Next year

[SoonerNorm]

It's obvious it is way too late in the year for this team to turn this season around...that ship has sailed. A friend told me he doesn't see next year as being much different because we have had two years back to back of similar results. His point is, if the team did not improve from last year to this year, what should make anyone think next year will be significantly better when our leading scorer will not be returning. He has a point.

Fundamentals, defense, intensity, shooting, rebounding, turnovers, etc, etc all must improve. Sherri has her hands full if she expects to compete for championships again.

 

[SoonerNorm]

It's obvious it is way too late in the year for this team to turn this season around...that ship has sailed. A friend told me he doesn't see next year as being much different because we have had two years back to back of similar results. His point is, if the team did not improve from last year to this year, what should make anyone think next year will be significantly better when our leading scorer will not be returning. He has a point.

Fundamentals, defense, intensity, shooting, rebounding, turnovers, etc, etc all must improve. Sherri has her hands full if she expects to compete for championships again.

Note- when I said turn this season around, I realize it hasn't been horrible, just not what we were used to or expected.

Oops, hit quote instead of edit.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

I think next year will be our breakout year- Texas kind of had theirs- Next year is ours. Though this one isn't even close to over, if we start shooting well- things could change fast.

-I think next year is the year Maddie fulfills her promise. I said at the beginning of the year she still had things to work on, and I think w/ only her 2nd offseaon. She becomes the player we all thought she could be.

-Vivi- Loved watching her this season and she's only gonna get better. Would like to see her get a little better jump hook AND I wanna see this girl develop a 15-18 footer. She's leading our team in free throw % or is at least up there? She has the ability to develop that shot I think and if she can pull Kalani Brown out or Montpier out from under the basket form time to time, things will get interesting.

Gioya needed an offseason last year. I think overall she improved but I would like to see her stop trying to be such a one on one player. She's good there, but you can't beat great teams by yourself. She needs to work within the offense, Maybe get really good out of the pick and roll would be a good idea. She's a good passer when she wants to be. She won't get to where she wants to though running iso and trying to cross ppl over constantly. Fun-da-ment-als. She can crossover any one player, but when you have 5 athletes on the floor that have scouted you, and they are all helping- its not a consistent way to succeed.

Gabbi needs to really focus on her anticipation and then throwing passes in the pocket. She is constantly missing wide open players ether by not seeing, not anticipating them, or throws a wild pass that isn't in the pocket- i think you can train you court vision to a certain degree and thats what we need from her desperately. If she doesn't then Idk if she deserves to start. Also improving her lateral quickness would help.

TT- Gotta develop a shot and a floater. Can't keep driving in and getting smashed by ppl a foot taller, just nonsensical. But she is a great athlete w some tremendous upside, I never could of imagined her getting as good as she is now. Think her shot is definitely developing- but we need something that makes ppl guard her.

Peyton- Just get in the gym and find your rythym- I don't think she can really improve that much more- we need her shot making bad.

Derica- derica has improved a lot, but defensive liability- needs lateral quickness... Or Maybe just become so good of shooter we can overlook it some games?

Treece- Good shooter, stretches the D well, but again- liability on Defense. Needs to be able to move laterally as well. Saw some good things. Will never get extended reliable minutes but could give us good minutes in the right moments.

Lenisa- Not a bad player...... Aslong she doesn't think about shooting once so ever. Play D. Learn to pass the rock. Or really improve your outside shot, can't keep driving into the trees at 5'7 and expecting results.

Gilly- mmm. idk. You gotta be able to play defense and Idk if she has that in her. improve shooting and we could get some minutes out of her.

EJ--- The next Vivi, cept taller and faster. I got high hopes for her- we do a nice job w/ post footwork and you get an athlete like that working on it, skys the limit.

Morgan Rich-- Im starting to really like this girl from the video I have seen. She's 5'11, gots a smooth stroke- and ton of length in those arms. Miss Kentucky Basketball in high school. Very lefthand dominant tho. But I see some really good things from her.

Dungee- Looks Gioya like from what I've seen. But i haven't seen much.

Nancy- Not sure yet. 11 pts a game in high school game at 6'9? probably means you need some work to me.


I think things shake up a little....

5. Vivi
4. Maddie
3. Rich
2. Gioya
1. Ortiz

Bench
1. Peyton
2. TT
3. EJ

Interchangeable- deep roster. Will be able to move pretty well and have some shooters in the hole for when the times come. What i love next year is there will be a lot of competition at the guard positions so you better put up or you'll be on the bench.

Prediciton by seasons end. Top 10 team- Elite 8 or better

 

[bluesooner17]

One word "Confidence". This team during the runs where we are scoring and playing defense you see it and then it is gone. I am not sure why, but they need to gain this more than anything else. Next year we need a go to person or we will run into a lot of what we have this year. Can that be Rich or Maddie I am not sure, but at this time there is no one else. Besides confidence one other thing needs to immerge and that is a leader. These girls play like a team, but without direction since there isn't a true leader out there. The best I have seen at times is Maddie. Also Maddie needs to get out of the 4 spot. She can not man up against someone with bulk as is needed and besides she has always played a 1 or 2 in her career so we need to find a 4 spot.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

One word "Confidence". This team during the runs where we are scoring and playing defense you see it and then it is gone. I am not sure why, but they need to gain this more than anything else. Next year we need a go to person or we will run into a lot of what we have this year. Can that be Rich or Maddie I am not sure, but at this time there is no one else. Besides confidence one other thing needs to immerge and that is a leader. These girls play like a team, but without direction since there isn't a true leader out there. The best I have seen at times is Maddie. Also Maddie needs to get out of the 4 spot. She can not man up against someone with bulk as is needed and besides she has always played a 1 or 2 in her career so we need to find a 4 spot.

I think Maddie guards that 4 and rebounds better than anyone on the team. She causes problems for 4s. before we went to zone, I think Nina Davis had about 4 pts w/ Maddie guarding her. and i think both field goals on switches from the pick and roll. Nobody ever scores on her from that spot, don't let her frame deceive you. She also had 10 boards down there against Baylor?? She's gotta stay there. Maybe add 10 lbs would be nice, but she's gotta stay there, we don't have anyone else that can defend there.

 

[soonermike22]

CONSISTANCY! Sooners4Life0101 has a good analysis above, but none of individual improvement will matter, if we have this jekell-hyde on effort and energy. Until players or coaches solve why we are not playing with energy and confidence all the time, we cannot be a good team.

 

[Mac]

Manning can play the 4 and cause match up problems, but I think her skill set would be best used as a small forward/wing... If Nancy comes out ready to go then Nancy and ViVi should be our front court...

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

Manning can play the 4 and cause match up problems, but I think her skill set would be best used as a small forward/wing... If Nancy comes out ready to go then Nancy and ViVi should be our front court...

I agree her skill set is better suited elsewhere- but not only do I not see her moving, we all just know that won't happen. Sherri likes have a 4 that can hit a 3 and really stretch it. Plus Texas and Baylor will both have 4's like her as well, so she'll be playing the 4. I also like that she can play the four and we can keep her, Gioya, and Rich from taking minutes from each other. Specially sense Peyton will be getting a lot as well. Keep your best players out there for aslong as possible. Aslong as she can D and rebound- and she does the WELL

I don't think Mulkey has the the lateral quickness to guard most 4's in our league either. Its really not a big players position anymore- think OSU was the only team w/ two thick front court players. We'll see tho. I just look at like why move her when we don't have a 4?

 

[sybarite]

I still haven't given up on this year. I think it is clear that Maddie has begun to emerge. Now that we are at crunch time, the last ten games of the regular season, Maddie has begun to step up. With two games left, she leads the team in rebounds over the past eight games. I think she leads in assists and blocks. She certainly leads in steals. She has found a way to contribute about nine points per game, even when not shooting well.

I'm not so sure that she isn't the ideal four for this offense. She can play any of the positions (including some time at the post). But, she is the only one that we have that can rebound like an interior player. She seems to be the only tall player that we have who can keep the ball once she rebounds it. How many are stolen off Kay Kay, Vivi, or Treece?

If Peyton or Gioya were to begin to shoot like they did last year, we can make it difficult. It seems that Kay Kay or Vivi and T'Ona or Gabbi will fill their roles, although not as well as we had hoped. But, the real problem has been at the shooter's position---Maddie, Gioya, and Peyton. They have to do better. But, if they get their heads on straight, we could be a solid Sweet Sixteen to Elite Eight team if they were to average 40 between them, maybe 35.

I think Sooner4life has a good vision of next year. Frankly, I will have a lot more faith in Vivi and Nancy than in Kay Kay and Vivi. I will have a lot more faith in Treece and EJ after a year of growth and practice.

Mostly, I have faith that the Gioya, Peyton, Morgan, Chelsea group will provide at least two people who can score. I think Gileysa may well join that group, especially since she would be the best passer of the group. Remember that she was not only the youngest player that we signed (only 16 at the time), she tore an ACL before ever playing. This has been a year to mature and heal. But, I love her floor presence. Right now, I would rather have her on the floor than Peyton if Peyton refuses to shoot.

I think this is the critical element. We need for a couple of people to emerge that aren't afraid when they see Baylor or Texas. I have limited faith in Derica and LaNesia. They need to develop a lot.

Gabbi and T'Ona have flashes. Right now, T'Ona fits what I think Sherri wants, especially if Gioya doesn't quit making stupid passes. But, I expect both to be a lot better next year.

I am very happy with:

Vivi---Nancy
Maddie
T'Ona-Gabbi

Now, show me who wants to play from those at the shooting guard position. Give me two, and I'll be very positive about next year.

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

I still haven't given up on this year. I think it is clear that Maddie has begun to emerge. Now that we are at crunch time, the last ten games of the regular season, Maddie has begun to step up. With two games left, she leads the team in rebounds over the past eight games. I think she leads in assists and blocks. She certainly leads in steals. She has found a way to contribute about nine points per game, even when not shooting well.

I'm not so sure that she isn't the ideal four for this offense. She can play any of the positions (including some time at the post). But, she is the only one that we have that can rebound like an interior player. She seems to be the only tall player that we have who can keep the ball once she rebounds it. How many are stolen off Kay Kay, Vivi, or Treece?

If Peyton or Gioya were to begin to shoot like they did last year, we can make it difficult. It seems that Kay Kay or Vivi and T'Ona or Gabbi will fill their roles, although not as well as we had hoped. But, the real problem has been at the shooter's position---Maddie, Gioya, and Peyton. They have to do better. But, if they get their heads on straight, we could be a solid Sweet Sixteen to Elite Eight team if they were to average 40 between them, maybe 35.

I think Sooner4life has a good vision of next year. Frankly, I will have a lot more faith in Vivi and Nancy than in Kay Kay and Vivi. I will have a lot more faith in Treece and EJ after a year of growth and practice.

Mostly, I have faith that the Gioya, Peyton, Morgan, Chelsea group will provide at least two people who can score. I think Gileysa may well join that group, especially since she would be the best passer of the group. Remember that she was not only the youngest player that we signed (only 16 at the time), she tore an ACL before ever playing. This has been a year to mature and heal. But, I love her floor presence. Right now, I would rather have her on the floor than Peyton if Peyton refuses to shoot.

I think this is the critical element. We need for a couple of people to emerge that aren't afraid when they see Baylor or Texas. I have limited faith in Derica and LaNesia. They need to develop a lot.

Gabbi and T'Ona have flashes. Right now, T'Ona fits what I think Sherri wants, especially if Gioya doesn't quit making stupid passes. But, I expect both to be a lot better next year.

I am very happy with:

Vivi---Nancy
Maddie
T'Ona-Gabbi

Now, show me who wants to play from those at the shooting guard position. Give me two, and I'll be very positive about next year.

I think we are* in the un-idealistic position to make a great run yet this season, this is just imagining what things will be like..

I should of said Maddie will fulfill her promise as a scorer. They said Stacey Dales in the beginning, and I think next year is the year we see it. We already see it in every area but the scoring, I think that comes next year.

I also gotta say, I love EJ already. and I think she plays a lot next year, Nancy will play- but I think EJ takes the bulk of the back up minutes at the 5- personal opinion. we'll see tho

 

[Mac]

I agree her skill set is better suited elsewhere- but not only do I not see her moving, we all just know that won't happen. Sherri likes have a 4 that can hit a 3 and really stretch it. Plus Texas and Baylor will both have 4's like her as well, so she'll be playing the 4. I also like that she can play the four and we can keep her, Gioya, and Rich from taking minutes from each other. Specially sense Peyton will be getting a lot as well. Keep your best players out there for aslong as possible. Aslong as she can D and rebound- and she does the WELL

I don't think Mulkey has the the lateral quickness to guard most 4's in our league either. Its really not a big players position anymore- think OSU was the only team w/ two thick front court players. We'll see tho. I just look at like why move her when we don't have a 4?

I was think more on the lines of how Uconn uses Stewie, have Nancy play from the post out to the wing... And then she can always defend the center on the other team, she'll need to get stronger but, college is not the same as high school, she'll get here have teammates who can help her more, and a coach who will find a way to get the ball to player who's 6'9...

 

[sybarite]

I don't know what Sherri has in mind for Nancy. But, I think she could make the all-big twelve defensive team as a freshman just by standing in the middle of the lane. She is a long 6-9. Her hands reach high and far. She can block shots on either side of the lane just by leaning to that side and extending. It is a problem to shoot over, and it causes a lot of misfires. She doesn't need to push anyone around. Just use that height.

Offensively, she would be very effective just standing at the free throw line. It opens up the lane for driving and pulls the center from underneath the basket. She can hit a jumper from the free throw line with a high percentage. She can also pass accurately---to cutters?

 

[Sooners4Life0101]

I don't know what Sherri has in mind for Nancy. But, I think she could make the all-big twelve defensive team as a freshman just by standing in the middle of the lane. She is a long 6-9. Her hands reach high and far. She can block shots on either side of the lane just by leaning to that side and extending. It is a problem to shoot over, and it causes a lot of misfires. She doesn't need to push anyone around. Just use that height.

Offensively, she would be very effective just standing at the free throw line. It opens up the lane for driving and pulls the center from underneath the basket. She can hit a jumper from the free throw line with a high percentage. She can also pass accurately---to cutters?

I do like her skill set- But 11 pts?? Are we just seeing the best plays she's made against bad teams on her game tapes? Find it hard to believe you can't get her the ball in high school? And from the looks of it, she'll have to face up- cause most players will just be able to push right off the block- and they'll also back her down for layups on D- she's skinny-- From the LOOKs of it. But I guess we won't know until she arrives.

 

[gosooner2]

Go to the top of the page and click on rosters. You can see 2012 forward. Tell me who the TEAM leader was on those groups? Tell me who played so hard and so good they could/would get in the face of a teammate when they were not playing hard? Sherry was blessed with players who I think came in fundamentally sound and ready to play. Those teams played hard aggressive ball. I think that came from the players not the coaches. I do not think we have that anymore and Sherry does not know what to do! Perhaps until we get some of those type players there is nothing she can do more than what she is. With no leaders I think the results will be the same.

 

[Soonerbay]

Go to the top of the page and click on rosters. You can see 2012 forward. Tell me who the TEAM leader was on those groups? Tell me who played so hard and so good they could/would get in the face of a teammate when they were not playing hard? Sherry was blessed with players who I think came in fundamentally sound and ready to play. Those teams played hard aggressive ball. I think that came from the players not the coaches. I do not think we have that anymore and Sherry does not know what to do! Perhaps until we get some of those type players there is nothing she can do more than what she is. With no leaders I think the results will be the same.

I completely agree. WHand was the "last of the Mohicans"/players with FF experience. No, the coaches cannot "motivate" anyone to passion. Either you have it or you don't. I don't think SC had to "motivate" the more successful teams to come ready to play every game. Real players live for it...it's their passion. At the same time, what you get during the practices and games is what you recruit. I'm sure Geno, Pat, Tara, et al know whether a player has "IT" or not before they ever land on campus. You see it in their play, the way they walk, the way they talk and what they've accomplished before landing on campus. I believe SC does as well, but for whatever reason (clearing my throat)...they are not landing in Norman. It doesn't make the players bad people or poor student-athletes. They are just not DI top 10 performers on a consistent basis. Or even rarely if ever. I remember many games where OU women were clearly upset after a loss. The loss to UConn on their court when the twins were there told it all. The team was clearly upset (although the odds of beating UConn was very slim) and the twins were "sobbing uncontrollably". I saw them "sobbing uncontrollably" when they were high school freshmen and their team lost to a very strong CWiggins team in CA. They came back and won two state championships later.

Another viewpoint...true passionate winners at ANYTHING is becoming a rare breed. It's a global problem, especially in the US. Too many kids are allowed/raised to have a sense of entitlement, poor work ethic, couch potatoes with parents who have unrealistic expectations. So unless SC and crew get out there EARLY and build relationships with passionate hard working players who are willing to sign...we'll see more of the same mediocrity.

Does it look like these players needed motivation for the game? I don't think so! When a player has "it", it's obvious.

 

[BanjoCharley]

Very nice post!

 

[sybarite]

You know. If you take a couple of guys and put them side by side, one of whom is 6-0, and the other being 6-9, the guy who is 6-9 often looks skinny, even if he were to outweigh the shorter guy by 20 pounds. A 6-0 200 guy can be a strong safety. A 6-9 200 guy looks too skinny to play. Even at 300, he may have difficulty playing tackle because of a high center of gravity. A shorter guy may be able to have leverage. We have had some good rebounders on the men's team who were 6-4.

If you look at Nancy, she looks skinny. But, I think that if she were 6-0, she would be the tough, physical forward type we have wanted. Take another look at her. Even if she were as heavy as Courtney, she would still have a higher center of gravity.

But, she does have a remarkable agility for someone 6-9, and she has the control of her hands that Courtney had. And, she can reach higher than Courtney ever thought of reaching without even jumping. I suspect her hands reach almost to the rim. You have to shoot over that. Courtney didn't like shooting over someone 6-5 with a lot less agility.

 

[Soonerbay]

You know. If you take a couple of guys and put them side by side, one of whom is 6-0, and the other being 6-9, the guy who is 6-9 often looks skinny, even if he were to outweigh the shorter guy by 20 pounds. A 6-0 200 guy can be a strong safety. A 6-9 200 guy looks too skinny to play. Even at 300, he may have difficulty playing tackle because of a high center of gravity. A shorter guy may be able to have leverage. We have had some good rebounders on the men's team who were 6-4.

If you look at Nancy, she looks skinny. But, I think that if she were 6-0, she would be the tough, physical forward type we have wanted. Take another look at her. Even if she were as heavy as Courtney, she would still have a higher center of gravity.

But, she does have a remarkable agility for someone 6-9, and she has the control of her hands that Courtney had. And, she can reach higher than Courtney ever thought of reaching without even jumping. I suspect her hands reach almost to the rim. You have to shoot over that. Courtney didn't like shooting over someone 6-5 with a lot less agility.

She didn't have to. She plays from her strengths...she does what works. I don't think there is any comparison between CParis as a freshman and the incoming freshman to senior Nancy other than they both will have donned an OU uniform.

Edit-Furthermore...CParis has great agility, footwork and speed...very deceiving for her size. Her timing for rebounds is off the chart. She's just a power player and it works. Let's hope Mulkey watches some film and has an opportunity to work with her. Now the thing no one can help her with...heart. Let's hope she doesn't need to go see the wizard. Just saying....

 

[Soonerbay]

CParis and NMulkey...Comparing apples to apples...no comparison.

CParis-High School...
PIEDMONT HIGH SCHOOL: Averaged 27.4 points, 18.9 rebounds, 5.0 blocks and 2.5 assists per game as a senior ... Named 2005 national player of the year by USA Today and the Naismith Trophy Foundation ... A 2005 Parade Magazine first team All-American and 2004 second team All-American ... MVP of the 2005 McDonald's All-American Game after scoring 16 points and grabbing 12 rebounds ... 2005 EA Sports National Player of the Year ... 2005 California Miss Basketball ... 2003 and 2004 San Francisco Chronicle Player of the Year ... 2003 Oakland Tribune Player of the Year ... Also named Northern California Player of the Year and Oakland City Player of the Year ... 2003 All-Northern California first team and All-State second team ... 2003 Modesto Bee Player of the Year ... 2002 USA Today All-Freshman team ... Averaged 27.2 points, 18.1 rebounds, 4.6 blocks and 2.0 assists per game while leading team to state title as a junior ... Guided sophomore team to 30-4 record and final ranking of No. 10 in the state ... Averaged 25.4 points, 18.3 rebounds, 4.0 assists and 4.2 blocks steals as a sophomore ... Tallied 25 points, 13 rebounds and 3 assists per game as a freshman at Modesto HS ... Won gold medals with the 2005 USA U19 World Championship Team, 2004 Junior World Championship Qualifying Team and 2004 USA Basketball Youth Development Festival West Team ... Averaged 12.1 points per game and 7.4 rebounds per game in 12 games for the USA U19 team during 2005 summer ... Coached by Bryan Gardere at Piedmont High School ... Helped Piedmont win three Bayshore Conference Championships and two (2004, 2005) Division IV State Championships ... Also won conference championship during her freshman year at Modesto Christian HS ... Played five years of club ball for the East Bay Explosion for head coach Mark Anger ... Also played two seasons for head coach Jerry Gatewood of the West Coast All-Stars ... Won travel ball national championship at the age of 14.

NMulkey - High School...
USA Basketball Notes

Gold Medals: 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship, 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship.
Member of the 2014 USA Basketball U17 World Championship Team that posted a perfect 7-0 record and captured the gold medal at the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship in the Czech Republic. Averaged 2.0 ppg. and 2.6 rpg. Was perfect at the free-throw line connecting on all six attempts. Recorded 10 blocks to finish second on the team, behind only Lauren Cox (19).
Member of the 2013 USA Basketball Women’s U16 National Team, started training camp with the team as an alternate; at the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship that was played June 19-23 in Cancun, Mexico, played in four games and averaged 6.3 ppg. and 1.3 rpg. to help the USA to a 5-0 record, a gold medal and a berth into the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship.

High School Honors

District 17-5A Defensive Player of the Year (2013).

High School Notes

Has played four varsity seasons at Cypress Woods High School in Cypress, Texas, including varsity seasons as a seventh grader in 2010-11 and an eighth grader in 2011-12.
Has 60 career starts and lists career totals of 420 points, 255 rebounds, 25 assists, 29 steals and 220 blocked shots.
Lists career shooting percentages of 42.0 percent from the field and 69.0 percent from the line.
Lists a career game of 23 points, five rebounds and 10 blocked shots versus Pearland in a regional semifinal in February 2014.
As a sophomore in 2013-14, averaged 7.6 ppg., 5.8 rpg. and 3.8 bpg. to help her team to a 32-6 record.
As a freshman in 2012-13, averaged 9.6 ppg., 7.8 rpg. and 4.6 bpg. to help her team to a district championship.
Plays in the summers for Cy-Fair Shock Ogwumike and won the 2013 Nike National Championship.
Also plays volleyball.

 

[Soonerbay]

More former players that came to play...self motivated. If you've ever seen them play...you know the difference.