Spring Break
Guard tandem taking SJSU to the next level
Chris Giovannetti, Daily Sports Editor
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Three years after taking the women's basketball head coaching position at San Jose State University, Richard has turned a graveyard program into a Western Athletic Conference contender.
The Spartans fell to 4-3 in WAC play and 9-7 overall following a 78-68 loss to Rice University at Autry Court in Houston on Saturday. While the record may appear mediocre, it's a far cry from the 2-24 mark SJSU posted two seasons ago.
"It was definitely a challenge to turn a 2-24 team into a conference contender," Richard said. "This year we finally have second year players that have learned the season and have helped change the reputation of this team."
Helping lead the change for a program that was picked to finish in last place by the WAC coaches are the guard trio of Elea A'Giza, Cricket Williams and Atari Parker.
In their second season, the trio have taken to Richard's up-tempo, transition offense with fervor - "If we're not playing fast and pushing the ball then we're not going to win," Williams said.
"I think our perimeter is one of the best in the league. I think we can play with any other perimeter," Richard said. "Our strength is running the ball and that's no secret. Teams we play know that they have to find a way to slow us down and take us out of our rhythm."
Style of play aside, Richard said she is most pleased with the balanced scoring attack that Williams, A'Giza and Parker deliver.
Williams averages 18.1 points per game followed by Parker and A'Giza, who have 13.8 and 12.8, respectively.
"We have better team chemistry this season," A'Giza said. "No one is scoring 25 points a game like teams I've been on before and I think the balance makes us more of a threat. Teams have to defend a lot of players who can all score."
Going into Thursday night's contest against Fresno State University at the Event Center, SJSU has already equaled last season's number of WAC wins (four) despite some inconsistent play.
SJSU opened WAC play on Dec. 28 with a 73-48 victory at the University of Texas El-Paso before dusting off Boise State University two days later, 85-74.
The Spartans then dropped their next two contests, first an 81-67 decision at the University of Hawai'i before coming to face 13th ranked Louisiana Tech.
"I feel Louisiana Tech was the only team that really beat us on the court," Williams said of the Jan. 10, 79-49, drubbing. "The rest of the games we've played, we shouldn't have lost. If everyone comes together, hopefully we can move up to third place by the end of this week."
For Richard, there's still some work to be done. She'd like to develop more of a post and inside presence for her squad and by comparison, have some assemblence of a half-court offense.
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