03-22-2023, 11:59 AM
Count me among those who expected big things from Iriafen this year. I had pegged her as the next great Stanford player. I don't think the fact that she did not live up to (at least my) expectations this year as the only reason the team ultimately underperformed. There were others. Some coaching issues. Haley's (again, my opinion) inconsistencies (especially in big games), guard play, turnovers, lack of players who can create their own shot, etc. I don't think defense (largely because of Brink) was ever the issue, which shows that the girls were working hard.
It seems like SWBB has had trouble getting over the hump as far as winning natties since the early 90s; lots of tourneys, lots of high seeds, not a lot of titles. Having said that, I also realize that I have been ridiculously spoiled by Stanford women's basketball in that they are always competitive, always one of the top teams in the country, and always represent the school well.
-m.
It seems like SWBB has had trouble getting over the hump as far as winning natties since the early 90s; lots of tourneys, lots of high seeds, not a lot of titles. Having said that, I also realize that I have been ridiculously spoiled by Stanford women's basketball in that they are always competitive, always one of the top teams in the country, and always represent the school well.
-m.