USD basketball media highlights
Media day for the University of South Dakota 2013-14 basketball season was set in the Al Neuharth Media Center Oct. 30. Men’s interim head coach Joey James and women’s head coach Amy Williams made two messages very clear: defense and inexperience.
“We were one of the worst teams in the nation in transition defense,” James said. “Everything about our defense needs to continue getting better. We’re not there yet, but we’re getting there.”
James also mentioned the team is very inexperienced, with eight of the 13 players either first-years or sophomores. Williams’ team is no different.
“We’re bringing a very inexperienced group out there this year,” Williams said. “We have (coach) James beat, 11 of our 15 girls are first or second year players.”
James also said spectators can expect the team to play a lot more man-to-man defense. Last year, the team ran primarily a matchup zone, which at times was prone to leaving wide-open shooters. James did say if they are playing bigger, more athletic teams like Kansas State, you can expect the zone to more in the game plan.
Other highlights from media day:
– James announced to the media sophomore Trey Norris will most likely be the team’s starting point guard. Norris transferred from North Texas, where he saw limited playing time.
– James said although the team returns four starters, he can’t guarantee all those four will start, because he wants competition at every spot.
– Tyler Larson is fully recovered from the ACL injury he suffered last fall. Larson, who went into the season as a projected starter, missed the entire season. James said now he just has to get back in game shape, which he is not at yet.
– James displayed a sense of humor on numerous questions. He referred to junior Brandon Bos as “having a million dollar body, dude owns the weight room.”
– He continued by saying senior Karim Rowson, who averaged 7.9 points per game and 3.9 rebounds per game, as having one of the quickest first steps he’s ever seen, but said “if only his jumper was as good as his first step.” He did say Rowson has put a lot of work into his game, and should have a very productive season.
– Williams said the lack of experience is worrisome, but is very proud of the team’s lone senior, forward Polly Harrington, who she referred to as the “grandma of the team.” Williams said Harrington has really taken on a leadership role and has a much better attitude on the court.
– Williams said what’s most impressive about junior Nicole Seekamp is her versatility. She said she’s comfortable playing her anywhere.
– Associate Athletic Director Dave Williams announced the women’s team will play a game at the Pentagon in Sioux Falls Nov. 21. They’ll take on Drake University.
