Not really sure what to make of this game, but these were my first impressions:
Paige is really good. She was our best player, and she reminds me a lot of Ionescu. She isn't super athletic, but is able to get to any spot on the floor. The game just seems to slow down for her, and I am confident that she will be consistently good all year.
ONO has been a big disappointment for me. For as highly ranked as she was, I haven't really seen anything to justify that. She is an elite shot blocker, and a pretty good defensive post, I will give her that. But she just seems to lack the coordination of a good offensive basketball player. Her release is so awkward and her post moves are incredibly limited. Against this type of competition, it's puzzling that she consistently fades away, avoids contact, and has trouble finishing.
On the other hand, Aaliyah has that coordination and aggressiveness. When she learns how to harness her aggressive mindset, I think she will be more valuable than Olivia. Or at least more productive offensively.
CW had a lackluster opener. She contributed, but looked rather similar to last year. We need growth from her to be a really good team. Shooting aside, I just didn't get the vibe that this is her team, or that she will ever be the go-to player. Early to make that assumption but I am. Shes a junior and the expectations are high.
Evina is the wildcard to me. I thought she played decently well on the defensive end, and had some nice passes. Her biggest contribution was leadership and attitude. Once she shakes off the rust, I'm intrigued to see what her role becomes. I think we'll end up relying on her to score the ball a lot more.
Ana seemed to fade into the background, but still seemed to impact the game. A steady presence on the boards, passing to open teammates, and keeping the defense honest. Her biggest asset is outside shooting, because she's the best we have. I think Geno trusts her and she will be on the court a lot, so we need her to be productive.
Overall, I think it's interesting that we played a pretty dreadful opponent, and didn't score 80 points. It's easy to be blinded by the Paige show, but stepping back, we didn't really play super well offensively. It's too early to call, but I am not so sure if this years team will be better or worse than last year. Looking forward to the next week to get a much better understanding, to draw some meaningful conclusions.
Paige is really good. She was our best player, and she reminds me a lot of Ionescu. She isn't super athletic, but is able to get to any spot on the floor. The game just seems to slow down for her, and I am confident that she will be consistently good all year.
ONO has been a big disappointment for me. For as highly ranked as she was, I haven't really seen anything to justify that. She is an elite shot blocker, and a pretty good defensive post, I will give her that. But she just seems to lack the coordination of a good offensive basketball player. Her release is so awkward and her post moves are incredibly limited. Against this type of competition, it's puzzling that she consistently fades away, avoids contact, and has trouble finishing.
On the other hand, Aaliyah has that coordination and aggressiveness. When she learns how to harness her aggressive mindset, I think she will be more valuable than Olivia. Or at least more productive offensively.
CW had a lackluster opener. She contributed, but looked rather similar to last year. We need growth from her to be a really good team. Shooting aside, I just didn't get the vibe that this is her team, or that she will ever be the go-to player. Early to make that assumption but I am. Shes a junior and the expectations are high.
Evina is the wildcard to me. I thought she played decently well on the defensive end, and had some nice passes. Her biggest contribution was leadership and attitude. Once she shakes off the rust, I'm intrigued to see what her role becomes. I think we'll end up relying on her to score the ball a lot more.
Ana seemed to fade into the background, but still seemed to impact the game. A steady presence on the boards, passing to open teammates, and keeping the defense honest. Her biggest asset is outside shooting, because she's the best we have. I think Geno trusts her and she will be on the court a lot, so we need her to be productive.
Overall, I think it's interesting that we played a pretty dreadful opponent, and didn't score 80 points. It's easy to be blinded by the Paige show, but stepping back, we didn't really play super well offensively. It's too early to call, but I am not so sure if this years team will be better or worse than last year. Looking forward to the next week to get a much better understanding, to draw some meaningful conclusions.
When you said you were thinking.... were you really thinking?
