What "position" did she play this season? Even with Serah added to the equation, she most likely will sub in for Jana or Serah with Sarah staying at the four. We most likely will see two "bigs" on the floor, with Sarah at the four, when Geno isn't going with a small lineup.
I like the sound of AA by junior year. But I wonder if she'll get enough playing time this coming season to make that happen by the following season. I kinda want to see it, however it comes to pass.
I'm a big Jana fan. That move was so good my first thought was that it had to be an accident. I hope she removes all doubt and does it again. GO JANA!
It is perhaps less about playing time and more about intrinsic talent (hands and feet for a big) or the lack thereof. Boneyarders have a tendency to always deem their favorite(s) to be as an All American in- waiting (something reserved for only 15 or so players in the country each year). I'd be equally or more impressed by a list of all the Uconn WCBB alumni that played an "indispensable" decisive role in the teams success, though never achieving All- American status (e.g. Nika Muhl, Stacy Hansmeyer, Maria Conlon etc., etc., etc., etc.......) - might make a good thread, i.e. "best players that never made anybody's All- American team"
She could show major improvement this year. She already contributed to the national championship, after a " slow start " to her season. And she seems determined.
Well, don't include Nika Muhl in your quest or your thread. Nika made AP Honorable Mention in 2023 and again in 2024.
And she was coming back from a torn achilles. That's a tough injury to deal with
Good word. Don't see it that much anymore.
Nice list, but I would add the ability to knock down the foul line jumper, which all the great UConn bigs of teams past possessed
Great analysis in all areas Bone Dog. Love your inclusion of "a big heart, strength and mobility" Would also add her desire to be better. You can just see it in her eyes and shake of her head whenever she didn't 't live up to what she should or could have done on a particular play. It's something that all coaches want to see: the motivation and drive to improve. She will get better.
Adding to your accurate assessment I would also add that I think she will advance partly because of having to go against Gandy in practice. With her and a shot blocker like Serah, refining Jana's interior game should come much quicker. The expression "the game slowed down for her" is appropriate here too.
“Still has way more upside”…Those are the words I think we can all agree with! I (and I hope most others here) still think she’s going to be a major stud before her time here is done. It’s really imo more a question of when rather than if. I’m expecting a big jump next season.
So true. And it’s the same story with Blanca. We’re all very hopeful, but it’s all based on assessments of play and experience that isn’t exactly commensurate with the high school prospects we’re used to forecasting for. This makes for some surprises, good and bad.
I did not comment on Jana's skill set on offense earlier because the fundamentals are sound. The issue is confidence, to feel the time space she has available to execute what she wants to do in order to score and not feel rushed to do everything just right......once that sense of time expands for her in game situations in a UConn uniform, the fluidity with which she has done those same things even under pressure in representing Egypt will begin to show itself.
Wouldn't mind a little hook shot in there as well. That's a potent and often forgotten weapon.