Media Days: Aggie women 'post' up for another run

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Coach Gary Blair and some star players on his Texas A&M women’s basketball team seem to have a difference of opinion.

Jordan Jones and Courtney Walker think the little things are the key to the Aggies improving on last season’s Elite Eight appearance.

However, on Tuesday at Southeastern Conference basketball media days Blair insisted the key is the bigs.

The Aggies are loaded at the guard positions with juniors Jones, Walker and Courtney Williams. But Blair says if 6-7 junior Rachel Mitchell, 6-3 sophomore Jada Terry or 6-5 freshman Khaalia Hillsman emerge as a reliable force inside, A&M could be a legitimate to notch a second national championship in four years.

“I think (chances are) good if we develop the ‘five’ position,” Blair said. “What we’ve got to do is have somebody be able to be consistent. By the time we get to January somebody’s got to be the starter instead of us trying out three different kids. Somebody has got to be that starter. Somebody has to average in double figures at the ‘five’ position.

"No matter how much depth I’ve got, I have to know one kid can go in there and play 12 to 13 minutes in the first half and 12 to 13 minutes in the second half. You’ve got to have a go-to girl and somebody’s got to win that position and nobody has won it right now.”

Mitchell averaged 1.2 points and 2.0 rebounds last season. That represents the most returning production at center.

That’s especially worrisome because Tennessee and South Carolina — the Aggies’ chief rivals for the SEC championship — are strong inside with the Lady Vols’ 6-3 Isabelle Harrison and the Gamecocks’ 6-5 Alaina Coates.

However, what the Aggies might lack in inside presence they can compensate with the junior trio. Walker, Williams and Jones were among A&M’s top four scorers last season.

Blair said all three, especially Jones, should even better than they were as sophomores.

“I can expect more because Jordan Jones is going to be a junior point guard instead of a sophomore point guard,” Blair said. “Last year was her first year to start. This year it’s her team. She has a capable backup in (sophomore) Curtyce Knox, but this is Jordan’s team. She knows it. She’s wearing that responsibility. Jordan has got to be the leader on and off the floor for this team.

“Courtney Walker and Courtney Williams might be better pro players, but I’m coaching college teams. I think both of them are very good. Courtney Williams is playing lights out right now. There is nobody scoring as easily in practice situations as Courtney Williams. She’s a 6-1 nightmare that can play inside and outside.”

Obviously, they make big contributions. However, Walker said the Aggies must get better on little things like rebounding, communication, eliminating mistakes and transition defense.

“It’s doing all the little things right consistently and making them a habit,” Walker said. "Once we do that, little things form bigger things and bigger situations. I would say the little things.”

A&M will also count on more than a little scoring from them. The 5-8 Walker averaged 15.6 points last season, while the 6-1 Williams averaged 13.9 and the 5-6 Jones averaged 7.1 while doling out 261 assists.

Also, the backcourt figures to get a scoring boost from junior college transfer Shlonte Allen, a 5-8 guard.

“Our guard play is strong,” Jones said. “Adding Shlonte Allen to the equation makes us even stronger. We have depth there. We’re really excited and geared up for this coming season. We know this team has the capability and potential to win a national championship. We know it’s all up to us.”

Well, it’s up to them and — as Blair would remind them with an anecdote from 2011 — a low-post scoring threat.

“Remember when we won the national championship?" Blair said. "At halftime we were losing by four to Notre Dame. I said, 'Give me four minutes,' and I got my point across to (point guard Sydney) Colson. I said, ‘Get the damn ball to Danielle Adams.' She scored 22 points in the second half and we win the national championship.

“You need a five player who’s a threat to score, draws fouls and can guard a little. You still win championships with half-court defense and half-court offense.”