During games, coach Bonnie Henrickson stands on the sideline, only inching onto the court to briefly shout instruction.

In such instances, when Henrickson’s realm is limited to a tiny striped box near the Kansas bench, the Jayhawks turn to senior guard Ivana Catic.

“My biggest responsibility is the prep and practice,” Henrickson said. “Players play. That’s when a lot of your leadership and coaching comes from your point guard on the floor.”

As Kansas’ point guard, Catic shoulders the on-court responsibilities of coach. During huddles, Catic is often in the center passing instructions to teammates. On offense, Catic noticeably directs players into the correct position.

Basically, as Catic put it, her role is to be “Bonnie on the court.”

“It does get confusing and it’s not the easiest job in the world,” Catic said. “But if you embrace it and you learn to love it and love the responsibility, then it’s a really fun job.”

In Kansas’ recent turnaround, Catic has played the part more than adequately.

True, Catic has only averaged 3.4 points in Kansas’ last five games. But Catic’s job description has never included scoring many points.

Instead, Catic is expected to operate Kansas’ offense and place others in favorable scoring positions. Catic is averaging 3.2 assists per game and is the only Kansas player with a positive assist-to-turnover ratio.

“She’s been steady,” Henrickson said. “The W’s of a point guard — who, what and where — she’s done a good job with those.”

Catic playing her best games this season in Kansas’ recent four-game winning streak isn’t a coincidence.

Yet, for Kansas’ first 10 games this season, Catic found herself starting games on the bench. But during that time when junior guard LaChelda Jacobs earned the starting spot, Catic watched the game with, fittingly, a coach’s perspective.

“In the beginning of the season it taught me to see the bigger picture,” Catic said. “Then, as I got my role as a starter, it helped me to be more confident and play more relaxed.”

Teammates and Henrickson constantly praise Catic’s calm manner and approach to the game. Actually, Henrickson often pleads with Catic to “fuss more” at her teammates.

Although Catic leaves that responsibility on Henrickson’s shoulders, Kansas’ players are well aware of her leadership abilities.

“A good leader is basically a coach that’s on the court,” junior forward Danielle McCray said. “And I think she’s been doing that.”

The end of Catic’s college career is quickly approaching and as much as any of her teammates, Catic said she’s desperate to make the NCAA tournament.

Henrickson said Catic would play a big part when the first step in that process starts on Thursday in Oklahoma City in the Big 12 Tournament.

“She’s been solid and you need that from your seniors,” Henrickson said. “Seniors this time of year give you the best chance to be successful.”

McCray earns individual honors

In a conference loaded with talent, junior forward Danielle McCray was named one of the 10 best players in the Big 12 yesterday: She was selected to the All-Big 12 First Team, which consists of 10 players from the conference.

McCray ranks second in the Big 12 in scoring, averaging 20.2 points per game. McCray scored 20 or more points 16 times this season and led Kansas in rebounds, made three-pointers, steals and blocks.

“I thought we needed to recount the ballots if she didn’t get it,” coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “She’s played so well down the stretch.”

For the second consecutive week, and the third time this season, McCray was named the Big 12 Player of the Week. She averaged 31 points and 9.5 rebounds in Kansas’ two games.

— — Edited by Brandy Entsminger