Victoria Kenyon | G/F | 6-2 Redshirt Sophomore
The Queensland, Australia native and least heralded of the four sophomore post players has to push for minutes to improve on averages of 3.6 points and 2.5 rebounds per game last year.
Rita Kollo | G/F | 6-0 Redshirt Senior
Kollo was a vocal supporter from the sidelines in 2007 (she redshirted after transferring from Oklahoma State) and a penciled-in starter, but a broken right foot will delay her regular-season Duck debut.
Taylor Lilley | G | 5-6 Junior
Oregon’s leading scorer among returners (12.7 points per game) and unquestioned leader. Will her health and play-making abilities come together in an NCAA tournament appearance for the Ducks?
Ellie Manou | F | 6-3 Sophomore
Physical post player will be a mainstay in Oregon’s starting lineup this season. Improved rebounding (5.5 per game in 2007-08) and finishing ability may help sneak Oregon into the postseason.
Lindsey Saffold | G/F | 5-10 Junior
A transfer from Delta Community College in Stockton, Calif., Saffold will see increased minutes in light of Rita Kollo’s foot injury. Her post-up game is a stark contrast from Kollo’s perimeter-oriented game.
Tatianna Thomas | G/F | 5-11 Sophomore
Thomas didn’t play much in 2007-08 (12 appearances, career-high 16 minutes at UCLA), but she could see a dramatic increase in court time if Bev Smith slides Taylor Lilley over to point guard often.
Bev Smith | 8th Season
With a contract that expires at season’s end, Smith’s surest form of job security is coaching an NCAA tournament appearance (the last came in 2005) out of a team with six sophomores and three freshmen.
LEADERSHIP
Micaela Cocks: Fresh off an appearance with the New Zealand national team at the 2008 Beijing Olympics, the junior guard is familiar with the rigors of elite-level basketball competition. She is in excellent physical condition and will flourish in her newfound starting role.
JURY’S OUT
Ellie Manou: At first glance, it’s a bit unfair to single out Manou, given the fluctuation among starting lineups last season. But Manou must improve her scoring (7.0 points per game) and rebounding (5.5) and keep up with the Jayne Appels and Devanei Hamptons of the Pac-10 to keep Oregon’s post-season dreams alive.
ONE TO WATCH
Amanda Johnson: Even in a crowded frontcourt, the freshman forward from Santa Rosa, Calif., will see plenty of the court this season. Johnson, who averaged 24.0 points and 10.5 rebounds per game in her senior year of high school, is long, versatile, and equipped with range to the three-point line.
ALL-STARS
Taylor Lilley, Micaela Cocks: As with last year’s squad, the energy and leadership will emanate from the backcourt. Lilley made the All-Pac-10 Third Team last year and will see her responsibilities increase with the loss of Nia Jackson to injury. Cocks returns from Beijing with more experience and stamina; she will surely improve on her 1.3 assists per game from last season.
DARKHORSE
Rita Kollo: The senior transfer from Oklahoma State can identify with the Portland Trail Blazers’ Greg Oden, after sitting out last year (redshirt) and losing the opening weeks of the season to a broken right foot. If she returns in time for Pac-10 play, her length and perimeter game stand to bother opponents.
LOCKDOWN ‘D’
Nicole Canepa: The sophomore from San Francisco is 6-foot-5 with long arms and quick feet – physical tools needed to lock down opposing post players. Canepa’s 15 blocked shots led the Ducks last year, and the interior defense will be critical in making the long minutes Taylor Lilley and Micaela Cocks will likely see easier.
Amanda Johnson: Johnson will be expected to step in and play right away. The freshman forward averaged 24 points and 10.5 rebounds for Maria Carrillo High School in Santa Rosa, Calf.
Nicole Canepa: The 2007-2008 Pac-10 Freshman Team Honorable Mention recipient will take on a larger role in the post this year after averaging 6.9 points and 4.2 rebounds per game.
Micaela Cocks: As a junior, Cocks is one of the oldest on the team – and the most experienced. She played for New Zealand’s National Team in the Beijing Olympics, and her experience will help the Ducks this year.
Darriel Gaynor: The freshman averaged 11.3. points, 5.3 assists and 3.5 steals as a senior at Bishop Gorman High School in Las Vegas, Nev. She will split time at point with Micaela Cocks.
Jasmin Holliday: Holliday averaged a double-double with 13.9 points and 11.1 rebounds per game as a senior at Ayala High School in Chino Hills, Calif. She’s one of three freshmen on the team.
Ellyce Ironmonger: The Australian averaged 6.5 points and 3.9 rebounds per game for the Ducks as a freshman and looks to lead a strong group of post players this year.
Nia Jackson: The sophomore looks to stay healthy this year after suffering a season-ending ACL sprain. She came off the bench in the first 17 games for the Ducks.