Ryan Thorburn of the Eugene Register-Guard has done some terrific basketball articles of both genders, but this one I thought would be good to share going into the big "Tussle-in-Tucson." This article is available by subscription and I am not reprinting it, but simply passing along some key observations from it.
Kylee Watson is COMING ON STRONG...
Due to Sedona Prince being out, the 6' 4" Watson (No. 22 below) has had the opportunity for more minutes and had a big game at Cal with 12 points (6-8 shooting!) three rebounds, two blocks and two steals. Coach Graves commented how,
"She's practicing better. She getting in the gym, getting some time, and it's paying off. I think she's a really good player. We've given her the opportunity a bit more in the last couple of weeks and she's making the most of it. And guess how you get more time? You get more time by producing and playing well. I love what I see. She is so aggressive and I just felt we needed that."
Te-Hina in Transition?
Coach Kelly Graves wants more tempo and is happy with the progression of Te-Hina Paopao in pushing the team to 20 fast-break points against Cal. Graves explained her progress....
"We've become too tentative. We run our lanes and than our point guard kind of waits for some kind of drag screen and it's too slow. We've worked since Christmas on trying to probe in transition, push it, get inside the defense, make the defense shrink. That's when you're going to have open kick-outs to really good shooters. I'm glad (Paopao) is a quick learner, and she's a really good heady point guard."
Taylors' Return Makes a Big Difference
Seeing junior guard Taylor Chavez (No. 3 below) come back and score 13 points against Cal was big for the team, with some assists going to Taylor Mikesell who is coming out of her shooting slump. The Ducks need all players available for the big game against No. 7 Arizona and shooting well.
No Pullman Patsies...
Washington State was picked to be last in preseason polls by both the coaches and media, yet they just broke into the top 25 (25th) for the first time Cougar Womens Basketball history. The struggle the Oregon Women had in Pullman to win was justified by the WSU win over No. 7 Arizona last weekend. In fact the only loss the Cougars have is to....the Ducks as WSU is 7-1 and in second place in the conference standings. Coach Graves had some choice words about this subject....
"For all those people who kind of pooh-poohed our close win at Washington State, what are we all saying now? I told you that's a good team. So that win looks better and better doesn't it?"
Whew! Now onto the national stage with an ESPN audience at 4:00 PM Thursday...