2/24 – The “Under the Radar” Big 12 team, a visit with coaches Debbie Ryan and Beth Dunkenberger

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

Starting Five: Beth tosses five questions at Debbie

1) The scoring snafu at Texas v. Texas A&M game.

Debbie: Correctable error — error at scorer’s table over team fouls made officials think it was a 1-and-1. Wasn’t. When they fixed it, took two points off board for Texas, and because of where the stoppage happened, TAMU kept ball. TAMU’s scorer error — rule needs to be adjusted.

Some of Power League coaches need to step up and decide how game should be called.

Beth: Officials would like to be on Rules Committee too.

2) Your Big 12 “Under the radar team.”

Debbie: Cory Montgomery, Nebraska
Kelsey Bolte, Iowa State
Ashleigh Fontenette, Texas
Jordan Murphree, Texas Tech
Abi Olajuwon, Oklahoma
Sidney Carter, Texas A&M

3) Top 10 scoring teams in country – no surprise UConn, Stanford, Nebraska. How about Gonzaga, Middle State Tennessee.

Debbie: Teams that can spread it out, go off the bounce, three-point shooting and score in paint, make you guard side to side — all those teams you mentioned I love on offensive end,  I look for that to be the difference NCAA tournament, because the game shrinks. Scoring will be the difference — officials will crack down on defense.

4) Looking at the #1s and #2s, how far have Irish fallen. UConn, Stanford, Nebraska… who’s on your top line?

Debbie: Never had Notre Dame. I’ve had TN. ND might not be the second best team in Big East. They have some limitations. No quality win on resume for a while. Good solid, team.

West Virginia is one of my 2-seed: Sarah Miles tremendous, Liz Repella and freshman Bussie, giving them inside presence. They defend. Coach Carey does a great job. Add Duke, Ohio State, and maybe Xavier (no quality win in a long time). Maybe Big 12 team?

5) What about multi-bid leagues outside of power conferences. A-10? C-USA, Mountain West, America East?

Debbie: The first three have been multi bid leagues. America East? Depends on Big 10 – might give up a couple of bids. Ditto with Pac-10.

Jostens “Diamonds in the Rough:” Michigan State Brittney Thomas hit game tying bucket, clutch OT free throws in their upset of  Ohio State. Don’t sleep on Michigan State!

Shootaround guests: Virginia coach Debbie Ryan and Virginia Tech coach Beth Dunkenberger.

B/D: Beth and Debbie want their own show — maybe they should audition for Beth and Debbie? Maybe you want to ask us a question, Coach D?

BD: Sure. Do you have any coaching experience?

B/D: I’ve coached my son’s summer league team – won’t tell you my record, but I have gotten a T. Not my fault. Beth – undefeated in summer league teams. Debbie – you mean the Nike high school games that I ref?

DR: When did you meet? Why work together?

B/D: I think it was “streaking the lawn” at Virginia? Or game at Penn State. Question for coach Ryan – do you keep track of all your campers?

DR: Not all of them, but we one on the phone with us – Beth Dunkenberger, a star former camper.

BD: Question for coach Ryan – your favorite camp story?

DR: You probably

BD: UVA camp we advertised Madonna was coming. She had to bow out — but we had a great substitute: MaDebbie.

DR: They dressed me up.

BD: Probably my best recruiting talk was getting Debbie Ryan to put on my mini-skirt and my bikini top. Camp went crazy.

DR: It was pretty good act — I sang “Like a Virgin.”

B/D: If only we had YouTube.

DR: Thank goodness we didn’t! I don’t think we even had computers.

B/D: Debbie – Monica Wright said to me, “You played, right? I’m going to YouTube you.” YouTube me? There’s no such thing!

BD: When you played was it six-on-six and did you wear skirts.

B/D: Beth – I just missed out. It was short shorts, tube socks with big stripes. Debbie – I just call it the “before pony tail” time. Coach Ryan – who is the best non-stat starter in NC State history?

DR: That would be you.

B/D: Didn’t Coach Yow tell you that?

DR: Don’t recall, but I know you’ve told me a number of times. (laughs)

B/D: What could you two compete in?

BD: I think we could lip sync.

B/D: Talk about Monica Wright.

DR: Monnie’s a player that only comes around once in a life time. She’s like a Dawn Staley, Wendy Palmer. What I love about Monica is that she’s the total package – not just a basketball player, a leader, tremendous person. If you were to paint a picture of a baskeball player, you’d paint Monica Wright.

BD: I have nothing but respect for her. And she’s gotten better. You don’t always see that with talent like that – some kids quit working. She just keeps getting better and batter.

Werner Ladder “Rising above the Rest:” Elena Della Donne & Dawn Evans. In the Delaware v. James Madison, EDD scored 54 pts and Evans 38.

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

1) Stanford Cardinal getting it done. Congrats to Jayne Appel: 2000 pts, 1000 rebs.

2) 10th consecutive Pac-10 championship for Cardinal, 6th for Ohio State. Xavier and Nebraska close to clinching first.

3) WBCA’s “So You Want to be a Coach” kicking off

4) Hopefully Debbie and Beth will stick to coaching, not want our jobs because we can’t do theirs.

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.

2/3 – Pink Zone, Hoops4Girls Africa, Tennessee and UConn Radio Voices Visit

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

Starting Five: Beth tosses five questions at Debbie

1) The Pink Zone – WBCA/Kay Yow Cancer Fund – Feb 12-21st Already starting!

Debbie: Miraculous run. I’m going to celebrate with all the people who’ve survived and all the efforts we’re making.

2) Tina Charles, UConn: Add Maya Moore = two best, statistically, ever at UConn. Leading scorer, rebound and UConn’s 71? On the same night in Big East tournament.?

Debbie: And she didn’t really start playing the way Geno wanted until mid-last season. Incredible feat.

3) Head scratchers: Georgia, Ohio State, Baylor and Texas A&M – losses.

Debbie: Conference play exposes you. Mississippi State’s Alexis Rack incredible performance v. Georgia. It’s fixable. Ohio State – on Lavender and Prahalis.

4) WNBA: All – Star game July 10th vs USA National Team

Debbie: Love it!

Hint: Doesn’t USA Basketball need an official podcast team?

5) Crossing paths with Ukari Figgs, Purdue assistant coach and thinking about Stephanie White: Poll Question: Favorite backcourt of all time?

Shootaround Special Guest: Hope4Girls Africa, led by former Fordham Rams Mobolaji Akiode.

B/D: How did you start?

MA: Wanted to use sports to give back to my country. Started when I played for Nigerian national team in 2004. Just saw so few opportunities at the collegiate and high school level. Now happening.

B/D: Biggest challenge?

MA: As an NGO – funding. And getting people to believe in Nigeria.

B/D: We know coaches rally – what do you need?

MA: Biggest issues is equipment. Please donate! Come visit and train, look at talent, maybe even recruit. Help our coaches.

B/D: Describe what the experience is like for girls?

MA: Helping them experience all the intangibles of sports. Recently, took 65 girls from across the country — they rarely meet each other. Had seminars on life skills, team building, education, healthy choices. Great experiences for them and participating coaches.

B/D: Joanne Boyle, Cal took her team last year, said it was life changing. How do you get involved?

MA: First step, talk to me – share ideas, how you want to help. My goal is to learn, too. Program in August — ’cause issue is when are coaches available. We just want to make this program as effective as possible.

Website: Hope 4 Girls Nigeria.

Jostens “Diamonds in the Rough:”  The Kentucky Wildcats (but for how long unnoticed?)

Shootaround guests Part Deux: Radio Whiparound: Bob Joyce, UConn/WTIC.com and Mickey Dearstone from Tennessee/AM 990.

B/D: Most impressive about UConn?

BJ: The way they go about their business. There mission is to get better ever day and reach San Antonio.

B/D: What’s it like inside program?

BJ: Quiet confidence. Not arrogant. Blue collar, hard hat lunch pail kinda team. High tempo practices. Well prepared.

B/D: Is it fair to say TN’s back?

MD: Seemed so, then hit a funk three weeks ago. Intensity more from the coaching staff than players. Big gap between TN and UConn. UConn doesn’t want to just beat you — they want to kill you. That’s the mindset that Pat trying to get – not sure they’ll get that attitude.

B/D: On floor tactic changes? Or effort issues?

MD: Have gotten to know each other. Have to learn to take care of basketball. Shekinna Stricklen is playing out of position. Others have stepped up – Glory and Kelley. This team feeds off other players – one has good, other has good game. One has bad, other has bad game. Need guard consistency

B/D: Give us a Big East snap shot.

BJ: Looking forward to Notre Dame/UConn in Southbend. Then Georgetown, West Virginia and maybe Syracuse. St. John’s making some noise. Maybe 6 NCAA?

B/D: Surprised you about UConn?

BJ: Doty, Dixon, Hayes guard improvement post Montgomery exit. Improvement of Kalana Greene.

B/D: Does Knoxville feel a destiny/Final Four UConn v TN?

MD: Not yet. Gotten the turnover bug. You give the middle NCAA seeds the opportunities, they’re going to beat you (see Ball State last year). Have the capability. Must play better. ’cause you can’t give UConn second-chance shots or you’re going to get drilled.

B/D: Other teams you’d like UConn play.

BJ: Baylor’s coming up next season. This year – any team that has toughness and willing to smack UConn in the mouth. Remember, defense is the base of this team. And with rules/points of emphasis, they do a really good job of moving their feet on defense.

Werner Ladder “Rising above the Rest:”  Big 12 Match ups – who will rise? Texas v Oklahoma and Nebraska v. Oklahoma State.

Debbie: Great crowd at Oklahoma and they’ve got the best guard. Nebraska – they are really rolling. If you can contain Riley – keep her to 20….

Notes from the Cocktail Napkin:

1) Best start in Big 12 history – Nebraska.

2) Texas big win over Baylor, West Virginia off to a great start, Georgetown ended 16 game winning streak (nice win for Marquette). Rutgers – really, really struggling.

Didja know that Tasha Pointer and CViv share same shoe size?

3) New intern: Shayla Scott from Pittsburgh.

4) Debbie has the french toast casserole recipe. If anyone wants it, ask Debbie. And if it’s your birthday, tell Debbie so she’ll play her trumpet for you.

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.

1/27/10 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.

1/13 – 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.

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