Cate Reese arrived at Arizona last summer with a heavy dose of hype. The Texas high school star was rated a five-star recruit and named a McDonalds All-American. Many considered her the best prospect at least on paper to ever sign with the UA womens basketball program.
Reese has endured the ups and downs typical of a freshman, but she hasnt disappointed. The Wildcats will open Pac-12 Tournament play Thursday in Las Vegas boasting one of the leagues top newcomers. Reese leads all freshmen with an average of 6.8 rebounds per game, and ranks second among them in scoring with 11.1 points per game. She has posted five double-doubles. On Tuesday, Reese was named to the Pac-12s All-Freshman Team.
To learn how Reese has grown throughout the season, the Star sat down with UA coach Adia Barnes a few weeks ago to watch film. Barnes showed tape from a game played in early January, and another from February.
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It was clear that Reese had improved. Heres what Barnes said about the UAs freshman standout:
As you got deeper into the season, Cates rebounding has gotten more aggressive; she is hanging on to those rebounds. Its like she has gained more confidence in her game. When did this change?
A: She learned after the UCLA triple-overtime game (on Jan. 27), because those were important rebounds. Thats why its a process. Shes gotten better and more confident. Shes improving and shes working. Shes not a 3-point shooter, but she can go out and make 3-point shots. Shes reading better. Before she would never pass out when she was double-teamed, because she didnt understand. Her game is evolving. Thats what is supposed to happen. I dont think were doing a good job coaching if they are not improving.
Cate seems to have a stronger move to the basket. She isnt dribbling when she gets a pass down low, shes going straight up for the shot
A: We worked on that a lot, so Im glad you see that. Because I dont think they have to dribble. If you need to dribble, you rip and go from the top. You dont need to dribble in the key; (thats when) you turn the ball over. If you need three dribbles, its not a good shot. So you should be quick and only need three dribbles max from the perimeter. If you are efficient.
Where do think Cate has improved the most?
A: Shes just learning more. Her defense has improved. She posts up stronger, harder now. Shes lower. Shes in a stance more now. Shes more active. She runs the floor well. She moves her feet better. She boxes out more now. Shes got a nice little shot. Shes just a competitor. I think as she gets stronger and finishes better shell be harder to guard.
Bottom line, Cate wants to be good, thats why she is going to be good. Cate is our future.
Eighth-seeded Arizona will play ninth-seeded USC on Thursday in the first round of the Pac-12 Tournament. From left, Arizonas Sam Thomas, Aari McDonald and Lucia Alonso.
Vegas, baby!
The Pac-12 tournament lands in Las Vegas for the first time this week after a long run in Seattle. The games will be played at MGM Grand Arena starting Thursday. Eighth-seeded UA plays ninth-seeded USC in the first round, with the winner taking on top-seeded Oregon in the quarterfinals. Thursday marks the first time Arizona will play a Pac-12 Tournament game as a higher seed since 2011.
Most of this years team is experiencing tournament play for the first time. Just four current Cats Sam Thomas, Lucia Alonso, Destiny Graham and Lindsey Malecha played in last seasons event, when ASU blasted the 11th-seeded Wildcats 76-47 in the first round.
Its new and exciting, and with all the parity in the league this will be the best tournament ever, Barnes said. Weve had some tough losses lately, but I dont see the team hanging their heads. They still think they are capable of beating anyone.
Cate, Bryce (Nixon), and Semaj (Smith) are freshmen and havent been to the tournament. (Transfers) Tee Tee (Starks) and Dominique (McBryde) havent been there. Its their first time, too. And Aari (McDonald) hasnt been there in two years. Its new for them. Yet they havent thought about that. They are going in and playing the games. They havent bought into the hype.
The UA and USC played just once this season, with the Wildcats defeating the Trojans 71-68. USC coach Mark Trakh said he knows Thursdays game wont be easy.
We face a tough opponent in Arizona, he said. They pose a challenge with McDonald, who is an outstanding player. Yet, they are more than just McDonald.
Arizona Wildcats forward Tee Tee Starks (10) dodges the hands of Montana Lady Grizzlies forward Jace Henderson (24) to shoot during the first quarter of the University of Arizona Wildcats vs. University of Montana Grizzlies womens college basketball game, Dec. 5, 2018, in McKale Center in 做厙勛圖, Ariz. Arizona won 100-51.
Starks changes mind, will play next season
Tee Tee Starks surprised many, including her coach, when she announced Sunday that she would return for another season. Barnes called it another big win for the program.
Its not all about basketball to me. Culture is everything. Weve done a tremendous job with this culture, the coach said. But (Starks) is very important not only for her great defense, thats awesome, and her experience; she is really important off the court. Shes really important for practice. Shes really important in the locker room. She is that person thats like stop complaining, or you need to work harder. She can talk the talk because she walks the walk.
She is one of the few people on the team that consistently there are two people every day they give heart, effort. And I know shes in pain. Its those things we have to manage.
Starks, a redshirt junior, initially told her coaches she wanted to take part in Senior Day activities and wouldnt be returning next season, citing medical issues. She made the decision to come back after talking to her mom, Tara, and her family. Starks said there are a lot of positives to returning: She gets to continue playing, she can earn a masters degree, and she can stay with her teammates a little longer.
Secrets are only fun when they are kept ... right? Starks posted on Instagram. AZ isnt done with this Minnesota girl just yet. Grandma Tee has 1 more year in her. To be continued Bear Down.
