Doggydaddy's Den: DoggyDaddy's Dailies 4/24/16

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As you probably know by now, UConn freshman Napheesa Collier had surgery this week on her hip. She played with a torn labrum.

Word is that the tear was worse than the thought but should have no impact to her upcoming season.

Of course, on UConn message boards, the crazy negative fans are besides themselves. Some say 4-6 months before she can run, some say she won't be able to improve her strength because she will miss summer workouts.

There is a very long thread on one of those boards discussing the dearth of forwards on the team. Funny thing is that poster listed Gabby Williams as a guard. I'm sure she is listed someone at that position, but she played forward all last season.

But back to Collier. My friend Cat (no, not a real cat), pointed out that Sue Bird had torn labrum surgery on both hips (consecutive years) and rehab was 8-12 weeks. Sue had surgery in October and was playing for her Russian team in January. That is a full rehab in only 3 months. If the same can be said for Collier, she will be ready to play by late July.

And from someone who has 30 years of nursing experience and current administrator at Lenox Hill Hospital, NYC. She says the surgery is non-invasive, microscopic for the labrum.She should be up and about in 5-6 weks. No running for about 2 months. While all surgeries are never the same, all should be fine with her being young and in excellent physical condition.

I'm just amazed at how well she played with this injury the entire season. I can only imagine how good she will be next year!!!

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Four UConn basketball seasons, four UConn National Championships. It doesn't get better than that.

But how do the last four seasons compare statistically? Consider:

1. Points & scoring average.
    2015-16    3,346 points or 88.1 per game.
    2014-15    3,481 points or 89.3
    2013-14    3,283 points or 82.1
    2012-13    3,218 points or 82.5

2. Shooting % and free throw %
    2015-16    53.0% and 80.0%
    2014-15    54.0% and 72.6%
    2013-14    50.3% and 75.0%
    2012-13    49.6% and 76.4%

3. Assists versus turnovers
    2015-16    821 vs 452
    2014-15    828 vs 474
    2013-14    850 vs 471
    2012-13    798 vs 557

4. Steals & blocked shots
    2015-16    447 and 241
    2014-15    394 and 309
    2013-14    375 and 324
    2012-13    418 and 242

5. Three point shots made
    2015-16    295
    2014-15    330
    2013-14    295
    2012-13    325

6. Rebounds - total & offensive
    2015-16    1,548 and 478
    2014-15    1,701 and 520
    2013-14    1,716 and 483
    2012-13    1,668 and 539

7. Points allowed & average
    2015-16    1,837 and 48.1 per game
    2014-15    1,896 and 48.6
    2013-14    1,913 and 47.8
    2012-13    1,942 and 49.8

Year in and year out, the statistics for the Huskies are remarkably consistent despite players leaving and others arriving. Next year, more than most, the departures will be felt. But, look for Geno and company to reload and put together yet another great season.

Go Huskies..!!

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