This is the time of year for fearless armchair analysis and bold prognostications. Here are my thoughts. Fire away.
1) Kiah Stokes will finish top 10 in the nation in both rebounds and blocks, taking her place in the Husky single season record book in both categories.
She has always been confident on the defensive end, on offense not so much. Perhaps it was passivity or undistinguished practice habits, but Geno has not really trusted her despite good RPM and BPM numbers - until last year's NCAA tourney, where she had a breakthrough. She doesn't pass & pick like Stephanie, but she will be a force this year.
2) Moriah Jefferson will challenge for 1st team All American honors. Drive to excel, lightning quickness (she can stop the ball & steal it at midcourt), confidence in a leadership role & especially her outside shot - she is fun to watch and ready to dominate.
3) Morgan Tuck - rugged close-in (reminds me of Paul Silas on the old Celtics), hasn't starred on offense to date, but Geno loves her & who am I to disagree. She will be an essential role player.
4) Kaleena will step it up. #1 out of HS, she now wants to prove her WNBA draft bona fides. And she will.
Say, along with Stewart, that's 3 potential 1st team All Americans - wow!
5) Saniya Chong was somewhat tentative & reluctant (understandably for a freshman) but she is a lights out
shooter, & if she improves like Moriah did between years 1 and 2....look out.
6) Natalie Butler - not a Husky returnee, but I add her because she is so important in coming years. A full year of practice experience (and for Geno, practice is where it happens) + 3 years of eligibility. Fans were
worried about a big hole in the post position in 2015-2016. Worry no more.
1) Kiah Stokes will finish top 10 in the nation in both rebounds and blocks, taking her place in the Husky single season record book in both categories.
She has always been confident on the defensive end, on offense not so much. Perhaps it was passivity or undistinguished practice habits, but Geno has not really trusted her despite good RPM and BPM numbers - until last year's NCAA tourney, where she had a breakthrough. She doesn't pass & pick like Stephanie, but she will be a force this year.
2) Moriah Jefferson will challenge for 1st team All American honors. Drive to excel, lightning quickness (she can stop the ball & steal it at midcourt), confidence in a leadership role & especially her outside shot - she is fun to watch and ready to dominate.
3) Morgan Tuck - rugged close-in (reminds me of Paul Silas on the old Celtics), hasn't starred on offense to date, but Geno loves her & who am I to disagree. She will be an essential role player.
4) Kaleena will step it up. #1 out of HS, she now wants to prove her WNBA draft bona fides. And she will.
Say, along with Stewart, that's 3 potential 1st team All Americans - wow!
5) Saniya Chong was somewhat tentative & reluctant (understandably for a freshman) but she is a lights out
shooter, & if she improves like Moriah did between years 1 and 2....look out.
6) Natalie Butler - not a Husky returnee, but I add her because she is so important in coming years. A full year of practice experience (and for Geno, practice is where it happens) + 3 years of eligibility. Fans were
worried about a big hole in the post position in 2015-2016. Worry no more.
