Celina Rodrigo is the difference maker on the team

[HookedorNot]

I am not sure that we as fans value what Celina has brought to this team. As I look back over the last couple years, Rodrigo has been the one constant. Most will disagree with me because she doesn't score a lot of points but she does everything else. Rodrigo has always had good shooting form but for some reason was reluctant to shoot (maybe she wasn't encouraged to shoot). In my opinion, Rodrigo has been the secret sauce with a 25-2 record as a starting PG. Last year when we pulled her out of the lineup, the team struggled in conference play, I hope we don't make that same mistake this year.

All to often we as fans talk about athleticism or the athletic play but she has real basketball skills. I think she has a real shot at playing in the WNBA because she plays the PG position well. It was a few years ago that I sat back and watched her game and realized she could really play but for some reason she isn't given the same green light as some of the other players. I have attended practices and noticed that Coach A is tougher on her than anyone else in the gym. It could be a personality issue but whatever the reason is I am glad that Coach A is playing her now. She gives this team the best chance at winning and going deep into the tournament.

 

[jusme828]

Totally agree!

 

[rattfatt]

I am not sure that we as fans value what Celina has brought to this team. As I look back over the last couple years, Rodrigo has been the one constant. Most will disagree with me because she doesn't score a lot of points but she does everything else. Rodrigo has always had good shooting form but for some reason was reluctant to shoot (maybe she wasn't encouraged to shoot). In my opinion, Rodrigo has been the secret sauce with a 25-2 record as a starting PG. Last year when we pulled her out of the lineup, the team struggled in conference play, I hope we don't make that same mistake this year.

All to often we as fans talk about athleticism or the athletic play but she has real basketball skills. I think she has a real shot at playing in the WNBA because she plays the PG position well. It was a few years ago that I sat back and watched her game and realized she could really play but for some reason she isn't given the same green light as some of the other players. I have attended practices and noticed that Coach A is tougher on her than anyone else in the gym. It could be a personality issue but whatever the reason is I am glad that Coach A is playing her now. She gives this team the best chance at winning and going deep into the tournament.

Celina has certainly improved this year. The thing that always bothered me about her was the fact that she was so reluctant to shoot the ball. And because of that they were basically playing 4 against 5 on the offensive end. If Empress was in the game they would be playing 3 against 5 on offense because teams obviously wouldn't guard Empress and dare her to shoot. Coach Aston has always given Celina the green light, she just would never even look at the rim when she was open. If a player like Empress has the green light, you know Celina does.

With all that being said, she's not a WNBA player. Her lack of size and athleticism is just not there for that level. If she had great offensive skill she would probably have an opportunity to play in that league. There are plenty of point guards in that league who don't have great athleticism but are really good offensive players and have good size. Also, the reason Coach Aston is so hard on her is because the point guard position is the most important position in basketball. There are still games where Celina will turn down an open shot but then she'll take a tough contested shot. I hope that Celina continues to be aggressive on the offensive end because when a player like Celina is aggressive it actually makes the game easier and allows her to then pass the ball to open players.

 

[hoopsalot]

Totally agree!

I love seeing Celina's success. I agree about her pg skills. I think the coaching staff does want her to shoot. I can't speak about the past, but I have been to a recent practice. I have noticed that Celina has a nice shot. I have thought I'd like to see her shoot more, but then I think part of her success is that SHE knows what is a good shot for her. The WNBA is tough to crack. There are so few places. Only a handful of players a year really make it.

 

[HookedorNot]

Celina has certainly improved this year. The thing that always bothered me about her was the fact that she was so reluctant to shoot the ball. And because of that they were basically playing 4 against 5 on the offensive end. If Empress was in the game they would be playing 3 against 5 on offense because teams obviously wouldn't guard Empress and dare her to shoot. Coach Aston has always given Celina the green light, she just would never even look at the rim when she was open. If a player like Empress has the green light, you know Celina does.

With all that being said, she's not a WNBA player. Her lack of size and athleticism is just not there for that level. If she had great offensive skill she would probably have an opportunity to play in that league. There are plenty of point guards in that league who don't have great athleticism but are really good offensive players and have good size. Also, the reason Coach Aston is so hard on her is because the point guard position is the most important position in basketball. There are still games where Celina will turn down an open shot but then she'll take a tough contested shot. I hope that Celina continues to be aggressive on the offensive end because when a player like Celina is aggressive it actually makes the game easier and allows her to then pass the ball to open players.

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect yours! I know plenty of professional WNBA players and it's hard to find a good point guard. Not a shooting guard that has been converted over to play the point position. You're assuming that because Empress has the green light Celina has it. That just might be a bad assumption but I will leave it there. Rodrigo has really good size for PG, she never gets knocked off her line and she rebounds really well.

Only time will tell, if she can make the WNBA but I think she has a good shot of making it because of her work effort and ability to understand the PG position. This team will only go as far as Rodrigo, Brooke, Ariel, Bri, Imani and Kelsey takes them. You have to have solid PG play to get deep into the NCAA tournament, hence the reason I think she is difference maker. I think we have one of the best PGs in the conference, she controls the tempo, takes good shots and makes good decisions!

 

[rattfatt]

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I respect yours! I know plenty of professional WNBA players and it's hard to find a good point guard. Not a shooting guard that has been converted over to play the point position. You're assuming that because Empress has the green light Celina has it. That just might be a bad assumption but I will leave it there. Rodrigo has really good size for PG, she never gets knocked off her line and she rebounds really well.

Only time will tell, if she can make the WNBA but I think she has a good shot of making it because of her work effort and ability to understand the PG position. This team will only go as far as Rodrigo, Brooke, Ariel, Bri, Imani and Kelsey takes them. You have to have solid PG play to get deep into the NCAA tournament, hence the reason I think she is difference maker. I think we have one of the best PGs in the conference, she controls the tempo, takes good shots and makes good decisions!

We'll have to disagree on the WNBA thing. Also, any coach would encourage their players to take open shots, especially if they were within the players range like so many of the shots that Celina didn't take her first 3 years at Texas. I think Celina is one of the best point guards in the conference. And to be honest with you, Celina has always reminded me of the best point guard in the country Niya Johnson. Celina is just not quite at Niya's level.

 

[HookedorNot]

We'll have to disagree on the WNBA thing. Also, any coach would encourage their players to take open shots, especially if they were within the players range like so many of the shots that Celina didn't take her first 3 years at Texas. I do agree with you that Celina is one of the best point guards in the conference. And to be honest with you, Celina has always reminded me of the best point guard in the country Niya Johnson. Celina is just not quite at Niya's level.

I think we agree on the fact that Niya and Celina have very similar games. Niya just logs a lot of minutes and is promoted for being a true PG. As much as it pains me to say, Mulkey gets how to develop PGs and promote their strengths. I just haven't seen that from our staff. Niya will get a shot at playing in the WNBA, she isn't a scorer but she is a true PG. I am just looking for a successful conference season this year.

 

[rattfatt]

I think we agree on the fact that Niya and Celina have very similar games. Niya just logs a lot of minutes and is promoted for being a true PG. As much as it pains me to say, Mulkey gets how to develop PGs and promote their strengths. I just haven't seen that from our staff. Niya will get a shot at playing in the WNBA, she isn't a scorer but she is a true PG. I am just looking for a successful conference season this year.

I agree with you on that. I really haven't watched baylor a lot this year but last year about 90 plus perecent of the time they ran simple two man game with Niya in the half court. Coach Aston runs an offense where the point guard becomes a spot up jump shooter the majority of time in the half court. I would like to see them run a lot more ball screen / two man game with our point guards. It would also cut down turnovers with the ball being in your best ball handlers and decision makers hands a lot more.

 

[Moooooo]

Celina has definitely has had her ups and downs at Texas. I am grateful she is here as we really needed her in Coach Aston's first season.

But, lets not kid ourselves. Her stat line against Mississippi State was dreadful, and her mistakes in that game were more of the freshman variety than that of a senior:

http://www.texassports.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&id=8796

I think she is a great rebounding guard and doesn't get enough credit for that skill. And, when left wide open, she has proven she can hit the 3 point shot. But, she cannot create her own shot , is not a good penetrator, mid-range shooter, or defensive player. And. her decision-making needs to better. Hopefully, she will do what many seniors do and raiser her level of play when the team needs her the most.

 

[HookedorNot]

Celina has definitely has had her ups and downs at Texas. I am grateful she is here as we really needed her in Coach Aston's first season.

But, lets not kid ourselves. Her stat line against Mississippi State was dreadful, and her mistakes in that game were more of the freshman variety than that of a senior:

http://www.texassports.com/boxscore.aspx?path=wbball&id=8796

I think she is a great rebounding guard and doesn't get enough credit for that skill. And, when left wide open, she has proven she can hit the 3 point shot. But, she cannot create her own shot , is not a good penetrator, mid-range shooter, or defensive player. And. her decision-making needs to better. Hopefully, she will do what many seniors do and raiser her level of play when the team needs her the most.

Mooooo you're obviously not watching the same game that most of us are watching. I will give you that she had a really bad game against Mississippi State but who hasn't had a bad game. Our bigs have been awful all year!!! She is probably one of our most solid defenders, but she doesn't get credit for it because she isn't athletic. Let me ask you this question... who is our best defender...mid range shooter and best create your own shot player? I can't wait for this answer...

 

[TXSNOS]

I think that Celina and Brianna are the two most improved players on the team this year.

 

[BabHorn]

Celina’s main issue since her first year has been a reluctance to shoot the ball. It could be because she was thrown into the fire as a freshman and had trouble with her shot (25.2% overall; 11.8% from BTA). Regardless, she would not shoot or at least that was the impression left with many, including defenders. She’s not shooting much more this season, but she has improved 100 percentage points from her best season, hitting 46.7% from the field and 44.0% from BTA. She has tripled her scoring average from last season. That draws a defender’s attention. That makes it easier for her to get assists. She has improved tremendously in her shot selection, including taking open shots instead of passing those opportunities up. She is on track to match or surpass her career season average of 31 steals a season. She is on track to have the second lowest TOs in a season for her career. As a senior, she has taken a step up in her development as a player. That will play a big part in the team’s success this season.


If she is the “glue” person on this team, she is not the only one. Increased healthy talent on the team has helped everyone get better as well as made everyone better by providing more competition for playing time. Everyone is going to be needed to reach the goals they have set. Seniors, by dint of experience, are expected to have gotten better. Especially ones that have a history of starting and getting better to hold of talented underclassmen. Celina, to her credit, has done what she needs to return to the starting lineup while continuing to mentor the other PGs on the roster, one of which starts next to her.


My feeling from attending practices is that everyone has the green light IF the shot is one that they can usually make in practice. But you have to be open to take the shot, not force it. Celina, as mentioned earlier, has tried to make the extra pass and passed up shooting opportunities. But she has not done that this season nearly as much. And credit not just her confidence in shooting but the threat of her teammates’ scoring threat that allows her to get better open looks that she is willing to take advantage of. Coach Aston is going to be hard on her PGs as they are her extensions on the floor.


The following comment was made in response to Moooooo’s post: “Our bigs have been awful all year!!!” I agree with the poster’s sentence preceding that one that we are not watching the same game as that statement, probably made for emphasis, does indicate to me that the poster has not paid much attention, if any to our post play.


Another question asked of Moooooo: “Let me ask you this question... who is our best defender...mid range shooter and best create your own shot player?” Well, I am not Moooooo, but imo, our best Post defender is Imani; our best perimeter defender, as young as she is, I would give to LaShann as well stating that she is, at this time, our best “create your own shot player” as long as we are talking perimeter players which normally is the case when that category is discussed. The best midrange shooter will vary from day to day, but I would choose Brianna right now with Ariel and LaShann just as likely.


As for Celina’s WNBA possibilities, she would likely be a free agent and most likely have to hone her skills overseas first for some time. She could continue to grow as a player and show me up by landing a roster spot. But her ability to score will be key in landing a roster spot, whether as a drafted player or a free agent and she will need to learn that, again, imo, overseas, if she decides to pursue a professional career.

 

[HookedorNot]

Celina’s main issue since her first year has been a reluctance to shoot the ball. It could be because she was thrown into the fire as a freshman and had trouble with her shot (25.2% overall; 11.8% from BTA). Regardless, she would not shoot or at least that was the impression left with many, including defenders. She’s not shooting much more this season, but she has improved 100 percentage points from her best season, hitting 46.7% from the field and 44.0% from BTA. She has tripled her scoring average from last season. That draws a defender’s attention. That makes it easier for her to get assists. She has improved tremendously in her shot selection, including taking open shots instead of passing those opportunities up. She is on track to match or surpass her career season average of 31 steals a season. She is on track to have the second lowest TOs in a season for her career. As a senior, she has taken a step up in her development as a player. That will play a big part in the team’s success this season.


If she is the “glue” person on this team, she is not the only one. Increased healthy talent on the team has helped everyone get better as well as made everyone better by providing more competition for playing time. Everyone is going to be needed to reach the goals they have set. Seniors, by dint of experience, are expected to have gotten better. Especially ones that have a history of starting and getting better to hold of talented underclassmen. Celina, to her credit, has done what she needs to return to the starting lineup while continuing to mentor the other PGs on the roster, one of which starts next to her.


My feeling from attending practices is that everyone has the green light IF the shot is one that they can usually make in practice. But you have to be open to take the shot, not force it. Celina, as mentioned earlier, has tried to make the extra pass and passed up shooting opportunities. But she has not done that this season nearly as much. And credit not just her confidence in shooting but the threat of her teammates’ scoring threat that allows her to get better open looks that she is willing to take advantage of. Coach Aston is going to be hard on her PGs as they are her extensions on the floor.


The following comment was made in response to Moooooo’s post: “Our bigs have been awful all year!!!” I agree with the poster’s sentence preceding that one that we are not watching the same game as that statement, probably made for emphasis, does indicate to me that the poster has not paid much attention, if any to our post play.


Another question asked of Moooooo: “Let me ask you this question... who is our best defender...mid range shooter and best create your own shot player?” Well, I am not Moooooo, but imo, our best Post defender is Imani; our best perimeter defender, as young as she is, I would give to LaShann as well stating that she is, at this time, our best “create your own shot player” as long as we are talking perimeter players which normally is the case when that category is discussed. The best midrange shooter will vary from day to day, but I would choose Brianna right now with Ariel and LaShann just as likely.


As for Celina’s WNBA possibilities, she would likely be a free agent and most likely have to hone her skills overseas first for some time. She could continue to grow as a player and show me up by landing a roster spot. But her ability to score will be key in landing a roster spot, whether as a drafted player or a free agent and she will need to learn that, again, imo, overseas, if she decides to pursue a professional career.

I see that you really aren't a basketball person. If you think LaShann is our best defender, there is no need for us to continue this thread. LaShann is lost on defense and doesn't know where to be half of the time. She is playing off of pure athleticism...I really like her athleticism but this isn't track...it's basketball. LaShann has NO basketball IQ, the game is still new to her. She is going to be a good player but will need a couple of years to mature.
Ariel has the best mid-range shot and has the ability to break her defender down off the bounce. I am glad she is back going into conference play. I think that all of the guards have suffered over the last 3 years due to the basic offense that Coach A has run....pass the ball around the parameter and then look to pass into the post. Now that the offense seems to have more movement, the guards are free to penetrate and kick, which creates better shot opportunities for teammates. Plus the talent has gone up with the addition of new players.

Bri is an undersized 4, who hasn't developed into a good parameter player. I like her effort and toughness but I am not surprised that she is having success at the 4 position. I think Brooke and Celina compliment each other well. Brooke has that scoring mentality and Celina has that let me set the plate for the team approach. I would like to see the team play more zone because of the size of the team. This will allow Kelsey and Imani to play together at times, which could work to our advantage.

I want you to compare Imani to Griner and tell me how close she is to being that dominate of a player. She is 6'7 so you can't coach height but please do not tell me that Imani has developed under Coach A like we all thought she would have. I actually think that Kelsey is a better skilled low post player than Imani, Imani is more athletic but Kelsey has better moves and finishes better around the box. Kelsey just needs to gain more confidence and believe that she can play in front of Imani. We can sit on here and dissect the team a number of ways and it really will not matter. I think the team is headed in the right direction going into conference play, now it is time to tighten up that bench and play the top 7 to 8 players (Brooke, Celina, Ariel, Bri, Imani, Kelsey, LaShann, Empress) like all the top programs do. Players have to build continuity!

 

[TagHorns]

Celina has certainly improved this year. The thing that always bothered me about her was the fact that she was so reluctant to shoot the ball. And because of that they were basically playing 4 against 5 on the offensive end. If Empress was in the game they would be playing 3 against 5 on offense because teams obviously wouldn't guard Empress and dare her to shoot. Coach Aston has always given Celina the green light, she just would never even look at the rim when she was open. If a player like Empress has the green light, you know Celina does.

With all that being said, she's not a WNBA player. Her lack of size and athleticism is just not there for that level. If she had great offensive skill she would probably have an opportunity to play in that league. There are plenty of point guards in that league who don't have great athleticism but are really good offensive players and have good size. Also, the reason Coach Aston is so hard on her is because the point guard position is the most important position in basketball. There are still games where Celina will turn down an open shot but then she'll take a tough contested shot. I hope that Celina continues to be aggressive on the offensive end because when a player like Celina is aggressive it actually makes the game easier and allows her to then pass the ball to open players.

Agree somewhat with this. The part I disagree with is that Celina has NOT always been given the green light to shoot. It was obvious through games and especially through practices that Aston had a plan.....FEED THE POSTS....the shooters were not given the green light until after they tried to feed the post. Posts were the first option. It was blatantly obvious from watching and listening during the practices since Aston first got here. I think this year and even towards the end of last year she loosened up her reins the outside shooters. When the option to the posts weren't there, the shooters would shoot with seconds left on the shot clock. Which meant most of the time the shot decisions weren't very good, because they were shooting in a panic to be beat the clock. I know that the practices I've watched that's what I was hearing. It also showed that the guards were playing with hands tied, because they had to do what Aston was telling them and they looked very frustrated most of the times. Towards the end of last year you can see a shift and the shooters started getting a little more confident, maybe feeling a little more freedom that their heads won't be cut off if they shot on their judgment. It could be Aston saw only relying solely on getting your posts the ball would look obvious to the teams we play and eventually play itself out. That's exactly what it did. EVERY team knew what we were going to do. Then it seemed the reins were loosened for our guards to shoot more. I do see a complete growth in Celina as compared to the last couple of years. Her confidence has risen and she is playing some smart ball. She is one of my favorite players for the reason of her fight and may be low on scoring but she shows up on other parts of the board.

I do have to agree that I'm not sure she is WNBA material. I think she is athletic enough, but in the WNBA size DOES matter. Unless of course she plays like Ivory Latta. She never let her size determine her future in ball. I have not seen a small player play like her in the Big 12 or any other conference. That being said, I don't think any of our players are WNBA material as of yet. Perhaps, Imani will be, because of her size. I think she should be more aggressive, but she most likely will be chosen because of her size. I also think Higgs has definite potential if she keeps playing like she has. She has 4 years to perfect her game! It's exciting to watch. Other than those two I'm not sure if any other player can perform at the next level compared to what I've been watching. They may not even care to! I'm more worried about what we will look like playing conference games that are coming up!

 

[TagHorns]

I see that you really aren't a basketball person. If you think LaShann is our best defender, there is no need for us to continue this thread. LaShann is lost on defense and doesn't know where to be half of the time. She is playing off of pure athleticism...I really like her athleticism but this isn't track...it's basketball. LaShann has NO basketball IQ, the game is still new to her. She is going to be a good player but will need a couple of years to mature.
Ariel has the best mid-range shot and has the ability to break her defender down off the bounce. I am glad she is back going into conference play. I think that all of the guards have suffered over the last 3 years due to the basic offense that Coach A has run....pass the ball around the parameter and then look to pass into the post. Now that the offense seems to have more movement, the guards are free to penetrate and kick, which creates better shot opportunities for teammates. Plus the talent has gone up with the addition of new players.

Bri is an undersized 4, who hasn't developed into a good parameter player. I like her effort and toughness but I am not surprised that she is having success at the 4 position. I think Brooke and Celina compliment each other well. Brooke has that scoring mentality and Celina has that let me set the plate for the team approach. I would like to see the team play more zone because of the size of the team. This will allow Kelsey and Imani to play together at times, which could work to our advantage.

I want you to compare Imani to Griner and tell me how close she is to being that dominate of a player. She is 6'7 so you can't coach height but please do not tell me that Imani has developed under Coach A like we all thought she would have. I actually think that Kelsey is a better skilled low post player than Imani, Imani is more athletic but Kelsey has better moves and finishes better around the box. Kelsey just needs to gain more confidence and believe that she can play in front of Imani. We can sit on here and dissect the team a number of ways and it really will not matter. I think the team is headed in the right direction going into conference play, now it is time to tighten up that bench and play the top 7 to 8 players (Brooke, Celina, Ariel, Bri, Imani, Kelsey, LaShann, Empress) like all the top programs do. Players have to build continuity!

I agree with the first paragraph in this statement. I love LaShann as a player. She is very athletic and is a great spark off the bench. She is young and has made things happen in games....BUT, she has no clue as to how to run a play. It is blatantly obvious that she is so confused on structured basketball. In the Sam Houston game, I heard at least 3 of the players on the floor with her yell at her, in unison , as to where she needed to be. She looked lost and so confused. She has proven that she is a baller for sure. At least a free baller. Where she just gets in there and does what she "feels". It has worked for the most part as far as her getting points on the board and intercepting passes for a break away. Maybe not so much as for team ball or running plays. She has been playing with this team long enough to know that she NEEDS to run the plays that the coaches call. How frustrating for the players to have to keep up with where they need to be and where she needs to be. That actually can take a player out of their game if they are too busy helping other players. If she can learn the plays and run an offense when her shot isn't there, it would benefit this team. They need her! She's got "it" but with more tweaking she could be unstoppable! Watching practices I know Aston runs her plays and when not done correctly she gives the players hell. Just curious if Aston is giving her (LaShann) the floor.

As far as the posts. They both have had some great games and some not-so-great games. Which is normal I'm sure. Kelsey may have more "moves" but she lacks the confidence most of the time. Her shot is weak if anyone is defending her. I know they have both played better and am hoping they kick it in gear as well as the rest of the team for conference play!

 

[HookedorNot]

I agree with the first paragraph in this statement. I love LaShann as a player. She is very athletic and is a great spark off the bench. She is young and has made things happen in games....BUT, she has no clue as to how to run a play. It is blatantly obvious that she is so confused on structured basketball. In the Sam Houston game, I heard at least 3 of the players on the floor with her yell at her, in unison , as to where she needed to be. She looked lost and so confused. She has proven that she is a baller for sure. At least a free baller. Where she just gets in there and does what she "feels". It has worked for the most part as far as her getting points on the board and intercepting passes for a break away. Maybe not so much as for team ball or running plays. She has been playing with this team long enough to know that she NEEDS to run the plays that the coaches call. How frustrating for the players to have to keep up with where they need to be and where she needs to be. That actually can take a player out of their game if they are too busy helping other players. If she can learn the plays and run an offense when her shot isn't there, it would benefit this team. They need her! She's got "it" but with more tweaking she could be unstoppable! Watching practices I know Aston runs her plays and when not done correctly she gives the players hell. Just curious if Aston is giving her (LaShann) the floor.

As far as the posts. They both have had some great games and some not-so-great games. Which is normal I'm sure. Kelsey may have more "moves" but she lacks the confidence most of the time. Her shot is weak if anyone is defending her. I know they have both played better and am hoping they kick it in gear as well as the rest of the team for conference play!

Agreed, we will need both our post and guards to win the Big12. I think this team has the potential to win it! We just can tighten up because we are going into conference play. Keep shooting and don't become one dimensional.

 

[HookedorNot]

I agree with the first paragraph in this statement. I love LaShann as a player. She is very athletic and is a great spark off the bench. She is young and has made things happen in games....BUT, she has no clue as to how to run a play. It is blatantly obvious that she is so confused on structured basketball. In the Sam Houston game, I heard at least 3 of the players on the floor with her yell at her, in unison , as to where she needed to be. She looked lost and so confused. She has proven that she is a baller for sure. At least a free baller. Where she just gets in there and does what she "feels". It has worked for the most part as far as her getting points on the board and intercepting passes for a break away. Maybe not so much as for team ball or running plays. She has been playing with this team long enough to know that she NEEDS to run the plays that the coaches call. How frustrating for the players to have to keep up with where they need to be and where she needs to be. That actually can take a player out of their game if they are too busy helping other players. If she can learn the plays and run an offense when her shot isn't there, it would benefit this team. They need her! She's got "it" but with more tweaking she could be unstoppable! Watching practices I know Aston runs her plays and when not done correctly she gives the players hell. Just curious if Aston is giving her (LaShann) the floor.

As far as the posts. They both have had some great games and some not-so-great games. Which is normal I'm sure. Kelsey may have more "moves" but she lacks the confidence most of the time. Her shot is weak if anyone is defending her. I know they have both played better and am hoping they kick it in gear as well as the rest of the team for conference play!

Agreed, we will need both our post and guards to win the Big12. I think this team has the potential to win it! We just can tighten up because we are going into conference play. Keep shooting and don't become one dimensional.

 

[rattfatt]

I see that you really aren't a basketball person. If you think LaShann is our best defender, there is no need for us to continue this thread. LaShann is lost on defense and doesn't know where to be half of the time. She is playing off of pure athleticism...I really like her athleticism but this isn't track...it's basketball. LaShann has NO basketball IQ, the game is still new to her. She is going to be a good player but will need a couple of years to mature.
Ariel has the best mid-range shot and has the ability to break her defender down off the bounce. I am glad she is back going into conference play. I think that all of the guards have suffered over the last 3 years due to the basic offense that Coach A has run....pass the ball around the parameter and then look to pass into the post. Now that the offense seems to have more movement, the guards are free to penetrate and kick, which creates better shot opportunities for teammates. Plus the talent has gone up with the addition of new players.

Bri is an undersized 4, who hasn't developed into a good parameter player. I like her effort and toughness but I am not surprised that she is having success at the 4 position. I think Brooke and Celina compliment each other well. Brooke has that scoring mentality and Celina has that let me set the plate for the team approach. I would like to see the team play more zone because of the size of the team. This will allow Kelsey and Imani to play together at times, which could work to our advantage.

I want you to compare Imani to Griner and tell me how close she is to being that dominate of a player. She is 6'7 so you can't coach height but please do not tell me that Imani has developed under Coach A like we all thought she would have. I actually think that Kelsey is a better skilled low post player than Imani, Imani is more athletic but Kelsey has better moves and finishes better around the box. Kelsey just needs to gain more confidence and believe that she can play in front of Imani. We can sit on here and dissect the team a number of ways and it really will not matter. I think the team is headed in the right direction going into conference play, now it is time to tighten up that bench and play the top 7 to 8 players (Brooke, Celina, Ariel, Bri, Imani, Kelsey, LaShann, Empress) like all the top programs do. Players have to build continuity!

I agree that Lashann is not a great defender. She reaches a lot and takes too many risk. But I agree with almost all of what BabHorn said. I would put Brianna as the best mid range shooter. In fact, before Brianna got injured last year I felt that she was the best mid range jump shooter on the team. I would also put Lashann, not Ariel as the player with the ability to create and get their own shot.

Yes, there are many times that Lashann is out of control and doesn't always make good decisions. But the one thing that I like about Lashann that I haven't seen with Ariel is that she looks just like she did in high school. There are still very few players at the college level that can keep Lashann in front of them and out of the paint one on one. Which is exactly what you saw in high school from Lashann. I just haven't seen any of the kind of things that Ariel did in high school at the college level, the consistent mid range jumper or the ability to create off the dribble.

I totally disagree with you when it comes to Imani and Kelsey Lang. Imani isn't a great offensive player but she has good offensive tools. Kelsey Lang is not a better post player than Imani. I don't even really consider Kelsey Lang a back to the basket post player. She's a player that doesn't like physical play, and most of her points are scored away from the basket from 10 to12 feet.

Imani's also not the most physical player but she's a lot more physical than Kelsey. Imani is the best player on this team, and the reason for that is because of not only what she does on offense but her defense is invaluable. Every game on a regular basis the guards get beat off the dribble and Imani is right there to either block the shot or alter it. She's a great rim protector, which is also something Kelsey Lang doesn't do anywhere near the level of Imani.

 

[Slgore76]

Well said Rattfatt. I'm still puzzled by Ariel's play. Maybe it was the system of D'Ville that worked for her, I don't know. She also balled out in AAU, so it's not the defender stopping her. She is not the same player before or after injury. She not a selfish player, but she could be dominant at her size and ability (that we have yet to see consistently).

Lashann has no problem being that player. But the offense will slow her down because it's not an everyone has the green light to shoot system. By mid season she will have figured out when to go and stop. She has to learn to look in the post first, so that will be an adjustment for her.
If Ariel gets her head and game right that pair could be lethal. That's a BIG if.

 

[Bobcat]

Ariel has been out with a very serious injury since last year. WHY would you even say things like "she is not the same player"? She has actually played very well to have missed as much time as she has. As far as her "balling out" in AAU, sorry but you can't compare AAU to the college game. You make absolutely NO SENSE whatosever by saying "if she can get her head right". She is a very intelligent young lady with a high basketball IQ. I think her head is perfectly fine. She was playing very well last year before her injury, and that was as a freshman. If she stays healthy, the sky is the limit for her.

 

[Slgore76]

Of course I don't expect her to be that high level player right now. Because you have to get your head and body right when you return from this sort of injury.
Now when I compare her high school/AAU game to now it has more to do with her shot. She was deadly with her mid range jumper. And it appears that part of her game is suffering. That was apparent even before the injury. By no means am I knocking Ariel, she my favorite player on the team.

 

[brnkj]

Our bigs better get tough and play with some purpose, or else it could be a long couple of months in Big 12 play.

 

[overseasbbfan1]

WHY would you even say things like "she is not the same player"?

Because he's a

 

[Slgore76]

Because he's a

That's funny

 

[HookedorNot]

Ariel has been out with a very serious injury since last year. WHY would you even say things like "she is not the same player"? She has actually played very well to have missed as much time as she has. As far as her "balling out" in AAU, sorry but you can't compare AAU to the college game. You make absolutely NO SENSE whatosever by saying "if she can get her head right". She is a very intelligent young lady with a high basketball IQ. I think her head is perfectly fine. She was playing very last year before her injury, and that was as a freshman. If she stays healthy, the sky is the limit for her.

I agree Ariel was the best guard on the team before she went out with her injury. It will take time to get back but she looks really good already. I think the combination of Celina, Brooke, Ariel, Empress and LaShann will only get better with conference play. I'm most concerned about our post play, it is very inconsistent. Imani should be dominating with 18 pts, 10 rebs 5 blocks per game but she only plays like that against weaker opponents. I want to see that performance against the Baylors and OUs. I really don't think she has the love for the game, she plays because she is 6'7 and her family members played. I agree that Kelsey has to toughen up, she has all the tools but just doesn't seem to have the fight about her.

 

[brnkj]

Pretty much the EXACT same numbers I said Imani should be putting up. She's got ALL the tools to be as good as she makes up her mind to be.

 

[rattfatt]

I agree Ariel was the best guard on the team before she went out with her injury. It will take time to get back but she looks really good already. I think the combination of Celina, Brooke, Ariel, Empress and LaShann will only get better with conference play. I'm most concerned about our post play, it is very inconsistent. Imani should be dominating with 18 pts, 10 rebs 5 blocks per game but she only plays like that against weaker opponents. I want to see that performance against the Baylors and OUs. I really don't think she has the love for the game, she plays because she is 6'7 and her family members played. I agree that Kelsey has to toughen up, she has all the tools but just doesn't seem to have the fight about he.

I'm more concerned with our perimeter play. You can say whatever you want to say about about our post play, but the post play has really been the most consistent position in the program for the 4 years that Coach Aston has been at Texas. I don't know, maybe Imani could average 18 points a game if she had the consistent space to go to work, and not have to worry about the opposing guards clogging up the paint and coming down to try to take the ball from her because they don't respect the perimeter players ability to shoot the ball consistently from the three point line.

Maybe Imani could average 10 rebounds a game if she didn't have to worry about the constant dribble penetration that the perimeter players allow. And because of that she has to leave her man that she should be putting a body on to try and block or alter the shot. The 5 blocked shots also play into that. Don't just count the actual blocked shots, also count how many of those shots she changes and alters, that's just as good as a blocked shot. I'm not concerned about the post play. I've always been a lot more concerned with the perimeter play and their inability to consistently shoot the ball from the 3 point line. The perimeter play has always been the weak link.

 

[brnkj]

I'm more concerned with our perimeter play. Say what you will about are post play, but the post play has really been the most consistent position in the program for the 4 years that Coach Aston has been at Texas. I don't know, maybe Imani could average 18 points a game if she had the consistent space to go to work, and not have to worry about the opposing guards clogging up the paint and coming down to try to take the ball from her because they don't respect the perimeter players ability to shoot the ball consistently from the three point line.

Maybe Imani could average 10 rebounds a game if she didn't have to worry about the constant dribble pentration that the perimeter players allow. And because of that she has to leave her man that she should be putting a body on, to try and block or alter the shot. The 5 blocked shots also play into that. Don't just count the actual blocked shots, also count how many of those shots that she changes and alters, that's just as good as a block shot. I'm not concerned about the post play. I've always been a lot more concerned with the perimeter play and their ability to consistently shoot the ball from the 3 point line. The perimeter play has always been the weak link.

I said the same about Imani being clogged up in the middle too. We need to find a way to spread the floor better and give her some space to operate. Definitely better outside shooting is need in order to accomplish that.

 

[JoeDallas]

HookedorNot, your points are interesting and it's good to have more input on this board, but you are wrong about something -- Babhorn is not only a basketball person, but is the day-in, day-out most astute analyst on this board. Has been for years. Diplomatic and positive, but tells it like it is. Not to mention spending a lot of time preparing us fans for games through those great pre-game reports.