2013-14 team

[BabHorn]

Coming back for 2013-14; for now just the roster:seniors
Chassidy—5-10 G
Anne Marie—6-3 F, returning from injury/surgery
Ashley—5-8 G, returning from injury/surgery
Gigi—6-2 F

juniors
Nneka—6-1 F
Brady—5-11 G, RS, could play an extra season

sophs
Imani—6-7 C
Empress—5-7 G
Celina—5-8 G

frosh
Kelsey Lang—6-5 C
Brianna Taylor—5-9 G
Nekia Jones—5-11 F
Lilley VanderZee—6-4 P

That’s 13 on the roster with volleyballer Sara Hattis’ (6-4 Soph. F) availability for next season still unknown for certain. Pending no summer signees or Sara returning to the squad after VB season, Horns will have 13 players available with two coming back from surgery.

By position listed either on the roster or when recruited, that’s six guards, four forwards, two centers and one post. Two Fs (Gigi & Nekia) should be able to play on the perimeter. Pretty balanced roster with all able to play at least two positions.

 

[BabHorn]

Horns return the top three scorers from last season in: Chas (14.2 ppg), Nneka (13.0 ppg) and Imani (11.1 ppg). Along those lines, the top five players in FGs made return as do the top six in FGs attempted. They return every player, except one, that made and attempted a three pointer. Returning are the top five in FTs made and attempted. Eight players with double digit assists, including Celina with 111, come back. Imani, with 75 blocks, tops three others that also had double digit blocks. Seven players had double digits steals. The top three rebounders in Nneka (9.4 rpg), Imani (9.4 rpg) and Chassidy (5.3 rpg) return.
Horns return 8 of 11 players who started at least one game, with 5 starting 20 plus games. No player started all games (30 total) although Nneka (29-29) and Chassidy (26-26) started every game they played in.

Returning percentage in various categories:
[pre]
Category %back adding Sara’s totals
FGM 91.6 92.8
FGA 92.3 93.9
3ptersM 98.0 98.0
3ptersA 99.2 99.2
FTM 89.7 90.8
FTA 87.4 89.2
ORebs 89.9 91.1
DRebs 93.3 94.7
Total Rebs 92.0 93.4
Assists 97.9 98.1
Blocs 90.2 91.6
Steals 94.0 95.3
Points 91.6 92.7
PPG 91.6 92.7
Turnovers 91.7 92.8 [/pre]

 

[overseasbbfan1]

In reply to:

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[BabHorn]

My projected starting lineup: same as the one that finished the season:
Imani
Nneka
Chassidy
Empress
Celina

PG is the only position I would think may be up for grabs. But I was impressed with Celina’s progress throughout the year, especially after Ashley was injured. She will be tough to displace, especially if her shooting becomes more consistent.

None of those spots are likely to be set in stone. Others could crack the starting five or get more minutes than a starter, depending on their readiness to contribute.

 

[DINO22]

Henderson will start a Point Guard.

 

[flash34]

I think the starting line-up is as BabHorn suggests.........assuming no injuries, etc. Celina HAS to improve on her shooting in the off season.........or Henderson will take over the starting by the 10th game or so. Of course none of us have seen her play a second at the DIV 1 level. My hope is that Hendeson is a DIV1 pt guard and Celina improves where her shooting makes her a DIV1 pt guard and they complement each other. The second biggest improvement should be in our depth.......especially in frontcount.......with Lang and others. Last year Coach had few options by mid-season.

 

[Moooooo]

So, who backs up Nneka at the power forward position this season, and in subsequent seasons. I guess Hartung for senior season if she returns healthy.

After that? Is Lilley Vanderzee a candidate, or more of a Center prospect?

After that, we don't have any true PFs coming in until 2015 -- Jordan Hosey and potentially Justis Szczepanski-Beavers.

 

[flash34]

I think Nekia Jones. Even though the scouting says she can play multiple positions, her body is of a power forward.....a little short but makes up for it with power. My perception is that Hartung will be a role player with small minutes. VanderZee is a year or two away from helping..........just based on comments from Coach when she was signed. And the lady from Weatherford Jr College is more of a finess player as evidenced by her hanging around the perimeter. And although only a small sample size on her videos, she would cause real problems down low for anybody guarding her.

 

[DINO22]

I look forward to seeing K. Lang play. She has improved so much!

 

[BabHorn]

who backs up Nneka depends on what you want from that position at that time of the game.

Assuming Anne Marie is healthy, she would be the first choice if you want physicality, tough D, and ability to score inside as well as the short jumper out to 10-15 feet.

If you want someone to be able to stretch the D with 3s, guard a perimeter player, Gigi is likely to be the player coming in for Nneka, who can supply all of the above.

Kelsey and Lillie, haven't really seen them play so it's difficult to project them but both should be able to switch between both post positions, same as Anne Marie. I am not sure of their quickness on the perimeter.

Nekia is an potential intriguing matchup inside. At 5-11 or 6-0, she's small for a PF but not too small. Certainly she is strong, has a quick first step, can handle the ball well, and certainly has the range to hit from BTA. I don't recall HS highllghts about her post play but I would guess she knows how to post up and score inside.

 

[Moooooo]

Things are ever-changing in recruiting. But, we will lose GiGi and Hartung after this coming season, and then Nneka the following season.

Lang is a true Center prospect, IMO.

Vanderzee could be a PF. So, she, Hosey, and Beavers form a young nucleus once Nneka is gone.

Nekia is the wildcard; hopefully in a good way.