[81alum]

I’m going to defend Nivar’s playing time a bit.  Yes she missed some of her scoring opportunities today but she brings a quickness, athleticism and slashing ability that we haven’t had in a very long time.  You see it most clearly in transition.  We tend to have guards who lead the break and then pass to a 3-point shooter.   If no shooter is open they just hold the ball and let the defense reset and we have to grind points in the half court.  In contrast, South Carolina’s guards in that one-on-one transition often use their athleticism and body control to get to the basket without charging and they either get an easy layup or free throws or both.  Those “easy” points outside a half court grind are crucial to winning national championships and Nivar gives us that potential element.

Yes, she is definitely our best slasher guard at the moment, although Lexie was a capable slasher and she was not that long ago!  I think Nivar needs to develop her three point shot to balance her skill set if she is going to evolve into a regular starter in the future.  She is 9/39 for the season from three point range.

[81alum]

I’m going to defend Nivar’s playing time a bit.  Yes she missed some of her scoring opportunities today but she brings a quickness, athleticism and slashing ability that we haven’t had in a very long time.  You see it most clearly in transition.  We tend to have guards who lead the break and then pass to a 3-point shooter.   If no shooter is open they just hold the ball and let the defense reset and we have to grind points in the half court.  In contrast, South Carolina’s guards in that one-on-one transition often use their athleticism and body control to get to the basket without charging and they either get an easy layup or free throws or both.  Those “easy” points outside a half court grind are crucial to winning national championships and Nivar gives us that potential element.

Yes, she is definitely our best slasher guard at the moment, although Lexie was a capable slasher and she was not that long ago!  I think Nivar needs to develop her three point shot to balance her skill set if she is going to evolve into a regular starter in the future.  She is 9/39 for the season from three point range.