Let's get it started - Liberty

Remember when Oct. 15 was the magic date to begin women's basketball practices? Forget about it. New NCAA guidelines now allow Division I teams to launch team-wide sessions (up to 30 of them) 40 days prior to the first regular-season game. So let's see...the season starts Nov. 12, so that means the workouts can start...Sunday? Oh, snap, we'd better get on the stick.

Fortunately, several coaches have graciously shared their thoughts as they begin the serious on-court business of preparing for 2010-11. So over the next few days, we'll roll 'em out team-by-team, starting with:

LIBERTY

Last year: 27-6, 14-2 Big South (2nd), won Big South Tournament, seeded No. 13 in NCAA Tournament, lost in first round (No. 4 Kentucky)

First practice: Sunday

Season opener: Nov. 12 vs. Creighton at the Sheraton Raleigh Wolfpack Invitational (N.C. State)

Coach Carey Green on:

Liberty players' preseason work: “Our preseason actually began while preparing for a foreign tour this past spring. We have had an incredible preseason, with a majority of players achieving personal bests in conditioning and strength training. So far, everyone is healthy.”



Jelena Antic

Veteran(s) poised for a breakout season: “Jelena Antic has gotten stronger and experienced valuable international play over the summer. Also, it is great to get Brittany Campbell and Kittery Maine back from injuries.”

Newcomer(s) likely to adjust quickly: "I am excited about the impact that 6-3 redshirt sophomore transfer Tolu Omotola will have with her power game, as well as the potential impact of the 6-2, athletic freshman small forward, Jasmine Gardner. Jasmine has a high basketball IQ and has been picking up our system rapidly. Valuable playing time will also be registered by freshman point guard Emily Frazier, who entered school a semester early and obtained valuable playing time during the foreign tour."  

Next up: Richmond