Arizona women's basketball coach Adia Barnes shares lessons learned from last year, how excited she is about what's next and her strategy behind building this year's roster in an exclusive two-part Q&A with the Star.
If she’s not at the first early-morning workout with her team or at practice, the seventh-year Arizona women's basketball coach is meeting with her new staff and planning — either for the Wildcats or her upcoming kids camp next week at McKale Center.
People are also reading… During a wide-ranging conversation, Barnes talked about the newbies on the roster, how NIL and the transfer portal have exploded, what didn't work last season and even shared a little about her family time over the last month. Part 1 of 2 can be found below. It has been lightly edited.A: “We’re lucky we got her so late. She’s long, about 6 feet tall — similar to Montaya . She’s a lefty. She reminds me, body-wise, like Sam Thomas, but I think she’s a little taller.
"If you look at Sali a blue-collar player like I love. For us, she can play the three and the four. She’s a defensive player. She’s physical. She's going to be a really good rebounder. I really like her. She's a tough player, and we haven't had that toughness. She's super gritty. ... "They all want to be here, excited about Arizona. They aren’t just here. Here’s an example: Yesterday was an off day and every single one of them was in the gym. I am just excited to coach them.
" we came together much earlier. We will have breaks this summer, but we needed the core here because we have so many new people. We have so many new staff. It was really important to spend this extra time here this summer. I could not be happier with the staff right now. The changes I made were the best decisions I made for the organization.
A: “Chris Allen was a hire I wanted for many years. Chris is one of the best in the country. He’s worked every single sport, led every department he has been part of. He gets it and is extremely experienced. We’re blessed to have him on our team.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Intolerance has no place in Arizona': Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs vetoes drag show-related billsFour bills passed by the Arizona State Legislature that either directly targets drag shows, or is interpreted by some as being crafted against drag shows, have been vetoed by Governor Katie Hobbs on June 16.
Read more »
South Carolina's Josh Bloomer joins Wildcats' softball staff as hitting coachArizona softball coach Caitlin Lowe hires Josh Bloomer as hitting coach, her second addition to the staff in a week. Christian Conrad joined the Wildcats last week as their new pitching coach.
Read more »
Photos: FC Tucson Women ease past Arizona Arsenal 2-0, WPSL actionThe FC women notched two in the first half in dropping in-state rivals Arsenal at Kino Sports Complex, June 14, 2023, Tucson, Ariz.
Read more »
Arizona woman alleges sexual assault by Trevor Bauer; he denies allegation and countersuesAn Arizona woman has accused former major league pitcher Trevor Bauer of sexual assault, alleging in a lawsuit updated this week that he held a knife at her throat and choked her until she passed out during a rape that left her pregnant in late 2020.
Read more »
Business awards earned in Tucson and Southern ArizonaHonors earned by Southern Arizona businesses, leaders, organizations.
Read more »
Arizona Monsoon 2023: What to expect this summerThe monsoon: Mother Nature's raw power is on full display with walls of dust and wicked winds, to sheets of rain and the deluge of water left behind. Always expect the unexpected because this is Arizona's monsoon. Learn about the elements that make up the monsoon, plus a look at what this monsoon season might bring, and some tips on how to make sure your pool and your car are ready for the severe weather.
Read more »