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Message: [QUOTE="FanFromMaine, post: 2815447, member: 5017"] You present a cogent argument and, as much as I like to stay away from "what ifs", I would like to offer an alternative perspective on the last two years. To me, the point guard position is the focus of the problems experienced in the two semi-finals. And because I think Crystal will fill the bill admirably, I am quietly optimistic that UConn will return to the championship game and prevail. IMHO, two years ago, Saniya Chong was a competent point guard but a secondary figure to the four other players. She tried to take charge in the Semis at the end but it should never have come down to that last shot. And in this year's Semis, Crystal was also a secondary figure, albeit held in more stead than Saniya, and hobbled. And often, it seemed like she and Azura were playing a different style of game than the four other players. The fourth period against ND at the XL Center was a great display of that style. So, as much as I enjoyed watching Gabby and Kia, it may be that this year's team will have addition by subtraction. For the first time in three years, UConn will have an established point guard which has been their MO for most of their championships. I expect to Lou and Pheese to prosper under this adjustment but I imagine that their roles will have change some to accommodate Crystal's style for the team to win out. Notre Dame experienced a similar difficulty for the previous two years before last. Linday Allen and Brianna Turner appeared to be playing a different style of basketball that than the wing players. This past year, the wings took over the team and the styles seemed to mesh, especially at the end. I give MM credit for doing a John Wooden: Wooden won his first championships with fast, small teams but when Lew Alcindor signed up, he changed his entire offense to play to his big man's strengths. So, I am with you, OldDude. "Give me a healthy Lou and Crystal, along with Pheesa, MW, some help from a few returning reserves, two super-talented freshmen and the greatest coach in the history of WBB and I got to say that I like the Huskies chances." [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach