Smith, Henrickson reconcile differences

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Last spring, after finishing her first season at Kansas, sophomore forward Nicollette Smith found herself in a place of discomfort, seated across from the person who she simply didn’t get along with.

“Nic and I were oil and water,” coach Bonnie Henrickson said.

Smith and Henrickson had two different viewpoints and two different ideas. In other words, coach and player couldn’t quite connect, creating a rift in the relationship.

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Sophomore forward Nicollette Smith drives toward the basket during the Jayhawks’ 58-47 victory over Iowa State in Allen Fieldhouse Feb. 22. Although Smith’s relationship with coach Bonnie Henrickson was strained throughout the 2007-2008 season, the two have been working in a more positive direction in 2009.

Yet, there were Smith and Henrickson during Kansas’ 58-47 victory against No. 21 Iowa State on Sunday, actively discussing the game: one listening and one talking before quickly switching roles.

The two reaching this point seemed a distant possibility last year.

“I guess our personalities weren’t going together right,” Smith said. “I don’t really have words to describe what was going on. It was just a feeling I had when I was around her. I just didn’t feel comfortable because I knew she wasn’t happy with who I was.

“I didn’t want to have that uncomfortable feeling whenever I’m around my head coach, who is someone I should be able to go and talk to.”

After Kansas’ game against Iowa State on Sunday, neither Smith nor Henrickson explained the specifics of the situation, only saying that Smith had needed to change.

“There were just some times when last year — I don’t even know what was wrong with Nic,” junior forward Danielle McCray said. “There are times when she’s telling every post what to do. She knows basketball. She has grown up a lot — a whole lot. She’s a new person.”

Those talks and meetings in Henrickson’s office during the spring left Smith with a choice: continue butting heads with her coach or adapt. One thing became very clear: If Smith didn’t change, she wouldn’t play.

In principle, the choice seems easy. But Smith described the process as “one of the hardest things I’ve had to do.”

This season, Smith has gone from a three-point specialist to a hard-nosed, talkative defensive player. During Sunday’s game, Smith’s right knee hurt so bad she couldn’t put pressure on it while being assisted to Kansas’ bench.

Still, with the Jayhawks clinging to a lead, Smith hobbled back into the game for the final 3:30, unable to fully bend her leg.

“Nic’s whole sacrifice and commitment to our team; she just wants to win. That’s the good thing about her,” McCray said. “When you have those people that want to get on the ship and help you from sinking on that boat — Nic’s one of the people that does that.”

The mended relationship between Smith and Henrickson is evident during games. On the court, Smith’s voice often mimics the same messages spread by Henrickson.

As the season has worn on, Henrickson has continuously applauded Smith’s maturity and defensive presence, even calling her Kansas’ most consistent and improved player this season.

Yet, more importantly, the trust that Smith eagerly sought with her coach has been established.

“Now, even after a bad loss, I feel so much more comfortable going into her office and talking with her,” Smith said. “It helps so much when you have a good relationship with your coach.”

— — Edited by Casey Miles

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