Why Paige is Greater than Ever
Apr 5, 2024 9:33:46 GMT -5
rockymtblue2, McHuskyFan, and 1 more like this
Post by bulkey on Apr 5, 2024 9:33:46 GMT -5
Article in the Athletic by Sabreena Merchant. Most of it we already knew, thanks to DD and Phil. Maybe this is interesting, putting it in a slightly different rhetorical way:
Bueckers’ ability to work without the ball in her hands allows UConn to play her alongside KK Arnold and Nika Mühl, who have to function as creators. Even though Bueckers is by nature more of a playmaker, the Huskies needed her to shape-shift to accommodate the skills of their roster. Not only has Bueckers adapted her game, but she has excelled in the new role. It used to be her size (Bueckers stands at 5 feet 11) was an asset against guards, but even when she’s defended by bigger wings and forwards, she can still elevate into clean looks and use her speed to create space. Plus, she’s a master of making tough shots.
Because of UConn’s injuries, there aren’t many pure scoring threats on the court at all times. Bueckers has to score at a higher rate, and she has aced that challenge.
“I truly believe that this season was the time when she finally realized that, if she wanted to reach a certain level, that she was going to have to become a little more uncomfortable … at how many times she tried to score to take the pressure off our other guys,” Auriemma said.
Bueckers’ ability to work without the ball in her hands allows UConn to play her alongside KK Arnold and Nika Mühl, who have to function as creators. Even though Bueckers is by nature more of a playmaker, the Huskies needed her to shape-shift to accommodate the skills of their roster. Not only has Bueckers adapted her game, but she has excelled in the new role. It used to be her size (Bueckers stands at 5 feet 11) was an asset against guards, but even when she’s defended by bigger wings and forwards, she can still elevate into clean looks and use her speed to create space. Plus, she’s a master of making tough shots.
Because of UConn’s injuries, there aren’t many pure scoring threats on the court at all times. Bueckers has to score at a higher rate, and she has aced that challenge.
“I truly believe that this season was the time when she finally realized that, if she wanted to reach a certain level, that she was going to have to become a little more uncomfortable … at how many times she tried to score to take the pressure off our other guys,” Auriemma said.
