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Post by baywatcher on Mar 27, 2007 17:53:56 GMT -5
My limited exposure to watching the National team play showed the weak spot to be a consistent big threat from the OH spot. In 2004 I was wowed by Oganna's attacking ability, probably blind to passing problems, and wished she was on the National team squad I watched to bring a threat from the left that was respected.. The run through the NCAA's in 2004 showed enough raw power to score points in bunches; over 8, or 9 a game. As such, she is more dangerous than Barboza, who needs a good set to terminate; Nnamani just needs a high ball. I have not seen Larson play much; certainly her defensive stats are high in digs per game; although that could be subjective. I know the national coach emphasizes passing and defense, so we may not see Oganna much, but I do like the sheer offense she brings, which included back row attacks in 2004. I would also guess that the players who forego beach volleyball to aid in qualifying will be the Olympic team. (Read, no Logan Tom, April Ross, Burdine, etc. which appears to be a shame.)
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Post by brybry2 on Mar 27, 2007 18:42:50 GMT -5
Give Haneef a break with the passing, shes working very hard. And as far as I know she is the only one of the versatile towers (Gamova Haneef, Merkalova (sp?)) that actually passes. To be able to pass well takes a long time to master especially at the international level. She didn't start but barely two years ago with the arrival of Lang Ping. And shes not doing that bad, cause if she was they wouldn't have her do it!!!!! And to the discussion at hand it makes little sense to make guesses at who will be on the NT for 2008, alot of things need to happen before that, my guess is that the roster that qualifies us for the olympics will be the one that goes!! I give Haneef a ton of credit and I'm glad we have her. She has made such big improvements since leaving college. But let's be honest here, in an ideal US National Team, we would not have Haneef in the serve receive formation. Our reliance on her passing shows our utter desperation. If Tom does not return to the NT, my hope is that Larson and/or Barboza win a starting spot and can provide some stability on serve receive. We need options. In those situations when Haneef goes into the shank tank, we need other players that can step in and improve the situation.
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Post by cbrown1709 on Mar 28, 2007 2:49:54 GMT -5
Haneef is getting better, but what was our other option in the last tournament? Wilkins? Crawford? Not the best choices for the international level.
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