Coaches hope recruiting class lays foundation for eventual D2 success

‘08-’09 Prairie Stars roster has nine freshmen

October 29, 2008
By Marcus Johnson
Sports Writer

It’s that time of the year again. Yes, folks, it’s college basketball season, and the Prairie Stars women’s team is pumped for this year. With this being potentially the last year of competition for them on the NAIA level, the team is coming out trying to improve their 12-20 record from last season. The team has a very new look to it with nine new players—all freshman—joining the squad this year.

With all of these new players being introduced to the college playing level, one would think that this could be a tough season for the team. Gilmore however looked at where the program was and could be in the next three years when constructing his incoming recruiting class.

“Once UIS made the total commitment to going D2, I thought about where the program needed to be in three years—when we're eligible for post-season play at the D2 level,” Gilmore said. “I thought that the best way would be to get freshmen in and to develop them and let them see first hand what it will take to be successful at the next level. “

Gilmore added the growth of this freshman class will determine subsequent recruiting efforts, whether Gilmore will look for long-term solutions with high school players, or supplement talent with junior college players and transfer students.

The nine freshmen that are on the team this year are from all over the state of Illinois. They have won many recognitions in high school, but they have now reached the college level. This new level of basketball is going to be very enduring for them. Coach Gilmore feels that the new players “have to get used to their bodies adjusting to being pushed to the limit every day.

Then they have to learn to bounce back from a good day or a bad day—they can't let the previous day determine how the next day goes.”

Each day in practice is a new task for the new players on the team.

“There is a learning curve for the freshmen and it does have a part to do with our system,” Gilmore said.

Gilmore’s defensive system consists of the players playing aggressive man-to-man defense and continuing to box out. Sometimes the team will mix it will up with a trap full court or what Gilmore calls a “gimmick defense.”

Gilmore’s offensive scheme consists of a motion type offense. He is a big believer in sharing the basketball. He doesn’t look for one player to score a bunch of points in one night. The new players have to get use to not scoring points in bunches.

This year’s team is young and fresh and they seem as if they will not disappoint on the court. With the first game coming up on Nov. 7, time can only tell if this team will be as good as most people think.