The difference is last year ND's team knew their roles and
by domerduck (2018-12-04 12:37:19)

In reply to: ND image  posted by BB Junky


were clear about HOW everyone was to step up and cover for each other. This started to take shape in the second half against Tennesee . The team had confidence but were always in control. They really only played 6 players but their roles were clear about what they need to do for the team and more importantly what they DON'T DO.

Last year Marina was healthy and she ran the show and deferred to all her teammates. This year she's still not where she needs to be and both Young and Arike have been taking over that role. Young could do it (as she did in Vancouver over Thxgiving as she earned that espnW player of the week), but we then lose the intangible all around excellence she always provided last year (like the 32 points against UConn in the semis). Last year Arike was the killer that the opposing team needed to always try to contain, even when they couldn't. This year she's trying to do it all, trying to be the G.O.A.T like her idol Kobe, but he had bad habits as well as his brilliance. Last year Shephard was the one dominant down low post player and now she's trying to fit in with Bri, a 1st team All American. The two of them have to know which one will play the role Kat/Koko played and when they won't.

Personally I think Muffet and the 5 of them will figure it out. They also need to figure out the reliable roles the talented subs we have and how the starters defer to them when they are in. UConn has figured this out with KLS and Dangerfield's leadership and now have Williams, who is their younger version of Arike. We better be much more prepared for them & other topt teams in the NCAA tourney if we want towin it all again. We will have more tests in the regular season especially against top15 opponents like Louisville, NC State, Tennessee, and Syracuse. They are all trying to take the spotlight away from us as UConn just did.