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Message: [QUOTE="Dillon77, post: 4132300, member: 6620"] I'm pretty familiar with a team that was hit by transfers and then multiple injuries that was forced to reassess itself mid-season: the ND team from 2017-18. Coincidentally, the injury that precipitated that change -- PG Lili Thompson suffering an ACL tear -- took place at an ND-UConn game. The game that made ND really reassess how they were going to move forward was an absolute shellacking by Louisville on national television. Interestingly, it was then commentator Kara Lawson who said ND had the talent to not only recover, but succeed (she was right: all five starters from that team still play professionally - four in the WNBA, one overseas). The most notable moves were splitting the ball-handling among shooting guard Marina Mabrey (half court sets/no pressure) and Jackie Young (up-tempo/against pressure). One could argue that it not only saved the season, but enhanced Mabrey's and Young's skill sets for future endeavors. Now, the most notable injury ND suffered was to center Brianna Turner, but Jessica Shepard proved to be more than an apt replacement. However, no one on that ND team was as important to the Irish as Paige is to this UConn team: she is not only the best at several aspects of individual play, she's the proverbial "straw that stirs the drink" and makes everyone better. So, in my mind, it was impossible for a team to change it's modus operandi in a mere one game, particularly against a veteran-laden, big front court that Georgia Tech presents. And to expect freshman Caroline Ducharme to stay molten hot against a team that probably was now focusing on her....tough. I recall MM being pretty matter of fact around that time, but she kept digging for solutions. Fully expect Geno and Chris to reassess and figure out the best way to make this team work best collectively. Gosh knows there's talent there (it wasn't only Paige that just beat a good ND team.) Some things I'm looking at: [LIST] [*]How do/can Williams and Westbrook alter their games? [*]Can Dorka Juhasz be incorporated into the flow to deliver the scoring and rebounding she was contributing to Ohio State? [*]And can Ms. Edwards get into the flow? [/LIST] Don't wish these kinds of injuries on any person or team. But I can wish the best to those left on the court, both players and coaches. Good luck, Huskies! [/QUOTE]

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