WBB 2025-2026 season - Printable Version
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RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - bl82 - 10-31-2025
I got the impression that when Kate was the top assistant and the team was struggling mightily, that she was the one suggesting the more unconventional ideas to Tara, such as going to a zone defense, using three posts, pressing, or whatever it was that she thought would shake things up and positively impact the team. Is it possible that now as head coach she has become more conservative? (perhaps she wasn't quite the contrarian devil's advocate as an assistant that I thought she was)
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - Card10Fan - 10-31-2025
(10-31-2025, 04:25 PM)bl82 Wrote: I got the impression that when Kate was the top assistant and the team was struggling mightily, that she was the one suggesting the more unconventional ideas to Tara, such as going to a zone defense, using three posts, pressing, or whatever it was that she thought would shake things up and positively impact the team. Is it possible that now as head coach she has become more conservative? (perhaps she wasn't quite the contrarian devil's advocate as an assistant that I thought she was)
I remember her as the intense competitor assistant coach who was very tough and demanding of players and just extremely competitive in wanting to win. I’m sure she’s evolved some over the years. I don’t remember seeing anything last year that was unconventional. I think more broadly an area that should be improved with her is using the roster and talent on said roster, to play a system or style that hones those players skill sets in the best way. It doesn’t have to be a major offensive overhaul every year but if it’s the same things every single year, we’re probably not utilizing the skills of that team in the best possible way. Some of the same could be said defensively.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - chimera - 10-31-2025
I don't go to games anymore (can't), but I wanted to say that looking at the stats from last season neither the offense nor the defense were up to snuff with the offense being about 3-6 points per game worse than typical for Stanford and the defense a whopping 10-15 points per game worse than usual. The defense was a much bigger problem than the offense last year. Given that defense should be easier to correct if the scheme is good and the players play with sufficient focus and intensity, my hope is that fixing the defense will make a big difference.
There was no reason for the team to be as poor defensively as they were last season. The may have lacked a rim protector once Brink graduated but Stanford has had consistently excellent defenses for decades with all kinds of rosters, and with plenty of players who were not individually fantastic defenders. Fix the defense and you go a long way to a lot more wins. If the defense is not much better this season that is on coaching (sorry, Kate). If Tara could manage very good to excellent defenses year after year, no reason Kate cannot do that same. I heard her mention defense a couple of times in the post-game presser so I assume she is well aware.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BostonCard - 10-31-2025
Great point, Chimera. We tend to fixate on the offense, but defense is just as important.
BC
SkiBum80 - SkiBum80 - 11-01-2025
(10-30-2025, 08:20 PM)TonyLima Wrote: …Speaking as an old guy myself, it beats the alternative!
I blame old age….
(10-31-2025, 07:26 PM)chimera Wrote: I don't go to games anymore (can't), but I wanted to say that looking at the stats from last season neither the offense nor the defense were up to snuff with the offense being about 3-6 points per game worse than typical for Stanford and the defense a whopping 10-15 points per game worse than usual. The defense was a much bigger problem than the offense last year. Given that defense should be easier to correct if the scheme is good and the players play with sufficient focus and intensity, my hope is that fixing the defense will make a big difference.For inspiration and example of defense, need look no further than Coach Smith and men’s team. His first season he took an arguably weaker roster and had them playing immediately better defense than before. Based on one exhibition so far, looks promising to continue good into this season.
There was no reason for the team to be as poor defensively as they were last season. The may have lacked a rim protector once Brink graduated but Stanford has had consistently excellent defenses for decades with all kinds of rosters, and with plenty of players who were not individually fantastic defenders. Fix the defense and you go a long way to a lot more wins. If the defense is not much better this season that is on coaching (sorry, Kate). If Tara could manage very good to excellent defenses year after year, no reason Kate cannot do that same. I heard her mention defense a couple of times in the post-game presser so I assume she is well aware.
tonylima - TonyLima - 11-01-2025
SkiBum80 dateline='[url=tel:1762007709' Wrote: 1762007709[/url]']
TonyLima dateline='[url=tel:1761880819' Wrote: 1761880819[/url]']Speaking as an old guy myself, it beats the alternative!
…
I blame old age….
There are days when I wonder …
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - AxeMan89 - 11-11-2025
Has anyone else noted the severe downgrade in concessions at Maples? Not sure if an insider could assure us things will get better for conference play, but:
Hot Dog stand - gone (no coffee or ice cream, polish dogs, etc.)
Noodle place ----> Pretzels
North end - honestly can't remember but now has warmed-over burgers, chicken strips, soggy waffle fries and guys sitting at tables with an iphone ringing you up.
Pop-up grocery on the west side - was a big selection of things, now only beer and sodas
On the plus side there was someone selling boba tea at a table.
I just noticed at the Cal Poly game since I ate before the weeknight games. Possibly understandable given the low attendance. But gives a very hollowed-out dead mall kinda vibe.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BobK - 11-11-2025
My cheese burger was good But hot dog Thursday was terrible. Then Sunday buying chips check out person wasnt trained so couldn’t buy
Every year it gets poorer
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - 2006alum - 11-11-2025
(11-11-2025, 03:33 PM)AxeMan89 Wrote: Has anyone else noted the severe downgrade in concessions at Maples? Not sure if an insider could assure us things will get better for conference play, but:
Hot Dog stand - gone (no coffee or ice cream, polish dogs, etc.)
Noodle place ----> Pretzels
North end - honestly can't remember but now has warmed-over burgers, chicken strips, soggy waffle fries and guys sitting at tables with an iphone ringing you up.
Pop-up grocery on the west side - was a big selection of things, now only beer and sodas
On the plus side there was someone selling boba tea at a table.
I just noticed at the Cal Poly game since I ate before the weeknight games. Possibly understandable given the low attendance. But gives a very hollowed-out dead mall kinda vibe.
Yes, I was disappointed as well. Popcorn was terrible (very pre-made and stone cold), beer selection has gotten worse, and only one stand I could find with real food. Also surprised how much worse the take-away selection was compared to last year.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BostonCard - 11-11-2025
The pretzel (that I got at the volleyball game) was quite good, but timing is everything, since the concessionaire said it was fresh out of the oven.
BC
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - CompSci87 - 11-12-2025
(11-11-2025, 05:31 PM)BostonCard Wrote: The pretzel (that I got at the volleyball game) was quite good, but timing is everything, since the concessionaire said it was fresh out of the oven.
BC
Yes, timing was everything. I didn't get a pretzel at the volleyball game because they were out and it was going to take 10 or 15 minutes to bake more.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - Spiny_Norman - 11-12-2025
Back to basketball, I watched UCLA play Oklahoma on Monday night. Looked like the same UCLA team we have seen lately with one big addition - they have a player who can shoot. Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens (who scored 28 points as a freshman in a win over Stanford) could be a difference maker for the Bruins. UCLA has built up a reputation for playing tough defense, rebounding relentlessly (especially on the offensive end) and missing a lot of shots. Kneepkens could change that for UCLA and give them the piece they need to compete with UConn, South Carolina, Texas and USC. UCLA certainly has tons of experience. Their 12 person roster includes 8 seniors and grad students.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - Card10Fan - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 11:33 AM)Spiny_Norman Wrote: Back to basketball, I watched UCLA play Oklahoma on Monday night. Looked like the same UCLA team we have seen lately with one big addition - they have a player who can shoot. Utah transfer Gianna Kneepkens (who scored 28 points as a freshman in a win over Stanford) could be a difference maker for the Bruins. UCLA has built up a reputation for playing tough defense, rebounding relentlessly (especially on the offensive end) and missing a lot of shots. Kneepkens could change that for UCLA and give them the piece they need to compete with UConn, South Carolina, Texas and USC. UCLA certainly has tons of experience. Their 12 person roster includes 8 seniors and grad students.
Kneepkens does seem like a great addition. After this season, they will lose Betts, Rice, Kneepkens, Jacquez, Gardner, Dugalic, Leger-Walker. It's pretty much an all or nothing season for UCLA. They are gonna have to reload and rebuilt big time next year. I think they will be a Final 4 contender this year though and have some big non-conference games coming up.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - stopandpop - 11-12-2025
This weekend marks Stanford's first road trip of the season and while on paper Gonzaga appears to be the bigger challenge, potential dangers lurk when the Cardinal face Washington State. Despite a poor start and never having beaten us, nothing in basketball is a 'given'.
Here's what I'll be watching in no particular order: AGGRESSION- WSU will come out and try to be the aggressor. It's more challenging to be aggressive on the road, but we must match their aggression while playing smart and in control. BE MORE SELECTIVE IN 3-POINT SHOTS- Stanford, as a team, is (at best) a streaky 3-point shooting squad. When shots aren't falling at home, adjustments are easier to make, but not so easy on the road. The 3-pointer should not be the first option. FIND A WAY TO GET THE BALL INSIDE- It appears as though Kate is once-again committed to the old, pass the ball around the perimeter offense. This means Agara, Somfai, Swain, etc. have had to really work to find driving lanes because of perimeter pressure (and because those lanes are often occupied by defenders), Stanford must mix things up to disrupt them. It's disappointing that Kate has appeared to abandon the inside-out game, which better-opens up more open three's. Lastly, ESCHMEYER MUST REGAIN HER CONFIDENCE and play more assertively, like she had in the first couple of games. The best way to do that is get her the ball when she's posting on the block, but since she's not getting the passes inside, she's forced to post up high. She is very capable of driving to the hoop from that position, but for reasons I don't understand, she looked tentative out there and deferred to passing- although she did make some nifty passes to players for easy scores. I remain perplexed why Kate elected to sub Stevenson off the bench before putting in Alex. Mary Ashley is a high energy player and vocal leader on the court, but with limited offensive skills, athleticism and size. Whether you agree or disagree with Kate's decision making, when you're on the road you need as many offensive threats as possible. That's why you play Eschmeyer; maybe not start her, but put her in early and tell the team to get her the ball. Let's keep our win streak going against the Cougars.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - Spiny_Norman - 11-12-2025
WSU is currently 0-3 on the season, having lost to Idaho, UNV and Southern Utah.
Their roster consists of 9 international players and 3 Americans. The leading scorer is a 5'8" guard from Italy, Eleonora Villa who scores 21 points a game.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BobK - 11-12-2025
The next three games
https://fbcpac10.blogspot.com/2025/10/previews-and-rosters-of-1st-4-game.html?m=1
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - crackpot - 11-12-2025
(11-12-2025, 12:57 AM)CompSci87 Wrote:(11-11-2025, 05:31 PM)BostonCard Wrote: The pretzel (that I got at the volleyball game) was quite good, but timing is everything, since the concessionaire said it was fresh out of the oven.
BC
Yes, timing was everything. I didn't get a pretzel at the volleyball game because they were out and it was going to take 10 or 15 minutes to bake more.
They suck now. Changed to Wetzel's Pretzels partway through last season and they're just a greasy mess. On the bright side, making my own has now become an away-game football tradition in the household.
(11-12-2025, 06:42 PM)BobK Wrote: The next three games
https://fbcpac10.blogspot.com/2025/10/previews-and-rosters-of-1st-4-game.html?m=1
Thanks, Bob. BTW, blankets will not be given out at any of 'em, but they will be given out at Sunday's WVB game. ;)
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - martyup - 11-13-2025
UCLA is playing North Carolina now on ESPN2. At the end of the 1st, USC 17 -- NC 15.
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - BostonCard - 11-13-2025
UCLA won 78-60. Betts had 20 pts, 10 rebounds.
BC
RE: WBB 2025-2026 season - joemontes - 11-13-2025
(11-13-2025, 09:13 PM)BostonCard Wrote: UCLA won 78-60. Betts had 20 pts, 10 rebounds.UCLA better get back to the Final Four this season because it will literally be Sienna BETTS + who knows who else next season.
BC