Canada should be overmatched- on paper. But Canada was supposed to be overmatched in the Pan-American games last summer. But a Kia-led Canada managed to whack a Breanna/Mo-led American team.
I wonder whether Kia isn't just getting much better. Coach Geno stated that Kia had to play with a hernia all last year, but now it's been fixed, she's doing much better.
Hope her physical condition portends a real leader for UConn next year.
In any event, I'm rooting for UConn Kia to have a strong game today.
I would think so. Kia has some latent leadership qualities and abilities, that have been suppressed to date because it was not her time. Geno has had veteran leadership at his disposal the last 25 years or so. I saw Kia as one of the team leaders this coming season anyway. She will be the only player on the roster with national olympic team experience. As we all know,
there is no substitute for experience.
I think Geno will count heavily on Kia to be a team leader. She a two year veteran (starter), and because of her Canadian National Team experience. As I suggested in another post, don't be surprised when Geno takes the leash off of Kia this season, and she flourishes.
The focus was on the BIG 3 the last two years. Most of the plays were run for them, and they carried the team. Kia played a
supporting role the last two years. Now it's her turn to take center stage and step into the spotlight along with Lou, Gabby and Napheesa.
The hernia has been fixed, and the muzzle will be removed, which means that WCBB will now experience the veracity of her bite. No doubt it's a role she covets, and is more than willing to accept. Kia has been preparing for these next two years all of her life. UConn may not win it all next year, but they are going to be extremely formidable, and will leave a lot of teams scratching their heads in wonderment after the game. It's going to be fun to watch.
Go Kia, Go Huskies.