Three Points: Summer Session

NORMAN -- The Sooners continue to gear up for the 2017-18 season as the team takes part in its summer workouts for the upcoming year.

Maddie Manning, Ijeoma Odimgbe and Gabbi Ortiz discuss what OU's summer workouts have been like, how freshmen Ana Llanusa and Mandy Simpson have adapted to Norman and where they feel like they have made their biggest improvements in the gym.

MADDIE MANNING

Maddie Manning

1. As the summer winds down, how do you feel about this team?
“I feel like I every day we've taken a step in the right direction. We've been focused every day. I love the level of competition and our focus of trying to win every drill, every game we have at practice. I love that attitude from everybody.”

2. The core of this roster has plenty of veterans. How have you seen their game grow this offseason?
“That's probably my favorite thing we've seen so far. As someone who's been around for a while, it's fun to watch Nesi (LaNesia Williams), Gily (Gileysa Penzo) and EJ (Ijeoma Odimgbe) really step into those roles. Watching those guys step up from a leadership position and fill holes is exciting. They've grown a ton this offseason. Nesi has grown so much on the court and I feel like EJ has continued to get better each day. Gilly is such a smart basketball player, she can help us in so many ways.”

3. What's the biggest takeaway as the summer wraps up?
“The main thing just overall is grit. Period. For us to be successful, it has to be a part of our DNA to go where we want to go. That's part of being tough on the court, but's knowing that we have 10 people who are going to lay it on the line every day. Skill-wise, I feel like individually we've all made improvements here and there to help us gel more as a team. I really like the energy that we've had, especially on offense each day.”

IJEOMA ODIMGBE

1. This team is close-knit already, how have you seen it impact each of you at practice?
“I think working together as one has been great this summer. We've collaborated a lot with each and connecting really well. Our emphasis each day is grit. To go hard on every possession, every sprint, every drill. We are going to be a team that makes the hustle plays, dives on the court and runs the floor hard and I think everyone's attentiveness to that has been great each practice. We've learned more and more each day and are connected to one another.”

2. You get to battle with Vionise Pierre-Louis at practice, how have you made each other better over the summer?
“Vivi is an amazing post player and having to practice against her over the last two years has made me a lot better. The competitive level is always there and she's such a strong player in the post and very skilled. To watch her and mimic her moves on a daily basis has helped me improve. We try to make each other every day.”

3. What have you noticed about Ana Llanusa and Mandy Simpson?
“Both of them came in and dived right in. They are constantly learning and picking these up really quickly. They've connected with all of us quickly too and they're working really hard. It's been fun to watch their growth."

GABBI ORTIZ

1. How has the team taken advantage of each two-hour workout?
“Having the two practices has been great. It's good to have us all together and helped us incorporate new sets and actions that we have on offense. It's been great to learn and really stretch ourselves, but also get a feel of this year's team with our two new freshmen that are on campus. This team has a great feel for one another and I feel like we've been really consistent each day at getting better and solid throughout the summer. This team is open to learning and the goal is to keep getting better as we head into the fall."

2. What's been the impact of Ana Llanusa and Mandy Simpson on this team?
“They've been great. It's asesome to have two new players that come in that want to learn and ask questions. They're excited to grow and be a part of our team this season. You can tell they're focused and they're all in to the process. I think they're really talented. You notice Mandy's hustle every day. She is always driving to the boards to get rebounds and she just shows grit. Ana is a scorer. I love how she moves off the ball. As a point guard, there's always different wants to get their ball whether she's making back door cuts or coming off screens. I like how she moves around the game and how she loves the game.”

3. With Shaina Pellington playing in the upcoming FIBA U19 World Cup, describe what that experience is like and did it impact you two years ago?
“We'd love to have her here with us, but we know that the competition she's been playing against is some of the best in the world. Playing internationally for the summer allows her to grow so much and I'm excited for her. That competition is tough and the atmosphere is awesome. I had an awesome experience getting to represent your home country and winning a gold medal. I hope she has the same opportunity.”

For more information on Oklahoma women's basketball, follow the Sooners on Twitter (@OU_WBBall) or like Oklahoma Sooners Women's Basketball on Facebook.

MADDIE MANNING

IJEOMA ODIMGBE

GABBI ORTIZ

Players Mentioned

Ana Llanusa

Maddie Manning

Ijeoma Odimgbe

Gabbi Ortiz

Shaina Pellington

Gileysa Penzo

Vionise Pierre-Louis

Mandy Simpson

LaNesia Williams

Sponsors

University of Oklahoma Athletics