Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens
CAA (30-1, 18-0)
Elena Delle Donne is one of the most dominating players in women’s basketball. The 6-4 wing looks like a center, but handles the ball and shoots like a guard. There is nothing she cannot do and Delaware asks her to do just about everything. During the regular season she averaged 27.5 points, 10.3 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 1.2 steals and 2.6 blocks. And if that is not enough, she also is the most prolific and consistent long range shooter on the team. She is a matchup nightmare for opponents on both ends of the floor.
Big Wins: 11/17 Penn State (80-71), 11/27 at St. Bonaventure (61-49), 12/1 at Princeton (81-70)
Bad Losses: 12/29 at Maryland (76-85)
Coach: Tina Martin (16 seasons at Delaware)
Why They Can Surprise:
With Delle Donne leading the way, the Blue Hens are a very strong rebounding team. Danielle Parker, a 6-2 junior, is the more traditional forward who hangs out under the basket. Parker is a decent scorer, but she is a better rebounder and most missed shots that Delle Donne fails to reel in, Parker will pounce on. Even the guards, most notably reserve Jocelyn Bailey, are solid on the glass. With Delle Donne, Delaware can beat just about anybody. She is a superb all-around player and there is enough talent around her to make some noise in March.
Why They Can Disappoint:
However, that talent does lack in a few areas. There is not much frontcourt depth besides Kelsey Buchanan and she is not a strong rebounder. The other problem is outside shooting. Delle Donna can knock down the long ball, but that is about it. Lauren Carra is a decent shooter and will hoist up some long balls, but she lacks consistency. And this team really needs a second and third scorer to step up to beat more talented opponents. Point guard Trumae Lucas scored 15 points when Delaware beat Penn State back in November. Akeema Richards is another option and can create offense by attacking the basket. Kayla Miller is not much of a scorer at all, but she is a great backup point guard who can rejuvenate the offense without scoring. But Delaware’s tournament success will come down to Delle Donne and if the opposition can contain her.
Probable Starters:
Trumae Lucas, Junior, Guard, 6.8 ppg, 3.4 apg
Akeema Richards, Sophomore, Guard, 6.5 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Lauren Carra, Junior, Guard, 10.3 ppg, 4.0 rpg
Elena Delle Donne, Junior, Forward, 27.5 ppg, 10.3 rpg, 2.4 apg, 2.6 bpg
Danielle Parker, Junior, Forward, 8.7 ppg, 7.5 rpg
Key Roleplayers:
Jocelyn Bailey, Senior, Guard, 4.8 ppg, 4.4 rpg
Kelsey Buchanan, Sophomore, Center, 3.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg
Kayla Miller, Junior, Guard, 0.9 ppg, 2.2 apg
By the Numbers:
Scoring Offense: 72.4 (25th in nation, 2nd in conference)
Scoring Defense: 56.0 (52, 3)
Field-Goal Percentage: 44.9 (12, 1)
Field-Goal Defense: 35.9 (44, 2)
Three-Point Field Goals Per Game: 3.7 (262, 9)
Three-Point Field-Goal Percentage: na
Free-Throw Percentage: 81.4 (1, 1)
Rebound Margin: 10.5 (7, 1)
Assists Per Game: 14.8 (44, 2)
Turnovers Per Game: 13.8 (16, 2)
Recent Postseason Appearances:
Delaware 2011 NIT Round of 64 loss to Toledo
Delaware 2010 NIT Round of 64 loss to Richmond
Delaware 2007 NCAA Round of 64 loss to Michigan State
Delaware 2006 NIT First Round loss to Pittsburgh
*all team stats through 3/1
