Except for one thing we have been left off all the pre season top 25 rankings that have come out so far.

Lindys was the last to come out and we were not there either. A lot of questions about this year coming up.

We have 5 new freshman some of which are coming off injuries and other personal issues. Three players coming back from ACL and shoulder surgery,one of our senior leaders coming back from meniscus repair this summer, and two of our other seniors coming back after missing half the season last year.

Sounds pretty normal to me. Questions and uncertainties describe what most of our fans feel right now. Me included. From a personnel standpoint we really dont have depth at center and are going to have a new pg. We lost Laura Broomfield She'la White and Chay Shegog. Doesnt make for a team that should have a lot of optimism when you combine our losses and injuries.

But you know something I like this team, I get a sense the staff knows something we dont and I also think this is just the type of team that can surprise on the upside. If our injures heal, our heralded 2009 recruiting class is finally healthy, and our freshman step up well someone could be in for a big surprise.

I like this team as I said and I just have a feeling for what its worth we have the chance to be pleasantly surprised.

It does sound like a broken record from the previous 3 or 4 years. What could make this different is if we are healthy. If that happens some of these pollsters may get egg on their face.

If we are healthy, I do believe we will suprise alot of folk!, but of course I am being biased :).... GO HEELZ!!


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--- acasualfan wrote:

Except for one thing we have been left off all the pre season top 25 rankings that have come out so far.

Lindys was the last to come out and we were not there either. A lot of questions about this year coming up.

We have 5 new freshman some of which are coming off injuries and other personal issues. Three players coming back from ACL and shoulder surgery,one of our senior leaders coming back from meniscus repair this summer, and two of our other seniors coming back after missing half the season last year.

Sounds pretty normal to me. Questions and uncertainties describe what most of our fans feel right now. Me included. From a personnel standpoint we really dont have depth at center and are going to have a new pg. We lost Laura Broomfield She'la White and Chay Shegog. Doesnt make for a team that should have a lot of optimism when you combine our losses and injuries.

But you know something I like this team, I get a sense the staff knows something we dont and I also think this is just the type of team that can surprise on the upside. If our injures heal, our heralded 2009 recruiting class is finally healthy, and our freshman step up well someone could be in for a big surprise.

I like this team as I said and I just have a feeling for what its worth we have the chance to be pleasantly surprised.

It does sound like a broken record from the previous 3 or 4 years. What could make this different is if we are healthy. If that happens some of these pollsters may get egg on their face.

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I really look forward seeing what Antoinette Bannister is bringing to the table! In H.S., she broke all kinds of records, but as we all know a tremendous H.S. career, does not neccesarily translate into a phenomenal College career. We shall see soon enough.

It is not at all surprising that we are not picked in any Top 25 poll, nor are any of our players picked for any pre-season AA or other honors, like the Wade watch list. After last season, this is understandable. We will have to prove ourselves on the court. That process will begin 54 days from now.

Every year, there are questions. We have five true freshmen, plus a redshirt and a transfer. With the redshirt, Megan Buckland, we have a pretty good idea what she could contribute if healthy since she had five starts as a true freshman before getting hurt. The "if healthy" part is the question. The transfer, Erika Johnson, was well regarded out of HS but hardly played for Cal during her brief career there. It is difficult to know what her contribution will be until we see her on the court.

Of the five true freshmen, much is expected from Xylina McDaniel, who is projected as a starter at the 4 spot. She played well in Europe. Bannister is known as an outstanding spot-up shooter, something we have been needing. N'Dea Bryant has impressed with her athleticism and can play the 1, 2 or 3. Of the two interior players, Hillary Summers was impressive in Europe. The other Hillary, Hillary Fuller, has not gotten as much attention. My understanding is that she had an injury to her achilles over the Summer and her status is unclear.

Of the returning veterans, I don't have any concerns about Roundtree or Butts. I think both will have outstanding years. Krista Gross, if she recovers from her knee issues, is one of those "glue guys" who contributes everywhere. While she isn't a big time scorer, last season she was #1 or #2 in a bunch of categories: rebounds, steals, blocks, assists. Her leadership is important too. I don't think we have seen Whitney Adams' "A" game yet, because of injuries. Maybe we'll see it this year. Latifah Coleman was an "in your grill" sort of defender before she was hurt; she reminded me a lot of Alex Miller before her injury. But as with Miller, a serious knee injury as Coleman had can take away a lot of quickness. We can only hope for the best.

Last year we saw some flashes of the brilliance that made Tierra Ruffin-Pratt a McD's AA. If she is fully healthy, people better watch out.

To me, the biggest question is Waltiea Rolle. I've never questioned her talent. We have all seen her blocking shots - remember the dook game two years ago? And offensively, I've also seen her use a drop step that's very Griner-like. She can face up out to about 10'. I really believe that if she wants it, she can be All-ACC and be a draft pick for the WNBA. Can she go 30+ minutes? Is it something she wants to do? An All-ACC year from Wally and this team will do some damage.

54 days and counting.

Three keys will be how well we rebound, how we defend at the wings, and whether we can pretend point until 2013. From what I understand N'Dea has the skills to stop opposing points, but it looks like we will have to rely on other positions for scoring.

Oftentimes last year we had speed to get to the rack but did not seem to have the skills and composure to make successful attempts, i.e. We did not seem very comfortable shooting the ball from the wing positions. Speed is great, but it must be employed on defense to rattle the opponent and on offense to score where there's opportunity.

It's great to have Antoinette coming in to help Rountree and Ruffin-Pratt...any sleepers? Perhaps Xylina??