2022-2023 Season

The video of orange-white game was REALLY good. Being at eye level, gave me a perspective of really how good these girls are. Lots of good takeaways. One that I’m very happy with is that Jack is much better than the 5 minutes if foul plagued time we saw against DePaul. I’m expecting she’ll be in the rotation a lot.
 
DFW_Horn said:
Well-deserved but does break with what we've been told about retiring numbers - reserved for players that won NPOY awards.
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Apparently someone with more sense stepped in... glad they did. All-time leading scorers are obviously among the best ever to play for a school.
And how ironic that the only two-time NPOY (Naismith) we ever had was not the first one to have hers retired. Regardless of what kind of terms she may be on with the school these days, she accomplished what she accomplished during her playing days at Texas.
I don't like when numbers are retired where they can never be worn again. I like having the jerseys hanging in the rafters much better.
 
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I’m glad Schaefer acknowledged the need to get better on defending inbounds plays. It sure makes a coaching staff look unprepared when some quick plays lead to a easy bucket. There were several of those sunday. That could be a difference maker in a close game. He said they had not worked on that, but would the next practice. Lots of good information Schaefer offers. He’s said it multiple times so I believe he is actually a little worried about lockdown perimeter defense guarding the 2 and 3 guards and sliding down to guard a smaller 4. I don’t see 100% replacement for what JAT and Warren provided. But it needs to be close. Holle is closest I can think of. The other candidates provide more offense but may not ever be lockdown defenders. Schaefer says he can develop those skills. I hope he’s correct cause there are some tremendous 2/3 players out there that will feast if you can’t guard em.
 
By the end of the year, Jac could be a 3/4 lockdown player. She was jumpy and foul prone in the DePaul game, but she has all the physical attributes and seemed to have a good motor in the orang-white. If she can develop at the speed Rori and Amo did, she could be there in time for the second half of Big 12. She should know that—with the offensive power in front of her in the depth chart—her fastest way to significant time on the court is defense.
 
Born in ATX said:
Presser today. First one with Shaylee:
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Nice to hear we will have Femme back tomorrow night, and Taylor and Anissa back soon. It sounds like Vic is definitely expecting Kyndall back which will be a bonus as well, Ive been a little concerned about that situation.

Wish the Exhibition was being broadcast but glad we are lucky enough to have LHN and watch the ones that count. Can’t believe basketball season is finally here; it’s going to be a lot of fun.

Hook em
 
My nephew was on the Wayland Baptist wrestling team.

LONGHORN CONNECTION: Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director Kathy Harston played for the Flying Queens from 1976-80. A former National Player of the Year candidate while starring at AIAW national powerhouse Wayland Baptist, she was selected as one of the "Top 25 Players of the Pre-NCAA Basketball Era" by ESPN.com in January of 2006. Harston was a Kodak All-American and a finalist for the 1980 Wade Trophy National Player of the Year award at Wayland Baptist. She led the Flying Queens to the 1977 National Women's Invitational Tournament (NWIT) post-season tournament championship.
 
DFW_Horn said:
My nephew was on the Wayland Baptist wrestling team.

LONGHORN CONNECTION: Texas Senior Associate Athletics Director Kathy Harston played for the Flying Queens from 1976-80. A former National Player of the Year candidate while starring at AIAW national powerhouse Wayland Baptist, she was selected as one of the "Top 25 Players of the Pre-NCAA Basketball Era" by ESPN.com in January of 2006. Harston was a Kodak All-American and a finalist for the 1980 Wade Trophy National Player of the Year award at Wayland Baptist. She led the Flying Queens to the 1977 National Women's Invitational Tournament (NWIT) post-season tournament championship.
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Wowza! Great research.
 
Born in ATX said:
Interesting read in this S. Carolina paper. Who are the primary challengers to avoid a S. Car. repeat? Stanford, Texas, Louisville, UConn and Iowa. Per this writer, your team must have these attributes to beat the gamecocks:

1. The ability to play 1-on-1 in the post against Boston
2. The physicality to compete on every possession
3. Experienced guard play
4. Multiple scorers

Sapakoff: Antonelli on how to upset the Gamecocks, and teams capable
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Born in ATX: I like how the writer notes the last time the Final Four was in Dallas in 2017, it was Geno at UCONN, Tara at Stanford, Dawn at South Carolina, and Vic with the Mississippi State upset of UCONN. It could very well be the same 4 coaches in Dallas 2023.
 
Born in ATX said:
Interesting read in this S. Carolina paper. Who are the primary challengers to avoid a S. Car. repeat? Stanford, Texas, Louisville, UConn and Iowa. Per this writer, your team must have these attributes to beat the gamecocks:

1. The ability to play 1-on-1 in the post against Boston
2. The physicality to compete on every possession
3. Experienced guard play
4. Multiple scorers

Sapakoff: Antonelli on how to upset the Gamecocks, and teams capable
Click to expand...
Intersting article. I wouldn't sleep on Tennessee this season if I were South Carolina.
 
My amateur take on the team so far:
  • It is a surprise that a team with ncaa-mandated limited practices so far plays so well together. I'm used to "passes to no one" or dribbling balls off ones own feet early in the season. On offense, there seems to be a plan that even green freshmen are on the same page. Vic's mad at the team's defense and turnovers - but he how often is he satisfied with a team's defense?
  • The two freshmen, Mohammed and Mwenentanda, aren't playing like confused bigs their first time out. Mohammed is 60% offense and 40% defense whereas Mwenentanda is reversed, 60% defense and 40% offense
  • Faye was a steal in the portal. Looking at her 2021 Tech stats, she was tied for 3rd in team rebounds, but only 8th in total minutes played. Under the basket, there's no "hand confusion" that has plagued many of our posts the last few years. And she can run faster and is better conditioned than Ebo ever was. Also, a double-bonus: it's an addition for us but a subtraction for Tech. Of Tech's top 4 rebounders only #2 returns
  • Morris and Gonzales are good and will probably be starters. However, they have suffered mental lapses and allowed long inbound lobs down the court allowing easy buckets. In both their cases, they're too focused on the inbounder and losing track of their player
  • Of all players, Holle is the best understanding and implementing Vic's defense. When she goes in, instantly she's in the way of some offensive play and comes swooping out of nowhere for a rebound. Second best defender after Rori
  • Gaston still plays out of control. She still allows TO on very simple plays, like a ball passed to her and just slips out of her hands. On a fast break play, she's alone under the basket and rushes the throw and misses the bucket. Playing still like an over-eager freshman
  • But one thought over these last two games: Everyone contributes. You know how there are some players who get put on the court and you groan "Oh, well. Vic has to give her some minutes so she can get experience" and you don't expect anything meaningful out of their time on the court? Well, every single player (barring Masudi's insertion late in the game) gave something - whether a steal or a bucket; their presence produced something towards the game
  • Was asked who my favorite "new" players are so far.
    • Mnenentanda
    • Faye
    • Mohammed
    • Gonzales
    • Morris
  • Mnenentanda is interesting. Her body type is along the lines of Ashley Gayle. Tall, lanky, and can run. Also, she's very "bendy". When guarding someone she's body-to-body in their face and her long arms and fingers are frustrating the player trying to find someone to pass the ball to. And as they lean to the side and slightly backwards to open up some air so they can move their arms to make a pass, Mnenentanda's agility allows her to follow the opponent's body. Thus as the opponent is leaning backwards, Mnenentanda is leaning into her body matching the opponent, which is greatly frustrating the player. However, that's also why Mnenentanda is getting the most fouls on the team. She leans too much or presses a bit too hard and gets called for it
  • Okay, Mnenentanda freshman fan club play so far: On a fast break she's running down the court and a ball gets thrown slight ahead of her. She corrals the ball right at the edge of the court. Others would have let the ball slip out of their hands off the court. A Wayland player is catching up to her and as Mnenentanda is gathering the ball to layup the ball, she "feels" the player coming up behind her and ducks her body to let the player overshoot her. Once she feels the player miss her and go out of bounds, she then straightens out her body and does the easy layup. For a player who has only played her second game of college that was a revelation. I kept thinking to myself, "who is this player from South Dakota? Do they play that good of girl's basketball in South Dakota?" Yeah, becoming a fanboy.
 
The Next graded players based on projected draft value. Shaylee was #8. She won’t get many more on-ball defensive reps unless Rori is resting.

8. Shaylee Gonzales, point guard, Texas (BYU transfer)
Age: 22
Height: 5'10
Offensive role: Secondary ball-handler
Defensive role:Helper

Strengths:
  • Good handle — behind-the-back, spin, hesi, pump fake — and great ball control
  • Combination of quality handle and excellent body control make her a very good driver and excellent finisher who’s comfortable using either hang
  • Good burst, excellent lateral quickness
  • Smooth, one-motion catch-and-shoot jumper
  • Jumper form is very stable, even on movement shots
  • Very good awareness of help assignments and rotations in off-ball defense
  • Good firing under screens in on-ball defense
  • Very good entry and two-player-game passer
Weaknesses:
  • 3-point attempt rate and accuracy have both decreased each season, despite tough-shot-making ability
  • Limited reps as an on-ball defender
  • Can get caught behind ball screens when trying to chase over
  • Needs to develop the ability to change speeds while driving
 
DFW_Horn said:
The Next graded players based on projected draft value. Shaylee was #8. She won’t get many more on-ball defensive reps unless Rori is resting.

8. Shaylee Gonzales, point guard, Texas (BYU transfer)
Age: 22
Height: 5'10
Offensive role: Secondary ball-handler
Defensive role:Helper

Strengths:
  • Good handle — behind-the-back, spin, hesi, pump fake — and great ball control
  • Combination of quality handle and excellent body control make her a very good driver and excellent finisher who’s comfortable using either hang
  • Good burst, excellent lateral quickness
  • Smooth, one-motion catch-and-shoot jumper
  • Jumper form is very stable, even on movement shots
  • Very good awareness of help assignments and rotations in off-ball defense
  • Good firing under screens in on-ball defense
  • Very good entry and two-player-game passer
Weaknesses:
  • 3-point attempt rate and accuracy have both decreased each season, despite tough-shot-making ability
  • Limited reps as an on-ball defender
  • Can get caught behind ball screens when trying to chase over
  • Needs to develop the ability to change speeds while driving
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Well just give her a Lamborghini deal like Bijan and that last one will be simple.
 
Vic said they have sold about 4500 tickets for the home opener. I’m sorry but it’s just sad to see the #3 team in the country with a fan base as big as Texas not pack a 10k seat arena. Absolutely no reason and I just hate it for the girls and Vic. This team is as exciting to watch as any program at Texas but doesn’t get shown the same amount of love and I honestly can’t figure out why. You can tell in his press conference Vic isn’t happy about it and rightfully so.
 
Another note, based on what was said today I think the Hunter situation is more of playing time for her. Vic mentioned that the practice gym will always have competition and how outside influences such as parents, former coaches, etc… are telling players that they deserve more playing time or are better than what their current role is which could be the case but Vic didn’t directly put a name to it but did say that’s what he has to deal with these days.
 
Jacob Johnson said:
Vic said they have sold about 4500 tickets for the home opener. I’m sorry but it’s just sad to see the #3 team in the country with a fan base as big as Texas not pack a 10k seat arena. Absolutely no reason and I just hate it for the girls and Vic. This team is as exciting to watch as any program at Texas but doesn’t get shown the same amount of love and I honestly can’t figure out why. You can tell in his press conference Vic isn’t happy about it and rightfully so.
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Here is the video of the press conference.

 
Jacob Johnson said:
Vic said they have sold about 4500 tickets for the home opener. I’m sorry but it’s just sad to see the #3 team in the country with a fan base as big as Texas not pack a 10k seat arena. Absolutely no reason and I just hate it for the girls and Vic. This team is as exciting to watch as any program at Texas but doesn’t get shown the same amount of love and I honestly can’t figure out why. You can tell in his press conference Vic isn’t happy about it and rightfully so.
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I don't think you're being realistic. Getting nearly 5,000 in the stands for our first home game on a Friday night is really good in my book especially when it's against a non-P5 school like Louisiana. I can probably count on one hand the number of times we've had near 10,000 fans at home over the last 5-10 years (Baylor, UConn, Tennessee, maybe Stanford/South Carolina/A&M).
 
Moooooo said:
I don't think you're being realistic. Getting nearly 5,000 in the stands for our first home game on a Friday night is really good in my book especially when it's against a non-P5 school like Louisiana. I can probably count on one hand the number of times we've had near 10,000 fans at home over the last 5-10 years (Baylor, UConn, Tennessee, maybe Stanford/South Carolina/A&M).
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That’s what I mean. Texas has a huge fan base and when you see teams like Tennessee, South Carolina, UConn, Ohio state, etc.. and their fan base that’s what Texas should have every game. The men had 11k for Utep so Texas should at least get 8k for the home opener. I just think the ladies deserve to be more supported.
 
They DO deserve to be more supported.

Let's see what the student headcount is at the ladies' game vs the men's. Then perhaps we can discuss where the support needs to come from.
 
Jacob Johnson said:
That’s what I mean. Texas has a huge fan base and when you see teams like Tennessee, South Carolina, UConn, Ohio state, etc.. and their fan base that’s what Texas should have every game. The men had 11k for Utep so Texas should at least get 8k for the home opener. I just think the ladies deserve to be more supported.
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It also comes down to support from those not directly involved in WBB: CDC, the administration, and the UT “Ministry of [Men’s] Culture”. McConaughey (sp?) touts the MBB and FB programs but I can’t remember him doing anything for WBB, not even for the charity game for his hometown. His wife attended a WBB game or 2 last season.
 
DFW_Horn said:
It also comes down to support from those not directly involved in WBB: CDC, the administration, and the UT “Ministry of [Men’s] Culture”. McConaughey (sp?) touts the MBB and FB programs but I can’t remember him doing anything for WBB, not even for the charity game for his hometown. His wife attended a WBB game or 2 last season.
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I was thinking about this very same thing last night after listening to Vic's presser. McConaughey has been recently mentioned in the news as part of a group of individuals who are interested in buying the NFL franchise in Washington DC. It made me wonder if he'd ever supported UT women's athletics the way he has men's. At least we have KD on our side... but more high-profile promotion would certainly help.
 
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