Sept. 8, 2009
WASHINGTON - After one of the most successful seasons in recent memory, there is still more work to be done for the 2009-10 Georgetown University women's basketball team. Last season, the squad finished out the year with a run to the WNIT Quarterfinals and was ninth overall in BIG EAST play. While the first postseason appearance in six seasons and a twenty-win season put the Hoyas on the right track, there are still places to go.
The Hoyas were 20-14 overall and finished 7-9 in conference play last season. With one of the youngest teams in the nation, including seven freshmen on the roster, Georgetown peaked at just the right time putting together an impressive run late into March.
The Blue & Gray returns 12 players and brings in another ranked recruiting class, but 10 underclassmen still leaves a number of unanswered questions. Shooting guard Karee Houlette was lost to graduation but will be replaced by Ta'Shauna "Sugar" Rodgers, one of the top prospects in the country. The two other freshmen add size to the lineup both coming in over six-foot to address any questions in the paint.
The Blue & Gray lost two guards to graduation in Houlette and Beata Widding. However, they return six guards and add Rodgers to hopefully continue to play one of the faster games in the BIG EAST.
Full-court pressure and a solid transition game were two key factors in Georgetown's postseason success. Over the summer, GU changed its workouts to prepare the team for another season running the floor and this will all begin with the guards.
Senior and three-year starter Shanice Fuller will resume her position at point guard. Last season she was Georgetown's third leading scorer averaging 8.1 ppg and 4.0 assists per game. She was last year's go-to in last-second situations hitting the winning shot on two occasions in victories at Providence and Syracuse. She will be a key to GU's transition game this season.
On the wing, junior Monica McNutt will continue to be a reliable shooter in her second season as a full-time starter. The local product averaged 8.0 ppg and ranked third on the team in three's shooting 34.6 percent from beyond the arc. This season she will continue to shoot but will also be a threat putting the ball on the floor and taking defenders off the dribble.
Georgetown boasts a pair of senior guards that have the proven ability to jump in and make an impact when the time is right. Meredith Cox and Kenya Kirkland both have three years playing significant minutes but have opposite roles.
Cox is a scoring threat ranking as one of the top three-point shooters in GU history. She shot 37.1 percent from three last season and appeared in 32 games. Kirkland complements Cox as a defensive specialist. She is one of GU's top defenders and has been called on in the past to cover some of the best guards in both the BIG EAST and the country. Both have a wealth of experience and will bring maturity to this youthful lineup.
Backing up Fuller at point is the sophomore tandem of Rubylee Wright and Morgan Williams. Wright saw action in 33 games last season and dished out 78 assists. Despite her 5'3" frame, Wright generates excitement driving the lane and has the ability to hit from the outside. Williams is still unproven after sitting out most of last season with an injury.
Rodgers is expected to make an immediate impact taking over where Houlette left off as one of the premier shooters in the conference. The McDonald's All-American was ranked among the top 25 recruits coming out of King's Fork High School and was an all-state honoree. Her ability to hit the open three and 5'11" stature will both be assets as she transitions into the college game.
Georgetown was considered undersized in almost every game it played last season but that didn't stop the Hoyas from having success down low. GU worked for every offensive rebound and got on the defensive glass to outlet and start the break taking size out of the equation.
Senior Jaleesa Butler went from the sixth man to a starter in 2008-09 after some outstanding performances including a 26 point game in the win at South Florida. Despite being undersized at her position, Butler managed to average 10.0 ppg as GU's second-leading scorer as well as a team-best 5.3 rpg. With the addition of two centers, the coaching staff hopes to take some of the pressure off of Butler down low.
A combination of five sophomores will battle for minutes after each had opportunities last season but no one emerged as the clear leader.
Adria Crawford considered on of the best offensive rebounders in the conference as well as one of the most intense players. Crawford started 28 games last season and averaged 6.1 ppg as well as 5.1 rpg. She spent most of the season ranked among the conference leaders in offensive rebounding but will be pushed by her classmates.
Tia Magee also started last season appearing in 32 games with 16 starts. She averaged 6.7 ppg proving she has the ability to score, but will be looked to improve on the boards and defensively. Her 23 points against Central Michigan and 21 points in the win over Winthrop in the WNIT gave fans a sneak peek at what was to come as her game matures here on the Hilltop.
Tia McBride and Amanda Reese both played in over 20 games last season. McBride had a season-high 10 points at Notre Dame and came in playing solid minutes in reserve last year.
Reese experienced growing pains playing against some of the top centers in the nation. However, with a year under her belt she will feel more comfortable rebounding and defending in the paint.
Rounding out the returning forwards is sophomore Alexa Roche. Last season, Roche appeared in 26 games but wasn't at her peak still recovering from knee surgery in the summer prior. This year, she is expected to be at full strength and will be a valuable inside-outside player. Her incredible athleticism and vertical allow her to play down low but she can handle the ball and can hit from outside the paint.
Adding much-needed height is a pair of highly-ranked freshmen at center. Sydney Wilson is a 6'6" local from Silver Spring, Md. While her size will be an asset in the talented BIG EAST, Wilson will need to work on her strength and conditioning to keep up with GU's high-tempo offense. Joining her is Vanessa Moore, a 6'2" player from Hackettstown, N.J. Both Moore and Wilson will help replace senior Krystal Hatton, but will have to get used to playing some of the best in the country.
Fifteen strong, a consistent coaching staff and with more experience, Georgetown University women's basketball has the pieces. However, with 10 underclassmen and a lot to learn putting them together will be a challenge while competing in the BIG EAST.
