A month ago I wrote a blog that predicted Stanford would be up against UConn down in San Antonio in the championship game next April. After more thought and deep cogitation, I've gotten a better look into my crystal ball and guess what? Or rather, guess who? If it quacks like one and it waddles like one, that's right . . . the Ducks and the Cardinal will be the last teams standing when the Big Dance comes down to two.
In 2020/2021 we get to deal with a new flock up in Eugene. The faces will be new, but the skill levels will be all too similar.
Nyara Sabally 6'-5" So Forward (Satou's younger sister)
Taylor Chavez 5'-10" Jr Point Guard
Jaz Shelley 5'-9" So Shooting Guard
Erin Boley 6'-2" Sr Forward (Lone remaining starter)
Sedona Prince 6'-7" So Post (Transfer from Texas)
Plus Kelly signed the number one recruiting class in the country and has five five star freshmen ready to cause major problems.
The big news this week out of Palo Alto! You've probably heard that Anna Wilson is back for another year!! Can't tell you how thrilled I am to hear that. Now Ms. Wilson's gonna show her stuff. Besides being one of the quickest lateral movers and lock-down defenders in the West - she's going to emerge as the potent offensive weapon we've been hoping she could be since she arrived on The Farm. Adding her ballhandling, quickness, defense, and shooting to the team I predicted could win in San Antone - we just got better. Kiana can get some rest. Now she can play 25 minutes on some nights and 30 on others without our effort missing a beat. When we get to late February, Kiana and Anna will need to rest their legs, and I have a feeling the two "J's" Jana and Jenna will be ready to contribute important minutes. Our Point Guard position may be as strong as it's ever been in our history.
My projected starters and their backups. Kiana and Anna - doesn't that have a great ring to it? I can't wait . . . can you?
Maya Dodson/Fran Belibi 14 points (average)
Kiana Williams/Anna Wilson 22
Haley Jones/Lacie Hull 16
Lexie Hull/Hannah Jump 20
Ashten Prechtel/Cameron Brink 14
Average Total Scoring 86 points
Jenna, Alyssa, Jana, and Emma would compete for playing time in this rotation. Estella has transferred to Wisconsin and I hope she has a great year as a Badger in her home state.
Obviously this rotation assumes DiJonai won't be around next year. Apparently she's announced she'll sign with Oregon, UConn, or Baylor. No word yet. She must not think the Cardinal has what it takes to win that last game. I predict she'll be very sorry she left.
GO STANFORD!!
