Paige was our best offensive player and defensive player before she got hurt so yeah if she’s close to full strength, I feel really really really good about our chances.I think some people forget how good Paige is when she is healthy and the many things she does on the court to make the team better. The question is not whom Paige would replace in the starting lineup but who the other four players would be.
That’s not to diminish anyone else. It’s a team sport, and a single player doesn’t win games by herself. Azzi, Caroline, Nika, and others are playing at a higher level now, and Paige’s role as a pass-first guard and as a floor general will give the others even more opportunities to play their best.
We’ll see if Paige really is like she was before, but if she is, I feel optimistic. Paige’s dream in winning the NC is passing the ball to Azzi for the game-winning shot.