UNM transfer guard eager to finally see action
Buck scored 1,000 points at Green Bay
Tesha Buck waited a long time to see the cherry side of her practice jersey.
Buck joined the University of New Mexico women’s basketball team as a transfer last season but had to sit out 2016-17 under NCAA rules. The 6-foot guard could practice but spent the season as a permanent member of the scout team. As such she invariably wore her reversible jersey with the silver side out. Not any more. Buck, a senior who played three seasons at Green Bay before transferring, is getting time with the red pack now. She alternates colors as practice situations dictate — all the Lobos do — but Buck projects as a starter and go-to scorer this season. Her next step is to don a UNM game jersey for the first time.
“It’s just exciting to finally be putting pieces together for the season,” she said. “I can’t even remember what it feels like to play a game. I’m so looking forward to playing here with this team.”
Lobo coach Mike Bradbury has been eagerly anticipating having Buck available for game days, as well. She scored more than 1,000 points in three seasons at Green Bay and was named Horizon League tournament MVP after leading the Phoenix to a title her sophomore year.
“She can really shoot it,” Bradbury said. “She’s a great offensive player who understands the game and makes everyone else better, but the most obvious thing is her shot. Tesha can flat shoot the ball.”
Buck shot 39.9 percent from 3-point range as a junior, which makes her a good fit for Bradbury’s dribble-drive system. She is effective driving to the basket but even better on the receiving end of a kick-out pass to the 3-point arc.
Such passes figure to come frequently this season, with Bradbury emphasizing a fast offense and encouraging players to take the first open shot.
The pace does not let up on defense. UNM has worked hard on installing high-pressure man-to-man defense, including full-court pressure.
It’s a far cry from the patient half-court game the short-handed Lobos employed last season.
“In a lot of ways I feel like everything’s a 180 from last year,” Buck said. “This pace is a little different than what I’m used to, but I like it. (Bradbury) knows what he’s doing and he’ll get the most out of us.”
With Buck joining four incoming freshmen on the roster, Bradbury believes he has enough depth and athleticism to consistently push the pace. Asked Wednesday about his expectations for 2017-18, Bradbury was optimistic.
“I think we’ll be good enough to be in (Mountain West) contention,” he said. “Not many teams will out-talent us this year.”
FILLING SPOTS: Bradbury declined to give names but said three starting spots for UNM’s season-opener are largely determined. Buck and returning AllMountain West guard Cherise Beynon are the most likely candidates, but Bradbury said incoming freshmen are also in the mix. N’Dea Flye, a 5-foot-7 point guard from Oregon City, Ore., has looked particularly good this preseason.
“I think our young ones will all play,” Bradbury said, “and a couple could probably start.” PROGNOSIS IMPROVING: Junior Emily Lines, one of three Lobos recovering from ACL surgery, returned to full practice last week. Junior Jaisa Nunn and sophomore Mykiel Burleson have not been fully cleared, but Nunn is getting close. She participated in limited full-court drills for the first time Tuesday.
“That’s big for us,” Bradbury said. “We only have two posts on the roster (junior Erica Moore is the other) and both are coming off injuries. The sooner we get Jaisa back to 100 percent, the better.” VIEWING OPPORTUNITY: The Lobos will hold an open practice/scrimmage Oct. 28 at the Pit beginning at 3:30 p.m. Raffles, season-ticket promotions and other fan-friendly activities are planned.
“We can’t wait to get in front of the fans,” Bradbury said.