Some thoughts:
- I thought Albina looked great. Good ball handling and great defensive awareness. I think she is an ACC plus defender and definitely can play at this level. Jevtovic feels like she is a step too slow; and Naya is so strong and has court awareness but will be too short to play significant minutes in the ACC and still misses too many bunnies.
- Lulu, G, and Taylor are all just amazing.
-Shannon gives us a very different vibe off the bench and will be a real microwave of energy sometimes I think.
- Our ceiling this season could go much higher if Ruby can keep developing. She looks great out there and very aggressive and chippy; but still learning.
- I love that Zara is basically a perfect backup for Gisella. Allows us to play her in a very clear and intentional role.

A solid start.

I liked Ruby's game. She competes - a few times she got switched on to a big and she didn't back down. She sticks her nose in there. 7 boards from the shortest Bear - that was nice to see.

It will be another season of the opposing team going directly at Lulu. Once they switched Ruby on to Villa, that seemed to be a better matchup.

The Bears had a simple action where Syla got the ball at the arc and Lulu just used her as a screen...Syla flipped the ball to Lulu and open 3. Happened at least twice and Lulu hit 3s each time.

Dowell looked like the Bear's microwave - instant offense. Although I'd like for her to look to pass - a time or two she drove and had Lulu at the arc for an open 3 but decided to try to finish. Granted, she drew a foul or finished but I'd like to see her look for Lulu. But can't complain about 17 off the bench.

This team has better depth, they now have some height, seems to have more offensive firepower.

Was funny to see the three Aussies on the court at the time.

I guess Mjracle is injured? She wasn't dressed.

ethan0l said:

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Some thoughts:
- I thought Albina looked great. Good ball handling and great defensive awareness. I think she is an ACC plus defender and definitely can play at this level. Jevtovic feels like she is a step too slow; and Naya is so strong and has court awareness but will be too short to play significant minutes in the ACC and still misses too many bunnies.
- Lulu, G, and Taylor are all just amazing.
-Shannon gives us a very different vibe off the bench and will be a real microwave of energy sometimes I think.
- Our ceiling this season could go much higher if Ruby can keep developing. She looks great out there and very aggressive and chippy; but still learning.
- I love that Zara is basically a perfect backup for Gisella. Allows us to play her in a very clear and intentional role.

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Not trying to be negative, just keeping it real. To say Albina looked great is really off. In the first quarter she missed at least three easy lay ins after receiving excellent passes from teammates. With her height she needs to be reaching for the basket underneath. Not sure about her hands.

OTOH the biggest difference in our half court offense this year is we are running the center high instead of down low which was the case with Sakima and Michelle. I like it. The result is much better ball movement and opening for all five players. It was refreshing to see Lulu get so many decent looks within the flow of the offense. My hope is that Albina and Jovana improve and get stronger as the season goes forward. If they do our win ceiling definitely rises.

I was really happy seeing the speed up and down the court and the sharp passes. Having gone to open practice (I did try to post about it but it disappeared into the ether somehow) I saw a lot of 3 point buckets go in....the practice itself was pretty low-key because they had the game the next day, but they were doing a lot of 3 point shooting. I think once they settle in, you'll see players other than Lulu shoot some daggers routinely, assuming they can get open....which will certainly help Lulu get open herself.

I did speak to Mjracle at the practice and she was wearing workout clothes, stretching but didn't play. She wasn't limping or anything so I imagine they are being very cautious with her injury so that she will be healthy when we need her. Better safe than sorry.

As for the game, it was interesting to see that all but 2 of WSU's players were international. Here's a link....really, the UN could set up shop in Pullman. https://wsucougars.com/sports/womens-basketball/roster Their point guard from Italy was particularly impressive. I think they were a good first test for the Bears since they kept up the defensve pressure and intensity for most of the game.

The Bears missed some shots, but it was the first game so I wasn't too concerned. G made a number of free throws, but I could tell she was annoyed when missing her 3s. During warmups she made 'em so I have faith she'll settle in on that front.

Shannon is so quick and can really go downhill (and put the ball in the hoop) so will offer another weapon offensively. Syla missed some buckets under the rim, but I imagine as she settles in, those will start falling too. I do think JJ (Jovana Jevtovic) has a bit more strength under the bucket and good hands, so we will likely see more of her too, particularly if matchups permit. Naya had some beautifies too, particularly the alley-oop play from G (I think). Like I said the passing was pretty dang fast and fun to watch.

Good crowd too for a game like this. Happy to see a number of people stick after the men's game. Lots of violet to go along with the blue and gold too.

Was at the game last night. All I can say is BRAVO to Charmin for scheduling those exhibition games because wow, we look way ahead of schedule. This team has the chance to be very good.

Albina does need to convert more of her touches around the basket. That's the difference between 80 and 90 points right there. Thankfully it's only game 1.

CalFanatic said:

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Albina does need to convert more of her touches around the basket. That's the difference between 80 and 90 points right there. Thankfully it's only game 1.

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I agree with all the notes about Albina needing to convert those shots; but the hopeful thing was she was getting them. They were definitly open, easy looks. And she made several impactful blocks and even poke aways from her opposing center on the block. To me, figuring out how to make those easy layups is more solvable than addressing body control and skill issues.

Agreed. Loved her defense. Ruby's too... she seemed to be everywhere

Yeah, take no chances with her healing. She needs to be ready to shut down Hildago again like she did last season.

I was thinking more about physical presence than skill sets.

Speaking of Sakima, she attended last night's game. They acknowledged her in the crowd. I'm impressed. She spent one season as a Bear but continues to support Charmin and the players.

A Berkeley convert. Everybody who has spent time in Berkeley knows it's one of the best places on the planet.

Gisella and Taylor both have decent 3pt shooting numbers and form.

bruchu said:

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I saw that Carly Amborn only got 2 minutes of play. When she transferred I was hoping that she could develop into a consistent 3 pt threat to take pressure off of Lulu, especially in ACC play.

Anyone with thoughts on Amborn's limited playing time? Where will this team get 3 pt shooting from when our opponents overplay Lulu?

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My guess is defense. Carly is long but not (yet) particularly strong or quick.

During halftime warmups I watched putting up shots and was impressed with her form and results

bruchu said:

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I saw that Carly Amborn only got 2 minutes of play. When she transferred I was hoping that she could develop into a consistent 3 pt threat to take pressure off of Lulu, especially in ACC play.

Anyone with thoughts on Amborn's limited playing time? Where will this team get 3 pt shooting from when our opponents overplay Lulu?

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