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Anyone catch yesterday's open practice and have any thoughts?  Unfortunately, I was unable to make it, despite my growing enthusiasm about our stellar (pending first impressions) freshman class.

I was there for the open practice.  I love our girls and especially our freshmen class.  I want this team to succeed and I want Kate and her staff to succeed.

Having said that, I was disappointed to see that Stanford will be running the same (left to right/east to west) offense they ran last season; an offense ACC opponents and others (i.e. Ohio State) totally destroy.  This team is a lot more talented and I'm afraid Kate is not going to take advantage of some of their skill sets, not to mention size and length.

As just one example, Hailee Swain is a dynamic 'downhill' player who can break down defenses and score with either hand.  Lateral offenses where players move to perimeter spots, get passes, then rotate the ball back to another perimeter player for a 3-point attempt takes away Hailee's signature moves.  She becomes another perimeter player in the system.

The existing offense removes any option for high post (solid) screens from Stanford's Bigs.  Kennedy and Lara are physically well suited to do this.  Teams that screen Stanford force our defending guards to scramble and oftentimes allow the opponent's guards clear paths to the basket.  Imagine the damage a Hailee Swain or a Chloe Clardy could do with those screens.

On a positive note, Nunu was simply a beast.  No one could stop her going to the rim.  Shay was quick and active.  Carly hit a number of 3 pointers in a row.  Kennedy showed much improvement and mobility.  Lara's footwork and soft touch from distance impressed me.  Even Mary Ashley showed more willingness to look for her shot inside.

The autograph session after the practice was great and fans had a chance to briefly chat with all the players.

Go Card!

[stopandpop]

Anyone catch yesterday's open practice and have any thoughts?  Unfortunately, I was unable to make it, despite my growing enthusiasm about our stellar (pending first impressions) freshman class.

I was there for the open practice.  I love our girls and especially our freshmen class.  I want this team to succeed and I want Kate and her staff to succeed.

Having said that, I was disappointed to see that Stanford will be running the same (left to right/east to west) offense they ran last season; an offense ACC opponents and others (i.e. Ohio State) totally destroy.  This team is a lot more talented and I'm afraid Kate is not going to take advantage of some of their skill sets, not to mention size and length.

As just one example, Hailee Swain is a dynamic 'downhill' player who can break down defenses and score with either hand.  Lateral offenses where players move to perimeter spots, get passes, then rotate the ball back to another perimeter player for a 3-point attempt takes away Hailee's signature moves.  She becomes another perimeter player in the system.

The existing offense removes any option for high post (solid) screens from Stanford's Bigs.  Kennedy and Lara are physically well suited to do this.  Teams that screen Stanford force our defending guards to scramble and oftentimes allow the opponent's guards clear paths to the basket.  Imagine the damage a Hailee Swain or a Chloe Clardy could do with those screens.

On a positive note, Nunu was simply a beast.  No one could stop her going to the rim.  Shay was quick and active.  Carly hit a number of 3 pointers in a row.  Kennedy showed much improvement and mobility.  Lara's footwork and soft touch from distance impressed me.  Even Mary Ashley showed more willingness to look for her shot inside.

The autograph session after the practice was great and fans had a chance to briefly chat with all the players.

Go Card!