When people start throwing out the name Amanda Thompson, you are clearly doing something right.
Senior forward Carlee Roethlisberger, known more for her last name than her play on the court, finally has some people taking notice.
Oklahoma faces Kansas on the road Sunday, and Roethlisberger’s improved defensive intensity around the boards and shot selection could not come at a better time.
The senior from Ohio is averaging more than seven rebounds a game and 6.4 points in conference play, and though she has a long way to go, there is a similarity between her and Thompson, a former Sooner standout.
“[Thompson] brought energy and could rebound offensively and defensively like no other, so it’s an honor that someone would say that,” Roethlisberger said.
Thompson averaged a double-double her final season with the Sooners, but her contribution was more than just the point totals; it was intensity and drive.
“Coach talks about this all the time — that when we’d be down, don’t have energy or just missing shots, Amanda would always come up with a big play,” Roethlisberger said. “Such an amazing player like Amanda, just how aggressive and tough she was — that’s what I strive for.”
And while Roethlisberger’s contributions aren’t always accurately shown on the record books, she’s finding a role for herself — a role kind of like Thompson’s.
“Whether it’s taking a charge or helping down on a screen, that just kind of gets somebody going,” she said. “I think that’s the little stuff that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet.”
She will have the opportunity to bring that toughness to Lawrence, Kan., where she may see some time in the paint with the Jayhawk post players.
“There’s some big girls in there, so I think it’s just being smart, readying the shot and just crashing to get the ball,” Roethlisberger said.
Undersized for a post, her rebounding ability allows coach Sherri Coale to play her at the five spot and test typically slower defenders.
On the other side of the court, Roethlisberger’s ability to pull defenders out of the paint, shoot from outside or drive is a plus, she said.
And working KU’s post players is what her team needs on Sunday.
“It’s not the baskets that you’re making a lot of the time — even sometimes not the rebounds — but just little things that can get your team going,” Roethlisberger said. “To be able to get in there and get fouled, especially against Kansas with their post being so good, if we can get them in foul trouble, that would be good.”
OU tips early against Kansas — 12:30 p.m. — and Roethlisberger said the team likely won’t get into the gym for as many shots as they would like. But when it comes to game time, that shouldn’t matter.
“It’s always tough going on the road and trying to get used to the baskets, but great players and great teams get those things done, and you can’t let that affect you,” she said.