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Message: [QUOTE="oldhusky, post: 4633789, member: 9844"] We have had all kinds of comparisons here, but the one that seems to be missing is Aubrey. Ayanna in terms of her tools, is a bigger stronger Aubrey. Similar in that the shooting touch is not very good for a 3, but unlike Aubrey, Ayanna has not learned what she can and can't do against tough Division 1 opponents. Aubrey manages to score on offensive rebounds, in transition, and slashing to the hoop. Ayanna just overpowered opponents in HS relying on her physical ability and then tried the same approach here. She frequently faces her defender at very close range and expects to just rise up over them, or go thru them. Very little fakes, fading away slightly, or even basic shielding the ball from the defender turning sideways to them and using a half hook over the far shoulder. It's all relying on superior physical skills that is not enough at this level. Aubrey has learned what she can and can't do at this level, and she and the team have tried to maximize and play to her strengths and minimize her weaknesses. With Ayanna she is at ground zero of that process. She could improve significantly and still play less. Ice and Jana haven't proven anything yet, but they haven't disappointed yet either. Based on expectations they would both appear to be ahead of Ayanna heading into the season as a 4 alternative, but of course they will be needed a lot at the 5 too. Aubrey is a big threat to her playing time as well. She played mostly on the wing this season, largely because of injuries to Paige, Azzi, and Caroline, but she did very well mostly as a 4 during her first two years. This year Geno could use her at both positions some, and if he wanted to he could have Aubrey consume all of Aaliyah's backup minutes, still have time to use her a fair amount on the wing, and not have to use Ayanna, Ice or Jana at the 4. Aubrey has proven herself at two positions. Ice and Jana appear to be 4/5 types. Ayanna is still trying to be good at her main position. Last year she had little competition for being Aaliyah's backup, and in a few games Geno still didn't use her. This year she pretty much has three top flight competitors, one already proven and two top prospects, and that is not even taking into account the small ball alternative with Caroline being more of an option there than last year. A fairly normal progression from freshman to sophomore probably won't be enough. The bar for getting playing time is set pretty high for her this year. I hope she gets there. If she does, Ice and jana can concentrate on the 5, and Aubrey and Caroline could be a super-sub duo in the backcourt, and KK, Ashlyn and Q could have a learning year until an injury occurs. [/QUOTE]

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