With the game against Wisconsin coming up on Thursday we talked to Samuel Oleson who covers the Wisconsin women's basketball team for the Badger Herald. Here is the Q and A.
Above the Rim: What were the expectations and goals coming into this season for Wisconsin?
Sam: Coming into this year, expectations were very low for the Wisconsin women's basketball team. The Badgers lost standout players Janese Banks and Wisconsin's all-time leading scorer Jolene Anderson from a team that finished 7th in the Big Ten in 2007-08. After losing so much offense and with only one senior on the roster, the Badgers were picked to finish 10th in the Big Ten. However, using a balanced offense and a stout defense, Wisconsin has greatly exceeded expectations so far this season. The Badgers have compiled a 3-3 record in the Big Ten and 13-4 record overall.
Above the Rim: Who are some of the key players for the Badgers?
Sam: The Badgers have a very balanced offense and defense, with many players making contributions. Therefore, it's tough to pick out key players. In my mind, three players stand out as being vital for the team's success. First is sophomore guard Alyssa Karel. Karel is the only Badger to have a double digit scoring average--with 13.5 a game. Karel excels around the perimeter as she leads the team in three-point field goals made while shooting around 40 percent from beyond the arc. She also has the quickness to drive to the basket and the touch to resort to floaters when her opponents prevent her from laying it in. The second key player is junior forward Mariah Dunham. Dunham is a force underneath but can also step out for the jump shot. Dunham averages 9.1 points while also shooting 37 percent from three-point range. Finally, and maybe most importantly, is junior point guard Rae Lin D'Alie. D'Alie directs the offense and her play usually determines their performance. Scoring is not D'Alie's strong suit but her ability to set up scoring chances is what makes her so vital. The Badgers have offensive success when D'Alie limits her turnovers, sets up good scoring oppurtunities, and scores a few points for good measure.
Follow the jump to see Sam's prediction for the game against Wisconsin on Thursday
Above the Rim: Talk a little bit a bout the history of the program?
Sam: Recently, Wisconsin has seen varying amounts of success as a program. Current head coach Lisa Stone was brought into the program in 2003 and has a record slightly over .500 in her time at Wisconsin. Her best season came in 2006-07, when the team went 23-13 and lost in the WNIT championship game. However, this season is the first in four years that Stone won't have Jolene Anderson to lead the team. Anderson is the all-time leading scorer in Wisconsin (men's and women's) basketball history. She scored 2,312 points in her career and was the Big Ten Player of the Year in 2008. She was drafted No. 23 overall by the Connecticut Sun of the WNBA in April 2008 before being released by the team in August. She now plays in a professional league in France.
Above the Rim: What is Lisa Stone like as a coach?
Sam: In my opinion, coach Lisa Stone is the perfect fit for Wisconsin women's basketball and especially this year's team. She is a very nice person to be around off the court but at the same time is intense on the court. She doesn't always expect to win, but what she does expect is a winning attitude and limitless effort. She brings about this blue-collar mentality that seems to have caught on with the players. Working together and putting the team ahead of yourself seems to be her motto and so far that strategy has resulted in success for this year's team.
Above the Rim: What is your prediction for the game on Thursday and the season for Wisconsin?
Sam: This Thursday night could be a rough one for the Badgers. At times, Wisconsin has stuggled on the road (i.e. a loss at Northwestern last week) and this could be another one of those times. Their offense is inconsistent and if they don't show up it could be over in a hurry. If Wisconsin gets down big, it will be tough for them to come back because of their lack of a big-time scorer. However, their defense always seems to show and therefore I think they are able to keep it a low-scoring affair. Indiana 62, Wisconsin 56
As for the rest of the season, I think the Badgers will go around .500 in the Big Ten and with their excellent nonconference record may have a shot at the NCAA Tournament. Their performance in the Big Ten Tournament will be crucial in determining if they have a chance at that. At the very least I think they make it to the WNIT.
