mred
11-25-2002, 05:18 PM
We haven't said much about ISU yet this season, so I thought I'd give a few thoughts. I have not seen the team yet this season, but I have a few observations based on what I've heard.
ISU had a total of 42 assists and 45 turnovers in two exhibitions. This is not even remotely acceptable. The assist numbers are ok, but I would expect a lot fewer turnovers out of a team with an offense that is mostly around the perimeter. ISU had 19 assists and 16 TO against St. Francis. Much better numbers, although not great.
ISU still has its zone defense as always, but Fennelly promised that he'd use a lot more pressure defense to force turnovers. Apparently, ISU did play a full-court defense against St. Francis. When the shooting is hot, ISU could put up some big numbers on offense; I suspect the team and its opponents could have the opportunity to take a lot of shots this season.
ISU's post offense could be hit-and-miss this season, but it sounds like post defense will not be a glaring weakness.
Sophomore Mary Fox has been starting at 3 in place of Anne O'Neil. I'm sure O'Neil will start once she is 100%, but Fox (a great pressure defender and the "one" when ISU runs a box-and-one) will see an awful lot of playing time this season if she keeps it up.
In the exhibitions, ISU had trouble with turnovers from the four point/shooting guards: Wilson, Junod, O'Neil, and McCracken. Fennelly needs to have a short leash on them; Wilson is one of the top points in the country when she isn't turning the ball over. Junod is usually reliable. McCracken has had quite a few turnovers so far (not unexpected from a freshman) but she shows a whole lot of promise.
Cofield was 1-6 on threes in the exhibitions but was 3-4 in the season opener. That makes her 11-12 in the last three official ISU games. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif
ISU had a total of 42 assists and 45 turnovers in two exhibitions. This is not even remotely acceptable. The assist numbers are ok, but I would expect a lot fewer turnovers out of a team with an offense that is mostly around the perimeter. ISU had 19 assists and 16 TO against St. Francis. Much better numbers, although not great.
ISU still has its zone defense as always, but Fennelly promised that he'd use a lot more pressure defense to force turnovers. Apparently, ISU did play a full-court defense against St. Francis. When the shooting is hot, ISU could put up some big numbers on offense; I suspect the team and its opponents could have the opportunity to take a lot of shots this season.
ISU's post offense could be hit-and-miss this season, but it sounds like post defense will not be a glaring weakness.
Sophomore Mary Fox has been starting at 3 in place of Anne O'Neil. I'm sure O'Neil will start once she is 100%, but Fox (a great pressure defender and the "one" when ISU runs a box-and-one) will see an awful lot of playing time this season if she keeps it up.
In the exhibitions, ISU had trouble with turnovers from the four point/shooting guards: Wilson, Junod, O'Neil, and McCracken. Fennelly needs to have a short leash on them; Wilson is one of the top points in the country when she isn't turning the ball over. Junod is usually reliable. McCracken has had quite a few turnovers so far (not unexpected from a freshman) but she shows a whole lot of promise.
Cofield was 1-6 on threes in the exhibitions but was 3-4 in the season opener. That makes her 11-12 in the last three official ISU games. http://hoopscoop.net/ubb/smile.gif