You could make a case that there are numerous contenders that have already had seasons as starters that were better than either KK or Ash last year. Yes they were good, but Azzi and Caroline were both significantly better as starters their freshmen season if you look at PER stats. Kaitlin had much better numbers last year, probably even better after adjusting for the difference in level of competition. Aubrey in her full season starting at the 3 was much better.
Even ignoring the possibility of a freshmen standing out, which is possible, or Q breaking out, we have 5 players who have started and had numbers better than our incumbent freshmen starters last year. In Azzi and Caroline's case they were better despite playing with injury issues much of that year.
Also if you assume that Paige returns to one of the perimeter starting positions then saying KK and Ash retain their starting positions means there is no room for Azzi. I think many of us think Paige and Azzi will take two of the three starting perimeter positions. and the third spot is a battle between many.
If we didn't get Sarah the odds of starting 4 guards might have been much higher, and that that would open up another spot, but now I think Sarah makes it more likely we have a more traditional lineup. The possibility of four out is still there, just not as likely IMO.
The competition on the perimeter is incredible, and KK and Ash did pretty well last year, but this year a mild improvement on what they did last year is the floor regarding this year's expectations. Whoever starts will probably need to be significantly better than that this year.
