Nicole Ohlde finding her place with Shock
BY LYNN JACOBSEN World Sports Writer
Friday, August 13, 2010
8/13/10 at 7:34 AM
With five games remaining, Shock center Nicole Ohlde is hoping to entice head coach Nolan Richardson into re-signing the former Kansas State All-American for the 2011 season.
"This experience has been good," Ohlde said of the trade that brought her and a 2011 first-round draft pick to Tulsa in exchange for Kara Braxton on July 23. "The not-winning part has been very frustrating. But I'm getting more playing time, and I'm enjoying that. My role is to bring scoring to the team."
Tulsa plays its final back-to-back series this weekend with a 7 p.m. road game Friday at San Antonio and a 7 p.m. home game Saturday at the BOK Center against Los Angeles. Saturday's game also signals the return of former Oklahoma State and Big 12 leading scorer Andrea Riley.
In her brief time with the Shock, Ohlde picked up immediately on the team's chemistry.
"I noticed it immediately," she said. "Everyone gets along really well. I have never felt like an outsider. Once we bring that chemistry onto the court, we're going to be dangerous."
A native of Kansas, Ohlde said she feels right at home in Oklahoma.
"I love the Midwest feel, and I really like Tulsa," she said. "And I'm close enough to have family come and watch pretty much every game."
From the first time he saw Ohlde, Richardson said he knew she was his type of player.
"She hardly ever missed a shot," the Shock coach recalled. "But she wasn't playing much. It was just a matter of getting her into the right fit where she could get more playing time. And we had that."
Richardson has been impressed with Ohlde's basketball IQ.
"We finally got a young lady that is learning real quick," he said. "I like Ohlde's game. She can play on both ends. Even with the foul trouble the last couple of games which has limited her time, you can see all the potential she brings to the ball club.
"The style of play we want to play, Ohlde can play. ... She knows how to run the floor, make good passes and has good hands."
So, what has impressed him most from the seven-year WNBA veteran?
"She fixes things without having to be told," he said. "Also, she doesn't mind mixing it up a little. Really, since we got her, we haven't had a lot of practice time. I want her to finish out this season and go overseas knowing that when she comes back she'll be one of our players."
Up next
At San Antonio Silver Stars
7 p.m. Friday
Vs. Los Angeles Sparks
7 p.m. Saturday, Cox-3
Promotion: Women of Inspiration Night - The Shock will recognize and honor women in the metro community who have had a positive impact and inspired others. Women ages 4 to 94 will get $10 off select seats.
Original Print Headline: Ohlde fitting in with Shock
Lynn Jacobsen 581-8461
lynn.jacobsen@tulsaworld.com
