Open practice shows team as a work in progress

Tara has a word with some of the players at a previous practice.

Fans of Stanford women’s basketball got their first peek at this season’s team during an open practice Oct. 25 in Maples.

Here are some quick overall impressions:

n  The players and action are fast.

n  Defense is dogged.

n  Shooting needs to improve.

n  Several returning players look really good.

Of course it’s difficult to make assessments this early in the season, especially given the nature of practice. Each side in scrimmage had frequent substitutions, meaning that it was difficult to establish cohesiveness.

On the other hand, these changes give each player a chance to play and the coaches a chance to figure out potential lineups.

Protection for some players

Practice was under way when the more than 100 fans arrived. Junior forward Alyssa Jerome wore a protective face mask, but it didn’t seem to hinder her performance.

Senior forward Nadia Fingall had a heavy brace on her knee after undergoing surgery for a torn ACL at the end of last season. She wasn’t quite at 100 percent, but she did look good.

Likewise, senior guard DiJonai Carrington had knee wraps, but she had lost none of her fearlessness in going to the basket. At one point, she scored over freshman forward Fran Belibi and then seemed to give the rookie a few pointers. Later, Fran knocked in a 3-pointer.

The Gun helps with free throws

Instead of scrimmaging with her teammates, freshman guard Haley Jones was on the sidelines shooting free throws and other close-in shots. She was aided by what assistant coach Lindy La Rocque later said is called The Gun.

Here’s how it works: After going through the basket, the ball goes into a net and funnels into a machine that shoots the ball back to the player. As Lindy said, it gives the player a chance to make more shots without her or someone else having to snare the ball.

Junior forward Maya Dodson wasn’t there when fans arrived, but she did come to the court later accompanied by the new strength and conditioning coach, Ali Kershner. She practiced shooting but moved slowly.

During the practice, the players had half- and full-court scrimmages, some drills, 3x3 scrimmages and some cross-court running.

Tara assesses the season’s possibilities

After the practice, the team and fans gathered in the west concourse, where head coach Tara VanDerveer introduced each player. Except for two players who had classes, the others left for a session of lifting. Their next practice was scheduled at 8:30 a.m. the next day, homecoming.

Looking ahead, Tara said, “We’re going to have a good year.” She said the four freshmen are “doing phenomenally well.” In addition to Fran and Haley, they are guard Hannah Jump and forward Ashten Prechtel.

Tara likes the improvement of Anna, among others.

Looking at the improvement of returning players, Tara made special mention of Alyssa, Nadia, senior guard Anna Wilson and sophomore forward Lexie Hull.

In keeping with Stanford’s policy of not detailing injuries, Tara said Haley is “a little dinged,” and Maya will be “out longer,” though both are doing well. She called Haley a “very smart player” who can play all positions except center.

Earlier this month, associate head coach Kate Paye said that both Nadia and DiJonai had been cleared to practice but not to play. Tara updated that information by saying that she expects both to be ready to play next week.

Challenges start immediately

That’s when the challenges start right away. First there’s Beijing Normal for an exhibition at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 in Maples. Tara said it’s China’s national college championship team.

Next some of the world’s best players, including Stanford alum, Nneka Ogwumike, ’12, come to Maples for another exhibition at 4 p.m. Nov. 2. They’re on the USA Team that’s touring the country to prepare for the 2020 Olympics. The non-conference and conference seasons also promise tough competition.

With so much talent on this year’s team, “it’s going to be a challenge” to figure out how to best use each player and to determine the best combinations, Tara said. “They keep each other accountable.”

She had just one word to answer a fan’s question about seeing some dunks – “yes.” They’re expected to come from Fran, who has dunked in high school and at this summer’s camp for young girls.

Overall, “It’ll be really interesting to see what happens” over the next four to six months of the season, Tara said. “This team can be really special.”

Photos by Stanford Athletics