Brittany Shine thrives with time.
She has no problem scoring when playing significant minutes, but her shorter stints yield unwanted results.
When logging 10-plus minutes, Shine shoots at a 42.4 percent clip, scoring 7.1 points per game. Her numbers drop to 20 percent and 1.2 points in 13 games with single-digit minutes this season.
In Florida’s 84-55 win against Ole Miss last Sunday, Shine scored 14 points on 5-of-7 shooting in 10 minutes of playing time.
“I’ve got a long way to go, so I can’t be complacent,” Shine said. “My defense has to be better … (I need to be) doing stuff other people aren’t doing so I stand out more.”
Shine will aim to build on arguably her most impressive performance of the season in tonight’s game against Auburn at 7 in the O’Connell Center.
While Shine may seem underplayed on paper, the key to increased playing time is an improved effort without the ball in her hands.
Senior center Azania Stewart said Shine provides the Gators with a spark when she enters games, citing the sophomore guard’s ability to take advantage of limited opportunities.
But Stewart also said Shine has some work to do in order to become a more complete player.
“She’s shooting great, she’s been getting extra shots up in [the gym],” Stewart said. “A better effort on the defensive end will help her stay on the floor for longer.”
Stewart also praised Shine’s running in the transition game.
Redshirt senior forward Ndidi Madu said she believes Shine’s confidence has grown this season.
“When she got out there and she started hitting threes (against Ole Miss), she started feeling good about herself,” Madu said. “That’s what she needs to have. Bring that same mentality and mindset to every game and be aggressive.”
Shine’s best attribute is shooting, and the Gators have tried to take advantage of that strength.
One potential use for a scorer like Shine would be to substitute her into a game to jumpstart a lagging offense. However, coach Amanda Butler says that strategy conflicts with her coaching philosophy.
“Very rarely are we putting anyone in the game and going, ‘Hey, go in there and hit us a shot,’” Butler said. “We’re sending you in going, ‘Get a stop, increase tempo, bring some energy.’”
If Shine wants to become a regular fixture in Florida’s lineup, she will need to achieve consistency in all aspects of the game.
Ultimately, Butler said that Shine working to earn more minutes is an ongoing process.
“Shine is still a young player who is learning and her game is evolving,” Butler said. “She’s continually working and that’s all we can ask her to do.”
Contact Joe Morgan at joemorgan@alligator.org.
