In the quest to get better for her junior season with the Colorado women’s basketball team, Kindyll Wetta focused on scoring.
Throughout her first two seasons with the Buffaloes, Wetta’s defense and passing were consistent, but scoring was not. Given CU’s high expectations as a team, however, Wetta wanted to make sure she was on the list of dependable weapons.
“Coming into the season, I was really focusing on looking for my scoring opportunities more – not because I really wanted to, but because that’s what my team needed from me,” the junior point guard said. “I feel like I’ve been doing a good job of that and still contributing what I have been contributing (for three years).”
So far, so good.
Wetta’s continued development has been one of the many bright spots for the eighth-ranked Buffs (10-1), who open Pac-12 play against No. 12 Utah (10-2) on Saturday at the CU Events Center (1 p.m., Pac-12 Network).
During nonconference play, the Valor Christian grad averaged 7.1 points per game, while hitting 49.2% of her shots. Take out one off night (1-for-9 against UT-Arlington) and her shooting percentage is 56% in the other 10 games.
Through her first two years at CU, Wetta averaged 5.0 points per game on 42.4% shooting.
Wetta has been better while doing it in fewer minutes (21.1 per game compared to 24.8 last year) and making her mark on a team loaded with scoring threats.
“Yeah I think so,” she said of her offseason work paying off. “And just getting comfortable in our offense and what kind of shots are good shots for me. I don’t need to go off for 20 every night, but if I can just contribute a little bit more, then that will be beneficial.”
Wetta has been looking for her own shot a bit more this year because of her comfort in the offense. She’s averaging 5.4 shots per game, up from 4.3 last year. After hitting double-digit scoring nine times in her first two years, she has hit that mark four times already this year.
The increased aggressiveness on offense stems not only from her confidence, but from the fact that she’s got an eye on the future.
During her three seasons at CU, Wetta has played starter-like minutes, but she’s come off the bench behind star Jaylyn Sherrod. Next year, however, that lead role could belong to Wetta with Sherrod graduating.
“That’s something that I think about, too, with Jaylyn having to leave next year,” she said. “I need to start mentally preparing myself for what I’m going to have to fill next year.”
Of course, Wetta’s main objective is this year.
The Buffs have the tools to compete for a Pac-12 title and make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. To achieve that level of success, they’ll need Wetta to continue getting better.
In addition to her increased scoring, Wetta is averaging career highs in rebounds (3.3 per game) and assists (3.5), while also getting nearly two steals per game (1.9).
Much of what Wetta is doing is what she’s done for three years, but there’s no question she’s taken her game to a new level this year.
“I think it’s been the same role in some aspect,” she said. “I do feel like I’m more of like a vocal leader and someone that people do look to. I guess I would say a little bit more responsibility, but still the tenacious defender.”
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