Highlights from Women's Basketball Media Day
The most useful thing to have at women's basketball media day on Wednesday afternoon was a roster. The Terrapins barely resemble the team that won 31 games, swept the ACC regular season and tournament titles, and advanced to the NCAA region finals. Only one starter and three reserves remain, and nine of Maryland's 10 players are either freshmen or sophomores. Marissa Coleman and Kristi Toliver, members of the winningest class in school history, graduated; two other players transferred, and one was dismissed.
"The biggest theme for us is—with nine freshmen and sophomores and only 10 players on the roster—we have to be patient with the process," said Coach Brenda Frese.
Some notes from media day:
Sophomore forward Lynetta Kizer, the ACC freshman of the year and lone returning starter, worked hard on a face-up jumper and extending her range out to 15 to 17 feet.
Sophomore guard Anjale Barrett says that she's in the best shape of her college career; she's finally healthy after battling through some knee problems last year, and she also lost some weight.
Sophomore guard Kim Rodgers, who was one of the sparks off the bench during the ACC and NCAA tournaments, had off-season knee surgery to clean out some of the debris left over from previous surgeries. She says that she hopes to be back at full speed by the time the regular season begins.
Freshman guard Dara Taylor, a McDonald's All-American, is "by far the quickest point guard we've had in the program," according to Frese.
Freshman center Essence Townsend, who is listed at 6-foot-7 and reportedly can dunk, "is a fun player to watch, and the tallest player since I've been here," Frese said.
Freshman Diandra Tchatchouang, a 6-foot-3 forward from France, has made a smooth transition to Maryland; she can play three positions and "should have an immediate impact," according to Frese.
By
Camille Powell
|
October 14, 2009; 5:35 PM ET
| Category:
Women's basketball
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