FanPost

The Women's Basketball Team Needs Your Love, Folks


But seriously, they don't always get the recognition that they deserve. They may be the best Oregon sports team that no one's heard of. If you need a break from the apoplexy-inducing style of the men's basketball team, look no further to get your fix.

You all know about Paul Ball and its basics, so I needn't explain them, but once you see it implemented you will enjoy it. Watching a team defend the whole court is far more entertaining than watching, say, the men's team defend none of the court, as they've done most of the season. Oregon has racked up steals and five-second violations in the backcourt as teams become stymied with how to counteract the press. True, the Ducks are at a size disadvantage in the half-court, which leads to trouble, but Oregon gives itself a chance to succeed with every trap and every full-court or cross-court pass. Funny as it may seem to say, the defense helps to generate the offense.

And oh, the offense. Currently, the Ducks lead the nation in points per game, hovering around 85. Five different women average double-figure scoring totals, with Taylor Lilley leading the pack. Lilley is still liable to fire from anywhere and everywhere -- in the Ducks' win against Arizona State she had a couple NBA-range three-pointers that got the Ducks and the crowd in the game -- but she's a much more complete player, handling and passing the ball well. Micaela Cocks is Ironwoman; her endurance level is off the charts at this level and she is willing to mix it up inside for the tough layups. Nia Jackson is the point guard, or the engine that makes the team go; she's one of the Pac-10's assist leaders and is a bolt of lightning in the full-court, attacking the basket if she finds even the slightest seam.

The guards obviously power the offense, but that should not discredit the efforts of Amanda Johnson, who leads the team in rebounding (around nine a game) and can shoot it from anywhere, Victoria Kenyon (three-point shooting), Nicole Canepa (physical inside play), Jasmin Holliday (slashing to the basket) and others. Against Arizona on Thursday, Oregon had six girls in double figures. It's been a team effort, as it has all season.

Now, the Ducks do have a legitimate shot to play in the postseason for the first time since 2003. However, a lot must happen for that to come true. 20 wins is a must, as is a 9-9 (or better) Pac-10 record. The Ducks must also have a strong showing in the conference tournament at the end of the season to be considered for the postseason. Oregon has gone as far as it has through its style of play; run-and-gun just doesn't sit well with some teams, even ones that the Ducks cannot match up with physically. Obviously, with a 16-8 record this season, the system is not infallible, but the Ducks believe in themselves and they're willing to push themselves hard (see the Arizona State game).

This week, the women play at Stanford and at Cal, almost a guaranteed sweep in most years. However, the Ducks believe in themselves coming off a sweep of the Arizona schools and played both these teams close at McArthur Court. Should you find the men's games unwatchable or unlistenable, don't completely discount Oregon basketball for the rest of the night. The action in the Bay Area should be intense, and could have major ramifications if the Ducks can pull off an upset.

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or the Addicted To Quack Moderators. FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable Oregon fans.

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