The world's best player Lauren Jackson parted ways with the defending champs, as did the quality trio of Abby Bishop, Nicole Hurst and Kellie Abrams.
And prize Sydney recruit Suzy Batkovic has played in just six matches.
But the Capitals don't cop excuses. It's why they've won seven WNBL titles, and are searching for their third straight this season.
Overall
Put simply, the coaching staff has done a terrific job moulding the new-look roster into a legitimate force.
Canberra boasts arguably the most even spread of contributors in the league.
The Capitals proved their mental character by winning seven of eight games in four straight double headers to start their season.
Five of their last seven matches are against top-five opposition.
Rating: 8/10
Capitals coach Carrie Graf says: ''Considering the changes to our roster and injuries to Suzy, it's been one of our best starts in a few years. Carly Wilson and Michelle Cosier are both in their second seasons with us and have become the players we know they can be. [Marianna] Tolo's shown why she was our MVP last year, and [Jess] Bibby continues to do great things off the bench. The young guards have been positive for us and [Alison] Lacey is a good pick-up and will get better. We've built a strong culture, and the reward is our newcomers build into it.''
Offence
Canbe rra boasts enviable depth in this department.
Rarely does the team rely on one individual to shoot the lights out to win matches one of its main strengths.
If the opposition manages to quell one players' influence, a teammate is usually able to capitalise on the extra space and step up.
Wilson, Cosier, Bibby, Nicole Hunt, Nicole Romeo and Lacey make shutting down Canberra's perimeter shooting a difficult task.
And centre Tolo has been arguably Canberra's best, especially considering the absence of fellow ''big'' Batkovic for most of the season.
Hunt and Romeo have filled in ably for Hurst at point guard, and their combination should continue to develop.
Rating: 7.5/10
Graf says: ''We managed so far to shoot it pretty well. The percentage that the likes of Bibby and Tolo shoot the ball is exceptional.
''Our free throw shooting is solid, but is something we can pick up a bit. Our young point guards [Hunt and Romeo] have stepped up. We have a range of scoring options and everyone has contributed at various stages.''
For more on this story, including our appraisal of the Capital's defensive efforts so far this season, pick up a copy of today's Canberra Times
Source: The Canberra Times
0 comments:
Post a Comment