The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/418536
last year. Coming in as an unknown who had only played 25 minutes in her whole career, to come out last year and do the things that she did was truly special. "Shannon as well, coming from transferring, you never know how somebody is going to adapt and translate." Those three returning starters will play a lot of minutes for the Wol- verines this year and have already exhibited the urgency of playing in their final collegiate games. Barnes Arico said she likes what she's seeing in the early stages of the season, but has to remind a couple of her leaders that it's still just one game at a time. "I think Nicole and Cyesha have put a little pressure on themselves, and I am trying to get them to just relax," she said with a laugh. "You feel like it is your last go-round, and especially coming off a year they both had individually last year, the expectations are high. I want them to stay within themselves, give the effort that they give each and ev- ery single day, and good things will happen." FABULOUS FRESHMEN Michigan welcomes a five-mem- ber freshman class that was ranked No. 23 in the nation by the All-Star Girls Report, the highest-rated group ever at U-M. Headlined by sharp- shooting guard Katelynn Flaherty, the class consists of scoring perim- eter players, versatile wings and an inside presence. "The freshman class is super excit- ing," Barnes Arico said. "They come in as a top-25 class, so that was pretty exciting for us as a staff. But anytime with freshmen, it is an unknown. Playing in high school is extremely different than playing college basket- ball, so there is an adjustment period. "We are still so excited about them as coaches. Every day at practice, they will do something special." Long, rangy, and athletic describes guard Maria Backman. She can really stretch the floor with her shooting ability and size. Hailing from The Bronx, N.Y., Backman could develop into a special player at Michigan. "Maria is a 6-1 wing who can really score and has a great shot," Barnes Arico said. "She can get to the rim. She just has to adjust to the tough- ness of the college level and what is expected of our program on a day-in and day-out basis." Guard/forward Jillian Dunston joins the Wolverines from Silver Spring, Md., as one of the lesser-re- cruited prospects, but Barnes Arico loves what she's seen out of the 5-11 combo player. "Jillian will have a chance to make an immediate impact and contribute right away," the head coach said. "I think coming into college, everyone was unsure because in high school she was a little inconsistent. I can tell you that she is one of our hardest-working and toughest players in practice. She is a gym rat, who is in there every day. She is a big, strong, physical kid who can play the three and four spot. "She is explosive; she has a great first step. Her shot is a little inconsis- tent and we are working on that. She has a motor, she is athletic. She will