Florida’s success depends on the greenhorns this season.
Coach Amanda Butler knows if the Gators are to avenge last year’s poor showing, the fresh faces have to step in and make a difference.
Well, so far, so good.
Two games into the season, the Gators (2-0) are riding high off consecutive last-minute wins and will travel to Chicago to take on DePaul University in the semifinals of the Preseason Women’s NIT tonight at 8.
Nearly in position for a tournament title, it’s the performance of those new additions, especially point guards Jaterra Bonds and Lanita Bartley, that UF has to thank for guiding it.
Bartley, starting both games at the point, is averaging nine points, 2.5 assists and 3.5 rebounds in only 21.5 minutes.
But it’s been her play without the ball in her hands that is garnering attention.
Bartley has accumulated seven steals due to frequently disrupting inbounds plays and jumping passes on defense. The junior transfer has been a constant catalyst of Butler’s fast-break offense and is a dynamic playmaker who can shred defenses with her penetration.
Bonds is proving equally adept in transition while also being a key distributor in half-court sets. The freshman guard led the Gators in scoring against UCF and led the team in assists both games.Through two contests, Bonds is averaging 9.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 rebounds.
The two share minutes at the point, part of a rotation Butler has employed at each position thus far. Only one player has played more than 30 minutes for the Gators (Jordan Jones against Charlotte).
“You can look at the stats. First five doesn’t mean that these are our best five players,” Butler said of the starters. “It just means, here’s who we think is going to do the best job of setting the tone.”
The starting lineup remained the same against Charlotte and included Bartley and freshman Kayla Lewis, another of the newcomers making an early difference.
The 5-foot-11 guard presents matchup problems due to her size and quickness. Her versatility has shown itself in 14 points, 11 rebounds and three key blocks so far. Lewis’ 56 minutes are the most of any newcomer and are second on the team. But the Gators have been at their best when freshmen Brittany Shine and Deaundra Young join Lewis and Bartley or Bonds in the lineup.
Shine, a self-described “sparkplug,” allows UF to keep its energy when a starter needs a breather. The freshman came off the bench to score 11 points against Charlotte, including nine in a two-minute span, and sparked UF to a 14-point lead.
Young’s 14 rebounds in 34 minutes this season brings an added dimension to UF’s inside game that will be desperately needed against DePaul in the semifinals.
The Blue Demons, led by the dominant forward duo of Keisha Hampton (18.5 ppg) and Felicia Chester (16.5 ppg) will test Young and the interior of the Gators’ defense.
“This is a road game and a whole new experience for our young team,” Butler said.
“It’s going to be a huge challenge to keep them from doing what they want to do. We’re going to have to step up and make plays.”
