Huge blow to our post depth. Cosgrove and Sam are not true bigs, they are more perimeter oriented and face the basket type players. We will surely be undersized in most of our match-ups. As a result, I see us playing majority zone especially against teams with big post players.
She had hoped for at least another traditional transfer (although she said was done with grad transfers). But perhaps this sad Patterson surprise will alter her thinking (if the staff cannot convince Dani to stay).
Westbrook might be choosing between UConn and Oregon, but I think/hope we are going after Cooks. And there may be others yet to place their names in the portal.
I would want someone who can come in right away and play quality minutes, at least to make up for Patterson’s exit.
If she’s going traditional long term transfer next year is looking rough.
portion of the portal that can come in and play right away. And being able to selectively choose a big in the "Normal" transfer market is always something of a crapshoot with the NCAA.
For sure, try for the waiver on whomever (if you do find someone), but no guarantees.
This could be another situation of "go with whom you've got."
Do you think Muffett will have to go back to the Princeton offense? The team will be short on experience and depth and the half court game almost seems like the only choice now.
...We don't seem to have the aggressive rebounding that can consistently start a fast break so we'll need to come up with an attack that favors this personnel. (We'll run when we have the chance, but don't see us sprinting up and down the court like this year.)
...Plus, it keeps the ball out of the opposition's hand. Princeton offense can take some time to find the open player/shot.
...Don't know about the three-point shooting initially, but getting the open shots and draining some time seems paramount.
to emphasize the defense. I’m not sure what form that would take, but there’s got to be a way to pick it up on that end of the court. An active zone can be pretty disruptive.
inviting Ms. Cooks (the transfer) and Ms. Watson (the high school junior) to come visit South Bend in some form of spring beauty. Now (please)!
Like you've said, if MM can get Cooks to come here, try for the immediate play waiver (even if she does not look like a prime candidate for it). But she'd fill that low post need.
And Watson, who is something of a Nat Achonwa tweener, could help at both low and high post.
In the meantime, looks like Sam Brunelle is going to be playing the high post (4 or "Kat Westbeld" position) from the get go. Wonder if Maddy Westbeld is viewed more as a tall "3" or could slot into a "4."
I'm not sure I'd use ink on anybody's name at this point.
a floor leader as she will know where people should be positioned. Abby is a coach's dream. I am thinking she will play the 2 or the 3.
Vaughn (as you noted) will start at the 5. There is no one else. She better stay out of foul trouble!
I would be surprised if Destinee didn't start, as we need floor spacing and senior leadership, as our sole junior (Dani) just checked out and our only senior will be playing in Vegas and then Europe. She'll play the 2.
The 4 will be filled by Sam and Danielle, and they will be forced to help at the 5.
Nixon will probably start at the point, and if she has that 3-pt shot she flashed some her freshman year, that will really help floor spacing. I wouldn't be surprised if Anaya gets time at PG as well. Katlyn is a combo guard as well. Unless there are more incoming transfers, all eight scholarship players will get a lot of minutes. (Eight is the 5 returners, the 2 incoming freshmen, and the grad transfer.) Better pray for no injuries!
I just hope there is a regular transfer in the pipeline and that's what caused Dani to bail. I really thought she would shine this season.