As the Spartans continue to climb the ladder in program marks, The University of Tampa women's basketball team enters the 2010-11 season with ambitions to go even further than ever before. Every year, the team continues to proceed the last, continually getting stronger and establishing a winning tradition.
Last season, The University of Tampa women's basketball team went wire-to-wire in the national rankings as the squad placed 18th in the final USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll. The Spartans began the season ranked 22nd and reached as high as 12th in the poll. The SSC pre-season favorites also took home the SSC regular season championship and tied the program best, 26 wins.
The team ended the year on a disappointing loss to South Regional hosts, Arkansas Tech by a mere one point. Returners look to avenge the seasons end as the newcomer's seek to gain respect both in the conference and in the national ranks.
Returning as head coach, Tom Jessee enters his ninth season excited about the possibilities that this year's squad has to gain. "We have challenged this year's team as we do all teams and each year's group of girls has raised the bar," says Jessee.
Of the 2010 SSC champions, only five members return. "The returning five players are the ones that have to drive us, they have to remind themselves and their teammates everyday how difficult it is to make the NCAA tournament," says Jessee.
Helping the Spartans return to the NCAA tournament is Tampa native, Gianna Messina. The first-team all-SCC and second-team all-South Region player comes back as one of the group's top returners. "We need Gianna to lead us both on the court and off the court," says Jessee. Playing in a total of 63 games in only two years, the senior is well on her way to break the 1,000 point mark. A potential SSC player of the year candidate, Messina was the second leading scorer on the team and led Tampa in 3-point percentage and assists last season. "We know that that she is capable of carrying us on any given night," adds Jessee.
The only other starter that returns to UT this season is senior Taja Green. "Taja returns to us in the best shape that she has been in since she arrived at Tampa," states Jessee. A match up problem for defenders, the 5-foot-11 forward is deadly both in the paint and from behind the arc. Leading the team in field goal and free throw percentage last year, the senior brings crucial game experience to this year's crew.
The last senior and only four-year letterman on the roster that will revisit the court this season is point guard Catriana Messina. Last season's spark off the bench played in every game helping the Spartans on the scoreboard in 28 contests. "The senior leadership that Catriana possesses is very valuable to us because she knows and understands the system that we run. She will push to start and play crucial minutes at the point," notes Jessee.
Key reserves for the team, UT welcomes back junior Sarah Wickham and sophomore Kamari Smith to the crew as they both fight for time on the perimeter. "Sarah has added some aspects to her game and can bring an explosive fire power to the floor. I really believe that she is going to have a good year for us," adds Jessee. A sharp shooter from the outside, Wickham has one of the quickest shots in the conference. The native of Naples, Fla. shot 42.6 percent from behind the 3-line and is known for her "zone-breaking" abilities.
When Tampa is in need of a defensive presence, coach Jessee looks for SSC all-freshman team nominee, Kamari Smith. With a wing span of over 6 feet, the Orlando native is one of the best rebounding guards on the team. "Kamari received a lot of valuable experience last year getting on the floor in almost every game," says Jessee. UT will look for Smith to slash and attack the basket as one of bigger guards on the floor.
As the new year shadows a new team, the program brings on eight newcomers; three freshmen, three junior college players, and two Division I transfers. "Offensively, we think we have gotten deeper. We have made it our highest priority in the recruiting process that we change our depth ability as a team," notes Jessee.
A potential immediate impact to the team, junior Jaleesa Harmon looks to fill the void of losses in the paint. The junior college transfer will bring instant game experience and leadership to the floor with a wide range of back to the basket moves and scoring abilities. "We need Jaleesa to come in and be an impact player for us," says Jessee.
Another transfer to the 2010-11 group that will fight for playing time at the forward position is sophomore Monique Johnson. The Kansas City, Kan. native will join the team as a vital offensive and defensive rebounder. "Monique is very crafty around the basket in her scoring capabilities; she runs the floor well and really knows how to rebound the ball off the glass," states Jessee.
Competing for time at the one position, sophomore guard Nadia Givens accounts for the final junior college transfer that UT brings in this season. "Nadia is a great shooter who shot over 51 percent from behind the three line last year. She is a strong guard that can take contact going to the basket," says Jessee. Versatile enough to play the two spot, coach Jessee believes that Nadia's best basketball is ahead of her.
Also looking to compete at the guard position is freshman transfer, Lindsey Watson. Arguably one of the most athletic players on the team, Watson brings a wide range of capabilities to this season's lineup. "She is a five tool player- she can drive it, can pass it, can rebound it, can shoot it, and can defend it," boasts Jessee. With four years of eligibility left, Jessee hopes that Watson will be a big part of the future at Tampa.
New to the team as well, freshman transfer Erin Knight looks to steal minutes at the wing position. Another zone buster, Knight is known for her long range shooting abilities. "Erin is a tall guard that can absolutely shoot the ball and possesses a really high basketball IQ," notes Jessee. UT will look to Knight to be a threat from the perimeter and add to the depth of the team.
Rounding out UT's newcomers are freshmen Shelby Porter, Sarah Brennan and Greta Bartkute.
The one-two combination guard, Porter joins the team as a solid basketball player. Similar to Tampa alumni, Angela Guiu, Porter has a great outside shot and will look to push for minutes on the perimeter.
A local product, UT welcomes Tampa native, Sarah Brennan to the freshman class. Playing the forward position in high school, Jessee looks to transition Brennan to a wing player. "Sarah has committed herself to make a change in her position and I have total confidence in her that she will be able to do that," states Jessee.
The final freshman on the roster and the only international player to join the Spartans is Siauliai, Lithuanian native, Greta Bartkute. The 6-foot-3 left-handed forward joins the team as one of the many high school state championship winners. "We believe that Greta is a steal for us, she certainly could be the next great post player here in the line of a lot of great players because she has those type of skills," says Jessee. Bartkute is a match up problem for competitors as a quick post player that can step out and shoot it, can drive it, and can make great back to the basket moves.
Ending the year ranked No. 1 in field-goal percentage defense among all NCAA Division II schools last year, Tampa will continue to hang its hat on the defensive end. Posing problems to opponents defensively, coach Jessee notes that the team has always relied on defense and always will as it will continue to be their strength.
Tampa enters the season with heightened expectations. Already, The University of Tampa will enter the 2010-11 women's basketball season as the No. 25 team in the nation, announced by the USA Today ESPN Division II Top 25 Coaches' Poll. Along with a national nod, the Spartans have also been tabbed No. 2 in the preseason SSC polls.
Behind the strength of a solid lineup and an improved bench, Jessee hopes that the Spartans can meet those expectations and remain among the best in the Sunshine State Conference while meeting aspirations to host the NCAA South Regional.
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