Tanisha Wright didn't come out and say it explicitly, but it was there in her words.
"We did some nice things last year, and we're excited about what we did last year," she said.
"Last year" -- the 2003-04 season, which ended just three weeks ago. "Last year" -- the year in which Final Four dreams fell just short in the Elite Eight. And "last year" -- a season that the junior guard has apparently already put behind her.
While Wright and Penn State women's basketball coach Rene Portland maintained at yesterday's season wrap-up press conference that the digesting of the season is yet to come, it is clear that the looking forward has already begun.
Not that what's in store is a particular secret. The backcourt duo of Wright and point guard Jess Strom will be the senior leaders. The offense will be in more of a high-low style than in recent years, taking advantage of 6-foot-4 forward Amanda Brown and 6-foot-6 center Reicina Russell. And though the non-conference schedule may not be as intense, the marquee games -- such as an appearance in the season-opening and ESPN-televised Hall of Fame Classic in Austin, Texas -- and the expectations will remain.
"Obviously, the goals from last year are still there; we have a lot of games to look forward to," Russell said a week after the conclusion of the season. "[Seniors Jess] Brungo and Kelly [Mazzante] did lead last year, but Strom controls plays and Tanisha keeps everybody motivated. They are already leaders, and I know they'll lead next year."
With "last year" already history, "next year" is very likely what's now on the infamous locker room goal board.
We gotta start makin' changes
Though much of the blueprint for "next year" is readily apparent, the Lady Lions will be adjusting both their roster and staff before next fall.
Freshman post player Rochelle Johnson, who Portland redshirted as a result of academic problems and a place "behind the eight-ball," has been released from the Penn State program and is now free to transfer.
"After conversation, we have released her from this team," Portland said. "We have talked to a few schools she is interested in, but we don't have to be a part of that discussion. There were some academic concerns, and we did the best Penn State could do for her. It's just a good decision."
Johnson could not be reached for comment. In addition, Portland indicated that there would be some modifications to the coaching staff, but gave no further information.
"There will be some changes," Portland said. "That will work itself out in the next few weeks as hirings are happening all over the country."
The Lions also look forward to the addition of three high school signees to the roster. Incoming will be three guards -- Amber Bland, Lisa Etienne and Adrienne Squire -- to aid in the replacement of backcourt talent that Penn State will desperately need this year and next.
Connecticut's Courting
Though Brungo's selection as the 16th overall pick by the Connecticut Sun may have been a surprise, even to Brungo herself, the Sun's interest in the 6-foot-1 forward had been well-apparent for quite some time to those close to the program.
The coach of the Sun was reportedly in the Bahamas last Thanksgiving, where the women were competing in the Junkanoo Jam tournament. In addition, he was present at all of Penn State's basketball games.
"I probably saw him more than I saw any other WNBA coach, and that's a league where you don't see people," Portland said of the Sun's coach. "He told us in the Bahamas that he was taking Jess Brungo."
Joe's still here, and so is Rene
Now coming up on her 25th season at the helm of the Penn State women's basketball program, Portland seemed amused by the question of how many more years she would be at it.
"Is that a message?" she said jokingly.
After 24 years, 649 wins and just one Final Four appearance, she made it very clear that she has no intentions of going anywhere.
"I still get out of bed, and I'm still here," Portland said. "I still have the energy, and the drive, and the orneriness.
"I may be old to you, but I'm still young."
