Imani Stafford

This was GG best recruit,since shes been at Texas. I.Stafford will help us get back on top.She is Outstanding! OMG
 
Cant wait to see I.Stafford and C.Reed play together. Now thats going to be tough to defend.
Hookem'
 
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That's going to be a very strong post presence next year with this year's frosh, Cokie, Anne Marie & Imani. Then Jada Terry in 2013. And I thought this year's posts were going to be tough.
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Bohls article discussed the need for Texas to turn the corner. Yes, Jody Conradt's teams did not make the NCAA Tournament for the last two years and the cupboard was bare (not in terms of high school talent, but in terms of healthy and disciplined players who were willing to be coached). Texas last made a Sweet Sixteen in 2004 - three full seasons before Conradt retired.

Goestenkors' record consists of averaging about 21 wins per year. The problem is, the Big 12 is a strong league, and while there was initial improvement in her first two years, it stagnated after that. Sure, injuries were a huge problem last year, but Texas missed out on some high profile (in-state) recruits, which hurt things. Maybe having a coach with Texas ties from the get-go would have been a good idea. In any event, recruiting has been rectified, but what could have been a four-year process to get Texas back to the Sweet 16 and contending for the Elite Eight will now likely take six years.

But Stafford's commitment is a big first step. It gives the Longhorns a huge frontcourt, with Reed and Stafford, who may be able to play together (running the high-low, like Goestenkors did with Mistie Bass and Alison Bales at Duke). Peoples is the point guard of the future, while Fussell can still be a dynamite wing scorer.

The key will be chemistry and how quickly it develops. As an example, Fussell was great as the focus of the offense last year. But what happens when the ball is not in her hands? If Reed is the first option on offense, can Fussell develop into a great #2 option?

Keep in mind that during her final ten seasons at Duke, Goestenkors led the Blue Devils to NCAA Tournament Sweet Sixteen appearances every year, seven Elite Eight appearances, four Final Four appearances, and two appearances in the NCAA Championship game. However, it that streak of ten years begane in Goestenkors' sixth year at the school.
 
Plus, as part of recruiting, Kayla Brewer plays in January. That will add more depth at the forward spot. She was a very well-regarded recruit.

But there needs to be movement overall (25 wins, top-four finish in the Big 12, etc.).
 
Windward has certainly pulled off some impressive upsets. It looks like they also took out the country's #8 team, Alexis Jone's Irving McArthur squad, in round one, relegating them to the consolation bracket. They should have their hands full tonight against the country's #3 team in the Semis; from what the article says, Riverdale Baptist is a pretty powerful squad.
 
Great job, Imani. It looks like the All-tournament team applies to all divisions, and all 99 teams. Imani and Windward also upset their third ranked squad of the tournament (Breanna Stewart's Cicero North Syracuse squad) to secure 3rd place in the tourmanent.
 
I'm still giddy that Imani is coming to the 40 acres. YES!!! I'm hoping we can finally turn the corner w/ her and continue buidling our program.
 
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