WBB Media Availability - Megan Duffy (12/23/23)
TLDRThe coach reflects on the team's performance against Illinois State, highlighting the importance of learning from adversity and the team's resilience. Despite a slow start, the team's fight and ability to come back from behind demonstrated their growth. The coach also discusses the challenges of starting the Big East season with a strong opponent and the importance of maintaining focus and improvement. The conversation further touches on individual players' contributions, their development, and the team's chemistry, emphasizing the value of veterans' experience and leadership in integrating new players.
Takeaways
- 🏀 The team faced adversity against Illinois State, but it was a learning experience, especially regarding how to overcome a slow start.
- 💪 The coach emphasized the importance of the team's fight and resilience in the game, which was crucial for their development.
- 📈 The coach discussed the challenges of starting the Big East season with a strong opponent and balancing it with the academic demands of finals week.
- 🎯 The team focuses on improvement and the collective effort of each player, rather than just individual success.
- 🏆 The coach expressed respect for the opponent, Kraton, and acknowledged the importance of the early challenges in building a strong season.
- 🚀 The team's success is attributed to the growth and maturity of players like Liza, who has taken on a more significant scoring role and has been versatile on the court.
- 🌟 The integration of new and veteran players was seen as essential for the team's chemistry, with veterans like Jordan and Liza providing leadership and guidance.
- 🔄 The coach highlighted the importance of maintaining team unity and focus amidst external distractions, such as holidays and exams.
- 🏃♀️ Kenzie's development as a player beyond just a three-point shooter was noted, with improvements in ball distribution and defense.
- 🏅 Rose's expanded role and her all-around contribution to the team were recognized, including her efforts on defense, scoring, and leadership.
- 🤝 The value of having veteran players to help integrate and support the six new players joining the team was emphasized for a cohesive and successful season.
Q & A
What was the main challenge faced by the team in the Illinois State game?
-The main challenge was overcoming a slow start and not being down too much in the season. The team had to find a way to win despite not playing as well as they wanted to.
What did the coach learn about the team from the Illinois State game?
-The coach learned about the team's ability to fight back and grind through a tough game, especially since they didn't take the lead until the middle of the fourth quarter.
How did the coach approach the first Big East games against a ranked opponent?
-The coach focused on keeping the team steady and ensuring the veterans were leading. They emphasized the importance of handling adversity and building strength in numbers through small contributions from each player.
How does the coach handle external pressures like rankings with the team?
-The coach addresses the team's success and external recognition but emphasizes the importance of focusing on improvement and finding chemistry as a team.
What role does Elizza play in close games?
-Elizza has a significant role in close games, often making key shots and contributing crucial baskets, especially late in the game.
How has Franny integrated herself into the team as a fifth-year player?
-Franny has worked hard to mesh with the team, showing great leadership and a strong work ethic. She has been able to find her place among the other players and contribute to the team's success.
What advice did the coach give Franny about the Big East season?
-The coach shared that the veterans have shown Franny the nature of Big East games, emphasizing that every night will be a battle and that one game doesn't define the team's season.
How has Kenzie adjusted to teams trying to shut her down as a three-point shooter?
-Kenzie has become more than just a three-point shooter, improving her ball distribution and defense. She has gained confidence and is comfortable in her role on the team.
What is Rose's role in the team this year?
-Rose has taken on an expanded role, contributing in various ways such as assisting, taking charges, and being a team MVP. She has embraced her role and helps the team reach the next level.
How has the team chemistry developed with six new players?
-The team has worked hard on chemistry from day one, with players liking each other and spending time together. The veterans have helped lay the foundation and integrate the new players, creating a strong bond.
How do veterans like Jordan, Liza, and Clare help the team's new players?
-Veterans help by embracing their leadership roles, guiding the new players, and ensuring they don't feel alone. They contribute to the team's chemistry and help the new players adjust to the team's expectations and system.
Outlines
🏀 Team Performance and Learning from Illinois State Game
The coach reflects on the team's performance against Illinois State, highlighting the importance of resilience and learning from a slow start. The conversation emphasizes the team's ability to fight back and the value of experiencing adversity early in the season. The coach also discusses the challenges of starting the Big East games with a strong opponent during finals week, stressing the importance of maintaining focus and relying on veterans' leadership. The team's respect for the opponent and the coach's approach to handling external pressures, such as being ranked and undefeated, are also covered. Additionally, the discussion touches on the growth of a specific player, Elizza, and her role in close games, emphasizing her improvement and versatility.
🌟 Player Development and Team Chemistry
This paragraph focuses on the development of individual players and the overall team chemistry. The coach discusses the seamless integration of a fifth-year player, Franny, into the team and her high expectations for herself. The conversation highlights the importance of the veteran players in guiding the newer members and the positive team dynamics established from the beginning of the season. The coach also talks about the impact of having new players on the team and how the veterans, such as Jordan, Liza, and Clare, have helped lay the foundation and foster integration. The paragraph concludes with the coach's pride in the team's camaraderie and the anticipation of continued growth and success.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Illinois State
💡Big East games
💡Adversity
💡Leadership
💡Team Chemistry
💡Improvement
💡Scoring
💡Defense
💡Integration
💡Three-point shooting
Highlights
Fry and Kenzie discussed the challenging game against Illinois State and the team's learning experience.
The team had a slow start but managed to come back, showcasing their resilience and ability to adapt.
The coach emphasized the importance of starting strong and learning from early-season challenges.
The team faced adversity in November and December, which prepared them for the upcoming games.
The coach stressed the importance of veterans leading the team and focusing on the small contributions of each player.
The team's respect for their opponent, Kraton, and their recognition as a strong and veteran-laden team.
The coach's approach to handling the team's undefeated status and external pressure, focusing on improvement and team chemistry.
Liza's significant contribution to the team with her improved scoring and versatility.
Franny's seamless integration into the team as a fifth-year player and her dedication to self-improvement.
The coach's advice to the team about the Big East season and maintaining focus despite external distractions.
Kenzie's adjustment to teams trying to shut her down as a three-point shooter and her overall growth as a player.
Rose's expanded role this year and her all-around contribution to the team's success.
The team's strong chemistry despite having six new players, attributed to their mutual liking and shared expectations.
The value of having veterans like Jordan and Liza to guide the new players and foster team integration.
The coach's pride in the team's growth and the potential for further improvement as they continue to play together.