They were obvious talents when they moved from Anacostia to Foggy Bottom last year to join the George Washington women’s basketball team. They also had that oh-so-important attribute you cannot teach: height.
But it wasn’t until the NCAA tournament that 6-foot-4 Jessica Adair and her twin sister, 6-3 Jazmine Adair, both had their eyes opened to how good they could be – and how much work it takes to get there.
“They realized, ‘This is fun, but I need to get better,’” said Colonials coach Joe McKeown.
Both are doing just that this season as sophomores, adding a dangerous dimension inside to team that already possesses one of the nation’s best back courts and a stifling defense.
In the last four games they’ve combined to average 20.0 points and 17.3 rebounds for the 11th-ranked Colonials (16-2, 5-0 Atlantic-10). Jessica’s career-high 15 rebounds in a nationally-televised win over Xavier helped her earn conference co-player of the week honors. Jazmine, who’s playing with a stress fracture in her left foot, is averaging 7.8 rebounds in the last five games.
“In high school we were just bigger than everybody so it was pretty easy. Now we actually have to know how we play, be more fundamentally sound,” said Jessica, who’s always been the offensively gifted twin. She’s started every game this season and leads the team with 12.6 points per game.
Jazmine, the better defender, normally spells her sister, but lately they’ve seen minutes on the floor together.
“I’ve had to learn a new position on defense, playing out on the wing. I’ve come around to doing that, and I think we’re definitely a threat on the court at the same time,” said Jazmine.
“It’s a new dimension, something that’s evolving,” said McKeown. “The more they prove they can play together, the more we’ll do that.”
Their recognition of double-teams and when to give up the ball also has improved, which creates more quality shots for guards Kimberly Beck and Kenan Cole, who are first and ninth in the conference in 3-point percentage.
“Everyday is a learning experience for them,” said McKeown. “They’re still developing their skills and learning the college game, but you can see light bulbs going on now when we talk college offenses, college schemes, and what teams are doing to stop them.”
TWO MUCH
» Jessica Adair’s first career double-double (13 points, 11 rebounds) came in the second round of last year’s NCAA tournament against Tennessee. She had 23 points and seven boards against the Volunteers earlier this season.
» Jazmine Adair also had a double-double in last year’s NCAA tournament, her 10 points and 10 rebounds were key the Colonials’ first-round win over Old Dominion.
No. 11 George Washington (16-2, 5-0 Atlantic 10) at Dayton (7-12, 2-2)
» When: Tonight, 7
