Where's the UW buzz?

[lifeishoops]

I thought when Todd Turner fired June Daugherty (which I agreed with) and hired coach Jackson for the lack of "buzz" around the women's program. But as I read all of Glenn's Prospect Watch I haven't seen many players mention UW as choice. I was hoping that after a stellar class last year, coach T would use her former Duke connections to bring in some big names. Am I wrong about this?"

[scoutnwhoops]

Asking her to bring kids attached to Duke all the way to Seattle is not realistic. Let her coach some games and establish herself as a coach before expecting the world of her. She didn't get a full run at the 08 class but still has Kingma. Start judging recruiting by the 2009 class. They have a very good class in for 2007 but they are still freshmen and the team did lose it's All-American candidate in Cameo Hicks so it will be different. Its going to take a few games before the fanbase can identify with the new players and coaches.

I don't think Turner expected her to land a top 5 propsect with less then a year on the job.

I will say it has been a little quiet in the local media. Outside of the nice story the PI wrote on the Redmon story and how it all worked out I don't recall much either but what is there to cover right now? Just recruiting and I don't think it's fair to criticize her recruiting yet. Not losing and 07 and locking up Kingma already is pretty impressive I think.

[kjstoph1]

I thought when Todd Turner fired June Daugherty (which I agreed with) and hired coach Jackson for the lack of "buzz" around the women's program. But as I read all of Glenn's Prospect Watch I haven't seen many players mention UW as choice. I was hoping that after a stellar class last year, coach T would use her former Duke connections to bring in some big names. Am I wrong about this?"

Jackson convinced Katelan Redmon to stay in Seattle - that was her big recruiting job for '07.

Also - the UW has something like 6 freshman coming in. They may not have the need to add too many players in the class of '08.

[wadethered]

Jackson convinced Katelan Redmon to stay in Seattle - that was her big recruiting job for '07.

Also - the UW has something like 6 freshman coming in. They may not have the need to add too many players in the class of '08.

That's true but the state does have two legitimate All-American candidates in the 2008 class in Ashley Corral and Kayla Standish. If she can recruit either of those two, Corral in particular, it would be a huge boost to the program.

[sportsmaneck]

Coach J is new to the northwest & it will take time for her to get in to the mix. She has already lost a lot of the kids from the northwest & California, so her best bet is to work real hard with last years recruits. If she has a very good year & everybody stays, then recruiting will pick up hopefully in 2009. There are several quality players in that class from the northwest. She needs to keep Kristi Kingma though for the 2008 recruiting year plus at least one other quality player. I have noticed that Stefanie Clark has been mentioned in articles but now does not show up on the roster - anyone know what has happened here. Best of luck for this coming season to a team with a lot of potential but in a league with several very good teams.

[MCPOjim]

I have read all I can find on the Huskies first two games. I need an observation from someone that attended. The two photos of Heidi McNeil, show a new back to the high school look player. She has lost weight and gained in attitude, both good in my opinion.
1. Did she start both games?
2. Has she really lost weight or is it the photo?
3. Does she bust her rear end to get up and down the floor?
4. The roster now list her as a forward, is that true??

I also noted that Redmond started and played major minutes. I also noticed that two seniors weren't listed.
Plus SPU beat them last night. Did anyone go?? If so what are you observations.

[scoutnwhoops]

I have read all I can find on the Huskies first two games. I need an observation from someone that attended. The two photos of Heidi McNeil, show a new back to the high school look player. She has lost weight and gained in attitude, both good in my opinion.
1. Did she start both games?
2. Has she really lost weight or is it the photo?
3. Does she bust her rear end to get up and down the floor?
4. The roster now list her as a forward, is that true??

I also noted that Redmond started and played major minutes. I also noticed that two seniors weren't listed.
Plus SPU beat them last night. Did anyone go?? If so what are you observations.

I went to one practice, the Love and Basketball Exhibition, watched part of the SPU game on the web and will be heading to Spokane this weekend for the showdown with the Zags.

Heidi is starting at forward/post. She does look in better shape and is working hard. The Dawgs use a two post, interchangeble lineup as they have five players that can work at either position. I think confidence is the change in Heidi. She looks like an upperclassman and is playing much more assertive. I don't know why she was in the Daugherty Doghouse as they grabbed her over Thompson, January, ONeal and some others in that 05 class and they took her verbal early.

They are going to be inconsistent all year. Its youth. When they are running and gunning they are incredibly entertaining to watch. They play much faster than in years past at least through exhibition play.

They have only one point guard right now and as feisty and tough as Emily Florence is she's not a player that can control a game for 40 minutes. When Sarah Morton is healthy and cleared for 5 on 5 play that will help immensly as using Redmon at point takes away from what she does best, attacking from the wing.

The pups do not get the ball in to the post enough. They got reminded of that in practice before their first game, showed signs of progress late against Love and Basketball and forgot all about it agianst SPU. McCormmack, McNeil and Argens need to get touches to take advantage of their size and open up their shooters.

When Plouffe, Augustavo, McLellan and Morton are healthy they'll have more weapons.

Redmon is making freshman mistakes in terms of turnovers and rushing her shot some leading to lower field goal percentages but she is playing very aggressive and creating on both ends of the floor. She will be a key contributor.

Frosh Kali Bennett is getting the least number of minutes despite being their highest rated newcomer. She has been most effective shooting from the trail rather than mixing it up inside and when the team is really running she isn't going to score as she's not a super fast player. She is used to overpowering high school players and needs to utilize her size and get leverage. They were working on this will all the players in practice so if she works hard she'll progress. Argens looks improved on the block and needs to keep developing her left hand as the conference opponents will take turning over her left should away from her.

New Coach, Young Players, give them some time. I think they'll be dramatically better in January. They have some nice length and athleticism to give people problems.

My outlook for the Gonzaga game without Morton ready is probably Gonzaga as a favorite. Reports from Spokane have Vandersloot playing awesome. They return Jami Bjorklund and add Junior transfer and former McDonalds All American Tiffany Shaives on the perimeter as well as super athletic Janelle Bekkering from Canada and Seattle's own Vivian Freison at forward. And don't forget how well Heather Bowman did last year. The Husky interior defense needs to be really physical and make her work for position. The Huskies should have a size advantage but the Zags may have the cohesive unit since Shaives was able to practice with them last year.

I think I'm going to start a local college blog here on the site so I should have a report from Spokane early next week.

The good news is the Huskies are fun to watch. The bad news is they are young and not healthy yet. They should be better shooters from the outside but need to get the ball inside more. McCormack will be an Olympian next year for New Zealand and she needs to be a focal point of the offense.

[MCPOjim]

Thanks Chris. Sara Mosiman getting a stress fracture requiring surgery didn't help much either. That was the other point guard. Now I know why some of the players didn't show in the box score. The Huskies are lucky that the Meadowdale state champ center is playing for SU. Or may have been worse.
I like the college thread Idea. Oh, Malia O'neil has transfered from U of Arizona. Where wasn't announced.

[scoutnwhoops]

Mosiman was telling people she didn't want to play point again. She struggled last year and was hoping that Morton or someone else would fill that void.

No word on where Malia is heading. I tried to talk to Joan about it but obviously she couldn't really talk about it.

We'll see who is available for the K-State game on Saturday. I'm sure practice was intense as an embarassing loss will usually bring. Sadly the Huskies remind me of the Sonics this year. Lots of young talent but late in the game, who is the closer? Who gets the bucket in those key possession late in the game? The team is still finding its identity and that comes with the territory.

[rockpassa]

From watching the SPU game they look like they have a lot of work to do. Lots of talent but they have tons of things to get them going. New coach, new lineups, it will be a long but optimistic road ahead of them. SPU looked like they wanted it more as well. They also looked like they were in better physical shape. Their posts were beating the Dawgs post up and down the court. SPU should have a great year, but the Dawgs will need to improve each and every day to be competitive.

[scoutnwhoops]

You're right. I think some of the SPU players had interest in play for Washington coming out of high school so they may have had a chip on their shoulders to boot. Different coaches but still, it could be viewed as vindication for those players although I don't believe "going D-1" is everything. 1% of high school players have a shot at playing pro so I think the education and overall experience is often overlooked.

[lifeishoops]

Now getting the #18 senior in the nation is what I was talking about. Nice job TJ!

[MCPOjim]

Listened to the game and Redmon could have hit 30. She was passing and doing the coaches thing early. Argens will be starting real soon IMHO. The Huskies will have some tough sledding in the PAC-10 other than WSU and that isn't a given. It will be an interesting game against the Zags tomorrow. Chris said he was going, so we'll have a live on scene look.

[elcapitan]

Master Chief,
You and I really agree on Redmon. I saw her last spring at a couple of tournaments and was very impressed. Most of the people I talked with agreed that June got a steal.

[MCPOjim]

I know that Sarah's Mom reads and is a member of this site. Sooooo, Sarah's Mom, when will your daughter be able to play???? The world awaits the news.

[funhoops]

I thought when Todd Turner fired June Daugherty (which I agreed with) and hired coach Jackson for the lack of "buzz" around the women's program. But as I read all of Glenn's Prospect Watch I haven't seen many players mention UW as choice. I was hoping that after a stellar class last year, coach T would use her former Duke connections to bring in some big names. Am I wrong about this?"

You cant ask for much more buzz during first couple of weeks of November. She signs Liz Lay #18 and has a class ranked in the top 10 nationally. Then today's article on Kelsey Bone, the #1 player in the 2009 class, has UW making the first cut of 18 schools and plans for an un-official visit to Seattle:

"Bone says she'll probably visit Washington because she has an aunt living in Seattle and first-year Husky coach Tia Jackson has been recruiting her since she was in the 8th grade and Jackson was at Duke."

http://hoopgurlz.com/story/recruiting-onslaught-part-ii


This did not and would not have happened when June was coaching at UW. Watching this year's team, I have not felt any excitement (except Katelan Redman) so far. This is great news and cause for hope in the NW.

Good job Coach J!

[JohnnyO]

Sarah got in the last few minutes at Gonzaga.

[MCPOjim]

I know that Sarah's Mortons Mom reads and is a member of this site. Sooooo, Sarah's Mom, when will your daughter be able to play???? The world awaits the news. I left the Sarah's Morton's Mom thing in so if someone knows, please post it.

The Huskies are having the sickness of a young team with very few players having played as a team. Michelle Augustavo lit it up in the 2nd half. The team got withing 2 late but Hawaii made the foul shots. Redmon led in minutes played with 34 followed by Emily. I think that by the time Pac-10's get here maybe they will have the kinks worked out. The coach has to get more production from the post players. They have another tournament after this one at home. Hopefully the corner gets turned and off they go.


http://gohuskies.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/111707aaa.html

[MCPOjim]

Sarah got in the last few minutes at Gonzaga.Thanks JohnnyO, I didn't catch it. I have to pay more attention.

[sportsmaneck]

They need Sarah badly to give Emily F. a break & the sooner the better. The team will sure need her with some experience for next year. Then who will be the backup for Sarah, when she is running the show next year?
Ok, now Tia has signed three on for next year. So, could she have done a better job or the results are acceptable or they are a very good class? Should there have been a point guard in this class?
Can anyone tell me what has happened with Stefanie C. & why did Candice N. left the team recently? They are getting pretty short on guard position without having Dominique B. being available this year.

[CoachD]

I know that Sarah's Mom reads and is a member of this site. Sooooo, Sarah's Mom, when will your daughter be able to play???? The world awaits the news.

I emailed Sarah's mom a couple weeks ago to ask how things were going but haven't heard anything back yet.

[MCPOjim]

I emailed Sarah's mom a couple weeks ago to ask how things were going but haven't heard anything back yet.
Thanks Coach. Someone else has posted that she played two minutes against Gonzaga. So she is up and around. Still like to hear from Mother Morton as she was always up to date on what and when.

[MCPOjim]

Thanks Coach. Someone else has posted that she played two minutes against Gonzaga. So she is up and around. Still like to hear from Mother Morton as she was always up to date on what and when.
Sarah played 8 min in the Husky Classic win.


http://gohuskies.cstv.com/sports/w-baskbl/recaps/112307aag.html

[funhoops]

I hadn't realize she left the team. Was there any announcement or press release? It seems there is always information when kids commit to schools but hardly a mention when they leave. I saw her play against SPU and was looking forward to watching her at UW. Hopefully she lands on her feet at another program.

[CoachD]

Thanks Coach. Someone else has posted that she played two minutes against Gonzaga. So she is up and around. Still like to hear from Mother Morton as she was always up to date on what and when.

BTW Jim, hadn't had a chance to email you yet but I'm back to coaching girls again this year.

[scoutnwhoops]

I hadn't realize she left the team. Was there any announcement or press release? It seems there is always information when kids commit to schools but hardly a mention when they leave. I saw her play against SPU and was looking forward to watching her at UW. Hopefully she lands on her feet at another program.

There hasn't been any press releases yet. and as hard as I've tried no comments from anyone in the know either.

[funhoops]

Scout, there was a brief mention in the Seattle Times that referred to a "family decision." Hopefully it will work itself out and she can find a team in California. Will she lose this season of elgibility after playing in an exhibition game?

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2004017298_uwom16.html

[skiverdu]

SlamDunc noted this information which appeared in the Long Beach
Press-Telegram recently relating to Candice Nichols. The details are
from the other side of the big picture, and is quite a bit different
from what we have read in the local area newspapers.

*****************

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_7511446

[scoutnwhoops]

Interesting and thank you for posting that. I know Coach J comes across and has been called by the current players as a different style of coach than June was. Every coaching style isn't for every player.

Its too bad because I think she would have really helped them this year. Not many freshman get a chance to play early on but maybe seeing all the other youngsters playing made it harder. How many times do you hear the phrase "a freshman mistake" when a frosh turns the ball over in a big game?

Best of luck to Nichols in finding a good fit. I have no clue if Turner will release her fully but I know several Pac-10 teams that would take her right now if they could.

[skiverdu]

I thought it was interesting to hear from a different perspective....I wish her well, I'm sure it was a huge and difficult decision to leave but happiness is paramount to being successful in whatever one chooses to do.

[funhoops]

Thanks for posting this info from the Press-Telegram. Hopefully Turner steps up and gives her a full release. My guess is that the Husky coaching staff will never comment on this situation and will hope it all goes away quietly. Recruits and Parents should ask about this situation and ensure they are satisfied with the answers.

[glenn]

SlamDunc noted this information which appeared in the Long Beach
Press-Telegram recently relating to Candice Nichols. The details are
from the other side of the big picture, and is quite a bit different
from what we have read in the local area newspapers.

*****************

http://www.presstelegram.com/sports/ci_7511446


We appreciate posting any links; however, it is a violation of copyrights to copy and paste content from another news medium.

[skiverdu]

Sorry, how should that be done to reference another site's content?

[sportsmaneck]

Interesting information on Candice, hope everything works out for her. AC Turner is not in the habit of giving out full releases - remember his past history.
Now that information is out on CN, just what happened to Stefanie Clark? She got a lot of playing time last year.

[funhoops]

Interesting information on Candice, hope everything works out for her. AC Turner is not in the habit of giving out full releases - remember his past history.
Now that information is out on CN, just what happened to Stefanie Clark? She got a lot of playing time last year.

The only time I saw her mentioned was in this article below which says she didn't meet "team obligations"

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/cbasketball/337459_uwom31.html

[vedette]

Nichols' situation is just a reminder that no one is the perfect coach for everyone. A major part of the recruiting process is a "mating ritual" in which the two parties try to figure out if they are made for each other. That is why it tends to be very awkward when a kid is recruited by a coach who is then replaced with another coach.

[MCPOjim]

The team obligations covers a lot of things, as not attending class, grades from last quarter ect. To a simple breaking team rules.

[SkyRider23]

Thanks for the information on CN. This is the type of thing that sometimes happen to teams and players when the School AD replaces a coach who has recruited talented young people and a new coach comes in and everyone is not on the same sheet of music. I hope Todd Turner gives her a FULL release so that she can move on with her education and athletic playing career. Lots of talented 2009 candidates/Parents will DEFINITELY be watching this turn of events...!

[scoutnwhoops]

Sorry, how should that be done to reference another site's content?


You can post an excerpt of the text but not entire stories as long as you post the source to credit them.

[skiverdu]

will just quote a bit and reference link if done again!