Excitement in the Air (Part 3) All-ACC Frontcourt

So what’s next in my list of reasons to be excited about the 2014-15 season of North Carolina Women’s Basketball?  It’s the dynamic duo inside.  Last season Stephanie Mavunga (right) and Xylina McDaniel proved to be a great combination on both ends of the floor.  Two of North Carolina’s three players voted preseason All-ACC, they really put in the work to help make last year’s team go and they are both back ready to take their games to the next level. (photos from www.goheels.com)

                                         

 I really enjoy it when they are on the court together.  It adds something to North Carolina’s attack because with Stephanie in the game, Xylina can roam around a bit more.  They had some big games last season.  I started calling Stephanie (Mavunga) the “Daily Double Double” after several big games including a 20 point, 10 rebound performance against (then) 10^th ranked South Carolina.  Xylina (McDaniel) the 2012-2013 ACC Rookie of the Year has added more to her game now so that when teams look to get her away from the basket, she can make them pay for that decision.  She has improved footwork and a three-point shot in her arsenal.  (photo is from www.dwhoops.com)

Stephanie (Mavunga) also has a nice looking jumper.  And a team like UNC has to have post players who can run the floor and both of them can get out quick on the fast break.  I look for them this season to find even more ways to take advantage of each other’s presence, but not just on the offensive end.

                        

Do NOT go in there! It’s what my daughter says sometimes when she sees an opposing team go into the lane.  She knows Stephanie Mavunga is waiting.  All six feet, four inches of her.  She takes up a lot of space on the inside, and is deceptively quick.   She’s the long arm of the law in the paint…literally.  She had 90 blocks in her freshman season.  And she seems to get a tickle out of sending a shot back, especially if it leads to points for the Tar Heels.  (photo from www.sentinelandenterprise.com).  (Video from www.theacc.com)
   


Xylina (McDaniel) is more into taking the ball away (had 71 steals last season) and a great number of those steals took place when a guard tried to get by her to get to the hoop.  They also usually lead to fast break points for the Tar Heels.  What you have in Xylina and Stephanie are two tough, physically strong players who are hard to handle individually; but, when combined, make serious trouble for the opponent. (photo from the www.postandcourier.com)

 

I think they might be my son’s favorite players.  He often imitates Carmichael’s PA announcer and for days after a game it’s a common occurrence to hear their names around the house.  Well, a preschooler’s version of their names anyway.  In a video Jessica Washington remarked that Stephanie’s name was hard to say.  My son sure has his fun trying although it generally comes out “Tar Heel Basket, Stephanie Amonga!”

I expect a lot of great moments with these two players this season big and small.  Stephanie has shown she’s willing to keep playing even without one of her shoes.  During the 2014 NCAA tournament, Xylina gave us one of last season’s most memorable highlights making a lay-up while sitting on the floor.  (photo from www.accwbbdigest.com)

There’s just never a dull day.  Press conference videos show they are as big on personality as they are on basketball skills.  Stephanie Mavunga is almost as famous for her lip gloss as her shot blocking ability.  Xylina McDaniel sports her hoop earrings and various hair styles.  My daughter being a pre-teen girl particularly appreciates these things.

They have their areas of improvement of course; but they are getting better all the time.  As post players they will have their share of frustration when things happen, but they understand how important it is they be on the court for this team; and let’s be honest.  Sometimes the folks in the striped shirts don’t make it easy.  Post play is one of the points of emphasis with officiating now though.  So this duo will be working to find the balance probably more than the guards.  I believe they will do what’s necessary. 

As fans we should be out to do what’s necessary to support those efforts.  Some of us, me included do find it necessary to include in those efforts giving the striped shirts some heat.  It’s true that, despite my daughter’s pleas to remain quiet when certain calls go against our team, I’m not above yelling “BAD CALL REF!” at any time.  No one can accuse me of showing up and being quiet.  Well there was that one time; but I had recently recovered from bronchitis.

But I digress.  I hope people come out and support the team when they can.  Stephanie and Xylina are two more of the many reasons to show up at Carmichael this season.  You don’t have to watch them long to see how determined they are to do their parts to make North Carolina Women’s Basketball successful...together.