The only game other than once a year on Senior Night that Geno has given a player a start for any reason other than the overall benefit of the team, was Nakisha's last game. And with all the controversy that stirred up, he probably will never do it again!
Doty no longer has the skills she had before the injuries, but her basketball IQ is much better. Her presence help keep the team calm and get past the adrenalin rush of the first few minutes of any contest - even in the Kentucky game where she was having trouble with the pressure.
And I also think Bria truly benefitted from those first few minutes to study the game and talk with CD and Shea on the bench. When she got into the game she was ready and she knew how to attack. She might not have performed as well had she started.
I don't think she or Doty or anyone else would have done anything for 'sentimental' reasons - these folks are fierce about basketball, emotions be d_mned!
Geno also has bent over backwards to start players who are going to be playing near their home turf for the last time.