Why Sarah is an "Old Soul" | The Boneyard

Why Sarah is an "Old Soul"

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BBallF

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I heard someone refer to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders as an "old soul" today on the radio. I thought to myself, "we have one of them too". The expression is used to describe a person who is chronologically young but uncannily demonstrates an understanding and skill level, and also comports himself or herself like an experienced, mature person in a given endeavor. Every game she makes at least one play which you shake your head at, and she acts, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, "like she's been there". Last night for me was the elbow post up with the ball and the screen off of her. She realized instantly that her right side was open while her left side was blocked and just rolled to the hoop for an easy bucket. And after, expressionless. It wasn't a double or triple pump, or a great steal, it was an "in the flow" move that an experienced high level player would make.

On finishing that amazing pass from Paige on the break, same thing. Not even an acknowledgement of the pass. Just one seeming speed and tempo( there are actually several) ,serious not tight, calm yet not passive, and a skill set that I can't remember at or near that position by anyone else except Maya........maybe. I'm sure you can think of several other "old soul" moves by her but it's been cumulative for me watching her. Visually, you are usually taking for granted many of the things she does. Just watch carefully against Creighton and find that one or two "old soul' moves, whether a steal, pass, rebound etc. It will be there and it just comes naturally which is the remarkable part and also a reason why you might miss it.
 
BBallF said:
I heard someone refer to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders as an "old soul" today on the radio. I thought to myself, "we have one of them too". The expression is used to describe a person who is chronologically young but uncannily demonstrates an understanding and skill level, and also comports himself or herself like an experienced, mature person in a given endeavor. Every game she makes at least one play which you shake your head at, and she acts, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, "like she's been there". Last night for me was the elbow post up with the ball and the screen off of her. She realized instantly that her right side was open while her left side was blocked and just rolled to the hoop for an easy bucket. And after, expressionless. It wasn't a double or triple pump, or a great steal, it was an "in the flow" move that an experienced high level player would make.

On finishing that amazing pass from Paige on the break, same thing. Not even an acknowledgement of the pass. Just one seeming speed and tempo( there are actually several) ,serious not tight, calm yet not passive, and a skill set that I can't remember at or near that position by anyone else except Maya........maybe. I'm sure you can think of several other "old soul" moves by her but it's been cumulative for me watching her. Visually, you are usually taking for granted many of the things she does. Just watch carefully against Creighton and find that one or two "old soul' moves, whether a steal, pass, rebound etc. It will be there and it just comes naturally which is the remarkable part and also a reason why you might miss it.
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That WAS a remarkable move. Not a highlight play, and most likely not something she was taught. She just felt it. We are blessed to have her for 4 years.
 
BBallF said:
I heard someone refer to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders as an "old soul" today on the radio. I thought to myself, "we have one of them too". The expression is used to describe a person who is chronologically young but uncannily demonstrates an understanding and skill level, and also comports himself or herself like an experienced, mature person in a given endeavor. Every game she makes at least one play which you shake your head at, and she acts, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, "like she's been there". Last night for me was the elbow post up with the ball and the screen off of her. She realized instantly that her right side was open while her left side was blocked and just rolled to the hoop for an easy bucket. And after, expressionless. It wasn't a double or triple pump, or a great steal, it was an "in the flow" move that an experienced high level player would make.

On finishing that amazing pass from Paige on the break, same thing. Not even an acknowledgement of the pass. Just one seeming speed and tempo( there are actually several) ,serious not tight, calm yet not passive, and a skill set that I can't remember at or near that position by anyone else except Maya........maybe. I'm sure you can think of several other "old soul" moves by her but it's been cumulative for me watching her. Visually, you are usually taking for granted many of the things she does. Just watch carefully against Creighton and find that one or two "old soul' moves, whether a steal, pass, rebound etc. It will be there and it just comes naturally which is the remarkable part and also a reason why you might miss it.
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One particular OLD SOUL move is running to the rim banging the board right hand lay up - I figuring each time she does this it's 99% YES rate. Beautiful ! !
 
All of the above. My most recent observation is what a great arm she has on long passes. The famous sitting pass to the corner, or the 3/4 court fast break passes from her hip. It's just a flick of the wrist, then goes on a line like a bullet. She could have exceled in javelin or discus.

Also she is coachable. The past 2-3 games her defense is much improved. Using her quick feet to stay in front and keeping her body and arms straight up, boxing out. Really good.
 
Sarah is a very good player with a quiet confidence. For me it is hard to compare her to Maya because so much has changed in the game since then and UConn as a team has changed too. All I know is she is every bit the player Juju is and if she had gone to a team that let her play the whole game and shoot at will she would be averaging 30 points a game.
 
packwrap said:
All of the above. My most recent observation is what a great arm she has on long passes. The famous sitting pass to the corner, or the 3/4 court fast break passes from her hip. It's just a flick of the wrist, then goes on a line like a bullet. She could have exceled in javelin or discus.

Also she is coachable. The past 2-3 games her defense is much improved. Using her quick feet to stay in front and keeping her body and arms straight up, boxing out. Really good.
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The “sitting pass” is another perfect example. A sensational play made to look effortless.
 
BBallF said:
I heard someone refer to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders as an "old soul" today on the radio. I thought to myself, "we have one of them too". The expression is used to describe a person who is chronologically young but uncannily demonstrates an understanding and skill level, and also comports himself or herself like an experienced, mature person in a given endeavor. Every game she makes at least one play which you shake your head at, and she acts, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, "like she's been there". Last night for me was the elbow post up with the ball and the screen off of her. She realized instantly that her right side was open while her left side was blocked and just rolled to the hoop for an easy bucket. And after, expressionless. It wasn't a double or triple pump, or a great steal, it was an "in the flow" move that an experienced high level player would make.

On finishing that amazing pass from Paige on the break, same thing. Not even an acknowledgement of the pass. Just one seeming speed and tempo( there are actually several) ,serious not tight, calm yet not passive, and a skill set that I can't remember at or near that position by anyone else except Maya........maybe. I'm sure you can think of several other "old soul" moves by her but it's been cumulative for me watching her. Visually, you are usually taking for granted many of the things she does. Just watch carefully against Creighton and find that one or two "old soul' moves, whether a steal, pass, rebound etc. It will be there and it just comes naturally which is the remarkable part and also a reason why you might miss it.
Expand ...
I appreciate everything you said.

I don't want to derail the thread, but since we are talking "old souls", I want to give a shout out to Gabby Williams. Not just her game, but everything about her. Which is also true of Sarah, albeit in a different way.
 
Out of every 50 top-rated players are 1 or 3 that is way above the other 40-47 players that are on the list. Paige was one. Caitlin was another. SARAH IS ONE ALSO. She has the potential to obliterate many Uconn records and be a force like Breanna was. Sarah has 4 years to accomplish what every one thinks she will be. I plan on watching her the whole 4 years and that will be a challenge , as I will be 95 in 2028. Sarah is gifted from her parents for who she is and how good a player she is. I see multiple AA's in her future. GO SARAH!!!!!!
 
Cornell Lt said:
I would argue that Sarah is probably the most fundamentally sound Freshman in UConn history. That's a lofty perspective but she keeps proving me right.
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I believe MM would have something to say about that, especially when the season is not yet over. However, she is closer to a facsimile of MM than anyone since MM.
 
BBallF said:
I heard someone refer to Jayden Daniels of the Commanders as an "old soul" today on the radio. I thought to myself, "we have one of them too". The expression is used to describe a person who is chronologically young but uncannily demonstrates an understanding and skill level, and also comports himself or herself like an experienced, mature person in a given endeavor. Every game she makes at least one play which you shake your head at, and she acts, to paraphrase Vince Lombardi, "like she's been there". Last night for me was the elbow post up with the ball and the screen off of her. She realized instantly that her right side was open while her left side was blocked and just rolled to the hoop for an easy bucket. And after, expressionless. It wasn't a double or triple pump, or a great steal, it was an "in the flow" move that an experienced high level player would make.

On finishing that amazing pass from Paige on the break, same thing. Not even an acknowledgement of the pass. Just one seeming speed and tempo( there are actually several) ,serious not tight, calm yet not passive, and a skill set that I can't remember at or near that position by anyone else except Maya........maybe. I'm sure you can think of several other "old soul" moves by her but it's been cumulative for me watching her. Visually, you are usually taking for granted many of the things she does. Just watch carefully against Creighton and find that one or two "old soul' moves, whether a steal, pass, rebound etc. It will be there and it just comes naturally which is the remarkable part and also a reason why you might miss it.
Expand ...
I've heard the term "old soul" used by those that are into reincarnation - a precious few young people seem to possess wisdom that can seemingly only have been gained by this being their second time around (or having great genes and teacher parents)
 
Her demeaner, without the now typical celebration for doing your job, is a stabilizing influence for her more exuberant teammates, which is a weird role for a freshman.

Or maybe these things she has been doing are just the tip of the iceberg and she has more to show us?
 
Next 12 said:
Sarah has 4 years to accomplish what every one thinks she will be. I plan on watching her the whole 4 years and that will be a challenge , as I will be 95 in 2028. Sarah is gifted from her parents for who she is and how good a player she is. I see multiple AA's in her future. GO SARAH!!!!!!
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Awesome, finally a youth movement in the Boneyard.:D
 
Cornell Lt said:
I would argue that Sarah is probably the most fundamentally sound Freshman in UConn history. That's a lofty perspective but she keeps proving me right.
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You should use the word "arguably" because your statement can be argued and probably will. I do agree with your sentiment, but I would say "one of the most" to give myself some wiggle room. (Paige had a pretty good freshman year too.)
 
Alydar said:
Her demeaner, without the now typical celebration for doing your job, is a stabilizing influence for her more exuberant teammates, which is a weird role for a freshman.

Or maybe these things she has been doing are just the tip of the iceberg and she has more to show us?
Expand ...
She demonstrates what John Riggins said about end zone dancing: "act like you've done it before, act like you plan on doing it again".
 
I love that Sarah has no visible reaction to her play whether great or whatever!
A calmness about her!
 
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