Lauren Betts, Ayoka Lee, and Sedona Prince, all leading post players, have each played pivotal roles in their teams’ journeys to the Sweet 16 of the women’s NCAA Tournament. However, a shift in playstyle means future tournaments might see fewer traditional centers like them, as teams increasingly gravitate towards versatile players who excel beyond the paint, often shooting from the perimeter. This transition reflects changes in training given to players at a younger age.
Kansas State’s coach Jeff Mittie noted the evolution in youth basketball, where players are trained to be more all-around skilled rather than just focusing on post-play. Despite these changes, players like Betts, Lee, and Prince are showcasing their dominance in the paint this season.
Betts, standing at 6-foot-7, contributed significantly to UCLA’s recent victory over Richmond by scoring 30 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. Over her collegiate career, she has maintained an impressive field goal percentage of 63.6% and holds a team record with 90 blocked shots in a single season. Similarly, Prince, also 6-foot-7, has been crucial for TCU, offering 35 points and 14 rebounds to help the team progress further than before in the tournament.
At 6-foot-6, Lee has been another defining presence for Kansas State, despite having sat out significant portions of the season due to a foot injury. Her return has been marked by impressive stats, including 33 points and 19 rebounds over minimal game time. Betts emphasizes that size alone isn’t the key to success in her position; patience plays a crucial role. Playing for UCLA after transferring from Stanford, she is conscious of maintaining her composure despite pressure from the defense.
While UCLA coach Cori Close acknowledges the evolving game with more versatile strategies, she highlights how Betts remains at the core of the Bruins’ tactical advantage. As they prepare to face Ole Miss, Close describes how Betts’s presence creates opportunities across the court, forcing opponents into challenging defensive plays.
Lee, previously an AP All-American, scored a record 61 points in a single NCAA game in 2022 before sitting out the following season due to injury. This season, she has achieved her career-best shooting accuracy even though she plays fewer minutes on average. Emphasizing her strengths, Lee explains that her effectiveness is amplified by the strong guard play built around her, allowing her to focus on her traditional post role.
In their upcoming game, Kansas State prepares to face top-seeded USC, while TCU faces Notre Dame for the second time this year. TCU’s coach, Mark Campbell, who brought 11 transfers to the team since taking over, including Prince, has worked closely with her to maximize her impact inside the paint rather than outside the arc.
While Prince was known for her perimeter shooting at Oregon, Campbell has focused on strengthening her post play at TCU. Prince acknowledges the shift, accepting the challenge to harness her height and develop her post skills. Although she occasionally ventures beyond the perimeter, her capabilities inside have become a cornerstone of her play.
In summary, while many teams and players adapt to a more dynamic style of play, traditional post players like Betts, Lee, and Prince continue to excel by leveraging their height and skills in the key areas, providing their teams a distinct advantage in the ongoing NCAA Tournament.