1/27/10 Remembering Kay, Official Words, No Jinx

The podcast is up and here’s some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth tosses five questions at Debbie

1) Us? Jinx?

Debbie: Georgia, Green Bay are on the show and lose. Nebraska the anti-jinx.

2) What are the impressive non-basketball things we’ve seen in our travels?

1. Getting from East Lansing to Detroit to catch a flight in an hour.
2. The crowd at Nebraska (13,303). (Check out Poll question about Nebraska – who’s the first to beat them: Oklahoma, Baylor, Texas A&M, Nobody, UConn)
3. Beth: Shout out to Agnus Berenato (Pittsburgh) brought swag on the road to “bribe” announcers.
4. Debbie: I’ve booted male officials out of dressing room so I could dress.
5. Debbie: 23 plows in a row on the runway in Chicago

3) Early NCAA Tourney Talk: First & Second- round: Cal & Stanford both hosting/playing games on same day. Why? Also, half of hosts might miss the tournament.

Debbie: Pittsburgh, Louisville, Washington, Arizona State, Minnesota, Cal, Old Dominion. This is going to impact ticket sales.

4) The revolving door Final Four. Just when you have a bead, you get upsets in top 10.

Debbie: In my poll – Nebraska jumps to 3 from 7. Tourney in Kansas City would help them to the Final Four.

5) One year anniversary of passing of coach Yow. Raised 1.7 million.

Debbie: Celebrating what we’ve all done. In honor of Kay Yow, present:

NC State All-Time Starting Five

Genia Beasley
Linda Page – one of the best scorers no one ever saw (like Monica Wright)
Trina Trice
Chasity Melvin
Andrea Stinson

Non-Stat Starter List
Debbie Antonelli
Kristen Gillespie (assistant at Illinois Chicago – scouted win v Green Bay)
Jenny Palmateer
Monica Pope
Rachel Stockdale

Matt the Stat Guy: Youngstown State – the opposite of undefeated, so pull for the Penguins to get a win.

Shootaround guest: Mary Struckhoff, coordinator of NCAA women’s basketball officiating.

B/D: How do you feel season is progressing?

MS: We’re getting there. Move needle, increase consistency and make folks accountable.

B/D: Hot topic: Travel and spin

MS: Background: Each year, Rules Committee chooses several points of emphasis. Last couple of years traveling one of them. We have found via video study, spin move in particular, the tendency of players is to travel (not all are). Spin move:

1) Stops dribble, one foot down.
2) That becomes pivot foot.
3) She spins on the other one
4) Then puts the first (pivot) foot down again
5) Equals a travel.

Tried in trainings with officials and coaches to say, it’s a travel – not because the rule has changed, but because it’s a travel. We’re going to try and get our officials better at calling (video). I’ve seen players make adjustments. Similar to education we did years ago w/ hands on the dribble (hot stove touch).

Still not perfect – but better than have been. Making progress, but progress can be painful.

B/D: We’re concerned it will change once we get to the NCAA.

MS: Not our goal, and I hear that from coaches. Perception is we tell officials: “Everything you’ve done all season, forget that.” Opposite is true. We say, “Stick to what got you here.”

B/D: What about who’s on Rules Committee? More power leagues?

MS: It is D1, 2, 3 represented, so get variance. But, all their discussions center around the good of the game at every level. We all want to grow the game. But, give the Committee some kudos for often thankless work — they’re volunteers and take job seriously. And we’d love for some high profile coaches to sit.

B/D: Mowins on the Rules Committee?

MS: Member institution or conference.

B/D: How about we have a Shootaround with Beth and Debbie Rules Seminar and you host it.

MS: And I get to quiz you? Sure!

B/D: Bunch of broadcasters and you can educate us and we can educate.

B/D: We should warn her that the title of the seminar would be “Protecting the Offensive Player.”

MS: We talk a lot about protecting the shooter at clinics. Rules are all about balance between offense and defense. We want more offense in the game and that’s where a lot of the rule changes come from.

Werner Ladder “Rising above the Rest:” Alexis Grey-Lawson:  47pts. New Cal record.

Jostens “Diamond in the Rough:” Prairie View Lady Panthers: 22-game SWAC winning streak under coach Cynthia Cooper-Dyke.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

1) Sherri Coale, Oklahoma: win #300. Quentin Hillsman, Syracuse: Doing okay after collapsing on sidelines. Michael Cooper, USC, reprimanded for &$%#.

2) Triple-double: Danielle Adams, Texas A&M. Bianca Thomas, Mississippi, 42pts. Monica Wright, Virginia 39pts . Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford 30pts.

3) Consider Baylor next year: Griner, Brooklyn Pope, Destiny Williams, Odyssey Sims, Melissa Jones. Quickness!

4) UConn’s at 58 straight. 71? In Big East tournament.

5) Congrats to Seimone Augustus. Jersey retired, waived waiting period.

Final Rules Thought: Coaches are surveyed about rules. Majority rules. If they want changes, it’s up to the coaches to get involved.

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line: Shootaround@ wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

1/20 – High Times for Huskers, Conference Race Runaways, Notre Damus Returns

The podcast is up and here’s some of what you’ll hear:

Hello to our sponsors!!

Jostens and old friends Werner Ladder!

Debbie reminds us: Year One: 180,000 clicks on podcast. Year Three: 350,000.

Starting Five: Beth throws five questions at Debbie

1) Where have you been lately, Debbie?

Debbie: Since Atlanta: New York City (Seton Hall v St. John’s) , Norman (Oklahoma v. Baylor), Nashville (Georgia’s first loss (Beth’s fault)), Lubbock (Texas v Texas Tech), Chapel Hill (UNC v Maryland), Blacksburg (V. Tech v Virginia) and Louisville (Walz v McGraw Milestone alert: McGraw’s 600th)

And Flint Hat and Boot Shop: Debbie got a present for Beth

2) Did you watch the dominating performance of UConn? (And now being talked about in mainstream media and men’s basketball circles.)

Debbie: They are a machine, both ends of the floor. Recall I came up with “How do you beat Connecticut” last year? I don’t think they’re going to lose, but bullet points? Forget about them get into foul trouble. Forget injury. They’ve overcome both. So: create foul trouble

1) Defend the post! (Tina will replace Lisa Leslie in USA Basketball)
2) Have to score points in the paint
3) Spread the floor, make’em play east and west and maybe. But it’s a big maybe.
4) Mental toughness – they’re not taking a place off on either end of the court. Not one. So, if you don’t bring it….
5) You’ve got to believe you can do it.

Beth: Nice to see the rest of the nation paying attention.

Debbie: Where has the rest of the nation been? This is a dominating team. It’s incredible. These kids are on a mission. (Our fault?)

3) Are all the Conference races “over”?

Debbie: Pac 10, Big 10, Big East: Yes. ACC? No idea. Big 12? No idea. 3 or 4 loses could be the winner. SEC: No idea.

4) Fight at Georgetown-Louisville. I was there and it was embarrassing. Consequences.

Debbbie: There better be something. Make a decision and move on – no answer yet.

5) Are you going to watch the Oregon/Stanford game? (Ducks scored 112 pts last and lost!)

Debbie: Of course! We were put on this world to score! (Does Paul W doctor the nets at Oregon?)

Check out the Jostens.com\Kay Yow line of jewelry. Also, Jostens gives us the “Diamond in the Rough” moment – the jewel that might have been missed: Bianca Thomas, Ole Miss: 42pts v. LSU

Debbie: 8 players have scored over 40. 2 from Mississippi.

Shootaround guest: Connie Yori, Nebraska head coach

B/D: Share with us the mood around campus.

CY: The city of Lincoln and the entire state are excited about what’s going on with our program. Trying to stay grounded. Players handling media coverage very well.

B/D: Talk about Kelsey Griffin.

CY: She’s been doing a lot for years. Sat out last year w/injury. Played inside at first, now developed game away from the basket. You name it, she’s got it in her offensive arsenal. Great on the low block.

Defensive – does so much. 4 charges v. Baylor.

B/D: Last year 15 wins. This year already 16. How?

CY: It’s not all that complicated: better players and Kelsey – who I think is one of top 10 players in country. We’re a spread offensive team, two scoring options in post.

B/D: What did you bring from Creighton to Nebraska?

CY: We recruit to players that have versatility. Post players w/ a 15 ft shot.

B/D: Does your son Lucas understand what’s going on?

CY: He has no idea. (Laughs)

B/D: Describe when you dropped 42pts on Iowa State.

CY: That was a long time ago. (Laughs) When you take 80 shots in a game, you’re bound to get 42. To be honest, when I saw first three games of conference play (Iowa State, Texas, Baylor) I thought – “We could be 0-3.”

B/D: Secret to beating Baylor?

CY: Goes to the diversity of our game. If you have to go head to head v. Griner, don’t know that any individual can score against her, consistently. Tried to get her away from basket. I knew we had to make threes (we took 34).

B/D: Uncharted territory with win streak: How are you helping players keep even keel?

CY: Talk about it a lot. Encourage them to not look ahead. We’ve got an experience, grounded group.

Matt the Stat-Guy: News from the West Coast: Gonzaga has a new all-time scorer: Heather Bowman.

Werner Ladder – Rising above the Rest: LSU retires first female jersey- Seimone Augustus.

Debbie: A word about jerseys: A-10 game. Bonnies v. Dayton. It took me 15 minutes into the game to figure out who Dana Mitchell was. Me. An avid fan. Who knows her. Put the names on the back of the jersey?

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

1) NotreDamus back in town: How good was Debbie at predicting the future!
Duke v. UConn – I thought 36 pt victory. It was 33. UConn v ND – I got it right: 24pts. My Feb 4th: Jacki back in a Southern Cal jersy?

2) Welcome to the polls Vt. And good bye. Upset by BU.

3) Michigan State: 2-5. Is it the Shootaround Slide?

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line: Shootaround@ wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

1/13 – Coach Landers, Monica Wright, UConn v ND

The podcast is up! This is some of what you’ll hear.

Reflections on the Michigan State/Ohio State game – and a new joint: Harrison’s Roadhouse

Starting Five: Beth throws five questions at Debbie.

1) Top Point guards: Sam Prahalis, Ohio State: Difference maker

Debbie: Point guard that has the three w’s: Who to get it to, when to get it to them and where. She’s got a little stinker about her. Might this be Final Four year?

Andrea Riley, Oklahoma State – 43 on Baylor Bears

Debbie: Might be the first to lead the Big 12 in scoring three years running. 23pts game & leads lead in assist

Ashley Houts, Georgia

Debbie: Pound for pound, toughest pg.

Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

Debbie: Tallest, and has lost none of her rebounding

Courtney Vandersloot, Gonzaga, leading nation in assists

Top teams don’t count on one (UConn/ND)

Debbie: Geno and Muffet playing to the strengths of their team

2) Breaking down the Fighting Irish v Huskies

Deb: Devereaux Peters has to be a factor to try and limit Tina Charles. Extend soft pressure 3/4 court. I’m betting scoring v Connecticut much more difficult task than trying to defend their speed.

Beth: Familiarity and maybe first of possible four games?

3) Revisit the spin move/traveling points of emphasis. Jim Foster, Ohio State ready to write a book about it.

Debbie: He’s not happy. And a lot of coaches are calling. Officials are not necessarily happy. Double check on who’s on the rules committee.

4) All Time Starting Five: Virginia Cavaliers, Debbie Ryan

Monica Wright
Dawn Staley
Donna Holtz - all-time steals leader
Wendy Palmer
Heather Burge

5) Poll Question: Who’s going to be the Big 12 Player of the Year?

Shootaround Guests: Andy Landers, University of Georgia

B/D: What are you doing really well?

AL: Reasonably successful on defensive end, rebounding. Offensively, able to make plays when needed.

B/D: Talk about Jasmine James, four of eight years Rookie of the Week

AL: Terrific baskeball IQ. Understands the game and adjustments. Easy to coach. Plays hard. Came in as offensive player — great success — but developed into one of the best defensive freshmen we’ve had.

B/D: How has she helped take pressure off Ashley Houts?

AL: People have thrown everything at Ashley to try and take her out of the game. Jas can play the point and accepts the responsibility and willing to take some of the heat on Houts.

B/D: If you were measuring this team on amount of diet Mountain Dews you drink a day, where would this team sit on the M-D meter?

AL: This team has an even keel about it. Have had one borderline bad pratice.

B/D: Really? You’ve kept your patience?

AL: Interesting, considering the youth has pushed us to practice longer. Individuals, maybe, but it doesn’t spread.

B/D: Lot of people consider your success a surprise – do you?

AL: I do, too. 6 freshman – starting one and a sophomore, playing a walk on most every game, first of bench a frosh.

B/D: (Debbie) When we play two on two, between Teresa Edwards or Katrina McClain and you always pick T. I’d take McClain because I could outshoot Edwards

AL: But you can’t beat Edwards. Two of the great women’s basketball players of all-time.

B/D: How solid has Houts been?

AL: A lot made of freshman contributions, but this basketball team is riding on the shoulders of Houts, Porsha Phillips, and Angel Robinson. Houts is the key — she gets so much respect from the team. The example she sets.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin

• Monica Wright, Virginia, all-timer scorer, passing Dawn Staley.
• Nine ranked teams lose? Miami Hurricanes upset Florida State which gets us a “Shootaround rewind”! – Check out the ACC preview show.
• Auburn upsets LSU – huge win away.
• Nikki Caldwell has UCLA in second place in PAC-10 – scare into Cardinal
• Biggest surprise? Not for me, but Nebraska on the national scene
• Best mid-major? Has Xavier solidified their spot?
• Can Griner get Baylor to Final Four? Not without injured Melissa Jones
• Can anybody beat UConn? No. Might challenge — Notre Dame, Texas A&M. Duke – good defense. Enough offense? Maybe Tennessee – who looks like back to the old ways

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line: Shootaround@ wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

Launching 2010 – The Phoenix, travels and those unbeatens

The podcast is up! This is some of what you’ll hear.

Starting Five: Beth throws five questions at Debbie.

1) Reviewing our 2009 Holiday wishes: What would you like — basketball related — for Christmas?

Debbie: I want security to meet me at the game, escort me to my seat.
Update from Debbie: Is anyone listening? Not one offer!

Beth: A buzzer-beater
Update from Beth: Not a buzzer-beater, but the five set Penn St v Texas volleyball championship was pretty good. Yowza Longhorn Destinee Hooker and PSU Megan Hodge

Ponder thoughts: Ix-nay on the baggy shorts-kay?

2) What’s up with the spin-move traveling violations?

Patty Broderick – because 90% are travels. And it’s the Rules Committee.

Deb/Beth: But is it taking points off the board? Is it called in the men’s game? Maybe we should change the membership of the Rules Committee? We need offense on television.

3) UConn just won its 52 in a row: Big question at the beginning of the year was how much will they miss Renee Montgomery? Well, how much are they missing R.M.?

Debbie: Mowins, you could be on their starting five and they’d still beat everybody.

4) Unbeatens: What do we need to know about Georgia and Nebraska?

Debbie: On Nebraska – How much time do we have? Kelsey Griffin! Coach Connie Yori! (Who knows scoring – 42 v Iowa State, but winless as a Nebraska coach) Dominique Kelley & Cory Montgomery deserve attention

On Georgia: Ashley Houts,  Angel Robinson of course, but wowza freshman Jasmine James. Might they win the SEC?

5) Poll Question: Who’s got the best chance  to go unbeaten in conference play? (Or how many will go unbeaten? )

Stanford
UConn
Ohio State
Middle Tennessee
Wisconsin Green-Bay
Xavier

Shootaround Guests: Matt Bollant, head coach of the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

B/D: Is your great start a surprise, what with no seniors?

MB: It is. We’ve got great kids – We call it the “Green Bay way” – older kids teach the younger kids what we do, and those younger kids have gotten better because of it.

B/D: Describe your style of play.

MB: Motion offense – post side/open side. We need – and have – kids who can handle the ball and are smart. Our posts can really pass.

B/D: Where do you get your defensive philosophies from?

MB: Working a la Kathi Bennett, but athletes struggled, having learned Borseth’s. So, released it. Two changes made last year: half court trap defense, much better job of pressuring the ball. Really good at forcing turnovers.

B/D: How does your success against in-state foes help your recruiting (Wisconsin, Marquette, Depaul)?

MB: Our top 7 kids all from Wisconsin. Miss Basketball and a sophomore high school kid no one knew about.

S/A: Talk about mood on campus, being ranked and winning streak

MB: We try not to talk about those things. We talk about pursuing excellence. There’s a lot of people in GB who love women’s basketball – there’s been a tradition built.

B/D: R&R?

MB: Play golf — in 40degrees w/ boosters, brothers and coaches. (Future ringer for the Kay Yow golf tournament?)

B/D: Next step for your team?

MB: Teams that are great in the post-season are great in the half-court execution and get stops. We’re relying too much on our half court trap. Have to invest in the defensive end.

B/D: When talking about top 25, more non-BCS teams, non-power conference teams. Why are they worthy of higher seeding giving you a chance to win first/second rounds?

MB: There’s just more good basketball players out there. just more quality players we can recruit. There’s lot of great mid-majors that can win v. BCS teams. Especially if they can play them at home.

Matt the Stat Guy: Statistically Superb Trio w/ 20pt, 10 rebounds: Alysha Clark, Middle Tennessee. Jantel Lavender, Ohio State. Under the radar? Jenna Smith, Illinois.

Wade Watch: Where’s Kelsey Griffin? Nnemkadi Ogwumike, Stanford? Jasmine Thomas, Duke?

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin

• Coaching Milestones: Jim Foster, Ohio State gets #700. Van Chancellor, LSU, #500. (Debbie wants a ride on the Van Wagon!)
• Tennessee Triple-Double: Shekinna Stricklen. Tennessee is getting deeper and thinking Final Four.
• Kansas’ Danielle McCray contending for shooting crown: Back to back 3opt games
• Update on Debbie’s “Jodi Howell free throw bet.” Oh, oh – has hit 43  needs 63. Debbie may have to wear Jodi’s jersey at the Final Four
• CBS game: Jantel v. DeHaan (block record looms), Prahalis assist queen
• Any issues with the Duke all-decade team released? (Beard, Currie, Harding, Schweitzer, Tillis). Shootaround next week – Southern Cal? UCLA?
• Former Wade trophy winners need to get a vote. More power conference coaches need a poll vote. (Beth blows her neutrality)
• Yea for Conference play!

Happy New Year all!

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line: Shootaround@ wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

12/16 Podcast: Doug Bruno & Teresa Weatherspoon visit

The podcast is up! This is some of what you’ll hear.

Starting Five: Beth throws five questions at Debbie.

1) What would you like — basketball related — for Christmas?

Debbie: I want security to meet me at the game, escort me to my seat.
Beth: Call a good, old fashion buzzer-beater.

2) Who should be added to the Wade Watch List?

Shekinna Stricklen, Tennessee

Dawn Evans, James Madison

Jasmine Thomas, Duke

Kelsey Griffin, Nebraska (another 30pt game)

How about from Notre Dame? Can you pick because of their depth? Lindsay Schrader or Ashley Barlow?

Italee Lucas, UNC

3) Preview Stanford/UConn @ Hartford, December 23

Stanford’s improved guard play. Attack Tina Charles on defense. Great match up v Jayne Appel

4) All-Time Starting Five: Old Dominion

Nancy Lieberman - 2 time Wade Trophy win

Anne Donovan – 802 blocked shots

Inge Nissen

Adrienne Goodson

Medina Dixon

5) Poll Question: Who’s got the best chance to knock off UCONN?

Stanford
Florida State
UNC
Notre Dame
Old Dominion

Upset Winner in the Buzzer Beater Poll - Dawn Evans, James Madison!

Shootaround Guests: Doug Bruno & Teresa Weatherspoon — Going Home to Coach at your Alma Mater

S/A: Doug, what’s it like, day in day out, for you to walk that campus?

DB: An honor.

S/A: Court was named after you — can you sum up what that felt like?

DB: Humbled. We’ve done some positive things here but I feel we’ve only laid the groundwork for the future. Hope they’re not putting me out to pasture!

S/A: Spoon, at the Baylor/LaTech game, Leon Barmore said you are the perfect fit at the right time for LaTech. What does that mean?

TW: Has great meaning he’d say that. He’s everything to me. I wish I knew what he meant. (Laughs)

S/A: Carry on any of the Sonja Hogg traits to get the program attention? White minks, Cadillacs?

TW: She’s the one and only. (Laughs) I want to nurture the program, build on the foundation of Hogg/Barmore.

S/A: Doug, you were running basketball camps and making videos when no one was. Talk about your entrepreneurial spirit.

DB: When I played at DePaul, no women’s team.  We’d never watched women’s basketball. State of Illinois behind southern states and Iowa Oklahoma. I’d been a camp rat back in the Catskills era. First camp in mid-70’s, and the girls in the state of Illinois were really hungry to learn. Give them the credit.

S/A: You reference DePaul coach Ray Meyer.

DB: Great teacher. I played with him before his late career renaissance. He was a lifer – getting a lot more done with a lot less. Embrace the team you have.

S/A: How do you help your players to understand tradition and winning spirit of LaTech history?

TW: You must be the best of who you can be to become part of the legacy. They had it backwards before. Now they take on that challenge.

Spoon calls Debbie out for not selecting her for the LaTech Starting Five and then graciously says, “I can go behind those girls.”

Beth & Debbie play Pick and Roll w/emails:

From Carrie (Las Vegas): Las Vegas has great teams in upcoming tournaments.

DA: Why not take the Final Four to Vegas? Just get rid of the “Don’t bet on it video.” How about the whole tournament?

From Charles (FL): Parity — so much more enjoyable to watch women’s game — four year players

DA: Seeing the improvement, working on craft.

From Lizzie (OH): Triple Double expert – Are you going to switch your over/under from Brittney Griner to Louella Tomlison at St. Mary’s College.

BM: She’s up to three.

DA: Ties NCAA season record. Might catch 7 Suzie McConnell-Serio’s record of 7. And, no, I won’t change. ’cause coach Mulkey thinks she’s going to get more.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin

• Bicycles at the University of Georgia. They raise money, buy and assemble bikes for local kids.
• Break down the WNBA moves: Congrats to Cheryl Reeve, Minnesota head coach. Anne Donovan, Liberty head coach. Jen Gillom, Los Angeles Sparks. Dispersal Draft: Nicole Powell/Liberty. Becky Brunson/Minnesota. DeMya Walker/Connecticut. Courtney Paris/Chicago. Laura Harper/San Antonio. (Ticha Penicheiro, Hamchetou Maiga-Ba, Kara Lawson all unrestricted free agents)
• Kelsey Luna, Indiana State is having herself a season. Second game of 30+
• Michigan State as Jekyll-Hyde act. 2 wins over ranked, 1 loss unranked
• Michigan defeats Musketeers – 2 consecutive losses for Xavier.
• New intern article: Erika Williamson, Notre Dame – about Jacki Gemelos at USC & 4 ACLs. Find it at WBCA.org.
• More Upsets! Penn State over Pitt, TCU/Texas A&M, , San Jose State/Cal, Towson/Maryland, Toledo/Dayton.
• Last 5 of the Top-25’s a rotating door. Top two easy.
• Heads up: We’re going to take a week off.

Happy Holidays to all.

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line: Shootaround@ wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

The Podcast of 12/9 – Archie Griffin and the Wade Trophy Voting

The podcast is up and this is some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth throws Five Questions at Debbie:

1) What’s the most impressive thing about Archie Griffin and why is it important for former Wade trophy winners to get a vote like former Heisman trophy winners do?

2) To what do you attribute all the upsets that happen week in and week out in the women’s game? (Dayton, Wisconsin-Green Bay)

3) You’ve seen Brittney Griner up close and personal, what’s your take? (Podcast Heads Up: Check out Coach Mulkey on Brittney)

4) The All-Time Starting Five – Louisiana Tech:

Pam Kelly
Janice Lawrence
Kim Mulkey
Vickie Johnson
Angela Turner

5) The Pink Hats at Texas v. Tennessee moment. Credit to the young coaches: Kelly Harper, Beth Dunkenberger, Katie Meier, MaChelle Joseph put up the bucks so that Gail and Pat could wear the Pink Hats. Is this the start of a theme?

Poll Results – Looks like Debbie is going to Tulsa!

New Poll Question (vote): Who do you want to take a last-second shot?

Maya Moore, UConn
Danielle Robinson, Oklahoma
Allison Hightower, LSU
Dawn Evans, James Madison
Monica Wright, Virginia

Shootaround Guest: Archie Griffin, 2-time Heisman Trophy Winner

Beth: What’s the best part of being part of the Heisman festivities?

AG: Seeing the former winners. Meeting the new winner.

Debbie: Why do you think it’s important for winners to be part of the voting process?

AG: Integrity of the award. Participation and tradition.

Debbie: When you vote, how much to you weight character?

AG: A great deal. I want someone who’s a good representative of their University.

Debbie: What are the activities you’ll participate in while in NYC?

AG: College football Hall of Fame dinner, Wendy’s High School Heisman award, the announcement of the Collegiate Heisman award winner.

Debbie: Talk about Jantel Lavender – Ohio State’s Wade Trophy candidate

AG: Fabulous player. With Samatha Prahalis, they have a wonderful tandem.

Beth: Just seeeing all former winners at Heisman Show makes me wonder, what would the former Wade Trophy winners get out of participating?

AG: The reunions!

Debbie: Give us a Coach Woody Hayes word of wisdom

AG: The philosophy of “paying forward” - from Ralph Waldo Emerson’s “Compensation.” He wanted you to be a total person.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin

• Front runner in Shootaround Shooter of the Year award: Dawn Evans, James Madison. 38pts in victory over Virginia – top 5 in country scoring and 3pointers per game.
• Pay attention to Top 5 scoring/rebounding Middle Tennsesse State’s Alysha Clark
• And what about Elena Delle Donne – 25pts a game for the Delaware Blue Hens
• But remember, Jasmine Thomas at Duke is putting up All American numbers
• And don’t sleep on the young Terps’ Diandra Tchatchouang (our favorite new name).
• What do you make of David Stern’s comments (A woman could play in the NBA)/LeBron rebuttal. Take it as flattery. This is the man who had the vision to develop the WNBA.
• North Carolina – 20 NCCA Soccer Championships in 28 years
• Penn State Volleyball – going for win #99 and #100. In a row. Looking to three-peat?
• World Cup Draw – US v England. Hmm…. England… Olympics. Hey! Beth and Debbie need a summer job w/USA Basketball! Hello Geno? Carol Callan?
• Speaking of Heisman: Beth Votes: Mark Ingram, Toby Gerhart,  Colt McCoy. Debbie votes: Colt McCoy

Next week: Coaches take a breather. Time to talk to some student athletes.

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Also, if you’d like to be part of the Shootaround “So You Want to be a Sports Journalist” intern program, drop them a line Shootaround@wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

12/2 Podcast – A month in…Texas Starting Five, Pat Summitt

The podcast is up and this is some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth throws Five Questions at Debbie:

1) Paradise Lost: Paradise Jam High expectations -  San Diego State. Mississippi State. What went wrong? And what about Kansas?

Revelations: USC, Nebraska, Miami (watch their guards! – and check out the ACC preview!) (And don’t sleep on UCLA)

2) Marion Jones and the WNBA – what do you think?

3) Texas Longhorns: All Time Starting Five?

Andrea Lloyd (Deb’s fave)
Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil
Kamie Ethridge (Wade Trophy trivia answer)
Edwina Brown
Jamie Carey (Bring on the controversy.)

4) UConn Huskies - What’s it going to take to beat’em?

The research says… intangibles: Do you believe you can? There are only 15 players on an active rosters that have. (Can you guess which?)

5) What did you learn this week?

UCLA charts selfish plays. Tennessee does a personality profile. The voice of the Lady Vols doesn’t listen to our podcast and the voice of the UCLA Bruins does. (Hmmmm… fueling the West Coast Bias theorists.)

Poll Question: Who would you like to see make a comeback to the WNBA (wearin’ short shorts): Blaze, Annie, Pat or Debbie?

Shootaround Guest: Coach Pat Summitt, Tennessee Lady Vols

How are things going with your season this season?

PS: Huge summer workout investment.

Last year you emphasized offense. How’d that work? What’s the focus this year?

PS: I made a bad decision. It should have been board, board, defense, defense.

“Only” 22 wins – was it good for your fans?

PS: Maybe that’s why we had 12,000 for our pre-season game. To help us.

What did you learn from last season?

PS: It was humbling. It put things in perspective. Not something I want to go through again. But we’re still a young team. Every moment is teaching moment.

Last year they didn’t really get it. So, who has the leadership role this season?

PS: Angie Bjorklund, on and off the court. Shekinna Stricklen, too. Kelley Cain has been very vocal in post game.

What’s it like to have your son Tyler around? (He’s on the scout team and working with players.)

PS: Great to watch him. He’s recruited a strong scout team. Always asking questions about the game. (Like, “About that zone…”)

The announced retirement of Bobby Bowden at Florida State. What’s that say about the job he’s done, how that echoes your career, success and longevity?

PS: We’ve both had great young players came to our program. There is more parity in women’s game and players investing in the game because they want to be on big stage.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin *While sipping our Shirley Temples*

• Beth Makes a Discovery: Saranac, NY makes a Shirley Temple soft drink!
• Milestones (Part 1): Geno gets 700 wins,  joining Pat, CViv, Sylvia, Tara, Andy, Debbie, and Robin.  Agnus Berenato at Pittsburgh, #400, Muffet McGraw gets #500 at Notre Dame.
• ACL strikes again: Whitney Hand, Oklahoma
• Milestones: Kalana Greene 1000pts (billboard coming soon?), Jasmine Thomas triple-double, Brittney Griner dunks and flirts with triple-double (Is Deb’s prediction of 10 in trouble?). Jené Morris gets to 1000pts at San Diego State.
• Officiating: AP article about study on men’s college basketball officials showed officials consder make0up calls, look at score board to keep fouls even, favor home team. Deb: My 2 years at women’s official camp none of that any part of discussion. Key things she learned? A) Make sure you get your check before the game starts. B) If you blow the first whistle, the first round post-game is on you.
• Deb appreciates the focus on sideline demeanor and Beth appreciates the openness of NCAA coordinator, Mary Stuckhoff.

Previews/Predictions: North Carolina v Michigan State, Texas v Tennessee (Upset pick and Pink Hat Game!), Xavier v. Middle Tennessee State

Xavier and Stanford and UConn – undefeated?

Looking at UConn’s December schedule – Stanford, Florida State, Notre Dame, North Carolina – might all be undefeated when they meet. (And Debbie retracts a UConn schedule comment.)

Erica Williamson, Notre Dame and Shayla Scott, Pittsburgh will be writing as Shootaround interns. Articles will be up on the WBCA website.

There’s now a Shootaround shirt at Foxy’s in St. Thomas.

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

Pre-Thanksgiving Shootaround: 11/25/09 – Lady Vols Starting Five & a visit with Jim Jabir, Dayton Flyers and Kevin McGuff, Xavier

The podcast is up and this is some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth throws Five Questions at Debbie:

1)      What will be your favorite dish on the Thanksgiving table?

2)      What’s your Tennessee All-time Starting five by position?

Point guard: Candace Parker? (Or Kellie Jolly. Or Holly Warlick. Or Kara Lawson. Or Lea Henry.)

Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings, Daedra Charles, Bridgette Gordon.(Or Jill Rankin. Or Sheila Frost.)

3) “You told me so:” Mississippi State thrashes Maryland. (And a possible Shootaround Shooter of the year list no longer a darkhorse.)

4) With losses to Harvard and Vermont, what is up at Boston College? Or better: What is up at Vermont? (Yowza Courtnay Pilypaitis!)

5) Speaking of Vermont — name you non-BCS top-10

Xavier
San Diego State
Dayton
Middle Tennessee State
Vermont
TCU
Hartford
Illinois State
Gonzaga
South Dakota State (Beth throws in Marist)

Discussion: Where you find parity, diamonds-in-the-rough and poll voters who do their homework.

Poll question (trivia) : Name the only two-time Wade Trophy winners.

Matt the Stat-guy: Congrats to Gabriela Marginean, who broke Drexel’s career scoring record. Is Villanova’s Shelly Pennefather Philadelphia college scoring record next?

The Men of the A-10 (Calendar?) – Jim Jabir, Dayton Flyers and Kevin McGuff, Xavier

1)  Talk about the Art vs. Science of Scheduling

JJ – We’ve scheduled “up” because of the growth of our young players last year.

KM – We want early challenges to build the program, draw recruits and bring attention to the quality of our Conference.

2)      Xavier’s got one of the best front lines in company (Amber Harris, Ta’Shia Phillips,  April Phillips). Talk about Amber Harris’s health.

3) Ta’Shia Phillips. Perhaps overshadowed last year. Now?

KM: Impact of USA Basketball experience

4) Dayton has all five starters back. Give us a snapshot of your team.

JJ – Defense and balance. Brittany Wilson and Kari Daugherty – impact freshmen.

5) Tracking the Growth of A-10: First season that 7 teams had 20 wins. 5 in WNIT. 3 in NCAA. RPI of 7.  Jim – what are you going to tell the NCAA Selection Committee when you participate in the Mock Selection process?

KM – To get to the NCAA we have to be good on Day 1.

6) What’s it like to play with a target on your back?

Full Court Pressure aka Women’s Basketball Trivia: Who was the last non-BCS #1 NCAA seed?

#1 Seed vs. Conference Ranking Discussion: If PAC 10 is the #6 rated conference and A-10 is #7, should Xavier be in the #1 seed discussions the way Stanford is?

Previewing the Paradise Jam: San Diego State, South Carolina, Notre Dame and Oklahoma on one side, Texas, Mississippi State, Rutgers and Southern Cal on the other.

How good are these teams?
Are pollsters right?
A team might come out 0-3, but with “good” losses.
Beth and Debbie argue who’s the biggest gym rat

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin

• Kudos to Andrea Riley 2000pts Alison Hightower 1000pts
• Virgina vs Tennessee – 11,000 attendees and hotdogs
• Doug Bruno and Doug Bruno Court
• WBCA’s So You Want to be a Coach successes. In the 8^th season: 71% of former student – athletes still in coaching
• Close to $2 million raised for Kay Yow Cancer Fund
• Condolences to Chris Spielman on the loss of his wife, Stefanie

Full Court Pressure Trivia Question Hint: The year was 2000.

Comments? Questions: Shootaround@wbca.org

Don’t forget: The podcast is up.

November 18th – Week One in the Books! A visit with Kim Mulkey, Baylor

The podcast is up and here’s some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth Throws Five Questions at Debbie

1. Baylor/Tennessee game: Did you learn more about Tennessee or Baylor? And what in the name of Muffet McGraw and Jim Boeheim was that zone defense?!?
2. What impressed you more, Texas A&M’s scoring or Duke’s lack of defense?
3. How significant is Stanford winning the Chiney Ogwumike sweepstakes? What about other recruiting “gets”?
4. What was the highlight of your trip to the Country Music Awards?
5. What do you think was the biggest news out of week one? Tennessee Zone? LSU’s defense? A&M over Duke? Michigan State getting upset by Dayton?

* Check out the A-10 preview to hear more about Dayton and coach Jim Jabir
* A Shootaround Shoutout to Harvard for upsetting Boston College
* Another Shootaround Shoutout to Vermont for upsetting NC State

Baylor Coach Kim Mulkey Drops in for a Visit

B/D: What did you take away from the TN/Baylor game?

• Composure and youth

B/D: How do you manage your on court youth and the outside expectations of the program?

• Talent v. “Good team”

B/D: Growth and potential of point guard Kelli Griffin?

• Leader v. Scorer

B/D: What’s with the Louisiana Tech connection to the Big 12 South? Impact of Leon Barmore on your sidelines?

• Testament to Sonya Hogg,  F.J. Taylor president, Leon Barmore’s early commitment to the women’s game and the Big 12’s willingness to commit resources.

B/D: What’s with the “Millionaire Coaches” in the Big 12?

• It isn’t just the money, it’s the support of the fans.

B/D: Talk a little big about the management of Griner’s transition to the college game?

• No change in my coaching. Biggest challenge is the media demands on her. She’s living her college life

B/D: Your first book was “Won’t Back Down.” What’ the title of your second book?

• “If People Only Knew…”

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

• Coaching Milestones: Coach Debbie Ryan gets 700, Kim Arico Barnes gets 200, Michael Cooper gets #1
• Golf: Michelle Wie gets tournament win #1
• Volleyball: Keep your eyes on Penn State volleyball – 92 wins in a row….and counting
• Player game notes: UConn Kalana Green 1000pts, UConn Tina Charles 1000 rbs. Xavier players: 3 double-doubles in win. Old Miss’s Kayla Hollway earns 3rd triple double in school history. 30pt performances: Rachele Fitz at Marist and Monica Wright at Virginia. Nnemkadi Ogwumike at Stanford – almost 50 in first two games.
• New NCAA Study - fewer college athletes are betting on sports because Beth and the “Don’t Bet on It” PSA? Debbie has a suggestion for a NCAA PSA… oh, dear.
• Debbie is Reading TWO Books: One, Final Four Leadership by David Salter, features the voices of eight women coaches with Final Four experiences including Sherri Coale, Tara VanDerveer, Muffet McGraw, Gail Goestenkors, Sylvia Hatchell, Jody Conradt and Brenda Frese.
• Debbie offers her “Notre-damus Picks:” Michigan St. v Notre Dame, Oklahoma v. TCU, Tennessee v. Virginia
• Pregame Warm ups: What’s with the cones and rubber bands?

Check out the podcast.

Comments? Questions? Send them in! shootaround@wbca.org

November 11th – The Season Starts!

The podcast is up and here’s some of what you’ll hear:

Starting Five: Beth Throws Five Questions at Debbie

1. Who’s your UConn All-Time Starting Five?
2. What’s with three centers on the preseason AP All-American Team?
3. What interesting tidbits did you learn a Big 10 Media Day?
4. Who’s on your short list for Shooter of the Year Award (and what’s the updated criteria)?
5. Who are we going to be talk about more as the year progresses? Brittney Griner or Elena Delle Donne?

Opening Week Preview

• Baylor v. Tennessee
• Georgia v. Oklahoma
• Duke v. Texas A&M (Upset pick!)
• Stanford v. Rutgers
• UConn v. Texas

Mid Major Attention Getters: Gonzaga, South Dakota State, San Diego State University, Middle Tennessee State

Matt the Stat-guy: Talking Triple-Doubles

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

• Loving the “Jump on the VanWagon” at LSU
• Coach Debbie Ryan, Virginia Approaching 700
• The loss of Eastern Illinois assistant coach Jackie Moore
• Caton Hill goes to Afghanistan
• Nov 17th Delle Donne Debut
• Coach Agnus Berenato, Pittsburgh v daughter Claire Berenato, Seton Hill
• Hail Captain Kate the new Shootaround Producer!

Poll Question: Who’s your sports team of the year?

Check out the podcast.

Comments? Questions? Send them in! shootaround@wbca.org