Why Kansas State Women's Basketball is Testing the Patience of its Coach: A Season of Uncertainty and Growth
The Kansas State women's basketball team is facing a challenging season ahead, with an extremely young roster that is still finding its footing. After a remarkable run in the NCAA Tournament, the team is now navigating a period of uncertainty, with a lineup that features just one senior, two juniors, and a host of underclassmen. This transition is putting a strain on head coach Jeff Mittie's patience, as he strives to guide the team towards success.
The team's current state is a stark contrast to last season's Sweet 16 run, led by players like Ayoka Lee, Serena Sundell, and Temira Poindexter. Now, Mittie is relying on a younger group, with Taryn Sides stepping up as the top playmaker, and transfers like Tess Heal and Izela Arenas joining the backcourt. The frontcourt will also see contributions from Jenessa Cotton and Ramiya White, who are expected to step up after limited playing time at their previous schools.
One of the team's most exciting prospects is true freshman Jordan Speiser, a five-star recruit ranked No. 16 by ESPN. However, the team's current inconsistencies are a cause for concern. Mittie acknowledges the challenges, stating, 'We're really inconsistent now, which is to be expected. I'm still trying to figure out lineups; I'm still trying to figure out who plays well together at times.'
The coach's patience is being tested, especially in terms of effort and communication. He emphasizes the importance of these aspects, stating, 'My patience is being tested only in the sense of effort and communication; the rest will take care of itself, but those are non-negotiables.' Mittie is determined to simplify the team's dynamics and ensure they grow together, saying, 'I've gotta figure those things out as fast as I can.'
The team's uncertainty is reflected in their ranking, as they were placed seventh in the Big 12 Women's Basketball Preseason Coaches' Poll, with no one on the preseason team. Despite the challenges, Mittie remains optimistic about the team's potential growth, stating, 'For our group right now, it's about how much better this team can be from October, as we sit here today, to March. I think the growth rate of this team could be really big.'
As the season progresses, Mittie expects a lengthier process when determining the team's lineups, something he believes will extend into the season. He concludes, 'I come in here all the time and they're in the gym, so it matters to them. Right now, they're a little paralyzed by their overthinking, and I've gotta probably simplify that, and I've got to make sure that I'm patient with them as they grow.'
The team's journey this season will be a test of patience and growth, with the potential for significant improvement as they navigate the challenges of a young roster.
