11-26-2021, 06:42 PM
If that 25 footer doesn't go in for South Florida, we win the game and the mood on the board is way different. Looks like I'm definitely an outlier when it comes to confidence about this team. I would most certainly have preferred to win today, but all in all I'm pretty happy with where we are because a few things have happened that I personally think we need in place to be great:
1) Cam has to be a focal point of the offense and step into the role of being a legitimate threat all the time (i.e. no more games with 4 shots). This is a big step for her, it's happening, and I give her and the coaching staff credit for evolving. The other players have to adjust around that. It may mean less/no playing time for the other bigs. But it's necessary for the team to be great. Cam also has to stay on the court. Looks like she's learning how.
2) Lacie needs to be the point guard (yes, this is my opinion and others feel differently I know). I won't elaborate any more as to why because I already have and don't want to sound like a broken record. For me, the decision isn't even close.
3) We need to have Jump and others (today Demetre) hit threes. I think this is beginning to happen. We know Prechtel and Wilson can and will deliver from deep. I also think we'll get 3's from Cam and the Hulls, and maybe even Haley too as the season progresses. With Cam being more of a threat down low and being a good passer, we'll get more open threes (a la her passes to Demetre and Lacie today). That is so tough to guard. Either double her and we get a 3 or don't and see if you can stop her with one defender.
Some of the issues we've seen so far will simply go away on their own over time. They will start making their free throws at a reasonable %. It may not be 75%, but it will be more than 60%. Haley and Lexie will also return to their former selves (actually I'm kinda worried about Haley). When these things start to happen, we will be beating teams like Texas and USF by double digits. (South Carolina is another level above though. Gonna be tough to take them down, especially at their place).
My biggest question is can the players hang together through all this churning and find their on-court chemistry? This is not easy, for coaches or for players. But I do think Tara excels in this area and the players do trust her. They also benefit from knowing what it takes to be a champion. Not sure there's a better coach out there to handle such a large roster.
Stay tuned for a fun year. Really psyched to see what tomorrow will bring.
1) Cam has to be a focal point of the offense and step into the role of being a legitimate threat all the time (i.e. no more games with 4 shots). This is a big step for her, it's happening, and I give her and the coaching staff credit for evolving. The other players have to adjust around that. It may mean less/no playing time for the other bigs. But it's necessary for the team to be great. Cam also has to stay on the court. Looks like she's learning how.
2) Lacie needs to be the point guard (yes, this is my opinion and others feel differently I know). I won't elaborate any more as to why because I already have and don't want to sound like a broken record. For me, the decision isn't even close.
3) We need to have Jump and others (today Demetre) hit threes. I think this is beginning to happen. We know Prechtel and Wilson can and will deliver from deep. I also think we'll get 3's from Cam and the Hulls, and maybe even Haley too as the season progresses. With Cam being more of a threat down low and being a good passer, we'll get more open threes (a la her passes to Demetre and Lacie today). That is so tough to guard. Either double her and we get a 3 or don't and see if you can stop her with one defender.
Some of the issues we've seen so far will simply go away on their own over time. They will start making their free throws at a reasonable %. It may not be 75%, but it will be more than 60%. Haley and Lexie will also return to their former selves (actually I'm kinda worried about Haley). When these things start to happen, we will be beating teams like Texas and USF by double digits. (South Carolina is another level above though. Gonna be tough to take them down, especially at their place).
My biggest question is can the players hang together through all this churning and find their on-court chemistry? This is not easy, for coaches or for players. But I do think Tara excels in this area and the players do trust her. They also benefit from knowing what it takes to be a champion. Not sure there's a better coach out there to handle such a large roster.
Stay tuned for a fun year. Really psyched to see what tomorrow will bring.