UCONN Starters for 2016-17 Season are......

[malevocalist#]

Someone said the same thing about Gabby last year and it happened Except it was two freshmen (Collier & KLS) starting over Gabby. Never say never.

Never!

 

[BroadwayVa]

Coco, you got he ball rolling on a topic that we'll be debating all summer until that first (non-exhibition) game in November. One glaring omission from the line-up is Saniya Chong. She has many supporters here in the yard, many of whom will give you chapter and verse why she should start. Let the debate begin.

NOTE: This is a milestone post for me. Its my 1,000 th post.

Coco's 5 , at this point in the season without seeing the new guys, is exactly as I would expect.
Chong--a nice kid, if she could present her talent as that which Geno recruited she would be one of the starting guards. She has yet to show the 3000 point (I think) shooter she was or that she can defend. Her NCAA opportunities displayed much less than I would have expected from a NEAR senior.
Ekmark is another Question--her BB IQ in HS was supposed to be very high along with her consistent 3 ball shooting--albeit she was injured--she has yet to show any of it. I scream at the TV every time she entered the game to shoot the 3--if she made two or three consistently Geno would have taken note--but she didn't.
Lawlor--showed some guts and hit a few 3s and played her limited number of minutes with zest and gusto--
Butler, has taken some hits from fans I guess they expected Steff in a Natalie skin. Her foot work will improve, her defense will improve, her shooting will improve, but her lateral speed and jumping I fear is what it is--but the rest is pretty darn good. No Steff, no stew or Tuck--but who is??]
Who keeps track of posting???? Carnac

 

[BroadwayVa]

You are so correct, with the key word being "fun." Those of us who are ardent fans of this program are so ridiculously spoiled by success that many of us find it hard to eagerly anticipate a season in which so many uncertainties lie. But such a season can, in many ways, be more fun than one in which your team is so heavily favored that any potential loss represents some epic and titanic fall from grace. Yes, it will be a reloading-type season, but for a team that still boasts plenty of talent, sufficient talent to truly showcase the coaching staff's abilities, and sufficient talent to pull off some major surprises, especially late in the year. No, I'm not expecting another championship in 2017, but I do anticipate a highly enjoyable year that will utterly dash the wishful thinking of many fans of other programs who think (hope) that the UConn glory days have come to an abrupt end. So the team endures a loss or two (or three) along that path of uncertainty? Big deal! Even we can survive such a contingency...I promise!

I keep hearing and reading that UConn WBB fans are spoiled--maybe so for some. But many of us have been with Uconn Women and Geno for 20 years or more. We've ridden the highs of superior basketball and the depths of average basketball.
Some of us have even acknowledged that many of the 343 WBB teams in the NCAA would love to have 20 wins a year --their coaches would probably be arrested for bribing if they won 30 per year. We know that 30 wins is excessive, way too many final 4's is almost gluttonous, 11 championship is approaching the ridiculous--but true blue and white (with a trace of red) fans will be with this team come what may--and may is usually great..

 

[BroadwayVa]

Someone said the same thing about Gabby last year and it happened Except it was two freshmen (Collier & KLS) starting over Gabby. Never say never.

NEVER! There I said it!
Irwin may sub for Collier, if she is as good as they say, but Collier is a significant talent. We saw just the tip of her talent in 2016.
But your point is well taken--from this long distant seat from November--who knows what will be then. Never--there I said it again..
Last year Geno had options in December that he didn't have in October with Collier and Katie lou--options change the game plan.

 

[BroadwayVa]

I hear that BY is working on that!!!

I saw that injunction!! When enacted, and a supreme court justice agrees, Geno will be required to poll the Boneyard for all recruiting decisions.
Shea and Marissa will only be allowed to instruct the team in specific Boneyard methods.
The courts have found that there is little or nothing that can be done to change what Christine Dailey has been doing for 30 or more year---and they refuse to try!! So if you like tat's you are out of luck!!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I have posted before that I really believe that Chong, Butler and Ekmark are going to reach back into their recent past and during this off season work their tails off to bring back the PLAYER within! They have been considered by many to be very good WBB players, Chong & Ekmark in HS and Butler at Georgetown, so if they stay injury free we will see a rejuvenated 3 players capable of putting the Huskies on their shoulders and scoring and defending as we have hoped for.
That being said, my starting lineup for beginning the 2016-2017 season is as follows:

PG Saniya Chong
SG Kia Nurse
PF Naphessa Collier
SF KLS
C Natalie Butler
SF Gabby Williams- - - Geno has loved a player coming off the bench to add some zip to the action, Gabby is that player.

In mid to late January:
PG rotating Chong, Nurse, & Crystal Dangerfield, Bent
SG Nurse, KLS, Ekmark,
SF KLS, Gabby, Ekmark,
PF Collier, KLS, Irwin,
C Butler, Irwin

For AAC and NCAA Tournaments: Where Geno has traditionally shortened his bench: to 8 players
PG Crystal Dangerfield/ Saniya/Nurse
SG Nurse/KLS/Saniya
SG/SF KLS/
SF Gabby/Collier
PF/C Collier/Butler/Irwin

 

[BroadwayVa]

I have posted before that I really believe that Chong, Butler and Ekmark are going to reach back into their recent past and during this off season work their tails off to bring back the PLAYER within! They have been considered by many to be very good WBB players, Chong & Ekmark in HS and Butler at Georgetown, so if they stay injury free we will see a rejuvenated 3 players capable of putting the Huskies on their shoulders and scoring and defending as we have hoped for.
That being said, my starting lineup for beginning the 2016-2017 season is as follows:

PG Saniya Chong
SG Kia Nurse
PF Naphessa Collier
SF KLS
C Natalie Butler
SF Gabby Williams- - - Geno has loved a player coming off the bench to add some zip to the action, Gabby is that player.

In mid to late January:
PG rotating Chong, Nurse, & Crystal Dangerfield, Bent
SG Nurse, KLS, Ekmark,
SF KLS, Gabby, Ekmark,
PF Collier, KLS, Irwin,
C Butler, Irwin

For AAC and NCAA Tournaments: Where Geno has traditionally shortened his bench: to 8 players
PG Crystal Dangerfield/ Saniya/Nurse
SG Nurse/KLS/Saniya
SG/SF KLS/
SF Gabby/Collier
PF/C Collier/Butler/Irwin

Thank you for your positive approach to Chong,Ekmark and the New guys. I sincerely, dearly, openly, hope your assessment of Chong and Ekmark are spot on.
Chong and Ekmark have worked through injuries and some of it has effected their abilities to play. Having said that--I saw no level of improvement over this past season that indicated either will be considered for a starting position or even a sub in a tight game. In many games this year they only entered the game 2 minutes before the walk-on's. I would love for you or any one to show me how terribly WRONG I am. If Uconn WBB wins -I win.
You, in my opinion, are spot on with your assessment of Butler.

 

[Charliebball]

Thank you for your positive approach to Chong,Ekmark and the New guys. I sincerely, dearly, openly, hope your assessment of Chong and Ekmark are spot on.
Chong and Ekmark have worked through injuries and some of it has effected their abilities to play. Having said that--I saw no level of improvement over this past season that indicated either will be considered for a starting position or even a sub in a tight game. In many games this year they only entered the game 2 minutes before the walk-on's. I would love for you or any one to show me how terribly WRONG I am. If Uconn WBB wins -I win.
You, in my opinion, are spot on with your assessment of Butler.

Some players just need to play consistent minutes to get their games back......I think Chong if healthy is capable of making a significant offensive contribution to the team.................same for Butler but at both ends of the court........................however they better show something positive early on or could be relegated to bench duty by Captain Hook.......................

 

[Carnac]

Thank you for your positive approach to Chong,Ekmark and the New guys. I sincerely, dearly, openly, hope your assessment of Chong and Ekmark are spot on.
Chong and Ekmark have worked through injuries and some of it has effected their abilities to play. Having said that--I saw no level of improvement over this past season that indicated either will be considered for a starting position or even a sub in a tight game. In many games this year they only entered the game 2 minutes before the walk-on's. I would love for you or any one to show me how terribly WRONG I am. If Uconn WBB wins -I win. You, in my opinion, are spot on with your assessment of Butler.

BroadwayVa - I don't see any "likes" on this particular post so far. However, there is no doubt that many yarders agree with you 100%.

 

[baggerbob]

Ahh, let's keep politics out of this discussion of whether size matters.

I don't think anyone is arguing that it wouldn't be desirable (all else being equal) to have a fast, agile center who is 6-4 or 6-5. However, looking at UConn's roster for next year, I'm failing to see Brittney Griner, Tina Charles, Candace Parker, or Breanna Stewart. I don't even see Stef Dolson, Kiah Stokes, or Azura Stevens.

So the question becomes (since all else isn't equal) whether it is a smart move to have a "sizeable human being" on the floor even if she can't run or jump well enough to keep up with the other four players, seems foul-prone, and forces the team to play a zone defense to minimize the impact of her immobility -- just for the sake of size. Or is it a better move (recognizing plusses and minuses) to give up some size to have five mobile players who may get a few less rebounds and blocks, but can run circles around teams that are relying on one or two Alaina Coates / Courtney Paris / Danielle Adams / Mercedes Russell types to give them an inside presence?

Will that be a problem when UConn has to play against Turner, Wilson, or Mompremier (or maybe Joyner Holmes) who have the complete package of size, skill, and speed? Yes, UConn will be at a disadvantage in the paint against players like that. They may lose a game or two because of it. Will it mean that games against teams with such players are out of reach? Not at all. They will be competitive games, and UConn (like Georgetown in 2011 or USF in 2016) may be able to get some unexpected wins because of its skill at other positions.

In the WNBA, Phoenix for a few years had a team without a center who was either big or fast. But they won WNBA championships because they had Diana Taurasi, Cappie Pondexter, and Penny Taylor. I remember a game when Mike Thibault was the Sun coach, and he had 7-2 Margo Dydek as his regular center. Margo played most of the games despite having near zero mobility, and (in the days before the defensive 3-second rule) she could stand under the basket with her arms extended and stop any layup attempt. But against Phoenix, Thibault didn't put her in the game for even a single minute. He used his own faster, smaller players, and beat Phoenix that way. That (and the Georgetown game where Stef was basically a useless statue) left me with an indelible impression that an immobile big player not only does not help, but can actually hurt, when you are playing against a small and fast team with skill in every position.

Ask Tennnesee, and South Carolina about their bigs Russell, Graves, Wilson, Coates, none of them could defend the shorter, quicker, G/F of Syracuse?

 

[Carnac]

I have posted before that I really believe that Chong, Butler and Ekmark are going to reach back into their recent past and during this off season work their tails off to bring back the PLAYER within! They have been considered by many to be very good WBB players, Chong & Ekmark in HS and Butler at Georgetown, so if they stay injury free we will see a rejuvenated 3 players capable of putting the Huskies on their shoulders and scoring and defending as we have hoped for.
That being said, my starting lineup for beginning the 2016-2017 season is as follows:

PG Saniya Chong
SG Kia Nurse
PF Naphessa Collier
SF KLS
C Natalie Butler
SF Gabby Williams- - - Geno has loved a player coming off the bench to add some zip to the action, Gabby is that player.

In mid to late January:
PG rotating Chong, Nurse, & Crystal Dangerfield, Bent
SG Nurse, KLS, Ekmark,
SF KLS, Gabby, Ekmark,
PF Collier, KLS, Irwin,
C Butler, Irwin

For AAC and NCAA Tournaments: Where Geno has traditionally shortened his bench: to 8 players
PG Crystal Dangerfield/ Saniya/Nurse
SG Nurse/KLS/Saniya
SG/SF KLS/
SF Gabby/Collier
PF/C Collier/Butler/Irwin

In April, these 3 scenarios are very plausible. You could be 100% spot on. I'm going to throw my two cents in as well. However, I'm going to wait until a week before the first exhibition game before I post my starting line-up. Because right now, I'd be guessing. I have no idea who's going to come back from summer break having improved on their skills to the point that it would vastly improve their chances of being considered for a starting spot. I saw every game this year, some of them twice. I'm aware of the improvements Gabby made over the summer. I also expect to see a new and improved version of KLS and Collier as well.

I'm also cognizant of the improvements that Chong, Butler and Ekmark are expected (need) to make. Some posters don't think Nurse has the handle or the quickness to play the point. Jefferson was the consummate PG. Incoming freshman Crystal Dangerfield is suppose to be her "heir apparent". If so, how long before she's ready? November?, January?, March? Next November? I have my own thoughts on that time table, but I'm keeping that close to the vest. I've haven't seen her play a game yet at the college level yet.

I remember what Geno said in one of his shows: (The Geno Auriemma Show). If I remember correctly, he was talking to CD about one of the players that shall remain nameless (its not important who he was referencing, but what he said). He said: "If a freshman hasn't made the adjustment to this level of play by her sophomore year, she never will"). Don't get mad at me. Geno said it, not me. That was his informed opinion. I'll never forget hearing him make that statement. I take that (his) observation into account when doing my assessments. A few recent freshmen in my opinion that did make that adjustment are: Dolson, Hartley, Jefferson, Mosqueda-Lewis, Tuck, Stewart, Nurse, Collier, Williams & Samuelson.

I'd really like to wait until the freshmen arrive on campus, and see what they look like against college level players, and see if they have adapted to the system enough to be of any meaningful assistance/significance during the non-conference games. I must admit that right now, my expectations for them (as freshmen) are low. One or two of them may be the exception to the rule. They were "All World" in high school against lesser talent. Let's see what they look like against elite college level players first, before we anoint them. No one expects a freshman to come in and start, especially at UConn. That's as rare as head coach Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) being cordial during a time-out media interview. But, you never know. Stranger things have happened. I enjoy reading others thoughts and predictions on who the five starters will be and why. Even more, I enjoy reading the push-back some of those posts receive.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Some players just need to play consistent minutes to get their games back.I think Chong if healthy is capable of making a significant offensive contribution to the team.......same for Butler but at both ends of the court....however they better show something positive early on or could be relegated to bench duty by Captain Hook........

I agree with most of what you say--but I'd like you clarify what is meant by "Significant" in the context in which you use it. Not being argumentative (well, maybe a little) I dont mean to insult or demean--. Does it mean coming off the bench before the 4th quarter--coming in when a three will kill the offense of the opponent--playing tight defense on anyone before the 4th quarter? Her offensive skills were proven in high school--she had them of that there is no doubt--so, where in the blaze of blazes did they go to??
YOU ARE RIGHT--they need to be ready to contribute big time prior to the first OOC game.. I guess Geno is equally frustrated because they came to him as 3 ball scorers with WBB savvy!!

 

[BroadwayVa]

In April, these 3 scenarios are very plausible. You could be 100% spot on. I'm going to throw my two cents in as well. However, I'm going to wait until a week before the first exhibition game before I post my starting line-up. Because right now, I'd be guessing. I have no idea who's going to come back from summer break having improved on their skills to the point that it would vastly improve their chances of being considered for a starting spot. I saw every game this year, some of them twice. I'm aware of the improvements Gabby made over the summer. I also expect to see a new and improved version of KLS and Collier as well.

I'm also cognizant of the improvements that Chong, Butler and Ekmark are expected (need) to make. Some posters don't think Nurse has the handle or the quickness to play the point. Jefferson was the consummate PG. Incoming freshman Crystal Dangerfield is suppose to be her "heir apparent". If so, how long before she's ready? November?, January?, March? Next November? I have my own thoughts on that time table, but I'm keeping that close to the vest. I've haven't seen her play a game yet at the college level yet.

I remember what Geno said in one of his shows: (The Geno Auriemma Show). If I remember correctly, he was talking to CD about one of the players that shall remain nameless (its not important who he was referencing, but what he said). He said: "If a freshman hasn't made the adjustment to this level of play by her sophomore year, she never will"). Don't get mad at me. Geno said it, not me. That was his informed opinion. I'll never forget hearing him make that statement. I take that (his) observation into account when doing my assessments. A few recent freshmen in my opinion that did make that adjustment are: Dolson, Hartley, Jefferson, Mosqueda-Lewis, Tuck, Stewart, Nurse, Collier, Williams & Samuelson.

I'd really like to wait until the freshmen arrive on campus, and see what they look like against college level players, and see if they have adapted to the system enough to be of any meaningful assistance/significance during the non-conference games. I must admit that right now, my expectations for them (as freshmen) are low. One or two of them may be the exception to the rule. They were "All World" in high school against lesser talent. Let's see what they look like against elite college level players first, before we anoint them. No one expects a freshman to come in and start, especially at UConn. That's as rare as head coach Gregg Popovich (San Antonio Spurs) being cordial during a time-out media interview. But, you never know. Stranger things have happened. I enjoy reading others thoughts and predictions on who the five starters will be and why. Even more, I enjoy reading the push-back some of those posts receive.

Your presentation of Geno's words is accurate--he has said often, in the past, that he spends his time getting Freshmen to learn College and hence Geno's brand of WBB. Each year he spends less and less time with his players to teach. As Juniors and Seniors they should know what is expected of them--and DO IT.

If you watched Dangerfield last summer in the USA games--you would think as I do--Crystal is a top flight point guard. Having said that--Obviously, she has a new system to learn and a different level of play is expected ---Uconn demands more than most want to give--but I'll put money on ; when she is a senior she will be favorably compared to Moriah. Out of last year's USA games I came away thinking Collier and Dangerfield were among the top 10-15 players in the country maybe he world (at that level).

As one of Canadian heritage I empathize with and for Nurse. She can and has handled the point for Geno, fact! She is a tough, intelligent (mostly), dedicated player. What concerns me is: She plays a bit out of control, has made more bad passes than I thought a player of her caliber should make (my beliefs, maybe not yours). She sometimes drives too fast and blow layups--but I'll take that over doing nothing. She will contribute in many many ways. Her defense is more than adequate--I dont know how she could improve except grow 12 more inches.

Uconn's style of "help" defense has a few holes--but few teams have exploited them. But to work really well it needs a Steff, Kiah, Stew to be the defense of the last resort--who fills that void??

For certain---the evaluation of players in terms of starting, coming off the bench, when they come off the bench and how long they play --is out of our hands now and next fall. But isn't it fun to theorize which sit, which play, which will be the next super starS??? I hope 1,2,3 of the incoming Freshmen are label --super stars--just a hope!!

 

[donalddoowop]

The numbers would disagree with you.
Player GP-GS Min--Avg FG-FGA Pct 3FG-FGA Pct FT-FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg

Collier FR 38-9 653 17.2 106-199 .533 2-13 .154 44-48 .917 83 114 197 5.2 63 0 34 39 47 50 258 6.8

Gabby FR 38-0 591 15.6 137-215 .637 0-1 .000 42-91 .462 79 139 218 5.7 45 0 50 40 14 46 316 8.3

Some might argue that Gabby had the better Freshmen season number are close except for blocks and FT shooting percentage.

That is not what I am going by. Geno hardly played Gabby in the Final Four while Collier not only played but played well. Geno did not trust Gabby but trusted Collier. Gabby said she was nervous during the tournament and it showed. I believe Collier and Lou will be prepared to take a starters role next season over any freshman. Stats don't always tell a whole story.

 

[Carnac]

Your presentation of Geno's words is accurate--he has said often, in the past, that he spends his time getting Freshmen to learn College and hence Geno's brand of WBB. Each year he spends less and less time with his players to teach. As Juniors and Seniors they should know what is expected of them--and DO IT.

If you watched Dangerfield last summer in the USA games--you would think as I do--Crystal is a top flight point guard. Having said that--Obviously, she has a new system to learn and a different level of play is expected ---Uconn demands more than most want to give--but I'll put money on ; when she is a senior she will be favorably compared to Moriah. Out of last year's USA games I came away think Collier and Dangerfield were among the top 10-15 players in the country maybe he world (at that level).

As one of Canadian heritage I empathize with and for Nurse. She can and has handled the point for Geno, fact! She is a tough, intelligent (mostly), dedicated player. What concerns me is: She plays a bit out of control, has made more bad passes than I thought a player of her caliber should make (my beliefs, maybe not yours). She sometimes drives too fast and blow layups--but I'll take that over doing nothing. She will contribute in many many ways. Her defense is more than adequate--I dont know how she could improve except grow 12 more inches.

Uconn's style of "help" defense has a few holes--but few teams have exploited them. But to work really well it needs a Steff, Kiah, Stew to be the defense of the last resort--who fills that void??

BroadwayVa - We're drinking out of the same glass of kool-aid (with 2 straws). I'm putting my bet on Dangerfield right next to yours. I think she's going to live up to all the hype. Nurse's defense is great. Nurse and Mo showed the ability to stay in front of their man better (and more consistently) than any of the other husky players. Also agree with your reference to help & paint defense. If the staff does not figure out a way to close those holes, it could mean a lot of close games next season.

 

[BroadwayVa]

The numbers would disagree with you.
Player GP-GS Min--Avg FG-FGA Pct 3FG-FGA Pct FT-FTA Pct Off Def Tot Avg PF FO A TO Blk Stl Pts Avg

Collier FR 38-9 653 17.2 106-199 .533 2-13 .154 44-48 .917 83 114 197 5.2 63 0 34 39 47 50 258 6.8

Gabby FR 38-0 591 15.6 137-215 .637 0-1 .000 42-91 .462 79 139 218 5.7 45 0 50 40 14 46 316 8.3

Some might argue that Gabby had the better Freshmen season number are close except for blocks and FT shooting percentage.

You know what I hate---a guy who is always RIGHT!! I don't hate anyone or anything--especially Cocohusky
We've disagreed but usually on a positive plane (but he wanted to be the pilot)..
At this point, since Geno showed how much he trusted these kids in the NCAA's --does it really matter?(seems I heard that somewhere else recently). Each provide Geno (and us) with a different approach to the game and each was really good in their own methodology!
To me this a fallacious argument--discussion. No insult to any one intended.

 

[CocoHusky]

That is not what I am going by. Geno hardly played Gabby in the Final Four while Collier not only played but played well. Geno did not trust Gabby but trusted Collier. Gabby said she was nervous during the tournament and it showed. I believe Collier and Lou will be prepared to take a starters role next season over any freshman. Stats don't always tell a whole story.

I though you ment season when you wrote season. Not true that Geno does not trust Gabby. Gabby not playing more in her freshmen FF had to do with Kiah Stokes-ever herd of her? She was pretty good post player back in the day.

 

[BroadwayVa]

That is not what I am going by. Geno hardly played Gabby in the Final Four while Collier not only played but played well. Geno did not trust Gabby but trusted Collier. Gabby said she was nervous during the tournament and it showed. I believe Collier and Lou will be prepared to take a starters role next season over any freshman. Stats don't always tell a whole story.

The playing time between Collier and Gabby wasn't about who Geno TRUSTED--it was about what they brought to the game---that's what good coaches do--they use some players as Chest Pieces--hopefully never as pawns--he puts them in as needed and to present a different look to the opponents after they seemed to have figured out the other look. I don't have to tell you this but : Geno has in some circles been thought of as a pretty fair to average coach--one or two even think him adequate!! But he wouldn't know what he knows without reading MY BLOGS on the Boneyard!! Toot toot toot (that's my own horn)..

 

[Charliebball]

No insult taken............significant to me regarding Chong would mean either starting or being the first guard off the bench.......it seems reasonable to me that she should easily average 10-12 points per game if she gets to play 20-25 minutes per game and is healthy.......Butler's playing time would depend on the scheme Geno has planned for a particular opponent but again I see no reason why she can't average 12-14 points per game and 8-10 rebounds per game if she sees the court for a good part of the game.....frankly I think I'm setting the bar pretty low..........both of theses players, if starting could have even better numbers

 

[BroadwayVa]

No insult taken..significant to me regarding Chong would mean either starting or being the first guard off the bench..it seems reasonable to me that she should easily average 10-12 points per game if she gets to play 20-25 minutes per game and is healthy..Butler's playing time would depend on the scheme Geno has planned for a particular opponent but again I see no reason why she can't average 12-14 points per game and 8-10 rebounds per game if she sees the court for a good part of the game.....frankly I think I'm setting the bar pretty low.....both of theses players, if starting could have even better numbers

'
As far as Butler goes--no disconnect there. I agree, it depends on Geno's plan.
Chong--I could argue all month to no avail---I can say I hope you are right she will be first off the bench for 12 points in big games (most of the AAC games are gimme's with a couple of exceptions and her scoring and defense isn't a big issue until the OOC games) .

 

[donalddoowop]

I though you ment season when you wrote season. Not true that Geno does not trust Gabby. Gabby not playing more in her freshmen FF had to do with Kiah Stokes-ever herd of her? She was pretty good post player back in the day.

Not true. Gabby got pulled when she missed a wide open layup in a close game. She did not play again at any meaningful time. That is all I will say to you on this subject.

 

[donalddoowop]

The playing time between Collier and Gabby wasn't about who Geno TRUSTED--it was about what they brought to the game---that's what good coaches do--they use some players as Chest Pieces--hopefully never as pawns--he puts them in as needed and to present a different look to the opponents after they seemed to have figured out the other look. I don't have to tell you this but : Geno has in some circles been thought of as a pretty fair to average coach--one or two even think him adequate!! But he wouldn't know what he knows without reading MY BLOGS on the Boneyard!! Toot toot toot (that's my own horn)..

Geno trusts the players who get the job done. Even the announcers said Geno could not trust Gabby with much playing time in last year's FF.

 

[BroadwayVa]

Geno trusts the players who get the job done. Even the announcers said Geno could not trust Gabby with much playing time in last year's FF.

My -point exactly---in the NCAA's especially, rightly or wrongly, he trusts some and some he does not. This year he trusted Gabby AND Collier. There have been years and different players that Geno for what ever reason didn't trust that I thought he should--Moriah is one, so the Guards , prior to the NCAA's her Freshman season, went to Geno and said she's a good guard--TRUST her. He did and the rest is history--
I don't listen to the bubble heads --talking heads during games on TV--I like to know what's happening in the game so I turn down the volume, use captioning to read information and check out Gamechecker. So if there ever was any negatives about Gabby not being Trustworthy during her freshman year--I missed it. But I did note herein the Boneyard that she wasn't an asset against really bigs like Texas--but she got better.

 

[CocoHusky]

Geno trusts the players who get the job done. Even the announcers said Geno could not trust Gabby with much playing time in last year's FF.

So now it's the announcers? I'll take your word for it. Glad we had this talk.

 

[Sonny44]

Ask Tennnesee, and South Carolina about their bigs Russell, Graves, Wilson, Coates, none of them could defend the shorter, quicker, G/F of Syracuse?

None of them were coached by Geno and CD either.

 

[Tonyc]

I dont see a freshman starting against Florida St at Fl St our first game and I dont see freshman starting against Baylor our second game. Baylor is tall and Butler will need to see alot of time in that game. So I see Butler getting alot of time early on. I think Nurse has to be the Floor General and maintain poise, confidence, and leadership. I think she will and her Olympic experience should play big. As far as the other starting guard. We will need ballhandlers. Fl St is not a push over and Baylor is top 4 in the preseason polls. We cant afford stupid mistakes in either game. Chong and Dangerfield will alternate and see alot of playtime. That competition will be good for both of them. If opponents press us who brings up the ball and how efficently can we break the press? Big question. I personally dont think anybody other then Nurse Chong and Dangerfield can break the press and perhaps Molly and I havent seen enough of her to make that call. Ive heard good things about her but this is college and big time college

 

[jdubct]

I dont see a freshman starting against Florida St at Fl St our first game and I dont see freshman starting against Baylor our second game. Baylor is tall and Butler will need to see alot of time in that game. So I see Butler getting alot of time early on. I think Nurse has to be the Floor General and maintain poise, confidence, and leadership. I think she will and her Olympic experience should play big. As far as the other starting guard. We will need ballhandlers. Fl St is not a push over and Baylor is top 4 in the preseason polls. We cant afford stupid mistakes in either game. Chong and Dangerfield will alternate and see alot of playtime. That competition will be good for both of them. If opponents press us who brings up the ball and how efficently can we break the press? Big question. I personally dont think anybody other then Nurse Chong and Dangerfield can break the press and perhaps Molly and I havent seen enough of her to make that call. Ive heard good things about her but this is college and big time college

I agree with your analysis. I think by necessity, the excellent but college-inexperienced ball-handler Dangerfield will see a lot of minutes in those high profile games. As the season progresses, she may be a starter.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

I posted above the way I think the players experience will go during the 2016-2017 season!
Obviously cancel out Ekmark on her transfer to ASU.
But I still, with 2 weeks to the start feel that's how It'll break down!

 

[JordyG]

Butler, Samuelson, Collier, Nurse and Gabby. Irwin, Chong and Danger off the bench. As the season progresses Molly will find her way in with possibly Chong sitting more. Gabby will move up front when Collier and/or Katie Lou sits.

 

[HopJim]

Butler, Samuelson, Collier, Nurse and Gabby. Irwin, Chong and Danger off the bench. As the season progresses Molly will find her way in with possibly Chong sitting more. Gabby will move up front when Collier and/or Katie Lou sits.

Good post. In a sense, who starts 1st few games means very little. Geno has proven his ability to understand the best mix against the best teams and give playing time accordingly. Good discussion for half way through year.