Hallman can’t wait to take her shot

By Dan Lybarger     Nov 6, 2005

Journal-World File Photo
Erica Hallman proved willing to do what she was asked last season as a junior, whether it was to hit the deck for loose balls or bring it upcourt despite the fact she's more of a wing guard than a point guard.

Erica Hallman promises to be ready when she gets her shots this season.

So ready, in fact, she’s already told teammates where they can find her.

“I told ’em I’m just going to be around the arc. I’m going to be down and ready the whole time,” Hallman said. “Hopefully I’ll get some more shots and they can go in. I’ll do whatever it takes for us to be successful.”

The senior guard proved she was willing to do what was best for the team last season.

With few other options at point guard, Hallman traded open shots for ball-handling responsibilities as she was asked to be the floor general for the majority of each game.

Still, this limited some of Hallman’s effectiveness, as it was difficult for the then-junior to run the team and also have the offense run through her.

With the arrival of true point guards Shaquina Mosley and Ivana Catic this season, Hallman will be able to switch back to a wing position that more suits her abilities.

“I think we create more lanes for her,” Kansas coach Bonnie Henrickson said. “I think we give her better passing opportunities. When you come down the middle, there just aren’t as many angles to deliver a pass than there are if you’re coming from the wing.”

Hallman also knows this means she’ll get to do more of what she’s best at.

“More shooting — I love to shoot,” Hallman said. “I like to pass, too. Playing the wing will give me more attempts, hopefully. I’m just ready to play.”

The incoming talent also means Hallman should be better rested this season after averaging a team-high 35.4 minutes per game at the physically taxing point position.

“It’s going to definitely help her,” forward Crystal Kemp said, “because she won’t have to spend most of her leg energy coming up and down the court.”

Hallman — who made 61 of 157 three-point attempts for 38.9 percent a year ago — again will be relied upon to bolster Kansas’ offense.

The Jayhawks averaged just 58 points per game in the 2004-05 season.

“She has an uncanny ability,” Henrickson said, “to make tough shots.”

Returning with Kemp as the only fourth-year players, Hallman said the second season under Henrickson had allowed everybody to become more comfortable with their roles.

“We kind of know what she expects already,” Hallman said. “We’re not all on the edge worried about what she’s going to think. Just having a year of experience under her is a big difference.”

The senior is expecting results this season after settling for improvements in the past.

Hallman is looking for nothing less than a trip to the postseason — an honor she has not yet experienced.

“Hopefully we can make it as far as we can,” Hallman said, “and leave our legacy behind.”

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