Hunter, I really enjoyed this Video Feature of Saniya Rivers, and I appreciated how Well, and thorough you broke everything down with her in so many areas. I personally think that she is very adjustable, she’s young and has the capability to adapt and learn With whatever team she goes to. The fact, as you mentioned, that she was playing point guard, and did fairly well at that position, and She is able to read and key in on play making both on offense and defense, and Making adjustments Accordingly, as well as some work she needs to improve on in some areas. I would be thrilled to see her playing for My Team the Indiana Fever, Especially what she can do in transition. I personally think it would work well with The Fever and she could easily adjust well to The Fever’s System both on Offense and Defense, And not to mention, the Fever desperately need to improve their Defense. I really like Saniya Rivers, I think she has a tremendous amount of potential. Also, with that being said, I can only hope that As far as my Indiana Fever go, that they Acquire a Solid, Experienced Head Coach. I do honestly believe with all the new management on the Fever that they are not going to keep Sides as the head coach. She may take a lesser role, But I think there will be a new Fever head coach in Indiana come the start a 2025 season. I had a few friends that debated that with me and said if that was true, why haven’t they gotten a new coach yet or released Sides And announced everything. And I explained to them that the entire process takes time, which is a good thing, because it means a lot of homework was put into it. And in professional sports, it’s just how it works, that you don’t make big announcements until you have everything else in place. The Fever aren’t about to announce anything until they have went through the process of all the meetings, calls, Interviewing processes,etc, Then, after they hopefully secure a New Head Coach, at that time, they will probably obviously make such an announcement. Anyway, sorry Hunter for going into all the detail about the Fever, its just that the point I wanted to make is that I think the Fever are serious in acquiring New Free Agent talent and Draft Talent specifically to Fit where they sit right now with Caitlin, Kelsey Aliyah, and releasing a few players, but also making managerial and coaching changes and Saniya Rivers would be one heck of a great fit if they can get her.
long time listener, first time caller. saw her make some awesome moves in the tournament last year. was blown away by her athleticism but was shocked to see her modest stats. you called it shes boom or bust. athletically she reminds me of tweety nolan. hope she pulls it all together bc the sky is the limit
As always your research is excellent. However, after listening to your analysis and after the caveats you gave, I can’t see her as a first round pick. Some have said she would be a fit for Indiana but who does she play in place of? Mitchell, Hull? We can’t spend a first round pick on a backup guard/wing. Much more important to get a strong 4 or 5 in round 1. Molonga, Barker or Westbeld.
Oh she is definitely a first Round Pick Talent, but who says it has to be just to the FEVER. A ton of Players will likely be on ONE year contracts that are unrestricted Free Agents. So plenty of teams will love to lock in any Rookie with high Potential with that Crazy 4 Year Rookie deal where the Teams get the Option for that Fourth Year. All before the NEW CBA ever kicks in. Dominique Malonga isn't even 19 years old yet. So I highly doubt they draft a player in Wait. The FEVER draft at 8th, so You gets what left after a team like Washington picks TWICE before you do.
Great take on Sanyia, Defense is her calling card, but I think with constant work shooting, she will improve offensively. Dianji Carington has improved her shooting also.
I can't believe she was graded a 50 and Raven a 45. Raven is a better defender, better IQ, better shooter, better passer and better point guard as far as running a team. Raven had Rivers so frustrated and confused in that final 4 matchup. The fact that she can't shoot puts up several red flags.
Not really, NC State starting Guards went a combined 9/33 and it was far more about them just not hitting shots then Raven or anyone else getting into anybody's head. Raven was 1/11 in the Finals game and they Won.
@@natureredux1957 Raven was guarding her. Yeah she was 1 for 11 and chasing Clark around all game and still was a major reason they won that game. That's my point, she's a better defender. The commentators even made reference of her defense on Rivers that game. Other than the championship game Raven had a great offensive tournament.
@@naturalgirl2683 But she's not a better defender and she didn't shut down Rivers. When Rivers is having a bad night shooting, she is Self Checked. Raven has monster players around her, that might not be the case in the WNBA. I would draft Raven in a New York Minute, but she ain't a better defender then Rivers. And Rivers didn't have nearly the type players around her like Raven had or has.
It’s because in high school she wasn’t a shooter, she was an attacker, she is athletically gifted but no one took the time to develop her shot and accuracy. She has always been a great defender. But when it comes to athletic female basketball players, we aren’t taught to develop our shooting accuracy. It’s seriously is a crime in women’s basketball. I bet in the WNBA they have her playing a slasher and hustler player
@@tjkelly197759 idk about all that Dawn is not the best at developing bigger guards she would have had her in the post quite often like she did Leleigh. Dawn likes smaller guards. And Dawns guards don’t do extremely well transitioning in the WNBA except Gray
The fever just released a great defensive guard that had little offense ( Taylor) why would they select another rookie with the same skills only to not use her?
I saw Rivers and James repeatedly blow by Texas guards in the elite 8 game last year. Explosive speed and athleticism. I was extremely impressed, and as you mentioned, Uconn game as well. Horston is good comparison. If she can improve her shot. I think she can make it on league and with big upside. But she is a risk due to the shot imo. I can see taking her in 2nd round. Nice analysis as always. Do you think James is wnba prospect?
You're really more knowledgable than most of the guys on t.v., I hope they approach you. What do you think about Game 4, do you think that Smith is gonna be able to go, who do you see winning that game?
Not sure if she’ll be good to go, but if she is, she won’t be close to 100%. I felt like Game 3 was more of a must-win for Minnesota than New York with Smith getting hurt. I think NY ends it in 4, but I hope it goes to 5. Fun series!
If she reaches her potential NC State has a legitimate chance at reaching the final four and winning it all. NC State has one of best backcourts in the country.
We enjoyed Rivers freshman year mostly for defense on opposing PGs long arm turnovers. Her shooting has never lived up to her defense, every 3 she took in 2022 was a brick. If can improve that should climb draft board.
Hunter, I really enjoyed this Video Feature of Saniya Rivers, and I appreciated how Well, and thorough you broke everything down with her in so many areas. I personally think that she is very adjustable, she’s young and has the capability to adapt and learn With whatever team she goes to. The fact, as you mentioned, that she was playing point guard, and did fairly well at that position, and She is able to read and key in on play making both on offense and defense, and Making adjustments Accordingly, as well as some work she needs to improve on in some areas. I would be thrilled to see her playing for My Team the Indiana Fever, Especially what she can do in transition. I personally think it would work well with The Fever and she could easily adjust well to The Fever’s System both on Offense and Defense, And not to mention, the Fever desperately need to improve their Defense. I really like Saniya Rivers, I think she has a tremendous amount of potential. Also, with that being said, I can only hope that As far as my Indiana Fever go, that they Acquire a Solid, Experienced Head Coach. I do honestly believe with all the new management on the Fever that they are not going to keep Sides as the head coach. She may take a lesser role, But I think there will be a new Fever head coach in Indiana come the start a 2025 season. I had a few friends that debated that with me and said if that was true, why haven’t they gotten a new coach yet or released Sides And announced everything. And I explained to them that the entire process takes time, which is a good thing, because it means a lot of homework was put into it. And in professional sports, it’s just how it works, that you don’t make big announcements until you have everything else in place. The Fever aren’t about to announce anything until they have went through the process of all the meetings, calls, Interviewing processes,etc, Then, after they hopefully secure a New Head Coach, at that time, they will probably obviously make such an announcement. Anyway, sorry Hunter for going into all the detail about the Fever, its just that the point I wanted to make is that I think the Fever are serious in acquiring New Free Agent talent and Draft Talent specifically to Fit where they sit right now with Caitlin, Kelsey Aliyah, and releasing a few players, but also making managerial and coaching changes and Saniya Rivers would be one heck of a great fit if they can get her.
I actually met Saniya at WNBA All-Star Game weekend in Phoenix. She is extremely nice & came off as extremely mature for her age.
She is so unique, these are the prospects I get most excited about
long time listener, first time caller. saw her make some awesome moves in the tournament last year. was blown away by her athleticism but was shocked to see her modest stats. you called it shes boom or bust. athletically she reminds me of tweety nolan. hope she pulls it all together bc the sky is the limit
As always your research is excellent. However, after listening to your analysis and after the caveats you gave, I can’t see her as a first round pick. Some have said she would be a fit for Indiana but who does she play in place of? Mitchell, Hull? We can’t spend a first round pick on a backup guard/wing. Much more important to get a strong 4 or 5 in round 1. Molonga, Barker or Westbeld.
Fever would be better with Sonia or barker for draft night
Oh she is definitely a first Round Pick Talent, but who says it has to be just to the FEVER. A ton of Players will likely be on ONE year contracts that are unrestricted Free Agents. So plenty of teams will love to lock in any Rookie with high Potential with that Crazy 4 Year Rookie deal where the Teams get the Option for that Fourth Year. All before the NEW CBA ever kicks in. Dominique Malonga isn't even 19 years old yet. So I highly doubt they draft a player in Wait. The FEVER draft at 8th, so You gets what left after a team like Washington picks TWICE before you do.
Saniya is not a 1st rounder.. I agree.. I think James is better…
@@supablack She's not a better defender.
@@natureredux1957 I agree.. but most teams need shooters.. if I was drafting u could get a raven johnson for D
Great take on Sanyia, Defense is her calling card, but I think with constant work shooting, she will improve offensively. Dianji Carington has improved her shooting also.
Waiting on Ahziah James.. I think she is actually better IMO
honestly i think sky going to draft james and bench reese
@@cheitopagan6208 what?!? James a SG. Reese a PF.. they actually fit together
Who’s here rewatching this before the latest Locked On WBB pod 🙋🏽♀️
Yeah I need her in Indy if citron is taken!
I can't believe she was graded a 50 and Raven a 45. Raven is a better defender, better IQ, better shooter, better passer and better point guard as far as running a team. Raven had Rivers so frustrated and confused in that final 4 matchup. The fact that she can't shoot puts up several red flags.
Not really, NC State starting Guards went a combined 9/33 and it was far more about them just not hitting shots then Raven or anyone else getting into anybody's head. Raven was 1/11 in the Finals game and they Won.
@@natureredux1957 Raven was guarding her. Yeah she was 1 for 11 and chasing Clark around all game and still was a major reason they won that game. That's my point, she's a better defender. The commentators even made reference of her defense on Rivers that game. Other than the championship game Raven had a great offensive tournament.
@@natureredux1957 James carried them that entire tournament.
@@naturalgirl2683 But she's not a better defender and she didn't shut down Rivers. When Rivers is having a bad night shooting, she is Self Checked. Raven has monster players around her, that might not be the case in the WNBA. I would draft Raven in a New York Minute, but she ain't a better defender then Rivers. And Rivers didn't have nearly the type players around her like Raven had or has.
@@naturalgirl2683 No one Player carries a TEAM. Those that try, usually LOSE.
It’s because in high school she wasn’t a shooter, she was an attacker, she is athletically gifted but no one took the time to develop her shot and accuracy. She has always been a great defender. But when it comes to athletic female basketball players, we aren’t taught to develop our shooting accuracy. It’s seriously is a crime in women’s basketball. I bet in the WNBA they have her playing a slasher and hustler player
She should have stayed at USC
@@tjkelly197759 idk about all that Dawn is not the best at developing bigger guards she would have had her in the post quite often like she did Leleigh. Dawn likes smaller guards. And Dawns guards don’t do extremely well transitioning in the WNBA except Gray
I wish we could hear the conversations she had with Dawn Staley. I think that would make your analysis more definite.
The fever just released a great defensive guard that had little offense ( Taylor) why would they select another rookie with the same skills only to not use her?
Rivers is a way way way better prospect
I saw Rivers and James repeatedly blow by Texas guards in the elite 8 game last year. Explosive speed and athleticism. I was extremely impressed, and as you mentioned, Uconn game as well. Horston is good comparison. If she can improve her shot. I think she can make it on league and with big upside. But she is a risk due to the shot imo. I can see taking her in 2nd round. Nice analysis as always. Do you think James is wnba prospect?
Yes I do think James is a prospect. I won’t have a dedicated video on her, but I’ll talk about her soon!
You're really more knowledgable than most of the guys on t.v., I hope they approach you. What do you think about Game 4, do you think that Smith is gonna be able to go, who do you see winning that game?
Not sure if she’ll be good to go, but if she is, she won’t be close to 100%. I felt like Game 3 was more of a must-win for Minnesota than New York with Smith getting hurt. I think NY ends it in 4, but I hope it goes to 5. Fun series!
Also thank you so much!
If she reaches her potential NC State has a legitimate chance at reaching the final four and winning it all. NC State has one of best backcourts in the country.
Agreed!
Gotta fix that shot....in 3 years the W is 5 out everybody shoots and if you can't you look for another job
thats a fact. a defensive stopper who is an offensive liability just cancels herself out
We enjoyed Rivers freshman year mostly for defense on opposing PGs long arm turnovers. Her shooting has never lived up to her defense, every 3 she took in 2022 was a brick. If can improve that should climb draft board.
Do flaujae
She has just spent 2 years in wcbb. She isn't yet eligible for the 2025 wnba draft.
Is Flaujae coming out in 2025? I thought she was 26....
@@houstonjames716 she is 20. she'll be eligible for 2026.
Looove Saniya’s game! Such an interesting player. Can’t wait to see her play this year