UC Women’s Basketball Preview

New staff member James Farmer looks at the Women's hoop program as they head into the 2007/08 season.

Last season’s record: 15-14 (6-10) in the Big East

Last season’s summary: Last season Cincinnati struggled with consistency as they cruised through their non conference schedule with close losses to Xavier, Southern Illinois and Arkansas. With the change in coaching staff expect this year to be more of a rebuilding year.

Returning starters: Cincinnati returns 3 starters from last year, 2 will not take the court when the Bearcats tip off the season October 1 vs. Northern Kentucky.

Players to watch: With a depleted roster J. Kelley Hall will have too depend on Jr. Forward Jill Stephens, Jr. Guard Angel Morgan and So. Guard Carla Jacobs.

Impact freshman: G Asia Jenkins should help the team down the road but the only freshman that should make and immediate impact is Tenisha Benson.

Offensive strengths: The offensive strengths should be the speed of the team in the up tempo offense.

Offensive weaknesses: The only offensive weaknesses should be the dept. of the roster.

Defensive strengths: With J. Kelley Hall implementing his zone defense the Bearcats should be much better on defense.

Defensive weaknesses: The tallest player on Cincinnati’s roster is 6’3 that will become a problem when they face taller teams such as Xavier and all the teams in the Big East.

Big games of the year: Xavier and all the Big East games.

2007-2008 projection: In a rebuilding year your expectations are not that high but UC should be good enough to make the Big East tournament. If UC beats the teams they are suppose to beat and earn a couple of upsets it should help the Bearcats earn an NIT bid. But If UC losses to the teams they are suppose to beat it could be a very long season for J.Kelley Hall.

2007-2008 season projection: 17-11 (7-9) Big East