|
Post by tallcornfields on Nov 29, 2016 1:13:53 GMT -5
I saw Hranika (NC State transfer) play with Poulter on the club circuit. She is explosive and has a very fast arm. After seeing her in club, not surprised to learn she broke scoring records in ACC. Was excited to see ILL snag her. Given our need for more scoring in the middle, was surprised she did not rotate in more this year. Maybe Hambly is developing her for next year. A middle setting scoring records in the ACC is very different than a B1G middle. I don't see Hranika playing at that level. She's obviously talented but it takes something special at this level. How would she fare against a Tionna Williams, a couple of Tapp sisters, a Haleigh Washington, a Brianna Holman, or a pair of Rolfzens? IMO, Illinois needed a back up middle in the event there was an injury to Bastianelli or Stadick and for practice purposes. Hranika fills this role. When there was an injury to Stadick, Hambly did not utilize her except in a very limited capacity. The fact that he played a middle with one hand rather than Hranika speaks volumes. It is understandable that Hambly played a senior returning starter (Stadick), even with a hurt hand. Hambly has been coaching and developing Stadick for years. Given the importance of senior leadership, particularly on this year's team, not surprising to see her get the nod over a sophomore transfer that is new to the program. Based on what I have seen, Hranicka brings a very different style to the MB position. Very fast and dynamic. Good fit for an uptempo offense. We need a middle and cannot imagine Hambly giving a scholarship to a player for "practice purposes". Will be interesting to see how he develops her.
|
|
|
Post by big10vb on Nov 29, 2016 10:12:17 GMT -5
....cannot imagine Hambly giving a scholarship to a player for "practice purposes". Happens all the time albeit not intentional.
|
|
|
Post by brucks on Nov 29, 2016 18:27:40 GMT -5
|
|
|
Post by tallcornfields on Nov 30, 2016 10:20:41 GMT -5
ILL has the individual athletes to compete. In addition to Poulter and Bastianelli, Donnelly and Quade were also recognized. Hopefully, they come together as a team in 2017 and make a run.
|
|
|
Post by 2muchbs on Dec 9, 2016 15:36:32 GMT -5
I agree with an earlier post. With the size and ability of the 2017 class coming in -- we will contend in 2 years. We just didn't have the firepower this year to contend. Wondering if Cooney will play MB or OH at 6'4" she will be a beast at either position. Van Dijke was getting recruited by everyone before her injury.. NEB, WISC, FLORIDA. Deburg is a get too - she could fill the OPP position. I wasn't a fan of BIRKS, her career hitting % was at or under .200 ( for a star OH , thats abysmal) but she pulled the team thru. Poulter needs to be a more vocal leader. I know Hambly doesnt name a captain but maybe thats the leadership role we need.. I completely understand why you wouldn't be a fan of BIRKS. Who wants a player that's a total work horse, isn't in need of constant attention,or spotlight,doesn't mind taking the majority of the OSS because she comprehended her role on the team, didn't concern herself with stats unlike some of her team mates and appeared to actually enjoy every match. Totally get it. Regarding the consistent posts seeking a faster offense I encourage you to watch some of the old tapes particularly the 2010/2011 squad. We now have a faster offense and it's not making as big of an impact as you want because the teams that consistently win titles win with POWER. Bartsch Ward Criswell BIRKS all had power but we didn't exploit the talents of the latter. If you watched the Penn State vs Nebraska game today when Franti and Lee dominated with power. Nebraska is loaded with power. If you're watching the great Carlini against Ohio she sets to her power. Ohio sets to their power Sambothe being one of them. Power and timing is what is effective. We had no power this season.
|
|
|
Post by rogero1 on Dec 9, 2016 16:54:18 GMT -5
Power without 1st ball control = no power.
|
|
|
Post by VB Watcher on Dec 10, 2016 21:53:19 GMT -5
Why does 2muchbs always bring up the past? Let look forward.
|
|
|
Post by 2muchbs on Dec 12, 2016 20:35:08 GMT -5
Why does 2muchbs always bring up the past? Let look forward. I was simply responding to what was already posted. Logically looking at what was sucessful in previous years comparing, might explain why the "new" system isn't working as well as expected. Did that really need an explanation ? Do you mean to tell me you don't think Donnelly,Davis or Welsh weren't solid ? They hid Strizak and Quade if they struggled it was not passing.
|
|
|
Post by usvballfan on Dec 12, 2016 21:07:17 GMT -5
Hmmmm, I hate to be mean, but the tick of this team is pretty slow.
|
|
|
Post by ilalum92 on Dec 13, 2016 17:31:42 GMT -5
I agree with an earlier post. With the size and ability of the 2017 class coming in -- we will contend in 2 years. We just didn't have the firepower this year to contend. Wondering if Cooney will play MB or OH at 6'4" she will be a beast at either position. Van Dijke was getting recruited by everyone before her injury.. NEB, WISC, FLORIDA. Deburg is a get too - she could fill the OPP position. I wasn't a fan of BIRKS, her career hitting % was at or under .200 ( for a star OH , thats abysmal) but she pulled the team thru. Poulter needs to be a more vocal leader. I know Hambly doesnt name a captain but maybe thats the leadership role we need.. I completely understand why you wouldn't be a fan of BIRKS. Who wants a player that's a total work horse, isn't in need of constant attention,or spotlight,doesn't mind taking the majority of the OSS because she comprehended her role on the team, didn't concern herself with stats unlike some of her team mates and appeared to actually enjoy every match. Totally get it. Regarding the consistent posts seeking a faster offense I encourage you to watch some of the old tapes particularly the 2010/2011 squad. We now have a faster offense and it's not making as big of an impact as you want because the teams that consistently win titles win with POWER. Bartsch Ward Criswell BIRKS all had power but we didn't exploit the talents of the latter. If you watched the Penn State vs Nebraska game today when Franti and Lee dominated with power. Nebraska is loaded with power. If you're watching the great Carlini against Ohio she sets to her power. Ohio sets to their power Sambothe being one of them. Power and timing is what is effective. We had no power this season. Sorry Birlks may have been great in all those areas but she didn't terminate. The reason she had so many swings was because Villunis was allergic to setting the middle. Middles getting 5 attempts a match is abysmal. And STATS do matter - hitting %. Who care if you are taking 1000 swings if your hitting % is not even above .200. We can't win with our big gun hitting .200. Your star player should take a leadership position and take the responsibility of firing up the team when they are down. Hambly said it himself.. Birks liked to be Robin instead of Batman. Not what you want to hear from your star. You want a player who is going to go out and attack, lead and motivate others to play their best. Not sit back and be meek
|
|