It was Dec. 6, 2010, when then-assistant men's basketball coach Bill Reinson assumed command of the Lancers women's basketball team from Kristen Caruso. In the nearly two months since taking the job, Reinson has guided the women's team to a record of 3-9. Although it has been a difficult period for the women's squad, the new coach hopes to improve. Reinson discussed what he has done since taking over to try to better the team.
"Over the Christmas break, I made the decision that if we did nothing else this year we were going to learn how to play defense," said Reinson. "I think it's coming along. It's a slow process because you have to un-train a lot of bad habits and train the new habits. I think they've taken to it, they're playing hard and they're in the right positions for the most part. I think the next step is taking the correct positions and then going out and attacking knowing you're in the right spot."
In the first seven games under Reinson, the women's team averaged nine more points per game. They also averaged five more assists per game and four more steals per game.
"Offensively, we just kind of opened it up," he said, "That's the only way you can really tell what people's strengths and weaknesses are, just by letting them play and we do that in practice and in games. Some of the girls have flourished and some it has taken away from their offensive capabilities, but overall it's a plus for the team."
Again, Coach Reinson inherited the women's team under bad circumstances. Former Coach Caruso was placed on a paid leave of absence in January 2010 and was later suspended in December 2010. Just a few days after the suspension, she was relieved of her coaching duties. No definite reason has been given by Director of Athletics Troy Austin regarding Caruso's departure.
"Generally, it's my personal preference as well as the university standard that we don't disclose personnel matters," said Austin, "Again, I don't want to approach any level of details. As I said in the statement, there was a review of the program. If you've been following the program, you know there was a review of the leadership of the program last December and January. In both situations, we looked for particular details that were brought to light and after that it was decided that we would go our separate ways."
"I think just in general, any type of major disturbance off the court concerns me in terms of morale. Even making the coaching change I was concerned about how that would affect the women on the team. To their credit, they handled the situation well and stayed focused the best they could because it wasn't easy and has not been easy for them," said Austin.
However, Austin feels that Coach Reinson is doing fine in his new role. "He brings a great intensity and passion for people and the game and a great intellect, as well. It appears to me they [the team] have embraced it and moved forward."
Coach Reinson commented in regards to whether the change could be permanent, "When Troy and I talked, we agreed that I would do it until the end of the year. I would see if I enjoyed it and he would see whether he enjoyed me doing it and we would talk again at the end of the year. I've already spoken to him to let him know how much I would like to have it.
