Ignatius L Hoops
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http://www.startribune.com/gophers-women-s-basketball-bringing-new-centers-along-slowly/363892481/
Throughout the nonconference schedule, Gophers coach Marlene Stollings has had to exercise patience as a crop of new centers adapted to the college game. Her approach has been to keep things short and simple, limiting both their minutes and their responsibilities.
Her mind-set won’t change when the Gophers begin Big Ten play Thursday at Rutgers. Though their lack of experienced post players presents a huge challenge, Stollings said the development of Jessie Edwards, Karley Barnes and Annalese Lamke cannot be rushed. While they get used to the rugged grind of the Big Ten, the Gophers will continue to rely on their guards to handle most of the scoring and lend a hand on the boards.
The departure of All-America center Amanda Zahui B. for the WNBA left a hole in the middle of the roster that has yet to be filled. The Gophers compiled an 8-3 nonconference record with a lineup featuring four — and sometimes five — guards. They hope their centers can hold their own against the Big Ten’s array of talented post players, even as they continue to learn.
“You have to be realistic about the progress,” Stollings said. “Are they exactly where we want them for Big Ten play? I think we would say no.
Throughout the nonconference schedule, Gophers coach Marlene Stollings has had to exercise patience as a crop of new centers adapted to the college game. Her approach has been to keep things short and simple, limiting both their minutes and their responsibilities.
Her mind-set won’t change when the Gophers begin Big Ten play Thursday at Rutgers. Though their lack of experienced post players presents a huge challenge, Stollings said the development of Jessie Edwards, Karley Barnes and Annalese Lamke cannot be rushed. While they get used to the rugged grind of the Big Ten, the Gophers will continue to rely on their guards to handle most of the scoring and lend a hand on the boards.
The departure of All-America center Amanda Zahui B. for the WNBA left a hole in the middle of the roster that has yet to be filled. The Gophers compiled an 8-3 nonconference record with a lineup featuring four — and sometimes five — guards. They hope their centers can hold their own against the Big Ten’s array of talented post players, even as they continue to learn.
“You have to be realistic about the progress,” Stollings said. “Are they exactly where we want them for Big Ten play? I think we would say no.