J-W Staff Reports ? Marian Washington’s optimism hasn’t flagged since the start of Kansas University’s preseason drills.

“I’m definitely enjoying the experience so far,” Washington, now in her 31st season as the Jayhawks’ head coach, said during Wednesday’s Big 12 Women’s Basketball Media Day. “We got back talent in the program that is talent needed to compete in this conference.”

Kansas’ lone senior, Leila Mengüç, agreed in noting the Jayhawks had several capable scorers — especially in sophomore forwards Crystal Kemp and Tamara Ransburg.

“It’s great having so much depth and it will be so much easier than last year,” Mengüç said. “All the newcomers have already been stepping up and doing great in all the workouts. We’re going to be a threat in our division this year. We’re going to be an all-around team. It’s not going to matter who is on the court. Everyone is going to be contributing at their position.”

Washington said a highly rated recruiting class, including blue-chip prospect Lauren Ervin, rated by some recruiting services as the No. 2 player in the nation’s high schools last season, would be the key to turning around a three-year string of losing seasons.

“I think you have to have the ability to recruit well,” said Washington, who has also added three junior college transfers, including Kandis Bonner, a 6-foot-1 forward from Peoria, Ill.

“If you can’t get players then you’ve got no shot at competing in a conference like this,” Washington said.

A lack of legitimate Division One-caliber players over the last couple of seasons turned the Jayhawks into a second-division team in the Big 12. An 0-16 campaign two years ago was the low point.

While Washington, whose team was picked ninth in the Big 12 coaches poll last week, said her team might not be ready to compete for the conference championship, but that it would be competitive.

“I’d like to shoot for the upper half of the conference,” Washington said. “We will be able to compete with a lot of teams this year.”

Kemp, who tied for the team lead in scoring last season with Ransburg at 10.9 points per game, thinks Washington will orchestrate a winning season in 2003-2004.

“She has a big heart and I wanted to be willing to step in and help her,” Kemp said. “We have a really great team this year. The thing about it is, every player on this roster will be able to step up just as well, so I think there will be a statement made.”