Ayanna may have elevated herself to the first player out of the rotation so to speak. What I mean by that, is that if injuries occur, she is the most likely addition. Even then, however, it is not a given that any player would be added because of an injury. Geno has often just shortened the rotation in that scenario if the drop-off is viewed as too great.
Right now we seem to have a rotation of 9, at least most of the time, with a backup for each position except for the 4 behind Sarah. Ayanna could in theory make that a 10 player rotation with a position appropriate backup everywhere, but it is still a pretty high bar for her to get over to accomplish that.
Blanca obviously has been used at the 4, and is quite good there ( maybe not good enough rebounder), but she is better at the 3. Geno has gone small ball frequently two ways, by starting a guard at the 3 (Ashlynn), and by using a 3 at the 4 (Blanca). Ayanna raises the possibility of going traditional as a viable option, but Blanca being able to play the 4 and Ashlynn being good enough at the 3 to allow more time for Blanca at the 4, makes it still a pretty big hurdle to crack the rotation without need because of injury.
Next year, who knows? Ashlynn might become the starter at the 2, and Blanca the same at the 3, creating a greater need for a true 4 backup in the rotation. Or another big could be added (Okeke) that adds another competitor for Ayanna and maybe Ice.
For now IMO her progress is like a good warm security blanket that you feel good about if needed.
