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Post by oldbeav on Jun 7, 2022 17:28:30 GMT -8
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Post by rmancarl on Jun 7, 2022 19:23:32 GMT -8
You can't really argue too much with those. If they had a 'most improved', I'm hoping Noelle won. I really never thought she would help as much as she did.
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Post by beavsteve on Jun 7, 2022 22:06:46 GMT -8
You can't really argue too much with those. If they had a 'most improved', I'm hoping Noelle won. I really never thought she would help as much as she did. I would go with Jelena as most improved. She was showing much more aggressiveness and good moves to the basket towards the end of the season. I'm really looking forward to seeing what she can do this upcoming season. |
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Post by 411500 on Jun 8, 2022 7:34:03 GMT -8
On this board we talk about players making a "Kolbie Leap" - a big improvement in one's game from one year to the next.
I'm coming to believe that the '22-23 Beavs are going to need something like that from two key players if they are going to be anywhere near the competitive team we are used to watching at Gill.
The two players who I think have the best chance of making a BIG step forward are Jelena and AJ....They both have shown flashes of promise, they both have unique attributes and skills that, if further developed, will produce impressive results on the court...I might be dreaming the impossible for Jelena and AJ, but I hope not.....
On the other side of the coin is the simple fact that if Jelena and AJ don't show big improvements in their game, we are basically going to field a Pac-12 roster next season with only one top-quality Pac 12 player....Not a good situation for any coach who wants to deliver a winning, highly competitive team.......
So, I'm hoping for big things next season from Jelena and AJ......It's only June, so this is really long-distance forecasting - but that's how I see it now.....
GO BEAVS!!
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Post by rmancarl on Jun 8, 2022 9:41:04 GMT -8
On this board we talk about players making a "Kolbie Leap" - a big improvement in one's game from one year to the next. I'm coming to believe that the '22-23 Beavs are going to need something like that from two key players if they are going to be anywhere near the competitive team we are used to watching at Gill. The two players who I think have the best chance of making a BIG step forward are Jelena and AJ....They both have shown flashes of promise, they both have unique attributes and skills that, if further developed, will produce impressive results on the court...I might be dreaming the impossible for Jelena and AJ, but I hope not..... On the other side of the coin is the simple fact that if Jelena and AJ don't show big improvements in their game, we are basically going to field a Pac-12 roster next season with only one top-quality Pac 12 player....Not a good situation for any coach who wants to deliver a winning, highly competitive team....... So, I'm hoping for big things next season from Jelena and AJ......It's only June, so this is really long-distance forecasting - but that's how I see it now..... GO BEAVS!! 411500, I'm in complete agreement. I don't have my stats with me, but the last two seasons, Jelena has averaged 12mpg and 12.5mpg. If you double her minutes to 25mpg based on her averages last year she would be right at a double/double (averaged 5.4 pts and 4.8 rebounds in 12.5mpg). She really had a strong WNIT. except she had 0 blocks. For her size, she is just not a shot blocker. Unless the Beavs do find another big, I expect Jelena will average right around that 25mpg mark, and right around double/double in points/ rebounds. I think most of us would be pretty happy with that. I agree with you on AJ as well. AJ may be the fastest person on the team, and probably the best jumper as well. Unfortunately, her jumping ability has not translated to rebounding yet, and her athletic ability overall has not translated to scoring. She's a decent shooter with a nice mid-range pull up jumper. If the coaches were to take one player in particular this summer and work on her skills, AJ would be the one to spend time with. Work on rebounding positioning and timing and work on using her speed to get her to the basket and/or perfecting that pull up jumper. Obviously, there is more to it than that, but she has the athletic ability, she just needs to work on the skill set to score and rebound. I love the way she plays hard on defense. The good news would be that Jelena should be surrounded with talent, although it is young, inexperienced, talent in Raegan and Timea, and the Beavs have wing/guard options in Bendu and Alexxus to go along with AJ and Talia. It still won't surprise me to see one of either Bendu or Alexxus have a career year for the Beavs this season. They both have a skill set that could prove to be a major factor next season. Of course, I thought that about Tea and Emily this past year, and Emily just could never get her shot together, and Tea just never got in the flow as well as I think she could have. |
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Post by 411500 on Jun 8, 2022 10:16:32 GMT -8
Nice post rmancarl....
If I had included the basic points and solid information that you provided in your post, mine would have been a lot better!!🏀
GO BEAVS!!
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Post by lotrader on Jun 8, 2022 12:03:42 GMT -8
I'm most excited to see our freshman wing Adlee Blacklock
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Post by sewingbeaver on Jun 8, 2022 15:45:17 GMT -8
I think AJ could really cash in on assists to Jelena. It seemed that Jelena and Ellie had some chemistry last season, would be sweet to see that kind of connection be created for those two.
GO BEAVS!
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Post by willtalk on Jun 9, 2022 5:41:44 GMT -8
I always felt that Jelena's issue in the past was more ladk of confidence than lack of skill. Scott often pulled her out for every less than stellar play. Once she knew she would not get pullled her game improved. I also would not be that worried about her lack of Blocks. Players her size often do not get as many opportunities since their size alone discourages players from even making attempts. You have to get challenged to get blocks. Most opposing players just get intimidated by her size.
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Post by rgeorge on Jun 9, 2022 10:13:13 GMT -8
Opinions vary... but, to me Jelena is a "slow twitch" athlete. It is not a skill set that can be vastly altered. She was/is a great change of pace, but in no way is she a Pac12 starter. The current personnel seems to be well suited to a motion oriented offense... lots of movement, cutting. Jelena basically clogs the floor. She sets decent screens, but the "roll" option is too slow and allows the D easier recovery. The "pop" is basically nonexistent and team would love her to be shooting it from 18'.
On D Jelena is a liability except in the post/back to the basket situation. OSU will be young, but seems to have the athleticism to not only play some pressure D, but to be able to switch defenses and play some pressure zones. Jelena is not that type of player. Again, if she's a starter, playing 25+ minutes per, OSU is looking to be a mid tier Pac12 team (very close to where they finished last year... or worse?!)
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Post by beavsteve on Jun 9, 2022 12:43:06 GMT -8
Opinions vary... but, to me Jelena is a "slow twitch" athlete. It is not a skill set that can be vastly altered. She was/is a great change of pace, but in no way is she a Pac12 starter. The current personnel seems to be well suited to a motion oriented offense... lots of movement, cutting. Jelena basically clogs the floor. She sets decent screens, but the "roll" option is too slow and allows the D easier recovery. The "pop" is basically nonexistent and team would love her to be shooting it from 18'. On D Jelena is a liability except in the post/back to the basket situation. OSU will be young, but seems to have the athleticism to not only play some pressure D, but to be able to switch defenses and play some pressure zones. Jelena is not that type of player. Again, if she's a starter, playing 25+ minutes per, OSU is looking to be a mid tier Pac12 team (very close to where they finished last year... or worse?!) Where she can be valuable in a motion offense is at the high post utilizing her excellent vision and passing skills. I'll take a wait-and-see position regarding the speed of her "twitch". She showed me a couple of moves towards the end of the season that were pretty quick around the basket and it could be a matter of increased confidence and aggressiveness. |
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Post by 411500 on Jun 9, 2022 15:38:01 GMT -8
rgeorge - - The number of 6'9 WBB players in the entire world with "fast twitch" you can count on one hand.
Yes, obviously, Jelena is not quick nor fleet of foot - if that's what you mean by "slow twitch."
She's 6'9 - that is the main reason she gets floor time. 6'9 is a big deal in WBB. Not a total game-changer, but, nevertheless, a very big deal.
Plus, as beavsteve points out, Jelena has good court vision and solid passing skills. She has become a good rebounder, and she has developed a quick outlet pass that is impressive for a woman her size.
If Jelena makes a big improvement that doesn't mean I expect her to be a Pac-12 All Star. Or another Marie Gulich. But, it does mean she will be able to contribute to the team in significant ways and that will help win extra games.
I agree that her pick-and-roll game is not strong. Certainly nothing compared to Taylor Jones. Not even close. But, on the other hand, if Jelena could use her height and volume to get 3 put-backs per game that alone would neutralize her lack of pick-and-roll skills - at least somewhat....
At any rate, I still believe that if Jelena sees a "Kolbie jump" next year she will make Gill a lot more fun for Beaver fans.....
GO BEAVS!!
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Post by rgeorge on Jun 9, 2022 15:53:50 GMT -8
rgeorge - - The number of 6'9 WBB players in the entire world with "fast twitch" you can count on one hand. Yes, obviously, Jelena is not quick nor fleet of foot - if that's what you mean by "slow twitch." She's 6'9 - that is the main reason she gets floor time. 6'9 is a big deal in WBB. Not a total game-changer, but a big deal. Plus, as beavsteve points out, Jelena has good court vision and solid passing skills. She has become a good rebounder, and she has developed a quick outlet pass that is impressive for a woman her size. If Jelena makes a big improvement that doesn't mean we expect her to be a Pac-12 All Star. Or another Marie Gulich. But, it does mean she will be able to contribute to the team in significant ways and that will help win extra games. I agree that her pick-and-roll game is not strong. Certainly nothing compared to Taylor Jones. Not even close. But, on the other hand, if Jelena could use her height and volume to get 3 put-backs per game that would neutralize her lack of pick-and-roll skills - at least somewhat.... At any rate, I still believe that if Jelena sees a "Kolbie jump" next year she will make Gill a lot more fun for Beaver fans..... GO BEAVS!! Stay on point... -never said 6'9" and fast twitch went together. But, since you brought it up, 6'5"+ in the WNBA are significantly more athletic than Jelena. 6'5" and mobile outplays 6'9" with lesser mobility. -as stated she'll get floor time. She's not really a starter on a upper level Pac12 WBB team. -I'm unsure what you mean or expect by a "Kolby jump"? Completely different type of player and skill set/athletic capabilities. |
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Post by lotrader on Jun 9, 2022 16:01:07 GMT -8
rgeorge - - The number of 6'9 WBB players in the entire world with "fast twitch" you can count on one hand. Yes, obviously, Jelena is not quick nor fleet of foot - if that's what you mean by "slow twitch." She's 6'9 - that is the main reason she gets floor time. 6'9 is a big deal in WBB. Not a total game-changer, but a big deal. Plus, as beavsteve points out, Jelena has good court vision and solid passing skills. She has become a good rebounder, and she has developed a quick outlet pass that is impressive for a woman her size. If Jelena makes a big improvement that doesn't mean we expect her to be a Pac-12 All Star. Or another Marie Gulich. But, it does mean she will be able to contribute to the team in significant ways and that will help win extra games. I agree that her pick-and-roll game is not strong. Certainly nothing compared to Taylor Jones. Not even close. But, on the other hand, if Jelena could use her height and volume to get 3 put-backs per game that would neutralize her lack of pick-and-roll skills - at least somewhat.... At any rate, I still believe that if Jelena sees a "Kolbie jump" next year she will make Gill a lot more fun for Beaver fans..... GO BEAVS!! Stay on point... -never said 6'9" and fast twitch went together. But, since you brought it up, 6'5"+ in the WNBA are significantly more athletic than Jelena. 6'5" and mobile outplays 6'9" with lesser mobility. -as stated she'll get floor time. She's not really a starter on a upper level Pac12 WBB team. -I'm unsure what you mean or expect by a "Kolby jump"? Completely different type of player and skill set/athletic capabilities. Kolby jump just means significant progress in development that shows on the court between last season and the next season. I think Jelena still has great potential to grow into a force on the court. First, she needs to be able to play more minutes w/o tiring. And work on improving her speed and athleticism over the off season (improve every aspect of her physical attributes). I believe Jelena will surprise if she commits to becoming a more athletic basketball player. |
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Post by jdogge on Jun 9, 2022 16:04:57 GMT -8
Opinions vary... but, to me Jelena is a "slow twitch" athlete. It is not a skill set that can be vastly altered. She was/is a great change of pace, but in no way is she a Pac12 starter. The current personnel seems to be well suited to a motion oriented offense... lots of movement, cutting. Jelena basically clogs the floor. She sets decent screens, but the "roll" option is too slow and allows the D easier recovery. The "pop" is basically nonexistent and team would love her to be shooting it from 18'. On D Jelena is a liability except in the post/back to the basket situation. OSU will be young, but seems to have the athleticism to not only play some pressure D, but to be able to switch defenses and play some pressure zones. Jelena is not that type of player. Again, if she's a starter, playing 25+ minutes per, OSU is looking to be a mid tier Pac12 team (very close to where they finished last year... or worse?!) So, another name but same 'ol "I know everything" attitude. |
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