Last season Prechtel started 6 games and averaged 14 minutes, averaging 7 points and 5 rebounds in those 14 minutes. She was used very situationally, meaning in some games she played a lot and in others almost not at all. I think the same will be true this year. For example, she might be very important defensively against Oregon's Prince. But she might not be used against UCLA at all unless we go zone, given the matchups.
Brink is clearly more offensively talented than Prechtel--given that she can also shoot the three. But Brink has a feel around the basket. This is remarkable because I thought last year that Prechtel was quite talented around the basket--more so than Fingall or Dodson. It is just that Brink seems to have more reliable offensive moves inside, and both are equally good shooters outside.
Where I am unsure is whether Brink has the defensive skills that Prechtel has. I am unsure partly because I have not seen enough of either. Last year, Prechtel had 45 fouls in 459 minutes of play, but also 31 blocks. Both were very high for the number of minutes--the former bad and the latter good.
One thing that could explain the difference is that Tara knows what Prechtel can do, having seen her for a year, but is using the early blowout games to learn what Brink can do.
Another possible explanation is that Belibi came back from the off season much improved, and Prechtel had not advanced as far in the off season. Belibi averaged 14 minutes per game last year--essentially splitting time with Prechtel, but it is hard to argue that she has come a long ways. Belibi started basketball late and so she may have more growth potential, while Prechtel may have been operating closer to her peak. Still, given her three point ability, I can see situations when Tara would prefer Prechtel to Belibi--if the opponent is playing a tight zone or sagging man and daring us to shoot from outside.
In any case, I became a Prechtel fan last year. She seems to have a great work ethic and was very cool under pressure in big games, scoring to save a game at the last second and hitting treys against zones when everyone else went cold. I have to believe she will flourish here and Tara will find a way to make use of her talents.
Brink is clearly more offensively talented than Prechtel--given that she can also shoot the three. But Brink has a feel around the basket. This is remarkable because I thought last year that Prechtel was quite talented around the basket--more so than Fingall or Dodson. It is just that Brink seems to have more reliable offensive moves inside, and both are equally good shooters outside.
Where I am unsure is whether Brink has the defensive skills that Prechtel has. I am unsure partly because I have not seen enough of either. Last year, Prechtel had 45 fouls in 459 minutes of play, but also 31 blocks. Both were very high for the number of minutes--the former bad and the latter good.
One thing that could explain the difference is that Tara knows what Prechtel can do, having seen her for a year, but is using the early blowout games to learn what Brink can do.
Another possible explanation is that Belibi came back from the off season much improved, and Prechtel had not advanced as far in the off season. Belibi averaged 14 minutes per game last year--essentially splitting time with Prechtel, but it is hard to argue that she has come a long ways. Belibi started basketball late and so she may have more growth potential, while Prechtel may have been operating closer to her peak. Still, given her three point ability, I can see situations when Tara would prefer Prechtel to Belibi--if the opponent is playing a tight zone or sagging man and daring us to shoot from outside.
In any case, I became a Prechtel fan last year. She seems to have a great work ethic and was very cool under pressure in big games, scoring to save a game at the last second and hitting treys against zones when everyone else went cold. I have to believe she will flourish here and Tara will find a way to make use of her talents.