watching Ayanna try the same limited offensive moves every game (the fake, the put back and the short jumper on the right side), not so much. Watching Lou's side step, work the flare and the curl, her offensive variety, confidence in her low release, and cool has been great. Watching her get beat to her left, not so much.

 

[f1f1ferrari]

I mentioned this a couple weeks ago. 31 regular season games. With 3 BE tourney games and possibly up to 6 NCAA games, Muhl could easily pass the 300 mark.

But let's be conservative. Say we have 13+3+4 = 20 more games. She would need to average 7.3 apg to get to 300. Very doable.

Just to pass Bird's 231, she would only need to average 3.9 apg.

This record has been around for 20 years.

Career wise if she can get to 300 this year, that would get her to 449 career wise. She would only need 91 to get into top 10 all time. 150 would get her to top 5. She would need 210 to pass Jefferson for all-time assist leader. Hmmm. (Although hopefully, Bueckers steals a bunch of her assists next year. )

Averaging 3.9 apg should be no problem - She's had 5 or more in every game she's played this year!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

Nika has been hurt by the injuries, especially to Azzi, Caroline Ducharme, and some others!
When they were playing Nika was way up to 10+ assists per game because there were so many excellent shooters!
When they get those injured players back Nika's game assist totals will soar again!
And next year will be an outstanding one with so many outstanding passers and shooters available!

 

[#12in21]

Loved reading through these last dozen or so posts, the depth of the analysis/discussion contrasted with the posts in early 'Nika chains' kind of parallels the evolution of Nika's game from freshman year through the present. She has grown way beyond 'the energy guy' that she envisioned herself as when she first arrived, to be a very focused, controlled leader. As Geno has stated, containing her explosiveness is totally against her very nature. She came to Uconn, self professing that she was a work in progress, an observation which she has continually repeated. It's not just talk, she choose the challenge of joining this team, facing off with possibly the best player of her generation in practice and being challenged by who she respects as being the greatest basketball coach in the women's game. She came to challenge herself to become the best player she can be and ready to put in the work.

Her maturity and focus coming out of this offseason has been a huge leap from the kid who left last spring. She said early in the summer session that it was time to grow up and she intended to reflect that when the season began. That happened in spades. She is still hungry and committed to grow her game and I am so grateful to be along for the ride. Loving, enjoying it along the way and can't wait to see where it takes her. As Geno said about Aaliyah and Nika early their freshman year 'there are kids who play basketball, and there are basketball players - these guys are basketball players'. He got that right!

Love this picture, there's a lot going on in that young woman's head

 

[awhom111]

I suppose I need to practice making these for Caitlin Clark scoring watch next season.

Here are the averages needed depending games played to break the various season records:

Games Played	UConn Record	NCAA Record
15​	5.2​	14.3​
16​	4.9​	13.4​
17​	4.6​	12.6​
18​	4.3​	11.9​
19​	4.1​	11.3​
20​	3.9​	10.7​
21​	3.7​	10.2​
22​	3.5​	9.7​

 

[Littlemin]

On one break last night she dished what would have been a beautiful assist for an easy layup, but in doing so, she ran into the defender and was called for an offensive foul, thus negating the score and the assist. That's not the first time she has been called for such a play. This is not said as criticism, because this is a selfless play. But as some have said, the ability to stop and pop from close range (a la Sue Bird) would add a whole new dimension to her leading the break.

Agree 100%. Two (among many) lost arts from from old school basketball.
First, either stopping stopping at the foul line if you have the ball on the break (exception a 2 on 1 break) or shooting yourself if you go beyond it.
Second, is not religiously planting that foot on either the baseline or sideline and using it as an extra defender on defense.

 

[BBallF]

Agreed. But it seems Sarge, @MSGRET doesn't agree with me. Yet, for me, the highlight pass, though a wonderful thing to see has to be weighed, as a PG, against situational awareness. With ball, a lead, and 27 secs on the clock, the prudent play was to pull off and play for the last shot. It also seemed by Geno's screams (added to mine) he agreed with me.

Geno definitely agreed with you. I don't know if you could see it on TV, but I watched her face as he was yelling at her. It was pure Nika. It was like "Give me a break once in a while, Jeez".

 

[diggerfoot]

Loved reading through these last dozen or so posts, the depth of the analysis/discussion contrasted with the posts in early 'Nika chains' kind of parallels the evolution of Nika's game from freshman year through the present. She has grown way beyond 'the energy guy' that she envisioned herself as when she first arrived, to be a very focused, controlled leader. As Geno has stated, containing her explosiveness is totally against her very nature. She came to Uconn, self professing that she was a work in progress, an observation which she has continually repeated. It's not just talk, she choose the challenge of joining this team, facing off with possibly the best player of her generation in practice and being challenged by who she respects as being the greatest basketball coach in the women's game. She came to challenge herself to become the best player she can be and ready to put in the work.

Her maturity and focus coming out of this offseason has been a huge leap from the kid who left last spring. She said early in the summer session that it was time to grow up and she intended to reflect that when the season began. That happened in spades. She is still hungry and committed to grow her game and I am so grateful to be along for the ride. Loving, enjoying it along the way and can't wait to see where it takes her. As Geno said about Aaliyah and Nika early their freshman year 'there are kids who play basketball, and there are basketball players - these guys are basketball players'. He got that right!

Love this picture, there's a lot going on in that young woman's head View attachment 83187View attachment 83187

I agree this has been one of the better Muhl threads, with both rational praise and “things to do better.”

First, allow me to apologize for seldom liking even well deserving posts. I come on the BY for quick hits during my 24/7 caregiver gig and I often don’t take even the paltry amount of time to do that small task.

The Muhl “controversy” mirrors some of the past, such as Nurse v Chong or Samuelson v Collier. In these cases one or both players will get glowing endorsements, which leads to reactive criticisms and sides take shape, going against the grain of what fandom ought to be.

In Muhl’s case her intangibles were off the charts, which endeared herself to one set of fans, who in their glowing assessments irritated those who observed flaws in her tangibles. The gauntlet was cast down!

I’ve acknowledged flaws with the tangibles as well, the most obvious being she hesitates to shoot, but this to large degree results from her training. Perhaps more than any other PG we ever landed, Muhl was purely trained as a point guard. Her decision making reflects this; her execution reflects this. This was evident from her Croatia videos and I remarked before they played their first games that we may have something like Rizzotti (Muhl) and Taurasi (Bueckers) coming on board.

Unfortunately, this thread may prove to be an anomaly, as I see elsewhere reference to Muhl “intentional fouling” to be undeserving of awards. Ouch! It’s like she’s kicked someone’s dog. Sigh. It comes with the territory. For example, there’s a certain kid from Hopkins who will get an automatic thumbs down from a certain poster anytime her name is brought up out of context, sometimes even in context.

I understand the impulse to caution against too much hero worship, I even endorse it. Nomadic hunter societies would criticize when a hunter brought home an impressive kill (“meat is too tough”, etc). Humility is the foundation that makes small band societies work.

You will not find any arrogance on a UConn squad. Maybe that’s my point. These players do not need fans to keep them humble on these message boards with destructive criticisms; a beautiful aspect of the UConn way is how they do this on their own.

Damn! I’ve been woefully neglect and need to get back to m6 caregiving gig. Sometimes I can’t help myself.

 

[oldhusky]

I think one interesting question for this year is can a player who scores so infrequently make an All Conference Team? Generally the answer would usually be no, but Nika presents a very interesting case. Nika was rewarded with the conference defensive player of the year last year. Was she the best defensive player in the conference? I don't know, but I believe she is very good, and the all-out effort and hustle on that end was rewarded as a trait many observers and coaches wish more players had.

This year we have seen Nika's passing rise to new heights. If you lead not just the conference, but the country in assists, can you be denied an All Conference Team spot? Even more so if you were also picked as the Defensive Player of the year in the conference the previous year.

Nika has obvious scoring limitations and some flaws to go with the assets, but in many ways, she is Exhibit A for how much of a contribution a non-scorer can make, or how good an unselfish, hustling, exceptional role player type can be. Does she deserve an All Conference spot over a player that say leads her team in scoring, does it efficiently, but otherwise doesn't stand out in any particular way?

I really don't know, but I think many coaches are used to recruiting players that were all big-time scorers in HS. They then have to convince them that there is a lot more to basketball than scoring points. They need to hustle all the time, play defense, share the ball, set picks, box out for rebounds etc. Sometimes that is a hard sell to a player who is used to being a star.

Rewarding a player like Nika with the All Conference Team selection would be a way to emphasize the importance of those traits and qualities in a world where scoring might get a little more attention than it deserves IMO.

 

[DefenseBB]

For some clarity on the post by @awhom111 that listed the averages Nika needs to assume prominence on either the UConn single season Assist leader board or the NCAA All-time single season leader board.

As stated, Sue Bird holds the current single season record of 231 Assists. As of today, in 17 games, Nika has 154 or 9.06 APG. To break Sue's record (231-154)/9.06=8.5 games. In theory she would break the record in the Creighton game at home on Feb 15 if she keeps up her current pace.

The "National Leaderboard" record is 367, followed by 355; 338; 322 and 321 to round out the top 5 all-time. Realistically, there are 13 regular season games left, a probable 3 BET games and then 4/5/6 NCAAT games. That means she has anywhere from 16 guaranteed games to 22 maximum games.
If UConn plays to the NCAA Final (22 games) and Nika keeps her 9.06 average, she will finish with 353 assists-#3 All-time!
21 games= 344 assists, still #3
20 games=335 assists, #4
19 games=326 assists, still #4

So my best guess is Nika has a real shot at #3 all-time, if CD and Azzi can come back to drain shots, she could vie for #2 and a very outside chance at the 367 that Courtney Vandersloot achieved in 36 games. She would need to average 9.69 assists per game to get the additional 114 assists plus her 154 for 368 assists.

 

[DefenseBB]

My own post got me thinking about the Conference record. Lauren Park Lane set the record last year with 152 assists. Nika in 9 games has exactly half, 76 assists, averaging 8.44 APG. With 11 games to go, she can own the conference record.

 

[DefenseBB]

Another sidebar of Assist discussion is UConn has 199 assists in 9 games and is averaging 22.11 per games. The Big East single season team record is Creighton of 434 set last year, which UConn can beat with 442 if they continue to average 22.1 assists for the remaining 11 games.

 

[JRRRJ]

Nika Mühl is on track to far surpass Sue Bird’s UConn WBB record of 231 assists in a single season before the NCAA tournament even begins.

Sue Bird in 2001-02 recorded 231 assists and 93 turnovers for 2.48 assist/TO ratio.
Nika this season has 154 assists 58 turnovers for 2.66 assist/turnover ratio.
I’m not saying Nika is better or worse. Just showing that for the amount of assists that Nika dishes out, her assist/turnover ratio is also pretty darn good. Not sure how many minutes Sue played vs. Nika.

Nika has 154 Assists with 13 games left in the regular season (if she can keep up her average of (currently 9.3)) will come out to 274 (totally obliterating Sue Bird's (Ironically #10) 231.

Disclaimer: This information was found on Facebook, it is NOT original.

Sue played 1168 minutes in 2001-2, .1978 assists per minute played.

So far, Nika's played 598 minutes, .2575 assists per minute.

But Sue had Diana at her side, with 203 assists in 1131 minutes, for .1795 per minute.
Sue and Diana's team had 846 assists in 7800 minutes, a 1.084 rate.

Nika doesn't have anyone else with a high number of assists. Ines' rate is second highest at .1194 per minute.
Nika's team has 381 assists in 3600 minutes for a .1058 rate.

Both teams shot ~52% to date, and shot ~40.5% on 3s.

 

[Littlemin]

Sue played 1168 minutes in 2001-2, .1978 assists per minute played.

So far, Nika's played 598 minutes, .2575 assists per minute.

But Sue had Diana at her side, with 203 assists in 1131 minutes, for .1795 per minute.
Sue and Diana's team had 846 assists in 7800 minutes, a 1.084 rate.

Nika doesn't have anyone else with a high number of assists. Ines' rate is second highest at .1194 per minute.
Nika's team has 381 assists in 3600 minutes for a .1058 rate.

Both teams shot ~52% to date, and shot ~40.5% on 3s.

Sounds like a Ruth / Maris controversy brewing
Not being learned on emoji communications, let me add, just kidding, good stuff!!

 

[Bigboote]

Sue played 1168 minutes in 2001-2, .1978 assists per minute played.

So far, Nika's played 598 minutes, .2575 assists per minute.

But Sue had Diana at her side, with 203 assists in 1131 minutes, for .1795 per minute.
Sue and Diana's team had 846 assists in 7800 minutes, a 1.084 rate.

Nika doesn't have anyone else with a high number of assists. Ines' rate is second highest at .1194 per minute.
Nika's team has 381 assists in 3600 minutes for a .1058 rate.

Both teams shot ~52% to date, and shot ~40.5% on 3s.

OTOH, Dorka and Aaliyah are both on a pace to have over 100 assists.

Don't forget that Nika has been working with a revolving door of lineups, while the 01-02 team was pretty consistent. The revolving lineup is a two-edged sword, because Nika's been the only consistent point guard, but she's had to find a variety of different players who all have slightly different tendencies.

 

[DefenseBB]

I like what @Bigboote added here as this team, of course led by Nika does a really good job of passing across the floor as they average a little over 21 assists per game and this current pace would place them 6th on UConn’s all-time list as they could finish with 825ish. The top team was 2016-17 (year after Stewie) With 868. Good job all around I would say!