JimBob
02-10-2008, 11:19 AM
Smith adds offense to her play
By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
2/10/2008
Coach Budke calls OSU's leading rebounder the consummate team player.
Kurt Budke calls Shaunte' Smith the consummate team player.
Whatever the Oklahoma State coach needs done on the basketball court, Smith is eager to comply.
The team's leading rebounder in each of her three seasons in Stillwater, Smith is now flexing her prowess on the offensive end of the court.
She has recorded consecutive double-doubles in the Cowgirls' wins over Colorado and Baylor to help her team recover from a two-game losing skid.
"I've been more aggressive on the offensive end," Smith said in a phone interview. "Usually I get my rebounds then look to pass. But lately I've been looking more to score.
"After the Texas and Kansas State losses, coach (Budke) said we have to have more than just Andrea (Riley) on the offensive end. We have to have three or four people scoring in double figures. I'm just trying to do my part."
The third-year coach has never had a problem with Smith doing her part.
"She's the ultimate team player," Budke said. "She'll work an extra two hours after practice just to improve."
Smith and Oklahoma State will look to add another win at a 1:15 p.m. contest Sunday at Nebraska. The game will be featured on ESPN2, cable 26.
Smith and fellow low post players Maria Cordero, Alex Richardson, Megan Byford and Shyvon Spears will have their hands full against Kelsey Griffin and Danielle Page, Budke said.
"They're good, really good," Budke said via phone."Nebraska is No. 1 in the league in free-throw percentage. They create a lot of turnovers because of their full-court pressure. I talk all the time about valuing the basketball. If our turnovers are under 12, we will have a chance to win."
Budke also likes how his low post game has materialized the last two games.
"We've really played well the last two games," he said. "We're putting more bodies on people. We're doing a much better job of blocking out. And right now we are second in rebounding to Oklahoma. That means we are getting after the basketball."
The win over Baylor on Tuesday gave the Cowgirls their second victory over a Top-10 program at Gallagher-Iba Arena this season. The other came against in-state rival and then-No. 6 Oklahoma.
"Those are good RPI (ratings percentage index) wins for us," Budke said. "They will help when the selection committee does seeding (for the NCAA Tournament)."
With Smith's improved offense, Budke put in a couple of fastbreak plays to utilize the speed of the former Putnam City North star.
"We've tried to create more open looks for Shaunte," Budke said. "Pushing the ball up the court has helped her a whole lot. It has allowed her to cut to the basket more.
"She's getting smarter too. She recognizes when she can go back up or when she needs to pass off."
By LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
2/10/2008
Coach Budke calls OSU's leading rebounder the consummate team player.
Kurt Budke calls Shaunte' Smith the consummate team player.
Whatever the Oklahoma State coach needs done on the basketball court, Smith is eager to comply.
The team's leading rebounder in each of her three seasons in Stillwater, Smith is now flexing her prowess on the offensive end of the court.
She has recorded consecutive double-doubles in the Cowgirls' wins over Colorado and Baylor to help her team recover from a two-game losing skid.
"I've been more aggressive on the offensive end," Smith said in a phone interview. "Usually I get my rebounds then look to pass. But lately I've been looking more to score.
"After the Texas and Kansas State losses, coach (Budke) said we have to have more than just Andrea (Riley) on the offensive end. We have to have three or four people scoring in double figures. I'm just trying to do my part."
The third-year coach has never had a problem with Smith doing her part.
"She's the ultimate team player," Budke said. "She'll work an extra two hours after practice just to improve."
Smith and Oklahoma State will look to add another win at a 1:15 p.m. contest Sunday at Nebraska. The game will be featured on ESPN2, cable 26.
Smith and fellow low post players Maria Cordero, Alex Richardson, Megan Byford and Shyvon Spears will have their hands full against Kelsey Griffin and Danielle Page, Budke said.
"They're good, really good," Budke said via phone."Nebraska is No. 1 in the league in free-throw percentage. They create a lot of turnovers because of their full-court pressure. I talk all the time about valuing the basketball. If our turnovers are under 12, we will have a chance to win."
Budke also likes how his low post game has materialized the last two games.
"We've really played well the last two games," he said. "We're putting more bodies on people. We're doing a much better job of blocking out. And right now we are second in rebounding to Oklahoma. That means we are getting after the basketball."
The win over Baylor on Tuesday gave the Cowgirls their second victory over a Top-10 program at Gallagher-Iba Arena this season. The other came against in-state rival and then-No. 6 Oklahoma.
"Those are good RPI (ratings percentage index) wins for us," Budke said. "They will help when the selection committee does seeding (for the NCAA Tournament)."
With Smith's improved offense, Budke put in a couple of fastbreak plays to utilize the speed of the former Putnam City North star.
"We've tried to create more open looks for Shaunte," Budke said. "Pushing the ball up the court has helped her a whole lot. It has allowed her to cut to the basket more.
"She's getting smarter too. She recognizes when she can go back up or when she needs to pass off."