Imagine inheriting a team that's been struggling for years, a program that hasn't tasted victory in ages. That's the challenge Adia Barnes embraced when she took the reins of SMU's women's basketball team. But can she truly turn things around? Let's dive into what she had to say at media day.
A Fresh Start in University Park
It's out with the old and in with the new for SMU women's basketball. This season marks a complete transformation, with a brand-new coaching staff led by Adia Barnes and a roster brimming with fresh faces. The university tapped Barnes, formerly the head coach at Arizona (where she famously led her alma mater to the national championship game in 2021), to revitalize the program back in April.
Recently, Barnes addressed reporters, offering insights into her vision for the team as they gear up for their first exhibition game next week. Here are the key takeaways from that conversation:
Building a Team Tailored for the Guard-Centric ACC
Barnes brings a unique perspective, having coached in three different conferences—the Pac-12, Big 12, and now the ACC—in as many years. Each conference demands a different style of play. She noted that the Big 12 tends to emphasize inside play. But here's where it gets controversial... the ACC, in contrast, is known for its strong guard play. Therefore, Barnes is shifting her focus to building a team that excels in that area.
According to Barnes, the team is already showing promise in practices, adapting to this new approach. "They love to shoot. They don’t really love defense yet, but we’re learning to like defense a lot more," she said, highlighting the team's affinity for three-point shots. And this is the part most people miss... that love of the 3-pointer is something she's actively cultivating, given the ACC's emphasis on perimeter play. Could this be a winning strategy, or will the lack of initial defensive focus be a hurdle?
To bolster her guard lineup, Barnes brought two of her former players from Arizona – senior Paulina Paris and sophomore Mailien Rolf. She also strategically added four transfers from other power-conference schools, including Stanford, Cal, Ole Miss, and Arizona State, significantly elevating the team's experience and talent.
Experience Matters: A Veteran Team for a Quick Turnaround
While the Mustangs are new to playing together, they're certainly not new to college basketball. Barnes believes this veteran presence will be crucial in accelerating the team's development and integration. "It helps a lot," she stated. "My background for years is the pros, so I think I’m better with a more veteran team... I love the fact that so many players have been through so many different situations." Some players are even on their third college team, bringing a wealth of diverse experiences.
The roster includes only two true freshmen: Jazzy Gipson from Duncanville and Elizaveta Filchagina from Moscow, Russia. The emphasis on experienced players suggests Barnes is aiming for immediate improvement, rather than a long, slow rebuild. What do you think, is experience more valuable than youthful potential in this situation?
Ignoring the Preseason Polls: Underdog Mentality
SMU was picked to finish a lowly 14th out of 18 teams in the ACC preseason poll. But Barnes remains unfazed. "I know it’s going to be very challenging," she acknowledged. "I don’t care. We’ve always been picked low when I started somewhere, and we’ve never finished where we were picked." This confidence stems from her past successes in turning around programs that were initially underestimated.
The low ranking likely reflects the program's struggles before Barnes' arrival. The Mustangs had a dismal record last season, winning only two games, and haven't had a winning season since 2012-13. Their last NCAA tournament appearance was way back in 2008.
However, Barnes emphasizes that this is an entirely new team, a blank slate. The complete overhaul of the roster and coaching staff is a deliberate effort to surprise the conference and defy expectations. Will this new SMU team prove the preseason polls wrong, or will the challenges of a tough conference prove too much to overcome? What are your predictions for the Mustangs this season? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
