Spring Break
Youth movement underway in Collen's second season
Derek Oxford
Issue date: 11/5/08 Section: Sports
The Arkansas women's basketball team mirrors their male counterparts in one major category - experience.
Even though there are six returning players, six players join the team who are completely new to Arkansas basketball.
"Our biggest challenge is that our roster is full of youth, but our schedule becomes more difficult," Arkansas coach Tom Collen said.
The meshing of the two groups will be essential toward the Razorbacks having a successful season.
Fans will be able to see this new group when it takes the floor tonight in an exhibition game against Rogers State.
"I learned a long time ago to never underestimate the power of teamwork and the importance of chemistry," Collen said. "The young women in our program at this point have been hard-working. The players that showed up this summer worked very hard and are committed to challenging for playing time. They want to take this program to another level."
Leading returning scorers are Whitney Jones, Ayana Brereton and Charity Ford.
Before last season, the three had combined to average around 12 points per game, but Collen asked them to produce more and they answered.
Brereton ended up averaging 11.5 points per game, Jones chimed in with 10.3 and Ford ended up averaging 8.0 per game.
"We all went right back to work in the spring, and we were happy with the way the players responded," Collen said of the returning players. "They worked hard all summer, and I think it will pay off this fall."
Other returning lettermen include sophomore guards Shanita Arnold and Brittney Richardson and post Ashlea Williams.
"Ayana and Charity are returning starters, and throw in Brittney Richardson, who at times was our most productive scorer off the bench, and we have lots of competition and depth at the guards," Collen said.
All three showed flashes of brilliance last season but will have to continue to improve offensively in order to play over the recruiting class that Collen assembled.
Even though there are six returning players, six players join the team who are completely new to Arkansas basketball.
"Our biggest challenge is that our roster is full of youth, but our schedule becomes more difficult," Arkansas coach Tom Collen said.
The meshing of the two groups will be essential toward the Razorbacks having a successful season.
Fans will be able to see this new group when it takes the floor tonight in an exhibition game against Rogers State.
"I learned a long time ago to never underestimate the power of teamwork and the importance of chemistry," Collen said. "The young women in our program at this point have been hard-working. The players that showed up this summer worked very hard and are committed to challenging for playing time. They want to take this program to another level."
Leading returning scorers are Whitney Jones, Ayana Brereton and Charity Ford.
Before last season, the three had combined to average around 12 points per game, but Collen asked them to produce more and they answered.
Brereton ended up averaging 11.5 points per game, Jones chimed in with 10.3 and Ford ended up averaging 8.0 per game.
"We all went right back to work in the spring, and we were happy with the way the players responded," Collen said of the returning players. "They worked hard all summer, and I think it will pay off this fall."
Other returning lettermen include sophomore guards Shanita Arnold and Brittney Richardson and post Ashlea Williams.
"Ayana and Charity are returning starters, and throw in Brittney Richardson, who at times was our most productive scorer off the bench, and we have lots of competition and depth at the guards," Collen said.
All three showed flashes of brilliance last season but will have to continue to improve offensively in order to play over the recruiting class that Collen assembled.
Be the first to comment on this story