Three keys to season:
Toughness. It’s beginning to show on defense after some pretty intense practices.
Intelligence. Johnson says the team is really buying into the way he wants it to play.
Communication. There has been plenty of talking on the floor during preseason drills.
Most improved part of team: Conditioning. Sprints have been commonplace and are making the team stronger. “You can’t build those things in a day, but we’ve had that day in and day out,” Johnson said.
Biggest surprise: The freshmen. Johnson says the four newcomers are ready now. Said the coach: “I thought I would have to do more pushing and prodding.”
Who has to take ownership of the team? Jenny Vaughan. The freshman point guard was the a member of the Canadian junior national team and was named MVP of the Canadian National Championship in 2007. She will be DU’s floor general.
Game/stretch most worrisome: Three of the Pioneers’ first five games are against regional rivals: Wyoming on Saturday and Nebraska on Nov. 24, and a visit to Colorado State on Dec. 3. Winning any of these games would build confidence and might aid regional recruiting.
Roster adjustments: DU graduated three starters in guard Brooke Meyer and forwards Sara Benham and Alisha Godette, but 11 players return. The biggest change was the coaching staff. The former coach became alienated with the players last season.
Coming out strong: Ten of the first 13 games are at home, so the Pioneers might build some confidence without much travel early.
Mike Chambers, The Denver Post
