If the Virginia women's basketball team is going to make it back to the NCAA Tournament after a one-year hiatus, they will have to take full advantage of their stellar newcomers.
The Cavaliers were dealt a severe blow early this season when it was announced junior center Aisha Mohammad would have to sit out the entire year with a knee injury.
The 6-foot, 3-inch center averaged 22 points and 11 rebounds last year at Central Arizona College, which went an incredible 28-0.
With Mohammad out, the Virginia frontcourt will be very thin. Sophomore forward Lyndra Littles and senior center Siedah Williams will be forced to avoid foul trouble this year if Virginia is to compete in the ACC this season. This lack of frontcourt depth is exacerbated by the fact that the health of sophomore forward/center Abby Robertson remains in question. Last week, Robertson hyper-extended her knee and was forced to sit out the exhibition match against Team Concept. This came after a sprained ankle in the spring cost her an opportunity to play in the ACC and WNIT tournaments. Nevertheless, Virginia coach Debbie Ryan expects her to be ready by opening day.
One newcomer who appears to be the picture of health is freshman guard Monica Wright. Wright has earned praise from her coach and teammates for her natural strength and ability.
"Obviously I heard a lot about Monica Wright before she came in," junior guard Sharneé Zoll said. "She's everything everyone talked about and more. She's probably one of the strongest first-years I've ever seen."
That lofty praise goes for the media as well. A few weeks ago, Wright was selected as the ACC Preseason Rookie of the Year, only the fifth Cavalier to ever win the award.
Wright should see the floor early on this season for the Cavaliers, and as her game progresses, so should her role with the team.
Virginia has two other new faces, both providing some much needed backcourt depth.
Freshman guard Jayna Hartig was a featured player in the exhibition contest against Team Concept, and she did not disappoint, scoring 10 points and pulling down nine rebounds in 28 minutes. She also drew seven free throws, proving her ability to play inside and outside the arc.
Freshman guard Paulisha Kellum is recovering from an ACL surgery which cost her the 2005 season. Her ability to see the floor seems to be her top attribute, dishing out four assists against Team Concept. If she and Hartig continue to develop and learn from the experienced Zoll, they could prove useful in giving Virginia's veteran players some rest for crucial stretches this season.
These three new faces all expect to make important contributions this year for Virginia, but Wright, in particular, must deal with the extra burden of high expectations. She remains optimistic about the opportunities that lie ahead.
"This is a moment that's been anticipated since you were like 10 [years old]," Wright said. "I'm excited."
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