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- Jun 7, 2020
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We have disagreed many times in the past as to Nika's value to the team and most likely will do so in the future. I would, speaking for myself, take exception to your characterization of posters more positive takes on Nika's contributions,"especially on this board with those who love Nika for all they perceive she does that they perceive other Huskies can't" (quote from your post). In my case, and I believe it may also be true for many others, it's not about saying others can't do individually the things that Nika can, its about acknowledging the real value in what Nika collectively does do!
Given Geno's choice to have played Nika more minutes than anyone else on the team, which includes the two other point guards, leads one to think that he believes she brings somethings others either can't or aren't (this might be rather than any one specific skillset the collective contributions that she makes) . There is no other conclusion that can be drawn, since unlike last year, we have a bench and more significantly we have two other quite skilled point guards. And yet it would seem he still believes that 'we need Nika on the floor'. Couple that with the fact that she has started in more games than anyone on the roster, it's hard to believe that he hasn't/doesn't see things in Nika's contributions than seemingly you do.
I have mentioned before that I don't view Nika through rose colored glasses, I am aware of areas where she can improve her game (and have acknowledged them on here), but at the same time I do see and have seen from when she first showed up at Uconn that she is a tremendous teammate and valuable asset to our team's success. I unapologetically agree with Geno's assessment that she is unique and as he has said he's only had a few players like her in his career coaching.
This season's injuries/issues have allowed none of our returning players to play their best games. They have not allowed us to play the type of offense or defense that our coaches and the team prepared for. The team thus hasn't been able to find its identity and mesh in any consistent rhythm or flow. This has caused struggles for all of our key returning players (Paige, Nika, Aaliyah, Aubrey, Caroline), but on the flip side has allowed a lot of minutes for our talented new guys.
Our team has two major obstacles to somehow address, 1) get a second effective big on the floor with Aaliyah (which will allow her to reclaim her game of last season), and 2) get a second shooter on the floor to compliment Paige (which I truly believe will allow her to excel). If/when we solve those two issues, coupled with the upsides of a resurgent Aubrey (and hopefully a rebounded Caroline) and our solid bench we should be able re-embrace our original goals for the season of running a fast paced motion offense and oppressive defense. No-one will be better fitted to run the point than Nika. It was a thing of beauty the early part of last season and God willing can still be reclaimed this year.
