[BosCard]

I'm really excited about Nivar '22 and Clardy '23 because we haven't really recruited athletic scoring combo guards that well over the last 15 years.  We've had smaller scoring point guards (Orrange, Williams), shooters (Samuelsons), slashers (McPhee), and lots of power forwards and posts but have not really done well with this type of player.  Over the past 15 years, the only player I can think of who fits this mould with this level of HS ranking is DiJonai Carrington who appears to be having quite a successful stint in the WNBA.

I’m going to shamelessly reply to myself here.  The reason we need athletic combo scoring guards is because you need players who can create their own shot to win the national championship.  Defenses in the final four are so good that they can shut down team offense.  Last year Stanford and UConn had great team offenses but when they met in the national semifinals, their great defenses basically negated all the pretty motion and passing.  The game came down to Bueckers creating her own shots and Jones creating her own shots.  It wasn’t quite enough last year but it was her same ability that won us the national championship the year before.

Agree 100%. That IS one of the few missing pieces that Tara and staff are addressing for this season and next.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that Harriel and/or Navar emerge and give the team that additional (missing) weapon.   If that happens, we will be extremely difficult to beat.

I am not sure we will see it this season though.  When we need a bucket and our team offense is stymied, the ball will be going to Jones or Brink.  Jones can certainly create her own shot and the next level is for Brink to consistently do so as well. Hopefully Brink is looking at Aja Wilson’s game.  She gets the ball in the high post or slightly away from the basket and is able to dribble in and hit short jumpers.  Defenses often double team her to take away post moves but those short jumpers are unguardable.  If Brink develops that ability to create her own shot even against double teams, we will have a great shot at another championship.

[BosCard]

I'm really excited about Nivar '22 and Clardy '23 because we haven't really recruited athletic scoring combo guards that well over the last 15 years.  We've had smaller scoring point guards (Orrange, Williams), shooters (Samuelsons), slashers (McPhee), and lots of power forwards and posts but have not really done well with this type of player.  Over the past 15 years, the only player I can think of who fits this mould with this level of HS ranking is DiJonai Carrington who appears to be having quite a successful stint in the WNBA.

I’m going to shamelessly reply to myself here.  The reason we need athletic combo scoring guards is because you need players who can create their own shot to win the national championship.  Defenses in the final four are so good that they can shut down team offense.  Last year Stanford and UConn had great team offenses but when they met in the national semifinals, their great defenses basically negated all the pretty motion and passing.  The game came down to Bueckers creating her own shots and Jones creating her own shots.  It wasn’t quite enough last year but it was her same ability that won us the national championship the year before.

Agree 100%. That IS one of the few missing pieces that Tara and staff are addressing for this season and next.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that Harriel and/or Navar emerge and give the team that additional (missing) weapon.   If that happens, we will be extremely difficult to beat.

I am not sure we will see it this season though.  When we need a bucket and our team offense is stymied, the ball will be going to Jones or Brink.  Jones can certainly create her own shot and the next level is for Brink to consistently do so as well. Hopefully Brink is looking at Aja Wilson’s game.  She gets the ball in the high post or slightly away from the basket and is able to dribble in and hit short jumpers.  Defenses often double team her to take away post moves but those short jumpers are unguardable.  If Brink develops that ability to create her own shot even against double teams, we will have a great shot at another championship.