I’ve been saying since November that ONO is going to slowly develop one day and one game at a time. We're all aware of the dynamics involved in her development going forward.
Throw in all of the plays, defensive assignments and spacing she has to learn, it can be a slow process.
Keep mind that some freshmen are playing real defense for the first time.
I really liked what I saw from ONO yesterday. I agree with other posters that ONO would benefit from a rigorous weight training regimen to increase her body strength. But if she doesn't, she’ll still be OK.
She can play at this and the next level as is.
How, you ask? Two words:
DeWanna Bonner. Bonner was a WNBA 1st round draft pick in 2009 out of Auburn who is now entering her 10th year in the league with the Phoenix Mercury. Bonner is 6’4” and weighs 143lbs.
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Bonner is a league all star, and a 2 time champion with Phoenix in 2009 and 2014. Named to All-WNBA First team in 2015. It appears to this untrained eye that ONO weighs more than that. If Bonner can effectively play at her current weight, so can ONO. I will never make another reference to ONO’s weight or stature again.
ONO can only dream of having the success and longevity in professional basketball that Bonner is having.
Bottom line, if Bonner can play at the college and pro level at her current weight, so can ONO.
I understand that Bonner is not a post player. While I do expect ONO to continue on the team's weight training program, she’ll be OK either way.