Idaho women’s basketball is back on the court for the 2011-2012 season with a much different look.
The Vandals will give fans a first look at their young squad Nov. 4 at home in an exhibition match against Warner Pacific.
Idaho won 15 games last season and made it to the postseason for the first time since 1986, but a lot of the talent that got Idaho there is gone. The Vandals graduated five seniors, including all-time WAC rebounder Yinka Olorunnife who plays professionally in Spain. Idaho coach Jon Newlee said last year’s seniors will be hard to replace.
“They’re big shoes to fill,” Newlee said. “Those guys really brought this program back and put it on the map getting to the postseason like we did last year and resurrecting the program. These guys are going to have to step up and they’re going to have to do it as a group.”
This year’s roster features five freshmen and one junior college transfer. Newlee said he’s happy with the progress his team has made, but said it’s been difficult breaking in so many newcomers.
“I thought we started out pretty well and made some progress pretty quickly,” Newlee said. “I think we kind of plateaued a little bit. It’s always like that, especially with new players learning to work hard every day for six days a week.”
Guard Keri Arendse is Idaho’s only returning starter, but returning guards Ganeaya Rogers and Alyssa Charlston also saw time for the Vandals last season. Newlee said inexperienced post positions will most likely be an issue this year.
The Vandals were picked to finish seventh in the WAC preseason poll. Newlee said losing so many players from last season will hurt, but said he is not worried about the poll.
“Anytime you lose four starters and your leading scorers, you’re going to get picked lower just because people don’t know who your new players are and they’re not familiar with them,” Newlee said. “But like I always say, whether you get picked first or last, it doesn’t really matter because it is a preseason poll, and it’s just that — it’s just people’s opinion.”
Powerhouse La. Tech was picked to finish first in the WAC again, after posting 15-1 regular season record last year.
The Vandals will face Gonzaga, Washington and Wyoming in Moscow. While this year may be an uphill fight for Idaho, Newlee said he’s optimistic.
“My expectations are always high,” Newlee said. “We’re trying to win the league and go to the NCAA tournament and that’s never going to change for any team I coach.”