Throughout her coaching career with the Colorado women’s basketball team, JR Payne has always valued having a key player come off the bench.
In recent seasons, players like Kindyll Wetta, Tameiya Sadler, and Quay Miller have served as energizing forces off the bench. This season, guard Desiree Wooten has stepped into that role.
As the Buffs navigate through the current season and Payne assesses the dynamics of the revamped roster, she is confident that Wooten is the missing piece as a spark off the bench.
Wooten, a 5-foot-8 junior transfer from North Texas, started the first seven games but has excelled coming off the bench in the last three games.
“I focus more on who finishes the game,” Payne explained. “Wooten has been getting just as many minutes, but her impact off the bench has been invaluable in providing that extra push and energy we need.”
“She has brought a level of energy that is unmatched by anyone else on the bench.”
Wooten’s stats speak for themselves, averaging 10.4 points, 2.2 assists, and 1.5 steals per game. Surprisingly, she has performed even better as a substitute.
In her seven starts, Wooten averaged 25.1 minutes, 9.9 points, 2.0 assists, and 1.7 steals, with a 29.2% 3-point shooting percentage. However, as a bench player in the last three games, she has averaged 24.3 minutes, 11.7 points, 2.7 assists, and 1.7 steals, shooting an impressive 70% from beyond the arc (7-for-10, including a perfect 5-for-5 in the last two games).
“There might be some initial hesitation about coming off the bench,” Wooten admitted, “but I prioritize doing whatever is best for the team. So, I am completely on board with the decision.”
Wooten has embraced her new role, believing that it allows her to catch opponents off guard.
“There’s a certain thrill in proving the other team wrong when they underestimate you, and then you come in and make a statement,” Wooten shared with a grin. “Charleston probably didn’t expect a sharpshooter like me.”
In the recent win against Charleston, Wooten went 3-for-3 from the 3-point line, finishing with nine points and five rebounds.
“It’s definitely a fun challenge,” she said of being the spark off the bench. “My mindset remains the same whether I start or come off the bench, so nothing really changes for me.”
Overall, Wooten has lived up to expectations for the Buffs. As a full-time starter at North Texas last season, she averaged 11.5 points and 2.6 assists while earning a spot on the all-defensive team in the American Athletic Conference.
“She has been performing exceptionally well,” Payne praised. “Her speed and agility have been a game-changer for us, and we need her to maintain that level of aggression, especially in fast break situations.”
Wooten has also improved her shooting compared to her time at UNT, expressing her commitment to contributing to the team’s success.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at CU,” she shared. “I have seen significant growth in my game, especially in my 3-point shooting. I am determined to keep improving and being a reliable asset for my team.”
Striving for Progress
The Buffs have struggled with their shooting accuracy this season.
As of the latest games, CU ranks near the bottom in field goal percentage (.422) and 3-point shooting (.255) in the Big 12 Conference. This marks a noticeable decline from the previous season when they ranked much higher in both categories.
Despite the challenges, Payne remains optimistic about her team’s potential.
“We need to convert our open looks into points,” she acknowledged. “It’s not about taking bad shots but about executing and making those shots count.”
“This group is dedicated to improvement and is willing to put in the work to enhance their game. They are receptive to feedback and are focused on developing their skills. I have full confidence in them because of their commitment and coachability.”
Noteworthy
After a brief break, the Buffs will face Miami of Ohio at home on Sunday (1 p.m., ESPN+). This matchup will be just the second meeting between the two teams, with the first one dating back to 1998. … The absence of Claire O’Connor, a sharpshooter from Gonzaga, has impacted CU’s shooting performance. Dealing with foot injuries, O’Connor has seen limited playing time recently.
