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Rebound, rebound, rebound.
That’s been the constant chirping from the coaching staff to the Wichita State women’s basketball team, and that’s what they’ll be expected to do Sunday afternoon in their final preseason tune-up in an exhibition against Division II opponent Central Oklahoma.
“It’s reiterated every day and it’s something we practice every day,” coach Jody Adams said. “We have to finish plays and be conscious of making body contact and anticipate shots going up. It’s a point of emphasis every day.”
Wichita State has finished eighth in rebounding margin in Missouri Valley play the last four seasons under Adams.
Even after promising a renewed effort to improve during the offseason, the Shockers gave up 14 offensive rebounds and were outrebounded 32-27 by Harding, a Division II school, in their first exhibition.
But Adams could find little else wrong with WSU’s performance in its 88-47 victory.
“I saw some really good things defensively,” she said. “We played better help-side defense, we were better playing off one another and better (closing out) on shooters.”
Central Oklahoma will present an excellent opportunity to work on rebounding. Last season the Bronchos averaged 21 three-point attempted per game. Long shots lead to long rebounds, which increases the importance of the entire team boxing out.
Adams was not satisfied with the energy the starting frontcourt of Kelsey Jacobs, Chynna Turner and Michelle Price brought last game.
A full week before the season-opener at Louisiana State, Adams hasn’t come to a conclusion on the starting lineup.
“Our starters are typically the most consistent players in practice and in games and they get us off to a great start,” Adams said. “I did not think we had a great start last game, so I might try something differently (this game).”
