Somfai is a possibility, but not necessarily an obvious choice. In her first year she got playing time that probably would have been significantly less here. Looking at her overall numbers I would consider her first year mildly disappointing. Clearly a good player that probably will get better, and would be an upgrade over Ayanna, and of course Ice may not even be available for next season.
So yes she could help us by being a rotation level backup to Sarah at the 4, but if that is the only role would she be interested? The bigger question might be how else she could be used. Because of Olivia's recruitment and Jana presumably continuing an upward progression. there may not be minutes available at the 5, but if Lara makes a significant leap there could be.
The other opportunity would be by being so good, Geno could justify using her at the 4 with Sarah at the 3. that would open up more minutes for her too. Just being a backup to the player of the year is a pretty limited role. To get more she probably needs to be better than Jana and get some minutes there, or alternatively be better than Morgan or any of the guards as a backup to Blanca at the 3, with Sarah sliding over.
Another factor is how it affects recruiting. We are recruiting two talented 6-3 PF types in the 2027 class. Lara has two more years after the next one, so it could reduce our chances with those recruits. A strong case could be made for a one year rental to improve our backup 4 issue, and hopefully with a player that could get more minutes by competing at the 5 or allowing Sarah to play more at the 3. Addy Brown from Iowa state might be interesting from that standpoint.
She could play the 4 with Sarah at the 3 IMO, and of course get the pure backup 4 minutes. She is probably the best potential 4 for us, and is an exceptional passer and can shoot the 3. Right now I think Addy is significantly better than Lara, but Lara may be as good when she is a senior.
As for others, I like Akot from Oklahoma State, a bouncy 4 maybe a little like Aubrey, but I see she has a don't contact designation. Baker from Virginia Tech could be a solid 4 backup and Ii believe is from West Hartford. There is a 6-3 girl from Maryland, Mamado or something like that, and Lara's teammate at Stanford that is 6-2, Agara I think. Anyway that player might be better than Lara now but would be a one year rental.
Of course there are bigger names like Crooks or Cooper, but I don't see either as a good fit for the Uconn program and what we have now.
