This discussion of Jana has been hard to read at times. A.P. has pointed out the weaknesses in her game, and many fans have countered by pointing out her strengths. This debate has carried on for weeks, with A.P. using stats from her weaker games to support his argument, and other fans using stats from her stronger games to support their argument. Rinse, repeat. This argument, on these terms, will never resolve.
This infinite loop misses the reason why I find this conversation painful. It misses the humanity of the players, and the emotional connection of being a fan. I love Jana. I understand she's not a perfect player, and I'm ok with that.
I love Jana because she's a jolt of positive energy, both on and off the floor. On the floor she doesn't run, so much as she scampers. She's an unselfish teammate. She's a creative passer, and a party with the ball in her hands on a fast break. She inspires with her tireless effort and hustle. On the bench she's a huge cheerleader. She's always talking and encouraging her teammates, with a huge beautiful smile on her face.
I love Jana because she's committed to Baylor and this program. She graduated in 2024 and could have moved on with her life, but chose to come back last year for her Covid year. After tearing her ACL in the first game, she again could have turned in her jersey and moved on with her life. Instead, she went through a year of rehab and came back this year for one more ride. She committed to Baylor; I committed to her.
I love Jana because she's an excellent representative of the school. We largely have quality people come through the program, but some just stand out above others; Jana and Bella are at that level for me. I was in Ames last weekend for the ISU game, and heard several fans say that Jana was their favorite player. Our daughter attended Baylor, and was in the same 2024 graduating class; Jana is her favorite player. Jana possesses a charisma that just draws people to her and makes them cheer for her. I've met Jana; she's delightful. I've met her parents, Tony and Carol; they're wonderful and supportive, and everything you could hope from a player's family. I love that when Jana takes the floor out of the locker room for warmups, she usually find Carol in the stands for a smile and/or a wave. We should all pray for a steady stream of players and families like the Van Gytenbeeks.
I love Jana because she's taken on a role this year that nobody expected, probably not even her. After rehabbing her ACL injury, the script should have been that she'd work her way back into shape as part of a rotation at Point Guard, competing with Ella and Ines and Taliah for minutes. As A.P. has suggested, the best fit for Jana would probably be coming off the bench and playing 15 to 20 minutes per game against the opponent's backups. Alas, with injuries and circumstances she finds herself starting, playing against the opponent's starters, dealing with the leg brace and the rehab, while playing 30 to 40 minutes per game. It's a huge ask, and much different role than expected. Jana has embraced the challenge with nothing but great attitude and great effort. Respect.
A.P. makes several true points about Jana's game, and supports them with reference to her statistics. It's irrefutable, I get it. It's also an objective critical analysis, and doesn't factor in Jana as a person, as a Green and Gold wearing representative of Baylor. Jana may have flaws in her game, but by God she's OUR Jana, and we stand behind her.
There is an argument that these athletes are adults in the world of NIL, and that means they are subject to the same criticism as professional athletes. Perhaps. But I don't see a team of professional athletes, I see a team of college kids who are trying to develop themselves into adults. Maybe it's naive, or old school, or naive wishful thinking, but it's my view. I'm reminded of the famous Mike Gundy "I'm a Man!" press conference from 20 years ago, when he thought the local press was too critical of the Oklahoma State QB and was asking them to back down. It was a beautiful moment, and it's how I feel about overly harsh criticism of our players. Jana and her teammates are in the arena, and that alone should cause all of us to treat them with a level of respect and appreciation.
A.P.'s arguments often are made in the context of how Baylor's program needs to evolve to reach an elite competitive level as a consistent Final Four contender. I share this goal. I also realize that's not where the program is today. We're a Sweet 16 contender, not realistically a Final Four contender. But that does not mean I will walk away from the program until they produce a better product. I'm a fan. I choose to still cheer my ass off for these players, while simultaneously hoping for improvement from them and the program. I have an emotional connection to this team, and especially to Jana, Bella, and Buggs. I'm not walking away now.
Is anyone else old enough to remember a goofy comic book in the early 1970's called Superfan? The premise was that a nerdy football fan in the stands was somehow magically infused with the best qualities of the best QB's in the NFL, and became the best in the league. I'd love for our PG to have the size of Kiki Rice, the athleticism of Milaysia Fulwiley, the floor vision of Olivia Miles, the dribble penetration of Hannah Hidalgo, the defensive tenacity of Rori Harmon, and the shooting ability of Azzi Fudd. Alas, that fantasy Superfan version of player does not exist. Jana may not be an All American, but she's what we've got. And I love her. She's OUR Jana.
I feel that many have seen A.P.'s observations about Jana's game as criticism of her directly. I think his observations are more a criticism of Coach NC and the program's performance in recruiting and talent acquisition. It just felt very personal to many of us, because it felt directed at Jana.
I won't dare ask A.P. to change anything about his posts or his style. I've always felt the two best posters on this site are SetShot and A.P., because I'm constantly learning more about the game when they write. Look at the insights A.P. provided after last weekend's Iowa State game; tremendous stuff. If I do have criticism, it's that sometimes his posts are a little too harsh and clinical for my style, and don't take into account that these are 18 and 22 year old people who are making huge life sacrifices to play this sport. They represent our university, and I have great appreciation. But it's a fool's errand to ask or expect anyone to change their style. On the contrary, I want to let A.P. cook, because we often get tremendous insights. On the occasions that he gets controversial and cold, it leads to spirited debate. Fun stuff.
But on this hill I will die. Jana may be flawed, but I love her, and I'm proud she's a Baylor Bear. I am ride or die with her to the end.
Sic Em!
