An Impossible Challenge from the 2nd tier in Waco

[hoophuskee]

I would have the same starting five as you, but this is a hypothetical and, hypothetically, some alternatives are not as crazy as you deem.
For example, Lobo was the better and player and more experienced center, yet Auriemma's put Wolters there because of the natural fit. Though Charles is not as versatile as Lobo, it's not far-fetched to think Auriemma's would move Charles as well. If he would move great players for a natural fit of Wolters at center, it's also not far-fetched that he might have one coming off the bench as well. There are a lot of qualifiers to this which lead us, particularly in hindsight, to leave Wolters off. But this is a hypothetical once again. If it is a plausible strategy for the great Auriemma, who are we to dogmatically deem it as crazy?

Another hypothetical argument can be made for Jefferson. I watched old tapes before this year's championship game. What many people don't realize is how much easier it is to accumulate assists and fewer turnovers in a perimeter oriented offense with a bunch of sharpshooters. Bird (and Taurasi of course) made passes to the post that I frankly don't think Jefferson is capable of doing. Having said that, if both Bird and Jefferson came to the team in the same year, I think Auriemma would give Bird the nod because of her leadership abilities, but I don't think it is "crazy" to think that, with all of Jefferson's gifts, she just might be given the nod if both started out on equal footing. It's not what I would do, but it's legit for people to take hypotheticals in various directions.

Interesting comment about assists vs turnovers. Why is it easier to accumulate less turnovers when on fastbreaks you're the primary ball-handler vs Sue Bird for 2 years having Ralph and DT? I'm not arguing --- but do you think having another terrific passer on your team helps you lessen the pressure of turnovers/assists?

You don't think she is cable? Really? I'm not arguing. But it will be interesting to see this year - her senior year, she'll have a big, wide-based center to pass into. Of course they'll do it only if NB shows she can make low post moves. It's one thing to score inside- it's another to be able to make low post moves.

Right now I'd give the edge to Bird too. I liked Bird's no fear to be able to shoot and score. This year I thought MoJeff took a huge, enormous step in that regard. So much so, that imo they are comparable. Another year- we'll see what MoJeff can do.

 

[Gus Mahler]

Which is more powerful: Recency bias or nostalgia bias?

 

[Wally East]

Which is more powerful: Recency bias or nostalgia bias?

A long time ago I said recency bias.

 

[meyers7]

who are we to dogmatically deem it as crazy?

I'm meyers7.

 

[geneticrex]

It depends on my mood at the time, so today I'll say.............

Jefferson
Taurasi
Moore
Lobo
Stewart

+

Bird
Charles
and flip a coin between Ralph, Aborsimova, Sales and KML.