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Warren debuts strong in Ariz. victory

The UA women's basketball game against SBC Prerov Czech Republic on Friday night marked the first appearance of highly touted freshman guard Krista Warren in an Arizona uniform.

Her initial game as a Wildcat was a success, UA head coach Joan Bonvicini said.

"She is awesome, she is going to be a good player," Bonvicini said. "I don't want to put a lot of pressure on her, she did a point a minute, that's pretty good."

In 10 minutes of play, Warren scored 10 points and pulled down four rebounds.

"She gives us a completely different look at the three spot than we've ever had," Bonvicini said. "She is someone who can board, play defense but yet can shoot. She is pretty good, she is going to be a good player."

Warren said she was happy with her first outing, but feels she has plenty to work on.

"I am pleased after my first game, but I know I can play better," she said. "So that is somewhat of a down point, but I am happy that I didn't do horribly. It wasn't like I was a total freshman out there."

Warren said the adjustments she will have to make will come as she continues to play with her teammates.

"There are a number of things that I would like to work on, like fitting in with the flow of the team," Warren said. "I don't know exactly where everyone plays, I want to get up to their potential and run with a flow.

"Instead of having them tell me, go to this spot, go that spot. It make the game flow easier."

Bonvicini said she is very excited about the prospects of the 6-foot-2 guard.

"Krista is not gun-shy, part of that is that she was the (high school) leading scorer in the state of California," she said. "You can see her versatility, running the floor, she can shoot the three. She is going to be a very, very good college player."

The Arizona starting lineup on Friday night differed a bit from what UA fans saw last season, but those starters jobs are not secure, Bonvicini said.

To open the game, sophomore Julie Brase and seniors Monika Crank and Felecity Willis were in the guard positions as senior Tatum Brown and sophomore Elizabeth Pickney started in the post positions.

Last season guard Lisa Griffith and forward Angela Lackey were regular starters but came off the bench on Friday.

"I made the decision on who to start from what I saw in practice and in the Red-Blue Scrimmage," Bonvicini said. "We are so deep of a team that these players do not have the jobs locked up, it may change a lot, we'll just have to see."

The starting five made a strong argument for job security, as they combined for 48 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists.

"I thought that it was a good way to start off," Bonvicini said. "There are a couple of things you have certainly seen. We have some very good depth and we are not only deep but very versatile."