How KU women’s basketball has navigated NCAA eligibility developments
· Yahoo Sports
LAWRENCE — As college athletes across the country engage in court cases to pursue another year of eligibility, Kansas women’s basketball has been following those developments like everyone else.
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Did KU women’s basketball coach Brandon Schneider and his staff see if they could bring anyone back from last season’s team, who otherwise couldn’t have returned? Did Schneider and company try to add someone involved in a case who had not been on the Jayhawks roster? While much of the national attention in these cases seems focused on men’s basketball and football players, they aren’t the only two sports with these issues.
Schneider’s team is looking to bounce back after missing the last two NCAA Tournaments. As they aim to return to that level, Schneider shared on Thursday, Sept. 24, just how much consideration was made.
“We did both, I mean, we evaluated some people returning from last year, but at some point they had to make a decision, now they’re playing professionally overseas,” Schneider said. “And then we did investigate a couple that were involved in court cases, but just never felt like it was going to happen and happen for the duration. I think even now, there’s a feeling that there are some people that are currently, as of today, eligible. But, are they going to stay eligible? At some point you have to move forward with the roster that you have.”
Here are some more takeaways from what Schneider's availability Thursday:
How healthy is Kansas women’s basketball right now?
Kansas is practicing again, and Schneider is excited and eager to see what his team can become. In the weeks ahead, the Jayhawks will emphasize improvements from last year, such as better offensive rebounding and taking care of the basketball. And it sounds like the team is in a good place health-wise, too.
Schneider allowed a few players late in the summer needed to take a little time off. Now he feels good about where things stand. Sophomore guard Anna Gooden missed practice Thursday, but Schneider described it as a minor situation that would only keep her out a day or two.
What is Kansas women’s basketball looking for from Jaliya Davis?
Forward Jaliya Davis is back after being named the Big 12 Conference’s freshman of the year. Schneider acknowledged the challenges in front of Davis, who is now a focal point of opponent game plans. But he also said she’s continued to add to her game, and developed skills that can counter what an opponent might present.
If you were to ask Davis, Schneider noted, she’d say she’s excited to have a year where she’s much more comfortable on the defensive end. There’s so much for a freshman to learn, when it comes to terminology and scheme, and it’s clear the strides she’s made. Should KU enjoy the success it’s aiming for this season, she’ll play a significant role.
What stands out about Kansas women’s basketball’s schedule?
KU’s non-conference schedule should be strong, when you look at how many teams on it went to the NCAA Tournament last season. Schneider thinks it sets the Jayhawks up well for postseason consideration, if they win those games.
Schneider feels scheduling strategy always follows what you think about your roster. Having as many players back as the team does, in a time where roster continuity isn’t a given, is something he feels good about. It can help the Jayhawks build a quality resume.
Jordan Guskey covers University of Kansas Athletics at The Topeka Capital-Journal. He was the 2022 National Sports Media Association’s sportswriter of the year for the state of Kansas. Contact him at [email protected] or on Twitter at @JordanGuskey.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: How KU women’s basketball has navigated NCAA eligibility developments