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WBB picked 10th in PAC12
- Thread starter jsmilkst
- Start date
My impressions of these pre-season conference rankings is they usually just duplicate lasts years results. With the Buffs ending up tied for 9th last year, and then as absinthe says, losing Ms. Roberson, 10th makes sense based on how these things are usually voted by the coaches.
Thankfully, I think these pre-season polls usually/ often end up being VERY off from what ends up actually happening.
Thankfully, I think these pre-season polls usually/ often end up being VERY off from what ends up actually happening.
Except for the elites, WBB can have some huge swings that deviate from expectations. USC last year, for example. That undefeated Nebraska year when we were at the end of our Big 12 days. If things gel, you can win a ton of games. It won't beat UConn, but it can get you to the Sweet 16.
And WBB tends to have fewer upsets (lack of parity or whatnot). I think the conference continues to be real smushed together on a tier somewhere below Stanford. USC's run in the conf championship notwithstanding, ASU made the biggest leap last year. I can see the buffs anywhere between 4 and 10 I guess, I just really don't have faith that the Oregons and Washingtons have any sort of staying power.
Also, no more Ogwumikes!
Also, no more Ogwumikes!
Well, I'd like to see it, so I'd pitch in...
MarkW
Well-Known Member
Simply CU women's basketball hasn't earned respect in the PC 12 yet. Obviously they had a very good conference regular season record two years ago, but otherwise they've struggled. Before they get that respect they'll have to do what the men have done and win consistently in Pac 12 play. The non-conference portion of the schedule doesn't really matter when it comes to respect by conference peers.
I've told others and I'll say it here now, I thought last season was a bit of a step back for the program, despite what the coaches may say. It wasn't unreasonable to expect a second consecutive NCAA tourney appearance despite the loss of Chucky and the sisters Malcolm-Peck.
I found this quote to be instructive of what happened last season and what we might hope for this season:
"Last year at this time, we weren't consistent in practice, so it might have been surprising (to some) that we couldn't sustain it during conference last year," Lappe said. "It wasn't necessarily surprising to me because we hadn't done it in practice. This year, we've shown tremendous consistency, much like we did two years ago. It's the same sort of feel." - Linda Lappe
In addition to practicing well here are some other keys IMHO (I'm sure more will come to mind later):
1. Staying healthy. With Arielle already injured CU can't afford to lose any more of their top 8 or 9 players for more than a game here or there.
2. Jamee. She needs to be assertive in every game at both ends and stay away from foul trouble She has all-conference talent is she can keep it together mentally. No doubt in my mind she can average a double-double. LL has stated she needs to be assertive in the low block - absolutely a necessity. And even more so without Arielle or a center who can do so.
3. The three seniors have to go all out every night. And they need to stay healthy. Jasmine, before her injure was a revelation last season. Lexy became more comfortable going to the basket. And we all know that Jen has an amazing consistent and beautiful mid-range jumper.
3. Haley Smith started something like 20 games last season. She'll be a starter again this season, but she'll need to be more consistent. I thought she showed some potential and became more aggressive as the season progressed. Boy, if she could hit from the perimeter it would help out the low post players. Speaking of sophomores, I would think Zoe Beard-Fails will see significant playing time as well. Maybe not every game, but from time to time.
4. Two or three freshmen are going to get some playing time. It sounds like Brecca will do so at point guard and that could free up Lexy to play more shooting guard. Alina Hartmann - from what I've heard and read - is going to be a player. Again, she'll need to do some scoring with Arielle out. And Zoe Correal will need to get some time in the low post in order to spell whoever starts there.
5.. Defend and rebound. Last season during conference play they didn't do so well in these two areas. This is what's going to give them a shot at the NCAA tourney. Oh, and cut down on silly turnovers as well
Only three weeks until a game that counts, v UND (North Dakota).
Oh and they have must wins v CSU (assuming they meet in the Omni Classic final), DU and Wyoming. Have to keep the local competition in their place.
I've told others and I'll say it here now, I thought last season was a bit of a step back for the program, despite what the coaches may say. It wasn't unreasonable to expect a second consecutive NCAA tourney appearance despite the loss of Chucky and the sisters Malcolm-Peck.
I found this quote to be instructive of what happened last season and what we might hope for this season:
"Last year at this time, we weren't consistent in practice, so it might have been surprising (to some) that we couldn't sustain it during conference last year," Lappe said. "It wasn't necessarily surprising to me because we hadn't done it in practice. This year, we've shown tremendous consistency, much like we did two years ago. It's the same sort of feel." - Linda Lappe
In addition to practicing well here are some other keys IMHO (I'm sure more will come to mind later):
1. Staying healthy. With Arielle already injured CU can't afford to lose any more of their top 8 or 9 players for more than a game here or there.
2. Jamee. She needs to be assertive in every game at both ends and stay away from foul trouble She has all-conference talent is she can keep it together mentally. No doubt in my mind she can average a double-double. LL has stated she needs to be assertive in the low block - absolutely a necessity. And even more so without Arielle or a center who can do so.
3. The three seniors have to go all out every night. And they need to stay healthy. Jasmine, before her injure was a revelation last season. Lexy became more comfortable going to the basket. And we all know that Jen has an amazing consistent and beautiful mid-range jumper.
3. Haley Smith started something like 20 games last season. She'll be a starter again this season, but she'll need to be more consistent. I thought she showed some potential and became more aggressive as the season progressed. Boy, if she could hit from the perimeter it would help out the low post players. Speaking of sophomores, I would think Zoe Beard-Fails will see significant playing time as well. Maybe not every game, but from time to time.
4. Two or three freshmen are going to get some playing time. It sounds like Brecca will do so at point guard and that could free up Lexy to play more shooting guard. Alina Hartmann - from what I've heard and read - is going to be a player. Again, she'll need to do some scoring with Arielle out. And Zoe Correal will need to get some time in the low post in order to spell whoever starts there.
5.. Defend and rebound. Last season during conference play they didn't do so well in these two areas. This is what's going to give them a shot at the NCAA tourney. Oh, and cut down on silly turnovers as well
Only three weeks until a game that counts, v UND (North Dakota).
Oh and they have must wins v CSU (assuming they meet in the Omni Classic final), DU and Wyoming. Have to keep the local competition in their place
.
Simply CU women's basketball hasn't earned respect in the PC 12 yet. Obviously they had a very good conference regular season record two years ago, but otherwise they've struggled. Before they get that respect they'll have to do what the men have done and win consistently in Pac 12 play. The non-conference portion of the schedule doesn't really matter when it comes to respect by conference peers.
I've told others and I'll say it here now, I thought last season was a bit of a step back for the program, despite what the coaches may say. It wasn't unreasonable to expect a second consecutive NCAA tourney appearance despite the loss of Chucky and the sisters Malcolm-Peck.
I found this quote to be instructive of what happened last season and what we might hope for this season:
"Last year at this time, we weren't consistent in practice, so it might have been surprising (to some) that we couldn't sustain it during conference last year," Lappe said. "It wasn't necessarily surprising to me because we hadn't done it in practice. This year, we've shown tremendous consistency, much like we did two years ago. It's the same sort of feel." - Linda Lappe
In addition to practicing well here are some other keys IMHO (I'm sure more will come to mind later):
1. Staying healthy. With Arielle already injured CU can't afford to lose any more of their top 8 or 9 players for more than a game here or there.
2. Jamee. She needs to be assertive in every game at both ends and stay away from foul trouble She has all-conference talent is she can keep it together mentally. No doubt in my mind she can average a double-double. LL has stated she needs to be assertive in the low block - absolutely a necessity. And even more so without Arielle or a center who can do so.
3. The three seniors have to go all out every night. And they need to stay healthy. Jasmine, before her injure was a revelation last season. Lexy became more comfortable going to the basket. And we all know that Jen has an amazing consistent and beautiful mid-range jumper.
3. Haley Smith started something like 20 games last season. She'll be a starter again this season, but she'll need to be more consistent. I thought she showed some potential and became more aggressive as the season progressed. Boy, if she could hit from the perimeter it would help out the low post players. Speaking of sophomores, I would think Zoe Beard-Fails will see significant playing time as well. Maybe not every game, but from time to time.
4. Two or three freshmen are going to get some playing time. It sounds like Brecca will do so at point guard and that could free up Lexy to play more shooting guard. Alina Hartmann - from what I've heard and read - is going to be a player. Again, she'll need to do some scoring with Arielle out. And Zoe Correal will need to get some time in the low post in order to spell whoever starts there.
5.. Defend and rebound. Last season during conference play they didn't do so well in these two areas. This is what's going to give them a shot at the NCAA tourney. Oh, and cut down on silly turnovers as well
Only three weeks until a game that counts, v UND (North Dakota).
Oh and they have must wins v CSU (assuming they meet in the Omni Classic final), DU and Wyoming. Have to keep the local competition in their place
First, rep.
Second, agreed on Jamee, but I'm really thinking we could see something special out of Lexy this year. She really started the season strong and then kind of faded in and out. If she can match the first month of last year this season, she'll be dangerous.
The loss of Jasimine was the crusher last year. Totally impacted the team. But Lauren was out with splints at the same time (she brings an outside dimension to the game).
Last year was really about injuries in my opinion.
I'm looking for big years from Lexy and Jaimee (who can take over the game physically when necessary).
Last year was really about injuries in my opinion.
I'm looking for big years from Lexy and Jaimee (who can take over the game physically when necessary).
Concur on the injuries last year. I didn't go back and look, but it hardly felt like the same starting lineup more than a couple games in a row. Even with Arielle out, if they can keep a consistent rotation we'll be good. Haley definitely has the potential. I think top scorer could be either Jen or Jamee. When Jamee was on, she was definitely all Pac caliber
MarkW
Well-Known Member
Injuries were certainly a major issue last season. But they weren't the only reason WBB struggled in conference play. If you think back to the non-conference portion of the season there were some worrisome warning signs. Inability to close out games, especially against lesser teams. At the time this didn't lead to a loss, but it was a trend that let us know all wasn't well with the team. And part of the reason they weren't able finish off the opposition was the lack of defense.
When the injuries hit these issues were too much to overcome much of the time.
IMHO, this season hinges on the team's ability to be consistent on both ends. I see them doing anything from finishing high enough in the conference to earn an NCAA tourney bid to finishing where predicted and getting another WNIT bid.
When the injuries hit these issues were too much to overcome much of the time.
IMHO, this season hinges on the team's ability to be consistent on both ends. I see them doing anything from finishing high enough in the conference to earn an NCAA tourney bid to finishing where predicted and getting another WNIT bid.
Last season BWil started the season injured and never played without pain. I know players learn to play with pain, but she didn't have a single game that was pain free. Ashley had the best season of her career and, imo, the best season of any Buff. The shoulder injury near the end of the season hurt the team.
Jen has not seemed to have good luck with injuries. We need Jen and Jaz to be healthy.
Lexy needs to be consistent. Lauren needs to stay healthy and shoot the 3's. Jamee can be All Pac 12 if she has decided that is what she wants to be.
Last season was a disappointment to me also. The team didn't show much and thus got little respect in the coaches poll.
Jen has not seemed to have good luck with injuries. We need Jen and Jaz to be healthy.
Lexy needs to be consistent. Lauren needs to stay healthy and shoot the 3's. Jamee can be All Pac 12 if she has decided that is what she wants to be.
Last season was a disappointment to me also. The team didn't show much and thus got little respect in the coaches poll.
I think it's good to be under-rated this year. I am excited to see some of the young players. I'd love to see Bri Watts play and show what she's got. I think we've got a new freshmen center who looks great too? Anyone have any info on her?
My my favorite player is Jamie Swann. I probably misspelled that but that girl is awesome. Great fight. Great attitude. Definite leader. We need more attitude like she has got!
My my favorite player is Jamie Swann. I probably misspelled that but that girl is awesome. Great fight. Great attitude. Definite leader. We need more attitude like she has got!
Buffenuf
massive tool
Need to reduce the number of schollies to ten per team; not because I don't favor WBB, but just to even out the talent.
How much fun is it, to see regular blow-outs between Top Ten teams and fairly good, but not top-notch, programs and I'm talking regular 30-40 point blow-outs!
And there's always the finals between UConn and Next!----usually ND or Furd........wow.....how excit-zzzzzzzzzzz......
Cal is trying to rise up in the Pac 12. I don't even watch the Final Four because it's always the same teams and the games usually aren't interesting. I do not watch UConn, Tennessee or Notre Dame on television. I rarely watched Baylor once we weren't in the same conference.
UCLA also had the 1st ranked national recruiting class come in this year as freshmen, so interested to see how they do. (Although it will probably be a year or two before the freshmen mature enough to compete for a conference championship, and who ever knows for sure how freshmen will develop anyway.)
Just read that Oregon's new coach dismissed last season's leading scorer for violating team rules. She was a sophomore. Some are speculating that she wouldn't play defense. I'm sure the rest of the team got the message that they will follow this coach's rules. Westphal is gone.