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Message: [QUOTE="DavidinNaples, post: 5295080, member: 3537"] [B]The recent "Who Will Start Day 1 Next Season" poll by EricLA had some interesting results[/B]. A total of 351 people voted and every one of them said Azzi would start. Makes sense. All but 2 people said Sarah Strong would also start the first game in November. (My guess is those 2 mixed up Sarah and Serah in voting.) Two other players finished with 300 or more votes. They were KK Arnold (321) and Serah Williams (303). [U]So 90% of the voters state clearly that 4 spots in the starting lineup are set and the debate is who is the 5th starter[/U]. I was one of only 10 people voting for Caroline Ducharme as that 5th starter. Here's my case: 1. [U]Ducharme has undergone an extensive hyperbaric oxygen treatment in a clinic in Florida[/U]. She is greatly improved from the debilitating concussion symptoms. 2. Geno played Caroline 9 games at the end of last season, totaling 35 minutes, to help her believe she can play without pain. 3. Recent video of the Summer practices show a very brief glimpse of the Ducharme we remember from her early years. Very small sample, but incredibly encouraging..! 4. Starting CD at the 3 position gives Geno another 3 pt shooter, added rebounding and a smart, [U]5th year veteran who will turn 23 in November[/U]. 5. Caroline's competition for the 5th starting spot may come down to Ash (so good off the bench), Morgan Cheli (recovering from injury) and Blanca (still not in Storrs). [B]The other burning question is who takes over some of the Leadership role with Paige graduating?[/B] Quite possibly it could be Caroline. Here's that case: 1. With coaches not allowed at the summer practices, someone is running things. One photo showed Carolyn coaching in a huddle of players. (I know, slim evidence) 2. [U]Everyone on the team respects what Ducharme has been through the past two years and her battle to stay on the team[/U]. 3. Caroline is from the Evina Westbrook school of Leadership. Lead thru actions, a bit quieter than many leaders and more of an elder statesman. 4. Did I mention she will be 23 when the season starts in November... ;) [B]Maybe all this is just wishful thinking for a player that deserves a break[/B]. But, if it happens, Ducharme starting and leading UConn to a repeat is the stuff movies are made of... Go Caroline..!! Go Huskies..!! P.S. - If someone could post the video of Caroline from summer session practice, I would be very grateful. [/QUOTE]

Verification: First name of men's bb coach