Center remains the top priority regardless, but even if Kyndall stays i think a backup PG is very important. I dont think Kyndall is a great ball-handler and isn't quick enough to run point.
With 4 'ships open, I'd like someone who can play PG, even if they are considered a combo guard. A starting Center and a backup Center would be my preference for 2 'ships. Lastly, best available who brings something to the roster that we don't currently have; perhaps someone who shoots the 3-pointer well (as we lost Joanne and Audrey).
Speaking of Kyndall is anyone else surprised she’s not in the portal yet? I assumed she would be the first one out considering her limited role.
Until we pickup a transfer guard, then unless she greatly improves this off-season I don't see her minutes climbing much.
Yes, I am a surprised, 171 minutes total out of 36 games. You could tell if the game was on the line Vic didn't trust her. Even with the 7 threes against New Orleans and AC melting down and out she still couldn't get on the floor. I didn't think Vic and she had a future together but right now with our roster issues he may be glad she's there. She could really blossom next year and I'm rooting for her if she stays. Hopefully the light will come on for her.
According to the stats, Kyndall only played 170 minutes (or 8 minutes per game) last season. The sample size is so small of her actual playing time that it makes it difficult to determine how good of a player she will be. In my observation, Kyndall looked tentative and nervous most of the time and was likely concerned about making a mistake. She was rarely in long enough to relax and get a feel of the cadence of the game. We saw how much Shay improved between her first and second years so maybe Kyndall will be the same. I certainly don’t think she’s reached her potential. There’s about a week remaining for players to enter the portal so we should know soon if we have any other players transferring.
Kyndall can absolutely play combo guard at this level. More than a few P5 programs recruited her to the position also. We should be mindful that she was limited by a few things this year that are likely not to impact her should she still be on campus next year. 1. She was fighting Joanne, Audrey, Shay and Matharu for limited minutes. As the season wore on, Joanne and Rori rarely came off the floor and as I understand it was the same in practice. Just not a ton of minutes to get the reps most frosh need to improve and get used to this level. And you can probably double the amount of reps you would need to really play the style of ball Vic wants on the floor. 2. She was injured. Right around the NO game I thought she began to get a bit of a rhythm and find a spot in the rotation and then she got hurt. As we saw with AMo and even Deyona last season, an injury in your freshman season is almost guaranteed to set you back. 3. Her attitude/defensive intensity. I think these two went hand in hand for her because when she would get lost on defense in games and Vic would rip her, she seemed defeated at times. With another year of offseason work and maturity, there’s nothing to stop her from being a contributor the rest of the times she’s on campus. And lastly, color me impressed if she sticks it out. Tells me she’s got guts and she’s willing to fight to be on this team and that gets me excited because Vic’s teams tend to thrive off of adversity
I sure hope Hunter stays. It's not uncommon for freshman to have forgettable seasons and then vastly improve thereafter, especially considering the setback she had with the injury. The demands that Vic's style of play creates are not easily met, but she has all the tools to do it. She has huge potential and would develop nicely in his system.
And that’s why you aren’t the coach!!! You don’t make those decisions, Vic does. Obviously, you can’t see tremendous potential. Hunter is special and will get big minutes if she stays. Go troll somewhere else….
When you consider her injury and the timing of it, then you understand why her role was limited. The non-conference schedule is typically planned to prepare your team -- especially the inexperienced players -- for the conference grind. Look how long it took Moore to get back into any type of regular rotation after she and Hunter were injured around the same time in the non-conference schedule (although Moore was out longer). When you look at the different positions those two play and the responsibilities associated with those positions, then it makes sense why Hunter didn't see as many reps. Hunter had to be trusted to have the ball in her hands, often in a backup role at PG initiating the offense... that's quite a different role than getting down on the low block and mixing it up. Where a post player may have the luxury of being able to play through some mistakes due to a lack of experience, guards don't... especially when the depth at that position has significantly more experience with upperclassmen. This allowed Moore to come in and get valuable experience in those always tough, close conference games where the same couldn't be afforded to Hunter. If Hunter stays she turns into something very special. We saw brief flashes of her superior abilities at times... the shooting, strength, power, and athleticism. Player development is a four-year process that has to be bought into and is a commitment between both player and coach. It's only a matter of time for Hunter.
I’ve said it before, but Hunter need only look to her teammate Holle (who btw, many on this board were saying last year at this time you were certain she would transfer) to see her future with some hard work. Hunter also comes to the program much more heralded than Shay did and she’s well aware of that I’m sure. I’m in the “I sure hope she stays” camp and I’m also ready for May 1st to come and go. We need Kyndall on this team
I know a few on here seem to think that if we reach May 1 and we hear of no additional Longhorns players entering the transfer portal that all is well and good, but that's just one hurdle to step through. The May 1 deadline to enter the transfer portal ensures immediate eligibility at new schools for first-time transfers. But, players can still enter the transfer portal after May 1; they would have to then submit a waiver to receive immediate eligibility at new school. The transfer portal door never closes.
Hopefully, that eliminates Duke as an option for Oklahoma State's Lauren Fields. Her Dad had liked a lot of Duke tweets since their coaching staff made their in-home visit a few weeks ago.
You absolutely did. I was talking about Kyndall Hunter. 1. I don’t think (hope like hell) she’ll enter the transfer portal. 2. I sure don’t think she’ll wait until after May 1st risking sitting out a year or going through the arduous process of getting a waiver. Do you actually think that “some of us” here think the portal goes away after May 1st?
Let's use Precious Johnson as an example. She entered the transfer portal last October (well after the July 1 deadline) as her sophomore academic year at Texas was underway. Her waiver request for immediate eligibility was approved and played her first game at Auburn on January 9 even though Auburn's Spring classes hadn't even started yet; not sure how "arduous" the process could have been. I'm sure Kyndall Hunter is aware of that. If you decide to breathe easier after May 1, that's great. Once players currently in the transfer portal announce their new transfer school destinations (after May 1), that will trigger a new wave of outgoing transfers if they feel their playing time is going to be affected. I think we can agree it's a never-ending cycle.
Good point and was aware of that, but I have to think that any player SERIOUS about transferring would do so before May 1 rather than throw themselves at the mercy of having a waiver approved, May 1 is still a very important deadline…
When it comes to the NCAA it’s wise to never rule out arduous. But yes, I was not born yesterday so I was actually coherent enough to witness and comprehend what happened with Precious Johnson. I guess you’re gonna school me about Chevalier next
Wouldn’t be surprised if Carey helped a bit. Him and KM always seemed to have an affinity for one another.
I wasn't impressed with Kyndall as a Frosh either, but I said the same thing about JAT so you never know. But right now the biggest need is a tall, athletic center like Charli that can shoot.
How can you be impressed if she was out with a injury for most of the season. Dang give people a chance.
She hit SEVEN THREES in 6 minutes. I think most in here saw her tremendous athleticism and potential. If you didn’t see it, I have to question your eye for talent. I doubt she cares about your negative comment. Geez….
