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Message: [QUOTE="Gus Mahler, post: 4842244, member: 6072"] I have felt all season that the four fourth-year players would leave after this year. Aubrey's injury changes that. In the case of the other three, they have little to gain basketball-wise by coming back and a lot to gain by getting with their careers. (Nika and Aaliyah could improve their shooting a little, but it wouldn't be worth delaying their careers for that.) As others have noted, the timing of Aubrey's injury puts her in a real bind. What strikes me as the most rational thing to do (rational to me, not necessarily Aubs) would be to return for her COVID year, and use the second half of next season to get back in game shape and hope for good things in the draft. I had her projected to be taken in the second half of the second round. She might not make a roster, but she does have some things to offer a team. Otherwise, she could rehab at UConn this spring, but then where would she go? Milwaukee to work out when the Bucks were in town? I hope coming back does not affect Geno's recruitment/portal options. I'd love it if he could add a rebounder to the squad. If Paige were to leave, it would be nice to add Chen for point guard depth. Regarding Paige, here are the reasons that, in the cumulative, might induce her to return: 1. She might benefit from another year of gaining strength and bulk before hitting the pro hardwood (literally). 2. She might wish, a la Sabrina I., to take another stab at a National Championship. Such an outcome is highly unlikely this year. 3. Her legacy. Even if she completes this year healthy, she'll have played here only about 2 and a half years total. She might want a more complete legacy (see 2.) including more team and individual milestones. 4. I don't think coming back just to play again with Azzi is enough of a reason to return by itself, but she might want to be around [U]all[/U] her teammates again as well as the coaches. I'm not sure any one of these points by itself is enough to bring her back, but again, when all factors are considered, they might be enough. I most certainly do hope she comes back. And if doing so entices a recruit or two to commit to UConn, all the better! :cool: [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach