[81alum]

I really feel for Lili.  Each time I heard her speak I must say she seemed articulate, humble, and well adjusted.  She is an easy player to like.  It is also obvious that she is very closely connected to her family, and she was deeply affected by losing two people close to her last year. 

I think it was this interview with Tara that I found most significant for understanding how Tara thinks the team will develop--and perhaps a hint of insight into her view of Lili.  It came just days after Washington bounced us from the NCAAs. 

Wilson is the sister of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. “She has a point-guard mentality,” VanDerveer said, “and her brother is a fantastic role model for her. He’s a worker.”

VanDerveer is concerned about Carrington’s knee (she came off ACL surgery this year). “She’s very athletic,” VanDerveer said. “If she’s healthy, she gives us a different dimension on the wing.”

Fingall will contribute right away, VanDerveer said. “She’s strong. She’s not going to be pushed around by anyone.”

In the post, McCall “is just going to get better. The cork’s off the Champagne, and it’s bubbling. Give me 10 of her, please.”

She might play Samuelson some at shooting guard instead of wing next season, she said. “We need to get her more shots,” VanDerveer said. “She was underrated as a defender. I would hope she’ll have an All-Pac-12 year.”

VanDerveer was blunt about what some players must do to improve. She wants Thompson to pass more. “We need her to be unselfish and have a better turnover-to-assist ratio.” Kaylee Johnson “needs to really work on her offensive moves and improve her free-throw shooting.” Kailee Johnson “has to make a decision about her relationship with basketball. She’s fairly skilled and very smart, but how important is basketball to Kailee? I think she could be a lot better.”

Brittany McPhee has great skills on both offense and defense, but it was hard to find minutes for her because she wasn’t as consistent as other players, VanDerveer said. Brianna Roberson was miscast as a point guard, VanDerveer said, but added, “If she gets her shot going and plays good defense, she can help you.”

Australian freshman Alanna Smith “has a big strong body and could be a great stretch ‘4’ (forward), but she has to improve her skills.” Another freshman, point guard Marta Sniezek, was impressive as a passer, especially down the stretch. “I would put Marta in a gym and tell her to make 300-to-500 threes a day,” VanDerveer said.

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...216231.php

[81alum]

I really feel for Lili.  Each time I heard her speak I must say she seemed articulate, humble, and well adjusted.  She is an easy player to like.  It is also obvious that she is very closely connected to her family, and she was deeply affected by losing two people close to her last year. 

I think it was this interview with Tara that I found most significant for understanding how Tara thinks the team will develop--and perhaps a hint of insight into her view of Lili.  It came just days after Washington bounced us from the NCAAs. 

Wilson is the sister of Seattle quarterback Russell Wilson. “She has a point-guard mentality,” VanDerveer said, “and her brother is a fantastic role model for her. He’s a worker.”

VanDerveer is concerned about Carrington’s knee (she came off ACL surgery this year). “She’s very athletic,” VanDerveer said. “If she’s healthy, she gives us a different dimension on the wing.”

Fingall will contribute right away, VanDerveer said. “She’s strong. She’s not going to be pushed around by anyone.”

In the post, McCall “is just going to get better. The cork’s off the Champagne, and it’s bubbling. Give me 10 of her, please.”

She might play Samuelson some at shooting guard instead of wing next season, she said. “We need to get her more shots,” VanDerveer said. “She was underrated as a defender. I would hope she’ll have an All-Pac-12 year.”

VanDerveer was blunt about what some players must do to improve. She wants Thompson to pass more. “We need her to be unselfish and have a better turnover-to-assist ratio.” Kaylee Johnson “needs to really work on her offensive moves and improve her free-throw shooting.” Kailee Johnson “has to make a decision about her relationship with basketball. She’s fairly skilled and very smart, but how important is basketball to Kailee? I think she could be a lot better.”

Brittany McPhee has great skills on both offense and defense, but it was hard to find minutes for her because she wasn’t as consistent as other players, VanDerveer said. Brianna Roberson was miscast as a point guard, VanDerveer said, but added, “If she gets her shot going and plays good defense, she can help you.”

Australian freshman Alanna Smith “has a big strong body and could be a great stretch ‘4’ (forward), but she has to improve her skills.” Another freshman, point guard Marta Sniezek, was impressive as a passer, especially down the stretch. “I would put Marta in a gym and tell her to make 300-to-500 threes a day,” VanDerveer said.

http://www.sfgate.com/collegesports/arti...216231.php