Kansas

[sybarite]

We actually have a game tonight. Kansas appears to be the worst team in the Big Twelve. But, they beat us in Norman the last time we played (the only home conference loss). They just lost by 13 to Washington State and 7 to Oral Roberts, a 2-8 team. Ouch! It would look really bad to lose this one.

Statistics:
http://sidearm.sites.s3.amazonaws.com/kuathletics.com/documents/2015/12/22/seasonstats_12222015.pdf

Roster:
http://www.kuathletics.com/roster.aspx?path=wbball

Likely starters:
5-7 Soph G Lauren Aldridge
5-10 Fr G Kylee Kopatich
6-4 Jr F Caelynn Manning-Allen
6-0 Jr F Jada Brown (7 starts)
5-7 Fr G Asia Robertson (8 starts)

Reserves:
5-4 Jr G Tineka O"Neal (1 Start)
6-2 Fr F Tyler Johnson (1 Start)
6-0 Soph G Chayla Cheadle (4 Starts)
5-8 Fr G Jayde Christopher (2 Starts)

Aldridge (13.0), Kopatich (11.5), and Manning-Allen (10.0) lead the team in scoring. Nobody else scores more than 5.5. Aldridge (38.5%) and Kopatich (27.3%) shoot the most threes, but O'Neal (44.1%) has the best percentage. Manning-Allen (7.1), Kopatich (5.9), and Brown (4.5) lead the team in rebounds. Christopher and Aldridge have the most assists. Manning-Allen has blocked 22 shots.

As a team, Kansas shoots 39.4% (allows 41.3%). Kansas is 30.2% from three (allow 36.3%). They have outrebounded their opposition 37.4 to 36.5.

Notice that Kansas starts two freshmen and has four freshmen in the nine players who actually play. They are young, and they aren't big. A recruit could start at KU.

 

[j2d2]

This would be a good time to get some time for EJ, Treese, Penzo et al except that this team hasnt really found their rhythm yet so I dont think Sherri will play them.

 

[sybarite]

I have no idea what to expect. When I remember teams that fared pretty well recently, I don't know that our lineup was that well-defined at this point in the season. The last time that we made the Elite Eight, we lost our conference opener with a lineup of:
Roethlisberger
Robinson
Hook
McFarland
Hand

The team that beat Miami to get to the Elite Eight:
Roethlisberger
Robinson
Griffin
Ellenberg
Hand

We were still toying with who we wanted to play at midseason.

I suspect that we will be making a decision on Gioya---maybe tonight. Is she going to play? Will she be able to play enough time to start? Does she replace Derica?

I don't know if Sherri sees the idea of starting a traditional power forward as being essential. Are Treece, Kellogg, and Odimgbe any more of concern than determining whether Penzo is ready to contribute. We are looking at Derica, most likely. We probably won't start a forward in place of Derica, and I don't think we have a guard that is ready, unless it is Penzo. We have only seen an offensive outburst once.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

It will be an interesting game. I'm looking forward to being in the stands.

Sagarin says we win by 30 or so. the folks that select weekly honors say we are more like Kansas and the other teams toward the bottom of the league in terms of talent and performance.

I would say Sagarin is closer to the truth, but as Syb said I'm still puzzled by our loss to Kansas at home last year. Will we be focusing more on the Baylor game ahead this weekend, or are we "taking them one game at a time"?

 

[womenssports]

I have no idea what to expect. When I remember teams that fared pretty well recently, I don't know that our lineup was that well-defined at this point in the season. The last time that we made the Elite Eight, we lost our conference opener with a lineup of:
Roethlisberger
Robinson
Hook
McFarland
Hand

The team that beat Miami to get to the Elite Eight:
Roethlisberger
Robinson
Griffin
Ellenberg
Hand


I believe we beat Miami to get to the S16 to be beat by Notre Dame. I don't remember our making an elite 8 in Sherri's tenure except when we made the NCAA title game in 2002 and the FF games in 2009 and 2010.

What I don't remember is why Griffin started over McFarland. I thought Joanna had a good sophomore year but maybe it was her Jr and Sr years in which she excelled.

Unless Gioya is ready to play, I believe she has her starting line-up for now w/ Gabbi, Peyton, Derica, Maddie and Kay Kay.

 

[sybarite]

Halftime: OU 31-21

KU is not a good shooting team. OU began well. But, putting in the reserves resulted in some sloppy shots, and it seemed to set a tone. Weak finish to the half. Went from 26-11 to losing the last minutes 10-5.

Kay Kay and Derica doing well.

 

[Oliver Hardy]

Interesting. Turnover bug in the 3rd quarter. Wyatt silent after solid first half.


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[SoonerNorm]

If you can't drive on this team you probably aren't a good driving team.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

Or they just sagging to the middle hoping to keep it close-- which they are.

 

[Oliver Hardy]

Kay-Kay having and good game. She's hitting the chippies.


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[Vinny78]

I know this is the KU thread but just wondering if Sherri is going to sign any highly rated Bigs anytime soon. Just seems like she can't get the top talent down low for the last 5 years or so. Without it I don't think OU gets back to the elite level. Thoughts??

 

[SoonerNorm]

Or they just sagging to the middle hoping to keep it close-- which they are.

They are guarding the three point line, not sagging in.

 

[SoonerNorm]

I know this is the KU thread but just wondering if Sherri is going to sign any highly rated Bigs anytime soon. Just seems like she can't get the top talent down low for the last 5 years or so. Without it I don't think OU gets back to the elite level. Thoughts??

Some think Nancy Mulkey will be a great big.

 

[SoonerNorm]

Another good game by Kaylon. Derica was good BTA. Good win!

 

[SKSooner]

Kaylon Williams isn't considered a good big? It this a joke?

 

[Vinny78]

Some think Nancy Mulkey will be a great big.

Oh yeah I forgot about her - isn't she about 6'7" ???

 

[SKSooner]

Norm, you are such a pitifully sarcastic fan. God forbid fans are excited about one of the most highly recruited players in women's basketball. You really are a piece of work.

 

[Oliver Hardy]

What I liked was when they closed in the 3rd quarter we collected ourselves and took over.

If Kay-Kay hits the chippies, we can be formidable. We will need that in Waco.

I'm a bit concerned that Peyton may be descending into an offensive funk/slump.

We can't have that.

I liked Treece tonight. I think she's making a case to start.

Nice to have Goyia back.


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[SoonerNorm]

Norm, you are such a pitifully sarcastic fan. God forbid fans are excited about one of the most highly recruited players in women's basketball. You really are a piece of work.

I didn't say she's going to be great or bad. I've said I'm going to take a wait and see. Since you know everything, tell us how good she will be. I can't wait.

 

[35TangoTango]

Thought we found a couple of pieces to the puzzle tonight. One was Carter; hope she can come along quickly. Another was Treece playing at the 4 - she was very effective playing power forward the way Norm has wanted.

I haven't really seen much of the other teams - is there a better center in the Big 12 than Kaylon Williams?