debbie-antonelli-oct1615.jpg
Notebook: Debbie Antonelli Visits Mountaineers
October 16, 2015 07:36 PM | Women's Basketball
The West Virginia University women’s basketball team completed its second week of practice. On Friday, national women’s basketball color analyst Debbie Antonelli visited Morgantown and the Mountaineers.
Antonelli handles broadcasts for ESPN, CBS and FOX. She gave a media training and teamwork session to the young squad, which includes 11 newcomers for the 2015-16 season.
“I give them some tips and tools so when they get in front of the media, they are comfortable and there is not much anxiety or stress,” noted Antonelli. “Also, women’s basketball players have a responsibility to make sure they are doing their part to help us grow the game. They have a very important role in that with what they say.”
With the Mountaineers having a plethora of newcomers, Antonelli is excited to see what coach Mike Carey’s squad can do with returning veterans such as Bria Holmes and Lanay Montgomery combined with several newcomers.
“When you look at it on paper, you go ‘Wow eight freshman, two junior college transfers and another transfer that’s 11 players you have to learn.’ I think each of them have their own stamp on the program,” Antonelli said. “It’s not going to take the fans long to figure out who can play. Coach Carey has brought in some more talent, has more depth on the perimeter and shooters to go around Bria Holmes which is going to be great for all of West Virginia’s fans.”
Antonelli was very complimentary of the senior, Holmes, who was tabbed to the Preseason All-Big 12 team.
“Bria wants to be a WNBA player and I think she has the physical tools to able to do that,” noted Antonelli. “She has worked on her mental toughness. When you go against box-and-ones and triangle-and-twos a lot, you have to be able to find other ways to score. I think it has helped her defense because of that. When you look at Bria, I think it’ll be a measure of how she makes other players better. She has a great chance to do that this year. If she can do that, West Virginia is going to have a great year.”
West Virginia is expected to another strong defense and a lethal attack offensively this season.
“Mike’s defenses are always best when he has a shot blocking presence and he has that again this year with Lanay Montgomery,” said Antonelli. “I am excited for him to have a different kind of athlete to coach and get ready for the Big 12.”
Young Team Learning Quickly
Coach Mike Carey has been pleased with the team’s progress during the first week and he has been particularly impressed with team’s overall hard work and improvement.
“We’ve had great energy, attitudes and work ethics,” Carey said. “We continue to get better. I have been very pleased with practice. We have a long way to go (on defense), but now they know when they mess up. Before, they looked at me like I was crazy. Now, they know the mistakes they’re making. That’s a start. Eventually, we’ll get it.”
Season Tickets on Sale Now
Season tickets for the 2015-16 season are on sale now. Reserved seats are available for $75. Fans can purchase tickets by visiting WVUGAME.com or by calling the ticket office at 1-800-WVU GAME.
Carey’s Crew
All Mountaineer fans eighth grade and under are encouraged to join the Carey’s Crew. For $5, members receive an official Carey’s Crew t-shirt, membership card, free admission to all regular-season home games, a birthday card and other fun-filled adventures. For more information, call 304-393-3508 or email WVUWomensBasketball@mail.wvu.edu.
Hoops ‘n Heels
Hoops ‘n Heels membership is also open. Members are given invitations to members-only events, tickets to annual team awards banquet and official Hoops ‘n Heels apparel. The Mountaineer membership is only $160 and includes one season ticket. For more information, call 304-393-3508 or email WVUWomensBasketball@mail.wvu.edu.
Jordan Harrison | Oct. 6
Monday, October 06
Mark Kellogg | Oct. 6
Monday, October 06
Mark Kellogg | Sept. 24
Wednesday, September 24
Sydney Shaw | Summer Update
Tuesday, July 29
