Three things I was watching for in the open practice:

1. Will M'Cole be ready to play as a freshman? Answer: Definitely. Her outside shot was less than hoped for, at least today. But everything else was there. Very tenacious and intense on defense. Good ball security. Likes to drive the paint. The coaches were coaching her up on a number of issues in running the offense and on perimeter defense. But as a freshman, it would be hard to ask for more. On the other hand, it looks like Cowling will start at the off-guard position alongside Thomas. That will probably work o.k., but I am not sure it will make the best use of Cowling's talents. However, it looks like we don't have any other options.

2. Can Brown play this year after her knee issues? Answer: Looks like it. She seemed to wear down some over the course of the long practice. However, she did not wear a brace, and seemed to have recovered speed, jumping and mobility. The real eye-opener, though, was her outside shooting. Whenever we face a tough zone (probably in every game), her role could be as a designated zone breaker.

3. Will Kristine be passing back out of the double team to help against a zone? Answer: Still not sure. It did happen once in this practice, but that may have been an accident. She looks great overall, but this team will need that extra dimension from her for maximum success.

Lindsay commented at the beginning of the practice that this is now an experienced team, and that it is really hungry to compete and to make up for last year. Overall, this practice did seem very intense.

Thank you for your informative report. I also find it encouraging that Jaelyn Brown could play SF when Mikayla Cowling plays SG! Who looks best as the backup center, soph Chen Yue or frosh CJ West? I wish Kristine Anigwe would look to pass off to the other Cal "bigs": Courtney Range and/or Penina Davidson. GO BEARS!

Adding to S71's inquiries, how did Chen Yue look after a year off? Will she contribute this season? CJ's HS videos were impressive.

Chiny Yue looked more in shape and more athletic. She gave Kristine all she could handle inside. That said, Kristine looked to be in much better shape.

Lindsey said in the pre-practice that her top three point guards are Thomas, Cayton, and Cowling.

We have three left handers on this team. Obviously Mosley but J Brown and Sara Anastaqsieska. Sara A. Also played point guard and was satisfactory. She is more athletic than i pictured and is one tough cookie.

J Brown might be the most athletic player on the team. she did wear down. But before she did wear down, she showed some serious hops. I mean I would compare her to Cowling. Her shot is a little streaky and has a very high arc (if you are an old Warrior fans, thank Purvis Short).

Penina Davidson has lot some weight and boy does she look athletic. She was the best defender on the court and at times wrecked havoc on the opposing offenses. How many steals did she have? As of now she is starting. She also cut her hair and looks great.

The men's practice squad is quite good and makes it tough for them inside. On the other hand, Chen Yue makes it tough too.

Anigwe dunked in practice. And she missed another. She looks like she wants to be a leader this year to me. She was first in almost every sprint except one where Moseley decided to adjust the after burners.

West looked OK. She in my opinion is behind Chen Yue. But she will probably look better when she gets in shape.

Thomas looked more confident to me and was shooting pretty well. And maybe a little quicker.

wvitbear, how did MiCole look shooting from the perimeter; driving to the hoop off the bounce? Thanks for your report.

As Annharbor mentioned, she didn't shoot real well today but handled the ball well. And she defended well. Of course she was acting as a point guard so that may have been on her mind. Instead of a shooting guard.

Team sounds like it will be pretty good.

blungld;842741964 said:

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Team sounds like it will be pretty good.

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As Iverson said..we talking 'bout' practice. If they play regular game up to their potential then I would be happy.

Somewhat true. But I go to see if Brown has recovered from her knee operation (she has). That Davidson has lost a lot of weight and is much more athletic. That Anigwe is much more in shape. That Chen Yue has recovered (she has).

Might check out to see if shooting has improved.

By the way, i thought last year, our surge at the end was because we were playing much better defense. And when we lost Gabby , our best defender, it was a little worrisome. I thought we played pretty good defense yesterday. The second unit actually played better defense. Actually. whoever had Davidson played better defense.

I believe this team has 2nd round NCAA tourney potential. Hate to look ahead, but next years roster... That should be our best team since the FF (Granted everyone is healthy). Excited for 11/6

We should be cautious in evaluating any players shooting ability based on one practice. Players can get hot or cold in respect to their actual abilities. Some players are also very streaky while others more consistent. With new players it takes a while to actually get an accurate assessment
With other aspects of the game, w
hile also applicable to a degree, it doesn't vary as much as shots not falling. I have seen good shooters go cold and mediocre shooters not miss a shot.

Best shooters on the court Saturday were two of the guys on the practice squad. Best defender was Kendall Celeste Waters playing for the practice squad against the home team. I think KC gave her teammates all they could handle - very physical.

The team couldn't match KC's physicality? With Kristine and CJ, particularly, I guess I'm surprised. If her physical play was effective and productive, perhaps, LG needs to get KC on the floor this season?

Good news. Player development and improvement seems to be occurring.

puget sound cal fan;842744440 said:

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The team couldn't match KC's physicality? With Kristine and CJ, particularly, I guess I'm surprised. If her physical play was effective and productive, perhaps, LG needs to get KC on the floor this season?

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I think the lack of her playing time was based more on the type of defense that Cal plays. KC was always physical.

After watching Cal the last few years, tell me about the outside shooting......

Also, anyone making free throws?

Yeah, specifically MiCole, Sara and Jaylen?

puget sound cal fan;842744732 said:

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Yeah, specifically MiCole, Sara and Jaylen?

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Doesn't matter about Sara this year.

This was Sara's first exposure, and I wondered what she displayed of her shooting ability?

puget sound cal fan;842744775 said:

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This was Sara's first exposure, and I wondered what she displayed of her shooting ability?

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In the drills Sara looked fine, with a quick release and most shots going in. In the scrimmages few of anyone's shots went in (though a couple of the men were hitting).

Sounds like "early season". Thanks Stu.

There really wasn't a lot of shooting during the 2-hour practice. Mostly drills on defensive and offensive positioning, ball screens, passing, fast breaks, etc.