Coaches make preseason picks

[schooner2]

Here's the coaches preseason picks
<pre style="font size: 10pt;">
Poll
TEAM PTS
1. Texas Tech (6) 114
2. Kansas State (4) 113
3. Texas (2) 105
4. Oklahoma 88
5. Colorado 79
6. Iowa State 70
7. Baylor 59
8. Missouri 55
9. Oklahoma State 38
10. Texas A&M 32
11. Kansas 24
12. Nebraska 15
</pre>
All-Big 12 Team
Nicole Ohlde (KSU)
Stacy Stephens (UT)
Jia Perkins (TTU)
Lindsey Wilson (ISU)
Caton Hill (OU)
Plenette Pierson (TTU)
[Hill and Pierson tied for fifth]

Player of the Year - Nicole Ohlde (KSU)
Newcomer of the Year - Maria Villarroel (OU)
Freshman of the Year - Erin Grant (TTU)


[This message has been edited by schooner (edited 10-23-2002).]

[schooner2]

I agree for the most part with the All Big 12 Team and POY, NOY, and FOY. The team poll is about what I'm thinking except that I believe Kansas has the greatest potential to finish higher than their preseason pick.

[Jennifer]

I think I'd put Wecker on there ahead of Perkins (ducking from Tech fans as I type http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/wink.gif), but overall looks pretty good to me.
Of course, who knows how this will all shake out in March.

I could see Mizzou maybe finishing as high as 6, but agree that Kansas has the potential to finish higher.

[Bobcat4956]

Polls are just polls. I think it is going to be a dogfight between the top three teams this year. My vote would have gone to K-State to finish at the top. I think very little will separate these three teams at the end of the season.

[ChipperF1]

" think I'd put Wecker on there ahead of Perkins (ducking from Tech fans as I type ), but overall looks pretty good to me.

Actually, Wecker should be there ahead of Plenette Pierson.

As far as the team projections. Iowa State is a spot too low, and Kansas State is one or two spots too high.

Among the second division, I see Oklahoma State too high, Kansas and Missouri I see making moves up.

[carolann]

Yeah, the coaches poll looks reasonable but I'd like to get an early start on my own campaign for HOY (homer of the year).

Re: Newcomer of the Year candidates
JAMIE CAREY at TEXAS is going to surprise people who wonder if she is 'rusty' and think her main asset is her shooting ability. (Bobcat, you are going to love her. I base this prediction on the observations of more knowledgeable bball fans than myself). Several people who have seen Carey at Texas practices compare Carey's intensity and leadership to that of Kamie Etheridge, who Conradt calls the most competitive player she has ever coached. Carey is an excellent floor leader who almost always makes good decisions. In addition, Carey is a good shooter. She shoots the three with ease, has a quick release, and finishes with either hand. Some of her Texas teammates call Carey "the vet" for veteran. I call her "Lotto" because Conradt said that having Carey enroll at Texas was like winning the lottery (see Covering the Court with Jody Conradt at Texassports.com.)

[BigUtFan]

I would place KState first, UT second and TT third. I agree with Chipper that Wecker should be ahead of Pierson. I also have my doubts about Grant as FOY. While she is an incredible player, I am curious to see how she "hangs" with the big girls in the Big XII. I saw her play a number of times and I certainly believe she will become a great player, but I have my doubts that as a Freshman, she will be an impact player. As Bobcat said, these are just pre-season predictions and all will be settled on the court!! Let the season begin.........

[BigUtFan]

Newcomer of the Year......Jamie Carey!!!!!!! I think Carolanne said it all.......

[RaiderPower1]

http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/rolleyes.gif whatever

[Bobcat4956]

Carolann, I am SO looking forward to seeing Jamie Carey play. I can't wait. If we get consistent guard play out of her, watch out. I will be at the Orange/White scrimmage next Tuesday. Carolann, you interested in meeting us at halftime?

[Bob_Ballew]

RaiderPower1, I'm curious to know who you think will be newcomer of the year? http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

[elfdenmom]

Maybe we can sneak up on a few people?

[RaiderPower1]

Originally posted by Zo3157:
RaiderPower1, I'm curious to know who you think will be newcomer of the year? http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

I wasn't http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/rolleyes.gif whatevering the Jamie Carey prediction. I was whatevering just about everything else said with a few exceptions. But FWIW, if you really have to know Zo, I think Maria will win NOY. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif

[This message has been edited by RaiderPower1 (edited 10-23-2002).]

[GrantFanTT]

BigUtFan, I thought the same thing about Grant Before I actually saw her play with the "big dogs" She is a Great player and I think the coaches nailed it with the POY, NOY, and FOY

[DblT81]

If Erin Grant doesn't play well enough to be freshman of the year, Tech will most likely not finish first in the B12.

Which of these freshmen have the best chance to start every game this season and make an impact for their team? (my apologies for any ommissions)

Baylor: Ebony Jackson, 5'5 PG, Chameka Scott, 6'0 SG, Sophia Young, 6'2 PF,

Colorado Melissa Hobbs, 6'1 SF, Amber Metoyer, 5'11 SF,
Iowa State Megan McCracken, 5'8 PG,

Kansas Aquanita Burras, 5'9 SG, Ebony Haliburton, 5'11 F, Erica Hallman, 5'8 PG, Crystal Kemp, 6'2 PF, Tamara Ransburg, 6'4 C, Alicia Rhymes, 6'0 SF, Nichelle Roberts, 6'1 PF,

Kansas State Jessica McFarland, 6'2 C,

Missouri LaToya Bond, 5'7 SG, Cherice Mack, 6'1 C,

Nebraska Jamie Wendelin, 5'11 SF,

Oklahoma Laura Andrews, 6'1 SF, Erin Higgins, 5'9 SG, Beky Preston, 6'2 PF, Casey Walker, 6'3 C, Chelsi Welch, 5'10 G,

Oklahoma State Lori Allen, 5'8 SG, Meghan Craig, 5'11 SF, Cara Painter, 6'3 C, Melissa Steen, 6'2 PF,

Texas Tamra Cobbins, 5'7 SG, BranDee Fry, 6'4 C, Nina Norman, 5'7 PG, Stephanie Thiel, 5'9 SG,

Texas A&M Tamea Scales, 6'2 PF, Natasha Summerville, 5'8 SG,

Texas Tech Chesley Dabbs, 6'0 SF, LaToya Davis, 6'1 PF, Erin Grant, 5'7 PG.

[swok34]

I'm just going to speak for OU on your question:

many OU fans think Chelsi Welsh is going to be a starter, will she make an impact? I was very, very impressed with Laura Andrews watching the skill drills, though playing behind the wing players and the power forwards, not sure she will start.

I suspect OU will follow their same modus operandi and the scoring, rebounding, assists will once again be spread out...
definitely among the foursome of Hill, Jackson, Schucknect and Villaroel.

[carolann]

Re: FOY

If Erin Grant doesn't play well enough to be freshman of the year, Tech will most likely not finish first in the B12.
Agreed. Erin Grant has the chance to be a key player on a team that goes deep into the NCAA championship. She is the obvious choice for preseason FOY.

Which of these freshmen have the best chance to start every game this season and make an impact for their team?

A player for Kansas? Problem is, I have no idea who. A lot of freshmen will get a lot of minutes.

Oklahoma - Chelsi Welch?

Oklahoma State – Megan Craig?

I don't expect any Texas players to contend for freshman of the year. If a Texas player contends, she'll be phenomenal and I'll be thrilled. Brandee Fry is injured and has not been practicing. Nina Norman and Tamra Cobbins will play behind Jamie Carey at the point and behind Kala Bowers and Tai Dillard at the 2. Coco Reed and Alisha Sare are also available for the 2/3 spots. Stephanie Thiel has looked good in practice but I don't see her getting many minutes this year on this team.

[This message has been edited by carolann (edited 10-24-2002).]

[This message has been edited by carolann (edited 10-24-2002).]

[elfdenmom]

At first when I heard all the hype about Erin Grant, I was almost angry about the amount of pressure this would put on a freshman to meet the incredibly high expectations of everyone. That was before I watched her play and practice.

True, she looks like a sixth grader! She certainly isn't the tallest player on the team, or the strongest (she has a wiry strength), she isn't the most athletic (although she is a very GOOD athlete), she isn't the best shooter (although she is an extremely good shooter), she sees the floor extremly well and makes wonderful passes. Where she she is extrordinary is between the ears! She delivers the ball to the player with the best chance and position to score.

I'm telling you, friends, she is an "old soul". She must have been a professional point guard in a previous life. She just goes about her business quietly, efficiently, relentlessly, until she gets the ball where it needs to be.

It may very well happen that some other freshman will score a lot more points than she does or make flashier plays and beat her out for FOY, but I don't think any player will be more crucial to our success this year.

[DBLTFarmer]

Elfdenmom,

Good analysis of Grant. Its interesting, I think we can expect an increase in assist to turnover ratio from the point guard position. We had a returning starter their last year and to think we could increase assists, points, and decrease assists from that position is extrodinary. Whats even more interesting is that were expecting it from a freshmen. Those that have seen her play high school ball and seen her at practice know that her potential is great.

[doubleT]

Grant led Mansfield as a freshman and she will lead Tech as a freshman...she led her team to four straight 5a state championship titles...coincidence? Luck? I think not. This girl is relentless and smart. She is a natural born leader and refuses to lose. This is the kind of mentality tech has been lacking from their point guards. Mik Tennal is the same way. These two will do wonders for running this offense. After waching Grant in a few practices, there is no doubt in my mind she will be the starting point guard. I would not trade her for any other point guard in the league!!! Sure she will make some mistakes, but who doesn't? She will be FOY.

just a reminder:
First team preseason Parade All-American...first team Street & Smith All-American...was state tournament MVP...district MVP...Player of the Year...was a McDonald's All-American and a Women's Basketball Coaches Association All-American...USA Today first team All-American...TABC Female Athlete of the Year...named Texas Girls Coaches Association Miss Basketball...selected Gatorade Player of the Year...an AAU All-American...named MVP of the Arlington Classic and Duncanville Tournament...named Sonic Female Athlete of the Year...averaged 12.3 points, 7.4 assists and 4.3 steals...finished with 1,055 career assists which was fourth nationally...team compiled a 145-6 record in her four years

[35TangoTango]

Haven't heard this much hype about an incoming freshman since Chris Simms.

"hubris" - Greek word roughly translated as "the pride that goeth before a fall"....

[DBLTFarmer]

Soonerman,

Remember, her coach isnt Mack Brown........... http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/biggrin.gif

[doubleT]

hmmm, didn't know chris simms played women's basketball soonerman

[Bob_Ballew]

....oh yes, I believe Chris Simms played for old Texettes if my memory serves me correctly. That was when it was still a half-court game.

[Bball Girl]

I couldn't agree more, Grant has the eyes of a wise soul. She came to Tech a) to play for Coach Sharp b)to play for these fans and c)for the academics.

This is not a wide eyed freshman and she will not play like a freshman. Her eyes are constantly moving, analyzing, probing for the weaknesses in the defense and her teammates. In practices, I'm seen plays break down and Ms. Erin tuck the ball on her hip and proceed to tell her colleagues a)what went wrong b) what they need to do instead and c) where they need to be. Coach Sharp nodded and smiled in agreement.

Nuff said

Although I do think Welch is going to be an impact player at OU. She has the desire and the skills and the drive and Coach Coale is smart enough to tap that for all it's worth.

I do agree that it's going to be a dog fight this year.

[BigUtFan]

With all that said............wonder why Sharp said in an article in the DMN that Grant would receive a lot of playing time in the non-conference portion of the schedule, but refrained from naming her the starting point guard at this juncture? No doubt, she is going to be a great player, but that is a lot of pressure for a freshman. Hopefully she will be able to handle it.

[elfdenmom]

Well, Mik isn't exactly chopped meat either. I expect Coach Sharp likes to keep her options open and see how things play out.
They will probably both get starts during the season depending on the game situations.

[GrantFanTT]

I have been to most of the Practices Tech has Held! From what I saw I believe she will start AND make a HUGE impact this season. I know this is a stretch but I truly think she will not only be Big 12 FOY but NCAA FOY! I too was at the practice where she took the ball to the top of the key and explained to them how it went. It amazed me so much, For a Freshman to step up and be a leader really helps me with my prediction of NCAA FOY. The Dallas Newspaper did say that about Grant maybe, maybe not starting, but to Coach Sharp isn't saying anything about the Starting Line up. She hasn't even said Jia Perkins and Plenette Pierson are starting for sure and THey are DEFINATE STARTERS in my eyes. In all the practices I have been to the 5 on 5 scrimbage has contained Grant, Perkins, and pierson with a mix of the other 2 so. I know all this hype about her doesn't mean anything. But when you watch her play you would understand. This season on this board, people are either going to A. Hate her because she is so good and she hurts there team. B. or become a Fan (like I have)
once you have seen her play you will understand I think

[elfdenmom]

I can't see anyone on this board hating Grant for being such a wonderful player. I have heard nothing but admiration and respect from the regulars on this board for excellent play, regardless of team loyalties.

[Bob_Ballew]

I have seen Grant play for Mansfield and I know that everyone who has yet to see her play will be very impressed. Leadership has been her strong suit throughout her stellar high school career and she should transition to the college game much better than your average freshman. I just wish she was at Baylor.

[Jimi]

OK, you guys convinced me. Send her on up to Manhattan. Heck we will even let her wear PURPLE.

[swok34]

I agree with elfdenmom, I haven't found the regulars, or for that matter the entire board who say anything negative about an opposing team's player........

I can think of players I truly, truly love to see play, regardless if they are playing OU and I am rooting against their team. Sheila Lambert comes to mind, as does Natalie Ritchie, Kendra Wecker,.....and the list goes on and on.

[dem]

. . . Nicole Ohlde, Jia Perkins, Dionnah Jackson . . .

[Bball Girl]

Dionnah Jackson..now there's a pretty special player. Her composure in the NC game last year was impressive. The Uconn fans around us were even impressed. I look to Dionnah to be a big factor for OU, she's the kind of player that can change the whole flow of the game.

The bad part of these preseason picks is that sometime the kids start believing their own press too much and think they don't have to step up to the plate and live up to it. It's nice and a lot of fun. I value the Big12 coaches opinions more than I value some of the rating services. But the real test comes in only 3 weeks@!

[35TangoTango]

If it was possible to miscontrue my previous post as being against Erin Grant either as a person or as a player, I apologize.

I just think that the poor girl should be allowed to play at least one game before she is anointed for the Naismith Award. The endless trodding forth of expectations for this girl before she ever plays, borders on the ridiculous!

There are even posts in this very thread wondering why Coach Sharp hasn't already named her as the starting point guard. Folks, your coach is smarter than you are (and as someone pointed out, she's also smarter than Mack Brown). Erin will not be given anything until she earns it, and if possible she will be put in situations that maximize her learning and minimize her chance of failure.

Here's my fearless prediction - The starter at point guard early will either be Tennal or a returning player who knows the system. Erin will sub in initially in short spurts (ALL freshmen have relatively short concentration spans). As she feels more comfortable she will stay in longer at a time. If she progresses as expected, she will be the starter by conference time.

I really look forward to seeing her play. Slick point guards are always fun to watch - I even (grudgingly) became a huge Sue Bird fan.

[RaiderPower1]

I don't see what the big deal is with Coach Sharp not naming Erin Grant as her starting PG. I don't think Coach Sharp has ever released a "probable" starting lineup ever this early. In practice it certainly doesn't look like Mik will be starting.

[swok34]

Slick point guards are always fun to watch - I even (grudgingly) became a huge Sue Bird fan.

ok, I take exception to my own rule, I don't think I will ever be a Sue Bird fan, hasn't happened yet.......I won't go so far to backtrack and say I only support and enjoy Big XII players, because I really liked watching Alana Beard play.

[dem]

Regarding Ohlde, Deb Patterson had these comments (in the Salina Journal):

"She is, in my mind, one of the two best post players in America as we enter this season," Patterson said of Ohlde, who ranked in the top 10 of six Big 12 statistical categories. "I think Chantelle Anderson at Vanderbilt and Nicole Ohlde have asserted that they are two of the finest (centers) in the country."

Sounds reasonable to me.

[FeFiFoFum]

Originally posted by DblT81:
Which of these freshmen have the best chance to start every game this season and make an impact for their team? (my apologies for any ommissions)

Kansas Aquanita Burras, 5'9 SG, Ebony Haliburton, 5'11 F, Erica Hallman, 5'8 PG, Crystal Kemp, 6'2 PF, Tamara Ransburg, 6'4 C, Alicia Rhymes, 6'0 SF, Nichelle Roberts, 6'1 PF,


I'm going to go with Erica Hallman on this, only based on our desperate need for a quality PG to run the show and what little I know of her (Miss Basketball for Kentucky, I believe). We already know that we're going to have several freshman starters given our situation but impact player would have to be someone who brings it all together and gets this team to gel. PG is that person in my mind and if Hallman can mature quickly, that'd be great. 8-Ball says "Cannot predict now, try later"