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Message: [QUOTE="JoePgh, post: 5071312, member: 1131"] "Passing prowess or ... ability to make outside shots" are in the "nice to have" rather than the "essential" category for a backup inside player. Essential skills for such a player are: [LIST] [*]ability to grab contested rebounds; [*]ability to make close-in shots even when they are somewhat contested, specifically putback attempts; [*]ability to defend someone of her own size or taller without fouling (too much); [*]ability to make free throws at a 70% rate or better; [*]ability to screen for jump shooters and to be where she needs to be on offense and defense. [/LIST] Avoiding fouls is possibly the most important thing. While I agree that Jana and Sarah will probably be the starting front court for UConn, I also recognize that no inexperienced post player in recent UConn history has been able to avoid copious fouling. (Remember freshman Aaliyah fouling out of the Oklahoma game in about 15 minutes of playing time?) It would be nice to think that the minimal collegiate experience that Ayanna has already gained will allow her to foul less than either Jana or Sarah. Someone mentioned that Geno may limit front court players' minutes because of injury concerns. I think it is much more likely that they will limit their own minutes because of foul trouble, which means that Ice and Ayanna (not to mention Aubrey) will be used heavily to sub for them. [/QUOTE]