ND Women's BB '17 -'18 Season
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Old Man Mike
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I'll take the height or leave it, though. We've seen plenty of great Women's point guards who didn't need the height. (Becky Hammon; Sue Bird; Lindsey Whalen --- the best pure point guards in the WNBA over the last decade and a half). Far more important is her "handle" and her end-to-end speed/quickness. She must be essentially "Zero Defects" vs pressure. (It's also nice if she can jump on the crash back help defense rebounds.)
Women's game really differs from the guys as to guard length, because they don't play much "Syracuse Zone" where length is the big deal. (And Muffet doesn't like playing zone much at all, even though she was forced to in the NCAA tournament, along with her junk defenses.) Length is important down low, since it creates blocks without being able to jump much.
I'm hoping for a guard who is basically un-pressable, and cool on the top of the key, and can penetrate and dish --- brains, nerves, handling skills. Lindsay Allen was an awfully lot like just that. Skylar was that plus the offense scoring.
Women's game really differs from the guys as to guard length, because they don't play much "Syracuse Zone" where length is the big deal. (And Muffet doesn't like playing zone much at all, even though she was forced to in the NCAA tournament, along with her junk defenses.) Length is important down low, since it creates blocks without being able to jump much.
I'm hoping for a guard who is basically un-pressable, and cool on the top of the key, and can penetrate and dish --- brains, nerves, handling skills. Lindsay Allen was an awfully lot like just that. Skylar was that plus the offense scoring.
Old Man Mike
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the Nebraska forward is likely an elite big and she has two of those seasons eligible
Old Man Mike
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I'm not jealous of many things in my old age, but I am jealous of that. I'd love to see the Girls play, and Muffet coach.
Article and Video of Newest Recruit Anaya Peoples
Article and Video of Newest Recruit Anaya Peoples
"This is where I want to be" - Story
"This is where I want to be"
Schlarman 5-star recruit Anaya Peoples commits to Notre Dame
By: Craig Choate
Posted: Jun 27, 2017 04:59 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 27, 2017 08:31 PM CDT
Article and Video of Newest Recruit Anaya Peoples
"This is where I want to be" - Story
"This is where I want to be"
Schlarman 5-star recruit Anaya Peoples commits to Notre Dame
By: Craig Choate
Posted: Jun 27, 2017 04:59 PM CDT
Updated: Jun 27, 2017 08:31 PM CDT
PG Overload
PG Overload
With Lindsay gone, Muffet picked up transfer Lili Thompson to fill in for a year until Jenna Brown, the #2 PG in the Class of '18 takes over.
Then the #1 PG in the Class of '19 and #7 player overall, Anaya Peoples committed to ND. Peoples was described as "the most talented guard prospect the Irish have signed since Skylar Diggins."
It's been a little more than 3 weeks since Peoples committed and now it appears Brown has decommitted. She no longer appears on either Prospect Nation or HoopGurlz as an ND commit.
It would seem that Jenna isn't comfortable with being the go to PG for a year or so between Lili and Anaya. The prospect of competition challenges some while others seek different opportunities.
There are still a couple of PGs in the Class of '18 that might be interested. Marina has handled the role and could fill in if needed. Then there's the one that seemingly been waiting in the wings, from a family of team players, Dara Mabrey.
PG Overload
With Lindsay gone, Muffet picked up transfer Lili Thompson to fill in for a year until Jenna Brown, the #2 PG in the Class of '18 takes over.
Then the #1 PG in the Class of '19 and #7 player overall, Anaya Peoples committed to ND. Peoples was described as "the most talented guard prospect the Irish have signed since Skylar Diggins."
It's been a little more than 3 weeks since Peoples committed and now it appears Brown has decommitted. She no longer appears on either Prospect Nation or HoopGurlz as an ND commit.
It would seem that Jenna isn't comfortable with being the go to PG for a year or so between Lili and Anaya. The prospect of competition challenges some while others seek different opportunities.
There are still a couple of PGs in the Class of '18 that might be interested. Marina has handled the role and could fill in if needed. Then there's the one that seemingly been waiting in the wings, from a family of team players, Dara Mabrey.
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Old Man Mike
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THAT whole news is lousy however. I wonder if Muffet could break it to Brown that playing two point guard quality handlers at the same time is a GOOD thing --- certainly the pros want at least two great handlers on the court at all times if they can get them. This is especially true if one of those guards is 5'10", and a major scorer. The smaller guard (Brown) could still be point most of the time.
Marina trying to run the point all game long is not a good idea, would distract her from her offense and wear her out (to say nothing of not having a true penetrating threat, nor a fast middle-of-the-break handler.)
Marina trying to run the point all game long is not a good idea, would distract her from her offense and wear her out (to say nothing of not having a true penetrating threat, nor a fast middle-of-the-break handler.)
Both recruits are 5-10, and both are major scorers.
Jenna Brown, 5-10, 18.2 points, 6.2 rebounds, 4.1 assists per game.
Anaya Peoples, 5-10, 15.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.7 steals, 4.1 assists
Old Man Mike
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Even better for Brown. Perfect opportunity for something like a Fire and Ice duo to catch the sport's world's eye.
Elite point guard Jenna Brown reopens recruitment after committing to Notre Dame
By Dan Olson | Jul 6, 2017
Special to espnW
Per her dad, Matt Brown:
Virginia, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech and Stanford
She has a 3.9 GPA.
By Dan Olson | Jul 6, 2017
Special to espnW
Per her dad, Matt Brown:
Virginia, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech and Stanford
She has a 3.9 GPA.
Maybe it's The Crossroads?
Jumbotron?
Likes real grass?
New practice facility too new?
Heard Brey might be replacing McGraw?
Old Man Mike
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... maybe been reading the IE football threads and thinking that will spill over to WBBall. That's enough to terrorize any recruit.
Notebook: Ogunbowale continues to set the gold standard for Notre Dame women's hoops | Notre Dame Insider Women's Basketball | ndinsider.com
Eric Hansen 8/4/17
Airke selected for the Team USA Under 23 women’s BB team. Young, Shepherd, and Mabrey were considered.
Turner's rehab (ACL surgery) going well but no decision on '17 play until September.
ND not counting on Shepherd in '17 but will pursue NCAA waiver.
Westbeld (ankle surgery) expected back by season start while Johnson (shoulder surgery) expected 2-4 weeks later.
McGraw noted basketball transfers (Thompson and Shepherd) encounter the same difficulty ND football experiences with transfers:
If Turner and/or Shepherd can't go in '17, ND will have to play small ball like they did in the NCAA Tournament. Thompson is more a more active shooting guard than Allen adn could pick up some of the slack in the offensive attack. Patterson would have to help Westbeld corral rebounds. IF both BIGs cleared to play this could be a dominant team.
Eric Hansen 8/4/17
Airke selected for the Team USA Under 23 women’s BB team. Young, Shepherd, and Mabrey were considered.
Turner's rehab (ACL surgery) going well but no decision on '17 play until September.
ND not counting on Shepherd in '17 but will pursue NCAA waiver.
Westbeld (ankle surgery) expected back by season start while Johnson (shoulder surgery) expected 2-4 weeks later.
McGraw noted basketball transfers (Thompson and Shepherd) encounter the same difficulty ND football experiences with transfers:
If Turner and/or Shepherd can't go in '17, ND will have to play small ball like they did in the NCAA Tournament. Thompson is more a more active shooting guard than Allen adn could pick up some of the slack in the offensive attack. Patterson would have to help Westbeld corral rebounds. IF both BIGs cleared to play this could be a dominant team.
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Old Man Mike
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All these things-maybe-going-wrong are driving me crazy. (probably Muffet too.) When I was helping Ron Stewart in a small way with the WMU girls, we had for two years the best one/two/three position players in the league (point guard/two guard/small forward.) The legendary Kent State coach looked at the league pre-season and said: Western has the best 1-2-3 in the conference; who's better? But if they get their brains beaten out on the boards, it won't matter.
REALLY rooting against Deja Vu...............
REALLY rooting against Deja Vu...............
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Big news: the NCAA approved ND F Jessica Shepard's eligibility request. She'll be immediately eligible for Notre Dame.</p>— Mike Vorel (@mikevorel) <a href="https://twitter.com/mikevorel/status/925849849265836033?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 1, 2017</a></blockquote>
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SouthSideChiDomer
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Thats good news, but it still looks like this team is going to be playing with a short bench. It will be fun to see how they adjust this year.
The Shepard waiver news fills a huge hole in the Irish lineup this year.
Turner is out for the year recovering from ACL surgery.
Mychal Johnson recovered from shoulder surgery but tore an ACL in practice a week or so ago is out for the year.
Westbeld is still recovering from ankle surgery and did not practice Tuesday. Muffet expects she should be available for a few minutes in the Nov 11th season opener but Kat will be worked back in slowly.
Coco has trimmed down considerably in the off season and has upped her game considerably. She would have been the primary post before the 6-4 Shepard was cleared to play with the freshman Vaugh spelling her or playing along side with Kat on minimal duty in the early season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball team loses point guard Mychal Johnson to torn ACL
Turner is out for the year recovering from ACL surgery.
Mychal Johnson recovered from shoulder surgery but tore an ACL in practice a week or so ago is out for the year.
Westbeld is still recovering from ankle surgery and did not practice Tuesday. Muffet expects she should be available for a few minutes in the Nov 11th season opener but Kat will be worked back in slowly.
Coco has trimmed down considerably in the off season and has upped her game considerably. She would have been the primary post before the 6-4 Shepard was cleared to play with the freshman Vaugh spelling her or playing along side with Kat on minimal duty in the early season.
Notre Dame Fighting Irish women's basketball team loses point guard Mychal Johnson to torn ACL
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ND Press Release
ND Press Release
NCAA Approves Shepard’s Waiver
Nebraska transfer and two-time All-Big Ten forward Jessica Shepard eligible for 2017-18 Irish women’s basketball season
Nov. 1, 2017
NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The NCAA announced on Wednesday that it has approved the University of Notre Dame’s waiver of junior transfer Jessica Shepard, making the former two-time All-Big Ten and Nebraska forward eligible effective Nov. 1.
Shepard will suit up for the Irish at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when the No. 5 University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team takes on Indiana University (PA) in an exhibition game at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.
Shepard, who started all 29 of the Huskers games as a sophomore and 59 total games at Nebraska, joins the Irish with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Shepard was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2016 and claimed a spot on the all-Big Ten team during each of her two seasons with the Huskers. As a sophomore in 2016-17, she averaged 18.6 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game, totaling 15 double-doubles. Shepard earned a spot on the Naismith Award's Midseason Top 30 list, a list that also included Notre Dame teammates Arike Ogunbowale and Brianna Turner.
As a freshman, Shepard set a Big Ten record by being named the freshman rookie of the week 10 times en route to Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolades. Shepard earned two Big Ten Player of the Week awards that season and was the espnW National Player of the Week on Jan. 25, 2016, after recording the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in school history -- scoring 35 points and grabbing 20 boards in a win over Michigan.
ND Press Release
NCAA Approves Shepard’s Waiver
Nebraska transfer and two-time All-Big Ten forward Jessica Shepard eligible for 2017-18 Irish women’s basketball season
Nov. 1, 2017
NOTRE DAME, Ind. -- The NCAA announced on Wednesday that it has approved the University of Notre Dame’s waiver of junior transfer Jessica Shepard, making the former two-time All-Big Ten and Nebraska forward eligible effective Nov. 1.
Shepard will suit up for the Irish at 7 p.m. ET on Wednesday, when the No. 5 University of Notre Dame women’s basketball team takes on Indiana University (PA) in an exhibition game at Purcell Pavilion at the Joyce Center.
Shepard, who started all 29 of the Huskers games as a sophomore and 59 total games at Nebraska, joins the Irish with two seasons of eligibility remaining.
Shepard was named Big Ten Freshman of the Year in 2016 and claimed a spot on the all-Big Ten team during each of her two seasons with the Huskers. As a sophomore in 2016-17, she averaged 18.6 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game, totaling 15 double-doubles. Shepard earned a spot on the Naismith Award's Midseason Top 30 list, a list that also included Notre Dame teammates Arike Ogunbowale and Brianna Turner.
As a freshman, Shepard set a Big Ten record by being named the freshman rookie of the week 10 times en route to Big Ten Freshman of the Year accolades. Shepard earned two Big Ten Player of the Week awards that season and was the espnW National Player of the Week on Jan. 25, 2016, after recording the first 30-point, 20-rebound game in school history -- scoring 35 points and grabbing 20 boards in a win over Michigan.
2018 NCAA Women's Basketball Rankings - Preseason (Oct. 22)
USA Today Coaches Poll
RK TEAM RECORD PTS
1 Conn (25) 0-0 789
2 S Carolina (7) 0-0 719
3 Baylor 0-0 687
4 Mississ St 0-0 678
5 Notr Dame 0-0 648
6 Texas 0-0 608
7 UCLA 0-0 582
8 Ohio State 0-0 575
9 Stanford 0-0 548
10 Louisville 0-0 504
11 Oregon 0-0 479
12 Duke 0-0 442
13 Maryland 0-0 380
14 Florida St 0-0 334
15 West Virgi 0-0 272
16 Missouri 0-0 249
17 Oregon St 0-0 246
18 Tennessee 0-0 229
19 Marquette 0-0 218
20 Depaul 0-0 156
21 Oklahoma 0-0 151
22 S Florida 0-0 109
23 Michigan 0-0 100
24 Miami 0-0 80
25 California 0-0 79
25 Washing 0-0 79
Others receiving votes: Texas A&M 70, NC State 67, Kentucky 59, Syracuse 53, Arizona State 43, Quinnipiac 27, Gonzaga 18, Drake 18, Virginia 17, Purdue 15, Kansas State 10, LSU 8, Michigan State 7, Georgia Tech 7, Florida Gulf Coast 7, South Dakota State 6, Temple 5, Nebraska 5, Dayton 4, Indiana 4, Middle Tennessee 2, Virginia Tech 2, UT-Arlington 2, Elon 1, Villanova 1, Boise State 1
USA Today Coaches Poll
RK TEAM RECORD PTS
1 Conn (25) 0-0 789
2 S Carolina (7) 0-0 719
3 Baylor 0-0 687
4 Mississ St 0-0 678
5 Notr Dame 0-0 648
6 Texas 0-0 608
7 UCLA 0-0 582
8 Ohio State 0-0 575
9 Stanford 0-0 548
10 Louisville 0-0 504
11 Oregon 0-0 479
12 Duke 0-0 442
13 Maryland 0-0 380
14 Florida St 0-0 334
15 West Virgi 0-0 272
16 Missouri 0-0 249
17 Oregon St 0-0 246
18 Tennessee 0-0 229
19 Marquette 0-0 218
20 Depaul 0-0 156
21 Oklahoma 0-0 151
22 S Florida 0-0 109
23 Michigan 0-0 100
24 Miami 0-0 80
25 California 0-0 79
25 Washing 0-0 79
Others receiving votes: Texas A&M 70, NC State 67, Kentucky 59, Syracuse 53, Arizona State 43, Quinnipiac 27, Gonzaga 18, Drake 18, Virginia 17, Purdue 15, Kansas State 10, LSU 8, Michigan State 7, Georgia Tech 7, Florida Gulf Coast 7, South Dakota State 6, Temple 5, Nebraska 5, Dayton 4, Indiana 4, Middle Tennessee 2, Virginia Tech 2, UT-Arlington 2, Elon 1, Villanova 1, Boise State 1
ND Wins Exhibition Game Against IUP-W 108 40
ND Wins Exhibition Game Against IUP-W 108 40
Jessica Shepard, Lili Thompson, Mikayla Vaughn, Danielle Patterson, and walkons Maureen Butler, and Kaitlin Cole all got introduced to ND fans tonight as ND rolled over a very short IUP-W team.
Mikayla Vaughn had a big first game playing 34 minutes and scoring 30 points on 12/13 from the floor,6/9 from the stripe, 8 Rebs, 5 Offensive, a Block, and 2 Steals.
Jackie Young had a double double 17 points, 11 rebs, 3 assists
Marina Mabrey had 20 points, 7 rebs, 9 assists, 7 steals.
Arike 18 pts, 2 rebs, 3 assists
Shepard had 7 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists in 20 minutes of play.
Lili Thompson had 5 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists
Danielle Patterson had 4 pts, 3 rebs, and 1 assist
Coco had 2 pts, 2 rebs, and 2 assists
Kaitlin Cole had 4 pts, and 3 assists
Maureen Butler had 1 pt and 1 reb.
ND Wins Exhibition Game Against IUP-W 108 40
Jessica Shepard, Lili Thompson, Mikayla Vaughn, Danielle Patterson, and walkons Maureen Butler, and Kaitlin Cole all got introduced to ND fans tonight as ND rolled over a very short IUP-W team.
Mikayla Vaughn had a big first game playing 34 minutes and scoring 30 points on 12/13 from the floor,6/9 from the stripe, 8 Rebs, 5 Offensive, a Block, and 2 Steals.
Jackie Young had a double double 17 points, 11 rebs, 3 assists
Marina Mabrey had 20 points, 7 rebs, 9 assists, 7 steals.
Arike 18 pts, 2 rebs, 3 assists
Shepard had 7 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists in 20 minutes of play.
Lili Thompson had 5 pts, 4 rebs, and 4 assists
Danielle Patterson had 4 pts, 3 rebs, and 1 assist
Coco had 2 pts, 2 rebs, and 2 assists
Kaitlin Cole had 4 pts, and 3 assists
Maureen Butler had 1 pt and 1 reb.
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Notre Dame
STAT TOTAL
Points 108
Field Goals 43-70, 61.4%
Free Throws 17-25, 68.0%
3-Pointers 5-14, 35.7%
Off. Rebounds 17
Def. Rebounds 33
Total Rebounds 50 IUP-W had no player over 6'-0"
Assists 27
IUP-W
STAT TOTAL
Points 40
Field Goals 14-51, 27.5%
Free Throws 8-14, 57.1%
3-Pointers 4-18, 22.2%
Off. Rebounds 5
Def. Rebounds 14
Total Rebounds 19
Assists 10
P. Fouls 21
T. Fouls 0
STAT TOTAL
Points 108
Field Goals 43-70, 61.4%
Free Throws 17-25, 68.0%
3-Pointers 5-14, 35.7%
Off. Rebounds 17
Def. Rebounds 33
Total Rebounds 50 IUP-W had no player over 6'-0"
Assists 27
IUP-W
STAT TOTAL
Points 40
Field Goals 14-51, 27.5%
Free Throws 8-14, 57.1%
3-Pointers 4-18, 22.2%
Off. Rebounds 5
Def. Rebounds 14
Total Rebounds 19
Assists 10
P. Fouls 21
T. Fouls 0
In an interview on Tuesday talking about the veterans that will be out and the newcomers that must be blended into the culture. McGraw noted,
Yeah, she didn't say hakuna matata. She said,"lacuna." Kinda of the opposite. I had to look it up. It's not Swahili. It's a medical term, Latin, describing an unfilled space or gap, a missing cavity or a depression especially in a bone.
McGraw concerned about turnovers. They had 13 turnovers tonight against 25 by IUP-W, a small not very talented group. It was the first exhibition game but this wasn't Con or South Carolina. Her nucleus of guards is pretty solid but without Turner and Westbeld, she has to work in a lower post, and two power forwards quickly, as well as, two walkons on a short bench.
Yeah, she didn't say hakuna matata. She said,"lacuna." Kinda of the opposite. I had to look it up. It's not Swahili. It's a medical term, Latin, describing an unfilled space or gap, a missing cavity or a depression especially in a bone.
McGraw concerned about turnovers. They had 13 turnovers tonight against 25 by IUP-W, a small not very talented group. It was the first exhibition game but this wasn't Con or South Carolina. Her nucleus of guards is pretty solid but without Turner and Westbeld, she has to work in a lower post, and two power forwards quickly, as well as, two walkons on a short bench.
Old Man Mike
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Now with Shepard and Vaughn, I'm not much worried about the bigs as Kat will be back, and both Jackie (our All-American this year) and Arike can help --- hopefully Coco a little too.
And I'm not worried about the wings --- that's where we're scary.
It's still Lindsay's replacement. I don't want Marina with that responsibility too much. She's not a natural point guard. That's the ball security "lacuna" that Coach is talking about. IMO.
And I'm not worried about the wings --- that's where we're scary.
It's still Lindsay's replacement. I don't want Marina with that responsibility too much. She's not a natural point guard. That's the ball security "lacuna" that Coach is talking about. IMO.
Old Man Mike
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Uhhh ... wow.
P.S. My earlier post about point guard play might seem off-target to some because of Lili Thompson. She is a very high quality player (obviously) but note that Muffet describes her as a "scoring" point guard. She's "hinting" to us that the role of Lindsay Allen as a pass/assist first floor general is not exactly what Lili Thompson is. Muffet reinforces that with her comment about us taking care of the ball. Lindsay Allen had a preternatural assists-to-turnover ratio (about three-to-four turnovers for every ten assists.) Lili Thompson has turned it over in her Stanford career at about seven to eight times per ten assists and very much less total assists in general. --- i.e. a Scoring Point Guard. Hopefully this increased scoring threat will offset the drop in assists and rise in turnovers, and Marina's contributions mitigate that even more. Also, we have to trust in Muffet's Magic to get Thompson "happy" with a role that scores less --- we are loaded with scoring threats (astoundingly so) and she'll probably not have many of those 20-30 point games she's accustomed to.
I trust that all this will work out, but can read between the lines of Muffet's comments.
P.S. My earlier post about point guard play might seem off-target to some because of Lili Thompson. She is a very high quality player (obviously) but note that Muffet describes her as a "scoring" point guard. She's "hinting" to us that the role of Lindsay Allen as a pass/assist first floor general is not exactly what Lili Thompson is. Muffet reinforces that with her comment about us taking care of the ball. Lindsay Allen had a preternatural assists-to-turnover ratio (about three-to-four turnovers for every ten assists.) Lili Thompson has turned it over in her Stanford career at about seven to eight times per ten assists and very much less total assists in general. --- i.e. a Scoring Point Guard. Hopefully this increased scoring threat will offset the drop in assists and rise in turnovers, and Marina's contributions mitigate that even more. Also, we have to trust in Muffet's Magic to get Thompson "happy" with a role that scores less --- we are loaded with scoring threats (astoundingly so) and she'll probably not have many of those 20-30 point games she's accustomed to.
I trust that all this will work out, but can read between the lines of Muffet's comments.
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