Spring Break
Montgomery Impressive In Huskies Debut
Zac Boyer
Issue date: 11/2/05 Section: Sports
HARTFORD - Even though it was her first time stepping on the court for a college game, Renee Montgomery looked especially calm in her debut.
Montgomery, who was the first UConn player introduced, ran onto the court amid cheers and began jumping around to pump herself up for the game. She finished with 11 points in the contest and came up with four steals, and while she struggled to find her rhythm in the first half, she was able to establish herself as the game went on.
"I was excited, nervous, anxious and worried because they say you never know how a player's going to act when they come to college," Montgomery said. "In practice you can do a lot, but I just wanted to make sure I did things I know I can do in a game and not just let my nerves get the best of me."
Montgomery struggled with her passing early, even throwing a ball over Ann Strother's head and right at Houston head coach Louis Ray III. Things began to change when she took her first shot, a 3-pointer from the right side of the key with 19:21 left in the first half, which dropped through the net for her first collegiate points.
The freshman point guard didn't seem to shake her passing woes in the game but was able to make up for it on defense. According to head coach Geno Auriemma, the team kept track of how many times the Huskies touched a ball on defense. Not surprisingly, Montgomery led the team with eight touches in the first half, which continued through the game and helped her finish with four steals, tying her for the lead with Charde Houston.
Montgomery acknowledged the exhibition was a good icebreaker, making her aware of the pace of the college game before beginning regular season play. Still, she knows working on timing and controlling the offense is something she will need to work on.
"It takes getting a good pace and not going 90 miles per hour on everything," Montgomery said. "Maybe you need to go slow going through the pick or just get a good feel for the game. The pace of the game is what I need to get into the most."
Auriemma agreed, recognizing Montgomery will struggle through the first games of the season.
"I thought that she did some good things," Auriemma said. "Right now, we're just trying to find out what she can do and how much she can do."
He also acknowledged that Montgomery will need to get used to the college game, especially considering she hasn't played in their system and has only scrimmaged against the team to date. This will only open her up to improvement.
"I think she's a gutsy kid who likes the spotlight and likes playing," Auriemma said.
Montgomery's teammates seem to agree and were comfortable with her role as the on-court leader.
"As long as Renee continues to play the way she's been playing, we're going to do well," said Barbara Turner.
"I'm glad that I understand how the college game is played," Montgomery said.
Montgomery, who was the first UConn player introduced, ran onto the court amid cheers and began jumping around to pump herself up for the game. She finished with 11 points in the contest and came up with four steals, and while she struggled to find her rhythm in the first half, she was able to establish herself as the game went on.
"I was excited, nervous, anxious and worried because they say you never know how a player's going to act when they come to college," Montgomery said. "In practice you can do a lot, but I just wanted to make sure I did things I know I can do in a game and not just let my nerves get the best of me."
Montgomery struggled with her passing early, even throwing a ball over Ann Strother's head and right at Houston head coach Louis Ray III. Things began to change when she took her first shot, a 3-pointer from the right side of the key with 19:21 left in the first half, which dropped through the net for her first collegiate points.
The freshman point guard didn't seem to shake her passing woes in the game but was able to make up for it on defense. According to head coach Geno Auriemma, the team kept track of how many times the Huskies touched a ball on defense. Not surprisingly, Montgomery led the team with eight touches in the first half, which continued through the game and helped her finish with four steals, tying her for the lead with Charde Houston.
Montgomery acknowledged the exhibition was a good icebreaker, making her aware of the pace of the college game before beginning regular season play. Still, she knows working on timing and controlling the offense is something she will need to work on.
"It takes getting a good pace and not going 90 miles per hour on everything," Montgomery said. "Maybe you need to go slow going through the pick or just get a good feel for the game. The pace of the game is what I need to get into the most."
Auriemma agreed, recognizing Montgomery will struggle through the first games of the season.
"I thought that she did some good things," Auriemma said. "Right now, we're just trying to find out what she can do and how much she can do."
He also acknowledged that Montgomery will need to get used to the college game, especially considering she hasn't played in their system and has only scrimmaged against the team to date. This will only open her up to improvement.
"I think she's a gutsy kid who likes the spotlight and likes playing," Auriemma said.
Montgomery's teammates seem to agree and were comfortable with her role as the on-court leader.
"As long as Renee continues to play the way she's been playing, we're going to do well," said Barbara Turner.
"I'm glad that I understand how the college game is played," Montgomery said.