North Carolina State University Athletics
CARR: Harper Enjoys Greater Comfort Level
10/22/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Basketball
Oct. 22, 2010
BY A.J. CARR
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Before Friday’s press conference during its annual pre-season Media Day, NC State women’s basketball coach Kellie Harper chatted easily, smiled freely and quipped about being “undefeated.”
That’s typically the mood in preseason, but Harper's comfort level is greater than this time last year, when she was guiding her first Wolfpack program.
“We know the players, they know what to expect, the terminology’s in place; we’re moving forward quicker and smoother,’’ the energetic coach said.
By the looks of it, the foundation is solid. Harper built that last season by leading a team of overachievers to a 20-14 record and into the NCAA Tournament. She quickly earned the players respect and heard howling applause from Wolfpack loyalists.
Since then Harper has prudently taken measures to guard against a second-season demise, which can happen, and did happen to her at Western Carolina.
New recruits came into the program, team chemistry cracked and it turned into the most difficult year Harper said she has experienced in basketball.
“I don’t see that happening to this group,’’ said Harper, who engaged them in group-building exercises and arduous off-season conditioning. “They have good team chemistry. It’s a unique group. I love this team.”By ACC standards, it is not the most talented, Harper said, and it is a bit under-sized. To achieve a record comparable to last year’s might take another over-achieving performance, but she says “that’s fun.”
In other words, it's not their size, but the size of the fight in the Wolfpack that could make the difference.
Last year’s leading scorer and rebounder, 5-11 forward Bonae Holston, has elevated her game and tenacity and drawn preseason raves.
“She’s physical, mobile, savvy with experience,’’ Harper said. “She wants the basketball, wants to be a scorer, is playing harder and is in better shape.”
Holston, who averaged 12.1 points and 6.3 rebounds as a sophomore, has found a comfort zone and is playing more instinctively.
Back on the perimeter is irrepressible sophomore Marissa Kastanek, a Freshman All-America who scored 10.9 points per game and shot 35.7 percent behind the arc.
Then there are seniors Tia Bell and Brittany Strachan, a 41.9 percent three-point shooter, and several promising freshmen who are primed to offer immediate help.
While the men’s recruits on campus have garnered the headlines, the women frosh have flown under the radar.
But maybe not for much longer.
“They will play early and play considerable time,’’ Harper said.
Five-six point guard Myisha Goodwin-Coleman, rated the 47th best player in the 2010 class by ESPN HoopGuriz, can see the floor and distribute the ball. She also has an eye for the basket, having averaged 24.0 per game last year at Edison High in Lorton, Va.
Kody Burke (6-2), who brings size, ability and savvy to the post, 5-11 Breezy Williams and Devin Griffin could augment the veterans as well.
“Williams has as much ability as anyone, can get to the basket, is a good passer and tough defender,’’ Harper said. “The freshmen are good (and) they play well with the upperclassmen.”
Perhaps they can help alleviate a depth problem and contribute to better offensive efficiency, stronger rebounding and a lower field goal defense percentage, areas that need upgrading.There is potential.
There are possibilities.
“I’m excited, but that’s my nature,’’ said Harper, who aims to create more excitement in season II.
