Not sure I agree that it was a largely positive game for the Opals. We crumbled against an understrength Serbian team despite playing our "play to win" lineup rather than a "get some experience into the youngsters" rotation. I can understand 3 virtual rookies in the backcourt being ineffective/unused, but i expected much better from the likes of Smith & George.
Certainly a valid point. For me, the focus for the Opals in Belgrade was to show development and a clear direction for how they want to play. For the better part of three quarters against Serbia I think they did that.
It wasn't a perfect performance but I think they are capable of addressing what went wrong down the stretch.
I think we all know the quality of Whitcomb, Talbot & Allen, and Ezi is obviously a big difference-maker once she slots back in. The defensive potential is pretty clear. I'm kinda stressing about the bench though. Do you know why Wallace didn't play vs Serbia? If Sandy is going to stay anti-Nicholson then getting experience into Wallace is a must IMO. To me she is a player who should be injected into every game because you know you'll get great D, and on any given night she might find herself some points as well.
It’s pretty clear to me sandy will choose the same squad as Tokyo, Mitchell/Ebzery (both retired internationally) replaced by Whitcomb/(1 of Rocci, heal or Wallace). Lavey upgraded from 3rd pg to backup and 1 of the 3 above becomes the new third option.
Not sure I agree that it was a largely positive game for the Opals. We crumbled against an understrength Serbian team despite playing our "play to win" lineup rather than a "get some experience into the youngsters" rotation. I can understand 3 virtual rookies in the backcourt being ineffective/unused, but i expected much better from the likes of Smith & George.
Certainly a valid point. For me, the focus for the Opals in Belgrade was to show development and a clear direction for how they want to play. For the better part of three quarters against Serbia I think they did that.
It wasn't a perfect performance but I think they are capable of addressing what went wrong down the stretch.
I think we all know the quality of Whitcomb, Talbot & Allen, and Ezi is obviously a big difference-maker once she slots back in. The defensive potential is pretty clear. I'm kinda stressing about the bench though. Do you know why Wallace didn't play vs Serbia? If Sandy is going to stay anti-Nicholson then getting experience into Wallace is a must IMO. To me she is a player who should be injected into every game because you know you'll get great D, and on any given night she might find herself some points as well.
It’s pretty clear to me sandy will choose the same squad as Tokyo, Mitchell/Ebzery (both retired internationally) replaced by Whitcomb/(1 of Rocci, heal or Wallace). Lavey upgraded from 3rd pg to backup and 1 of the 3 above becomes the new third option.