OU/K-State

[womenssports]

Nicole isn't exactly gone. She gets her minutes, and she usually contributes a three. She is 7 for 18 in conference play, which is 38.9% from three. That isn't exactly a cripple.

I suspect that Nicole is a bit of a victim of a situation in which we have been trying to find fits this year. I think she was to have been the sixth man. Her defense has limited her more than her offense. When she is in the game, she at least tries to get rebounds, and seems to get tips if not rebounds.

I think we'll be a bit more defined next year, and Nicole may find a niche in which she can thrive for her senior year. We didn't even know who our scorers would be this year. Then, Gioya stepped up. When she receded, Peyton stepped up. Going into a game, I have little idea who will step up. I never would have thought Sharane would hit that many threes as she did against ISU. Nicole may inherit Sharane's position. Who are you going to put there? McKenna, Maddie? I don't think Sherri wants Maddie at a permanent four.

Shaya? McKenna? Who is our new recruit, can she play the four?

 

[womenssports]

Most of Maddie's turnovers are made while trying to make something happen. A lot of our turnovers are just plain stupid, made from not paying attention. I have no idea why Sherri benched Maddie for something that LaNesia has done consistently for about fifteen games. Sharane commits at least two turnovers per game trying to dribble into traffic. It is interesting that she could do that last year, but she can't this year---at all. Gioya tends to make ill-advised passes in every game. Vivi and Kay Kay lose the ball twice per game trying to dribble, or even just pass it back out to a guard. But, Maddie's turnovers are a problem? Really?

Our five starters average 28.56 minutes per game. If Maddie were to average that, she would be averaging 11.15 points per game in conference play, fourth behind Peyton, Gioya, and Kaylon. She would have 4.35 rebounds, again fourth on the team. She would have 20.94 blocks, almost twice what anyone else has (Kay Kay has 11). She would have 15.23 steals, which would be third. So, statistics suggest that she does more than just turn it over.

As I said after the TCU game, I was becoming suspicious that I kept seeing Maddie charged with turnovers that she didn't make, nor not be credited with assists, or not get credit for blocks. So, I checked. I was correct. I haven't checked to see if the scorekeeper was that incorrect on everyone. But, I hardly think turnovers are that big of an issue with Maddie, compared to what she brings to the table.

When Maddie comes in, it is usually to replace either Sharane or Gioya. When Sharane is hitting a bunch of threes, I can see keeping Maddie on the bench. Usually, that isn't happening. When Gioya is going well, I can see keeping Maddie on the bench. Usually, that isn't happening all that much recently. But, Maddie is the insurance policy against failures by either. LaNesia needs a year on the bench, period.

We don't have anyone on the team that can disrupt the other team like Maddie can. She was a pain in the neck to TCU, blocking shots and passes. Peyton is good at steals. They kind of excel at defending the passing lanes. Maddie is further along than I thought she would be this year. I find negativity toward Maddie to be curious.

I would say no more so than Gabbi, Peyton, Sharane or Maddie.

 

[womenssports]

Peyton did not fit in with "gangsta" crowd at A&M. She was kind of an outcast so to speak because she really didn't have any thing in common with her team mates. I think Coach Blair is a class guy, and wanted the best for her, so gave her his blessing to transfer. She was and is good friends with Nicole and it came down to OU and A&M during her recruitment. I am glad she came here in the long run, I only hope Nicole can regain her focus and be more of a factor for this team, she has the talent, maybe she can get back the desire.

Seriously, we have always had black players. Is it just that our white players keep their gansta ways under control? Or is it that there are enough white players that they don't have to be as involved with the gangstas? don't have to room with them?

 

[YCN]

Shaya? McKenna? Who is our new recruit, can she play the four?

A new recruit was announced (as far as I can tell) in the pre-game notes for the KSU game that we played on Saturday. The link to the notes is Game 26, OU at KSU

OU SIGNS ONE FOR 2015-2016
University of Oklahoma women's basketball head coach Sherri Coale announced the signing of prep star Ijeoma Odimgbe [E-joe-mah Oh-Dim-way] to a national letter of intent. Odimgbe, who will join the Sooners for the 2015-2016 campaign, is a 6-4 forward from Johnson High School in Savannah, Georgia. Odimgbe, who goes by EJ, is considered one of the best in the nation at her position and is currently ranked 19th at forward by ESPN HoopGurlz.

 

[MsProudSooner]

Seriously, we have always had black players. Is it just that our white players keep their gansta ways under control? Or is it that there are enough white players that they don't have to be as involved with the gangstas? don't have to room with them?

I don't know anything specific about Coach Blair's teams. I remember him remarking once that Sherry recruits such 'nice' girls. I wasn't sure what to make of the remark at the time. Was it a true compliment or a backhanded dig?

I doubt that any player expects to have everything in common with all of their teammates, but if they don't have anything in common with any of them, that could make for an unhappy situation.

 

[Sweetest OU Girl]

It is not about "gansta" types. Just because a player is African American does mean his/her value system or personality is any different than anyone else.

The key is diversity. We are a very diverse team. I consider that one of our strengths. Our team is somewhat a reflection of our state and our University. That is exactly how it should work.

I have thought about this element of College sports for quite a while and will start a new thread one of these days sharing my thoughts about it (But now is not the time). Not political thoughts but women's basketball thoughts and what it all may mean.

I am ecstatic Peyton transferred to OU from A&M. A&M is a great university in so many ways - but I'm quite simply an OU fan and supporter. I'm glad she's here.

 

[giraffespots]

OK. I think we are getting terms mixed up. IMO, it IS about "gangsta" or possibly "street". "Street" is not necessarily a bad thing. It just is what it is. We are different...some are like you...some are not.

Now, that being said, I must stress that just because one refers to a group as "gangsta" or "street", does not mean it is a black group. Referring to the "gangsta" atmosphere at A&M is a not a statement on black players, its a statement that covers all their players. Whitney Hand would not have been comfortable in that type of environment either. Nor would many of our guys.

I would venture a guess, that this culture at A&M is the reason a couple of their highly rated recruits have left. Its also the reason some of their highly rated recruits chose to go there. Its no different than the "family atmosphere" that OU pushes: its the reason some come and its the same reason some choose NOT to come.

We need to stop getting offended so easily and stop making everything about race. This world is not just black and white. I know "gangsta" (or gangsta wannabes) who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc. I also know straight-laced, church-going folks who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc.

 

[soonerstar]

OK. I think we are getting terms mixed up. IMO, it IS about "gangsta" or possibly "street". "Street" is not necessarily a bad thing. It just is what it is. We are different...some are like you...some are not.

Now, that being said, I must stress that just because one refers to a group as "gangsta" or "street", does not mean it is a black group. Referring to the "gangsta" atmosphere at A&M is a not a statement on black players, its a statement that covers all their players. Whitney Hand would not have been comfortable in that type of environment either. Nor would many of our guys.

I would venture a guess, that this culture at A&M is the reason a couple of their highly rated recruits have left. Its also the reason some of their highly rated recruits chose to go there. Its no different than the "family atmosphere" that OU pushes: its the reason some come and its the same reason some choose NOT to come.

We need to stop getting offended so easily and stop making everything about race. This world is not just black and white. I know "gangsta" (or gangsta wannabes) who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc. I also know straight-laced, church-going folks who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc.

+1

 

[scrybe]

Great points – and great post – giraffespots.

 

[rocjunkie]

You mean she was the only White player and did not feel comfortable.

I don't apologize for my comments, I said what I said, and to be honest I have no idea whether she was the only white player on the team. Her words were she did not fit in, so she came to a school where she did.

 

[womenssports]

I don't know anything specific about Coach Blair's teams. I remember him remarking once that Sherry recruits such 'nice' girls. I wasn't sure what to make of the remark at the time. Was it a true compliment or a backhanded dig?

I doubt that any player expects to have everything in common with all of their teammates, but if they don't have anything in common with any of them, that could make for an unhappy situation.

I have not said anything negative about Peyton transferring but REALLY.."gangsta was the reason that Peyton transferred and all the players other than Peyton were black"....I find that an offensive statement....we are NOT post racism, in fact, it was a little under the radar until we elected a black president and NOW it is out and PROUD...the statement made by rocjunkie was racist and EVERYONE should be aware and offended....THAT was my point....OF COURSE, not all players are going to hang around with all players or be best friends, agree with you. I don't know about Blair because I did not hear the comment and we can address all types of racism and sexism and homophobic remarks on this board but I believe we should keep it relevant and unless you have more context on Blair's comment I don't think it is relevant

 

[rocjunkie]

OK. I think we are getting terms mixed up. IMO, it IS about "gangsta" or possibly "street". "Street" is not necessarily a bad thing. It just is what it is. We are different...some are like you...some are not.

Now, that being said, I must stress that just because one refers to a group as "gangsta" or "street", does not mean it is a black group. Referring to the "gangsta" atmosphere at A&M is a not a statement on black players, its a statement that covers all their players. Whitney Hand would not have been comfortable in that type of environment either. Nor would many of our guys.

I would venture a guess, that this culture at A&M is the reason a couple of their highly rated recruits have left. Its also the reason some of their highly rated recruits chose to go there. Its no different than the "family atmosphere" that OU pushes: its the reason some come and its the same reason some choose NOT to come.

We need to stop getting offended so easily and stop making everything about race. This world is not just black and white. I know "gangsta" (or gangsta wannabes) who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc. I also know straight-laced, church-going folks who are black, white, hispanic, native, etc.

Thank you. +2

 

[scrybe]

I have not said anything negative about Peyton transferring but REALLY.."gangsta was the reason that Peyton transferred and all the players other than Peyton were black"....I find that an offensive statement....we are NOT post racism, in fact, it was a little under the radar until we elected a black president and NOW it is out and PROUD...the statement made by rocjunkie was racist and EVERYONE should be aware and offended....THAT was my point....OF COURSE, not all players are going to hang around with all players or be best friends, agree with you. I don't know about Blair because I did not hear the comment and we can address all types of racism and sexism and homophobic remarks on this board but I believe we should keep it relevant and unless you have more context on Blair's comment I don't think it is relevant

C'mon, womensports; it seems you're the one who keeps getting hung up on race and politics. Stop looking for a racist or a conservative in every thread. This is supposed to be a basketball board.

 

[giraffespots]

I have not said anything negative about Peyton transferring but REALLY.."gangsta was the reason that Peyton transferred and all the players other than Peyton were black"....I find that an offensive statement....we are NOT post racism, in fact, it was a little under the radar until we elected a black president and NOW it is out and PROUD...the statement made by rocjunkie was racist and EVERYONE should be aware and offended....THAT was my point....OF COURSE, not all players are going to hang around with all players or be best friends, agree with you. I don't know about Blair because I did not hear the comment and we can address all types of racism and sexism and homophobic remarks on this board but I believe we should keep it relevant and unless you have more context on Blair's comment I don't think it is relevant

Did I miss something?? This is the post I read:

Quote:
Originally Posted by rocjunkie View Post
Peyton did not fit in with "gangsta" crowd at A&M. She was kind of an outcast so to speak because she really didn't have any thing in common with her team mates. I think Coach Blair is a class guy, and wanted the best for her, so gave her his blessing to transfer. She was and is good friends with Nicole and it came down to OU and A&M during her recruitment. I am glad she came here in the long run, I only hope Nicole can regain her focus and be more of a factor for this team, she has the talent, maybe she can get back the desire.
You mean she was the only White player and did not feel comfortable.