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Message: [QUOTE="jonson, post: 3021617, member: 6034"] Assuming that Ionescu returns, I agree that replacing Cazorla will be the biggest challenge for Graves. Of the roster exits last summer, losing Ayuso to the pros was/is really unfortunate, although I do not think it was because she didn't get decent minutes as a freshman. Playing college BB just wasn't a good fit for her. That said, Chavez has played very well as a freshman this year--she has very quick hands, passes well, and (for a Duck) is a good defender--and I think she will be very good as a sophomore. Both of the Aussies played a major role in Australia's victory over the US in the U17 FIBA Tournament--Shelley at guard and Cochrane, who was very young and is now 6'6", more than holding her own against O. Nelson-Ododa and Aquira DeCosta. Don't know much about the Brit but Graves is clearly very good at evaluating talent from overseas. Nyara Sabally is, like her sister, 6'4" and a very versatile player--but thicker (more like Hebard on the Oregon roster). She has had a very impressive track record in Europe--MVP of two consecutive FIBA European tournaments--and Satou has said she's the better player of the two. I used to (sort of) believe/hope that, but after what the elder Sabally has done this year, I think it's likely a bit of a stretch: just as good or almost as good would be just fine. So Oregon should stronger inside next year and very good at the 3/wing as well. If Ionescu stays and Chavez/Shelley can mostly fill Cazorla's shoes, they should certainly be a contender for the Final 4. If Ionescu leaves, they'll still be a good team imo, but very much a work in progress. But I also have faith in Graves's ability to get the most out of what he has. [/QUOTE]

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