ASU Basketball: Women’s Basketball Roundtable

1. Since the 83-42 loss versus Maryland, Arizona State have won eight of nine games. What has been the biggest reason for their turnaround?

Sam: The biggest reason for their turnaround has been the growth of the freshman players. Arizona State’s highly-touted recruiting class has had some growing plays, but they are starting to become more and more comfortable. Reili Richardson, who became the starting point guard after fellow freshman Kiara Russell suffered an injury, has done a great job running the offense, setting up the post players and driving into the paint. Richardson gives ASU a speed aspect they have not had in past years. Freshmen guard Robbi Ryan has also provided stout defense and some offensive production coming off the bench.

Jordan: They have gotten back to the basics by getting the ball down low to their experienced players for higher percentage shots.  It is taking pressure off the young guards and frees them up for easy shots later in the game.  They are making the opponent’s defense work so hard to defend them, that by the fourth quarter ASU has wore them down and can easily pull away.  To go along with that, coach Charli Turner Thorne said that rebounding was the best thing they are doing right now, they are keeping the ball from their opponents while getting more second chances themselves.

Gigi: ASU has been able to settle into a more relaxed style of play. After the embarrassing loss to Maryland, the team really focused on the basics and were able to find their rhythm. Their upset win against Kentucky has built up the team momentum and was the biggest showcase on the skills they’ve been practicing, staying strong when rebounding and being able to sink the easy shots. The seniors have also been able to remain consistent in leading the young team, and the freshmen have stepped up to earn their spots on the team.

Leah: The seniors have really stepped up and started contribute for when it comes to points. At the beginning, it was mostly the younger players who were putting up points but now the seniors have started to grab more rebounds and are scoring more consistently which has really taken a load off the shoulders of the other players. Especially when you would expect the more experienced players to be the ones to make the biggest impacts.