Msf, I don't think its a huge leap to say that it will be more difficult to repeat with the improved play of Stokes. We had more able-bodied players and contributors last year than we do this year. Faris provided defense at the 1, 2 , 3, and 4. Along with some scoring help. Kiah's play is critical because we are 2-3 scholarship players down this year. ( No Faris , Doty , or Buck). We need her to step up more this year than last. (We need the size, rebounding , and scoring). Its not a huge leap at all when you consider what she can bring. And consider what we lost with the graduation of the aforementioned 3.
I have a hard time equating Stoke's hoped for improvement with the overall prospects of the team especially when described as an imperative: "main key(s) to getting back to final 4."
Certainly a leap in performance from her would simplify rotations at the 5.
Of the three graduates:
Kelly is a huge loss in many areas, her leadership, defensive prowess and improved offense will have to be replaced (if possible) by a combination of last season's three freshman (who were …imho, slightly…shall we say) under-utilized last season, until the NCAA's, whatever Banks can bring, Saniya and lastly Stokes.
Although Doty started, it's hard to quantify her contribution and I can't imagine that replacing her output is a concern of the staff.
Heather, like Stokes was largely relegated to mop up.
So we're essentially speaking of replacing one super-star guard/forward and two under-utililized bodies.
I believe that even without Stokes, we have very decent size and rebounding acumen in the front court from the foursome of Stewie, Morgan, KML and Dolson and Geno successfully played variations of that combo throughout the NCAA's and they destroyed the best of the country even with a hobbled Steff.
It would be great for Stokes to step up and would ease any slight doubts about the front court rotations but it is hard to equate concern over her output with difficulty in returning a national championship.
