Women's Basketball Outlook/Prospects for 2012-13

[Shox1979]

t

I was in the house today. I need some time to figure this out. An exhibition vs. DII. I don't like Jody's assistant, Dana rushing the floor yelling at refs and ripping Jody's players. Kirk is solid. He just visits, encourages, teaches. I'll give more opinions later on. The game didn't tell us anything. This team was much like the men the girls played during Shocker Madness.

I noticed Dana yelling at the girls as well. One time Molly in particular when we were already up 40. It wasn't just a small correction either. It was a pretty good chewing over one pass. Maybe I'm overly sensitive to Dana right now.

[Shox1979]

t

I was in the house today. I need some time to figure this out. An exhibition vs. DII. I don't like Jody's assistant, Dana rushing the floor yelling at refs and ripping Jody's players. Kirk is solid. He just visits, encourages, teaches. I'll give more opinions later on. The game didn't tell us anything. This team was much like the men the girls played during Shocker Madness.

The only real thing I learned from Sunday's game is that the Lady Shox need to rebound better, especially when Chyna is running our small forward position and Alex is playing a guard. Some of the rebounding problems were just from a lack of effort.
Jess Diamond was her usual self. I love her game. She still tends to shoot best after a dribble with her left hand. I also like it that she didn't spend that whole game guarding the other teams point guard. I'd run Alex and Bugs at them to give her a break on the defensive end.
Alex Harden will finish this season as our teams best players, as only a sophmore. Her length and game sense make her a great defender. And defending a guard gave her a little more freedom to roam passing lanes as well, and play havoc on ball defending the other teams point. While i was really unimpressed with Hardings guards, some credit has to be to Alex for this.
I didn't see anything to make me believe Kelsey Jacobs is gonna be the improved force i keep hearing about. I got excited when he knocked down a jumper for our first basket, but then she quietly slipped away.
Michelle Price looks good. She's my favorite of our post players. She has a great attitude and is our hardest worker.
Dont remember a lot out of Chyna or Jaz Gorden. Nicole Wells made one nice catch and score, but I dont see her leaving the bench often.
Molly made 2 really nice entry passes for baskets during a run in the 2nd half. Still not sure I wouldnt just back off her and force her to make shots.
Allie played well for a first game. Knocked down a couple of nice 3's. She has a odd build for a guard. Not sure if its a fitness thing, or its just her build. She could struggle on D against quicker teams.
Bugs Jones plays hard on D. I dont remember much from the other end.
Overall, we have some bright spots. As an opposing coach if Alex is out i'd double Jessica and force someone else to handle the ball. I'd probably zone us until we proved we could hit shits from outside. It's hard to take too much from a game against a Division 2 opponent. We will see what this team has for real November 11th when it travels to LSU

[1972Shocker]

I didn't see anything to make me believe Kelsey Jacobs is gonna be the improved force i keep hearing about. I got excited when he knocked down a jumper for our first basket, but then she quietly slipped away.

Yes, Kelsey was pretty average, however, I think you could clearly see a more confident aggressive player than a year ago. She made a couple of plays late in the second half I liked. One was a great defensive rebound. The shot went up, she found her opponent and screened her off with textbook form, she then ran down the rebound on the baseline and saved it to at teammate. In a game where the Shocks struggled with rebounding that was good to see. She also made a very strong back-to-the-basket move across the lane, sealing her defender off and getting an easy basket. Knocking down the mid-range jumper early shows she may have a skill that Michelle and Jaz may lack, but time will tell, although I did think maybe Jaz shot looked a little better than last year in that she seems to be getting a little more air on her shot. No question Michelle is our hardest worker on the court. She really plays hard. I think we can live with 11-13 from the field from our front court (Michelle 5-6, Jaz 4-4 and Kelsey2-3) although probably shouldn't expect that often against D-1 opponents.

Dont remember a lot out of Chynna

The most memorable thing from Chynna is that she lost her shoe twice in the game, both the right and left foot. That said Chynna actually had a nice line. 4-6 FG for 8 points, team-leading 5 rebounds, 2assists, no turnovers in 20 minutes.

Allie played well for a first game. Knocked down a couple of nice 3's. She has a odd build for a guard. Not sure if its a fitness thing, or its just her build. She could struggle on D against quicker teams.

Don't disagree with these comments. As far as Alie's build she kind of reminds of Jenny Lingor who killed the Shocks when she played for MSU and she lead the Lady Bears to the 2005 WNIT Championship where she earned MVP honors. Not saying Alie will be another Jenny Lingor, just that their builds are similar. I think Jenny was more athletic, but we will have to see houw Alie develops.

Bugs Jones plays hard on D. I dont remember much from the other end.

Actually Bugg was 3-6 from the field and knocked down both of her free throw attempts for 8 points in 18 minutes. I think what offense we get from Bugg will be primarily on drives to the basket but she actually gave us more than I was expecting on the offensive end.

It's hard to take too much from a game against a Division 2 opponent.

That's true, although I thought Harding was OK as far as D-II opponents go. Seemed like they were pretty well coached and they played hard. Still as you say it's hard to project what you see in an exhibition game.

We will see what this team has for real November 11th when it travels to LSU.

Definitely a challenging opening game and a Shocker win would be an upset. The Cancun Challenge over the Thanksgiving weekend vs Missouri, Richmond and James Madison will be a challenging tournament as well. The can't miss non-con home games are with Kansas State on Dec 4th and Wisconsin-Green Bay on Dec 30th although the Shocks will be underdogs in both of those games. The good thing is that these games, mixed with an equal number of less challenging games should be good preparation for the MVC season. Testing the Shocks against strong competition as well as providing a few opportunities to work on things and provide minutes to the backups.

A 6-6 non-conference record would not be too surprising nor would I consider it disappointing as long as we are competitive in any losses. Anything better that 0.500 would be a solid non-con performance IMHO. 8-4 would be a very promising start.

[oldtimewomen's hoopcoach]

Yes, Kelsey was pretty average, however, I think you could clearly see a more confident aggressive player than a year ago. She made a couple of plays late in the second half I liked. One was a great defensive rebound. The shot went up, she found her opponent and screened her off with textbook form, she then ran down the rebound on the baseline and saved it to at teammate. In a game where the Shocks struggled with rebounding that was good to see. She also made a very strong back-to-the-basket move across the lane, sealing her defender off and getting an easy basket. Knocking down the mid-range jumper early shows she may have a skill that Michelle and Jaz may lack, but time will tell, although I did think maybe Jaz shot looked a little better than last year in that she seems to be getting a little more air on her shot. No question Michelle is our hardest worker on the court. She really plays hard. I think we can live with 11-13 from the field from our front court (Michelle 5-6, Jaz 4-4 and Kelsey2-3) although probably shouldn't expect that often against D-1 opponents.



The most memorable thing from Chynna is that she lost her shoe twice in the game, both the right and left foot. That said Chynna actually had a nice line. 4-6 FG for 8 points, team-leading 5 rebounds, 2assists, no turnovers in 20 minutes.



Don't disagree with these comments. As far as Alie's build she kind of reminds of Jenny Lingor who killed the Shocks when she played for MSU and she lead the Lady Bears to the 2005 WNIT Championship where she earned MVP honors. Not saying Alie will be another Jenny Lingor, just that their builds are similar. I think Jenny was more athletic, but we will have to see houw Alie develops.



Actually Bugg was 3-6 from the field and knocked down both of her free throw attempts for 8 points in 18 minutes. I think what offense we get from Bugg will be primarily on drives to the basket but she actually gave us more than I was expecting on the offensive end.



That's true, although I thought Harding was OK as far as D-II opponents go. Seemed like they were pretty well coached and they played hard. Still as you say it's hard to project what you see in an exhibition game.



Definitely a challenging opening game and a Shocker win would be an upset. The Cancun Challenge over the Thanksgiving weekend vs Missouri, Richmond and James Madison will be a challenging tournament as well. The can't miss non-con home games are with Kansas State on Dec 4th and Wisconsin-Green Bay on Dec 30th although the Shocks will be underdogs in both of those games. The good thing is that these games, mixed with an equal number of less challenging games should be good preparation for the MVC season. Testing the Shocks against strong competition as well as providing a few opportunities to work on things and provide minutes to the backups.

A 6-6 non-conference record would not be too surprising nor would I consider it disappointing as long as we are competitive in any losses. Anything better that 0.500 would be a solid non-con performance IMHO. 8-4 would be a very promising start.

Well done 1972. You must be taking notes at the game as you described what I saw, I just sometimes forget :-)

[1972Shocker]

Well done 1972. You must be taking notes at the game as you described what I saw, I just sometimes forget :-)

I never take notes at a game. That would take too much away from just enjoying the flow of the game. My memory is not what it used to be either.

[1972Shocker]

The Shocks notched their 2nd easy exhibition win with a 69-33 win over D-II Central Oklahoma in what I thought was one ugly basketball game evidenced by 50 turnovers (36 for UCO and 24 for WSU), 6-15 free throw shooting for the Shockers (and that was with Jessicia and Alex knocking down 4-4 late), and 1-15 three point shooting (0-6 for UCO and 1-9 for WSU). The Shocks lead 35-9 at the half as UCO couldn't throw it in the ocean going 4-22 from the field and many of those attempts were right around the basket.

Overall I didn't think the Shocks really looked like a team ready to win an MVC Championship. Of course, its still early and they should get better. Hard to believe they won't be a better free throw shooting team than what they have shown in the two exhibition games.

While the Shocks do get after it on the defensive end and can score in transition, they so far haven't shown they will be able to score much outside of the paint in the half-court offense and are susceptible to scoring droughts. They may see a lot of packed in zones this year.

LSU will be an interesting challenge indeed for the Shocks. Looking forward to seeing what they can do against that level of competition.

[oldtimewomen's hoopcoach]

[QUOTE=1972Shocker;339186]The Shocks notched their 2nd easy exhibition win with a 69-33 win over D-II Central Oklahoma in what I thought was one ugly basketball game evidenced by 50 turnovers (36 for UCO and 24 for WSU), 6-15 free throw shooting for the Shockers (and that was with Jessicia and Alex knocking down 4-4 late), and 1-15 three point shooting (0-6 for UCO and 1-9 for WSU). The Shocks lead 35-9 at the half as UCO couldn't throw it in the ocean going 4-22 from the field and many of those attempts were right around the basket.

Overall I didn't think the Shocks really looked like a team ready to win an MVC Championship. Of course, its still early and they should get better. Hard to believe they won't be a better free throw shooting team than what they have shown in the two exhibition games.

While the Shocks do get after it on the defensive end and can score in transition, they so far haven't shown they will be able to score much outside of the paint in the half-court offense and are susceptible to scoring droughts. They may see a lot of packed in zones this year.

LSU will be an interesting challenge in deed for the Shocks. Looking forward to seeing what they can do against that level of competition.[/QUOTE

Very disappointing. The difference between HCJA and Gregg M with the men. Gregg says there are no excuses and holds himself accountable. HCJA I'm sure will blame her players. Unless the Shox play like last year against LSU it will be a blow out for LSU. This is the same offense for the last four years. Dribble around and watch. A team cannot depend solely on defense and transition. They look much better and relaxed in practice. Good thing it is early. I'm very hopeful we'll get better.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

Talked with several players parents who made the trip. They all seem to be happy overall with where the program is, and like most o the coaching staff.

They all commented how the ladies get pushed hard, but that is what you need to be successful. I asked a couple if it bothered them how many people have left. None had issues, and said "not everyone is willing to hold themselves to the standard needed to win"

Coach Marshall has commented several times that he cant put the ball in the basket for his players. Lets not play that game.

I will say that I watched and listened to Eikenberg on the bench. I do not feel she presented herself or the university well. She had on a black blouse with some god awful ugly green patterned pants with heels. She was constantly slouching on the bench and offered no positive feedback most o the first half.

I did see some talking to players in the second half, but most while they were looking away and not acknowledging what she was saying.

That concerns me.

[NolenKemp]

Well, with fans like this it's no wonder why anyone would want to turn out. You people just can't let up on the coaches. Why the hell would any good recruit want to come to Wichita when the FANS constantly run the coaches into the ground. Much less a coach that has done nothing but improve the program. You are the ones trying to ruining the program. Don't you think other people read this stuff?? Don't you wonder what they are thinking of your comments. On top of that, don't you think the players read your comments. As a player I'm sure it would be easy to take your side and the coaches must not know what they are doing cause these guys on the forum sure sound smart.
Lighten up, and let's just go with the support for the program.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

I LOVE Coach Adams.

I really like the other coaches. Save 1.

If you really think what is said on a message board matters that much to a kid and their parents deciding on a college, I would have to disagree.

And it won't take any kid long in practices, watching games on TV, and talking to other players to determine what coaches fit their style and which don't.

Do not mistake my impression of Coach Eikenberg for how I feel about the program. Coach Adams is building a great program. We aren't to the top yet, but getting better. Wish you could have been there to see and here the Shocker Fans that were at the PMAC (Outnumbered 7 to 1 at least) going toe to toe noise wise with LSU fans for most of the game. That is Shocker Basketball. That is the following we have. That is the level all Coaches and Administrators should be held to.

I really should have taken a pic of our coaching staff. It would completely make my point.

[1972Shocker]

It will be interesting to see what Jody does with Alie and Michaela when they return from their injuries.

Alie looks like she could give us a little bit of a perimeter threat on offense. I suppose the questions about Alie will be her ability to play the kind of D Jody demands.

Unfortunately, we have not gotten a look at Michaela yet. Sounds like her strength will be her biggest strength. Perhaps a player somewhat in the Chynna Turner mode.

With 6 seniors on this year's roster I'm assuming Jody would like to get them as much experience as she is able to with a view towards next year. Time will tell I guess.

[1972Shocker]

BTW, just in case you might have missed it this was a great article on Jody in the Eagle about 10 days ago:

http://www.kansas.com/2012/11/03/2550115/wsu-women-adams-desire-permeates.html

When Adams arrived, Wichita State was in the cellar of the Missouri Valley. In her first rebuilding effort, Adams immediately went to work on the recruiting trail. Not every player was accustomed to her intensity and some were lost along the way, but the ones that stayed swear by her.

[Downtown Shocker Brown]

What that article said....

[1972Shocker]

I see Missouri State gave #22 Oklahoma State a very tough time in Springfield last night falling to the Cowgirls 74-71.

I mentioned when the preseason rankings came out that I thought the Lady Bears were being undervalued with their 5th place slot.

[NolenKemp]

Downtown, I wasn't just talking to you. It seems the majority of the posters get whacks in throughout the conversations. Eikenberg might have a checkered past, depending on who you talk to, but Jody is the head coach, she made the decision to hire her and that's good enough for me. I can't believe that she is doing anything that Jody would not allow. I get the impression that Jody will handle any problem even if it required cutting an arm off to fix a hangnail.
Recruiting is nothing like it was in the past. 85% of most recruits decision is based on perks. Why do you think colleges have so many perks now? Most of the recruits have never seen the team on TV unless it's a big D1. They are usually on a visit when they do get to see the team play and if there is any disgruntled players on the team, the recruit will never meet them. The parents of the recruits are looking at the rest and every college has these boards which gives the inside scoop to what's going on and provides the only light the parents see that is usually different then the picture the coaches are painting for them.
All I'm saying is the words on here go farther than most of you think. Undermining the program doesn't help the program. If there are any real problems, they will come to the top eventually.