I get that. However, Paige's impact is being significantly downplayed. Who was the first team AA/Wade Trophy winner in 2025 that was at the top of the scouting report? It wasn't Kaitlyn Chen. It wasn't even Sarah (or Azzi).
Sarah Strong being a contender for NPOY in 25-26 doesn't mean that she didn't benefit from Paige's on-court presence in 24-25. I don't doubt that she will be a strong (no pun intended) contender for NPOY along with Betts (who would be my preseason pick) and maybe Latson, but she will also be in the same position that Paige was in this season--the top of the scouting report.
UCLA got steamrolled by UConn last season. We all saw it. However, that doesn't mean they'd get steamrolled again if they were to meet this upcoming season. Each season takes on its own identity, and I'd bet that UCLA won't look at what happened against UConn last season, throw up their arms, and declare, "what's the point of trying? We're just going to lose since we lost to them in 24-25". Best believe that having the bullseye on your back will bring out the best in everyone else.