College teams are fleshing out and taking shape:
Expectations for Duke are lower this year, despite the return of Elizabeth Williams.
Coach Nikki Caldwell is looking to get LSU "back to what they were built on."
Notre Dame guard Jewell Loyd has learned to embrace the spotlight.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma is back to work.
Maryland's entry into the Big Ten is a homecoming for coach Brenda Frese.
Rutgers coach Vivian Stringer has her team ready for a big challenge, in the Big Ten Conference.
Kansas preview.
A balanced Iowa team will be hard to defend.
Two Kentucky newbies have been sidelined by a car accident last weekend.
Auburn is looking for leaders on a young roster.
Hofstra has high hopes this season.
Louisiana Tech coach Tyler Summitt talks about his influences.....his mother, and Bruce Pearl.
Delaware State coach Tamika Louis has been reinstated following an investigation.
Michigan forward Cyesha Goree specializes in positive transformations. Can Goree take another step forward this season?
Nebraska senior Hallie Sample will play the post this year.
Senior Sara Bliss is leading Lipscomb.
Mount Saint Joseph's Lauren Hill will play her first and last game at Xavier University.
Pro news:
Cappie Pondexter is rested and ready for the WNBL.
Thursday, October 16, 2014
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
Pac-12 preview: the University of Arizona
This is the fourth in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams for the upcoming season.
Coach Niya Butts' six-year tenure with the University of Arizona has been full of ups and downs. Perhaps the lowest valley was last season, which saw the Wildcat roster depleted with injuries. Chief among them was second-leading scorer Alli Gloyd's ACL tear just weeks before the season opener, which put her on the bench for the year.
Arizona ended with an overall record of 5-25, and they were 1-17 in Pac-12 play for last place.
The sting of last season still seems to be on Butts' mind, as she emphasizes pushing forward this year.
“It’s over. That’s all I want to think about. It’s behind us," Butt said. "We just want to move forward. Obviously last year needs to serve as a reminder because it’s obviously somewhere you don’t want to go back to. Right now we’re just hoping we can stay injury-free, and right now we’re pretty healthy.”
Gloyd (9.4 points, 6 rebounds per game) is back, which is good for the Wildcats both on and off the court.
“It’s such a relief," Butts said. "Practice is a bit louder. She talks on defense and talks on offense. She’s constantly communicating with our teammates on the sidelines letting them know what she sees. That’s something you want from one of your leaders.”
Last year's top scorer, senior guard Candice Warthen (11.1 points per game) is back, as are two other starters: LaBrittney Jones (7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds per game) and Breanna Workman (6.7 points, 4 rebounds per game), both sophomore forwards. Other key returnees are junior guard Keyahndra Cannon and redshirt freshman Dejza James, who also sat out last season injured.
Though it wasn't the ideal situation, Butts said Jones and Workman learned and grew from getting a lot of minutes last year as newbies. They also became leaders.
“It was valuable," Butts said. "When you’re talking about a kid getting 20, 30, or 40 minutes a game for a freshman that’s now a sophomore, that’s basically the level of a junior as far as her experience on the court. That has served us really well, especially during the early stages of summer workouts, now going into fall practice. We feel really good about our leadership.”
The Wildcats will need it, as they lost five players from last year, including starters Kama Griffitts and Carissa Crutchfield. The seven newcomers this season may help fill the void.
The most heralded recruit is guard Taryn Griffey - the daughter of baseball great Ken Griffey. She was ranked 86th in her class and 21st at her position by ESPN. A year ago this month she injured her knee and was forced to miss her senior year, after missing her junior season with injury as well. Griffey won't be ready to play immediately, but the goal is for her to suit up by the time Pac-12 play begins.
“The one thing we want to do is make sure we’re really careful with her," Butts said. "Even it was a close timeline for us, we would probably push it back just to be safe. We want to be extra careful and give her body time to heal and recover.”
Three of the newcomers are junior transfers - all guards. Lauren Evans transferred from Virginia Tech, where she made 28 starts as a freshman. Chy Cunningham and Malena Washington came from Paris Junior College and Tyler Junior College, respectively.
Rounding out the freshman class are three guards: JaLea Bennett, a standout sharp-shooter from Texas; Cherice Harris, who played for nationally-ranked Etiwanda High School; and Charise Holloway, a high-scorer from St. Mary's High School in Northern California.
The freshmen are still getting used to the pace of the college game.
“They’re very talented. We still have to light fires under them every now and then, but the talent is definitely there," Butts said. "We just have to work on getting them to be more consistent.”
The point guard position starter hasn't yet been decided.
“It’s up for grabs," Butts said. "Obviously Candice Warthen is a returner so she’ll be playing on the ball a lot, but we want to move her off the ball a little bit so that it opens up that spot for some of the young ones to get in there. Washington and Harris are possibilities to fill that spot, but it all depends on how they come out and perform in practice.”
The floor leader position will be especially crucial this year. Though long on guards, the Wildcats have only four forwards, and are short on size. Speed will have to be the name of their game.
Among their pre-conference opponents are Texas Tech, Wake Forest, UAB and UT Martin. Arizona opens Pac-12 play at home Jan. 3, against Washington State.
Coach Niya Butts' six-year tenure with the University of Arizona has been full of ups and downs. Perhaps the lowest valley was last season, which saw the Wildcat roster depleted with injuries. Chief among them was second-leading scorer Alli Gloyd's ACL tear just weeks before the season opener, which put her on the bench for the year.
Arizona ended with an overall record of 5-25, and they were 1-17 in Pac-12 play for last place.
The sting of last season still seems to be on Butts' mind, as she emphasizes pushing forward this year.
“It’s over. That’s all I want to think about. It’s behind us," Butt said. "We just want to move forward. Obviously last year needs to serve as a reminder because it’s obviously somewhere you don’t want to go back to. Right now we’re just hoping we can stay injury-free, and right now we’re pretty healthy.”
Gloyd (9.4 points, 6 rebounds per game) is back, which is good for the Wildcats both on and off the court.
“It’s such a relief," Butts said. "Practice is a bit louder. She talks on defense and talks on offense. She’s constantly communicating with our teammates on the sidelines letting them know what she sees. That’s something you want from one of your leaders.”
Last year's top scorer, senior guard Candice Warthen (11.1 points per game) is back, as are two other starters: LaBrittney Jones (7.4 points, 5.8 rebounds per game) and Breanna Workman (6.7 points, 4 rebounds per game), both sophomore forwards. Other key returnees are junior guard Keyahndra Cannon and redshirt freshman Dejza James, who also sat out last season injured.
Though it wasn't the ideal situation, Butts said Jones and Workman learned and grew from getting a lot of minutes last year as newbies. They also became leaders.
“It was valuable," Butts said. "When you’re talking about a kid getting 20, 30, or 40 minutes a game for a freshman that’s now a sophomore, that’s basically the level of a junior as far as her experience on the court. That has served us really well, especially during the early stages of summer workouts, now going into fall practice. We feel really good about our leadership.”
The Wildcats will need it, as they lost five players from last year, including starters Kama Griffitts and Carissa Crutchfield. The seven newcomers this season may help fill the void.
The most heralded recruit is guard Taryn Griffey - the daughter of baseball great Ken Griffey. She was ranked 86th in her class and 21st at her position by ESPN. A year ago this month she injured her knee and was forced to miss her senior year, after missing her junior season with injury as well. Griffey won't be ready to play immediately, but the goal is for her to suit up by the time Pac-12 play begins.
“The one thing we want to do is make sure we’re really careful with her," Butts said. "Even it was a close timeline for us, we would probably push it back just to be safe. We want to be extra careful and give her body time to heal and recover.”
Three of the newcomers are junior transfers - all guards. Lauren Evans transferred from Virginia Tech, where she made 28 starts as a freshman. Chy Cunningham and Malena Washington came from Paris Junior College and Tyler Junior College, respectively.
Rounding out the freshman class are three guards: JaLea Bennett, a standout sharp-shooter from Texas; Cherice Harris, who played for nationally-ranked Etiwanda High School; and Charise Holloway, a high-scorer from St. Mary's High School in Northern California.
The freshmen are still getting used to the pace of the college game.
“They’re very talented. We still have to light fires under them every now and then, but the talent is definitely there," Butts said. "We just have to work on getting them to be more consistent.”
The point guard position starter hasn't yet been decided.
“It’s up for grabs," Butts said. "Obviously Candice Warthen is a returner so she’ll be playing on the ball a lot, but we want to move her off the ball a little bit so that it opens up that spot for some of the young ones to get in there. Washington and Harris are possibilities to fill that spot, but it all depends on how they come out and perform in practice.”
The floor leader position will be especially crucial this year. Though long on guards, the Wildcats have only four forwards, and are short on size. Speed will have to be the name of their game.
Among their pre-conference opponents are Texas Tech, Wake Forest, UAB and UT Martin. Arizona opens Pac-12 play at home Jan. 3, against Washington State.
ESPN releases season broadcast schedule
2014-2015 ESPN game broadcast schedule.
OOOweee!!! I'm getting excited now.
I'm intrigued by South Carolina at Duke, Louisiana Tech at LSU and West Virginia at Texas in pre-conference play.
More college news:
Georgia is already ahead of schedule, and aims to return to the top of the SEC standings.
South Carolina's "Gamecock confidential," episode one: rise and shine.
Oklahoma begins the season with a defensive emphasis.
Iowa looks to continue their success with senior Sam Logic.
New VCU coach Beth O'Boyle is creating a culture of success.
George Washington wrapped up training sessions with the United States Marine Corps this past Saturday.
Lipscomb coach Greg Brown previews the season.
Pro news:
Becky Hammon will be inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame next year.
OOOweee!!! I'm getting excited now.
I'm intrigued by South Carolina at Duke, Louisiana Tech at LSU and West Virginia at Texas in pre-conference play.
More college news:
Georgia is already ahead of schedule, and aims to return to the top of the SEC standings.
South Carolina's "Gamecock confidential," episode one: rise and shine.
Oklahoma begins the season with a defensive emphasis.
Iowa looks to continue their success with senior Sam Logic.
New VCU coach Beth O'Boyle is creating a culture of success.
George Washington wrapped up training sessions with the United States Marine Corps this past Saturday.
Lipscomb coach Greg Brown previews the season.
Pro news:
Becky Hammon will be inducted into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame next year.
Starting the day's news
UConn's late start? No worries.
Q&A with Louisville coach Jeff Walz.
Adding to their ring collection won't be easy for Nebraska.
Kari Korver and UCLA have great momentum.
Arizona's freshmen have a chance to lead.
Oregon State is bringing an International flavor into the season.
The two alleged sides of former Boston University coach Kelly Greenberg.
Mount Saint Joseph freshman Lauren Hill:
The NCAA has allowed the school to move their season opener up two weeks so terminally-ill Lauren Hill can play.
Q&A with Louisville coach Jeff Walz.
Adding to their ring collection won't be easy for Nebraska.
Kari Korver and UCLA have great momentum.
Arizona's freshmen have a chance to lead.
Oregon State is bringing an International flavor into the season.
The two alleged sides of former Boston University coach Kelly Greenberg.
Mount Saint Joseph freshman Lauren Hill:
The NCAA has allowed the school to move their season opener up two weeks so terminally-ill Lauren Hill can play.
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
Prognostications and honors
New Oregon coach Kelly Graves is putting finishing touches on fresh canvas.
Louisiana Tech is rebuilding with second-generation coaching royalty (Tyler Summitt).
South Carolina's freshman class are already like sisters.
Tamela McCorvey has been moved from assistant to acting head coach at Northwest Florida State.
Who will step up to fill Arielle Roberson's shoes at Colorado?
Nebraska coach Connie Yori talks about the season.
Pro player news:
Interview with the Connecticut Sun's Chelsea Gray.
More honors for the Atlanta Dream's Shoni Schimmel.
Former New York Liberty post Kym Hampton will have her jersey honored by alma mater Arizona State in December.
Louisiana Tech is rebuilding with second-generation coaching royalty (Tyler Summitt).
South Carolina's freshman class are already like sisters.
Tamela McCorvey has been moved from assistant to acting head coach at Northwest Florida State.
Who will step up to fill Arielle Roberson's shoes at Colorado?
Nebraska coach Connie Yori talks about the season.
Pro player news:
Interview with the Connecticut Sun's Chelsea Gray.
More honors for the Atlanta Dream's Shoni Schimmel.
Former New York Liberty post Kym Hampton will have her jersey honored by alma mater Arizona State in December.
New York Liberty declines to renew coach Bill Laimbeer's contract
First WNBA off-season shake up:
NEW YORK, October 14, 2014 – The New York Liberty announced today that the franchise has not renewed the contract of Bill Laimbeer, the team's general manager and head coach.
NEW YORK, October 14, 2014 – The New York Liberty announced today that the franchise has not renewed the contract of Bill Laimbeer, the team's general manager and head coach.
Monday, October 13, 2014
Pac-12 preview: the University of California
This is the third in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams for the upcoming season.
This is Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb's fourth season at the helm of the program, which has been punctuated so far by the Bears' trip to the 2013 Final Four. But this year may be the most challenging yet for the East coast native and her team, as personnel have become fewer and younger.
Gone is Afure Jemerigbe (12.1 points per game), Gennifer Brandon (8.2 points, 8.5 rebounds per game), Hind Ben Abdelkader (4.9 points per game) and Mikayla Lyles (4.2 points per game), leaving ten players on this season's roster.
That slate includes four seniors, three sophomores and three freshmen - a youthful team not unlike the one Gottlieb inherited her first year in Berkeley. These Bears are all hers, however, having played for her their entire careers, or transferring to play for her.
A light roster means no one can take a night off. The young group will also have to learn fast.
Gottlieb was the Pac-12 coach of the year in 2013, and has lead Cal to a tie with Stanford for the conference title each of the last two seasons. She is a master of utilizing the resources she has, and her plan for this year looks to be much the same.
"I think championship teams are built less by stockpiling as many players as you can, and more by putting the right pieces together and then working to make sure they fit in a cohesive way," Gottlieb said. "You have to work at chemistry, you have to build trust, and you have to drill what cohesion looks and feels like on the court."
The good news for the Bears is that top scoring senior duo Reshanda Gray (16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds per game) and Brittany Boyd (14.7 points, 6 assists per game) return. Both broke the 1,000-point mark last season and both were named to the all-Pac-12 team. The chemistry between them has become better each year, and both have matured into team leaders.
Justine Hartman and Brittany Shine both return for their last year, as well. Hartman switched her initial verbal and Shine transferred to Cal to play for Gottlieb and her staff, which includes associate head coach Charmin Smith and Kai Felton, who are well-regarded by players.
Another bright spot is sophomore forward Courtney Range (5.6 points, 6.2 rebounds per game), who turned heads last season and was an honorable mention on both the Pac-12 team and freshman team.
The newcomers may hold the key to the future for Cal. Two are from their own backyard, and come with chemistry already built between them.
Mikayla Cowling is a forward/guard from Saint Mary's College High School, who was ranked eleventh in her class. Guard Gabby Green, ranked twelfth, played with Cowling at the same school. The third freshman, Penina Davidson, comes from New Zealand, where she played on that country's national team.
Gottlieb said she likes the look of her squad, which consists of all California natives, except for Davidson.
"I love our mix of players: we have seniors that understand leadership and toughness, sophomores that have taken the next step in their skill and preparedness, and freshman that have the luxury to just come in and make plays will a solid foundation of veterans lifting them up," Gottlieb said.
The growth of the conference doesn't leave much time for a learning curve, however.
"The Pac-12 is as dynamic and talented as it has ever been in my tenure on the West Coast," Gottlieb said. "There is talent and good coaching all across the board. It will certainly be a challenge to finish at the top, but that’s what the goal is for Cal Basketball."
The Bears host their own tournament on Thanksgiving weekend. They also play Kansas, Louisville and Old Dominion before beginning conference play Jan. 3, against Utah at home.
This is Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb's fourth season at the helm of the program, which has been punctuated so far by the Bears' trip to the 2013 Final Four. But this year may be the most challenging yet for the East coast native and her team, as personnel have become fewer and younger.
Gone is Afure Jemerigbe (12.1 points per game), Gennifer Brandon (8.2 points, 8.5 rebounds per game), Hind Ben Abdelkader (4.9 points per game) and Mikayla Lyles (4.2 points per game), leaving ten players on this season's roster.
That slate includes four seniors, three sophomores and three freshmen - a youthful team not unlike the one Gottlieb inherited her first year in Berkeley. These Bears are all hers, however, having played for her their entire careers, or transferring to play for her.
A light roster means no one can take a night off. The young group will also have to learn fast.
Gottlieb was the Pac-12 coach of the year in 2013, and has lead Cal to a tie with Stanford for the conference title each of the last two seasons. She is a master of utilizing the resources she has, and her plan for this year looks to be much the same.
"I think championship teams are built less by stockpiling as many players as you can, and more by putting the right pieces together and then working to make sure they fit in a cohesive way," Gottlieb said. "You have to work at chemistry, you have to build trust, and you have to drill what cohesion looks and feels like on the court."
The good news for the Bears is that top scoring senior duo Reshanda Gray (16.8 points, 8.8 rebounds per game) and Brittany Boyd (14.7 points, 6 assists per game) return. Both broke the 1,000-point mark last season and both were named to the all-Pac-12 team. The chemistry between them has become better each year, and both have matured into team leaders.
Justine Hartman and Brittany Shine both return for their last year, as well. Hartman switched her initial verbal and Shine transferred to Cal to play for Gottlieb and her staff, which includes associate head coach Charmin Smith and Kai Felton, who are well-regarded by players.
Another bright spot is sophomore forward Courtney Range (5.6 points, 6.2 rebounds per game), who turned heads last season and was an honorable mention on both the Pac-12 team and freshman team.
The newcomers may hold the key to the future for Cal. Two are from their own backyard, and come with chemistry already built between them.
Mikayla Cowling is a forward/guard from Saint Mary's College High School, who was ranked eleventh in her class. Guard Gabby Green, ranked twelfth, played with Cowling at the same school. The third freshman, Penina Davidson, comes from New Zealand, where she played on that country's national team.
Gottlieb said she likes the look of her squad, which consists of all California natives, except for Davidson.
"I love our mix of players: we have seniors that understand leadership and toughness, sophomores that have taken the next step in their skill and preparedness, and freshman that have the luxury to just come in and make plays will a solid foundation of veterans lifting them up," Gottlieb said.
The growth of the conference doesn't leave much time for a learning curve, however.
"The Pac-12 is as dynamic and talented as it has ever been in my tenure on the West Coast," Gottlieb said. "There is talent and good coaching all across the board. It will certainly be a challenge to finish at the top, but that’s what the goal is for Cal Basketball."
The Bears host their own tournament on Thanksgiving weekend. They also play Kansas, Louisville and Old Dominion before beginning conference play Jan. 3, against Utah at home.
The news net is spread far and wide
Miami has extended coach Katie Meier's contract through 2020-2021. In return, she donated $75,000 to women's athletics at the school, and challenged donors to match her.
Duke's Ka'lia Johnson is ready for her senior year.
UConn's Moriah Jefferson has a chance to step into a leadership role.
Middle Tennessee is searching for Ebony Rowe's replacement.
Ole Miss preseason notebook.
The New Mexico Lobos are ready to rewrite history.
Missouri sophomore Davionna Holmes has left the program.
Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson and her team are eager to get started this season.
UNCW is poised for a breakthrough season.
Northern Iowa is trying to build off a strong 2013-2014.
Ohio State alumni and WNBA great Katie Smith joins the Big Ten Network as an analyst.
Coach Patrick Harrington:
The Northwest Florida State community gathered yesterday to remember coach Patrick Harrington, who died from injuries he sustained in a car accident two weeks ago.
Duke's Ka'lia Johnson is ready for her senior year.
UConn's Moriah Jefferson has a chance to step into a leadership role.
Middle Tennessee is searching for Ebony Rowe's replacement.
Ole Miss preseason notebook.
The New Mexico Lobos are ready to rewrite history.
Missouri sophomore Davionna Holmes has left the program.
Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson and her team are eager to get started this season.
UNCW is poised for a breakthrough season.
Northern Iowa is trying to build off a strong 2013-2014.
Ohio State alumni and WNBA great Katie Smith joins the Big Ten Network as an analyst.
Coach Patrick Harrington:
The Northwest Florida State community gathered yesterday to remember coach Patrick Harrington, who died from injuries he sustained in a car accident two weeks ago.
Sunday, October 12, 2014
The funny and the sad
Nebraska's new 30-second ad is an instant classic.
Richmond is moving on with heartache as a constant companion.
Michigan wants to be known as the hardest working team in America this year.
Senior Crystal Bradford is back for Central Michigan.
Women in coaching:
Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon is the master of the art of proving doubters wrong.
Storm assistant coach Jenny Bouceck, who is attending Mavericks training camp, has a chance to follow in Hammon's foot steps.
More foot step following:
Sheryl Swoopes' son Jordan Jackson has committed to Texas Tech, like his mother did once up on a time.
Richmond is moving on with heartache as a constant companion.
Michigan wants to be known as the hardest working team in America this year.
Senior Crystal Bradford is back for Central Michigan.
Women in coaching:
Spurs assistant coach Becky Hammon is the master of the art of proving doubters wrong.
Storm assistant coach Jenny Bouceck, who is attending Mavericks training camp, has a chance to follow in Hammon's foot steps.
More foot step following:
Sheryl Swoopes' son Jordan Jackson has committed to Texas Tech, like his mother did once up on a time.
Saturday, October 11, 2014
Pac-12 preview: the University of Washington
This is the second in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams for the upcoming season.
The Huskies may be poised to see their resilience pay off this season.
Hammered by injuries two years ago, and then seeing their coach hired away by Ohio State, Washington bounced back in 2013-2014 to go 20-14 and sixth in the Pac-12. They made it to the quarterfinals of the WNIT before bowing out.
The Huskies' top four scorers return this year: Kelsey Plum, who electrified the conference with her play and her consistency, averaging 20.9 points per game as a freshman last season; fellow guard Jazmine Davis (18.8 points per game), a senior; junior forward Talia Walton (11.1 points per game); and senior forward Aminah Williams (7.4 points per game).
Coach Mike Neighbors, who was an assistant coach for two years at Washington before taking the head position, said making up for the versatility and reliability of the graduated Mercedes Wetmore will be hard.
"You don’t replace a player who graduates as the all-time leader in games played," Neighbors said. "You hope younger kids learned from her example and can collectively fill the role."
But the door is wide open for the six returning bench players and four freshmen to step up. Neighbors said the bar is set.
"We return everyone else and add some really nice pieces, so our expectations will be very high," he said. "I think the Pac-12 is as deep as I have seen it since being a college coach. We hope we can become a team that is in the NCAA talk come March."
Junior guard Heather Corral (5.7 points per game), sophomore forward Katie Collier (3.8 points per game) and sophomore forward Chantel Osahor 2.7 points, 4.4 rebounds per game) are notable returnees. Joining them are four freshmen: Kelli Kingma - the sister of two-time All-Pac-12 team member and Washington three-point single-game record holder Kristi Kingma; Khalia Lark from nationally-ranked Mater Dei High School; Hannah Johnson from Bishop Alemany in Los Angeles; and local product Mackenzie Wieburg.
Just as exciting for the Huskies right now is the fact that they're starting the season healthy, with a full roster.
"At this time have no 'season-type' situations," Neighbors said.
They also have a core who has played together for a long time, and assistant coaches Kevin Morrison and Adia Barnes who, like Neighbors, have been there four years. Neighbors said the Huskies' main focus is taking care of the details that it takes to win more games.
"We must improve on consistency, which I think will come from the added depth," he said. "We had enough 'good wins' last season to be an NCAA tourney team. We must eliminate the let downs to be the team we want to be."
Neighbors knows exactly what he wants to see on the court.
"Rebounding and shot selection will determine key for us to be that team," he said.
Washington faces Oklahoma, Florida State, San Diego State and Texas A&M in preconference play. They kick off their Pac-12 slate Jan. 3 on the road, against Arizona State.
The Huskies may be poised to see their resilience pay off this season.
Hammered by injuries two years ago, and then seeing their coach hired away by Ohio State, Washington bounced back in 2013-2014 to go 20-14 and sixth in the Pac-12. They made it to the quarterfinals of the WNIT before bowing out.
The Huskies' top four scorers return this year: Kelsey Plum, who electrified the conference with her play and her consistency, averaging 20.9 points per game as a freshman last season; fellow guard Jazmine Davis (18.8 points per game), a senior; junior forward Talia Walton (11.1 points per game); and senior forward Aminah Williams (7.4 points per game).
Coach Mike Neighbors, who was an assistant coach for two years at Washington before taking the head position, said making up for the versatility and reliability of the graduated Mercedes Wetmore will be hard.
"You don’t replace a player who graduates as the all-time leader in games played," Neighbors said. "You hope younger kids learned from her example and can collectively fill the role."
But the door is wide open for the six returning bench players and four freshmen to step up. Neighbors said the bar is set.
"We return everyone else and add some really nice pieces, so our expectations will be very high," he said. "I think the Pac-12 is as deep as I have seen it since being a college coach. We hope we can become a team that is in the NCAA talk come March."
Junior guard Heather Corral (5.7 points per game), sophomore forward Katie Collier (3.8 points per game) and sophomore forward Chantel Osahor 2.7 points, 4.4 rebounds per game) are notable returnees. Joining them are four freshmen: Kelli Kingma - the sister of two-time All-Pac-12 team member and Washington three-point single-game record holder Kristi Kingma; Khalia Lark from nationally-ranked Mater Dei High School; Hannah Johnson from Bishop Alemany in Los Angeles; and local product Mackenzie Wieburg.
Just as exciting for the Huskies right now is the fact that they're starting the season healthy, with a full roster.
"At this time have no 'season-type' situations," Neighbors said.
They also have a core who has played together for a long time, and assistant coaches Kevin Morrison and Adia Barnes who, like Neighbors, have been there four years. Neighbors said the Huskies' main focus is taking care of the details that it takes to win more games.
"We must improve on consistency, which I think will come from the added depth," he said. "We had enough 'good wins' last season to be an NCAA tourney team. We must eliminate the let downs to be the team we want to be."
Neighbors knows exactly what he wants to see on the court.
"Rebounding and shot selection will determine key for us to be that team," he said.
Washington faces Oklahoma, Florida State, San Diego State and Texas A&M in preconference play. They kick off their Pac-12 slate Jan. 3 on the road, against Arizona State.
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