Rice's Lauren Neaves is Ready
Lauren Neaves may just be the best women's basketball player in Houston hardly anyone knows about. Neaves, 6'2", red-shirt senior, post player for the Rice Owls was tabbed the C-USA's Pre-Season Player of the Year by the league's coaches. She already owns Rice's career blocked shots record (230 and counting) which she set during her sophomore season! Neaves averaged a double-double (15.7 ppg and 10.8 rpg) last season (total of18 double-doubles, including eight in a row). She also blocked 73 shots last season and shot 46.8% from the field and 80% from the free throw line.
Despite those superb stats, Lauren plans to improve those stats this season and lead the Rice Owls back to the Women's NCAA Tournament.
HRR: What did you do to improve your game this season?
Neaves: I got a lot stronger. I put on about 15 pounds. I think that was the biggest thing because I play on the block a lot; and, I am a little undersized; so I think the added weight will help me knock some bodies around -- at least try to.
I've been working on my outside shot more. I think it's coming along. I don't think I'm quite as comfortable as Coach (Greg Williams) would like me to be because I've always played with my back to the basket. I'm trying to develop that part of my game; so, I can make it harder to match up against. Hopefully, that will come to fruition.
HRR: What are your goals / team goals for this season?
Neaves: Our first goal is to start off the season really strong. In past years, we've started off really slow and then finished up strong; but, that doesn't really help us. We need to have a better RPI to start off. When we started winning last year, we had a big wall to climb. Also, I think we're trying to be more enthusiastic. We're not a very talkative team -- that's not really our personality; but, we're trying to develop that in practice.
HRR: Any pressure on you this season being the Pre-Season Player of the Year or the team's being picked to finish first in C-USA this season?
Neaves: I don't think so. We went through this last year. We kind of had that pressure last season. Unfortunately, we didn't finish first. I think this year we're a lot more cocky. We all know how good we are; and, how good we can be; so, I think we're really grasping the challenge of being picked first. I think we're stepping up to the challenge this season instead of backing a way from it a little bit (like last season).
HRR: I've asked you this before; but, I'll ask you again -- on the record -- this time. Do you have any goals of playing professionally?
Neaves: Actually, I do. Before, I was kind of hesitant about it. I wasn't really sure what exactly I wanted to do; but, now, playing under Coach Williams, I'm actually really enjoying playing basketball. So, I'd like to continue playing after this season-- God willing.
HRR: Does that mean playing in the WNBA; going overseason; or both?
Neaves: If I'm lucky enough, both.
You have your first opportunity to see Lauren and her teammates play this Saturday, November 4, at Rice's Autry Court versus Lake Truck in an exhibition game. Tip-off is set for 6pm.
Despite those superb stats, Lauren plans to improve those stats this season and lead the Rice Owls back to the Women's NCAA Tournament.
HRR: What did you do to improve your game this season?
Neaves: I got a lot stronger. I put on about 15 pounds. I think that was the biggest thing because I play on the block a lot; and, I am a little undersized; so I think the added weight will help me knock some bodies around -- at least try to.
I've been working on my outside shot more. I think it's coming along. I don't think I'm quite as comfortable as Coach (Greg Williams) would like me to be because I've always played with my back to the basket. I'm trying to develop that part of my game; so, I can make it harder to match up against. Hopefully, that will come to fruition.
HRR: What are your goals / team goals for this season?
Neaves: Our first goal is to start off the season really strong. In past years, we've started off really slow and then finished up strong; but, that doesn't really help us. We need to have a better RPI to start off. When we started winning last year, we had a big wall to climb. Also, I think we're trying to be more enthusiastic. We're not a very talkative team -- that's not really our personality; but, we're trying to develop that in practice.
HRR: Any pressure on you this season being the Pre-Season Player of the Year or the team's being picked to finish first in C-USA this season?
Neaves: I don't think so. We went through this last year. We kind of had that pressure last season. Unfortunately, we didn't finish first. I think this year we're a lot more cocky. We all know how good we are; and, how good we can be; so, I think we're really grasping the challenge of being picked first. I think we're stepping up to the challenge this season instead of backing a way from it a little bit (like last season).
HRR: I've asked you this before; but, I'll ask you again -- on the record -- this time. Do you have any goals of playing professionally?
Neaves: Actually, I do. Before, I was kind of hesitant about it. I wasn't really sure what exactly I wanted to do; but, now, playing under Coach Williams, I'm actually really enjoying playing basketball. So, I'd like to continue playing after this season-- God willing.
HRR: Does that mean playing in the WNBA; going overseason; or both?
Neaves: If I'm lucky enough, both.
You have your first opportunity to see Lauren and her teammates play this Saturday, November 4, at Rice's Autry Court versus Lake Truck in an exhibition game. Tip-off is set for 6pm.
posted by Kris Gardner @ 2:23 PM
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