By Benjamin Lampkin
Cards hoping to “sneak up” on the competition
After suffering through a 19-13 regular season in 2001-02, this season’s University of Louisville women’s basketball team is hoping to erase those memories.
At last Thursday’s women’s basketball media day, head coach Martin Clapp spoke at length about team chemistry, his new star center, and the advantages of being able to come into a season with little expectations from the outside.
“We’re looking forward to an exciting season,” said Clapp. “Last season where I talked about team chemistry being a deterrent, I think that’s what’s gonna put us over the edge this year. I think we’ve as close a team as we’ve ever had.”
With the bulk of last season’s team intact, plus the addition of former Auburn center Lori Nero, the Cards are looking to sneak up on some of their opponents this year.
“We’re gonna try and stay below the radar and sneak up on a few teams,” said Clapp. “It’s when, going into the season, we don’t have a lot of expectations from the outside, towards the end we’ll win some games and surprise a few people.”
The addition of Nero, who transferred from Auburn after her junior season, will make the Cardinals’ interior play it’s strongest ever. Nero averaged 12.4 points and 6.4 rebounds per game her final season in the SEC, where she earned third team All-Conference honors.
“Lori Nero is an outstanding player, who I think will be a top 15-20 pick (in the WNBA draft) next year,” said Clapp. “She’s very talented, and will be the best post player we’ve ever had here at Louisville. There’s just not much she can’t do right now, and I really expect her to come in and dominate some games on the inside.”
The combination of Nero and junior guard Sara Nord, a first team C-USA selection the past two years, could be one of the most formidable in Louisville’s history.
“You’re gonna see a lot of the two-person game,” said Clapp. “With (opponents) trying to concentrate on Lori, it’s gonna free Sara Nord up. We really haven’t had that presence where they had to command respect down low.”
Along with Nero, a bevy of seniors return to glutton the post, including Amanda Wolke, Carol Brown, and Tiana Ford. Clapp commented on all three players:
“If she (Brown) can be one of those post players who can give me 8 points and 6 rebounds and be consistent I’d be happy with that. Tiana Ford is still that big body you have to contend with each game, and she’s always gonna be a presence on the defensive end blocking shots.”
“Amanda Wolke is our best post returning player. She gets down on herself real easy, and she can be an outstanding player; she’s just gotta have the confidence that I have in her and she should have a good season.”
A large date looms on the non-conference calendar, as Vanderbilt visits Freedom Hall on January 2. A win against the powerhouse Commodores could do wonders for the Cards nationally.
“I guess you compare that to the Florida State football game,” said Clapp. “There’s not many times that you can get a team like that to come to us. To get them on your home floor, that can do a lot for our program and for recruiting.”
Though the women’s game lags far behind the men in terms of support and attendance, Clapp is hoping he and his staff can improve in that area.
“I think a lot of the marketing has to come from more than our marketing department, I think our coaches have to get out, and we’re trying to do more speaking engagements,” said Clapp. “I want a big fan base, and I’d like to get a little more consistency as far as fan support.”
One newcomer to the Cardinal staff who can point to her own experience in the limelight of women’s basketball is Michelle Marciniak. A former national champion at Tennessee and a current star for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm, Marciniak is helping the Cards in strength and conditioning, as well as understanding what it takes to be champions.
“Michelle Marciniak, who’s been working on strength and conditioning, has been a positive influence,” said Clapp. “She’s probably in the best physical shape I’ve ever seen a person in, and with her, instead of ‘do as I say,’ it’s ‘do as I do.'”
With almost no fanfare heading into the regular season, the Cardinals are prepared to quietly put together a run at their fourth C-USA championship.
“I haven’t been this excited in a long time,” said Clapp.
