Andreona Keys likes the contributions she's made to the Boilermakers early during her career.
At least, that is for two of her first three games. Keys, a freshman wing, scored in double-figures in Purdue's two victories - a dozen at Ball State, then 10 against Toledo - but went scoreless in the loss to Green Bay.
"I want to bring energy off the bench, bring points if I need to do that. Defend." Keys said before Purdue took off to its two-game trip to the Bahamas. Purdue plays Texas Tech Friday afternoon. "Whatever I need to do, from the bench, I want to do that. I've done it in two games, but the second game (of the season) wasn't so great. I'm hoping to do it every game that I step on the floor."
Like many freshman, it's consistency that is the key. But Coach Sharon Versyp likes Keys' upside, especially since she's taken to her role so early.
The 5-foot-10 Atlanta native is versatile enough to play any of the backcourt positions - she has backed up at point guard - but appears most natural on the wing. From there, she can drive to the hoop, her most preferred avenue for scoring.
But she's diversifying her game, too; she hit four three-pointers this season, with the long-distance shot being a recent addition to her repertoire.
"When I tore my ACL," she said, referring to the injury during her junior season, "shooting was basically all I could do, so I spent a lot of time doing that. Then, trying to get more comfortable. It definitely helps me to be an all-around player. I'm still working on pull-up jumpers, but I think I've done a pretty good job and my teammates and coaches have helped me develop that skill set."
Opponents aren't yet respecting the outside shot. Against Toledo, the Rockets frequently sagged off of Keys, giving her openings.
But once they realize that she's capable - and she's made 4-of-7 through three games - she's OK with them coming out. It might open driving lanes.
"I like to attack the basket," said Keys, who is averaging 7.3 points and three rebounds, with four steals. "So definitely shooting is something I'm more comfortable doing now, so when I'm open, I'll shoot it with confidence."
This post was edited on 11/28 10:45 AM by Kyle_GoldandBlack.com
At least, that is for two of her first three games. Keys, a freshman wing, scored in double-figures in Purdue's two victories - a dozen at Ball State, then 10 against Toledo - but went scoreless in the loss to Green Bay.
"I want to bring energy off the bench, bring points if I need to do that. Defend." Keys said before Purdue took off to its two-game trip to the Bahamas. Purdue plays Texas Tech Friday afternoon. "Whatever I need to do, from the bench, I want to do that. I've done it in two games, but the second game (of the season) wasn't so great. I'm hoping to do it every game that I step on the floor."
Like many freshman, it's consistency that is the key. But Coach Sharon Versyp likes Keys' upside, especially since she's taken to her role so early.
The 5-foot-10 Atlanta native is versatile enough to play any of the backcourt positions - she has backed up at point guard - but appears most natural on the wing. From there, she can drive to the hoop, her most preferred avenue for scoring.
But she's diversifying her game, too; she hit four three-pointers this season, with the long-distance shot being a recent addition to her repertoire.
"When I tore my ACL," she said, referring to the injury during her junior season, "shooting was basically all I could do, so I spent a lot of time doing that. Then, trying to get more comfortable. It definitely helps me to be an all-around player. I'm still working on pull-up jumpers, but I think I've done a pretty good job and my teammates and coaches have helped me develop that skill set."
Opponents aren't yet respecting the outside shot. Against Toledo, the Rockets frequently sagged off of Keys, giving her openings.
But once they realize that she's capable - and she's made 4-of-7 through three games - she's OK with them coming out. It might open driving lanes.
"I like to attack the basket," said Keys, who is averaging 7.3 points and three rebounds, with four steals. "So definitely shooting is something I'm more comfortable doing now, so when I'm open, I'll shoot it with confidence."
This post was edited on 11/28 10:45 AM by Kyle_GoldandBlack.com
