[stopandpop]

Getting back to possible post rotations this season, I am still sold on Kiki and/or Ashten as one of the starters for the reasons suggested before.

After watching replays of Lauren's HS and FIBA games for a second time, I'm led to believe that she is not yet ready (at this moment), to be the first or second rotation off the bench, but by the end of the season, and certainly the next, she may catapult to #1.

Lauren's 6'7 WNBA type frame, her wingspan, footwork, soft hands and good shooting touch made her almost impossible to defend in HS and she proved her worth in 2 FIBA championships.  I will not be surprised if Tara plays her during many of our pre-conference games.  Lauren must gain arm strength to better absorb the more physical play down in the paint.  The two other areas of improvement would be more explosiveness going up for shots and quickness- qualities that Kiki already demonstrated as a freshman.  I'm sure Tara and the staff are fully aware of her true potential and have (or soon will) put together a development plan that will get Lauren on her way.  I still consider Betts a potential game changer, but not just yet.  We have to be patient.

I sure had hoped that Fran could/would have developed a decent-to-good midrange game in her first three seasons (she shows some of that range in warmups), because that could have moved her to power forward and allowed her more space to operate.  That would have also helped free-up the log jam at post where Fran shared time with Brink, Kiki and Ashten (and now Betts).  Playing power forward would have allowed Stanford the luxury of playing three dynamic and athletic front line players Last season (Brink, Belibi and Jones at the same time) and would have created serious problems for opponents.  

I don't know whether Fran has dreams of playing at the next level before entering med. school but playing power forward would have been her more natural position that would have made her a much higher draft pick in the WNBA.  

Having said that, I am excited to see what Fran will bring to the table in 2022-2023.

[stopandpop]

Getting back to possible post rotations this season, I am still sold on Kiki and/or Ashten as one of the starters for the reasons suggested before.

After watching replays of Lauren's HS and FIBA games for a second time, I'm led to believe that she is not yet ready (at this moment), to be the first or second rotation off the bench, but by the end of the season, and certainly the next, she may catapult to #1.

Lauren's 6'7 WNBA type frame, her wingspan, footwork, soft hands and good shooting touch made her almost impossible to defend in HS and she proved her worth in 2 FIBA championships.  I will not be surprised if Tara plays her during many of our pre-conference games.  Lauren must gain arm strength to better absorb the more physical play down in the paint.  The two other areas of improvement would be more explosiveness going up for shots and quickness- qualities that Kiki already demonstrated as a freshman.  I'm sure Tara and the staff are fully aware of her true potential and have (or soon will) put together a development plan that will get Lauren on her way.  I still consider Betts a potential game changer, but not just yet.  We have to be patient.

I sure had hoped that Fran could/would have developed a decent-to-good midrange game in her first three seasons (she shows some of that range in warmups), because that could have moved her to power forward and allowed her more space to operate.  That would have also helped free-up the log jam at post where Fran shared time with Brink, Kiki and Ashten (and now Betts).  Playing power forward would have allowed Stanford the luxury of playing three dynamic and athletic front line players Last season (Brink, Belibi and Jones at the same time) and would have created serious problems for opponents.  

I don't know whether Fran has dreams of playing at the next level before entering med. school but playing power forward would have been her more natural position that would have made her a much higher draft pick in the WNBA.  

Having said that, I am excited to see what Fran will bring to the table in 2022-2023.

[M T]

[bump]

We're about 6 weeks out from the first WBB home games but the games aren't yet available for selection in the Cardinal W Pass.
I presume they eventually will be.

If someone notices WBB showing up in the Cardinal W Pass, please mention it here, so those of us going that route can choose whatever seats may be left at that time.

[M T]

[bump]

We're about 6 weeks out from the first WBB home games but the games aren't yet available for selection in the Cardinal W Pass.
I presume they eventually will be.

If someone notices WBB showing up in the Cardinal W Pass, please mention it here, so those of us going that route can choose whatever seats may be left at that time.

[bl82]

...and not a peep about practices yet.

Some questions to ponder: Who is our best defensive point guard? How are we going to handle our wealth of talent at post/forward/(wing?)? Does Betts have what it takes to be a starter as a frosh? How much can Nivar contribute in her first year? Which of the sophs are ready to make that big jump? (and does Bosgana have an even bigger upside potential given all the new challenges she had to navigate last year as an international player?) Does Belibi have more of a perimeter game to give her more offensive flexibility? (ditto for Iriafen) Where do we slot Demetre for maximum impact? What type of contribution should we expect from Harriel?

And...are we going to tweak our offense?

[bl82]

...and not a peep about practices yet.

Some questions to ponder: Who is our best defensive point guard? How are we going to handle our wealth of talent at post/forward/(wing?)? Does Betts have what it takes to be a starter as a frosh? How much can Nivar contribute in her first year? Which of the sophs are ready to make that big jump? (and does Bosgana have an even bigger upside potential given all the new challenges she had to navigate last year as an international player?) Does Belibi have more of a perimeter game to give her more offensive flexibility? (ditto for Iriafen) Where do we slot Demetre for maximum impact? What type of contribution should we expect from Harriel?

And...are we going to tweak our offense?

[BobK]

Given that we tweak our offense every year that’s a yes. How is a question certainly no answers until an open practice well we can all observe

[BobK]

Given that we tweak our offense every year that’s a yes. How is a question certainly no answers until an open practice well we can all observe

[Phogge]

Womens' hoops, the Masters and 2023 Spring Training can't come quickly enough.

[Phogge]

Womens' hoops, the Masters and 2023 Spring Training can't come quickly enough.

[dcnav]

Do we think Jump will start? I've been assuming we need that 3 pt punch and she developed quite nicely last year into a more complete player.

I'm hoping Jones has worked on an outside shot too. She's great, but the lack of that shot will hinder her at the next level. Though I guess she could be as successful as Alyssa Thomas who has no outside shot and is still a major handful for opponents.

The whole guard situation is really a question mark. We have the posts to win a championship. But do we have the guards? Yet to be seen.

[dcnav]

Do we think Jump will start? I've been assuming we need that 3 pt punch and she developed quite nicely last year into a more complete player.

I'm hoping Jones has worked on an outside shot too. She's great, but the lack of that shot will hinder her at the next level. Though I guess she could be as successful as Alyssa Thomas who has no outside shot and is still a major handful for opponents.

The whole guard situation is really a question mark. We have the posts to win a championship. But do we have the guards? Yet to be seen.

[CompSci87]

I think Jump will start, FWIW. I don't have much idea about the rest of the questions!

[CompSci87]

I think Jump will start, FWIW. I don't have much idea about the rest of the questions!

[chimera]

I'd be very surprised if Jump did not start.  She started much of last season and she is our main three ball shooter, which we need.  I think who can hit threes may make a big difference as to who gets big minutes at certain positions.  The offense will be a slog if we don't have multiple good shooters on the floor at any given time.  It would help immensely if Jones can up her shooting percentage and number of makes a game from three.  That goes double if she is playing guard a lot.

[chimera]

I'd be very surprised if Jump did not start.  She started much of last season and she is our main three ball shooter, which we need.  I think who can hit threes may make a big difference as to who gets big minutes at certain positions.  The offense will be a slog if we don't have multiple good shooters on the floor at any given time.  It would help immensely if Jones can up her shooting percentage and number of makes a game from three.  That goes double if she is playing guard a lot.

[bl82]

We need Jump to start. Not only has she earned it by working hard from being just a catch-and-shoot player to transforming herself into a skilled all-around player, but she is the only one of our top 5 3-pt shooters from last year who is coming back.

In terms of returning 3-pt threats, once you look past last year's top five, next up is Prechtel (17 threes), who will come off the bench, then Brink (11) and Jones (11), with Demetre (8) and Emma-Nopu (2) being the only other players who made three pointers for us last year.

Everyone else is untested, save for Bosgana, who was 0-10 last year.

I'm assuming that this year's incarnation of our offense will give Brink more freedom to roam out to the perimeter and ask for Jones to be a more opportunistic 3-pt threat. With Brink and Iriafen presumably upping their offensive games and Betts needing some PT to develop, it will be difficult to find more time on the floor for Prechtel, whose presence on the perimeter typically distorts our offense a bit. The question then becomes: what do we do with Demetre in terms of position and PT? She may be our next best deep threat.

I'd love to think that Bosgana makes the big soph jump and/or the frosh are excellent long-range snipers, but that's a lot to ask.

[bl82]

We need Jump to start. Not only has she earned it by working hard from being just a catch-and-shoot player to transforming herself into a skilled all-around player, but she is the only one of our top 5 3-pt shooters from last year who is coming back.

In terms of returning 3-pt threats, once you look past last year's top five, next up is Prechtel (17 threes), who will come off the bench, then Brink (11) and Jones (11), with Demetre (8) and Emma-Nopu (2) being the only other players who made three pointers for us last year.

Everyone else is untested, save for Bosgana, who was 0-10 last year.

I'm assuming that this year's incarnation of our offense will give Brink more freedom to roam out to the perimeter and ask for Jones to be a more opportunistic 3-pt threat. With Brink and Iriafen presumably upping their offensive games and Betts needing some PT to develop, it will be difficult to find more time on the floor for Prechtel, whose presence on the perimeter typically distorts our offense a bit. The question then becomes: what do we do with Demetre in terms of position and PT? She may be our next best deep threat.

I'd love to think that Bosgana makes the big soph jump and/or the frosh are excellent long-range snipers, but that's a lot to ask.

[WBB fan]

Loving all this discussion, but I don't have any real insight to add. I do, however, agree re Jump, and I think with more playing time, she will become more and more confident

[WBB fan]

Loving all this discussion, but I don't have any real insight to add. I do, however, agree re Jump, and I think with more playing time, she will become more and more confident

[TheWildJacko]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

[TheWildJacko]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

[WBB fan]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm counting down the days, and sadly missing the excitement of the arrival of my physical season tickets. Still haven't reconciled with this digital ticket stuff.

[WBB fan]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm counting down the days, and sadly missing the excitement of the arrival of my physical season tickets. Still haven't reconciled with this digital ticket stuff.

[Card10Fan]

Still awaiting the official Pac12 schedule with dates. All we know is who are conference opponents are but no dates. Also, national TV games. ABC for the Tennessee game. I'd expect ESPN for the South Carolina game. Will see if we get any more national tv games.

[Card10Fan]

Still awaiting the official Pac12 schedule with dates. All we know is who are conference opponents are but no dates. Also, national TV games. ABC for the Tennessee game. I'd expect ESPN for the South Carolina game. Will see if we get any more national tv games.

[stopandpop]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm tending to agree with most of you that Tara will probably start Hannah because of her 3-point threat and the fact she has steadily improved her overall game.  I love what Hannah brings to the table, but she's limited in creating off the dribble and lacks defensive quickness; two areas last season among our guards that made us vulnerable to very quick, skilled perimeter opponents.

I'm hoping Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana will emerge from Fall practice as that other guard who brings us quickness, athleticism and the ability to create/score off the dribble.  That would allow for Hannah to play at the wing position (not guard).  Teams would not be able to pressure our perimeter players like they did many times last season and now you have another source of scoring.

We've had interesting discussion about Demetre starting.  There's a lot to like about Brooke; her 6'3 size, her ability to flash to the high post, catch and release and she certainly can hit the 3-ball in the corner.  Because there will be so much attention (by opponents) on Haley and Cam and then throw in Hannah, there will be less attention on Brooke and though she is not especially quick, she has good hands and a nice touch.   The one thing that concerns me is her lack of quickness, but Brooke can overcome that deficiency with her high BB IQ.  Larry Bird was never a quick player, but his BB IQ was off the charts.  I'm guessing that's one thing Tara likes about her.

If Tara does indeed start Haley (PG/ETC.), Hannah (G/W), Brooke (small forward) and Cam (power forward) the question becomes who starts at (post) and there's been lots of discussion about that position and likely rotations.  A 'jumbo' lineup (Brink, Iriafen/Prechtel, Demetre, Jump and Jones with Fran coming off the bench & playing quality minutes), plays to Stanford's strengths and Kate has told us 'we want to take advantage of our strengths'.  But this lineup still leaves us vulnerable at the perimeter- both offensively and defensively.

Without the benefit of knowing how the practices will go, I'll throw in my own starting five: Jones (PG/ETC), Jump (wing), Iriafen/Prechtel (post), Cam (PF) and Harriel/Nivar (G).

Oh, the possibilities! Tara is a supreme chest master and there are a lot of chess pieces she can play with.  With so many questions going into practice, things should get really interesting.

[stopandpop]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm tending to agree with most of you that Tara will probably start Hannah because of her 3-point threat and the fact she has steadily improved her overall game.  I love what Hannah brings to the table, but she's limited in creating off the dribble and lacks defensive quickness; two areas last season among our guards that made us vulnerable to very quick, skilled perimeter opponents.

I'm hoping Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana will emerge from Fall practice as that other guard who brings us quickness, athleticism and the ability to create/score off the dribble.  That would allow for Hannah to play at the wing position (not guard).  Teams would not be able to pressure our perimeter players like they did many times last season and now you have another source of scoring.

We've had interesting discussion about Demetre starting.  There's a lot to like about Brooke; her 6'3 size, her ability to flash to the high post, catch and release and she certainly can hit the 3-ball in the corner.  Because there will be so much attention (by opponents) on Haley and Cam and then throw in Hannah, there will be less attention on Brooke and though she is not especially quick, she has good hands and a nice touch.   The one thing that concerns me is her lack of quickness, but Brooke can overcome that deficiency with her high BB IQ.  Larry Bird was never a quick player, but his BB IQ was off the charts.  I'm guessing that's one thing Tara likes about her.

If Tara does indeed start Haley (PG/ETC.), Hannah (G/W), Brooke (small forward) and Cam (power forward) the question becomes who starts at (post) and there's been lots of discussion about that position and likely rotations.  A 'jumbo' lineup (Brink, Iriafen/Prechtel, Demetre, Jump and Jones with Fran coming off the bench & playing quality minutes), plays to Stanford's strengths and Kate has told us 'we want to take advantage of our strengths'.  But this lineup still leaves us vulnerable at the perimeter- both offensively and defensively.

Without the benefit of knowing how the practices will go, I'll throw in my own starting five: Jones (PG/ETC), Jump (wing), Iriafen/Prechtel (post), Cam (PF) and Harriel/Nivar (G).

Oh, the possibilities! Tara is a supreme chest master and there are a lot of chess pieces she can play with.  With so many questions going into practice, things should get really interesting.

[81alum]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm tending to agree with most of you that Tara will probably start Hannah because of her 3-point threat and the fact she has steadily improved her overall game.  I love what Hannah brings to the table, but she's limited in creating off the dribble and lacks defensive quickness; two areas last season among our guards that made us vulnerable to very quick, skilled perimeter opponents.

I'm hoping Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana will emerge from Fall practice as that other guard who brings us quickness, athleticism and the ability to create/score off the dribble.  That would allow for Hannah to play at the wing position (not guard).  Teams would not be able to pressure our perimeter players like they did many times last season and now you have another source of scoring.

We've had interesting discussion about Demetre starting.  There's a lot to like about Brooke; her 6'3 size, her ability to flash to the high post, catch and release and she certainly can hit the 3-ball in the corner.  Because there will be so much attention (by opponents) on Haley and Cam and then throw in Hannah, there will be less attention on Brooke and though she is not especially quick, she has good hands and a nice touch.   The one thing that concerns me is her lack of quickness, but Brooke can overcome that deficiency with her high BB IQ.  Larry Bird was never a quick player, but his BB IQ was off the charts.  I'm guessing that's one thing Tara likes about her.

If Tara does indeed start Haley (PG/ETC.), Hannah (G/W), Brooke (small forward) and Cam (power forward) the question becomes who starts at (post) and there's been lots of discussion about that position and likely rotations.  A 'jumbo' lineup (Brink, Iriafen/Prechtel, Demetre, Jump and Jones with Fran coming off the bench & playing quality minutes), plays to Stanford's strengths and Kate has told us 'we want to take advantage of our strengths'.  But this lineup still leaves us vulnerable at the perimeter- both offensively and defensively.

Without the benefit of knowing how the practices will go, I'll throw in my own starting five: Jones (PG/ETC), Jump (wing), Iriafen/Prechtel (post), Cam (PF) and Harriel/Nivar (G).

Oh, the possibilities! Tara is a supreme chest master and there are a lot of chess pieces she can play with.  With so many questions going into practice, things should get really interesting.

Thoughtful post, and I agree it is fun to speculate at this time of year.  One player I would add to the mix who you did not mention:  Emma-Nnopu.  Her defensive skills are clear, and we have seen her hit treys as well as drive.  I don't think any of us really know how good she might be on offense since we have not seen her very much, but at a minimum she can get some defensive minutes to help guard the periphery.  As a junior now she knows the system and she knows many of the players she would be defending.  Whether she gets some starts and big chunks of minutes will probably be determined by how much offense she is showing Tara right now in practice, since she is our best defensive guard at present.

I also have a lot of curiosity about Elena Bosgana.  This is the year that players usually improve the most.  She clearly has talent and is plenty aggressive enough.  I didn't see enough of her to really understand how solid she was on defense.  Nor did I see her enough to judge her consistency on jump shots.  But she can drive!

[81alum]

I agree that the first games can't come soon enough!!

I'm tending to agree with most of you that Tara will probably start Hannah because of her 3-point threat and the fact she has steadily improved her overall game.  I love what Hannah brings to the table, but she's limited in creating off the dribble and lacks defensive quickness; two areas last season among our guards that made us vulnerable to very quick, skilled perimeter opponents.

I'm hoping Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana will emerge from Fall practice as that other guard who brings us quickness, athleticism and the ability to create/score off the dribble.  That would allow for Hannah to play at the wing position (not guard).  Teams would not be able to pressure our perimeter players like they did many times last season and now you have another source of scoring.

We've had interesting discussion about Demetre starting.  There's a lot to like about Brooke; her 6'3 size, her ability to flash to the high post, catch and release and she certainly can hit the 3-ball in the corner.  Because there will be so much attention (by opponents) on Haley and Cam and then throw in Hannah, there will be less attention on Brooke and though she is not especially quick, she has good hands and a nice touch.   The one thing that concerns me is her lack of quickness, but Brooke can overcome that deficiency with her high BB IQ.  Larry Bird was never a quick player, but his BB IQ was off the charts.  I'm guessing that's one thing Tara likes about her.

If Tara does indeed start Haley (PG/ETC.), Hannah (G/W), Brooke (small forward) and Cam (power forward) the question becomes who starts at (post) and there's been lots of discussion about that position and likely rotations.  A 'jumbo' lineup (Brink, Iriafen/Prechtel, Demetre, Jump and Jones with Fran coming off the bench & playing quality minutes), plays to Stanford's strengths and Kate has told us 'we want to take advantage of our strengths'.  But this lineup still leaves us vulnerable at the perimeter- both offensively and defensively.

Without the benefit of knowing how the practices will go, I'll throw in my own starting five: Jones (PG/ETC), Jump (wing), Iriafen/Prechtel (post), Cam (PF) and Harriel/Nivar (G).

Oh, the possibilities! Tara is a supreme chest master and there are a lot of chess pieces she can play with.  With so many questions going into practice, things should get really interesting.

Thoughtful post, and I agree it is fun to speculate at this time of year.  One player I would add to the mix who you did not mention:  Emma-Nnopu.  Her defensive skills are clear, and we have seen her hit treys as well as drive.  I don't think any of us really know how good she might be on offense since we have not seen her very much, but at a minimum she can get some defensive minutes to help guard the periphery.  As a junior now she knows the system and she knows many of the players she would be defending.  Whether she gets some starts and big chunks of minutes will probably be determined by how much offense she is showing Tara right now in practice, since she is our best defensive guard at present.

I also have a lot of curiosity about Elena Bosgana.  This is the year that players usually improve the most.  She clearly has talent and is plenty aggressive enough.  I didn't see enough of her to really understand how solid she was on defense.  Nor did I see her enough to judge her consistency on jump shots.  But she can drive!

[BobK]

I really believe Jump will play a lot and not be demoted. If that’s what some are thinking. Jump had a great summer
As to who’s the 5 yes I see on Instagram Brink shooting threes but I’ll bet she plays 5 more than some think.
Can’t wait for the open practice

[BobK]

I really believe Jump will play a lot and not be demoted. If that’s what some are thinking. Jump had a great summer
As to who’s the 5 yes I see on Instagram Brink shooting threes but I’ll bet she plays 5 more than some think.
Can’t wait for the open practice

[stopandpop]

I really believe Jump will play a lot and not be demoted.  If that’s what some are thinking.  Jump had a great summer
As to who’s the 5 yes I see on Instagram Brink shooting threes but I’ll bet she plays 5 more than some think. 
Can’t wait for the open practice

Agree about Jump and Brink.  Brink is far too valuable as an inside presence when you consider over 90% of her scoring came from around the basket.  While her position will be power-forward, we will continue to see quick post ups coming off the corner, midrange shots, plus the occasional 3.

[stopandpop]

I really believe Jump will play a lot and not be demoted.  If that’s what some are thinking.  Jump had a great summer
As to who’s the 5 yes I see on Instagram Brink shooting threes but I’ll bet she plays 5 more than some think. 
Can’t wait for the open practice

Agree about Jump and Brink.  Brink is far too valuable as an inside presence when you consider over 90% of her scoring came from around the basket.  While her position will be power-forward, we will continue to see quick post ups coming off the corner, midrange shots, plus the occasional 3.

[81alum]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

[81alum]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

[stopandpop]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

Your second (excellent) paragraph reflects on the core issue for this 2022-2023 team.  I tend to subscribe to the theory that defense wins championships and our 2020-2021 championship team led by Kiana and Anna played and defended at the tip of the spear- the perimeter. They were disrupters. I agree that we have the potential to be a superb offensive team, but I'm not sure trying just to outscore the opponent takes us all the way.

There is the potential for us to become defensively sound should Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana (who all seem to have quickness), become good defenders and play quality minutes.  And then there is Emma, our best perimeter and wing defender.  If her skills on offense have improved (even moderately), then Tara has the luxury of giving her significant minutes and Emma may become part of that defensive spear especially in crunch time.  We all recall when Tara put Emma in, not just during garbage time, but in situations where we needed an athletic 'stopper' against the opponents' top guards and she held her own.

What a fascinating season we may have here.

[stopandpop]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

Your second (excellent) paragraph reflects on the core issue for this 2022-2023 team.  I tend to subscribe to the theory that defense wins championships and our 2020-2021 championship team led by Kiana and Anna played and defended at the tip of the spear- the perimeter. They were disrupters. I agree that we have the potential to be a superb offensive team, but I'm not sure trying just to outscore the opponent takes us all the way.

There is the potential for us to become defensively sound should Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana (who all seem to have quickness), become good defenders and play quality minutes.  And then there is Emma, our best perimeter and wing defender.  If her skills on offense have improved (even moderately), then Tara has the luxury of giving her significant minutes and Emma may become part of that defensive spear especially in crunch time.  We all recall when Tara put Emma in, not just during garbage time, but in situations where we needed an athletic 'stopper' against the opponents' top guards and she held her own.

What a fascinating season we may have here.

[qwerty49]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

Your second (excellent) paragraph reflects on the core issue for this 2022-2023 team.  I tend to subscribe to the theory that defense wins championships and our 2020-2021 championship team led by Kiana and Anna played and defended at the tip of the spear- the perimeter. They were disrupters. I agree that we have the potential to be a superb offensive team, but I'm not sure trying just to outscore the opponent takes us all the way.

There is the potential for us to become defensively sound should Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana (who all seem to have quickness), become good defenders and play quality minutes.  And then there is Emma, our best perimeter and wing defender.  If her skills on offense have improved (even moderately), then Tara has the luxury of giving her significant minutes and Emma may become part of that defensive spear especially in crunch time.  We all recall when Tara put Emma in, not just during garbage time, but in situations where we needed an athletic 'stopper' against the opponents' top guards and she held her own.

What a fascinating season we may have here.

There is always a role for a defensive stopper.  Remember Ros?  And don't forget that it was Ros who, on offense, sparked our win over Tennessee.

[qwerty49]

Jump absolutely has earned a starting spot.  Much of our success will depend on how good she can be on defense.  I am reminded a lot of Karlie's last year.  Tara said at the time that Karlie's BBIQ was so high that she became a good defender through anticipation and calculating the angles even though she was not as quick as a classic shut-down defender.  That has to be Jump's model to follow.

I also think that it is unlikely that we will be a great defensive team this year--the hope is we will at least be solid (especially inside and with blocks), but we have the potential to be a superb offensive team.  We may have to win more games simply by outscoring people, giving this year's team a different look than Stanford teams in the past.

Your second (excellent) paragraph reflects on the core issue for this 2022-2023 team.  I tend to subscribe to the theory that defense wins championships and our 2020-2021 championship team led by Kiana and Anna played and defended at the tip of the spear- the perimeter. They were disrupters. I agree that we have the potential to be a superb offensive team, but I'm not sure trying just to outscore the opponent takes us all the way.

There is the potential for us to become defensively sound should Jzaniya, Indya and/or Talana (who all seem to have quickness), become good defenders and play quality minutes.  And then there is Emma, our best perimeter and wing defender.  If her skills on offense have improved (even moderately), then Tara has the luxury of giving her significant minutes and Emma may become part of that defensive spear especially in crunch time.  We all recall when Tara put Emma in, not just during garbage time, but in situations where we needed an athletic 'stopper' against the opponents' top guards and she held her own.

What a fascinating season we may have here.

There is always a role for a defensive stopper.  Remember Ros?  And don't forget that it was Ros who, on offense, sparked our win over Tennessee.