|
|
Post by bulkey on Mar 27, 2024 22:32:52 GMT -5
Syracuse coach Felisha Legette-Jack said that the Bueckers she saw on Monday – which included an NCAA tournament career-best in points – was better than the Bueckers that led her team her freshman year. With 60 points to start the NCAA tournament, Bueckers is the first D-I player in the last 25 years with at least 60 points, 20 rebounds and 10 assists through the first two games of the tournament. "Paige was amazing her freshman year ... [Now] she's way better," Legette-Jack said. "I've known Geno since I was a freshman at Syracuse University. Paige is one of the top three that ever came through those doors."justwomenssports.com/reads/paige-bueckers-geno-auriemma-best-player-america-ncaa-tournament/#:~:text=%22Paige%20was%20amazing%20her%20freshman,ever%20came%20through%20those%20doors.%22
|
|
|
|
Post by magic on Mar 28, 2024 7:51:04 GMT -5
I would put Felisha Legette-Jack right up there with anyone to be considered as a possible successor to Geno when he decides to retire.
|
|
|
|
Post by semper on Mar 28, 2024 7:52:31 GMT -5
Geno clearly has tremendous respect for her.
|
|
|
|
Post by larrylegend on Mar 28, 2024 8:40:51 GMT -5
I don’t see it happening but if she somehow can carry the team on her back to an NC this year, it would rank right up there with Taurasi
|
|
|
|
Post by bulkey on Mar 28, 2024 9:16:45 GMT -5
I know she spoke off the cuff and we shouldn't necessarily take her literally, but if Paige is a top 3, then whom might she bump? It's an academic exercise only, just for giggles. But, if I were told I must rank Paige #3, then I would put her above D and maybe tied with Maya for #2. For overall efficacy and impact, Stewie reigns supreme.
I write that as musing, absolutely nothing I'd stand by. D was incredible. But, actually, so is Paige. Paige's time at UConn is conditioned by 2 things different from the other players. 1. She was twice injured and therefore her natural trajectory dramatically disrupted. 2. She's playing at a time of massive improvement in competition. So it doesn't seem like Paige has reached the same heights--and she hasn't on paper--with no Natties (yet!). But her on court performance is certainly at the very top level.
|
|
|
|
Post by larrylegend on Mar 28, 2024 9:31:41 GMT -5
I know she spoke off the cuff and we shouldn't necessarily take her literally, but if Paige is a top 3, then whom might she bump? It's an academic exercise only, just for giggles. But, if I were told I must rank Paige #3, then I would put her above D and maybe tied with Maya for #2. For overall efficacy and impact, Stewie reigns supreme. I write that as musing, absolutely nothing I'd stand by. D was incredible. But, actually, so is Paige. Paige's time at UConn is conditioned by 2 things different from the other players. 1. She was twice injured and therefore her natural trajectory dramatically disrupted. 2. She's playing at a time of massive improvement in competition. So it doesn't seem like Paige has reached the same heights--and she hasn't on paper--with no Natties (yet!). But on court performance is certainly at the very top level. then you’ve got Stewie. And then what about Sue Bird. holy moly you could do several hours of sports radio on this |
|
|
|
Post by meyers7 on Mar 28, 2024 10:04:50 GMT -5
Bueckers isn't up there on the Mount....yet. She might get there. But it will be tough. You gotta have at least 3 time AA., a couple NPOY and a couple NCs.
DT, Moore and Stewart so far. Still waiting on #4.
Think she can make the Tier 1 though - Lobo, Abrosimova, Bird, Charles, Jefferson
|
|
|
|
Post by swash on Mar 28, 2024 11:51:23 GMT -5
Bueckers isn't up there on the Mount....yet. She might get there. But it will be tough. You gotta have at least 3 time AA., a couple NPOY and a couple NCs. DT, Moore and Stewart so far. Still waiting on #4. Think she can make the Tier 1 though - Lobo, Abrosimova, Bird, Charles, Jefferson I think she's already earned Tier 1. Gaining the fourth slot above is still possible, but will likely require next season to get their ... barring miracles from here to the finish line this year |
|
|
|
Post by meyers7 on Mar 28, 2024 12:14:01 GMT -5
Bueckers isn't up there on the Mount....yet. She might get there. But it will be tough. You gotta have at least 3 time AA., a couple NPOY and a couple NCs. DT, Moore and Stewart so far. Still waiting on #4. Think she can make the Tier 1 though - Lobo, Abrosimova, Bird, Charles, Jefferson I think she's already earned Tier 1. Gaining the fourth slot above is still possible, but will likely require next season to get their ... barring miracles from here to the finish line this year IDK, Tier 1 without any NC's? I think after next year she'll hit Tier 1. She's got to get up the scoring and assist records a bit more too. But I imagine next year will take care of that. Only playing 2 and 1/2, maybe years doesn't quite do it. 3+ should though. |
|
|
|
Post by magic on Mar 28, 2024 12:28:48 GMT -5
As for shear BB talent arriving at Uconn, I would rank Paige and Maya at the top followed by Stewie and Diana. I saw the same thing in Paige that I saw in Ray Allen, the very first time I saw either play in person. Can't miss superstar !
|
|
|
|
Post by doggydaddy on Mar 28, 2024 13:05:17 GMT -5
As for shear BB talent arriving at Uconn, I would rank Paige and Maya at the top followed by Stewie and Diana. I saw the same thing in Paige that I saw in Ray Allen, the very first time I saw either play in person. Can't miss superstar ! I believe it because you are a great judge of talent. |
|
|
|
Post by bulkey on Mar 28, 2024 13:38:38 GMT -5
As for shear BB talent arriving at Uconn, I would rank Paige and Maya at the top followed by Stewie and Diana. I saw the same thing in Paige that I saw in Ray Allen, the very first time I saw either play in person. Can't miss superstar ! I believe it because you are a great judge of talent. I'm sure you meant it sincerely, DD, that magic is a great judge of talent, and let's all agree to that and move on. :-) To the point, I agree that when Paige first played, I don't think I've ever seen anyone at any level with the combination of her talent and BB IQ. The smoke hasn't cleared, so I don't want to put her (yet) at Stewie's overall level, though the halftime folks, I think it was, at the last game compared her to Stewie. |
|
|
|
Post by meyers7 on Mar 28, 2024 13:54:02 GMT -5
As for shear BB talent arriving at Uconn, I would rank Paige and Maya at the top followed by Stewie and Diana. I saw the same thing in Paige that I saw in Ray Allen, the very first time I saw either play in person. Can't miss superstar ! I don't think I'd put them like that. I'd put Moore and Stewart closer together, and Bueckers and DT closer together. Moore and Stewart were like freak athletes that could just do soooo much. Just gifted (by the gods). Bueckers and DT were not as gifted athletically, but had/have these huge basketball minds. And they facilitate and just know things and when to do things. And how to create for others. They think things and see things others don't. Stewart and Moore, just did/do things others don't (can't). I think if you asked Bueckers and DT what/why they did something, they could tell you how they thought it out and the why/when/how behind it. I think if you asked Stewart and Moore what/why they did something, they would say IDK. I did it because I could. |
|
|
|
Post by swash on Mar 28, 2024 15:11:01 GMT -5
I think she's already earned Tier 1. Gaining the fourth slot above is still possible, but will likely require next season to get their ... barring miracles from here to the finish line this year IDK, Tier 1 without any NC's? I think after next year she'll hit Tier 1. She's got to get up the scoring and assist records a bit more too. But I imagine next year will take care of that. Only playing 2 and 1/2, maybe years doesn't quite do it. 3+ should though. Fair. But I'm sticking to my assessment. I agree that her decision to return for another go-round helps her case for whatever measure of greatness we might pick. I judge Tier 1 (and you've got a good list there) based on what they could do, not their accumulated awards, banners, or stats. I do not discount those, but recognize that they come as a result of play when extenuating circumstances are approximately equal. Paige missed a half season and returned a shell of herself at the very end. It is a testament to just how great she is that the team made the finals that year with Supergirl essentially playing with one leg tied behind her back. Then missed another entire season for an ACL. Most athletes aren't "back" until the second year after an ACL... As great as she has been in the last few games, she is still less than the 100% we all desire for next season. |
|
|
|
Post by meyers7 on Mar 28, 2024 15:32:40 GMT -5
IDK, Tier 1 without any NC's? I think after next year she'll hit Tier 1. She's got to get up the scoring and assist records a bit more too. But I imagine next year will take care of that. Only playing 2 and 1/2, maybe years doesn't quite do it. 3+ should though. Fair. But I'm sticking to my assessment. I agree that her decision to return for another go-round helps her case for whatever measure of greatness we might pick. I judge Tier 1 (and you've got a good list there) based on what they could do, not their accumulated awards, banners, or stats. I do not discount those, but recognize that they come as a result of play when extenuating circumstances are approximately equal. Paige missed a half season and returned a shell of herself at the very end. It is a testament to just how great she is that the team made the finals that year with Supergirl essentially playing with one leg tied behind her back. Then missed another entire season for an ACL. Most athletes aren't "back" until the second year after an ACL... As great as she has been in the last few games, she is still less than the 100% we all desire for next season.I agree, I think next years version of Bueckers could be a unbelievable one. Hopefully she has the teammates to make that count. And true Bueckers missed time. But that's important. To be a great player, first you have to play. If Bueckers has a great year next year, that would make 2 (and 1 really good one), out of 5. Injuries probably cost Bird the Mt. It can happen. |
|
|
|
Post by doggydaddy on Mar 28, 2024 16:17:38 GMT -5
Fair. But I'm sticking to my assessment. I agree that her decision to return for another go-round helps her case for whatever measure of greatness we might pick. I judge Tier 1 (and you've got a good list there) based on what they could do, not their accumulated awards, banners, or stats. I do not discount those, but recognize that they come as a result of play when extenuating circumstances are approximately equal. Paige missed a half season and returned a shell of herself at the very end. It is a testament to just how great she is that the team made the finals that year with Supergirl essentially playing with one leg tied behind her back. Then missed another entire season for an ACL. Most athletes aren't "back" until the second year after an ACL... As great as she has been in the last few games, she is still less than the 100% we all desire for next season.I agree, I think next years version of Bueckers could be a unbelievable one. Hopefully she has the teammates to make that count. And true Bueckers missed time. But that's important. To be a great player, first you have to play. If Bueckers has a great year next year, that would make 2 (and 1 really good one), out of 5. Injuries probably cost Bird the Mt. It can happen. This season is only "really good?" Her stats are better than her freshman season just without the awards that Clark is getting this year. |
|
|
|
Post by vtcwbuff on Mar 28, 2024 17:39:33 GMT -5
I don’t see it happening but if she somehow can carry the team on her back to an NC this year, it would rank right up there with Taurasi Unlike Taurasi, Bueckers has a couple of top drawer team mates in Edwards, Muhl and Shade. If UC were to win a NC this year, Bueckers may have the numbers that get the attention, but she has a really good supporting cast.
If only they had a bench. I know it's painful, but imagine a UConn this year with Fudd, Griffin, Ducharme and El Alfi available.
|
|
|
|
Post by doggydaddy on Mar 28, 2024 21:17:23 GMT -5
I don’t see it happening but if she somehow can carry the team on her back to an NC this year, it would rank right up there with Taurasi Unlike Taurasi, Bueckers has a couple of top drawer team mates in Edwards, Muhl and Shade. If UC were to win a NC this year, Bueckers may have the numbers that get the attention, but she has a really good supporting cast.
If only they had a bench. I know it's painful, but imagine a UConn this year with Fudd, Griffin, Ducharme and El Alfi available.
I think Moore, Strother, Turner, Battle, Crockett and Conlon would take issue with that. |
|
|
|
Post by knightsbridgeaz on Mar 29, 2024 0:14:28 GMT -5
As an outsider, I have always recognized the high level of talent at UConn, and agree with all that Stewart, Moore and DT stood out. But so does Bueckers. And when I say stand out I mean as in watching them perform, I have been amazed watching Stewart, DT and Bueckers. I saw less of Moore for whatever reason (remember, I don't watch the majority of UConn games and never had, just the high profile ones). And the thing is, at the level UConn plays at, when a player stands out from other exceptional players, it is amazing.
|
|
|
|
Post by bulkey on Mar 29, 2024 8:12:20 GMT -5
As an outsider, I have always recognized the high level of talent at UConn, and agree with all that Stewart, Moore and DT stood out. But so does Bueckers. And when I say stand out I mean as in watching them perform, I have been amazed watching Stewart, DT and Bueckers. I saw less of Moore for whatever reason (remember, I don't watch the majority of UConn games and never had, just the high profile ones). And the thing is, at the level UConn plays at, when a player stands out from other exceptional players, it is amazing. I agree: to a great extent, it's trusting your gut. Paige has the "wow" factor. That's what Felisha Legette-Jack, the Syracuse coach, was saying. We can debate all we want where Paige stands with other UConn greats. To a highly competitive coach who's turned a major program around in just a couple of years (beat ND twice this year), Paige stands on the summit. 'Nuf said... |
|
|
|
Post by vtcwbuff on Mar 29, 2024 8:55:17 GMT -5
Unlike Taurasi, Bueckers has a couple of top drawer team mates in Edwards, Muhl and Shade. If UC were to win a NC this year, Bueckers may have the numbers that get the attention, but she has a really good supporting cast.
If only they had a bench. I know it's painful, but imagine a UConn this year with Fudd, Griffin, Ducharme and El Alfi available.
I think Moore, Strother, Turner, Battle, Crockett and Conlon would take issue with that. And following Taurasi's departure came the dark times. with Strother, Turner, Battle and Crockett. Sweet 16, Elite 8, Elite 8. That Championship was Taurasi's. Without her there would be no NC and a disappointing season. |
|
|
|
Post by meyers7 on Mar 29, 2024 9:46:01 GMT -5
I agree, I think next years version of Bueckers could be a unbelievable one. Hopefully she has the teammates to make that count. And true Bueckers missed time. But that's important. To be a great player, first you have to play. If Bueckers has a great year next year, that would make 2 (and 1 really good one), out of 5. Injuries probably cost Bird the Mt. It can happen. This season is only "really good?" Her stats are better than her freshman season just without the awards that Clark is getting this year. Stats can be misleading. By stats Clark is much, much better than Bueckers. Is that what you're implying?
But yes, so far, this season has been really good.
If She could carry the team to a NC, then sure it would be considered a great season. Getting a NC this year and then again next year would probably get her on the Mt. But we have to wait and see if that actually happens.
|
|
|
|
Post by swash on Mar 29, 2024 13:23:58 GMT -5
This season is only "really good?" Her stats are better than her freshman season just without the awards that Clark is getting this year. Stats can be misleading. By stats Clark is much, much better than Bueckers. Is that what you're implying?
But yes, so far, this season has been really good.
If She could carry the team to a NC, then sure it would be considered a great season. Getting a NC this year and then again next year would probably get her on the Mt. But we have to wait and see if that actually happens.
Would you agree that Paige is good enough to lead a team to the confetti? That this team around her is (wonderful and inexplicably successful under the circumstances) not good enough around her for that outcome to be ... expected? |
|
|
|
Post by semper on Mar 29, 2024 13:52:32 GMT -5
Please, in any evaluation take into account that Paige has only really played two seasons healthy. And that in her years here she's had COVD and the loss EVERY YEAR of significant players to injuries. She has never even begun to play the game with a full deck. So it's just not fair to compare to her to people who played without these terrible circumstances surrounding them. As a pure player, of course she's on the Mount. You just can't use typical measuring sticks. Sorry, but it's true and if I were Phil, I'd show you some numbers. Half of our team this year is in sweats, for the love a Mike.
|
|
|
|
Post by huskyharper on Mar 29, 2024 14:06:01 GMT -5
I think by any measuring stick (and I believe Phil has already posted them all elsewhere), our Paige has had the absolute best year statistically of any current player in WCBB.
I also think that if we (and I'm too lazy to) pulled out the stats for Stewie, Maya, DT or anyone else in UCONN history we'd see that PAIGE is head-and-shoulders above them all.
That she will NOT be granted the NPOY and other National awards is a travesty of media. She will however, win all of our awards.
|
|
