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| 10-27-2003 | Previous edition: 10-24-2003 |
        
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Printer-friendly version Rivals see team as tough to beat
Assistant Sports Editor CHICAGO — It's the same as any other year in the Big Ten. According to the coaches and players, all of the conference's women's basketball teams have a shot at the conference title. "I think it's anybody's season," Purdue coach Kristy Curry said. "You've got to defend your home court and sneak a few on the road. It's going to come down to who can win at home and who can stay healthy." At the Big Ten media day in Chicago, representatives of women's basketball could agree on one thing: In a conference where parity is always the norm, this year's Big Ten race is as tight as ever. "Every night's going to be a war," Minnesota coach Pam Borton said. "Anybody can beat anybody, so everyone's going to be clawing, kicking and fighting on any given night. We could end up having five, six or seven teams in the NCAA tournament." The general consensus in the preseason is that Purdue, Minnesota and Penn State are the leading contenders for the Big Ten title. But no one will dare to guess which of the three will be on top by season's end. However, Big Ten players and coaches think it's safe to say Purdue has as good a shot as any team. "Purdue's going to be great," Iowa forward Jennie Lillis said. "I really respect Coach Curry and what she's doing there." "Purdue is going to be tough as nails this year," Borton said. With two new assistant coaches and one of the best recruiting classes in the country, Purdue has plenty of reasons to be optimistic. With the addition of assistants Jannon Roland and Katrina Merriweather, the Boilers say they're playing at a higher level than they did during last year's 29-6 season. Senior forward Shereka Wright credits Roland's and Merriweather's enthusiasm in practice for the Boilers' preseason spark. "They bring an intensity level that's so great for our team right now," Wright said. "They expect so much of us and know how to bring out the best in us; they're doing it right now." The coaching staff has plenty of talent to work with. After luring in its star-studded incoming class, the coaching staff expected the newest Boilers to vie for considerable playing time. But, as practices have progressed, some of them have begun to challenge even the starters. The starters are enjoying every minute of it. "They're not only pushing the sophomores," senior guard Erika Valek said. "They're pushing the upperclassmen." With the Boilers' combination of young talent and senior experience, even the best players in the Big Ten are watching out for Purdue this year. Just ask Penn State's Kelly Mazzante, the 2003 Big Ten Player of the Year. "They're going to be tough to beat this year," she said. Printer-friendly version |
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