UConn Freshmen/Commits: C. Collier, Coombs, AEH, Gordon, Walker

[BroadwayVa]

Whether Megan Walker is the second coming of Maya--that remains to be seen. But it is also too early to not to expect outstanding results from Ms Walker over the next few years.
As for me: I'm willing to allow Megans game to speak for her. Maya was Maya, Dt Was DT, Sue was Sue, Morgan was Morgan--stand alones --Ms Walker is Ms Walker --which can be said for the transfers and the new freshmen, let them show their game before we compare any one--until then we are comparing College standouts to High School kids very unfair!!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

I like Walker's game a lot and I agree that the physical skills may be comparable but IMO the development needed to get near Moore's level for her or any player will need to take place in that 6 inch area between her ears. Moore's mental game was and is elite.

As a fteshman---Maya had issues in that 6 inch space---Geno was on her case over Defense and ONLY wanting to be a jump shooter---seems like a repetitive theme?? Believe it or not Maya became Maya with some Geno coaching---but that probably won't work with Ms Walker will it??

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Perhaps this is posted in one of the other threads today though I can't find it.

Lexi Gordon's mom posted a few photos of the freshmen moving into their dorms. Hope it's okay to post one.

 

[mhshuskies]

I wonder if Walker is the 2nd coming of Maya? From all of the reports, press releases and video we've seen, she looks like she could be. I really don't like to compare players to others, especially our freshmen. They've got enough pressure (expectations) on them already. But it would be wonderful if she proved to be, or came very close?

There may be high expectations on the freshmen class because of their talent, but not that much pressure. None of the freshmen are expected to start or be a difference maker in game situations. Last year somewhat unproven players needed to step up and they did that marvelously. There is a lot of experienced depth, so the rookies will be able to ease into it this coming season.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

I expect this will be a very challenging year for the coaching staff in managing player development and player expectations. This will make for great fun for us as fans as we measure who comes in when for whom and with what results. The odd man out could be Molly Bent. She has demonstrated basketball acumen and skills, but ended the year with her head still getting in the way. Jump that hurdle and she will hold her own.

 

[MilfordHusky]

The freshmen can lean on each other and bond even more. This is better than having a 1-player class. Geno can bring them along slowly. I expect that all can score effectively in "garbage time" and increase our leads. I think that all will play some in the first half of selected games. I think that Mikayla will be the biggest surprise.

 

[Carnac]

Perhaps this is posted in one of the other threads today though I can't find it.

Lexi Gordon's mom posted a few photos of the freshmen moving into their dorms. Hope it's okay to post one.

Ahhhh! The day we've been waiting for since their decision to attend UConn was announced. I see championship pedigree in this photo. No doubt they've been looking forward to this day as well. Let their journey begin.

Thought: We've had The BIG 3, and The Core Four. Is it too early to christen this group of ladies with a name?
Do we dare? If we do, what moniker that is unique and accurately describes them can we give them?

 

[Carnac]

There may be high expectations on the freshmen class because of their talent, but not that much pressure. None of the freshmen are expected to start or be a difference maker in game situations. Last year somewhat unproven players needed to step up and they did that marvelously. There is a lot of experienced depth, so the rookies will be able to ease into it this coming season.

Agreed!! Stevens & Camara's presence on the team will buy them time needed to get acclimated and adjust to this level of play. Kia & Gabby will be gone after this year. The freshmen will be needed and called upon to play, and play well next year. This year, they sit, watch and learn.

 

[Carnac]

No way. No way I see that. Maya's shot - a jump shot- was freaky great.

Not so fast my friend. Maya didn't look like the Maya we now know her first day on campus. She was coached, cultivated and nurtured by Geno and staff. The same staff that will coach Megan. I realize Maya as a UConn icon and legend. She's on the "Mount Rushmore" of UConn women basketball players.I'm not saying she is, I'm just wondering IF she may be. Another Maya will come along someday. If not at UConn, then somewhere else.

It's almost unfair to compare any player to her, the pressure and expectations to rise her game to that level, and maintain it, would be enormous. Extraordinarily great players do come along from time to time. Only time will tell if Megan is one of those players. We should know by the end of her junior year, maybe sooner.

 

[oldude]

We've had The BIG 3, and The Core Four. Is it too early to christen this group of ladies with a name?

I suggest we wait to see how these young ladies develop before we hang a nickname on them. After all, the Big 3 and the Core 4 earned their nicknames with their play on the court. So too will this wonderful freshmen class.

 

[Golden Husky]

Not so fast my friend. Maya didn't look like the Maya we now know her first day on campus. She was coached, cultivated and nurtured by Geno and staff. The same staff that will coach Megan. I realize Maya as a UConn icon and legend. She's on the "Mount Rushmore" of UConn women basketball players.I'm not saying she is, I'm just wondering IF she may be. Another Maya will come along someday. If not at UConn, then somewhere else.

It's almost unfair to compare any player to her, the pressure and expectations to rise her game to that level, and maintain it, would be enormous. Extraordinarily great players do come along from time to time. Only time will tell if Megan is one of those players. We should know by the end of her junior year, maybe sooner.

I like the "Mount Rushmore" reference but if hammers and chisels were brought into play tomorrow, which four faces would be carved in stone?

 

[Carnac]

I suggest we wait to see how these young ladies develop before we hang a nickname on them. After all, the Big 3 and the Core 4 earned their nicknames with their play on the court. So too will this wonderful freshmen class.

Agreed, we've got plenty of time.

 

[Carnac]

I like the "Mount Rushmore" reference but if hammers and chisels were brought into play tomorrow, which four faces would be carved in stone?

Bridgeman, we've had this discussion before. We (the BY) were never able to come to a general consensus on this one. This is probably the hottest topic ever we could engage ourselves in. I think most of us can agree that two of the four on most people's list are Diana and Maya. But since you asked, here's mine: Bird, Diana, Maya & Stewie. All four of these ladies are great players, and proudly wear the label of superstar. Now watch the push back I'll get on this.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

. . . But since you asked, here's mine: Bird, Diana, Maya & Stewie. . . .

I think the transcendent threesome of DT, Maya, and Stewie would be on most peoples list.

It's that non-transcendent fourth person that will cause the most argument.

 

[CajunHusky]

Not so fast I think ... just as GW our first president earned his recognition on Mt Rushmore because he started it all off right .... I think the first and foremost recognition belongs to either Bascom or Lobo.

 

[oldude]

I think the transcendent threesome of DT, Maya, and Stewie would be on most peoples list.

It's that non-transcendent fourth person that will cause the most argument.

Since we are posing a potential UConn WBB Mt Rushmore, it's worth pointing out that the same question could be asked of the real Mt Rushmore.

Historically speaking, Washington, Jefferson & Lincoln could easily be classified as transcendent presidents, but Teddy Roosevelt bears some scrutiny. Why not FDR or Woodrow Wilson? (OK, the sculpture was begun while Wilson was in office and before FDR was elected). But what about John Adams, James Madison or James Monroe to name a few?

 

[CajunHusky]

Since we are posing a potential UConn WBB Mt Rushmore, it's worth pointing out that the same question could be asked of the real Mt Rushmore.

Historically speaking, Washington, Jefferson & Lincoln could easily be classified as transcendent presidents, but Teddy Roosevelt bears some scrutiny. Why not FDR or Woodrow Wilson? (OK, the sculpture was begun while Wilson was in office and before FDR was elected). But what about John Adams, James Madison or James Monroe to name a few?

oh I think Teddy was most definitely a transcendant President..... he brought America prominently onto the world stage. Some of you historians can possibly expand ... I think Teddy started us on closer relations with UK. (We weren't exactly buds after the Civil War)

 

[oldude]

oh I think Teddy was most definitely a transcendant President..... he brought America prominently onto the world stage. Some of you historians can possibly expand ... I think Teddy started us on closer relations with UK. (We weren't exactly buds after the Civil War)

Well, the Monroe Doctrine was a pretty significant document in its own right. Adams helped draft and was a signatore of the Declaration of Independence and Madison is sometimes referred to as "the Father of the Constitution" for his pivotal role in promoting the US Constitution & Bill of Rights.

I've got no real problem with Teddy being the 4th image on Mt Rushmore, but there's a case to be made for several others after Washington, Jefferson & Lincoln, just like with UConn's Mt Rushmore after DT, Maya & Stewie.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Since we are posing a potential UConn WBB Mt Rushmore, it's worth pointing out that the same question could be asked of the real Mt Rushmore.

Historically speaking, Washington, Jefferson & Lincoln could easily be classified as transcendent presidents, but Teddy Roosevelt bears some scrutiny. Why not FDR or Woodrow Wilson? (OK, the sculpture was begun while Wilson was in office and before FDR was elected). But what about John Adams, James Madison or James Monroe to name a few?

Never thought about it, but now that it is on the table, we have this sort of cartoonesque impression of Teddy, but during his presidency he had quite a few accomplishments, including breaking some powerful monopolists and brokering peace between the Russians and the Japanese (winning the Nobel Peace Prize for actually doing something). But why he may be fitting on the rock may also have to do with his unflagging efforts to promote conservation in America.

"Conservation movement aims to protect natural resources including animal, fungus, and plant species as well as their habitat for the future. Roosevelt is considered to be the first president to put Conservation high on the national agenda. He set aside more Federal land for national parks and nature preserves than all of his predecessors combined. He established the US Forest Service, signed into law the creation of 5 National Parks and established the first 51 Bird Reserves and 150 National Forests."

The Nat'l Park Service explanation is found here: Why These Four Presidents? - Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

10 Major Accomplishments of Theodore Roosevelt | Learnodo Newtonic

 

[oldude]

Never thought about it, but now that it is on the table, we have this sort of cartoonesque impression of Teddy, but during his presidency he had quite a few accomplishments, including breaking some powerful monopolists and brokering peace between the Russians and the Japanese (winning the Nobel Peace Prize for actually doing something). But why he may be fitting on the rock may also have to do with his unflagging efforts to promote conservation in America.

"Conservation movement aims to protect natural resources including animal, fungus, and plant species as well as their habitat for the future. Roosevelt is considered to be the first president to put Conservation high on the national agenda. He set aside more Federal land for national parks and nature preserves than all of his predecessors combined. He established the US Forest Service, signed into law the creation of 5 National Parks and established the first 51 Bird Reserves and 150 National Forests."

The Nat'l Park Service explanation is found here: Why These Four Presidents? - Mount Rushmore National Memorial (U.S. National Park Service)

10 Major Accomplishments of Theodore Roosevelt | Learnodo Newtonic

Don't forget that the Teddy Bear was named after him.

 

[cohenzone]

I suggest we wait to see how these young ladies develop before we hang a nickname on them. After all, the Big 3 and the Core 4 earned their nicknames with their play on the court. So too will this wonderful freshmen class.

Seems like the Core 4 should have been the Jive 5. The missing digit was darned important and is off to a decent pro start.

 

[Golden Husky]

I think the transcendent threesome of DT, Maya, and Stewie would be on most peoples list.

It's that non-transcendent fourth person that will cause the most argument.

Agree with your tremendous troika and feel the fourth spot belongs to either Bird, the last (?) UConn 180 player, or Lobo, a seminal figure in the program's rise to dominance. Happily, while both were bathed in glory at Storrs, each has gone on to prove themselves even better people than players, enhancing the school's image and reputation.

 

[ed4ourgirls]

Teddy Roosevelt may not be the father of our country, but you could make a strong
case that he's the father of Panama!

 

[Sluconn Husky]

 

[YellwJcket999]

I know that MeganW is/will get more attention than the other ladies but I have a sneaky feeling that Gordon and Coombs will surprise a lot of people when they get some playing time.

 

[JustinesGuy]

I know that MeganW is/will get more attention than the other ladies but I have a sneaky feeling that Gordon and Coombs will surprise a lot of people when they get some playing time.

I think your dead on. Lexi and Coombs are going to surprise many.

 

[oldude]

I know that MeganW is/will get more attention than the other ladies but I have a sneaky feeling that Gordon and Coombs will surprise a lot of people when they get some playing time.

I think your dead on. Lexi and Coombs are going to surprise many.

We'll see about Lexi, but Coombs won't be a surprise. IMO she is the most college ready player in this incoming class, and will likely earn PT before Walker because she plays tough defense and is an excellent passer, qualities that will endear her to Geno.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

Coombs is ranked #'s 4, 8, and 13 in her class by ASGR, ESPN, and Blue Star. She's the goods.

 

[Sluconn Husky]

McDonald's AA game moving out of Chicago:

Crain's Chicago Business

 

[Carnac]

We'll see about Lexi, but Coombs won't be a surprise. IMO she is the most college ready player in this incoming class, and will likely earn PT before Walker because she plays tough defense and is an excellent passer, qualities that will endear her to Geno.

This "Class" picture got me thinking. There is an extraordinary amount of basketball talent in this photo. The UConn collective is expecting some great things from this group of players. How many wins will this class produce during their 4 years at UConn? Who among them will achieve AA status and thereby gain admittance to the Huskies of Honor before their departure for the W and beyond?

Will their won-loss record rival some of the great and iconic UConn classes of the past, and give cause for some to mention them same in the same breath, or will they quietly fall through the cracks of relative obscurity without making any notable contributions, and fade to black? I'll hang up and listen.