- Joined
- Aug 30, 2011
- Messages
- 4,638
- Reaction Score
- 8,512
And Fudd missed the ND game with a knee sprain, came back and played only 8 minutes against USCw, went 0-4. Different player also.
Waiting on Kayleigh Heckel
- Thread starter oldude
- Start date
- Status
- Joined
- Nov 24, 2011
- Messages
- 8,372
- Reaction Score
- 28,768
I like Heckel's game. She would be a great addition to the program. Adding another layer to the guard rotation. A solid player with so much upside. If we can add her, this squad could be lethal for a few years if not longer. A lot depends on when these players are peaking and how hard they are working in the off-season.
Last edited:
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2022
- Messages
- 8,442
- Reaction Score
- 53,793
and from @hookshot: "USC was potentially on-track to final 4 when JU-JU went down and beat Uconn when JU-JU was up (earlier in the year). That is the context, of my being dismissive of the tiresome overreach that Uconn is at 'a whole higher level' than everybody else, seriously"
I agree and disagree with @hookshot here. I think UConn definitely found another gear in March and the results attest to that. They really did have a "tougher mentality" than all the other #1 seeds. The closest game, interestingly enough, was against USC, who seemed to me to be better without Juju. This was the only game that wasn't an absolute blowout, though the final margin of 14 pts is an accurate reflection of UConn's dominance and not merely an artifact of last second fouling. Also, total margin of victory in the tournament of 217 pts is one of the highest in history. This seems indisputable to me.
On the other hand, this absolutely is not a reason to dismiss the contribution that Heckel could make for Geno next season. In my estimation, Kayleigh can get up to speed as a Husky pretty quickly, certainly by February, and she is likely to be a significant contributor at both ends of the court. Geno can make another run without her. But she might well add something important.
PS: and just to be clear about the USC game in December, they dominated UConn in the first half and were dominated in turn in the second half. A last second shot is what it came down to, and it rimmed out. This was a game of two very equal squads -- Juju scored 25 and Kiki added 16, while Paige and Sarah each scored 22. Nothing about this result suggests that USC was simply a better team.
If I look beyond this game to the rest of the season, other than a surprising loss to Iowa, USC mostly looked like a clear NC contender. The early loss to ND was not indicative of what they'd become, and their two muscular wins over UCLA were impressive. However, after that, they seemed to me to fade a bit. They still thumped weaker teams. But they didn't seem to be quite as dominant. The Indiana and Michigan games were more competitive than I'd have expected, and the loss to UCLA looked like a flashing neon light to me. They played tough for a half to lead by 10, and then UCLA dominated them (and especially Juju) in the second half in a game that was not nearly as close as the final score suggests.
I said above that I thought the loss of Juju in the Miss St game did not necessarily make them a weaker team. I don't think they'd have beaten UConn with her -- I know this is mere speculation on my part -- and I doubt very much they'd have been able to beat UCLA with her in the final four. What I saw in the tournament was a team of talented freshmen (Smith, Howell and Heckel) and a pair of seniors (Rayah Marshall and TVO) who were freed from having to play in Juju's shadow. The magnitude of the losses USC's roster has suffered to the portal and graduation is simply stunning.
Very balanced and well reasoned and written, as all of your posts seem to be - TY!!! If it is one of your posts, I've learned that it is well worth a careful read.... Best wishes
donalddoowop
Who put the Bop in the Bop Shoo Bop?
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2015
- Messages
- 5,722
- Reaction Score
- 21,579
Do we want to pin our hopes on an unproven sophomore in the UConn system? In what ways does she make the rotation a dangerous piece with very little drop off that players already on the team can't do? What has she done to make you think that?
cabbie191
Jonathan Husky on a date with Holi
- Joined
- Aug 26, 2011
- Messages
- 1,647
- Reaction Score
- 4,259
Seems to me that historically we’ve done better when we’ve had multiple players with similar names or identical initials - thinking especially about all the CD’s we’ve been blessed with.
But beyond the above silliness, I am impressed with what KH1 showed last year, and assuming there wouldn’t be a chemistry issue, I think she’d be a good addition. If she declares for us, I trust Geno and staff will have thoroughly vetted how she’d blend into the team
- Joined
- May 1, 2020
- Messages
- 8,589
- Reaction Score
- 27,597
Unproven doesn't seem like a fair description from what I've seen of Heckel in highschool and as a freshman. Some may bristle at the comparison, but in my opinion, her game is similar to Muhl's, but maybe a bit better as a scorer.
Her play this season as a freshman showed that she wasn't scared to get in the face of players defensively and her efforts this season helped USC get to the Elite 8, especially after Juju's injury. As to pinning hopes on her, that hasn't been the vibe I'm getting from this thread.
- Joined
- Aug 30, 2011
- Messages
- 4,638
- Reaction Score
- 8,512
Her play against Montverde convinced me. Different player under Gottleib. She will run through a wall for Auriemma.
Majic Hands
https://www.neumi.com/jkvetter
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2017
- Messages
- 761
- Reaction Score
- 4,352
Some interesting stuff in this thread. Especially about some of the academic requirements.
I’m continually being impressed and amazed with different posters collection of performance data, players history, knowledge of “the” game, etc.
I’m just a simple guy and all I’ve got is during the tournament game against USC I “saw” Ms. Heckel. I was impressed with her attack on offense as well as defense. I commented about this kid to my wife during the game. I just verified with my wife that I did so. Sometimes I remember stuff I said to her that she doesn’t remember.
My thought is if she joins the team she just might become a fan favorite. If he doesn’t. More practice/playing minutes available for developing our team
I’m continually being impressed and amazed with different posters collection of performance data, players history, knowledge of “the” game, etc.
I’m just a simple guy and all I’ve got is during the tournament game against USC I “saw” Ms. Heckel. I was impressed with her attack on offense as well as defense. I commented about this kid to my wife during the game. I just verified with my wife that I did so. Sometimes I remember stuff I said to her that she doesn’t remember.
My thought is if she joins the team she just might become a fan favorite. If he doesn’t. More practice/playing minutes available for developing our team
Many here presume Ashlynn starts with KK and Azzi. If that winds up being true, then you could say we have no proven perimeter players behind them. Kelis and Blanca are unproven freshmen, and Allie and Morgan played some minutes at a passable level, but Heckel was clearly superior to them based on their first year.
Now I think Blanca is likely to be a major talent and could start ahead of Ashlynn, but the unproven label extends to many of our existing perimeter options. If you compare Heckel to KK or Ashlynn it might be pretty close, and some say why bother then, but if you look beyond those players, the most proven next option would be Heckel if she came here.
Given our incredible injury history, depth should not be ignored. Two freshmen, and two sophomores with less impressive first year's than Heckel's suggests to me that if we want to lift our floor, and have more proven backups Heckel is an easy yes. Why Heckel would want to come to Uconn if she could certainly get a starting spot on a very good team elsewhere is probably a bigger issue.
- Joined
- Apr 27, 2022
- Messages
- 308
- Reaction Score
- 1,323
I can see why the game against Montverde convinced you, a tough defeat for LuHi, who had won earlier in the season against Montverde 73-55. That game took place 13 months ago, yet ESPN ranked LuHi as the #1 team at the very end.
oldude
bamboo lover
- Joined
- Nov 15, 2016
- Messages
- 18,885
- Reaction Score
- 175,053
My goodness, what a game! Really tough loss for LUHI and great win for Monteverde. Heckel was unbelievable as was Cambridge for Monteverde. For anyone that has any doubts about Heckel’s potential value to UConn, this video is “must see” tv.
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2021
- Messages
- 759
- Reaction Score
- 6,145
Thank you for the share but I only want to watch it if she signs on with UConn. If I watch it and she's really impressive, it would make it even more disappointing if she signs elsewhere (especially if it's a top contender).
Brewski
To infinity and beyond!
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2021
- Messages
- 264
- Reaction Score
- 2,448
@fireford, I think you can handle the disappointment. You're strong. It will be worth the risk. K9 is the real deal, and even if she goes elsewhere, she's a pleasure to watch. And if she does come here, she'll bleed blue just like the rest of the team.
- Joined
- Apr 4, 2019
- Messages
- 744
- Reaction Score
- 3,268
Heckel and Fudd sounds good….
donalddoowop
Who put the Bop in the Bop Shoo Bop?
- Joined
- Oct 5, 2015
- Messages
- 5,722
- Reaction Score
- 21,579
I was responding to a post by DefenseBB.
I’m new here and don’t know if this was answered. Yes, it was an informative post (about credits and transfer eligibility). Some freshman get a quick start by having taken college credits in high school, assuming those are counted toward transfer eligibility, or have started early, either in the summer or even the previous winter term, like I believe Jana did. Another way is to load up in the fall term. Apparently, Heckel didn’t do any of those. In any case, USC exam week is May 7-14. I wouldn’t expect UConn to say anything because there’s nothing to say, these things being governed by rules and good sense and all.
- Joined
- Apr 24, 2022
- Messages
- 8,442
- Reaction Score
- 53,793
I just got through watching a pair of Lu-Hi games, just to see what the baseline for Heckel is.
First, she's got a motor and she brought this with her to USC. She's almost at the level of the Havoc Twins and will be a good addition in that area.
Second, she's a pretty good scorer, though not noticeably better than KK and definitely not the perimeter shooter Ash was already in high school. Both she and KK need to improve in this area. She finishes better than Ash at the rim, though not better than KK.
Third, she's a pretty good passer, but again not better than KK.
Fourth, she's athletic, but not nearly as strong as KK. Maybe some time with Andrea in the weight room will help with this, but currently she's rather slighter than KK or Ash.
If Geno persuades her to come to Storrs, what he's getting is a second KK, and that is a really good thing to have. In fact, he's already getting a second KK in Kelis. So he'd now have three KK-type PGs. Overall, I think having 4 really aggressive defenders to rotate in and out will be really useful.
If it were me, seeing what Kayleigh has done this year at USC and assuming she's gotten up to speed at UConn, I would still start KK over her at PG. They are both high-motor players, though KK's motor seems to rev a little higher. I'd want to save her as a 6th woman to bring a fresh jolt of energy along side Ash. If KK starts, she might not be able to be quite so 'maniacal' on defense, if only because she'll need to conserve some energy (and fouls) in case she's out there for more than 20 mins.
Finally, given the 3 year time scale, Kayleigh's role would be bound to grow each season until she's the primary PG. If next season the starters are Azzi and Sarah (and probably Serah), with KK and Ash starting in the backcourt, Kayleigh would still get lots of minutes in a system that is very fair. Nika used to say, "everybody eats" though it might be more accurate to amend that to "you eat what you kill." I suspect that's a system Kayleigh would be comfortable in, as would KK and Ash.
Gradually, the Storrs mentality will become Kayleigh's mentality, and I think she'll enjoy that very much, especially if it comes along with a couple of rings. The only question in my mind is, can she become a friend and comrade to KK Ash and Kelis. I have no way of answering this, so I'll assume she can. But this is the only thing that could go wrong. I suspect -- with no evidence -- that this was a problem in the USC locker room. If true, this could mean Kayleigh is eager to be on a team where she can be friends with the players she's competing with for minutes.
First, she's got a motor and she brought this with her to USC. She's almost at the level of the Havoc Twins and will be a good addition in that area.
Second, she's a pretty good scorer, though not noticeably better than KK and definitely not the perimeter shooter Ash was already in high school. Both she and KK need to improve in this area. She finishes better than Ash at the rim, though not better than KK.
Third, she's a pretty good passer, but again not better than KK.
Fourth, she's athletic, but not nearly as strong as KK. Maybe some time with Andrea in the weight room will help with this, but currently she's rather slighter than KK or Ash.
If Geno persuades her to come to Storrs, what he's getting is a second KK, and that is a really good thing to have. In fact, he's already getting a second KK in Kelis. So he'd now have three KK-type PGs. Overall, I think having 4 really aggressive defenders to rotate in and out will be really useful.
If it were me, seeing what Kayleigh has done this year at USC and assuming she's gotten up to speed at UConn, I would still start KK over her at PG. They are both high-motor players, though KK's motor seems to rev a little higher. I'd want to save her as a 6th woman to bring a fresh jolt of energy along side Ash. If KK starts, she might not be able to be quite so 'maniacal' on defense, if only because she'll need to conserve some energy (and fouls) in case she's out there for more than 20 mins.
Finally, given the 3 year time scale, Kayleigh's role would be bound to grow each season until she's the primary PG. If next season the starters are Azzi and Sarah (and probably Serah), with KK and Ash starting in the backcourt, Kayleigh would still get lots of minutes in a system that is very fair. Nika used to say, "everybody eats" though it might be more accurate to amend that to "you eat what you kill." I suspect that's a system Kayleigh would be comfortable in, as would KK and Ash.
Gradually, the Storrs mentality will become Kayleigh's mentality, and I think she'll enjoy that very much, especially if it comes along with a couple of rings. The only question in my mind is, can she become a friend and comrade to KK Ash and Kelis. I have no way of answering this, so I'll assume she can. But this is the only thing that could go wrong. I suspect -- with no evidence -- that this was a problem in the USC locker room. If true, this could mean Kayleigh is eager to be on a team where she can be friends with the players she's competing with for minutes.
Last edited:
Charliebball
**
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2016
- Messages
- 13,371
- Reaction Score
- 50,355
Heckel would be a fine addition to UConn......she'd have either the second or third best handle on the team, is a willing passer, a solid defender and is fearless going to the rim.........I'd still view KK as the starter with Heckel as a solid back up, Kelis as a combo guard, Allie as Azzi's back up at shooting guard, and Ashlynn and Morgan as hybrid small forwards who can also bring the ball up the court......as far as what impact Kayleigh's addition would have on future recruiting, that's Geno's call to make....
- Joined
- Apr 18, 2021
- Messages
- 4,179
- Reaction Score
- 19,204
Montverde over LILU in the Chipotle Semi Final. A buzzer beater for
Montverde to win. BUT... This is truly the video highlight to convince
any Boneyarder about Kayleigh Heckel. It was noted (see above)
about "K9"'s play in this game... TREMENDOUS! Speed, three pointers,
Driving layups, passes to teammates, and "clutch" end of period basket/buzzer beaters. NOTE: Of course, she is the PG for LILU. Watch this and be convienced!
- Joined
- Nov 13, 2023
- Messages
- 493
- Reaction Score
- 1,990
It seems that after all is said and done, UConn will have either 2 or 3 reasonably good candidates for PG. Since there appear to be minimal differences in passing, shooting, speed, handles, etc. I guess the difference and what Geno needs at that position is BB IQ. Nika had that, Kaitlyn had that, and the Huskies will definitely need that for this coming year. Probability says choosing from 3 is better than 2, so lets welcome Kayleigh to the competition.
Charliebball
**
- Joined
- Jan 26, 2016
- Messages
- 13,371
- Reaction Score
- 50,355
KK is going to need competent back up help if she wants to play her style of high energy basketball for 25 minutes plus as the starting point guard......Kayleigh seems to be more of a facilitator than Kelis (who has more of a scorer's instincts) and would therefore be ideal to continue the offensive pressure with KK on the bench......I think Kelis is going to be a revelation to UConn fans with her maniacal drives and her ability to finish at the rim against much bigger defenders.......I'm just not sure she's an ideal point guard and thus Heckel would be a worthwhile pick up........now let's see if that's a role that she's interested in for the next three years....
It’s important to recognize that Heckel will be a sophomore next year, one whose playing time was limited as a freshman at USC. However talented she is, and she first caught my attention watching a USC game one night, she’s still going to be a relative newbie to college basketball, with all that having limited experience means. If she’s got any brains, and one has to think she does from where she’s visited, she’s got to see her transfer choice as a long-term investment in her future, both in college and beyond, not a step into instant stardom. It’s not hard to imagine that was a central piece of Geno and his staff’s presentation.
I think K9 would be a fantastic pickup. It also gives us something in case we don't get Harpring next year. She is not so great that it may preclude Harpring from coming to uconn however. So either way it is a win for us.
She is also a very good defender and takes a lot of pride in that. I worry about the guard at S. Carolina next year and the one going to USC as well. GA can have KK on them and if she gets tired of running through screens and/or picks up early fouls, GA has a second guard with great defensive skills to hound the opposition's best guard. Then we get 6-8 points at least and a few assists/steals. what is there not to like really? I would love to pick her up.
She is also a very good defender and takes a lot of pride in that. I worry about the guard at S. Carolina next year and the one going to USC as well. GA can have KK on them and if she gets tired of running through screens and/or picks up early fouls, GA has a second guard with great defensive skills to hound the opposition's best guard. Then we get 6-8 points at least and a few assists/steals. what is there not to like really? I would love to pick her up.
- Status