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Blue Devils Hold Preseason Media Day
10/25/2024 7:30:00 PM | Women's Basketball
DURHAM, N.C. – Duke women's basketball held its annual preseason media day Friday, with head coach Kara Lawson and selected players addressing the media via Zoom.
The Blue Devils officially open the 2024-25 season at home against Radford Monday, Nov. 4 in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke's third annual Education Day game is slated to tip off at 11 a.m., live on ACCNX.
HEAD COACH KARA LAWSON
On the challenging non-conference schedule and playing true road games early in the season:
"I don't really know what everyone else does, but this has not been rare for Duke. I mean, if you look at our history – well, I should say my history – ours as a program. But I would say maybe my second or third year here is when we really could control the schedule. You know, the way that schedules are put together, it [the games] could be one year out, two years out, three years out, depending on those agreements. So, we've been very intentional to go on the road, and probably play games that – I don't know, maybe I'm a little crazy [laughs] because we play games that nobody will take. We went to Toledo, we've gone to Florida Gulf Coast, we went to Columbia last year and going to South Dakota State this year. Most Power Fours don't do that. That's okay. I think, for our young team last year, to play those road games in the non-conference – even though we didn't win all of them – exposed them to a level of intensity, a level of play that they needed to see so that they weren't surprised when we got to the ACC what the level was. So, that's the intention. You know, maybe in a couple months I'll be mad that I did it but, I just think, players want to play in good games man. Like I'll just always go back to being a player. Do you want to play in 50, 60-point blowouts or do you want to play in some real games? I always wanted to play in the real games. I always wanted to play in the real environments, in the close ones, The ones you got stretched in, the ones you got exposed. So, that's just kind of what we do. Yeah, we probably play more road games than everybody else [in the Power Four], but that's okay."
On the benefit of having such great roster retention from last season with 11 returners:
"I have a really good relationship with all of our players, and, we have a really great understanding of one another, and I think, we have a great trust. When you have that, no matter if you are experiencing success, or you're experiencing failure, you have the trust and the persistence to work through things. So, I think that's what we've developed with our team. We have ups, we have downs, but we stay really committed to one another. As far as having the returners – they understand terminology, they understand base level of positioning, things like that. I think that's helpful, certainly in the beginning stages, but that doesn't entitle you to anything when the games start. So, for summer workouts and beginning of practice? Yes. Their faces looked like they actually knew what I was talking about this year [smiles], which was a good thing. Beyond that, we're going to be a different team than last year. Can't help but be that with what we did lose through graduation. That, even with pieces returning, we're still figuring out how to navigate and how that will manifest itself when we start playing games."
SENIOR GUARD REIGAN RICHARDSON
On her expectations for herself and the team this season:
"Yeah, it's crazy that I'm a senior now. I feel like time flew by. But I feel like the biggest thing for me is just to leave a mark on my teammates. I know I've been in Kara's program for the last three years so, just being able to leave the incoming players and the younger ones I have now, just leading them and letting them know what we do here, how Kara's system is and leaving them with that certain impression."
On her growth as a leader:
"It's definitely been a journey [smiles]. I'm not really one to talk much on the floor but I've definitely improved that skill over the years. I feel like the biggest thing for me is to help our younger players and let them know that I'm someone they can count on whenever they need help or someone they can look to when they need advice."
SOPHOMORE GUARD OLUCHI OKANANWA
On making the jump from freshman to sophomore year:
"Personally, that jump from freshman to sophomore year is really just in knowledge and really understanding how the college game is played. You're experienced now, and you have some sort of understanding of what to expect underneath your belt. So, personally for me, [what I'm] really just looking for this year from that jump from freshman to sophomore year is understanding my role on the team as well as how to make an impact on the court."
On her rebounding ability and how it will impact the team this season:
"Rebounding is just effort and hustle. That's definitely something that, as I'm sure you guys have seen, you know I bring every time I step foot on the court. So, nothing's changed for this year. Same mentality, same mindset. Every time the ball goes up, I'm crashing the boards."
To stay up to date with Duke women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWBB."
50 Seasons of Duke Women's Basketball
The 2024-25 season marks the 50th anniversary of Duke women's basketball, a program rich in tradition, excellence and success. From its early foundations to national dominance, the Blue Devils have become a powerhouse in both athletics and academics. Join us in commemorating five decades of sisterhood, championships and iconic moments as we set the stage for the next 50 years. For more information, please visit goduke.com/WBB50
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
The Blue Devils officially open the 2024-25 season at home against Radford Monday, Nov. 4 in Cameron Indoor Stadium. Duke's third annual Education Day game is slated to tip off at 11 a.m., live on ACCNX.
HEAD COACH KARA LAWSON
On the challenging non-conference schedule and playing true road games early in the season:
"I don't really know what everyone else does, but this has not been rare for Duke. I mean, if you look at our history – well, I should say my history – ours as a program. But I would say maybe my second or third year here is when we really could control the schedule. You know, the way that schedules are put together, it [the games] could be one year out, two years out, three years out, depending on those agreements. So, we've been very intentional to go on the road, and probably play games that – I don't know, maybe I'm a little crazy [laughs] because we play games that nobody will take. We went to Toledo, we've gone to Florida Gulf Coast, we went to Columbia last year and going to South Dakota State this year. Most Power Fours don't do that. That's okay. I think, for our young team last year, to play those road games in the non-conference – even though we didn't win all of them – exposed them to a level of intensity, a level of play that they needed to see so that they weren't surprised when we got to the ACC what the level was. So, that's the intention. You know, maybe in a couple months I'll be mad that I did it but, I just think, players want to play in good games man. Like I'll just always go back to being a player. Do you want to play in 50, 60-point blowouts or do you want to play in some real games? I always wanted to play in the real games. I always wanted to play in the real environments, in the close ones, The ones you got stretched in, the ones you got exposed. So, that's just kind of what we do. Yeah, we probably play more road games than everybody else [in the Power Four], but that's okay."
On the benefit of having such great roster retention from last season with 11 returners:
"I have a really good relationship with all of our players, and, we have a really great understanding of one another, and I think, we have a great trust. When you have that, no matter if you are experiencing success, or you're experiencing failure, you have the trust and the persistence to work through things. So, I think that's what we've developed with our team. We have ups, we have downs, but we stay really committed to one another. As far as having the returners – they understand terminology, they understand base level of positioning, things like that. I think that's helpful, certainly in the beginning stages, but that doesn't entitle you to anything when the games start. So, for summer workouts and beginning of practice? Yes. Their faces looked like they actually knew what I was talking about this year [smiles], which was a good thing. Beyond that, we're going to be a different team than last year. Can't help but be that with what we did lose through graduation. That, even with pieces returning, we're still figuring out how to navigate and how that will manifest itself when we start playing games."
SENIOR GUARD REIGAN RICHARDSON
On her expectations for herself and the team this season:
"Yeah, it's crazy that I'm a senior now. I feel like time flew by. But I feel like the biggest thing for me is just to leave a mark on my teammates. I know I've been in Kara's program for the last three years so, just being able to leave the incoming players and the younger ones I have now, just leading them and letting them know what we do here, how Kara's system is and leaving them with that certain impression."
On her growth as a leader:
"It's definitely been a journey [smiles]. I'm not really one to talk much on the floor but I've definitely improved that skill over the years. I feel like the biggest thing for me is to help our younger players and let them know that I'm someone they can count on whenever they need help or someone they can look to when they need advice."
SOPHOMORE GUARD OLUCHI OKANANWA
On making the jump from freshman to sophomore year:
"Personally, that jump from freshman to sophomore year is really just in knowledge and really understanding how the college game is played. You're experienced now, and you have some sort of understanding of what to expect underneath your belt. So, personally for me, [what I'm] really just looking for this year from that jump from freshman to sophomore year is understanding my role on the team as well as how to make an impact on the court."
On her rebounding ability and how it will impact the team this season:
"Rebounding is just effort and hustle. That's definitely something that, as I'm sure you guys have seen, you know I bring every time I step foot on the court. So, nothing's changed for this year. Same mentality, same mindset. Every time the ball goes up, I'm crashing the boards."
To stay up to date with Duke women's basketball, follow the team on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook by searching "DukeWBB."
50 Seasons of Duke Women's Basketball
The 2024-25 season marks the 50th anniversary of Duke women's basketball, a program rich in tradition, excellence and success. From its early foundations to national dominance, the Blue Devils have become a powerhouse in both athletics and academics. Join us in commemorating five decades of sisterhood, championships and iconic moments as we set the stage for the next 50 years. For more information, please visit goduke.com/WBB50
Duke Centennial
In 2024, Duke celebrates its Centennial, marking one hundred years since Trinity College became Duke University. Duke will use this historic milestone to deepen the understanding of its history, inspire pride and strengthen bonds and partnerships, and prepare for a second century of continued excellence and impactful leadership. To learn more, please visit 100.duke.edu
#GoDuke
Kara Lawson on Bella Flemings
Monday, November 17
Kara Lawson on Taylor Sofilkanich
Sunday, November 16
Kara Lawson on Sanai Green
Thursday, November 13
Kara Lawson on Autumn Fleary
Wednesday, November 12
