Thursday, March 12, 2009

FSU found Lyles at tiny WNCC

— Florida Gulf Coast University coach Karl Smesko gave assistant Nate Daume a specific mission last year as the Eagles searched for the key piece in a reloading effort.

“A kid that had good legs and versatility, would be able to guard inside but still shoot the ball outside and be able to drive,” Smesko told Daume.

Mission accomplished.

Daume found Chelsea Lyles at tiny Western Nebraska Community College in Scottsbluff, where the 6-foot forward led the Cougars in scoring and rebounding. Lyles was perfect for Smesko’s unique system that relies on screens and cuts and five players who can dribble-drive and swish 3-pointers.

The Colorado Springs, Colo., native “hated” playing with her back to the basket and began honing her behind-the-arc skills as a freshman at Harrison High, even though her coach warned against it. By the time she was a senior, she had scored a “green light.”

For the rest of the story, visit the Daily News

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