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Sizing up the Buffs

Posted October 19, 2007

It’s not enough that the Buffs have a much bigger roster than the past few years, but attend a practice and the first thing that hits you is the size of this year’s team.

Imagine a lineup of: center Kara Richards (6-4), power forward Jackie McFarland (6-3), small forward Aija Putnina (6-3) and shooting guard Brittany Spears (6-1).

Off the bench the Buffs could bring: guard Dina Piterniece (6-2), guard/forward Hannah Skildum (6-0), forward Caley Dow (6-2), guard/forward Chelsea Dale (6-1) and center Courtney Dunn (6-4).

Because the Buffs have more size, expect them to change their offense this year to take advantage of having “twin towers” on the post.



Parting thought:

Richards came to CU as a highly-touted center, but missed her second year with a broken foot and missed seven games last with another foot injury.

So it was interesting to hear coach Kathy McConnell-Miller talk about what she has seen in a week’s worth of practices from the junior.

“She’s really focused,” McConnell-Miller said. “Since practice started this is the most focused, the most physical I’ve seen from her. She’s really vocal on the floor. I really see her putting the team on her shoulders to win, whereas in the past she’s allowed Jackie to do that.”