[kat0189]

Probably a long shot but, but PG seems to be the big question mark for next year's Cardinal, and I've always been intrigued by this PG from LA:

(Only clue on academics is that she earned Big West All-Academic recognition in 2021, however)

Per the iconic Raoul_000 twitter page, 5'7" PG from UC Irvine Kayla Williams fresh off a redshirt sophomore szn with 15.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 74 steals and 67 made 3-pointers (34%), first-team All–Big West and All-Defensive Team, has entered the portal with 2 years eligibility left. 

Was actually ranked #72 nationally for the c/o 2019 coming out of Bishop Montgomery coached by Noelle Quinn, but might've got passed over by UCLA/USC as the Bruins signed Charisma Osborne (and Jaden Owens) while the Trojans signed Endyia Rogers that year.

Would certainly be a nice option against the Rori Harmons of the world.

[kat0189]

Probably a long shot but, but PG seems to be the big question mark for next year's Cardinal, and I've always been intrigued by this PG from LA:

(Only clue on academics is that she earned Big West All-Academic recognition in 2021, however)

Per the iconic Raoul_000 twitter page, 5'7" PG from UC Irvine Kayla Williams fresh off a redshirt sophomore szn with 15.5 PPG, 4.2 APG, 3.8 RPG, 74 steals and 67 made 3-pointers (34%), first-team All–Big West and All-Defensive Team, has entered the portal with 2 years eligibility left. 

Was actually ranked #72 nationally for the c/o 2019 coming out of Bishop Montgomery coached by Noelle Quinn, but might've got passed over by UCLA/USC as the Bruins signed Charisma Osborne (and Jaden Owens) while the Trojans signed Endyia Rogers that year.

Would certainly be a nice option against the Rori Harmons of the world.

[CompSci87]

How many of our players will take their COVID year?  Wilson did, but it looks like the Hulls will not. After next year, I assume Jones will go to the WNBA.  Prechtel, Belibi, and Jump could come back if we have space, but will they?

BC

You all are very resilient looking to next year.  I am afraid my head is still full of images of missed shots, missed assignments, missed rebounds, and missed opportunities. I just didn't recognize the team that played in Minneapolis and am sad because it was an opportunity to show on a national stage what a talented team we could be.

I guess next year will be a chance for us to organize a brand new philosophy: Haley Jones and the four posts.  Don't laugh.  If we put our highest rated recruits on the floor. this is exactly what we will do.  Prechtel is our best three point shooter.  Jones can bring the ball up the court.  Belibi and Brink are agile for their height.  If the incoming post is as good as advertised, she can't sit on the bench.  We will have match up problems and may have to zone on defense, but think of the match up problems for our opponents.  If we simply try to replace Wilson and the Hull twins, it just won't work.

Agree 100% about this year and yeah, your 4-post lineup would be fun to see at one point.  It's hard to compare Jump and Prechtel as shooters because one relies on quick release and the other on height.  As far as Haley bringing the ball up court, maybe a series of alley-oop passes can get the job done in 10 secs, LOL.

At the selection show open practice, the five posts were at our end of the court shooting together and joking with Tara about a 5-post lineup, discussing which one would play point guard. Haley wasn't one of the five IIRC. Tara had a comment on that which I couldn't make out, but it got a laugh.

[CompSci87]

How many of our players will take their COVID year?  Wilson did, but it looks like the Hulls will not. After next year, I assume Jones will go to the WNBA.  Prechtel, Belibi, and Jump could come back if we have space, but will they?

BC

You all are very resilient looking to next year.  I am afraid my head is still full of images of missed shots, missed assignments, missed rebounds, and missed opportunities. I just didn't recognize the team that played in Minneapolis and am sad because it was an opportunity to show on a national stage what a talented team we could be.

I guess next year will be a chance for us to organize a brand new philosophy: Haley Jones and the four posts.  Don't laugh.  If we put our highest rated recruits on the floor. this is exactly what we will do.  Prechtel is our best three point shooter.  Jones can bring the ball up the court.  Belibi and Brink are agile for their height.  If the incoming post is as good as advertised, she can't sit on the bench.  We will have match up problems and may have to zone on defense, but think of the match up problems for our opponents.  If we simply try to replace Wilson and the Hull twins, it just won't work.

Agree 100% about this year and yeah, your 4-post lineup would be fun to see at one point.  It's hard to compare Jump and Prechtel as shooters because one relies on quick release and the other on height.  As far as Haley bringing the ball up court, maybe a series of alley-oop passes can get the job done in 10 secs, LOL.

At the selection show open practice, the five posts were at our end of the court shooting together and joking with Tara about a 5-post lineup, discussing which one would play point guard. Haley wasn't one of the five IIRC. Tara had a comment on that which I couldn't make out, but it got a laugh.

[TheWildJacko]

At the selection show open practice, the five posts were at our end of the court shooting together and joking with Tara about a 5-post lineup, discussing which one would play point guard. Haley wasn't one of the five IIRC. Tara had a comment on that which I couldn't make out, but it got a laugh.

If this ends up happening, I want everyone to remember that I called it (with a little help from bl82):

https://thecardboard.org/board/showthrea...#pid343882

“Great points! Maybe Tara can toy around with an all-post/forward lineup next season? (I'm only half-joking)“

[TheWildJacko]

At the selection show open practice, the five posts were at our end of the court shooting together and joking with Tara about a 5-post lineup, discussing which one would play point guard. Haley wasn't one of the five IIRC. Tara had a comment on that which I couldn't make out, but it got a laugh.

If this ends up happening, I want everyone to remember that I called it (with a little help from bl82):

https://thecardboard.org/board/showthrea...#pid343882

“Great points! Maybe Tara can toy around with an all-post/forward lineup next season? (I'm only half-joking)“

[teejers1]

Jana
jump
Jones
Belibi
Brink

My guess.  Wonder if Brown healthy for the first time at Stanford
Ashton will play more than Betts so will kiki but the 4/5 future is bright
Demetre 3-4  Nivar at the point
Who’s going to the banquet?  I’m not but ask about Brown and Harriel.  Please :)

The PG spot is wide open.  Hard to know who will prevail, but any of a number of players could fill that role (JVG, Brown, the freshman)
I wouldn't be shocked to see Haley play some 2 guard and go with 3 of - Brink, Belibi, Iriafin, Prechtel, Demetre - at any one time.  

I'm not positive Jump starts for the season . . . though I certainly expect her to start some games.  Outside of Jones and Brink, there are few mortal locks for starting lineup, imo.

As for the UConn game, others have covered it well.  Disappointing to not play well; to not play well AND lose leaves a bad taste.  BTW, I suspect the "not playing well" part is what really chaps the staff and players.  Making a FF is always a great accomplishment - but really wanted to beat UConn because I think Stanford had the better squad (and it's not often we Stanford fans can say that).

[teejers1]

Jana
jump
Jones
Belibi
Brink

My guess.  Wonder if Brown healthy for the first time at Stanford
Ashton will play more than Betts so will kiki but the 4/5 future is bright
Demetre 3-4  Nivar at the point
Who’s going to the banquet?  I’m not but ask about Brown and Harriel.  Please :)

The PG spot is wide open.  Hard to know who will prevail, but any of a number of players could fill that role (JVG, Brown, the freshman)
I wouldn't be shocked to see Haley play some 2 guard and go with 3 of - Brink, Belibi, Iriafin, Prechtel, Demetre - at any one time.  

I'm not positive Jump starts for the season . . . though I certainly expect her to start some games.  Outside of Jones and Brink, there are few mortal locks for starting lineup, imo.

As for the UConn game, others have covered it well.  Disappointing to not play well; to not play well AND lose leaves a bad taste.  BTW, I suspect the "not playing well" part is what really chaps the staff and players.  Making a FF is always a great accomplishment - but really wanted to beat UConn because I think Stanford had the better squad (and it's not often we Stanford fans can say that).

[TheFarm07]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

[TheFarm07]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

[BostonCard]

Isn’t half of the Oregon team in the transfer portal?

BC

---

Interesting that we played the projected 2, 4, 5, and 21 teams in the tourney.

BC

[BostonCard]

Isn’t half of the Oregon team in the transfer portal?

BC

---

Interesting that we played the projected 2, 4, 5, and 21 teams in the tourney.

BC

[treetop11]

Jana
jump
Jones
Belibi
Brink

My guess.  Wonder if Brown healthy for the first time at Stanford
Ashton will play more than Betts so will kiki but the 4/5 future is bright
Demetre 3-4  Nivar at the point
Who’s going to the banquet?  I’m not but ask about Brown and Harriel.  Please :)

Already posted my thoughts on TOS and they are in agreement with you. Watched Navar video and she most likely to get most frosh PT. She cna shoot, drive, and defend. She wuill push Jana and Jump for minutes, but I suspect Tara will use most as a 2.

[treetop11]

Jana
jump
Jones
Belibi
Brink

My guess.  Wonder if Brown healthy for the first time at Stanford
Ashton will play more than Betts so will kiki but the 4/5 future is bright
Demetre 3-4  Nivar at the point
Who’s going to the banquet?  I’m not but ask about Brown and Harriel.  Please :)

Already posted my thoughts on TOS and they are in agreement with you. Watched Navar video and she most likely to get most frosh PT. She cna shoot, drive, and defend. She wuill push Jana and Jump for minutes, but I suspect Tara will use most as a 2.

[jonnyss]

Isn’t half of the Oregon team in the transfer portal?

BC

---

Interesting that we played the projected 2, 4, 5, and 21 teams in the tourney.

BC

chance grey is coming in. a big-time recruit.

[jonnyss]

Isn’t half of the Oregon team in the transfer portal?

BC

---

Interesting that we played the projected 2, 4, 5, and 21 teams in the tourney.

BC

chance grey is coming in. a big-time recruit.

[TheWildJacko]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Seems like a pretty reasonable list. UCLA could be better than #22 if they stay healthy.

[TheWildJacko]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Seems like a pretty reasonable list. UCLA could be better than #22 if they stay healthy.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

[qwerty49]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

3-pt shooters are great to find, but I think I would settle for mid-range pull-up jumpers. Kiana could hit those, and of course Amber Orrange.  Both Fudd and Bueckers have that shot.  I saw a shot chart for the season and IIRC our percentage from mid-range on either side of the basket was in the 20's.

Edited: the shot chart was for the season.

[qwerty49]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

3-pt shooters are great to find, but I think I would settle for mid-range pull-up jumpers. Kiana could hit those, and of course Amber Orrange.  Both Fudd and Bueckers have that shot.  I saw a shot chart for the season and IIRC our percentage from mid-range on either side of the basket was in the 20's.

Edited: the shot chart was for the season.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

3-pt shooters are great to find, but I think I would settle for mid-range pull-up jumpers. Kiana could hit those, and of course Amber Orrange.  Both Fudd and Bueckers have that shot.  I saw a shot chart from the game and IIRC our percentage from mid-range on either side of the basket was in the 20's.

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

[Spiny_Norman]

Stanford struggled with its 3 point shooting this season at times, more so than in recent seasons.

2021-2022 - 259 made 3s, 34.4%
2020-2021 - 290 made 3s, 38.4%
2019-2020 - 281 made 3s, 35.7%

More specifically, Stanford was 13 for 61 from 3 in its last three games vs. Maryland, Texas and UConn. Poor shooting eventually caught up with Stanford.

To keep defenses from packing in to stop Stanford's strong inside game, the Cardinal needs to have credible threats on the perimeter. Right now, the only guards on the roster for next year whom we have seen shoot well are Jump and Van Gytenbeek. Among Bosgana, Emma-Nnopu, Harriel, Brown, Nivar and Lepolo, who can step into the role of a shooter? It would be nice if Stanford could trade for a couple of Utah's shooters. It seems like everyone on that roster can make 3s.

3-pt shooters are great to find, but I think I would settle for mid-range pull-up jumpers. Kiana could hit those, and of course Amber Orrange.  Both Fudd and Bueckers have that shot.  I saw a shot chart from the game and IIRC our percentage from mid-range on either side of the basket was in the 20's.

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

[qwerty49]

It will be interesting to see if Jones can improve her 3-pt shooting in the off-season.  I seem to recall her FT shooting improved significantly since she arrived as a frosh.

[qwerty49]

It will be interesting to see if Jones can improve her 3-pt shooting in the off-season.  I seem to recall her FT shooting improved significantly since she arrived as a frosh.

[crackpot]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

[crackpot]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

[teejers1]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

Agree with you on Henderson as MOP.  She was fantastic.  (And btw, in addition to scoring well, she held in check both Van Lith and Bueckers).

[teejers1]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

Agree with you on Henderson as MOP.  She was fantastic.  (And btw, in addition to scoring well, she held in check both Van Lith and Bueckers).

[M T]

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

Depends on how you look at it.  Playing time, role, team needs all factor into this.

Williams had much more playing time than players on next year's roster.
Williams scored one 3pt basket for every 13.9 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 8.9 minutes.
Williams scored one point for every 2.36 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 2.45 minutes.  (I had to use hundredths of a minute or they'd have been the same.)

I didn't realize it before but in terms of points and minutes of playing time, Williams played and scored less as a senior than as a junior, and less as a junior than as a sophomore.

Points per 40 minutes playing time:
Lexie: 16.24
Hannah: 16.31
Kiana: 16.93
   I'd say that is "even close"

[M T]

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

Depends on how you look at it.  Playing time, role, team needs all factor into this.

Williams had much more playing time than players on next year's roster.
Williams scored one 3pt basket for every 13.9 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 8.9 minutes.
Williams scored one point for every 2.36 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 2.45 minutes.  (I had to use hundredths of a minute or they'd have been the same.)

I didn't realize it before but in terms of points and minutes of playing time, Williams played and scored less as a senior than as a junior, and less as a junior than as a sophomore.

Points per 40 minutes playing time:
Lexie: 16.24
Hannah: 16.31
Kiana: 16.93
   I'd say that is "even close"

[WildCard]

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

Depends on how you look at it.  Playing time, role, team needs all factor into this.

Williams had much more playing time than players on next year's roster.
Williams scored one 3pt basket for every 13.9 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 8.9 minutes.
Williams scored one point for every 2.36 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 2.45 minutes.  (I had to use hundredths of a minute or they'd have been the same.)

I didn't realize it before but in terms of points and minutes of playing time, Williams played and scored less as a senior than as a junior, and less as a junior than as a sophomore.

Points per 40 minutes playing time:
Lexie: 16.24
Hannah: 16.31
Kiana: 16.93
   I'd say that is "even close"

I agree. Kiana was a nice player, but not super efficient. A career 40% over FG and mid thirties from 3.  That insight about minutes is definitely true. Her stats per minute were pretty average. She did not have a particularly good final 4 last year, either shooting or as a ballhandler.  What she did provide was a terrific decoy and someone that other teams had at the top of their scout. That in and of itself became very useful and helped the rest of the crew tremendously.  Card didn't have that presence at the point this year (although Lacie and Ana did very well adapting to what wasn't their natural position) and other teams were able to better focus on everyone else.

[WildCard]

Indeed. Williams was also Stanford's top 3 point shooter (most 3 pointers made) each of her 4 years at Stanford. She was just an incredibly valuable player. We have not seen any guard yet on the current roster even close to her scoring abilities inside and outside of the arc.

Depends on how you look at it.  Playing time, role, team needs all factor into this.

Williams had much more playing time than players on next year's roster.
Williams scored one 3pt basket for every 13.9 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 8.9 minutes.
Williams scored one point for every 2.36 minutes she played.  Compare that to Jump who scores one every 2.45 minutes.  (I had to use hundredths of a minute or they'd have been the same.)

I didn't realize it before but in terms of points and minutes of playing time, Williams played and scored less as a senior than as a junior, and less as a junior than as a sophomore.

Points per 40 minutes playing time:
Lexie: 16.24
Hannah: 16.31
Kiana: 16.93
   I'd say that is "even close"

I agree. Kiana was a nice player, but not super efficient. A career 40% over FG and mid thirties from 3.  That insight about minutes is definitely true. Her stats per minute were pretty average. She did not have a particularly good final 4 last year, either shooting or as a ballhandler.  What she did provide was a terrific decoy and someone that other teams had at the top of their scout. That in and of itself became very useful and helped the rest of the crew tremendously.  Card didn't have that presence at the point this year (although Lacie and Ana did very well adapting to what wasn't their natural position) and other teams were able to better focus on everyone else.

[2006alum]

I agree. Kiana was a nice player, but not super efficient. A career 40% over FG and mid thirties from 3.  That insight about minutes is definitely true. Her stats per minute were pretty average. She did not have a particularly good final 4 last year, either shooting or as a ballhandler.  What she did provide was a terrific decoy and someone that other teams had at the top of their scout. That in and of itself became very useful and helped the rest of the crew tremendously.  Card didn't have that presence at the point this year (although Lacie and Ana did very well adapting to what wasn't their natural position) and other teams were able to better focus on everyone else.

+1 to all of this. Want to post more when I finally have time, but for now, will add that Ki's greatest gift was that she was a credible threat to the defense from everywhere: three pointers (including long ones), pull up jumpers, step aside (or back) jumpers, and slashing/driving to the rim. She could also create one on one better than everyone on our team last year not named Haley Jones. 

I'm hopeful Nivar will have a similar skillset, with perhaps more size and slightly less speed, because as much as I love Jones, having at least one pure guard who has that kind of offensive variation (and trigger finger from outside) keeps defenses honest in a way no one on our team did this year. 

And yes, I'm hopeful Jones keeps working on a three point shooting. It's hard though, because her natural jump-shot arc is shockingly flat and only seems to be good to about 15-18 feet out, so she effectively has to shoot with a slightly different motion to connect from outside.

[2006alum]

I agree. Kiana was a nice player, but not super efficient. A career 40% over FG and mid thirties from 3.  That insight about minutes is definitely true. Her stats per minute were pretty average. She did not have a particularly good final 4 last year, either shooting or as a ballhandler.  What she did provide was a terrific decoy and someone that other teams had at the top of their scout. That in and of itself became very useful and helped the rest of the crew tremendously.  Card didn't have that presence at the point this year (although Lacie and Ana did very well adapting to what wasn't their natural position) and other teams were able to better focus on everyone else.

+1 to all of this. Want to post more when I finally have time, but for now, will add that Ki's greatest gift was that she was a credible threat to the defense from everywhere: three pointers (including long ones), pull up jumpers, step aside (or back) jumpers, and slashing/driving to the rim. She could also create one on one better than everyone on our team last year not named Haley Jones. 

I'm hopeful Nivar will have a similar skillset, with perhaps more size and slightly less speed, because as much as I love Jones, having at least one pure guard who has that kind of offensive variation (and trigger finger from outside) keeps defenses honest in a way no one on our team did this year. 

And yes, I'm hopeful Jones keeps working on a three point shooting. It's hard though, because her natural jump-shot arc is shockingly flat and only seems to be good to about 15-18 feet out, so she effectively has to shoot with a slightly different motion to connect from outside.

[BostonCard]

Remember, the three point line was moved back 16 inches from last year, and three point shooting dropped mildly across the board.

On Williams’ declining scoring, remember that her junior year, Jones was added to the roster and her senior year, Brink joined the team. I don’t think Williams became less efficient; rather, the team added more efficient alternatives.

BC

[BostonCard]

Remember, the three point line was moved back 16 inches from last year, and three point shooting dropped mildly across the board.

On Williams’ declining scoring, remember that her junior year, Jones was added to the roster and her senior year, Brink joined the team. I don’t think Williams became less efficient; rather, the team added more efficient alternatives.

BC

[mbdude]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

Agree with you on Henderson as MOP.  She was fantastic.  (And btw, in addition to scoring well, she held in check both Van Lith and Bueckers).

Bree Beal had the assignment against Van Lith.  6'1 forward

[mbdude]

https://www.espn.com/womens-college-bask...25-2022-23

ESPN has us at #3 in the Way-Too-Early Rankings next year behind South Carolina, who incredibly returns everyone it sounds like except Henderson and then UConn, who are expected to lose Nelson-Ododa and Williams.

Arizona is at #12, Oregon checks in #18, Utah is right behind them at #19 and UCLA rounds out the five Pac-12 teams in the rankings at #22.

Oh, wow, all this time I thought Henderson was a freshman. I think she only appeared on my radar in the second half of our game at South Carolina. Really thought she deserved the MOP of the Final Four.

Agree with you on Henderson as MOP.  She was fantastic.  (And btw, in addition to scoring well, she held in check both Van Lith and Bueckers).

Bree Beal had the assignment against Van Lith.  6'1 forward