Ortiz

[SoonerinNC]

Has a shot at being one of the best point guards ever at OU.

Her outside shot does a great job of extending defenses. That was a problem with DRob as they could back off her because they knew she didn't like to take the outside shot. That tended to clog the inside. At OU DRob was great at penetration, not as good at dishing off the penetration. Gabbi may be better at that in time. Maddie and Carter are better than Gabbi at this time at driving and dishing. However, that does not seem to be a major part of the OU offense.

Gabbi is also showing a solid mid range jumper but not as good as DRob yet. That was a huge part of DRob's game. Penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. The other big part of DRob's game was the breakout for layups in transition. Gabbi will probably never be as good at that.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Good thread! I'm really looking forward to see how much she improves next year after getting a year of D-1 ball under her belt.

 

[sybarite]

I think Gabbi has some so far so fast that Sherri already has confidence in her. She has stopped the turnovers due to inexperience. Well, she had until she made some really bad passes in the second half.

DRob didn't develop her jump shot until midway through her junior year. Gabbi has it already, and it has a shooter's touch. DRob was less likely to get stopped on a drive, but Gabbi has a couple of moves that DRob didn't have that enable her to score when someone has kept up with her, like that spin move with a jump shot. She is about as accurate as anyone that we have on a ten-foot jumper.

DRob was still learning the point guard part of her game as a senior. Gabbi has the distribution down already. Early, she didn't. She tried simply to pass into the middle or around the perimeter. Now, she is getting some penetration and dishing.

I don't know that she will ever be as effective on the drive and dish as Gioya or Maddie. For one thing, they are both faster, and both jump higher. They have better court vision. Thus far, they also tend to draw the defense to them, creating lanes for their passes. Until Gabbi terrorizes people, which may be soon, I don't know that she will have those lanes available to her.

She is our most sure-handed ball-handler---if she'll just remember that at this level, there may be someone slipping up behind you. She only sees in front of her so far.

I think she is already at the same grade as DRob, just different.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

One thing you can always see, is someone that can slash. I think Nesia will be a good slasher- once she gets a little better. You can always see from that first step if they will be that type of player, and for the most part thats god given. Idk that Gabbi QUITE has that-she has enough to get looks, not enough to take over the game by getting to the rim at this point atleast- i think if she can find just a hair more though, it'll make a big difference. She is a great player nonetheless AND- the most important offensive piece this team needs in my opinion, is shooters to surround our slashers- Maddie, Gioya, and eventually Neisa. So she will fill a big role there as she continue to develop that, and it'll be huge. I think she'll be a great game manager, tough defender, great outside shooter, and an all around important piece every minute she is on the court.

 

[tycat947]

Has a shot at being one of the best point guards ever at OU.

Her outside shot does a great job of extending defenses. That was a problem with DRob as they could back off her because they knew she didn't like to take the outside shot. That tended to clog the inside. At OU DRob was great at penetration, not as good at dishing off the penetration. Gabbi may be better at that in time. Maddie and Carter are better than Gabbi at this time at driving and dishing. However, that does not seem to be a major part of the OU offense.

Gabbi is also showing a solid mid range jumper but not as good as DRob yet. That was a huge part of DRob's game. Penetrate and pull up for the mid range jumper. The other big part of DRob's game was the breakout for layups in transition. Gabbi will probably never be as good at that.

I agree. She's come a long way since November. She couldn't hit a shot or free throw but now that her brain isn't as cluttered with all the responsibilities she had to learn, she now is one of the best 3 point shooters and almost an automatic at the line. I don't think she'll ever be as flashy as DRob, she's just a different type of player, but will end up being just as successful (maybe more!) by the time she graduates. She's doing what we need and will only get better doing that!

 

[Mac]

Drob was a All Aamerican while at OU, OU will have to spend a few seasons in the Top 25 for Ortiz to reach that Level...

I thought Ortiz would be a bit small to be effective, but boy was I wrong.

 

[YCN]

Drob was a All Aamerican while at OU, OU will have to spend a few seasons in the Top 25 for Ortiz to reach that Level...

I thought Ortiz would be a bit small to be effective, but boy was I wrong.

It's not the size, it's the heart.

 

[Mac]

It's not the size, it's the heart.

She's a very good rebounder.

 

[rocjunkie]

It is her heart. She doesn't know the word "quit". Not as quick as some of our points, but is sure handed and steady. Excellent out side shot and when needed hits the 12 footer with authority. Doesn't get rattled with a short shot clock. Getting better on defense, and communicates very well. She has gained an enormous amount of confidence and trust from her mates. The best is still to come from this young lady.