[BillBradley]

I’m going to defend Lepolo here a bit because although she struggled shooting, she didn’t let that impact the rest of her game.  She had some beautiful leading passes to Brink and Iriafen in the second half.  Those two get the credit but it is Lepolo that is making the pass that puts them in a great position to score.

I agree.  7 assists to 2 turnovers is spectacular, especially against a pressing team.  And her defense was improved--she was playing close and keeping a hand in the opposing faces.  And she shot the ball some--you can't start making them until you starting shooting the ball.   So that bodes well.  However, teams will sag off of her until she starts making those shots.  In that respect, effort alone is not rewarded.  There were times last night where Portland simply left her wide open on the perimeter, daring her to shoot, and she passed it.  On one such occasion she successfully assisted to a Big down low, so good choice.  But not always.

For our team, I look more at the turnovers than the assists. Depending on how we shoot, the assist number could be way higher or way lower. I think taking care of the ball is one of Lepolo's strengths. She's confident going both ways, doesn't get knocked off the ball...I never really feel like we're in trouble against a press. And even though she turned it over a few times trying to push it in transition, I love that Tara is having Cam bring the ball up some. How many bigs have we ever seen who can handle the ball like Cam? She's so versatile and can even guard quickness, I could see her playing on the perimeter in the WNBA. 

On shooting...Lepolo and Bosgana go 1-8 from 3. They are 29% and 20% on the season so far. The team has to find a way to make other teams pay when the other team is sagging. I don't trust Bosgana's shot. Sometimes her misses are way off - not the sign of a consistent shooter who's "just in a slump". She's just not a great shooter. One thought is to have both of them penetrate more. Get the ball in the paint and either dish low to Cam/Kiki, kick out to Jump/Demetre, hit a midrange, get all the way to the hole, DHO to the other wing.... I do think there's a lot Tara can do here other than just have Lepolo stand there looking around when the defense is not guarding her. Maybe have Kiki/Cam come up and set a low screen on Lepolo's defender? Gotta do something...

[BillBradley]

I’m going to defend Lepolo here a bit because although she struggled shooting, she didn’t let that impact the rest of her game.  She had some beautiful leading passes to Brink and Iriafen in the second half.  Those two get the credit but it is Lepolo that is making the pass that puts them in a great position to score.

I agree.  7 assists to 2 turnovers is spectacular, especially against a pressing team.  And her defense was improved--she was playing close and keeping a hand in the opposing faces.  And she shot the ball some--you can't start making them until you starting shooting the ball.   So that bodes well.  However, teams will sag off of her until she starts making those shots.  In that respect, effort alone is not rewarded.  There were times last night where Portland simply left her wide open on the perimeter, daring her to shoot, and she passed it.  On one such occasion she successfully assisted to a Big down low, so good choice.  But not always.

For our team, I look more at the turnovers than the assists. Depending on how we shoot, the assist number could be way higher or way lower. I think taking care of the ball is one of Lepolo's strengths. She's confident going both ways, doesn't get knocked off the ball...I never really feel like we're in trouble against a press. And even though she turned it over a few times trying to push it in transition, I love that Tara is having Cam bring the ball up some. How many bigs have we ever seen who can handle the ball like Cam? She's so versatile and can even guard quickness, I could see her playing on the perimeter in the WNBA. 

On shooting...Lepolo and Bosgana go 1-8 from 3. They are 29% and 20% on the season so far. The team has to find a way to make other teams pay when the other team is sagging. I don't trust Bosgana's shot. Sometimes her misses are way off - not the sign of a consistent shooter who's "just in a slump". She's just not a great shooter. One thought is to have both of them penetrate more. Get the ball in the paint and either dish low to Cam/Kiki, kick out to Jump/Demetre, hit a midrange, get all the way to the hole, DHO to the other wing.... I do think there's a lot Tara can do here other than just have Lepolo stand there looking around when the defense is not guarding her. Maybe have Kiki/Cam come up and set a low screen on Lepolo's defender? Gotta do something...