The season officially arrived at 5 p.m. on Friday when the Oregon women took the floor of Mac Court for their first official practice of the season.
The veterans led the way, taking the rookies through drills that were new to them.
Head coach Bev Smith addresses the team during the first practice of 2008-09.
Assistant coach Velaida Harris struggled to run a box out drill for the guards. The former Portland State sharp-shooter was 4-of-5 in her first round of a rebounding drill, leaving Taylor Lilley and Micaela Cocks with only one chance to get a board.
For the drill’s sake, she got much better at missing in the following rounds.
For the posts version of the box out drill, assistant coach Phil Brown was much more efficient in throwing up bricks.
Assistant coach Phil Brown walks MIc and Co. through a half-court offense drill.
Next up for the Ducks was offensive sets between three teams of four in green, yellow and black.
Freshmen Amanda Johnson had two steals in a row on the defensive side of things during one session, while freshman Jasmin Holliday fed junior Taylor Lilley on a backdoor layup for the fanciest bucket of the action.
The green team of Micaela Cocks, Tatianna Thomas, AJ and Ellie Manou won the first session getting points for scoring on offense and getting stops on defense.
Tatianna also had a take to the hoop that drew some oohs and aahs from those in attendance.
First impressions...
...Ellie Manou is a different player than a year ago. The work she put in during the offseason has paid huge dividends in her ability to score and rebound.
...Taylor Lilley was competitive as always...she looks to have no problem taking over the leadership role of former Duck Kaela Chapdelaine.
...Micaela Cocks is more than ready to take over point guard duties full-time...she brings more confidence and leadership to the floor this season.
...AJ doesn’t look like a freshman on the practice floor...she is extremely focused and brings an all-business approach to everything she does on the court.
Well it’s Friday night and the evening is young...check back for more updates from practice next week.
