Three questions for Kansas State women's basketball ahead of Big 12 media day
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Expectations are sky-high this season for the Kansas State women's basketball team, and for good reason.
The Wildcats thought they had a Big 12 contender last year before All-America center Ayoka Lee went down with a preseason knee injury, but they still put together a winning record and advanced to the second round of the Women's NIT.
Without Lee holding down the middle, they got a first-team all-conference effort from Oklahoma transfer Gabby Gregory and saw growth from sophomore starters Serena Sundell at point guard and twins Jaelyn and Brylee Glenn on the perimeter.
Now Lee is back, as is Gregory for a super-senior extra COVID season, while Sundell and the Glenn twins bring valuable experience as juniors. Throw in a couple of more players who sat out last year with injuries, and 10th-year coach Jeff Mittie believes he has his deepest and most talented team yet.
The Big 12 coaches seem to concur, picking the Wildcats to finish fourth behind Texas, Baylor and Kansas, the reigning WNIT champion.
With Big 12 media day set for Tuesday at T-Mobile Center in Kansas City, here are some questions about the Wildcats for the upcoming season:
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Can Ayoka Lee regain her form as a dominant post?
Lee averaged a double-double with 22 points and 10.3 rebounds in leading K-State to the NCAA Tournament in 2021-22 and was recognized on several All-America teams. She also set the NCAA single-game scoring record with 61 points against Oklahoma.
But Lee now has had surgery on both her knees and missed all last season, so the question remains whether she can return at the same level. She was medically cleared at the start of practice in late September but was still not participating fully at the time.
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How will Ayoka Lee and Gabby Gregory's games mesh?
K-State became a more perimeter-oriented team with Lee out and the question is whether her presence in the middle will affect Gregory's game as a scorer, or if the dual threat creates more scoring opportunities for both.
Can they find a way to make each other better, and can point guard Serena Sundell help act as a facilitator? Sundell, a preseason Big 12 honorable mention pick, averaged 13.7 points and 5.3 assists last year.
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Are there enough minutes to go around?
Depth should not be an issue with this team. Lee was one of three Wildcats who are back after missing last season. Arizona sophomore transfer forward Gisela Sanchez is back and spent time over the summer with the Spanish U20 national team. Redshirt freshman guard Ja'Mia Harris got hurt in the first game and never returned.
Then there are Louisville transfers Zyanna Walker, a guard from Wichita, and Imani Lester, a 6-4 forward. Both are redshirt freshmen. Incoming freshmen Alexis Hess and Taryn Sides also could compete for playing time along with several reserves from a year ago.
Arne Green is based in Salina and covers Kansas State University sports for the Gannett network. He can be reached at agreen@gannett.com or on Twitter at @arnegreen.
This article originally appeared on Topeka Capital-Journal: Kansas State women's basketball questions ahead of Big 12 media day
