2011-12 Emory Women's Basketball Season Preview
If one was looking for a catch phrase to preview the 2011-12 Emory women's basketball, an accurate and appropriate one would be 'a year older and a year wiser.'
After going through a trial-by-fire process last season with a roster full of first-year players who saw considerable action, this year's team promises to have more familiarity with the program and the know-how of what it takes to be successful playing in the always competitive University Athletic Association.
Ninth-year head coach Christy Thomaskutty returns 12 letterwinners, including four starters, which finished with an overall record of 11-14 a year ago, 4-10 in the league. Despite starting a lineup of two freshmen, two sophomores (one of whom was a first-year member of the team) and one senior, Thomaskutty saw a number of bright spots in 2010-11 that she hopes will continue to develop.
"We are striving to be a better ball club in all facets of the game," Thomaskutty said. "I thought that we did well offensively last season despite having so many young players. But, the bottom line is that to win consistently win in this league you have to defend and rebound. Those are the things that we will have to do in order to take the next step."
The Emory mentor's point about her team offensive productivity is well taken. The Eagles of a year ago
managed to finish second in the UAA and 26th nationally in scoring with a 73.0 points per game average. In addition, Emory knocked down 149 three-point field goals, the second-highest mark in school annals and held down the No. 3 spot in the conference in triples per game. With eight of the top nine scorers ready to hit the floor running, Emory should continue to put pressure on the opposition with its ability to score.
BACKCOURT
Emory will be solid in the backcourt led by 5-foot-8 sophomore Hannah Lilly, a Second Team All-UAA pick and league Rookie of the Year in 2010-11. The D3hoops.com South Region Rookie of the Year, Lilly started 22 of 25 games last season and tossed in a team-high 11.6 points per contest, good for 12th place on the league ladder. A double-figure scorer on 14 occasions, Lilly drained 41 three-point field goals, tying for the sixth-highest seasonal mark in school history.
Sophomore Savannah Morgan returns as the incumbent at point guard after performing well in that capacity last season. Morgan, 5-foot-8, drew starting assignments in 23 of 25 games and topped the squad while ranking sixth in the UAA with a 4.2 assists-per-game mark. No. 3 in the conference and 36th nationally in the important assist/turnover ratio (1.8), Morgan averaged 8.4 points per game and was among the team's more proficient free throw shooters with a 70 percent effort from the stripe.
"Savannah is one of the strongest and most competitive young ladies who I have ever coached," said Thomaskutty. "She wants to win in the worst way and was diligent about improving over the summer. I think that those who observed her last year will be impressed in how much better she shoots the ball."
Sophomore Selena Castillo, 5-foot-6, provided the team with solid play at the point last year and will earn her fair share of game action. Castillo played in 24 games and averaged 4.5 points and 2.4 assists while logging 13 minutes per playing stint.
"Selena is a high-energy player who plays with abandonment and who is looking to make things happen at both ends of the floor," Thomaskutty said. "It has been rewarding to see her grow."
Senior Melissa Koike, 5-foot-7, is a tested veteran who heads into the upcoming campaign with the most experience on the team with a total of 71 games under her belt. She came off the bench in all 25 games in 2010-11 and repeatedly gave the Eagles a lift, averaging 5.7 points and 3.7 boards while providing a solid defensive presence.
"For the most part, Melissa was a defensive player last season, and while we will need her to keep up that defensive intensity this season, it has been good to see her knocking down some shots in the preseason," Thomaskutty stated.
Look for freshman Chandler Nash, 5-foot-10, from nearby Loganville to make her mark with her impressive shooting skills while junior Katie Dickerson will provide depth at the position after seeing limited action in 14 contests last year.
FRONT COURT
The junior tandem of Danielle Landry and Misha Jackson will be counted upon to provide both consistency and productivity each time they step on the floor. The pair are coming off fine seasons and their play will be key in the team's success this year.
"These two players have grown both on and off the court going into their junior years," Thomaskutty said. "The challenges for Danielle and Misha will center on becoming more well-rounded and becoming outstanding in all areas of the game."
The 5-foot-11 Jackson started 21 of 25 games last year and captured Second Team All-UAA honors after ranking second on the squad in scoring (10.6 ppg) while finishing second on the team and fourth in the league in rebounding (6.7 rpg). She registered 11 double-figure scoring performances and was the club's top point producer in 10 games. In addition, she ranked ninth in the conference with a 1.9 steals-per-game average.
Landry, 6-foot, snagged a team-high 7.3 boards per contest, third among UAA cagers, and totaled six double-figure performances in that category while standing as the team's top rebounder on 14 occasions. She tossed in 6.4 points per game while recording four games of 10 or more points.
Versatile senior Becca Feldman, 5-foot-9, will bolster the contingent with her experience and knowledge of the system positive factors as Thomaskkuty searches for depth at the position. Heading into her fourth season with the program, Feldman played in 24 games a year ago, five as a starter, and averaged 18.7 minutes and 6.5 points per game.
"Becca is doing whatever is asked of her," Thomaskutty said. "Last year, she was playing between the 3 and the 4 spots, and even during the preseason we have had to move her around somewhat. But she has been impressive, crashing the boards, shooting the ball well and being verbal."
Senior Emily Hyncik, 5-foot-11, played in 21 games in her initial season with the program following her transfer form Sacred Heart University. She demonstrated some scoring punch, averaging 5.6 points over 12.3 minutes per stint and connected on 23 three-point field goals. Now firmly established in the program, Hyncik will be asked to make the most of her playing opportunities.
"Emily has been slowed a somewhat during the preseason and we are just really starting to get her back into the fold," Thomaskutty said. "But, she has been impressive so far. You can see that she has considerably more confidence at this stage than what she had last year."
Junior Brooke Thyng, 5-foot-9, and sophomore Taylor Bruzzio, 6-foot-1, aim to return to the lineup this season after missing parts of last year with injuries. Thyng played in 18 games before being sideline while Bruzzio saw a promising eight-game start to 2010-11 come to an end with her injury.
Freshman O'dez Oraedu, 6-foot, is a promising young player with good hands who will likely see some time according to Thomaskutty. Sophomore Gabi Whitmer, 5-foot-9, hopes to make her impact felt after being slowed early on last year with injuries before making her way back to the court. Freshman Lauren Ball, 5-foot-10, adds depth to the corps.
 |  |
