Derrick Washington is set on Friday night to internally face the first litmus test of his SEABL coaching career.
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As hometown eyes focus on the long-awaited return of Launceston captain Lauren Mansfield, it will be another Australian international that already promises to catch the attention of Washington.
Rachel Jarry is certain to be the central figure for Sandringham when the 26-year-old runs on the Elphin court.
The two-time Olympian played under Washington’s developmental guidance at WNBA club Minnesota Lynx during a short stint in 2013.
But the Tornadoes coach dismissed the unexpected challenge – just five matches into his first SEABL season – against a former protege will deliver too much insight on his coaching strategy to benefit her Sabres teammates.
“I mean, we know each other – and I know her game,” Washington said.
“But as far as our playing style, she doesn't know what we can do.
“At the end of the day, it’s going to be a good match up.”
Jarry has just come off a 28-point game that guided Sandringham to a strong 93-64 win over Diamond Valley.
It was the small forward’s return appearance to the sport after suffering a series of concussions in the midst of the recent WNBL season, threatening to sideline Jarry for up to 12 months and even contemplate retirement.
Jarry’s threat will be tempered by Mansfield’s return.
Washington’s willing campaign without two of his import signings has resulted in the Tornadoes’ 1-and-3 start.
The rookie coach has only met Mansfield once, but she has been welcomed back with open arms this week.
“Lauren Mansfield is just a true point guard – she’s a true leader, she’s the captain of the team, she knows how to take control of the game and that’s what we’ve been missing,” Washington said.
“Even though we had others playing out of position, other girls doing quite well until she has arrived, having Lauren is going to be just really good for us.”
Washington went as far as admitting it was a sense of relief to have the Opals Asian Cup runner-up back.
But with injured Mikaela Ruef’s position still vacant, the remaining spot in the starting five should prove a further chance to gain more court time for the bench.
“Not having our imports right away has certainly let me see who was able to handle adversity, be able to create on offense and defence, and who can have good composure,” Washington said.
“The girls have stepped up and I’m proud of them. I can’t ask for nothing more.”
Asked what the Tornadoes can do again, Washington pointed to continue shooting the ball at a season-best 40 per cent last start against Ballarat that also produced a season-high 93 points.
“We just have to stick with what we can do,” he said.
“Shoot the ball well, but play defence like we suppose to and we should be fine.”