Quest for Back-to-Back Tournament Berths Begins
CORVALLIS, Ore. – An exciting 2014-15 campaign began Monday afternoon, as the Oregon State women’s basketball team opened practice at the Basketball Practice Facility.
“I loved it today,” said head coach Scott Rueck. “We waited a long time for this day to come. It’s exciting to be back in here, and it’s exciting to be in here for longer than an hour with our whole team. There’s a lot of anticipation for this season of course, and we’re really excited for it to get going.”
The Beavers return all five starters from a team that went 24-11 last year, and made the second round of the NCAA Tournament. Oregon State, which finished the 2013-14 season ranked 25th in the nation, also brings back 95 percent of its scoring and 96 percent of its rebounds from a year ago. With all of the experience returning, the Beavers were excited to get practice started.
“We love it,” said guard Ali Gibson. “Practice is probably the best thing about the season, aside from the games. I think we all enjoyed it, and we were all excited to be together for a long practice. It was a lot of fun.”
The Beavers will look to Gibson, the team’s lone senior, for leadership, as she aims to continue building on what has already been a stellar collegiate career. The Stockton, Calif., native has started all 99 games the Beavers have played since she joined the program, and is just 15 points shy of becoming the 17th player in Oregon State history with 1,000 career points.
“She’s the heart and soul of the team,” Rueck said of Gibson. “She’s a glue player, and she’s friends with everybody. She’s a fan-favorite, and she’s a team and a program-favorite as well. I thought about it today: this is her last first practice here at Oregon State. I’m so proud of her for what she brings to the team. She’s embraced that leadership role, and it’s evident in everything she does. This team looks to her in a lot of ways. She always brings energy to the gym, and she did that again today.”
Gibson is joined in the back-court by sophomores Sydney Wiese and Gabriella Hanson, and junior Jamie Weisner. Wiese made a big mark in her debut campaign, leading the team in scoring and setting a school-record with 112 three-pointers. Weisner has made 103 three-pointers in her career, and was one of just four pure-guards in the Pac-12 to finish 2013-14 with at least three double-doubles. Hanson will look to contribute again this season, after scoring 9.7 points per game on 44.9 percent shooting during conference play a year ago.
Up front, the junior pairing of center Ruth Hamblin and forward Deven Hunter will once again aim to produce at both ends of the floor. Hamblin set the Pac-12 single-season blocks record with 141 last year, and posted the first Oregon State triple-double in over 30 years when she went for 23 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks against Oregon. Hunter recorded nine double-digit rebounding performances and averaged 8.8 points per game in her sophomore campaign.
The front-court trio of junior Samantha Siegner, and sophomores Kolbie Orum and Breanna Brown will all look to contribute, heading into the upcoming campaign. Siegner scored in double-figures against Stanford last season, and posted a six-point, six-rebound performance against UCLA. Orum appeared in 22 games, posting 16 points and eight rebounds against Sacramento State. Brown finished the year 11th in the conference in blocks, with 0.93 per game.
Oregon State also welcomes three newcomers to the 2014-15 squad, 6-foot-5 freshman post Marie Gülich, transfer guard Jen’Von’Ta Hill and freshman guard Alex Kalmbach.
“Those three didn’t miss a beat today,” said Rueck. “Marie made her presence felt, Jen ran the point and Alex did a great job at the wing. Our workouts have been progressing to this point, and I think they’ve really picked things up quickly. They’ve fit in great within our program.”
The Beavers are set to open the season on Nov. 14 against Portland. The 2014-15 season will feature 19 television appearances, including all 18 conference games shown live on Pac-12 Networks.
Seat deposits for new 2014-15 Oregon State women's basketball season tickets are currently being accepted. Deposits are $25 and provide season ticket holders with the best seat locations, savings over single game prices and priority to postseason tickets. To put down your deposit, visit the following link.
Below are quotes from day one of practice:
Head coach Scott Rueck:
On how the first day of practice went…
“I loved it today. We wait a long time for this day to come. It’s exciting to be back in here, and it’s exciting to be in here for longer than an hour with our whole team. There’s a lot of anticipation for this season of course, and we’re really excited for it to get going.”
On the excitement of getting back to practice again…
“There’s a lot of anticipation for what’s to come for us. Our players have worked so hard in the offseason. With five players playing internationally this summer, and our players having different experiences, they all bring something different back to the court. To get to see that in action was a great feeling. I think anyone who was in here today felt excitement for what this group has ahead of them.”
On senior Ali Gibson as a team leader…
“She’s the heart and soul of the team. She’s a glue player, and she’s friends with everybody. She’s a fan-favorite, and she’s a team and a program-favorite as well. I thought about it today: this is her last first practice here at Oregon State. I’m so proud of her for what she brings to the team. She’s embraced that leadership role, and it’s evident in everything that she does. This team looks to her in a lot of ways. She always brings energy to the gym, and she did that again today.”
On the addition of new players Marie Gülich, Jen’Von’Ta Hill and Alex Kalmbach…
“Those three didn’t miss a beat today. Marie made her presence felt, Jen ran the point and Alex did a great job at the wing. Our workouts have been progressing to this point, and I think they’ve really picked things up quickly. They’ve fit in great within our program.”
On what the team needs to do to keep building moving forward…
“We just need to continue coming in with a consistent effort. We need to build on what we did today, and this team will do that. We have a really competitive, fun group, and when you’ve got those things working together, you’re going to have a great day every day. I thought today was a great start and a good sign of things to come.”
Senior Guard Ali Gibson
Overall thoughts on day one of practice…
“I think it went really well. We laid down a foundation last year, and we’ve continued to build on that this year. I think everyone brought energy, and hopefully that will lead to a great season.”
On the excitement surrounding the first practice…
“We love it. Practice is probably the best thing about the season, aside from the games. I think we all enjoyed it, and we were all excited to be together for a long practice. It was a lot of fun.”
On her role as a leader…
“I think I’ve had some great leaders before me to show me what to do, and I think Scott Rueck has taught me a lot about leadership. I’m excited to be able to take these girls under my wing.”
Junior Center Ruth Hamblin
Overall feelings on the first day of practice…
“I think it was a great first day for us. We came out and competed really hard, like we have all summer. We’ve got a really good group of girls that are really just battling to make each other better.”
On how the three new players have blended with the team…
“I think the new players are catching on very quickly. Having so many returning veterans really helps, because there are so many people around that already know the system and are able to help.”
On the team’s goals heading into the season…
“Moving forward we just want to keep being the best we can be every day. We want to compete hard, and reach our full potential.”