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Post by savannahbadger on Dec 13, 2022 0:03:00 GMT -5
I really doubt a quality middle like Robie moves to be depth, but I don't know. I don’t pay enough attention to other teams to know much about their players, but I know Sheffield’s MO has been to grab players from other B1G schools (Clark, Barnes, Franklin). There’s only one player solidly at MB, so… anyone coming in would likely be promised a shot at competing for the other spot with Robinson, with Devyn still having a chance at being on the RS. |
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Post by tablealgebra on Dec 13, 2022 9:44:15 GMT -5
Can it be 2024 now? Please? If she's anything close to a Carlini level talent (or even close to Hilley), that's looking like it could be an absolutely loaded team (assuming Demps & Robinson coming back to use their COVID years). I'm hesitant to depend on a freshman setter (or libero - GG was great but her freshman nerves were sometimes a drawback). It takes a Carlini-level talent to lead your team to a national championship game as a freshman, though admittedly Fuerbringer wouldn't have to do the leading. Plus, unless Demps locks down a starting position next year, I kind of hope for her sake she goes looking for a starting spot in the portal with her COVID year. Meanwhile, Robinson has a chance at a pro career, and may choose to go looking for a spot instead of using a COVID year. Not knowing them, though, I could be way off base here - but I'm not counting on either in 2024. |
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Post by volleystan on Dec 13, 2022 22:52:03 GMT -5
I’m wondering if Smrek can run as a middle. I brought it up earlier this year as an option because she hits quicks out of the middle so well. What I don’t know is how well she can transition across the net for blocking. She’s got a spot down on the right obviously locked down with her blocking and hitting ability, but we’ll see. I could see Robinson as more likely IMO if we don’t bring in a transfer just with her ability to transition so well. you're right, hadn't really thought about blocking pin-to-pin. wonder how McCaa looks. there is an art to make up for slowness to the pins that happens with extremely tall blockers like that. Carter Booth has it down for the most part already as a freshman. you really don't even have to jump which allows you to make that third step as big as possible to the pins because as long as you have your hands full above the net and angled correctly, you're still going to get at least a good touch if not a stuff. Booth is often "late" to the eye but gets stuffs with how deceptive it actually is to see as a hitter. one minute she's not even there and you can bounce cross and the next now you're getting roofed. speaking of Robinson's, Jess would be a great get for y'all, if possible I selfishly would like to have Smrek developed as a true opposite, including hitting the D ball from the back row. Who knows what her right back defense would look like (probably not great, but you never know haha). She’s surprised me before - I was shocked when I saw her serve in one match this year. It was a bullet - looked a lot like Parra’s serve, kind of a hybrid with a ton of pace. Anyhow we need to find ways to get more offensive production out of her. |
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Post by badgervb982597 on Dec 13, 2022 23:41:10 GMT -5
you're right, hadn't really thought about blocking pin-to-pin. wonder how McCaa looks. there is an art to make up for slowness to the pins that happens with extremely tall blockers like that. Carter Booth has it down for the most part already as a freshman. you really don't even have to jump which allows you to make that third step as big as possible to the pins because as long as you have your hands full above the net and angled correctly, you're still going to get at least a good touch if not a stuff. Booth is often "late" to the eye but gets stuffs with how deceptive it actually is to see as a hitter. one minute she's not even there and you can bounce cross and the next now you're getting roofed. speaking of Robinson's, Jess would be a great get for y'all, if possible I selfishly would like to have Smrek developed as a true opposite, including hitting the D ball from the back row. Who knows what her right back defense would look like (probably not great, but you never know haha). She’s surprised me before - I was shocked when I saw her serve in one match this year. It was a bullet - looked a lot like Parra’s serve, kind of a hybrid with a ton of pace. Anyhow we need to find ways to get more offensive production out of her. Smrek can definitely run as a middle, it’s her natural position. Don’t forget that was her position competing in the junior world champs (obviously different level) playing OPP at wisco was the first she ever had probably. Offensive production, if they can set her high enough and actually give her a good set LOL then most of the time good things happen. Just a matter of the passing and getting her more balls. Of course hitting OOS hopefully continues to improve. Imagine setting her a back row attack.. could be huge! At the end of the day, her and Robinson at MB or RS they interchange all the time anyways! |
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Post by mnwis20 on Dec 14, 2022 21:35:01 GMT -5
With Jade in the portal do we think we’re bringing in another MB? I hoped maybe if Robinson moved to middle Jade would step in as an Opp this next season. I’m bummed, I really liked her and the energy and effort she brought to the team no matter where she stepped in. Certainly our x factor in winning it all in 2021. I wonder if this means plans are to keep Devyn and Smrek on the right.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Dec 14, 2022 21:40:42 GMT -5
The Transfer Portal giveth, and the Transfer Portal taketh away.
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Post by rainbowbadger on Dec 14, 2022 21:41:30 GMT -5
With Jade in the portal do we think we’re bringing in another MB? I hoped maybe if Robinson moved to middle Jade would step in as an Opp this next season. I’m bummed, I really liked her and the energy and effort she brought to the team no matter where she stepped in. Certainly our x factor in winning it all in 2021. I wonder if this means plans are to keep Devyn on the right. Devyn has had two AA seasons, both on the right. But I think her final destination will depend on whether we pick up a MB or RS from the portal. |
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Post by badgerguru on Dec 14, 2022 21:44:19 GMT -5
Kara McGhee from Baylor is in the portal. One year of eligibility left & that’s all we need with our ‘24 MB coming in. Would be a great fit imo. Jade leaving opens way for Ella Wrobel to make an impact on this program & I had she can do it by developing a solid block & nice shot selection.
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Post by robtearle on Dec 14, 2022 21:46:21 GMT -5
Kara McGhee from Baylor is in the portal. One year of eligibility left & that’s all we need with our ‘24 MB coming in. Would be a great fit imo. Jade leaving opens way for Ella Wrobel to make an impact on this program & I had she can do it by developing a solid block & nice shot selection. Maybe Bramschreiber will tell her how much she enjoyed (is enjoying) her year at UW. (She's said it repeatedly, so McGhee likely already knows.) |
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Post by skinny on Dec 14, 2022 22:05:30 GMT -5
McGhee is going to Oregon. Dont know why that Transfer Twitter page has her listed again tonight? Unless WI has come in here at the last minute and said, not so fast! You arent a Duck just yet.
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Post by badgerguru on Dec 14, 2022 22:10:32 GMT -5
McGhee is going to Oregon. Dont know why that Transfer Twitter page has her listed again tonight? Unless WI has come in here at the last minute and said, not so fast! You arent a Duck just yet. Knew that Oregon was recruiting her, have not seen any statement from McGhee to suggest she is going there tho. Wisconsin should move fast, I wish we knew who they were trying to recruit in. |
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Post by skinny on Dec 14, 2022 22:16:54 GMT -5
That is true about nothing official, yet. But just this morning she started following Oregon volleyball and Oregon's HC on Instagram. Thats a pretty big sign. And as of tonight shes now following Pitt and Penn State volleyball and one of Penn States assistant coaches. Wisco, throw your hat into this just to mess with everybody, ha.
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Post by badgerbreath on Dec 15, 2022 0:44:55 GMT -5
It's hard being a fan in the age of transfers. I'm kind of depressed. Was hoping to see Jade on the RS.
I agree that whether Robinson stays on the RS depends on whether they pick up a middle transfer.
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Post by bucky415 on Dec 15, 2022 1:53:26 GMT -5
Not giving up on Smrek as a middle option, however. Crawford's stats may not show it, but she was a huge impact transfer for the Badgers.
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Post by taxidea on Dec 15, 2022 2:31:17 GMT -5
I am sad to see that Jade is leaving. But nobody is really surprised. Beyond the volleyball team, she remains a remarkable person and a fantastic Wisconsin Badger. I wish her the very best.
The team will remain in great shape with the current core. Personally, I see Smrek moving back to her natural position in the middle, and have high hopes for Wrobel to solidify a role on the right and to join AA DevRob.
I can't help but dream about Ella finding her groove, and denting the floor with her BB arm, like I enjoyed watching her do during her club years.
Can't wait.
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