The future of Women's Basketball at BGSU.

[Hawk thrower]

I was wondering what the rest of you are thinking about our recruits since Curt Miller left? This will be the first year of all the current staffs recruits. What do you think? Do you see us settling into the middle of the MAC somewhere? I hope not - but I'm not seeing much to be excited about!

[elmrfudd]

I think that Coach Roos believes that the Curt Miller system is a winning one. That may be true, but you must have the personnel on the floor to implement it and make it successful. I don't believe Roos' job security can rest on staying in the middle of the pack during her tenure. The Falcons must turn things around following the injury-plagued season they just had. Miller and Roos were always successful in recruiting players who could shoot the three, but Roos has to be able to land quality post players who can score, defend, and rebound, not only against the weaker opponents, but against high quality teams, as well. Even being short-staffed this past season, we still had some good shooters on the floor, but many times they appeared gun-shy as though the ball became a hot potato as the shot clock ran down. Due to the injuries, Deb Hoekstra had to carry the brunt of our rebounding duties. We have a boatload of guards on the roster, and the acquisition of Carly Santoro, of Bellevue, could be an offensive shot in the arm for the Falcons. But each and every player should have the mindset that while they are in the game, they MUST make plays. They MUST understand that their role is much more than trying to maintain mediocrity during their playing minutes. They MUST have a heart to perform, and a heart to win. Players like Mann, Achter, Prochaska, Goldsberry, Stein, Halfhill, and Hoekstra are just a few who played with that kind of heart. Roos not only needs to work on putting five strong players on the floor, but also do whatever it takes to improve the depth on the bench, so we're not missing a beat when a starter has to come out for a bit. I still believe that Kennedy Kirkpatrick is one of the quickest, most athletic players on the team...... and she's a great shooter. If she could successfully accept the role of a floor leader, she has the potential to be a great player. These are the key aspects I believe the Falcons need to get back on the road to success.......GREAT COACHING, TALENT, TEAMWORK, DRIVE, and a HEART TO WIN! I wish all the best for the Falcons this upcoming season!!! GO FALCONS!!!

[Class of 61]

Elmer,
You could have a point re: becoming a mid pack team... But I think we all know when you lose FIVE of your 12 roster players, and HAVE to play all your freshmen, just adjusting to the college game, things are probably not going well.

Another thing not mentioned is that Roos' Assts. for the most part are very young and learning on the job too. Curt had the benefit of an experienced staff that stayed together thru all those good years. This group hopefully will develop and improve recruiting etc.

[elmrfudd]

Great point, Classof 61! We seem to forget about the young coaching staff when our focus is primarily on young players, which was why I listed GREAT COACHING as the number one item on my list above. Great coaches will know how to maximize a player's talents and help them to reach their potential. The fact that the injuries to our starters last season created more minutes for the young kids could very well be a blessing in disguise. It put them in a position to learn the system hands-on and what it's like to compete at this level. They are much farther ahead having to go through that adversity, as I believe that knowledge and experience will carry over into the upcoming season. Last year's struggles WILL make us a better team this year. It would be nice to hear more opinions from the fans. My opinions aren't always necessarily right, or popular, as others see them. I'm kinda like an umpire....... I just call'em like I see'um! GO FALCONS!!!!