There’s reason for optimism in the Wake Forest Women’s Basketball program, as the Demon Deacons have new leadership in first-year head coach Megan Gebbia and return the vast majority of the production that led to a 16-17 record and WNIT appearance a season ago.
The only departure from last year’s roster is Christina Morra, who graduated and is now playing professionally overseas. That means the Deacs return 89.2% of their minutes, 87.2% of their scoring, 91.2% of their rebounding and 95.8% of their assists from a season ago.
“I’m not coming into a program where I had to fill spots,” Gebbia, who arrived at Wake Forest after nine seasons as head coach at American University, said. “It’s not devoid of talent. The previous staff did a good job bringing players in. We’re just gonna try to get better each and every day. Take the lessons, but I do think we have a chance.”
There’s just one freshman on the roster, point guard Kate Deeble, but she’s expected to contribute in a big way, meaning the rotation is likely to be deep for Gebbia and the Deacs.
“I’m hoping to play 10,” Gebbia said. “A lot of times when you get to the league that shrinks to eight.”
The buy-in from the team has been both immediate and impactful. The players have embraced the new staff and together they’re focused on producing a competitive season in Winston-Salem and building a new winning tradition at Wake Forest.
“They’re like sponges, they’re soaking everything in,” Gebbia said. “They’re asking great questions. I’m trying to change habits that they were taught before. And this is not right or wrong, they’re the former staff’s philosophy and my philosophy is just different. So I’m trying to break down basketball multiple times. I’m trying to get them to play the way I want them to play.
“We’re allowing them to do freelance a little bit more within the offense. They’re going to attack, they’re going to play. That’s kind of fun for me to watch. And then just the athleticism and the length and the physicality of the game was also enjoyable to see.”
While the Deacs ran off to a 10-1 start last year in the non-conference schedule, they struggled in ACC play, finishing 4-14. Gebbia believes this year’s early-season slate will better prepare the team for the rigors of conference competition.
“If we happen to be in the top half of the league, great and then we have a chance to get…
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