UCF women's basketball head coach Sytia Messer is very familiar with the Big 12 having spent eight seasons on staff with Kim Mulkey at Baylor.
Says they will have a gritty team defensively with a focus on rebounding. Needs to be "all hands on deck" when it comes to offense.
Messer says the Big 12 ranks second nationally in attendance, so it's a conference that takes pride in WBB with great crowds.
On her first season at UCF, Messer says it was a difficult process having to put together a team/staff together on short notice. Only five players were left when they arrived. For those difficulties, she still thought they competed.
Asked about this roster, Messer seems very high on freshman Achol Akot. "She's been the energy of our team in practice." Also complimented freshman Khyala Ngodu.
They also brought in two mid-year transfers, Timia Ware (LSU) and Kaitlin Peterson (Indiana). Expected big things from both.
On Jayla Kelly (Missouri transfer), Messer said she's like a "Baby Shaq." Bigs are key in the Big 12.
Big 12 has opened a lot of doors in recruiting. They were able to beat FSU and UNC for Achol Akot.
Asked about leadership, Messer said the freshman Achol Akot has been at tremendous leader, she's playing both the 3 and 4. Mya Burns has also showed leadership qualities. Anzhane Hutton is also coming along in that department.
Messer has a brand new staff of assistants - all three are new. Mike Carey is the former longtime HC at West Virginia (21 years) and has Big 12 experience.
They don't have an "elite offensive scorer" yet so they'll have to focus on defense.
Asked about team chemistry, the team goes to church together on Sunday. They always celebrate team birthdays.
Messer says Iowa State probably has the best fan atmosphere in Big 12 WBB. Texas is up there too.
UCF was predicted to finish last in Big 12 WBB. Messer said that stung a little bit. Now she looks at it as an opportunity. She posted it in the locker room as bulletin board material.
