Shoni and Asia both started as Freshmen. Spend some time watching HVL’s latest video. She says she wants to do anything to help the team her first year. She is definitely a special player. CJW has a ton of talent and will work multiple combinations like he always does in the pre-conference schedule. Like others, my concern is with the bigs. Liz had a tough year adjusting to our programs standards vs Georgia Tech. Let’s hope she has a big second year bump. As for Molly, she started to show some ability at the end of the year. My concern is she’s not very quick and hasn’t developed the touch on her shot to contribute points. Let’s hope she develops over the summer. I think Olivia will spell Dixon more than any other position her freshman year. I can’t wait to see it play out.
Walz had an abundance of talent at the guard and wing positions, but. in my opinion -- the combinations that work the best in practice and skill drills will be the main part of the rotation.
Let's not forget these things:
1) Dana was converted to a point guard while at Louisville. One has to wonder if she'll be moved to the "2" now that there are several "1"s on the roster.If a defense decides to "key" on her, don't you doubt for one second that the team will find and productively use other players to account for the scoring. As you've seen, though, it's awfully hard to contain Dana.
2) Wearing down opponents is a key in the game of college basketball. With the talent on this roster, opposing teams should be prepared for a possible run, run, run offense with multiple players in the "get the ball and go" potential ahead for the Cards.
3) DO NOT COUNT OUT. Liz and Elizabeth. After a year in the Walz system, they have a full and complete knowledge of how he likes to see the game played and both have the skills to flourish in "Walz Ball" very nicely. Remember, coach says that it doesn't matter who starts, it's who he has in there in a close game with two minutes to go.
4) Rebounding and interior defense will be items where the Cards lose the most from this season ended. Keep in mind, though, you still have some very good players who now see the chance to claim spots and playing time. I can guarantee you'll love Olivia Cochran, Ramani Parker and Nyah Green's work effort and skills. Elizabeth Balogun can crash the boards with the best of them and Liz Dixon simply cannot be ignored inside.
It'll be, obviously, a team that will, once again, adjust their style to the personnel available. Jeff Walz has done this successfully for the last several years though. Sure, there will be things that will be addressed by him as the season unfolds as the season progresses, but....show me a college coach who hasn't or won't need to make adjustments throughout a season.
Yes, some spaghetti-o's have been taken off the shelf and consumed. There are plenty more in the cupboard, though, the microwave still works (coaching staff) and there are plenty of spoons left.
--sonja--
