forming, storming and norming

[kansashusker]

All the recent posts about the new 2016 recruits along with the fact that tomorrow is sr. day and Rachel T's last home game as a Husker have me thinking about where our team is in the cycle of team building.  The reality is that the Lindsey Moore years through the cady/hallie/brandi/T years were a great cycle.  However, at the end it created a large gap 2 seasons ago between the sr battle tested experience of those 4 and the younger players.  As a result our predominantly young team this year is in transition in phase 2 or the early "forming" stage of the next cycle.  Rachel T is really the only major carry over peace from the prior cycle. yeah nat played a lot as a freshman, and allie some on the 14-15 team and both did well but nat is the leader of the next up cycle identify wise as a super experienced and talented soph now. 

 

The reality is that after Rachel T's departure there will be complete turn over from the Lindsey Moore thru cady groups.  Leaving us in the late "forming stage" of the next cycle. That forming stage will largely be complete when the 2016 class arrives and any other late addition we add this spring (5th year, juco, etc).  After that we will truly be in the next phase of team development which is "storming".  We will have predominantly jrs, sophs and freshman in fierce "storming" competition for PT primarily among 3 spots (based on my belief that if healthy Jess and Nat won't be displaced).  This competition should make for a great practice environment, youthful hungry energy, and some bumps along the way next season with lots of less experienced players getting minutes.  As next year progresses and kids get experience and the rotation settles in we should be back to "normal" with 2 budding stars in Romeo and Shepard, and some really athletic good kids rounding out the roster.  At that point we will enter phase 3 which is "normal".  If we stay healthy we should be able to ride that wave with great success through Jess' graduation.   

[HUD]

I agree with a lot of the previous post.  I just don't know why we have to go through cycles  and not just have 3 to 4 good recruits per year with an occasional redshirt given out here and there.  It's pretty obvious that our recruiting  for the 2012 and 2013 seasons wasn't very good outside of Theriot and Havers.  People will say we would have had better classes if some of the players wouldn't have left but that's one of the keys to recruiting.  You have to get players who will fit our culture and want to work hard for playing time.

[caveman]

I think if Rachel T. Was healthy all year it would be a quite different story. First off she only looked like herself for 2 B1G games. More importatly she missed half the practices. No senior leadership and more importantly team chemistry building lacking. Keep in mind it's the point we are talking about. That chemistry with the point does have to be there. So even if she could perform well enough without practicing, the young team is going to have problems performing without her.

[Cazzie22]

I am very cautious about the prospects for the future.  NU will be a good, competitive team but I have my doubts that it will be a championship contender in the B1G.  Maryland and Ohio St. will still be the class of the league with their athleticism and recruiting. One player in the league that I am very impressed by is Carly Wagner of Minnesota.  That game winning shot against OSU the other night was a fantastic basketball play by anyone at any level.  Minnesota was able to do a decent job defending OSU.  If NU can improve defensively against the teams that have superior athletes then the future could be brighter.

[mwm89]

I'm in the same boat with what you're saying Cazzie. The recruiting has to at least be even with those who aren't OSU and Maryland. We'll see if these frosh and next year's class prove to do that. Of course we have had a coaching transition as two new assistants came in the same year. We'll see if their recruiting prowess is there or improves over a short amount of time. There will at least be more familiarity and continuity on the bench next year (unless there is yet another departure).

[swmckewon]

The 2016 class, I suspect, will be pretty good. 

[redsteve]

The future  ...?  Let's face it next year will be a tough one. We'll have just one Sr, that's played a lot.  Could be wrong but don't really see any transfers in the picture either.

 

Actually, we'll have a more experienced starting five, plus another 2 or 3 that have played...more experienced maybe than this year, where we started freshman. Should see more consistent play overall...in lots of areas.  Jess, "Burns" and Darrien should much improved next year.

 

We were shooting for better percentages, then it kind of slumped late. Need more points by more players....consistently. Hope the girls will be in the gym...shooting.

 

Maryland, OSU...and a couple other teams...they're deeper in pure shooters...which is the big difference.

 

Out of that group coming back, we won't have a true experienced point guard. Getting that resolved before the next season, probably will be Connie's primary focus for next summer/fall.

 

We may have to do the point by committee at least in the first half of season, but Connie's got some ideas probably. Jasmine maybe...Nat's better utilized by receiving assists, rather than giving out assists.

 

There's another five newcomers to evaluate. There are a couple of very good prospects for the point, but they're freshman...and realistically, may or may not be ready even by Feb. ??....an unknown to be resolved. Hopefully there will be a surprise or two in the newbies.

 

We'll be a little thinner around the basket. Anya has put in some good minutes this year.

 

As has been talked about several times, our classes of recruits are so inconsistent by the numbers. Wonder if Connie will attempt any red shirting to try to even things out.

 

Sorry for the rehash of stuff we've probably already talked about

[caveman]

I would not move Nat from the 2, as she is far too lethal. The 3 point shooting is great, but not nearly as important as the way she moves without the ball. The constant movement occupies multiple defenders. With a full summer to condition Jess is going to be vastly improved as she will be able to scrap harder under the bucket and get more boards. I expect Jas will get the nod at the 3, but Maddie is a serious wild card. If her game improves enough to match her athleticism, no one will match her. There should be a good competition for the 4 between Burns and Alley. If the recovery is quick I do expect Burns to win the start. By my estimation that leaves the point. I will put a Buffalo nickel on Miss Doyle getting the start. I think she is the real deal. Remember the last time we had a freshman start at point. I do believe Miss Moore helped direct us to the sweet sixteen.

As for the rest of the in coming freshmen. I expect serious contribution from two. Miss Cayton will be fabulous and adjusting to the college game. She's faced sooo much national competition the speed will not be a shock to her system. The surprise will be Miss Eliely do not be fooled by the lack of publicity. She is high on length and athleticism. The incoming frosh that I have no clue on is Miss Whitish.

[Husker15]

http://m.gazette.com/ramparts-eliely-scorches-regis-for-33-points-despite-foul-trouble/article/1570979

[whoopdeedoo]

Congrats to her! Best of luck on the next one!

[Cazzie22]

Defensive improvement is imperative.  Michigan St. was able to slow down OSU enough to win yesterday.  OSU is lacking depth this year but that should be corrected with an incoming class.  Minnesota was able to score enough points with Banham and Wagner to upset OSU.  We don't have a Banham nor a Wagner nor an Aerial Powers at MSU.  

 

I'm hoping Jess Shephard will be more of a defensive presence next season.  I'm sure she will continue to work to develop as a complete player.  I love following the Lady Huskers.