[81alum]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

2) Somfai was quite good.  Clearly she is further along than Alanna Smith was in Smith's first game.  She loves the scoop shot though, and that shot won't work against longer more experienced teams.  It remains to be seen whether she is starting at her ceiling or can continue to progress.

3) Three point shooting was a problem.  That bodes poorly for the season, since three point shooting tends to be at its best very early on and declines as defenses improve. 

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  Not a lot of data to go on, though.  Lepolo was healthy, at least, and it was very good to see her lateral movement and quickness back.

5) I thought the team looked a little ragged at first.  Probably comes from freshman starters and returning players in new roles, plus a lot of rotation.  But the opposition was so mismatched that we should have had a more dominant start to the game than we did.

Clearly, tonight is similar to the exhibition.  We want to see more crispness on everything, and we want to see if a stable rotation is beginning to develop.  Would be nice to see Swain not only making her spectacular plays, but finishing more consistently.  If she can, she could carry the team as a freshman.

[81alum]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

2) Somfai was quite good.  Clearly she is further along than Alanna Smith was in Smith's first game.  She loves the scoop shot though, and that shot won't work against longer more experienced teams.  It remains to be seen whether she is starting at her ceiling or can continue to progress.

3) Three point shooting was a problem.  That bodes poorly for the season, since three point shooting tends to be at its best very early on and declines as defenses improve. 

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  Not a lot of data to go on, though.  Lepolo was healthy, at least, and it was very good to see her lateral movement and quickness back.

5) I thought the team looked a little ragged at first.  Probably comes from freshman starters and returning players in new roles, plus a lot of rotation.  But the opposition was so mismatched that we should have had a more dominant start to the game than we did.

Clearly, tonight is similar to the exhibition.  We want to see more crispness on everything, and we want to see if a stable rotation is beginning to develop.  Would be nice to see Swain not only making her spectacular plays, but finishing more consistently.  If she can, she could carry the team as a freshman.

[biketoc]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

Thanks for your years of previews!

[biketoc]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

Thanks for your years of previews!

[martyup]

I just noticed that we play Cornell on Dec. 28 at home and then at NC State on Jan. 1.  That sucks for our team in regards to celebrating the new year.  Also, it creates a conflict for fans that traditionally watch the New Year's Day bowl games all day.

[martyup]

I just noticed that we play Cornell on Dec. 28 at home and then at NC State on Jan. 1.  That sucks for our team in regards to celebrating the new year.  Also, it creates a conflict for fans that traditionally watch the New Year's Day bowl games all day.

[stopandpop]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

2) Somfai was quite good.  Clearly she is further along than Alanna Smith was in Smith's first game.  She loves the scoop shot though, and that shot won't work against longer more experienced teams.  It remains to be seen whether she is starting at her ceiling or can continue to progress.

3) Three point shooting was a problem.  That bodes poorly for the season, since three point shooting tends to be at its best very early on and declines as defenses improve. 

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  Not a lot of data to go on, though.  Lepolo was healthy, at least, and it was very good to see her lateral movement and quickness back.

5) I thought the team looked a little ragged at first.  Probably comes from freshman starters and returning players in new roles, plus a lot of rotation.  But the opposition was so mismatched that we should have had a more dominate start to the game than we did.

Clearly, tonight is similar to the exhibition.  We want to see more crispness on everything, and we want to see if a stable rotation is beginning to develop.  Would be nice to see Swain not only making her spectacular plays, but finishing more consistently.  If she can, she could carry the team as a freshman.

Hoping we see more of a presence down low tonight, or better yet, some high/low action with two of our Bigs.

[stopandpop]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

2) Somfai was quite good.  Clearly she is further along than Alanna Smith was in Smith's first game.  She loves the scoop shot though, and that shot won't work against longer more experienced teams.  It remains to be seen whether she is starting at her ceiling or can continue to progress.

3) Three point shooting was a problem.  That bodes poorly for the season, since three point shooting tends to be at its best very early on and declines as defenses improve. 

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  Not a lot of data to go on, though.  Lepolo was healthy, at least, and it was very good to see her lateral movement and quickness back.

5) I thought the team looked a little ragged at first.  Probably comes from freshman starters and returning players in new roles, plus a lot of rotation.  But the opposition was so mismatched that we should have had a more dominate start to the game than we did.

Clearly, tonight is similar to the exhibition.  We want to see more crispness on everything, and we want to see if a stable rotation is beginning to develop.  Would be nice to see Swain not only making her spectacular plays, but finishing more consistently.  If she can, she could carry the team as a freshman.

Hoping we see more of a presence down low tonight, or better yet, some high/low action with two of our Bigs.

[OCcardinal]

A few positives left out of the exhibition recap:
- 18/19 on free throws, including 5-5 for Somfai, 7-8 for Agara and 2-2 for Eschmeyer. It'll be a substantial advantage if our bigs are able to consistently hit their FT's.
- 3 assists from Eschmeyer. Very encouraging to see a frosh big with vision already. I'll be looking to see whether she can keep that up.
- 5 rebounds for Ijiwoye. She hit that mark a few times last season too.  Impressive aggressiveness to see a 5'6" player get that many rebounds. Her athleticism suggests a fair amount of upside to me.
- Despite the 3 point shooting woes, and the youth of our team, we beat Cal State LA by 35 points (compared to 21 last season).  

As for the 3 point shooting woes, Agara and Somfai both going 0-4 certainly didn't help. Somfai shows signs of being streaky on 3s. In some of the All American games (and high school national championship game) this summer she, at times, was hitting key 3s. At other times she missed almost everything. In the Cardinal and White game she hit 5 threes.  But went cold again against CSLA. I don't think her 3 point shooting days are over though.  As far as Agara, 3s haven't been a big part of Agara's game (she was in the 37th percentile for attempted 3s per 40 last season).  So I'm not too concerned.  But Lepolo and Clardy were a combined 3 for 7.  That's in line what I would hope for.  I just wish Lepolo would attempt more 3s.

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

[OCcardinal]

A few positives left out of the exhibition recap:
- 18/19 on free throws, including 5-5 for Somfai, 7-8 for Agara and 2-2 for Eschmeyer. It'll be a substantial advantage if our bigs are able to consistently hit their FT's.
- 3 assists from Eschmeyer. Very encouraging to see a frosh big with vision already. I'll be looking to see whether she can keep that up.
- 5 rebounds for Ijiwoye. She hit that mark a few times last season too.  Impressive aggressiveness to see a 5'6" player get that many rebounds. Her athleticism suggests a fair amount of upside to me.
- Despite the 3 point shooting woes, and the youth of our team, we beat Cal State LA by 35 points (compared to 21 last season).  

As for the 3 point shooting woes, Agara and Somfai both going 0-4 certainly didn't help. Somfai shows signs of being streaky on 3s. In some of the All American games (and high school national championship game) this summer she, at times, was hitting key 3s. At other times she missed almost everything. In the Cardinal and White game she hit 5 threes.  But went cold again against CSLA. I don't think her 3 point shooting days are over though.  As far as Agara, 3s haven't been a big part of Agara's game (she was in the 37th percentile for attempted 3s per 40 last season).  So I'm not too concerned.  But Lepolo and Clardy were a combined 3 for 7.  That's in line what I would hope for.  I just wish Lepolo would attempt more 3s.

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

[amytmueller]

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

They are permanent, which makes no sense to me.  We sit in the first row behind the baseline and it blocks quite a bit of the court. We're getting better at looking up at the play on the scoreboard when players with the ball are hidden by the hoop.

[amytmueller]

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

They are permanent, which makes no sense to me.  We sit in the first row behind the baseline and it blocks quite a bit of the court. We're getting better at looking up at the play on the scoreboard when players with the ball are hidden by the hoop.

[crackpot]

I'm assuming there's no chalktalk tonight? Anyone know when they will start?

[crackpot]

I'm assuming there's no chalktalk tonight? Anyone know when they will start?

[Baez87]

Great to see 81Alum back on the Board, even if he has pulled back from his role as pre-game analyst. His game-after-game contributions haven’t gone unnoticed (my wife cites ‘81’s previews as vital to her deeper understanding of the game). We both know how much time it takes to research the coming games and prepare a strategic analysis — and to do it so well! And, on a personal note, we appreciate his contributions to our enthusiasm for the game. (And we secretly hope that, after seeing the efforts of this newly constructed team, he might get caught up in the excitement of this team and review a game or two for all of us this season.

[Baez87]

Great to see 81Alum back on the Board, even if he has pulled back from his role as pre-game analyst. His game-after-game contributions haven’t gone unnoticed (my wife cites ‘81’s previews as vital to her deeper understanding of the game). We both know how much time it takes to research the coming games and prepare a strategic analysis — and to do it so well! And, on a personal note, we appreciate his contributions to our enthusiasm for the game. (And we secretly hope that, after seeing the efforts of this newly constructed team, he might get caught up in the excitement of this team and review a game or two for all of us this season.

[crackpot]

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

Aha! I WAS at the game, and I was trying to figure out why the two rows of courtside seats behind the baseline looked so much further back than last season! I even came home and counted the number of fixed seats (well, fixed-but-storable) behind the baseline to see if they removed a row (they didn't). 

Nice to know why I was experiencing that optical illusion.

I'd rather have the ones from the ceiling since they provide better views all around.

I also noticed there were ads (slight, but there).

[crackpot]

I wasn't at the game, but looking at the replays it seemed they were using portable basketball hoops for the scrimmage (instead of the normal ceiling suspended ones).  I don't know if that is a permanent change or not.  I saw the men had it too (though they weren't quite as dismal on 3s, shooting 33%).

Aha! I WAS at the game, and I was trying to figure out why the two rows of courtside seats behind the baseline looked so much further back than last season! I even came home and counted the number of fixed seats (well, fixed-but-storable) behind the baseline to see if they removed a row (they didn't). 

Nice to know why I was experiencing that optical illusion.

I'd rather have the ones from the ceiling since they provide better views all around.

I also noticed there were ads (slight, but there).

[fullmetal]

I echo the appreciating and praise for 81alum's work: your knowledge and context enrich us all!

[fullmetal]

I echo the appreciating and praise for 81alum's work: your knowledge and context enrich us all!

[81alum]

Thank you!

Question:  Does anyone know if there has been a schedule posted of Chalk Talks?  And will there be one tonight?

[81alum]

Thank you!

Question:  Does anyone know if there has been a schedule posted of Chalk Talks?  And will there be one tonight?

[skip75]

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

I have often been accused of looking at the world through cardinal-colored glasses, but I don't think it's completely unreasonable to hope that the best case is that Swain, Somfai, & Eschmeyer form the nucleus of a team that competes at the highest level.  My hope is that they will all come to believe that Stanford is not only the best place for them to earn a degree, but also the best place for them to prepare for a future in the WNBA and to win a national championship.

[skip75]

1) Swain is the real deal. Her talent level in her first game exceeds where Candice Wiggins was in her first game.  She got a little wild trying to make some shots in traffic, but her effortless quickness on defense was something to behold.  Quite amazing considering that she is not a small guard.  I think at best we keep her for three years, since like Kiki she will have lots of suitors and virtually anyone on the team seems to be able to graduate in 3 if they want to.  At worst, we lose her earlier than that.

I have often been accused of looking at the world through cardinal-colored glasses, but I don't think it's completely unreasonable to hope that the best case is that Swain, Somfai, & Eschmeyer form the nucleus of a team that competes at the highest level.  My hope is that they will all come to believe that Stanford is not only the best place for them to earn a degree, but also the best place for them to prepare for a future in the WNBA and to win a national championship.

[petersalas]

I agree 100% Hopefully it doesn’t take long for the excitement to kick in. I think 81’s previews and recaps are much better than what we get in the media. 

Great to see 81Alum back on the Board, even if he has pulled back from his role as pre-game analyst. His game-after-game contributions haven’t gone unnoticed (my wife cites ‘81’s previews as vital to her deeper understanding of the game). We both know how much time it takes to research the coming games and prepare a strategic analysis — and to do it so well! And, on a personal note, we appreciate his contributions to our enthusiasm for the game. (And we secretly hope that, after seeing the efforts of this newly constructed team, he might get caught up in the excitement of this team and review a game or two for all of us this season.

[petersalas]

I agree 100% Hopefully it doesn’t take long for the excitement to kick in. I think 81’s previews and recaps are much better than what we get in the media. 

Great to see 81Alum back on the Board, even if he has pulled back from his role as pre-game analyst. His game-after-game contributions haven’t gone unnoticed (my wife cites ‘81’s previews as vital to her deeper understanding of the game). We both know how much time it takes to research the coming games and prepare a strategic analysis — and to do it so well! And, on a personal note, we appreciate his contributions to our enthusiasm for the game. (And we secretly hope that, after seeing the efforts of this newly constructed team, he might get caught up in the excitement of this team and review a game or two for all of us this season.

[jonnyss]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  

thank you. i thought chloe clardy played really well. 20 points on 8/14 shooting, and 6 rebounds.

[jonnyss]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  

thank you. i thought chloe clardy played really well. 20 points on 8/14 shooting, and 6 rebounds.

[81alum]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  

thank you. i thought chloe clardy played really well. 20 points on 8/14 shooting, and 6 rebounds.

True enough.  Then again, she was playing extremely well by the end of last season.  Hopefully she can continue with that consistently.

[81alum]

Hi friends,

I am backing off my WBB obsession from the last decade and do not plan to do elaborate previews.  Would be happy to turn that over to anyone who wants to!  But if I notice that we lack an independent thread for each game, I'll go ahead and start one.

I was at the exhibition, and have just a few impressions.

4) I did not see immediate signs of improvement from our returning players.  

thank you. i thought chloe clardy played really well. 20 points on 8/14 shooting, and 6 rebounds.

True enough.  Then again, she was playing extremely well by the end of last season.  Hopefully she can continue with that consistently.

[crackpot]

First chalk talk is Santa Clara.

[crackpot]

First chalk talk is Santa Clara.

[martyup]

Starting lineup: Swain, Lepolo, Agara, Ogden, and Somfai.

---

[martyup]

Starting lineup: Swain, Lepolo, Agara, Ogden, and Somfai.

---

[CompSci87]

Looking good at the first timeout!

First 3 off the bench were Clardy, Stevenson, and Eschmeyer.

[CompSci87]

Looking good at the first timeout!

First 3 off the bench were Clardy, Stevenson, and Eschmeyer.

[martyup]

24 point first Q.  Looking darn good to me. Zero personal fouls on Stanford. Shooting 57.9%.

[martyup]

24 point first Q.  Looking darn good to me. Zero personal fouls on Stanford. Shooting 57.9%.

[Card10Fan]

Agreed. Looking great and confident. No points from Agara thus far but 3 star freshman are impressive. Lepolo really looking to push pace.

[Card10Fan]

Agreed. Looking great and confident. No points from Agara thus far but 3 star freshman are impressive. Lepolo really looking to push pace.