The sophomore leap

[Majic Hands]

Like you I am hoping for more from Ash, but I believe her pattern of folding in the pressure games is such that she has lost favor with Geno. This pattern, 13 against Louisville, 0 against ND seems similar to last years NCAA tournament where she had 26 against Jackson State, 19 against Syracuse followed by 0 against Duke, 5 against USC and 5 against Iowa. She is in great condition and plays hard, but seems to lack the confidence to match up with the ability.

Your comparison base on the numbers matches my memory for Ash and the big games.

However, I would never assume anyone has lost favor with Geno. I think Ash is still being coached hard so all is well.

 

[huskyd]

People often talk about how a player finishes their freshman year,sit down with the coaches after the season and are told what they should work on during the off season. This is supposed to be the best year to year improvement of their four year career. What i am interested in is input from others here about our four second year players. Is 9 games too early to tell or would we already know if they are better than last year? Jmho but i haven't seen a big difference from last year. It is early and i'm hoping to see this sophomore leap. when we get into league games.

KK is much better. She has calmed down enough to make her moves count instead of rushing ahead with wild passes and missed lay-ups. I used to dread seeing her come into a game, now I look forward to the energy she brings. We really need a speedy penetrator, and KK fills the bill.

 

[Longtime fan]

People often talk about how a player finishes their freshman year,sit down with the coaches after the season and are told what they should work on during the off season. This is supposed to be the best year to year improvement of their four year career. What i am interested in is input from others here about our four second year players. Is 9 games too early to tell or would we already know if they are better than last year? Jmho but i haven't seen a big difference from last year. It is early and i'm hoping to see this sophomore leap. when we get into league games.

Why the League games? They are like easy practices and show little, other than polish what was already there. A real leap would have KK hitting threes with regularity and posting 20 pts per game. Or ICE with double doubles every time out. Or "Q" forcing coach to give her 18-20 minutes per game, due to defense, rebounding, and making a high % of her shots. Finally, it would be ASH being consistent in her "A" game, no matter who the opponent. With the limited sample, so far, I think the sophomore leaps have yet to emerge.

 

[MooseJaw]

Both played a ton as freshmen so I doubt you will see that much of a change in game. I expect bodies to get stronger, better understanding of the offense and defense but all these players are good BB players coming into the program. To me I don't see Ash as a 3pt shooter and when that is what Geno wants her to shoot I think it is setting her up to struggle. Struggles in big games weigh on you way more than they do in games you win regardless.

To me KK hasn't developed the mental side of the game to a point where she can run the team. If she grows in that area I see a time when she replaces the minutes currently given to KC. Azzi being in the line up help a lot too and they also have a couple others who may contribute who aren't available right now.

Rowdy, we are seeing a different KK. Last year I was critical in a few areas of KK's game. Most of the areas in her game I didn't like have been corrected. She is making better passes, she is rarely over penetrating now. I believe that Geno bringing her off the bench this season will improve her game. I don't look to see her status change much unless we have players forced to sit due to injuries. I am starting to enjoy her game, something I did not expect to say.

 

[The CDR-Ret]

I agree. Geno says Ash and KK have grown. I believe him; he sees what fans don’t see and what fans can’t see.

Proven correct tonight! That happens a lot around here!!!

Ash said she likes the moniker of "Atomic Dawgs!!"

Good call Bigboote!!!