Wednesday, April 15, 2009
In the world of Division-I sports, seasons end only in the sense that games are no longer played. But with recruiting, recovering from injuries or simply working out in the offseason, the preparation and grind never come to a full stop.
So, as a tribute to that mentality, here are three facets of Kansas women’s basketball’s offseason to this point. After all, coaches always say the offseason is where the real work is done.
Smith undergoes knee surgery
Late in Kansas’ Feb. 22 victory against Iowa State, sophomore forward Nicollette Smith hobbled to the sideline without putting weight on her right leg.
2009 Kansas Commitments Name Position Hometown Monica Engelman Guard San Antonia, Texas Marisha Brown Guard Kansas City, Mo. Annette Davis Forward Houston, Texas Carolyn Davis Forward Houston, Texas Tania Jackson Forward Lawrence
Smith returned, unable to fully bend her leg, with three minutes left in the game, but the message was clear: Smith’s right leg, more specifically her right knee, was a problem.
Last week coach Bonnie Henrickson said Smith had surgery April 7.
“They’re going in to clean it up,” Henrickson said. “We don’t know what exactly it is.”
Smith averaged 6.4 points and 4.5 rebounds while starting 34 of Kansas’ 36 games this season. But the nagging knee problem did seem to affect Smith, especially late in the season.
She made just one of 17 three-pointers during Kansas’ final nine games and appeared slowed by her knee, which she wore in a brace for much of the season.
“She was in too much pain down the stretch,” Henrickson said. “She played on one leg.”
Signees in Lawrence this summer
In her five years at Kansas, Henrickson hasn’t shied away from playing freshmen and newcomers. And she’ll have a large incoming group to work with in the offseason.
Henrickson hauled in five players for the 2009-2010 season.
“Young players have played and produced in this program before, and that’s exciting when you’re coming in,” Henrickson said. “But all these kids have great respect for what these returners did this year.”
Still, the Jayhawks could use more depth off the bench next season — a role Henrickson said any one of the five newcomers could fill.
“I don’t look at any one of them and say ‘Well, she’s not going to be able to do that,’” Henrickson said.
The five signees will join Kansas’ returning players in Lawrence this summer.
Kansas’ returning offense
This season, Kansas’ offense normally ran through two players: junior forward Danielle McCray and junior guard Sade Morris.
And for much of the season, the two delivered on the offensive end, leading Kansas in scoring this year.
But this offseason, Henrickson said, the Jayhawks’ post players must develop and create alternative scoring options to lighten the load carried by McCray and Morris.
“Our bigs are going to get better,” Henrickson said. “Those kids recognize that they have to be able to produce and contribute more.”
— — Edited by Brandy Entsminger
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