Times are changing for UCLA’s basketball program, and you
can thank the Say No Classic for helping them.
Four incoming freshmen ““ Noelle Quinn, Amanda Livingston,
Consuelo Lezcano and Shaina Zaidi ““ have inked their way to
UCLA this off-season and will make an immediate mark on a program
that has burgeoned the past few seasons.
Unlike many college students spending the summer at the beach,
the four freshmen along with sophomores Nikki Blue, Lisa Willis and
Emma Tautolo are all putting in the minutes and improving their
game in the Women’s Say No Classic held at USC.
“The future looks real bright,” Blue said.
“We’re all getting a feel for each other, and I think
that the freshmen will be able to step it up.”
Despite the loss of All-American Michelle Greco, the freshmen
will make an immediate impact on what many believe to be one of the
most talented teams in the Pac-10.
Under coach Robert John Evans Jr., Blue, Willis and the freshmen
are fusing together as a result of playing on the same team, Rise
& Admire Us.
“They’re all team quality players that have come
from great basketball backgrounds,” Evans said. “I
think the players (freshmen) can definitely help UCLA in one way or
another.”
Quinn, considered one of the top prep players in the country,
will probably have the most impact out of the freshmen class. At
the two spot, Quinn will most likely receive the starting role and
that will give opposing teams a huge matchup problem.
Using her 6-foot frame, Quinn has the ability to rise above her
defenders and hit the jumper from any spot on the court. Quinn is
remarkably versatile and one of the more complete Say No players.
With her adept ball handling skills, she can take her defender off
the dribble and finish strong around the basket. Unlike most
freshmen coming into the college level, Quinn has been able to hold
her own on the defensive end as well as being a proficient
rebounder on both the offensive and defensive glass.
Willis, along with multiple sources at the Say No Classic, said
that Quinn’s skill level and capabilities should earn her
Pac-10 Freshman of the Year next season.
“I just want to be competitive and bring everything I have
to help the team out,” Quinn said. “I’m excited
and I want to show everyone that I can make an impact at this high
of a level.”
Another player who should see herself in the rotation with
considerable playing time is Livingston. As a natural forward,
Livingston can create on her own with her proficient post -game.
She often utilizes her spin-move and drop step, which will
ultimately open up shots for her teammates.
Livingston is another one of those polished defenders UCLA
acquired who understands the concept of team defense, and she has
block-shot capability. But don’t let her 6-foot-1-inch
stature fool you; she likes to run the court and pick up easy
transition buckets.
“It’s been fun playing with my teammates so
far,” Livingston said. “They’re all such great
shooters and they’ll throw anything at you.”
In the backcourt, Zaidi will play behind Blue at the point guard
position. As a talented shooter from the perimeter and a competent
defender at the point, Zaidi should earn some playing time when
Blue is in need of rest. Zaidi has received some advice from former
UCLA player, Natalie Nakase, who told her to continue to play
strong, work hard, and be scrappy.
“It’s a huge jump from high school to college
because there are a lot of older and bigger players,” Zaidi
said. “I’ll need to work on my speed and strength
during the off-season.”
As for Blue, her freshman season was a breakout year, and she
continues to grow as a leader and now has looked more often to the
set the tables for her teammates. Her passing ability has markedly
improved, as has her vision of her teammates’ positions on
the floor. Known for her quick first step and offensive
explosiveness, Blue has added another facet to her offensive
artillery: a jump shot.
“I feel like I can break down anyone, and now with my
jumper, I feel like I have a better all-around game,” Blue
said.
As for Willis, her outside game has always been sharp, but she
has been working meticulously on her dribbling. “People used
to play me on my jumper, but now they have to worry about me
driving past them,” Willis said. There has also been a
sizable improvement on Willis’ defense and her passing
ability in the open and half-court set.
The transition from high school to college seems like a daunting
task for the freshmen, but returners Blue and Willis have
demonstrated that the transition is a growing process the freshmen
will continue to experience. If anything, playing in the same
summer league is a valuable experience and will pay dividends once
the regular season comes around.
“We can play and we’ve been there before,”
Willis said. “The Pac-10 doesn’t know what’s
coming to ’em.”
“¢bull; “¢bull; “¢bull;
All-Star Girls Report ranks Lezcano, a 6-foot-4-inch freshman
center, as one of the top-30 post players in the country.
Sophomore Emma Tautolo also plays in the Say No Classic for the
L.A. Spirit under coach Reginald Snell.
“Her skill level has improved,” Snell said.
“Her awareness, strength and her touch around the basket
should make her a starter next year.”