Pivec Embraces Point Guard Role

In the first game of the 2017-18 season, Mikayla Pivec recorded her first career double-double with 15 points and 15 rebounds, and was three assists away from a triple-double.

It also happened to be her first game at the point guard position since her seventh-grade year of basketball -- seven seasons ago.

"I know last time I really played point was in seventh grade, but I'm loving it," Pivec said with a laugh. "I was taller than most everyone in middle school and high school so I played some post and played a lot on the wing."

Now the sophomore guard is stepping back into the role of running the offense after Sydney Wiese's graduation last year, but she isn't alone at the top of the key. Pivec has ample opportunity to share some of the load, mainly with junior guard Katie McWilliams.

"Mikayla has been doing great at point guard," said McWilliams. "It's been very comfortable for us to go back and forth - especially with the two guard front we can have either one of us bring the ball up. She's a great facilitator and sees the floor really well. I think she's really thriving at the point."

Coming into the season the coaching staff knew they would need to decide on who was going to replace Wiese at the point, and after weighing all their options decided that a two-guard front would be a great way they could help relieve some of the pressure. Pivec moved into the role of the primary point guard and has a platoon of other ball handlers to assist her in the backcourt.

"As we were contemplating how we were going to handle the one with this team, we saw all of our options and one day in practice we put her over there and it was just natural to her," said head coach Scott Rueck. "I love what I'm seeing so far and it's great for our team. Mik is an extremely versatile basketball player. Some of our best plays last season came from her driving in the lane and finding someone for a wide-open layup or perimeter shot, so now we will just see more of that."

And as far as how she is adjusting to the role, the coaching staff couldn't be happier with the early results.

"I think Mik has done a fantastic job of embracing the role, and specifically understanding when to be aggressive and when to hold back," said associate head coach Jonas Chatterton. "She just has such a great feel on how to play the game, and she has a great confidence with the ball in her hands. She's a creator, and having the ball in her hands is a great place for our team"

Pivec seems to be enjoying the change as well, and is ready to attack whatever challenges might face her.

"I'm enjoying it. Learning something new every day," Pivec said. "Last year I played a lot of the two but I'm going to fill whatever the team needs me to do."

The Beavers will take on Duke Saturday at noon PT at Cameron Indoor Stadium.

Ticket to all Oregon State women's basketball games can be purchased at BeaverTickets.com.

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Players Mentioned

Katie McWilliams

Sydney Wiese

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