July 20, 2009
This year’s Lobos squad is filled with talent and also filled with guards. Of the 15 players on the roster, 11 are considered guards or small forwards. Despite the large number, two things stand out among these guards during summer workouts: athleticism and speed.
This could be one of the most athletic teams Lobo fans have seen in a long time. With all of these players having the ability to get out and run the floor, the pace and tempo of the game may give fans a sore neck after they leave the Pit. Fans may also see more points under the word “Lobos” on the scoreboard due to the tempo, but also the guards’ ability to move the ball and score. Through the summer, everyone has proven they can shoot and they can score. If these Lobo guards can find their roles and they play together, this could be an exciting and special Lobos squad.
Here’s a little preview of what roles these players may have for 2009-10:
Shooters
These players must have an ability to drive, but their main role may be to spot up and shoot. These players will be key in spreading out the defense: two senior shooters, Amy Beggin and Eileen Weissmann, two experienced sophomores, Lauren Taylor and Nikki Nelson, and freshman Jourdan Erskine.
Amy Beggin: This senior point guard led the team in three-pointers made last season with 79. She also led the team in scoring and proved she can score from anywhere on the court. If teams leave her open or go under ball screens, Beggin can make you pay in a hurry. In 2009-10, look for Beggin to be a playmaker and one of the teams most dangerous offensive threats.
Eileen Weissmann: Weissmann is a guard/small forward who creates a mismatch for almost every team the Lobos face. She proved last year she can shoot the long ball, as she was second on the team in three pointers made with 30. She also proved she could bang down low with the big gals. Weissmann does a lot of things that don’t show up on the stat sheet, but she always seems to find a way to help the team succeed. Look for Weissmann to score a little more in 2009-10, but mainly look for her rock solid screens and her battles down low.
Lauren Taylor: When you mention a shooter, you have to mention this sophomore. Taylor can light it up with the best of them. Her range is deep and her release keeps getting quicker. Teams must know where she is at all times because if she gets hot, look out, she can rack up the points quickly. In 2009-10, look for Taylor to be one of the team leaders in three pointers made, and be ready for some big point totals from this sophomore.
Nikki Nelson: This ball handling specialist can whiz around a defense like many have never seen, but she can also light it up from deep. Nelson, a redshirt sophomore, can shoot the three as well as anyone. She is not a big time scorer, but if you leave her open she will fill up the stat sheet. Teams must also keep an eye on Nelson at all times. In 2009-10, look for Nelson to run the show, set up her teammates, and be a pest on defense, but don’t be surprised if she starts to light it up from long distance.
Jourdan Erskine: This Lobo freshman has a game similar to that of Weissmann. She creates a lot of mismatches with her size and athleticism. Erskine has a smooth, extremely accurate three point shot, but also showed the ability to play down low and bang around. In 2009-10 look for Erskine to create a lot of headaches for opposing teams, and look for her to be a solid, all-around playmaker.
Drivers
These players can all shoot, but most of their points come from penetrating in the paint and getting some easy baskets down low. These players are tough to guard because of their ability to get in the heart of the defense: junior and returning starter Amanda Best, super sophomore Sara Halasz, redshirt sophomore Porche Torrance and freshman Chinyere Nnaji.
Amanda Best: Perhaps the best driver on the team, Best has an exceptional ability to not only get in the paint, but to finish her shots. She also showed her ability to make things happen by setting up a teammate or getting to the free-throw line. Best was the leading rebounder for the team last year, and has proven she is willing to do whatever the team needs her to do to help be successful. In 2009-10, look for Best to not only be the leading rebounder again, but look for more points and get used to seeing her on the free-throw line a lot.
Sara Halasz: This sophomore guard is a playmaker. She is an exciting player to watch with her ability to get out and run the floor and her ability to get to the basket. Last year, she proved she can jump over, and around defenders to get to the basket. In 2009-10, look for Halasz to be a bigger scorer and a player other teams must focus on stopping.
Porche Torrance: After suffering a season ending knee injury early last season, this redshirt sophomore is rearing to go. Torrance, one of the Lobos most athletic players, has excellent quickness and a deadly mid range jumper. When she is on the floor, good things happen. In 2009-10, expect Torrance to get her points here and there, but look more for her to wreck havoc on the defensive end and create more scoring opportunities for the Lobos.
Chinyere Nnaji: This freshman guard may be the most athletic player on the team. This summer she has proven she can jump over anyone and hit a nice mid-range shot. She also showed a very quick first step that will allow her to get into the paint and make things happen. In 2009-10, look for Nnaji to finish in the lane and bring it on the defensive end. With her athleticism and length, Nnaji may be the Lobos best defender.
Scorers
These players can shoot well from the outside, but can also get to the basket. They are tough to guard because of their balance: senior playmaker Georonika Jackson and freshman Caroline Durbin.
Georonika Jackson: After seeing her light up the Pit against TCU, many may put this senior guard in the shooters category. Jackson did shoot over 40 percent from the three point line last year, but Jackson may be an even better driver. When she puts her shoulder down, she can get by almost any defender and get into the paint. She has an exceptional ability to finish in traffic and to make things happen. In 2009-10, look for Jackson to be a bigger scorer and playmaker and one of the Lobos best defenders.
Caroline Durbin: This freshman showed in summer workouts that she can score from anywhere. She has a nice three point shot, a smooth jump shot and a great ability to get to the basket. Her best strength may be her ability to create off the dribble. In 2009-10, look for Durbin to be tough to guard because of her mature offensive game.
Continue to check www.golobos.com for more stories about the UNM Women’s Basketball team.