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Post by sushifan5 on Oct 9, 2024 15:16:26 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team.
I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing?
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Post by semper on Oct 9, 2024 15:34:10 GMT -5
Did anyone who went to practice see her play?
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Post by bulkey on Oct 9, 2024 17:09:00 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team. I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing? Welcome to our board!! We're excited to have your thoughts (save your sushi!  ) In another thread (sorry, you'll have to look for it), linkster attended practice, and, IIRC, said she played very aggressively and effectively. First, I don't think it'll be a 4 guard offense this year. We have enough strength underneath with Jana, Sarah, and Yanna added to Ice. And then Aubrey later on. Pretty sure Paige moves back to the 3. Second, I am happy Kaitlyn is here, but not sold that she'll be more effective than KK. KK had a very decent freshman year. Her main weakness, I think, was that she was maybe too aggressive and at times just didn't follow Geno's orders. That's stuff she has to learn. Kaitlyn, OTOH ran the Princeton offense (not surprisingly very close to UConn's) very well, and would certainly follow Geno's orders. So she'll certainly get minutes. She won't ride the bench. But meanwhile, she'll get top flight competition in practice and that will sharpen her game for a career abroad most likely, or in coaching. |
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Post by doggydaddy on Oct 9, 2024 18:27:25 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team. I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing? Welcome to our board!! We're excited to have your thoughts (save your sushi! ) In another thread (sorry, you'll have to look for it), linkster attended practice, and, IIRC, said she played very aggressively and effectively. First, I don't think it'll be a 4 guard offense this year. We have enough strength underneath with Jana, Sarah, and Yanna added to Ice. And then Aubrey later on. Pretty sure Paige moves back to the 3. Second, I am happy Kaitlyn is here, but not sold that she'll be more effective than KK. KK had a very decent freshman year. Her main weakness, I think, was that she was maybe too aggressive and at times just didn't follow Geno's orders. That's stuff she has to learn. Kaitlyn, OTOH ran the Princeton offense (not surprisingly very close to UConn's) very well, and would certainly follow Geno's orders. So she'll certainly get minutes. She won't ride the bench. But meanwhile, she'll get top flight competition in practice and that will sharpen her game for a career abroad most likely, or in coaching. I believe both you an our new friend Spicy Tuna Roll (my favorite) are underestimating Chen. Her game experience is invaluable and she has a great feel for the game. She finishes around the basket as good as anyone on the team and her midrange game is Bird-like. She might start but 20 mpg is in her future, starting or not. Welcome to the board Sushi!!! |
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Post by linkster on Oct 9, 2024 19:46:47 GMT -5
I remember how Senechal was under-valued. She was more of a wing and Chen is a combo guard. Chen isn't as big but is a much better ball-handler and is quicker. What they shared was a lot of experience and a lot of muturity. She will be a rotation player. She gives Geno a second quick defender to go with Arnold.
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Post by sushifan5 on Oct 10, 2024 1:09:43 GMT -5
Thanks for the pointers, I checked it out! Love spicy tuna rolls.
Went on a bit of a dig after this but didn't find too much - just another recent clip where she mentioned she models parts of her game after Ionescu. I'm still wondering why Geno spoke so highly of her, maybe there's something he's seeing in practice that we can't. Looks like we'll have to wait for the games and see how she slots in.
I do hope Kaitlyn succeeds, if only because we come from the same state 😁 but she is semi-unproven so I am tempering my expectations.
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Post by sushifan5 on Oct 13, 2024 18:51:18 GMT -5
There was a very short news piece on her recently. Mostly recordings from the media availability, but also a couple extra clips I don't think we've seen before.
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Post by linkster on Oct 13, 2024 19:54:39 GMT -5
Thanks for the pointers, I checked it out! Love spicy tuna rolls. Went on a bit of a dig after this but didn't find too much - just another recent clip where she mentioned she models parts of her game after Ionescu. I'm still wondering why Geno spoke so highly of her, maybe there's something he's seeing in practice that we can't. Looks like we'll have to wait for the games and see how she slots in. I do hope Kaitlyn succeeds, if only because we come from the same state 😁 but she is semi-unproven so I am tempering my expectations. Chen was one of the plums of the portal. Mulkey might have come up with a bundle for her. Chen has played in a similar system to Geno's for 4 years and was MVP of the Ivy League. Yeah, I know it's UConn but excellence is excellence. It's the same skill set. She will be a stabilizing force with all the 1st year players. And she is versatile. I can almost guarantee that her shooting % will go up. And the great thing is that I see equally impactful possibilities up and down the bench. Chen isn't a "must" for UConn to win. |
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Post by vtcwbuff on Oct 13, 2024 21:43:47 GMT -5
Isn't it great having so many players available instead of sweating about having enough healthy players to field a team?
I am a sushi lover. I would eat Ahi Nigiri daily - if I could afford it. Spicy Tuna roll comes in a close second.
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Post by ucchamp on Oct 14, 2024 1:21:55 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team. I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing? You are not missing anything. IMO there is only 1 assured starter. For me, I think Chen is going to start. I think she has a more consistent offensive game than KK. I don't believe KK's potential better Defense trumps what's on the Offensive side. Further, Chen is a 5th year sr and I value sr's a ton. I feel the only reason why the stats are similar is that KK was left open quite a bit on the perimeter where Chen was the focal point of the opposing team's Defense.. I'm also bias I tend to like high ceiling, successful, seniors and Chen is a 5th year. In regard to UCONN having "enough scorers." Probably true. But even if it is, there is nothing wrong with adding a strength making it even stronger to have to deal with. Attached is a great game Chen played in November last year vs UCLA at UCLA. She scored 24. |
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Post by rockymtblue2 on Oct 14, 2024 8:11:53 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team. I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing? I assume she has a career in the mighty WNBA in mind (yes, sarcasm) and that is what brought her to UConn. Her beginning practice interview had a certain stand off guardedness to it which may change over time. Starting??? She has skills but they were exercised in the Ivies. Yes, coach scheduled some better teams, but we have to accept that we have seen zip from her to date. Let me guarantee her success by saying I do not favor her starting if there are ambitions at point for KK. Personally I am not a fan of KK as point starter either, leaving me somewhat in the dark on that position. |
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Post by swash on Oct 14, 2024 9:42:18 GMT -5
I've been seeing hype of Kaitlyn Chen over on other social media platforms, with what Geno has said of her. People are saying she will be in the starting lineup, but I'm not convinced. She is certainly aggressive and goes for the shot whenever possible, and I assume she was forced to learn that at Princeton as the focus of her team's offense. But her shooting percentages aren't particularly special compared to teammates, and her 3 point percentage isn't great. Her high point averages come from volume shooting for her team. I don't quite have the eye for the details of basketball so it's hard to distinguish her compared to other guards on the roster. But Geno has a wealth of options when it comes to guards, and I doubt he will continue to run the 4-guard lineup. Surely she didn't come to UConn just to ride the bench for a year when she had several other quality options from teams in need of a PG, but there's stiff competition for minutes here. Is there something I'm missing? I assume she has a career in the mighty WNBA in mind (yes, sarcasm) and that is what brought her to UConn. Her beginning practice interview had a certain stand off guardedness to it which may change over time. Starting??? She has skills but they were exercised in the Ivies. Yes, coach scheduled some better teams, but we have to accept that we have seen zip from her to date. Let me guarantee her success by saying I do not favor her starting if there are ambitions at point for KK. Personally I am not a fan of KK as point starter either, leaving me somewhat in the dark on that position. Rotation is more important than who starts. The bigs: I expect to see either Ice or Jana most of the time, joined by Sarah, Ayanna, Morgan, or the other of Jana/Ice. Those five likely share key minutes, with Aubrey and Caroline shaking that group around if/when they're available and up to speed. Guard/Wings Paige, of course. After her the questioning ... and excitement builds. I expect Azzi sooner than some others, but she's likely a shaker-upper at some point after the season begins. KK and Ash will be in the rotation. So will Kaitlin. Qadence and Allie are both good enough to earn more than audition minutes and either or both could even shoulder their way ahead of someone in the previous group. That's five players for two slots... like we have early with the bigs. In both cases, the cream will rise and the subs will be good. There will be time lost to tweaked ankles, doghouse days, and other life events as well. So, that's a team with good flexibility. Now add Azzi, Caroline, and Aubrey... starters on most any team ... and that's like adding the Cy Young starter, the top closer, and a gold glove triple-crown threat at the All Star break! |
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Post by rockymtblue2 on Oct 14, 2024 16:45:47 GMT -5
I'm sure Geno has tremendous respect for Carla Berube and I suspect she sent him quite a bit of film on Chen before she came aboard. I suspect doggydaddy is right and swash is too. She'll start and get real minutes but others will eat too. We may have a couple/three bumps on the nose, but come March the team will jell and be case hardened and be prime contenders. |
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Post by sushifan5 on Oct 27, 2024 23:48:17 GMT -5
I recently found out that Geno had been pursuing Chen as a transfer since 2022, when she played against UConn (see the linked article). That does in part answer the question of "why her" and explain her recruiting with the guard-heavy roster - it didn't start when Nika left the program or when she first entered the portal. With everything he's said about her so far, I'm curious to see how things play out. Hopefully she has good minutes in the exhibition match. "Chen played all of 2023-24 for Princeton with the intention of finding a new home for 2024-25. Because of her unique situation, interested coaches were allowed to reach out to Berube and her staff early and often. And many did. Berube says Auriemma first expressed interest in Chen during the teams’ meeting in Storrs on Dec. 8, 2022, when the Huskies narrowly escaped the Tigers with a 69-64 win. Chen had 18 points and seven assists." www.ctinsider.com/sports/uconn-womens-basketball/article/kaitlyn-chen-princeton-transfer-huskies-19436889.php |
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Post by magic on Oct 28, 2024 7:52:44 GMT -5
Welcome to our board!! We're excited to have your thoughts (save your sushi! ) In another thread (sorry, you'll have to look for it), linkster attended practice, and, IIRC, said she played very aggressively and effectively. First, I don't think it'll be a 4 guard offense this year. We have enough strength underneath with Jana, Sarah, and Yanna added to Ice. And then Aubrey later on. Pretty sure Paige moves back to the 3. Second, I am happy Kaitlyn is here, but not sold that she'll be more effective than KK. KK had a very decent freshman year. Her main weakness, I think, was that she was maybe too aggressive and at times just didn't follow Geno's orders. That's stuff she has to learn. Kaitlyn, OTOH ran the Princeton offense (not surprisingly very close to UConn's) very well, and would certainly follow Geno's orders. So she'll certainly get minutes. She won't ride the bench. But meanwhile, she'll get top flight competition in practice and that will sharpen her game for a career abroad most likely, or in coaching. I believe both you an our new friend Spicy Tuna Roll (my favorite) are underestimating Chen. Her game experience is invaluable and she has a great feel for the game. She finishes around the basket as good as anyone on the team and her midrange game is Bird-like. She might start but 20 mpg is in her future, starting or not. Welcome to the board Sushi!!! So, why is everyone sure Paige is playing the "3" ? Is she not the top PG ? Seems to me Paige should have the ball ! |
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Post by UConnChapette on Oct 28, 2024 10:32:20 GMT -5
I believe both you an our new friend Spicy Tuna Roll (my favorite) are underestimating Chen. Her game experience is invaluable and she has a great feel for the game. She finishes around the basket as good as anyone on the team and her midrange game is Bird-like. She might start but 20 mpg is in her future, starting or not. Welcome to the board Sushi!!! So, why is everyone sure Paige is playing the "3" ? Is she not the top PG ? Seems to me Paige should have the ball ! I don't know that anyone is "sure" Paige will play the "3". Geno doesn't necessarily play players according to the traditional positions. If he has three players on the court who can all play point, can shoot the ball well from three, we may see multiple players bring the ball up and directing traffic depending on the opponent or circumstance. |
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Post by connboy77 on Oct 28, 2024 10:47:36 GMT -5
Welcome to our board!! We're excited to have your thoughts (save your sushi! ) In another thread (sorry, you'll have to look for it), linkster attended practice, and, IIRC, said she played very aggressively and effectively. First, I don't think it'll be a 4 guard offense this year. We have enough strength underneath with Jana, Sarah, and Yanna added to Ice. And then Aubrey later on. Pretty sure Paige moves back to the 3. Second, I am happy Kaitlyn is here, but not sold that she'll be more effective than KK. KK had a very decent freshman year. Her main weakness, I think, was that she was maybe too aggressive and at times just didn't follow Geno's orders. That's stuff she has to learn. Kaitlyn, OTOH ran the Princeton offense (not surprisingly very close to UConn's) very well, and would certainly follow Geno's orders. So she'll certainly get minutes. She won't ride the bench. But meanwhile, she'll get top flight competition in practice and that will sharpen her game for a career abroad most likely, or in coaching. I believe both you an our new friend Spicy Tuna Roll (my favorite) are underestimating Chen. Her game experience is invaluable and she has a great feel for the game. She finishes around the basket as good as anyone on the team and her midrange game is Bird-like. She might start but 20 mpg is in her future, starting or not. Welcome to the board Sushi!!! |
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Post by ucchamp on Oct 28, 2024 11:51:41 GMT -5
I believe both you an our new friend Spicy Tuna Roll (my favorite) are underestimating Chen. Her game experience is invaluable and she has a great feel for the game. She finishes around the basket as good as anyone on the team and her midrange game is Bird-like. She might start but 20 mpg is in her future, starting or not. Welcome to the board Sushi!!! So, why is everyone sure Paige is playing the "3" ? Is she not the top PG ? Seems to me Paige should have the ball ! Why can't she be both a versatile 3 and a pg? Michael Jordan got the ball a lot as a 2. Taurasi didn't bring the ball up much even with Conlon, so we all wanted DT to get the ball, which she did. So why do you think Paige won't get the ball if the initial start of the passing, motion offense she isn't the one to bring it up? The reason why anyone might suggest Paige as the 3 (I believe she is all this year a 1,2 and 3), the belief is because Chen/KK/Ashlynn are better as the 1's/2's than Ice is at the 4/5. And Geno prefers to run. |
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Post by chicagogg on Oct 28, 2024 11:57:11 GMT -5
Well, we'll find out a lot more starting on November 3!
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) In another thread (sorry, you'll have to look for it), linkster attended practice, and, IIRC, said she played very aggressively and effectively.
