Regarding Spani and Kelly, I will bet that if both played for either team, Kelly would be starting and Spani would be coming off the bench and playing fewer minutes. Nothing against Spani, she was recruited by UConn. But, Kelly is really a unique player and will be scoring more this year with fewer minutes.
What makes Kelly really special is her ferocious determination and drive. Geno once took her out of a game because he could see that she was about to run herself to death. I watched the Geno show with Maya, Tif and her. The first thing that struck me was how pretty she is when she isn't wearing her "game face." She was also very still, thoughtful and watchful. There was something about her that struck a cord; but, I couldn't put my finger on it at the time.
What I see in her, is what I saw in team I was a member of decades ago in Southeast Asia. There are many reasons why I don't think women should ever be placed in combat infantry units; but, I have no problem picturing Kelly as a member of my squad, quietly cleaning her rifle. I see that in Doty also. That is why I think Caroline will be this year's team leader and Kelly will assume that role.
Concerning recruiting classes, only valid judgment is results in college. Tenn classes have taken hits with injuries and transfers- but so has UConn. A series of top recruiting classes should have resulted some Final Fours. I don't know how Tenn can continually bomb in the NCAA's and rise again, phoenix-like, in pre-season polls the following year.
