View previous topic :: View next topic |
Author |
Message |
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:15 am ::: |
Reply |
|
Tuck healthy and raring to go for Sun
http://www.theday.com/connecticut-sun/20170502/tuck-healthy-and-raring-to-go-for-sun
Quote: |
Tuck started at power forward for Connecticut during Tuesday's first exhibition game and came out fast like a dog that had just been taken off the leash. She made two 3-pointers and finished eight points in 12 minutes of play as the Sun beat the Chicago Sky 81-72 at Mohegan Sun Arena. |
Quote: |
"It feels good (the knee)," Tuck said "Right now, it's getting used to game speed and shooting when you're tired and still making plays." |
Quote: |
"She bounced back from (April's surgery) quickly, but she lost some of her conditioning," Connecticut head coach and general manager Curt Miller said. "She worked tremendously hard to be ready for the start of camp. She looked like she got a little tired, lost a little big of her legs, but you're seeing some of the stuff that we thought we'd see (when we drafted her)." |
Quote: |
Miller said that second-year forward Jonquel Jones (6-foot-6), newly acquired forward Lynetta Kizer (6-4, 230 pounds) and Tuck (6-2) would be the core post unit. |
Quote: |
Morgan's biggest challenge is to play against the monster power forwards in this league that are bigger, more athletic, than her, but she looks good." |
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:30 am ::: |
Reply |
|
Second-year player, Jonquel Jones, primed to breakout for Connecticut Sun
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/20170502/second-year-player-jonquel-jones-primed-to-breakout-for-connecticut-sun
Quote: |
“The referees, in terms of the foreign players, don’t call much for us,” Jones added. “You have to get used to getting hit.”
Sun coach and general manager Curt Miller was probably happy to hear that because it’s one of the areas where Jones needs to improve this season. |
Quote: |
“She is going to be able to play through mistakes. She is going to have to stay on the floor through those mistakes. She is going to have a great opportunity to really blossom on the WNBA scene in what we truly believe will be a breakout year for her,” Miller said. |
Quote: |
Jones had to endure two-a-day practices [in Korea] throughout the season. It took her a month to adjust.
“We ran a lot,” Jones said.
All that running put her in good aerobic shape, but her and the Sun training staff have a different challenge.
“She has some wear on her body right now, lost some weight, so we will need to bulk her back up because she’s going to give up 50, 60, 80 pounds some nights and they’re going to beat on her,” Miller said. |
Quote: |
“The difficulty when you have a post player who can score on the perimeter is that she can’t fall in love with it,” Miller said. “She has to still go and get baskets in the paint for us. She has to play with her back to the basket in the paint and be able to take the pounding. If not, she’s going to get pushed to the perimeter, and if she settles, hangs out there because she can play out there, she’s not going to be anywhere near as effective. She can’t be a finesse big kid.” |
I like the Connecticut articles. You get a good feel for what's going on with the team. With other teams, not so much.
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:45 am ::: |
Reply |
|
Sun Taking Stock Up Front As They Open Preseason
http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/connecticut-sun/hc-connecticut-sun-game-0503-20170502-story.html
Quote: |
"We expected a competitive camp in the post, and that's what we are finding," Miller said. "If it was May 12 and we had to make a final decision on our roster, it would be very difficult. So these last two weeks will play out those final decisions, and that's what we wanted. …We know Jonquel, we know Morgan and we know Kizer. But after that, there's a lot of people fighting for positions on our team." |
Quote: |
Miller said managing minutes in camp for Tuck and guard Rachel Banham remains a high priority.
"I think Morgan is ahead of Rachel [physically], so we will have to be patient," Miller said. |
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 22478 Location: NJ
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 9:44 am ::: |
Reply |
|
so Miller clearly wants Tuck at PF. So much for Hamson making the roster now. Wonder who the 12th player might be that the Sun keep(Faris? Hightower?)
_________________ LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
zune69
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 8193
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 7:18 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Looks like Adams will make the connecticut roster.
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 7:37 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
5 post players fighting for 2 spots on Connecticut Sun
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/20170503/5-post-players-fighting-for-2-spots-on-connecticut-sun
Quote: |
To use Connecticut Sun coach and general manager Curt Miller’s words: “It’s a dogfight.”
Miller was referring to the battle for post positions on the Sun roster. Three players — Jonquel Jones, Morgan Tuck and veteran Lynetta Kizer (barring injury) — will be in the post rotation.
After that, Danielle Adams, Reshanda Gray, Jennifer Hamson, Brionna Jones and Kayla Pedersen have to fight for the other two spots. |
Quote: |
The 6-foot-7 Hamson was a factor on the defensive side of the floor, finishing with six blocks.
“It’s definitely something to smile about,” Hamson said with a laugh. |
Quote: |
Adams fell into disfavor in San Antonio when she violated the league’s anti-drug policy and was suspended for three games in 2015. She was waived by the Stars last April and was not picked up by any other WNBA team after she underwent patella surgery last year. |
Quote: |
"I remember when they let us know that she was cut, I was talking to (fellow rookie) Jess (January) and saying ‘It’s real now.’ This is what could happen so we have to keep working hard and keep fighting,” Jones said. |
Quote: |
“Gray has the best motor; Danielle Adams is the most skilled and knows how to play the game; Hamson gives us protection around the rim and Bri is really talented, but young. She is a physical presence, finisher around the rim, but needs time. She has proven she can play against anyone her size. She is just in a whole new world playing against people 3 or 4 inches taller than her. It’s going to be an adjustment,” Miller said. |
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
myrtle
Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 32341
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:01 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones.
_________________ For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman
|
|
pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 67111 Location: Where the action is
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:06 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
Nothing says "shut up, basement dwellers" like cutting all of your draft picks
_________________ I'm sick and tired of the stories that you always tell
Shakespeare couldn't tell a story that well
See, you're the largest liar that was ever created
You and Pinocchio are probably related
Full of criss-crossed fits, you lie all the time
Your tongue should be embarrassed, you're a threat to mankind
|
|
Ay Mate
Joined: 12 Nov 2016 Posts: 1280
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:12 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
People at the game are saying Hamson looks pretty terrible.
|
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 22478 Location: NJ
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:16 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Ay Mate wrote: |
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
People at the game are saying Hamson looks pretty terrible. |
Hamson has terrible foot work. It's likely going to be B. Jones.
_________________ LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
myrtle
Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 32341
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 8:16 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Ay Mate wrote: |
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
People at the game are saying Hamson looks pretty terrible. |
yeah, I always thought even in college she looked really awkward. But sometimes if all he needs is somebody to come in and get some blocks...well, maybe.
_________________ For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman
|
|
Randy
Joined: 08 Oct 2011 Posts: 10911
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 9:40 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
If Adams could just get down to say Erlana Larkins type weight I think she could be all All Star. I'm betting B. Jones makes it. I'd rather have Gray than the others, but I'm probably a bit biased.
|
|
myrtle
Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 32341
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 9:53 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Randy wrote: |
If Adams could just get down to say Erlana Larkins type weight I think she could be all All Star. I'm betting B. Jones makes it. I'd rather have Gray than the others, but I'm probably a bit biased. |
Gray has a high motor but has always seemed under-skilled to me.
_________________ For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman
|
|
J-Spoon
Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 6827
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 10:25 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
pilight wrote: |
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
Nothing says "shut up, basement dwellers" like cutting all of your draft picks |
Or someone you just traded for.
Or the player who showed the best your two pre-season games.
Miller's in a bind, one of his moves has to flop, no Adams pun intended.
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 10:38 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Sun Getting Look At Players In 79-62 Win Against Sparks
http://www.courant.com/sports/basketball/connecticut-sun/hc-connecticut-sun-los-angeles-0504-20170503-story.html
Quote: |
"Typically in our league, it's seven guards and five posts," Miller said. |
Only if you strictly implement a 3-guard system or you consider SF's guards.
Quote: |
"It will depend on whether anyone else comes into training camp that may be cut loose from another roster," Miller said. "There's a lot of potential movement with rosters all over the league which might create a better fit for us. So I'm not convinced that we are done." |
Oh boy.... who is he waiting to get cut?
I actually think Thibault will be interested in who Miller is cutting.
Quote: |
If Miller is correct, and the Sun keep only five posts, cutting down the roster is going to be a difficult process.
Four spots will be taken by Morgan Tuck, Jonquel Jones, the newly acquired Lynetta Kizer and first-round draft pick Brionna Jones. Competing for the last spot are center Jennifer Hamson and forwards Reshanda Gray, Adams and Kayla Pedersen, who still has not reported to the team. |
The other author didn't guarantee BJones a spot. Wonder why there's a discrepancy?
Quote: |
"When you talk about the starters in this league there are great players. But there is generally a skillset that keeps role players in this league, either as a shooter, a rebounder or a defender. Hamson's is a WNBA skill set and she is a factor defensively around the rim. She has a seven-foot wing span and you can't teach that kind of size. And she has a good basketball IQ." |
Advantage Hamson
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
J-Spoon
Joined: 31 Jan 2009 Posts: 6827
Back to top |
Posted: 05/03/17 11:11 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
I wonder if the "typically in our league it is 5 posts and 7 guards" could be a hint that he won't be typical and will go with 6 posts? If Tuck could even play a little SF this could work
J. Thomas/Banham
Bentley/C. Williams
A. Thomas/Stricklen
Kizer/Tuck/Adams
J. Jones/Hamson/B. Jones
|
|
toad455
Joined: 16 Nov 2005 Posts: 22478 Location: NJ
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 5:57 am ::: |
Reply |
|
Miller has both Tuck & A Thomas to slide between SF & PF. So keeping Hamson might be an option. I feel B. Jones is making it & that 12th spot will be between Hamson, Gray & Faris.
_________________ LET'S GO LIBERTY!!!!!!
Twitter: @TBRBWAY
|
|
pilight
Joined: 23 Sep 2004 Posts: 67111 Location: Where the action is
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 11:06 am ::: |
Reply |
|
J-Spoon wrote: |
pilight wrote: |
myrtle wrote: |
It's always sad when it comes down to the last cuts. But based on D. Adams two games draining shots, it's pretty hard to cut that even if she can't defend Luke Ridnour's chair. So it seems like that last spot is between the towering Hamson and the baby Jones. |
Nothing says "shut up, basement dwellers" like cutting all of your draft picks |
Or someone you just traded for.
Or the player who showed the best your two pre-season games.
Miller's in a bind, one of his moves has to flop, no Adams pun intended. |
You could definitely cut Hamson without worrying about somebody else picking her up. With BJones, you never know.
_________________ I'm sick and tired of the stories that you always tell
Shakespeare couldn't tell a story that well
See, you're the largest liar that was ever created
You and Pinocchio are probably related
Full of criss-crossed fits, you lie all the time
Your tongue should be embarrassed, you're a threat to mankind
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
|
Ay Mate
Joined: 12 Nov 2016 Posts: 1280
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 4:52 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Kizer arrived in Connecticut a few hours ago. A cut is on its way.
|
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 7:22 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Connecticut Sun coach excited to get in film room after 2 preseason games
http://www.norwichbulletin.com/sports/20170504/connecticut-sun-coach-excited-to-get-in-film-room-after-2-preseason-games
Quote: |
Traditionally, most WNBA teams retain five post players and seven guards and Miller said the Sun will likely follow suit. But he could go the route of six forward/centers and six guards. |
Quote: |
The player who most impacted the first two preseason games was pretty easy to spot.
Danielle Adams is a former All-Star who led the Sun in scoring — 12 points against the Sky and 17 versus the Sparks — in both contests.
She converted on 8-of-12 from beyond the 3-point arc, including going 5-for-5 during a four-minute stretch in the second quarter against the Sparks.
That kind of instant offense is hard to ignore, even if she is a bit of a defensive liability. |
Quote: |
Miller also was impressed with third-round pick Jessica January out of DePaul.
She scored five points against Chicago and eight against the Sparks.
The odds are stacked against third-round picks making WNBA rosters, but Miller has liked what he has seen.
“She’s a warrior. We used a different terminology in our coaches room at the end of the (postgame) meeting. She is a tough son of a gun. Tough son of a guns stick in this league,” Miller said. |
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
Wiseone1
Joined: 13 Oct 2011 Posts: 266
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 9:10 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Ay Mate wrote: |
Kizer arrived in Connecticut a few hours ago. A cut is on its way. |
Any insight on who it will be?
|
|
myrtle
Joined: 02 May 2008 Posts: 32341
Back to top |
Posted: 05/04/17 9:12 pm ::: |
Reply |
|
Adams is so puffy in that picture, I really do wonder if she has a health problem.
_________________ For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it.
If only we’re brave enough to be it.
- Amanda Gorman
|
|
zune69
Joined: 27 May 2010 Posts: 8193
Back to top |
|
Shades
Joined: 10 Jul 2006 Posts: 63930
Back to top |
Posted: 05/05/17 1:54 am ::: |
Reply |
|
zune69 wrote: |
Dallas gets first dibs....... |
I'd be disappointed if DAL didn't keep the Fab Five together.
_________________ Nnekalonians 1:14 - Thou shalt not accept that which is not earned
|
|
|
|