So, are people thinking that she adds point guard depth? I’m not sure she does at the high D1 major level. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad we’ve added her. I’m just not clear on where she fits in the rotation.
She is in a unique situation because as a point guard her main competition for playing time is against two PF's. What I mean by that is Nika, Azzi, Caroline and Lou will likely consume close to all of the minutes at 1-3, but not all, leaving a few per game for someone else, even if all the guards are healthy.
Now Geno probably has three options for that role, a natural point guard in Inez, or Aubrey or Ayanna who are more PF's that would be asked probably just to play just the 3 position. Aubrey and Ayanna are generally expected to be fine on the defensive end at the 3 position, in fact better than that, good at defense and rebounding from there, but do not play like perimeter players regarding ball handling, outside shooting, stretching the floor etc. Ines may not be as talented overall, but would be playing a position that suited her, and she appears to have the edge shooting and passing.
There is another factor in her advantage too. If she warrants some time, say backing up Nika at the point, that also means you don't have to juggle the other guards at less familiar positions. Maybe Azzi can concentrate on SG, and Caroline can stay put more at SF her best position. If one of the talented PF's was used instead, then one of those presumably would play SF, and if Nika was resting Caroline/Lou would have to move to SG and Azzi to PG. So it is not just a question of is Aubrey or Ayanna better than Inez, but rather would Inez at PG, Azzi at SG and Caroline at SG (natural positions), be better than Azzi at PG, Caroline at SG and Aubrey at SF when all of them would not be at their best position. The difference between SF and SG for Caroline and Lou is pretty insignificant, but it would be a big change for Azzi and Aubrey.
But that is the who gets just a few minutes per game if everyone is healthy. Any guard injuries and someone from those three gets a major role, and the second best choice gets regular but limited minutes. I don't know how that battle will play out, but now Geno has a true guard option and someone that can bring passing and outside shooting into the choice, not just the defense and rebounding we think our converted bigs could provide.
. I still remember he said something about Courtney Ekmark being one of the best shooters he had seen at the time.
