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Post by ironhammer on Jul 19, 2020 21:24:54 GMT -5
I may be in the minority, along with @toddyj , but I think Hancock is a solid option for a 2nd setter. Her one liability is blocking, but her overall game is solid. So is her setting -- she's been on the international scene for 5+ years. She brings experience and talent, even if it's only utilized in the double sub. Poulter is definitely the future, but I don't hink she has to be now when she'll still be young (and much more experienced) heading into Paris. Carlini/Hancock is a strong combination to have. Hancock vs Poulter, how do they compare? |
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Post by bruinsgold on Jul 19, 2020 21:45:30 GMT -5
I may be in the minority, along with @toddyj , but I think Hancock is a solid option for a 2nd setter. Her one liability is blocking, but her overall game is solid. So is her setting -- she's been on the international scene for 5+ years. She brings experience and talent, even if it's only utilized in the double sub. Poulter is definitely the future, but I don't hink she has to be now when she'll still be young (and much more experienced) heading into Paris. Carlini/Hancock is a strong combination to have. Hancock vs Poulter, how do they compare? I think they're two very different setters, but not in a bad way. I can't speak to Poulter's international play outside of VNL 2019, but she sets a great tempo to the left side and has a good connection with middles in front of her. I think that lends more toward the fact that, while she was a setter at Illinois, that's what she was working with (strong left side attackers, good middles, passing that forced her off the net a lot). Her blocking is really strong. She really does put up a good ball, but I think parts of her game can be predictable or streaky. That can be developed with experience. Hancock sets a great tempo behind her, has really good floor defense, can deliver a good high ball when needed, great in system setter who I feel keeps teams guessing, especially since she's still crafty at taking the ball over on 2. Obviously, her blocking is a glaring weakness. I think she also has great leadership qualities, that coming from her experience. |
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Post by trojansc on Jul 19, 2020 22:09:15 GMT -5
I actually like Hancock, and I say this as someone who didn't think she would grow to be an Olympic-level setter even despite an excellent college career.
I don't think she's out of the running yet. Poultry needs a little more seasoning, and that could clinch her spot. It will be interesting!
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Post by werka on Jul 19, 2020 22:19:38 GMT -5
I used to believe that 2020's 2nd setter spot will have boiled down to either Hancock or Poulter. I think this extended period will only do better for Poulter.
With regards to the lineup, I think we'll only see about 16, at most 18 girls for VNLs. This will be training ground for OG's and I see them starting out with new faces at the 1st 2 weeks and then start to infuse the vets/OG lineup.
OH: Larson, Hill, MBH, Robinson, Plummer
OPP: Drews, Thompson
SET: Carlini, Poulter, Hancock
MB: Akinradewo, Ogbogu, Adams, Washington, Dixon, Rettke
LIB: JWO, Hentz
is what I want to see.
I want to see them trying out combinations with Plummer and Thompson (both at left, either at OH/OPP, etc.)
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Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2020 22:25:54 GMT -5
Hancock vs Poulter, how do they compare? I think they're two very different setters, but not in a bad way. I can't speak to Poulter's international play outside of VNL 2019, but she sets a great tempo to the left side and has a good connection with middles in front of her. I think that lends more toward the fact that, while she was a setter at Illinois, that's what she was working with (strong left side attackers, good middles, passing that forced her off the net a lot). Her blocking is really strong. She really does put up a good ball, but I think parts of her game can be predictable or streaky. That can be developed with experience. Hancock sets a great tempo behind her, has really good floor defense, can deliver a good high ball when needed, great in system setter who I feel keeps teams guessing, especially since she's still crafty at taking the ball over on 2. Obviously, her blocking is a glaring weakness. I think she also has great leadership qualities, that coming from her experience. I think that's what'll get Poulter looking from the outside in come olympic time is where her setting strengths are. USA's go-to's are the opposites and Poulter hasn't had the best connection with either of them like Carlini does. and I would argue Hancock has a better connection there too. I really believe if Kiraly swallowed his pride for this next year and let Hancock serve her serve, we could really have something. I think that serve could outweigh any of her negatives. Which to me is only her block. but I have a feeling with Karch's streak of snubbing certain players and from what we saw in 2019 VNL. it'll be Carlini and Poulter |
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Post by Disc808 on Jul 19, 2020 22:30:22 GMT -5
Wondering if Carlini is going to be the “main” setter
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Post by reformate on Jul 19, 2020 22:52:24 GMT -5
With the pressure to make up for the lost time due to the pandemic and the opportunity to tune up with teams at a fairly high level in preparation for the Olympics, I think Karch will go for a lean lineup. Personally, I wish Karch will take this opportunity to play Larson and Robinson separately - we will not win big games with two defensive OHs in the court simultaneously.
What I did was to list down (who I think are) the three best players per position -
OH1: Larson, Robinson, Foecke
OH2: Bartsch-Hackley, Hill, Plummer
MB1: Washington, Rettke, Akinradewo
MB2: Ogbogu, Dixon, Adams
OPP: Drews, Thompson, Lowe
SET: Carlini, Poulter, Hancock
LIB: Courtney, Wong-Orantes, Hentz
GROUP 1: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Washington, Ogbogu, Drews, Carlini, Courtney
GROUP 2: Robinson, Hill, Rettke, Dixon, Thompson, Poulter, Wong-Orantes
GROUP 3: Foecke, Plummer, Akinradewo, Adams, Lowe, Hancock, Hentz
WEEK 1: BRAZIL
Opponents - DOM, CAN, BRA
Lineup - Groups 2 and 3
OHs: Robinson, Hill, Foecke, Plummer
MBs: Rettke, Dixon, Akinradewo, Adams
OPP: Thompson, Lowe
SET: Poulter, Hancock
LIB: Wong-Orantes, Hentz
WEEKS 2 and 3: SERBIA and GERMANY
(combined due to proximity)
Opponents - NED, THA, SRB, ITA, KOR, GER
Lineup - Groups 1 and 3
OHs: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Foecke, Plummer
MBs: Washington, Ogbogu, Akinradewo, Adams
OPP: Drews, Lowe
SET: Carlini, Hancock
LIB: Courtney, Hentz
WEEK 4: USA
Opponents - BEL, JPN, TUR
Lineup - Groups 2 and 3
OHs: Robinson, Hill, Foecke, Plummer
MBs: Rettke, Dixon, Akinradewo, Adams
OPP: Thompson, Lowe
SET: Poulter, Hancock
LIB: Wong-Orantes, Hentz
WEEK 5 and FINALS: CHINA
Opponents - RUS, POL, CHN, plus final round opponents
Lineup - Groups 1 and 2
OHs: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Robinson, Hill
MBs: Washington, Ogbogu, Rettke, Dixon
OPP: Drews, Thompson
SET: Carlini, Poulter
LIB: Courtney, Wong-Orantes
Group 3 actually has the most lineup appearances per week to provide the most opportunities to the youngest players - Foecke, Plummer, Rettke, Thompson, and Hentz. It's up to Karch on how he will use these players.
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2020 0:11:41 GMT -5
With the pressure to make up for the lost time due to the pandemic and the opportunity to tune up with teams at a fairly high level in preparation for the Olympics, I think Karch will go for a lean lineup. Personally, I wish Karch will take this opportunity to play Larson and Robinson separately - we will not win big games with two defensive OHs in the court simultaneously. What I did was to list down (who I think are) the three best players per position - OH1: Larson, Robinson, Foecke OH2: Bartsch-Hackley, Hill, Plummer MB1: Washington, Rettke, Akinradewo MB2: Ogbogu, Dixon, Adams OPP: Drews, Thompson, Lowe SET: Carlini, Poulter, Hancock LIB: Courtney, Wong-Orantes, Hentz GROUP 1: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Washington, Ogbogu, Drews, Carlini, Courtney GROUP 2: Robinson, Hill, Rettke, Dixon, Thompson, Poulter, Wong-Orantes GROUP 3: Foecke, Plummer, Akinradewo, Adams, Lowe, Hancock, Hentz WEEK 1: BRAZIL Opponents - DOM, CAN, BRA Lineup - Groups 2 and 3 OHs: Robinson, Hill, Foecke, Plummer MBs: Rettke, Dixon, Akinradewo, Adams OPP: Thompson, Lowe SET: Poulter, Hancock LIB: Wong-Orantes, Hentz WEEKS 2 and 3: SERBIA and GERMANY (combined due to proximity) Opponents - NED, THA, SRB, ITA, KOR, GER Lineup - Groups 1 and 3 OHs: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Foecke, Plummer MBs: Washington, Ogbogu, Akinradewo, Adams OPP: Drews, Lowe SET: Carlini, Hancock LIB: Courtney, Hentz WEEK 4: USA Opponents - BEL, JPN, TUR Lineup - Groups 2 and 3 OHs: Robinson, Hill, Foecke, Plummer MBs: Rettke, Dixon, Akinradewo, Adams OPP: Thompson, Lowe SET: Poulter, Hancock LIB: Wong-Orantes, Hentz WEEK 5 and FINALS: CHINA Opponents - RUS, POL, CHN, plus final round opponents Lineup - Groups 1 and 2 OHs: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Robinson, Hill MBs: Washington, Ogbogu, Rettke, Dixon OPP: Drews, Thompson SET: Carlini, Poulter LIB: Courtney, Wong-Orantes Group 3 actually has the most lineup appearances per week to provide the most opportunities to the youngest players - Foecke, Plummer, Rettke, Thompson, and Hentz. It's up to Karch on how he will use these players. I like everything about the way you set this up. Thanks for sharing! |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 20, 2020 0:16:36 GMT -5
Yes Hancock is shorter but she is quicker and plays better in transition than Poulter does at the moment. Go back and watch the first two weeks of the 2019 VNL. Granted, Poulter improved through out the season but she will need to improve her physical conditioning in order to run down balls more and play better defense. Her blocking and defense need some work. Hancock is a blocking liability for certain but is very quick and makes smarter plays OOS and in transition which comes with more experience at this level. If Hancock could use her top spin serve she would be even more valuable but alas she cannot with the NT. Carlini's only weakness is setting to0 low to the middles on the A and B quick/not running the middles enough when the team is in system but that could be Karch's plan and not up to her which is ridiculous IMO. She is lights out setting over her head both on the slide and to the right pin (front AND back court). We shall just have to agree to disagree friend. I think Hancock is more in the conversation than people realize. Poulter was given plenty of training in a not so competitive international season. I still question whether she can deliver at the Olympics when the gauntlet is down and the team is really being tested which is a certainty in Pool B. I respect your opinion but totally disagree. Poulter is light years ahead of Hancock is everything except defense. Transition is one of Poulters strength and maybe the reason she played a bit more than Carlini at the end of last year. Hmmm I'll need to go digging for some data on the teams transition kill percentage under each setter. Poulter is definitely the future I am just not sure she is the right now answer. I also respect your opinion and am really excited to see how it all pans out this year. I love how close the race is at basically every position on the team. I am just ready for the starters to be known and the team really return to being competitive against the big teams. |
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Post by Disc808 on Jul 20, 2020 0:21:33 GMT -5
Here’s my thoughts: ditch Courtney and commit to JWO, Hentz, and/or Robinson as libero
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Post by werka on Jul 20, 2020 1:53:03 GMT -5
Here’s my thoughts: ditch Courtney and commit to JWO, Hentz, and/or Robinson as libero Preach, sister. |
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Post by reformate on Jul 20, 2020 3:17:11 GMT -5
Karch hasn't really tried Courtney as OH, right? Karch is so risk-averse that he won't switch player positions for sure, especially at this point, but I would LOVE to see this VNL roster (Olympic roster is a different story). Note that this is based on my personal preferences, so you will see some notable omissions (e.g. Dixon, Hancock) -
OH1: Larson, Hill, Courtney
OH2: Bartsch-Hackley, Thompson, Plummer
MB1: Washington, Akinradewo, Rettke
MB2: Ogbogu, Adams, Alhassan
OPP: Lowe, Drews, Cuttino
SET: Carlini, Poulter, Gray
LIB: Robinson, Wong-Orantes, Hentz
GROUP 1: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Washington, Ogbogu, Lowe, Carlini, Robinson
GROUP 2: Hill, Thompson, Akinradewo, Adams, Drews, Poulter, Wong-Orantes
GROUP 3: Courtney, Plummer, Rettke, Alhassan, Cuttino, Gray, Hentz
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Post by Reach on Jul 20, 2020 8:04:08 GMT -5
Karch hasn't really tried Courtney as OH, right? Karch is so risk-averse that he won't switch player positions for sure, especially at this point, but I would LOVE to see this VNL roster (Olympic roster is a different story). Note that this is based on my personal preferences, so you will see some notable omissions (e.g. Dixon, Hancock) - OH1: Larson, Hill, Courtney OH2: Bartsch-Hackley, Thompson, Plummer MB1: Washington, Akinradewo, Rettke MB2: Ogbogu, Adams, Alhassan OPP: Lowe, Drews, Cuttino SET: Carlini, Poulter, Gray LIB: Robinson, Wong-Orantes, Hentz GROUP 1: Larson, Bartsch-Hackley, Washington, Ogbogu, Lowe, Carlini, Robinson GROUP 2: Hill, Thompson, Akinradewo, Adams, Drews, Poulter, Wong-Orantes GROUP 3: Courtney, Plummer, Rettke, Alhassan, Cuttino, Gray, Hentz Courtney has seen time on the pins early in her NT career, |
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Post by itsallrelative on Jul 20, 2020 17:07:44 GMT -5
How much does the pandemic affect the professional season??? Isn’t that the elephant in the room, that can define this roster??
If the season is shortened, I think you see a more mature roster throughout.... if not, I think the vets drop in at the home weekend....
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Post by Deleted on Jul 21, 2020 10:42:11 GMT -5
How much does the pandemic affect the professional season??? Isn’t that the elephant in the room, that can define this roster?? If the season is shortened, I think you see a more mature roster throughout.... if not, I think the vets drop in at the home weekend.... All club ball has to be wrapped up by the 2nd of May which I believe is the tentative date for the CEV Champions League Super finals which will only be two teams per gender. That gives all other athletes in any European domestic league about a 2-3 week minimum break before the VNL starts. So I think we will see most European teams resting their A-teams during the first and second leg of the preliminaries unless they are the hosts. However Japanese and Chinese leagues will wrap by the end of February so I think we can expect those countries national teams to be at full strength earlier in the tournament. It is also worth noting that it is entirely likely that many European teams will avoid taking the VNL seriously due to the Olympics AND the European Championships being later on in the season. Roster management is crucial for them. In fact, the USA will want to take the Norceca Championships more serious this year too because it qualifies the top few teams to the next seasons World Championships. NORCECA might get fewer slots this season due to both co-hosts of the WCH being in Europe. I also wonder if the Grand Champions Cup will even be happening this season? It typically follows the year after the Olympics since there is no major tournament in that year. |
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