University of North Texas Athletics
Green Gang: Getting Back To Basics For The Women
12/10/2009 12:00:00 AM | Return to Play
By Steven Bartolotta, December 11, 2009, 9:55 a.m.
Mt. Everest, Kilimanjaro, K2, and Fuji. All appropriate analogies when talking about what kind of mountain the Mean Green women's basketball team has to climb. The ladies are coming off a, well in Shanice Stephens words, "disgraceful" game against the Aggies. Three nights before I'm sure there are some similar phrases that could be used to explain to the loss to Houston.
North Texas dropped those two games by a combined 98 points.....let that sink in for a moment. Both games summed up the season and the problems facing this team.
No point guard though is the biggest problem that opposing teams are flashing in neon lights when putting together the scouting report to play North Texas.
Brittney Hudson started out the season at the point guard spot, but she has been sidelined with a knee injury the last few games. Niq'ky Hughes has run the point for the last few games and then Brittney James slid into the spot against the Aggies. I think I'm next in the rotation.
What's the common denominator with all of those names? None are true point guards. They are scorers who are use to doing just that, scoring. Due to numerous circumstances though, this season, they have to carry the load at the PG spot.
You want a football equivalent to those three playing the PG position? It's like having Darius Carey move from WR to play QB, he's done it before (in high school) but it could be scary and he's much more productive at WR.
This is the toughest challenge for Stephens this season is trying to find the right quarterback to lead this team and it hasn't been easy. This team has been spitting out turnovers like a Las Vegas slot machine lately and it doesn't matter who you're playing, it's going to cost you.
Tuesday night I almost felt like Stephens needed to have a moment like this in the locker room after the game.
It seems simple, but basics are what you have to be great at. Anyone out there write off the Tennessee Titans at 0-6 a month ago? I did. All it took though is the right guy at the QB spot and suddenly things clicked. Now, there's no Vince Young on this team, but it does show you how important the QB position is. Same goes for hoops, your PG can make or break you.
If Stephens can piece together a week's worth of hard work at the PG spot, this team can pull out of its funk. A lot of talent still resides on this roster.
The dawn of Sun Belt Conference play next Tuesday gives this team much needed time to work on the basics to eliminate the turnovers.
The good news is everyone is 0-0 to start league play and racing up the same mountain.
