WBB: Looking Ahead To 2019-20

That was enjoyable to read. We know Kim loves seniors and juniors. Based on what we saw this season when there is a critical close game Kim will leave Lauren, Juicy and Didi on the floor the whole game.

In those type games that only leaves 80 minutes between a lot of good players. I'll be surprised if the following players don't receive decent minutes in all games (Smith, Egbo, DeCosta, Ursin). I'll add HSG to that list if she proves she trustworthy at PG.

Very spot on analysis, Brian. Thank you for posting.

Brian posted the same article on the premium board and there are way more comments which is the opposite of what I expected. When I read it earlier there weren't any WBB bashing comments either.

Good article. Have really enjoyed your ramped up coverage of WBB. Really interested to see what happens at each position, particularly if another center or PG is brought in.

If you could ever get any recruiting info, that would really be appreciated by all. Info is so scarce regarding Kim's recruiting.

I also greatly appreciate the expanded Women's Basketball team coverage. Keep up the great work.

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TTNO

Well, if the goal is to get as many of your best players on the court as possible at once, putting DiDi at the point makes sense. Since she made a living with backdoor cuts and offensive rebounds this season, I'd hate to have her not play near the bucket on the offensive end. Have no problem with her on the defensive end, obviously. DiDi at the point means more minutes for Smith and DeCosta which I am all for. Should be fascinating to see how it works out.

There are shoot-first PGs and then there is Didi! She might never get a shot positioned out there. I wonder if the defender would sag down to the FT line.

My concern would be Didi's ball handling skills and ability to get to the rim and lack of outside shooting prowess. On the plus side not only would that give us great height and rebounding potential, but it would be a potentially unbelievable defensive five some- all with height except Juicy and we know how she can defend. I am counting on Nylyssa and Aquira to really pick up up on the defensive end since they are such good athletes and will have more time in the system to hone their defensive skills.

Just can't see DiDi at the point full time. She's too valuable lower for rebounds, cuts/layups and putbacks she won't gwt out top. No arguing a bit with one of our best insiders, but again just can't see it. Hoping HSG steps up or another Chloe starter kit comes aboard.

Either way it'll be fun to ratchet and great to hear introductions as the "current NCAA Champion Lady Bears" each game!!

Niya Johnson was an assist machine, but rarely took shots. Didi has an odd mid-range shot that falls most of the time, but she prefers to pass or cut.

My impression is that her jumper falls maybe 30%. I'd rather her score on cuts to the basket.

In early non-conference play, wasn't Egbo a strong defender? She did seem to be a foul magnet, as I remember. I really want to see DeCosta play more--she has some great moves and speed! She is one I fear might want more playing time than offered and would consider transferring. Would hate to lose her!

Not quite sure why they wouldn't use Honesty at the point, she handles her business regardless to whether you put her at the 2 or the 1. Yes, Combo guard she is, meaning she's very capable of playing either position. Confused why a small forward would be considered over a combo guard but, ok. Honesty is GREAT given the opportunity, she has and always will be dominant when invested in. She was #1 overall in her class until politics began moving her out the way....

https://the-boneyard.com/threads/honesty-scott-grayson-1-2018-class-prospect-nation.80346/

LadyBears42 said:

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Not quite sure why they wouldn't use Honesty at the point, she handles her business regardless to whether you put her at the 2 or the 1. Yes, Combo guard she is, meaning she's very capable of playing either position. Confused why a small forward would be considered over a combo guard but, ok. Honesty is GREAT given the opportunity, she has and always will be dominant when invested in. She was #1 overall in her class until politics began moving her out the way....

https://the-boneyard.com/threads/honesty-scott-grayson-1-2018-class-prospect-nation.80346/

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I feel certain that Kim of all coaches understands what is needed in a point guard. I think Honesty is going to be a great player for us whether that is at PG or shooting guard. Honesty like all other Freshmen comes in with a much more refined offensive game...they can shoot and score, some have really good handles...but most of them have never been in a system that requires a lot of effort or emphasis on defense. Playing team defense is a must and a learned skill as well...if a player is also struggling with injuries that in any way slow down their ability to move laterally or quickly it will have an impact on them.

As good as Smith was for us offensively and rebounding she struggled with defense...she and Egbo got their chances becasue they were it as far as backups to Brown and Cox...Moon was the backup to guards becasue of defense, and her familiarity with the system and what Kim wanted.

Honesty and the others will be given every chance to prove they belong on the floor...it makes no sense for Kim and coaches not to give them their chance...we may not understand sometimes from the outside looking in but we have to trust that Kim knows what she is doing...she works with and sees these kids compete every day in practice. They all know what they have to do to get more playing time.

All of what you are saying, goes without saying. You are absolutely right however, my response was in regards to position. But sense you would like to speak on ability and playing time, I will elaborate...We all know defense is most important when playing this game and I'm sure the kids know this as well, but it is the staffs job to get them ready. IE: Chloe came in new to the system and the staff invested time and energy into getting her ready. They've been saying it all year, "the staff converted her." That means she was chosen and more time was invested in her to get her ready to compete. And like Chloe, most of the kids got better by actually playing, you don't get better sitting down. But again, I agree with everything you've stated. And we'll see where it goes. Thanks for your input.

I agree with the concern expressed by Garlandbear.Didi's defender will almost certainly drop into the paint or passing lanes if playing point.Niya didn't have great range but it was better and,She was a gifted passer.

Task Force 2015 said:

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I agree with the concern expressed by Garlandbear.Didi's defender will almost certainly drop into the paint or passing lanes if playing point.Niya didn't have great range but it was better and,She was a gifted passer.

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You two have it all figured out then ...

Maybe,maybe not.It really helps a half court offense if the point guard needs to be closely guarded,sometimes pulling defenders from other players.Maybe DiDi could develop a free throw line jumper like Chelsea did in 2005 to keep her defender honest .I loved it when Chelsea said that with 2 all-Americans to pass to that she just needed to be all-Waco.Like DiDi She was a lock down defender on a great defensive team.

With DiDi's size and length, if she can play PG effectively she could be a match-up nightmare.

skilledup said:

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If they don't get a grad transfer, I am being told that Mulkey is moving Richards over to the point. The staff told me that she led the BIG 12 in assist to turnover ratio as a sophomore.

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Didi did lead the Big XII in ATO. In fact, check out the top 5.

1. Richards, Didi - BU
2. Cox, Lauren - BU
3. Jackson, Chloe - BU
4. Landrum, Juicy -BU
5. Ray, Kianna - TCU

http://www.big12sports.com/fls/10410/pdfs/wbasketball/1819WBBstats.pdf?DB_OEM_ID=10410

And numbers 1-3 were tied at 2.5

Brian Ethridge said:

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skilledup said:

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If they don't get a grad transfer, I am being told that Mulkey is moving Richards over to the point. The staff told me that she led the BIG 12 in assist to turnover ratio as a sophomore. The other 2 spots would go to Smith and Aquira. It's been a long week and a half covering the final four and I have enjoyed myself, but now I must get back to the AAU world and scout these up and coming girls

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Would love to come do interviews at AAU events in DFW area.

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Sic'em Sports: have crate; will travel !!!

(well, not really, since the Sic'em studio/crate stays at tailgate site year round. But a smaller, portable trailer with awning and fold-out digital/media stuff that could follow Bears' travel sports, AAU, even certain high school events would be a "next step" for Sic'em).

Early Happy 19th birthday to my happy, dog loving, horse riding, basketball playing, life loving daughter. God could not have blessed me with better kids then I have. #CincoDeMayo #Jeremiah29:11
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11:09 PM May 4, 2019 Twitter for iPhone

Happy Birthday Caitlin!

Sorry, I stink at posting these. Twitter on Sytia Messer's page from Caitlin's dad. Some great pics.

I visited with Caitlin's Dad at the Stanford game, both before and afterward. He is a terrific fellow and seems to me to be a strong advocate for the Lady Bears. I like Caitlin a lot, and hope that she can get her conditioning where it needs to be once the brace comes off. She is alert and smart, and her efficiency on the court is exceptional.

Setshot, I, too, got to meet Mr. Bickle in Palo Alto before the game (I was in no mood to visit with anybody afterwards, so we just went wine tasting). It's always a pleasure to meet the moms and dads who have molded these students to enable them to get to where they are. The student athletes work hard to earn their awards, but 'awards' should also be given to the parents who have invested so much into the lives of their kids.