I doubt you are correct about the 3's at RU, at least as stated. Vivian had absolutely no problem with players shooting 3 pointers assuming there was a good chance they were going to make them and were playing a role that allowed them to do so.
Betnijah in college was playing in a different style than the "W". At most schools, at least when she played, she probably would not have been shooting 3 pointers and most likely it wasn't really a part of her game. In the current style to be successful almost everyone needs a 3 point shot in their arsenal, and I also think you will see more of this in college going forward.
You're making my point with the start of your second paragraph.
If there's anything I know, it's the CVS era at RU. I never said Viv had a problem with players shooting threes but she was far from being a Doug Bruno or Jeff Walz. Her style of offense did not emphasize three point shooting. She rarely had shooters like that and did not spend the time developing three point shooters. One of the main reasons that recruits started looking elsewhere,was because of her lack of a free flowing offense. She was one of the last to come to the three point party and when she did, she struggled to find shooters.
Cappie, Piph, Brittany Ray, Mauri, April, Tyler S., and maybe a couple more that I missed had green lights. The offense still did not feature them taking the three as other programs had started doing. They often took them as the shot clock was expiring.
The Liberty are a perfect example, ...they have featured the three in their offense from the time Betnijah got there. It is most potent when everyone can shoot it well. Viv giving green light to a good shooter or two, is different than featuring the three in your offense. Nijah was forced to play in the paint a lot during her RU tenure. Come her senior year, Viv was trying to loosen up and let the players
go a little bit more than she had in prior years. They got out on the break and were allowed to take quick shots(even threes), if they were open. They actually scored some high totals early that season that got attention of wcbb for breaking the norm for CViv offenses.
Betnijah and Kahleah seemed to begin their efforts to extend their shots to the three point line during Betnijah's senior season. Fact is, I remember clearly, Betnijah having the same fundamental shot mechanics back then. It was more a matter of putting up the reps and muscle memory. I just think Viv's defensive focus and lengthy practices didn't prioritize shooting.
Oh!......And if Betnijah had played for a coach who was pushing the three, like the ones I mentioned above, they would have had Betnijah also putting em up.
Heck, .....look no further than Coquese. She is a prime example of the stark difference between green light for a player or two, vs. encouraging and pushing(teaching) all of the roster to be able to shoot it. Currently, Chyna is the only player who we don't expect to see on the arc. Before she leaves, I wouldn't be surprised if that changes. All she has to do is study Betnijah's form and put in the reps.
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