She is a baller! Does everything at both ends and today made a couple of unbelievable layups. Regardless of who comes back from injury or who we recruit I want her in the starting lineup.

definitely.. there should be a counter on how many times she's hit the floor each game/this season

Seeing her at full strength, back from injury first suffered at Texas, is so exciting. Her determination, and talent, is inspiring. She's finally confident in shooting her 3 and her deft drives to the bucket are just…no words. She's also a good reboundera weak area for this team. Love her game and agree, she IS a starter.

My MVP and I think she's about 90% healthy

And she's a mere junior!

"I think G [Gisella Maul] has been a warrior for us and is giving everything that she has, and it feels good as a coach to see her be able to have success and be a real difference maker for our team."

-- Charmin Smith's postgame comments

She was definitely slower last year. but it is the improvement of her shooting that is amazing. I saw her make 15 out of 16 shots from three point land in warmups last game.

I don't think we've seen the best out of Gisella yet.

She still is a bit indecisive at times and get's lost at times. However, she makes up for it by making the next play.

I would like to see her drive more. If she can do that and Mjracle keeps at it, it will help.

Gisella also has proven to be a threat from 3. That opens up the pump fake/drive.

Again, when Cal breaks the paint, the offense sees more success rather than trying risky entry passes. It makes the defense react and have to make a decision. Stand still waiting to make an entry pass? Everyone knows what your intent is and it's easier to defend. Plus everyone stands around staring. Which brings up another point - Cal needs to move without the ball better, make decisive, timely cuts.

When Anigwe was here, you could get away with it because she was simply better and taller than anyone else. Even with Michelle, you could lob it in there and she could get it. The odds are way lower with the bigs Cal has today.

So...pick your spots with it. But please, don't force it in there.

wvitbear said:

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She was definitely slower last year. but it is the improvement of her shooting that is amazing. I saw her make 15 out of 16 shots from three point land in warmups last game.

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Gisella is shooting .500 (18 of 36) on threes in conference games.

Very good post about our bigs

gljone said:

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I don't think we've seen the best out of Gisella yet.

She still is a bit indecisive at times and get's lost at times. However, she makes up for it by making the next play.

I would like to see her drive more. If she can do that and Mjracle keeps at it, it will help.

Gisella also has proven to be a threat from 3. That opens up the pump fake/drive.

Again, when Cal breaks the paint, the offense sees more success rather than trying risky entry passes. It makes the defense react and have to make a decision. Stand still waiting to make an entry pass? Everyone knows what your intent is and it's easier to defend. Plus everyone stands around staring. Which brings up another point - Cal needs to move without the ball better, make decisive, timely cuts.

When Anigwe was here, you could get away with it because she was simply better and taller than anyone else. Even with Michelle, you could lob it in there and she could get it. The odds are way lower with the bigs Cal has today.

So...pick your spots with it. But please, don't force it in there.

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HoopDreams said:

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Very good post about our bigs

gljone said:

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I don't think we've seen the best out of Gisella yet.

She still is a bit indecisive at times and get's lost at times. However, she makes up for it by making the next play.

I would like to see her drive more. If she can do that and Mjracle keeps at it, it will help.

Gisella also has proven to be a threat from 3. That opens up the pump fake/drive.

Again, when Cal breaks the paint, the offense sees more success rather than trying risky entry passes. It makes the defense react and have to make a decision. Stand still waiting to make an entry pass? Everyone knows what your intent is and it's easier to defend. Plus everyone stands around staring. Which brings up another point - Cal needs to move without the ball better, make decisive, timely cuts.

When Anigwe was here, you could get away with it because she was simply better and taller than anyone else. Even with Michelle, you could lob it in there and she could get it. The odds are way lower with the bigs Cal has today.

So...pick your spots with it. But please, don't force it in there.

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Yeah, those entry/lob passes are pretty bad sometimes and sometimes into double teams too

ClayK said:

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Maul looks good, no doubt, and she's left-handed, which is a huge advantage. Louisville seemed stunned by the fact that she kept going left, and never adjusted.

So if Puff comes off the bench the rest of the way, will she transfer?

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Doubtful. I think she is smarter than that and fully understands the situation.

There are 8 regular season games left plus the ACC Tournament plus (postseason play?)

I think the coaches will gradually insert her into the rotation. After missing so much time on the court, it will be hard for her to play an entire game like before anyway. And the coaches don't want to risk any further injuries.


Flipside. If she does decide to transfer, incoming freshman Ruby Perkins from Australia is a point guard. I would also imagine that Charmin will look for an experienced point guard in the portal. Hopefully, Mjracle has another year of eligibility (fingers crossed).

ClayK said:

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Maul looks good, no doubt, and she's left-handed, which is a huge advantage. Louisville seemed stunned by the fact that she kept going left, and never adjusted.

So if Puff comes off the bench the rest of the way, will she transfer?

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I don't think anyone could get inside of Puff's mind (including myself), but I would think that right now the only thing she would be focusing on is getting healthy. Playing minutes would be her focus right now, regardless of whether she starts or comes off the bench. One step at a time.