DURHAM, N.C. – The Duke Blue Devils women’s basketball team officially started practice for the upcoming 2013-2014 season with a three-hour session in the Michael W. Kryzewski Center on Wednesday.
“There were some good things early,” commented head coach Joanne P. McCallie after practice.
“I think getting the intensity for the duration is a real challenge. Demanding of each other that effort, immediacy and intensity is coming. It is exciting. It is a great month to prepare and I think we are getting better every day.”
Currently picked as preseason No. 2 by Sporting News & Lindy’s magazines and No. 3 by USA Today Sports, Duke will continue to practice for the next 11 days before hosting its annual Blue-White Scrimmage game at Cameron Indoor Stadium on Sun., Oct. 27 at 2:00 p.m.
The Blue Devils will then host preseason games against Glenville State College on Wed., Oct. 30 at 6:30 p.m., and Coker College on Sun., Nov. 3 at 2:00 p.m.
“I certainly hope we can be deeper, stronger, quicker and faster in all areas,” said McCallie.
“The post position – Kendall McCravey-Cooper and Oderah Chidom have really come in competing at a very high level. They want to play and mix it up early. I think they are heading in that direction beautifully. Kianna Holland has also made quite a splash, relative to her athleticism, quickness and IQ. There is no doubt that we will blend people in. Hopefully we can be deeper, maintain a higher level of intensity for longer and be a true 40-minute team.”
Duke opens its 2013-14 season on the road on Sun., Nov. 10 when it tips off against the nationally-ranked California Golden Bears.