The RoundHouse | 11/1/2023 1:07:00 PM

By Paul Suellentrop
 
On Daniela Abies' left wrist is tattooed "888," numbers that can signify attributes ranging from triple fortune to abundance. For Abies, the numbers are a reminder to persevere through tough times.
 
"Keep going," she said. "Don't give up."
 
Wichita State opens its women's basketball season with an exhibition against NCAA Division II Missouri Southern at 6 tonight at Koch Arena. Abies' prompt fits with what new coach Terry Nooner envisions for her sophomore year. To take advantage of her physical skills, Abies is working on putting aside a bad moment and playing with consistency.
 
"She's a perfectionist," Nooner said. "Trying to keep (Abies) from dwelling on the mistake and getting to the next play. That's how you've got to be to play basketball."
 
Abies, a 6-foot sophomore center, played in 26 games last season and averaged 2.8 points and 3.3 rebounds. With starters Jane Asinde and Trajata Colbert in front of her, it was hard for a freshman to play significant minutes as she adjusted to a new style of basketball.
 
"I had to take advantage of every chance I had, every minute, every practice," Abies said. "I feel like I'm working on a lot of stuff. Physicality is one of the things helping me most. Overseas, the basketball is way different. There is way more physicality here."
 
Her potential pops when listing some of her big games – 14 points and four rebounds against American Athletic Conference champion USF; eight points and seven rebounds in 16 minutes vs. South Carolina State; five points and seven rebounds in 13 minutes vs. Temple; six points and three steals in 13 minutes vs. USF in the conference tournament.
 
 

Oh my Dani pic.twitter.com/Yfqwq2X1kC

— Wichita State Women's Basketball (@GoShockersWBB) December 31, 2022

Nooner likes Abies' progress scoring around the basket and on her mid-range jump shot. He sees passing ability the Shockers can use. On defense, her agility is helpful against smaller opponents and in ball-screen defense.
 
"She's a great athlete," Nooner said. "That's the thing with her – consistency. Dani's played well – she probably played the best in our closed scrimmage against UMKC."
 
Abies, from Malaga, Spain, said that increased playing time will lead to consistent production.
 
"When I had the chance to play more minutes, I feel like I was able to play my game," she said. "I'm working on small things, like turnovers. Finishing every layup. Bring my confidence back. That's the whole point."
 
Nooner, coaching his first game as a college head coach, wants fans to see a team that plays hard.
"My biggest goal is that we execute the stuff we practice the most," he said. "Defensively – being in help and deny passes. Boxing out. Talking. Offensively – sharing the ball, playing fast, set good screens. Executing the play calls."
 
Paul Suellentrop writes about Wichita State athletics for university Strategic Communications. Story suggestion? Contact him at paul.suellentrop@wichita.edu.