RebKell's Junkie Boards

[Alepp03]

This is an important win for the Hoosiers. A staple of this team has been underachieving. Versyp seems to have brought the team to expect more out of themselves. She holds them accountable and demands their best.

Typical strong games from DeMuth and Valentin charged the Hoosier's offense. Sophomore guard Nikki Smith finished with 9 points off of 3 of 18 shooting. She is the teams 3-point specialist, and usually she shoots a much higher percentage. To see DeMuth and Valentin get their points off of less shots is encouraging, but if Smith is going to be shooting that much, the shots better start falling.

Still, defense is the name of the game for the Hoosiers, and they held a very good Crystal Smith to 4 of 15 shooting and 14 points.

Next they look to Penn State. While PSU is struggling, this would be a monumental win for the Hoosiers and strong sign of improvement for the program. IU has an outside chance at the tournament this year, but it would require two or possibly three wins over the collection of MSU, OSU, Minny, and Purdue. I'm not sure how valuable a win over Illinois is as they seem to be a bit of an enigma at this point. Moreso, IU will have to avoid any bad losses in the Big Ten as they have given up too many games early (losses to Louisville, Cinci, ND, Baylor, and Bowling Green).

Wishful thinking? Maybe. But isn't that what being a fan is all about?

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In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[IndyPurduefan]

[ILuvCatch]

You must remember though, this is an Iowa team that has lost 3 players to ACL injuries this year. I heard that the IU fans didn't like Versyp. Have you heard anything?

_________________
"Preparing our youth to catch
their dreams one star at a time."

-Tamika Catchings

[umbeta1455]

I don't remember any negative press about Versyp when she was here at Umaine. The only coach that ever got negative pres was Joanne P. McCallie. But that was only in the last year and for certain reasons.

[Alepp03]

First, I love McCallie. She is my favorite coach in terms of listening to what she has to say. It's as though she doesn't know what a cliche is, and she finds articulate and creative ways to express herself. I'd imagine she's quite a motivator!

Anyhow, my thing with Versyp is this -- she has some Indiana roots, which should HOPEFULLY improve the in-state recruiting battles. I don't mind that she's a boiler, because if IU is going to find a way in women's basketball, they are going to have to find their way from somewhere, and if it means borrowing from Purdon't, then that's what it means!

Moreso, she more than holds people accountable. She's a challenger. She pushes, and expects you to push back. I know there are girls in the program who are frustrated with her, but they know she's trying to turn things around here. She has come in and been demanding - how else can one make a difference?

There were over 1,000 fans at the game - not bad for IU. The program really is a work in progress, and we are over Christmas break.

There is only one reason I can think of that IU fans might not like Versyp, and if you really want to know, you can PM me, but I hope it's a bit of a stretch.

The thing about the Iowa win is that IU has to start somewhere. Iowa has a winning record and a very good player in Crystal Smith. These are the small moral victories that will be required by the program in order to make small strides. Without these baby steps, we really won't be able to find our way and make a name.

I'm pretty sure that the Athletic Department was very happy with their hiring of Versyp, so that is another plus.

_________________
In a world full of people only some want to fly, isn't that crazy?

[Carol Anne]