College conference news:
The Missouri Valley Conference is lacking diversity in athletes.
Greenville will host the SEC Tournament for three years, beginning in 2019.
AAC power play needs more than UConn.
College team news:
South Carolina will receive their championship rings at a home football game Saturday.
For the rebuilding Terps, a trip to Taiwan reminded them of who they are.
Will Notre Dame face resistance in the ACC this year?
Penn is the preseason favorite in the Ivy League.
Takeaways from Ball State media day.
Lofty expectations continue for Mercer.
Ohio is motivated to prove youth will not be a hindrance.
South Dakota State plans to return to the NCAA Tournament.
MAAC coaches expect Marist to bounce back this year.
Buffalo is picked to win the MAC East.
College player news:
Notre Dame senior point guard Mychal Johnson will miss the season with a torn ACL.
Syracuse newcomer Jasmine Nwajei is so good she night make coach Quentin Hillsman change his game plan.
Jasmine Brunson is the queen of the Gopher's court.
South Dakota State's Macy Miller prepares a comeback after a second knee injury.
College coach news:
The contract of Louisiana Tech coach Brooke Stoehr has been extended for one year.
Northern Iowa coach Tanya Warren stresses patience with her youthful squad.
Catching up with Mercer coach Susie Gardner.
The transition is over for UAlbany coach Joanna Bernabei-McNamee.
WNBA player news:
Elena Delle Donne hopes her upcoming wedding can help others.
Wednesday, October 25, 2017
Tuesday, October 24, 2017
Extra, extra
College conference news:
The Big 12 Tournament will return to Kansas City in 2020.
College team news:
Bottle service: Coca-Cola is offering commemorative bottles celebrating South Carolina’s title.
Rebuild mode for Oregon State? Maybe.
Auburn is young with experience, not age.
St. John's could be a surprise in the Big East.
Iowa is small in numbers but mighty in spirit.
Montana State will lean on their veterans and new shooters.
Appalachian State has high hopes for their newcomers.
There's nowhere to go but up for Winthrop.
Oregon will play an exhibition game for charity Saturday.
Akron hopes to return to the top of the MAC.
Quinnipiac tops the preseason MAAC poll.
College player news:
Missouri's Jordan Frericks is back from an ACL tear and ready for her fifth year.
Utah grad transfer Malia Nawahine is ready to make a difference at BYU.
Oklahoma's Maddie Manning looks to be more offensively assertive.
Tania Davis' return to Iowa from injury is a welcome sight.
New name, same expectations for Northern Iowa's Ellie Howell.
After an early NCAA exit, Drake’s Becca Hittner is primed for a big sophomore season.
Vanderbilt basketball sophomore Kayla Overbeck could be the next big thing.
Heralded freshman Sidney Cooks is ready to make a big impact at Michigan State.
College coach news:
UConn coach Geno Auriemma says dividing the minutes between his talented players will be dicey.
New Mexico State looks to make a seamless transition in coach Brooke Atkinson's first year.
Recruiting news:
No. 15 Queen Egbo has committed to Baylor.
WNBA news:
Pro sports is helping Las Vegas recover from tragedy.
The Big 12 Tournament will return to Kansas City in 2020.
College team news:
Bottle service: Coca-Cola is offering commemorative bottles celebrating South Carolina’s title.
Rebuild mode for Oregon State? Maybe.
Auburn is young with experience, not age.
St. John's could be a surprise in the Big East.
Iowa is small in numbers but mighty in spirit.
Montana State will lean on their veterans and new shooters.
Appalachian State has high hopes for their newcomers.
There's nowhere to go but up for Winthrop.
Oregon will play an exhibition game for charity Saturday.
Akron hopes to return to the top of the MAC.
Quinnipiac tops the preseason MAAC poll.
College player news:
Missouri's Jordan Frericks is back from an ACL tear and ready for her fifth year.
Utah grad transfer Malia Nawahine is ready to make a difference at BYU.
Oklahoma's Maddie Manning looks to be more offensively assertive.
Tania Davis' return to Iowa from injury is a welcome sight.
New name, same expectations for Northern Iowa's Ellie Howell.
After an early NCAA exit, Drake’s Becca Hittner is primed for a big sophomore season.
Vanderbilt basketball sophomore Kayla Overbeck could be the next big thing.
Heralded freshman Sidney Cooks is ready to make a big impact at Michigan State.
College coach news:
UConn coach Geno Auriemma says dividing the minutes between his talented players will be dicey.
New Mexico State looks to make a seamless transition in coach Brooke Atkinson's first year.
Recruiting news:
No. 15 Queen Egbo has committed to Baylor.
WNBA news:
Pro sports is helping Las Vegas recover from tragedy.
Monday, October 23, 2017
Pac-12 preview: the University of Utah
This is the sixth in an annual series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
The Utah Utes completed their second season with head coach Lynne Roberts in 2016-2017 by earning a second consecutive trip to the WNIT. They opened their season strong, winning their first 11 games to head into Pac-12 action undefeated. But in entering the conference with the toughest RPI in the nation, the Utes finished with a 5-13 league and 16-15 overall record.
They outrebounded opponents in 16 games last season, ranking fourth in the conference with 41.26 rebounds per game. The trend can be attributed to wing Emily Potter, who ended the year seventh in the Pac-12 with 7.3 rebounds per game.
Potter, a redshirt senior this year, is not the only starter that returns, as senior wing Tanaeya Boclair (10.1 points per game) and junior point guard Erika Bean (5.6 assists per game, third in the conference) are also back.
Utah also returns sophomore guard Kianna Moore, sophomore wing Megan Jacobs, redshirt junior forward Megan Huff, junior wing Daneesha Provo, senior forward Wendy Anae, and senior guard Tilar Clark.
Freshmen newcomers include guard Jordan Cruz, guard Tori Williams, forward Elli Koskinen, guard Dru Gylten, forward Arianna LaLonde, and forward Maurane Corbin.
Roberts is hopeful about the class.
“We're going to need them," she said. “Tori Williams, a guard out of Idaho, a freshman, she was the big Idaho State Player of the Year, very highly-recruited. She can score. She's got a good feel for the game. We're going to need her to play."
"Then Corbin, we were talking about Mo Corbin, I think she's going to be an impact player for us too. She's a freshman, but she just plays so dang hard. She's still learning.....she has nose to the ball and plays her tail off. So she's going to make plays regardless. So she's a little ahead of the game, farther than I thought she'd be."
Roberts said the mixture of veterans and newcomers bode well for the season.
"So we're a little deeper than we've been, we can shoot the ball better, and I'm cautiously optimistic,” she said.
The Utes last year graduated top scorer Paige Crozon, and lost second-leading scorer Malia Nawahine to transfer.
With the number of new players, Roberts was faced with the task of joining everyone together as one. She and her coaches took the team to Italy, where they worked vigorously on and off the court.
“I think the Italy trip helped us bond and get that much closer as a team," Potter said. "It's only October, but we've been together so long already it feels like we're mid-season team-wise. We're all definitely really close."
Roberts said she is excited to hit the court.
“This feels like my program,” Roberts said, “So looking forward to the year. I think at this point in October, every program is full of enthusiasm and optimism and all of that. We're no different in that. So we're looking forward to getting going.”
- Candice Evans
The Utah Utes completed their second season with head coach Lynne Roberts in 2016-2017 by earning a second consecutive trip to the WNIT. They opened their season strong, winning their first 11 games to head into Pac-12 action undefeated. But in entering the conference with the toughest RPI in the nation, the Utes finished with a 5-13 league and 16-15 overall record.
They outrebounded opponents in 16 games last season, ranking fourth in the conference with 41.26 rebounds per game. The trend can be attributed to wing Emily Potter, who ended the year seventh in the Pac-12 with 7.3 rebounds per game.
Potter, a redshirt senior this year, is not the only starter that returns, as senior wing Tanaeya Boclair (10.1 points per game) and junior point guard Erika Bean (5.6 assists per game, third in the conference) are also back.
Utah also returns sophomore guard Kianna Moore, sophomore wing Megan Jacobs, redshirt junior forward Megan Huff, junior wing Daneesha Provo, senior forward Wendy Anae, and senior guard Tilar Clark.
Freshmen newcomers include guard Jordan Cruz, guard Tori Williams, forward Elli Koskinen, guard Dru Gylten, forward Arianna LaLonde, and forward Maurane Corbin.
Roberts is hopeful about the class.
“We're going to need them," she said. “Tori Williams, a guard out of Idaho, a freshman, she was the big Idaho State Player of the Year, very highly-recruited. She can score. She's got a good feel for the game. We're going to need her to play."
"Then Corbin, we were talking about Mo Corbin, I think she's going to be an impact player for us too. She's a freshman, but she just plays so dang hard. She's still learning.....she has nose to the ball and plays her tail off. So she's going to make plays regardless. So she's a little ahead of the game, farther than I thought she'd be."
Roberts said the mixture of veterans and newcomers bode well for the season.
"So we're a little deeper than we've been, we can shoot the ball better, and I'm cautiously optimistic,” she said.
The Utes last year graduated top scorer Paige Crozon, and lost second-leading scorer Malia Nawahine to transfer.
With the number of new players, Roberts was faced with the task of joining everyone together as one. She and her coaches took the team to Italy, where they worked vigorously on and off the court.
“I think the Italy trip helped us bond and get that much closer as a team," Potter said. "It's only October, but we've been together so long already it feels like we're mid-season team-wise. We're all definitely really close."
Roberts said she is excited to hit the court.
“This feels like my program,” Roberts said, “So looking forward to the year. I think at this point in October, every program is full of enthusiasm and optimism and all of that. We're no different in that. So we're looking forward to getting going.”
- Candice Evans
Big Ten, Big 12 in the conversation
College team news:
Ohio State tops the Big Ten preseason rankings.
Will Baylor or Texas prove to be the best team in the Big 12?
The AAC is UConn's world, and we're all living in it.
The Atlantic-10 could be wide open.
UConn is using last season as motivation.
Takeaways from Northwestern's open practice.
MTSU's press conference signals the start of hoops season.
Texas A&M will lean on increased depth for a production boost.
Utah is gearing for another season.
Richmond and VCU are projected to finish in the middle of their conference.
SEC preview: South Carolina, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and more.
College player news:
Back for her sixth season, Branndais Agee ready to chase dreams at Michigan State.
Agee buoys the Spartan's hope for success after losing Tori Jankoska.
Tania Davis' return fuels optimism for Iowa.
Paula Valino Ramos' first role at Iowa: Watch and learn.
A strong offseason could be a starting point for UConn's Crystal Dangerfield.
BYU will lean heavily on Cassie Devashrayee this season.
College coach news:
For Jeff Walz, his team offers relief from the Louisville recruiting scandal.
Oregon State coach Scott Rueck will make $4 million as part of his five-year contract extension.
Bonus:
Kayla McBride is the next Notre Dame alumni inductee into the Ring of Honor.
Recruiting news:
No. 13 prospect Zarielle Green, who decommitted from Kansas last week, as verballed to Tennessee.
No. 40 Valencia Myers has committed to Florida State.
WNBA coach news:
Erin Phillips is the Dallas Wings' new assistant coach, replacing the retiring Bridget Pettis.
Katie Smith podcast.
Ohio State tops the Big Ten preseason rankings.
Will Baylor or Texas prove to be the best team in the Big 12?
The AAC is UConn's world, and we're all living in it.
The Atlantic-10 could be wide open.
UConn is using last season as motivation.
Takeaways from Northwestern's open practice.
MTSU's press conference signals the start of hoops season.
Texas A&M will lean on increased depth for a production boost.
Utah is gearing for another season.
Richmond and VCU are projected to finish in the middle of their conference.
SEC preview: South Carolina, Mississippi State, Tennessee, and more.
College player news:
Back for her sixth season, Branndais Agee ready to chase dreams at Michigan State.
Agee buoys the Spartan's hope for success after losing Tori Jankoska.
Tania Davis' return fuels optimism for Iowa.
Paula Valino Ramos' first role at Iowa: Watch and learn.
A strong offseason could be a starting point for UConn's Crystal Dangerfield.
BYU will lean heavily on Cassie Devashrayee this season.
College coach news:
For Jeff Walz, his team offers relief from the Louisville recruiting scandal.
Oregon State coach Scott Rueck will make $4 million as part of his five-year contract extension.
Bonus:
Kayla McBride is the next Notre Dame alumni inductee into the Ring of Honor.
Recruiting news:
No. 13 prospect Zarielle Green, who decommitted from Kansas last week, as verballed to Tennessee.
No. 40 Valencia Myers has committed to Florida State.
WNBA coach news:
Erin Phillips is the Dallas Wings' new assistant coach, replacing the retiring Bridget Pettis.
Katie Smith podcast.
Sunday, October 22, 2017
Recapping scrimmages and making history
College team news:
Maryland is adjusting to life without last year's top three scorers.
Northern Arizona will hold a public scrimmage Tuesday.
College player news:
Janea Bunn is excited to be a part of Colorado basketball.
Previewing the Villanova freshmen.
Penn looked good in their open scrimmage.
Five observations from Duke's Blue-White scrimmage.
Athletic director news:
Carla Williams was officially named Virginia's athletic director today - the first African-American woman AD at a power five school.
Recruiting news:
This time, Semaj Smith is choosing her own basketball adventure.
Maryland is adjusting to life without last year's top three scorers.
Northern Arizona will hold a public scrimmage Tuesday.
College player news:
Janea Bunn is excited to be a part of Colorado basketball.
Previewing the Villanova freshmen.
Penn looked good in their open scrimmage.
Five observations from Duke's Blue-White scrimmage.
Athletic director news:
Carla Williams was officially named Virginia's athletic director today - the first African-American woman AD at a power five school.
Recruiting news:
This time, Semaj Smith is choosing her own basketball adventure.
Saturday, October 21, 2017
Pac-12 preview: the University of Arizona
This is the fifth in an annual series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
Last year the work began in earnest for first-year coach Adia Barnes, as she took the reins of a program that won a combined seven conference games in the previous three seasons; had last been to the NCAA Tournament in 2005, and whose most recent postseason action was the 2011 WNIT.
The 2016-2017 Wildcats played with more energy and inspiration than they had in years, but they ended with a 14-16 overall record and were 5-13 in Pac-12 play, for an eleventh-place finish. Now the real work begins, as seven new players will hit the court this season and try to create the chemistry that Barnes has been laying the groundwork for with culture-building.
Only three athletes return: senior guard JaLea Bennett (6.9 points per game), junior forward Destiny Graham (3.8 points, 3.2 rebounds per game) and sophomore guard Lucia Alonso (5.3 points, 2.4 assists per game). Five players graduated last year, three left the program and one - Taryn Griffey - retired for medical reasons. Graham and Alonso are the only two returning starters.
The lone senior is forward Kat Wright, a transfer from Florida Atlantic University who sat out last season with injury. She is a three-point specialist that Arizona can use, as they have not been known as a perimeter team. The freshman class includes guards Sammy Fatkin, Marlee Kyles and Alisson Reese and forwards Sam Thomas and Kianna Barkoff. Junior guard Lindsey Malecha also joins the team.
Three transfer players are practicing but not playing this season as per NCAA transfer rules: Tee Tee Starks from Iowa State, Dominique McBryde from Purdue and Aarion McDonald from Washington.
The team's future also looks bright because Barnes has signed what is currently the No. 2 recruiting class. But the Wildcats have to get through this season first, and it will be challenging with so many newcomers. Barnes said this season feels like another year one.
"It does in a lot of ways because you have to teach so many things, like you did in the first year," she said. "The first year is hard for the players. You didn't recruit them and they're adjusting, so I was very sensitive to that."
Barnes said building program and team culture is her most important task.
"I just want to be known as a place with tremendous culture," she said. "We're starting to build a legacy, and I think it started with the culture with us. Having three returning players has been valuable with so many newcomers."
"Culture for me is everything, and it doesn't change in a year. It takes time, but it's really evident this year....it is night and day. It's refreshing and players have really bought in, and it's a really big piece of the process."
Bennett said she has noticed team members have become closer.
"Since I've been here - I've been here for four years - this is the first year where they like to get together and we like to go to the locker room and have a movie night," Bennett said. "We like to go to the movies, we'll go out to eat together as a team."
Barnes also has a new assistant coach in Morgan Valley, a three-time national champion with UConn who was an assistant with her at the University of Washington during their 2016 Final Four run.
Last year the work began in earnest for first-year coach Adia Barnes, as she took the reins of a program that won a combined seven conference games in the previous three seasons; had last been to the NCAA Tournament in 2005, and whose most recent postseason action was the 2011 WNIT.
The 2016-2017 Wildcats played with more energy and inspiration than they had in years, but they ended with a 14-16 overall record and were 5-13 in Pac-12 play, for an eleventh-place finish. Now the real work begins, as seven new players will hit the court this season and try to create the chemistry that Barnes has been laying the groundwork for with culture-building.
Only three athletes return: senior guard JaLea Bennett (6.9 points per game), junior forward Destiny Graham (3.8 points, 3.2 rebounds per game) and sophomore guard Lucia Alonso (5.3 points, 2.4 assists per game). Five players graduated last year, three left the program and one - Taryn Griffey - retired for medical reasons. Graham and Alonso are the only two returning starters.
The lone senior is forward Kat Wright, a transfer from Florida Atlantic University who sat out last season with injury. She is a three-point specialist that Arizona can use, as they have not been known as a perimeter team. The freshman class includes guards Sammy Fatkin, Marlee Kyles and Alisson Reese and forwards Sam Thomas and Kianna Barkoff. Junior guard Lindsey Malecha also joins the team.
Three transfer players are practicing but not playing this season as per NCAA transfer rules: Tee Tee Starks from Iowa State, Dominique McBryde from Purdue and Aarion McDonald from Washington.
The team's future also looks bright because Barnes has signed what is currently the No. 2 recruiting class. But the Wildcats have to get through this season first, and it will be challenging with so many newcomers. Barnes said this season feels like another year one.
"It does in a lot of ways because you have to teach so many things, like you did in the first year," she said. "The first year is hard for the players. You didn't recruit them and they're adjusting, so I was very sensitive to that."
Barnes said building program and team culture is her most important task.
"I just want to be known as a place with tremendous culture," she said. "We're starting to build a legacy, and I think it started with the culture with us. Having three returning players has been valuable with so many newcomers."
"Culture for me is everything, and it doesn't change in a year. It takes time, but it's really evident this year....it is night and day. It's refreshing and players have really bought in, and it's a really big piece of the process."
Bennett said she has noticed team members have become closer.
"Since I've been here - I've been here for four years - this is the first year where they like to get together and we like to go to the locker room and have a movie night," Bennett said. "We like to go to the movies, we'll go out to eat together as a team."
Barnes also has a new assistant coach in Morgan Valley, a three-time national champion with UConn who was an assistant with her at the University of Washington during their 2016 Final Four run.
Some progress in Virginia
College news:
Virginia is set to be the first Power Five school with an African-American woman as athletic director.
College player news:
A'ja Wilson is easily South Carolina's best player - and her stats may suffer as a result.
Recruiting news:
No. 1 prospect Christyn Williams is down to two schools: South Carolina and UConn.
Young Jane McCauley from New York has star potential.
WNBA business:
Five reasons why the Stars’ Las Vegas move is good WNBA business.
Virginia is set to be the first Power Five school with an African-American woman as athletic director.
College player news:
A'ja Wilson is easily South Carolina's best player - and her stats may suffer as a result.
Recruiting news:
No. 1 prospect Christyn Williams is down to two schools: South Carolina and UConn.
Young Jane McCauley from New York has star potential.
WNBA business:
Five reasons why the Stars’ Las Vegas move is good WNBA business.
Friday, October 20, 2017
Who's got all the chips?
College TV coverage:
ESPN will deliver extensive TV coverage for the 2017-2018 season.
College team news:
Here are the most important things we've learned about South Carolina and coach Dawn Staley.
Clemson and coach Audra Smith are grinding in the shadow of the Gamecocks and Dawn Staley.
Missouri is seen as the SEC's rising power.
Two Duncanville players have decommitted from Kansas.
College player news:
A healthy Sophie Cunningham is ready to lead Missouri.
Four things to know about Lady Vol freshman Rennia Davis.
Marisa Romeo brings an urgency in her transition from lacrosse star to Syracuse forward.
College coach news:
Clemson coach Audra Smith shares a funny story of cheering for Dawn Staley at the Final Four.
Vanderbilt coach Stephanie White wants less robotic players.
Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors is no stranger to his SEC colleagues.
New Mexico coach Mike Bradbury has high hopes for the season.
WNBA player news:
Candace Parker finally resurfaced last night, appearing on Kevin Garnett's Area 21 show. "I just opened my blinds....."
The Lynx starters will mostly rest this offseason.
UNLV product Sequoia Holmes is ready to return home with the Stars.
WNBA coach news:
Bill Laimbeer is bringing his chips to the table in Las Vegas.
Former WNBA player and coach news:
Kara Lawson was welcomed tonight as the Washington Wizards' new color commentator.
Lawson made history as the first female analyst for the franchise.
The Sacramento Kings have hired former WNBA coach Jenny Boucek as an assistant coach for player development.
ESPN will deliver extensive TV coverage for the 2017-2018 season.
College team news:
Here are the most important things we've learned about South Carolina and coach Dawn Staley.
Clemson and coach Audra Smith are grinding in the shadow of the Gamecocks and Dawn Staley.
Missouri is seen as the SEC's rising power.
Two Duncanville players have decommitted from Kansas.
College player news:
A healthy Sophie Cunningham is ready to lead Missouri.
Four things to know about Lady Vol freshman Rennia Davis.
Marisa Romeo brings an urgency in her transition from lacrosse star to Syracuse forward.
College coach news:
Clemson coach Audra Smith shares a funny story of cheering for Dawn Staley at the Final Four.
Vanderbilt coach Stephanie White wants less robotic players.
Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors is no stranger to his SEC colleagues.
New Mexico coach Mike Bradbury has high hopes for the season.
WNBA player news:
Candace Parker finally resurfaced last night, appearing on Kevin Garnett's Area 21 show. "I just opened my blinds....."
The Lynx starters will mostly rest this offseason.
UNLV product Sequoia Holmes is ready to return home with the Stars.
WNBA coach news:
Bill Laimbeer is bringing his chips to the table in Las Vegas.
Former WNBA player and coach news:
Kara Lawson was welcomed tonight as the Washington Wizards' new color commentator.
Lawson made history as the first female analyst for the franchise.
The Sacramento Kings have hired former WNBA coach Jenny Boucek as an assistant coach for player development.
Thursday, October 19, 2017
Pac-12 preview: Stanford University
This is the fourth in an annual series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
Last season was nothing but good for the Stanford Cardinal, as the Pac-12 powerhouse won 30 games for the 14th time, and first since 2014. The Cardinal’s 32 wins tied for eighth in program history, and they set a school record with 212 blocks – one better than the previous year’s 211. Stanford won with a balanced attack featuring six different leading scorers and three players (Erica McCall, Brittany McPhee, Karlie Samuelson) averaging over 12 points per game for the first time since 2010-11. Seniors McCall and Samuelson received WBCA and AP All-America honorable mention recognition at season’s end.
The team finished ninth in the country in field goal percentage defense (.350), third in blocks (212), and third in rebounds (1,562). They were 20-3 in games away from Maples Pavilion, second in the country in wins (road/neutral), and third by percentage (.870). To top it all off, the Cardinal made their 13th overall trip to the Final Four and their seventh in the last 10 years. Last year marked their 31st NCAA Tournament appearance and 30th straight. Their 13 Final Four appearances are the third-most by any school, and their overall appearances rank third behind only Tennessee (36) and Georgia (32).
McPhee, a senior this year, was one of the main catalysts in the Cardinal’s run last season, leading the team in scoring during the tournament with 16.8 points per game and shooting 44.4 percent from behind the arc. She said the postseason energized her and other returnees.
“I think going to the Final Four and getting a taste for it left us returners wanting more,” McPhee said. “We want to go back and we want to go further. I think that’s kind of a drive for us. And I think we’re trying to create that culture for our freshmen, too.”
Coach Tara VanDerveer, entering her 32nd season at Stanford, hopes to fill the void left by McCall and Samuelson with the addition of a stellar freshman class. It includes forwards Alyssa Jerome, Maya Dodson, Estella Moschkau, and guard Kiana Williams.
Returnees include sophomore guards Dijonai Carrington, Mikaela Brewer and Anna Wilson; sophomore forward Nadia Fingall; junior center Shannon Coffee; junior guards Marta Sniezek and Alexa Romana; and senior defensive specialist Kaylee Johnson.
Junior Alanna Smith also returns, coming off a season where she averaged 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She also made the Pac-12 All-Tournament Team.
VanDerveer said McPhee’s senior year has come quickly.
“It’s hard to believe. Even (conference commissioner) Larry Scott said to me, ‘Brittany’s been playing forever at Stanford,’” VanDerveer said.
With ten returners and five new faces, the focal point for the Cardinal will be their team chemistry. Last season they didn’t have a superstar, and instead banded together to play team basketball. VanDerveer said they were successful because of they way they functioned as a unit on court.
“Chemistry was a big reason why our team was successful,” she said. “People are unselfish, and they’re very hard workers. If they do that, I think that gives us a chance. We’ll have different stars every night.”
“I think we’re going to be a win by committee. It’s going to be different people doing different things. I’m counting on great chemistry and great leadership and the things that helped us be successful last year.”
The players build this their on-court relationships with off-court get-togethers on the weekends.
“We always try to go somewhere on the weekends during the summer,” McPhee said, “We just try to get out and get in a different atmosphere. We went to Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes last weekend. It’s just fun to get to know each other. It’s a lot of time you don’t have any cell service you can’t even listen to the radio. So you really get to learn a lot about each other that you otherwise wouldn’t talk about like on the court. So it’s a lot of fun.”
VanDerveer feels like the season has already started.
“We have a great group. We’re playing a very competitive schedule, and we’re very, very excited,” she said.
- Candice Evans
Last season was nothing but good for the Stanford Cardinal, as the Pac-12 powerhouse won 30 games for the 14th time, and first since 2014. The Cardinal’s 32 wins tied for eighth in program history, and they set a school record with 212 blocks – one better than the previous year’s 211. Stanford won with a balanced attack featuring six different leading scorers and three players (Erica McCall, Brittany McPhee, Karlie Samuelson) averaging over 12 points per game for the first time since 2010-11. Seniors McCall and Samuelson received WBCA and AP All-America honorable mention recognition at season’s end.
The team finished ninth in the country in field goal percentage defense (.350), third in blocks (212), and third in rebounds (1,562). They were 20-3 in games away from Maples Pavilion, second in the country in wins (road/neutral), and third by percentage (.870). To top it all off, the Cardinal made their 13th overall trip to the Final Four and their seventh in the last 10 years. Last year marked their 31st NCAA Tournament appearance and 30th straight. Their 13 Final Four appearances are the third-most by any school, and their overall appearances rank third behind only Tennessee (36) and Georgia (32).
McPhee, a senior this year, was one of the main catalysts in the Cardinal’s run last season, leading the team in scoring during the tournament with 16.8 points per game and shooting 44.4 percent from behind the arc. She said the postseason energized her and other returnees.
“I think going to the Final Four and getting a taste for it left us returners wanting more,” McPhee said. “We want to go back and we want to go further. I think that’s kind of a drive for us. And I think we’re trying to create that culture for our freshmen, too.”
Coach Tara VanDerveer, entering her 32nd season at Stanford, hopes to fill the void left by McCall and Samuelson with the addition of a stellar freshman class. It includes forwards Alyssa Jerome, Maya Dodson, Estella Moschkau, and guard Kiana Williams.
Returnees include sophomore guards Dijonai Carrington, Mikaela Brewer and Anna Wilson; sophomore forward Nadia Fingall; junior center Shannon Coffee; junior guards Marta Sniezek and Alexa Romana; and senior defensive specialist Kaylee Johnson.
Junior Alanna Smith also returns, coming off a season where she averaged 9.1 points and 5.4 rebounds per game. She also made the Pac-12 All-Tournament Team.
VanDerveer said McPhee’s senior year has come quickly.
“It’s hard to believe. Even (conference commissioner) Larry Scott said to me, ‘Brittany’s been playing forever at Stanford,’” VanDerveer said.
With ten returners and five new faces, the focal point for the Cardinal will be their team chemistry. Last season they didn’t have a superstar, and instead banded together to play team basketball. VanDerveer said they were successful because of they way they functioned as a unit on court.
“Chemistry was a big reason why our team was successful,” she said. “People are unselfish, and they’re very hard workers. If they do that, I think that gives us a chance. We’ll have different stars every night.”
“I think we’re going to be a win by committee. It’s going to be different people doing different things. I’m counting on great chemistry and great leadership and the things that helped us be successful last year.”
The players build this their on-court relationships with off-court get-togethers on the weekends.
“We always try to go somewhere on the weekends during the summer,” McPhee said, “We just try to get out and get in a different atmosphere. We went to Yosemite and Mammoth Lakes last weekend. It’s just fun to get to know each other. It’s a lot of time you don’t have any cell service you can’t even listen to the radio. So you really get to learn a lot about each other that you otherwise wouldn’t talk about like on the court. So it’s a lot of fun.”
VanDerveer feels like the season has already started.
“We have a great group. We’re playing a very competitive schedule, and we’re very, very excited,” she said.
- Candice Evans
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