Whoa. So many ways to address this "..have the best season." From an individual, statistical perspective?
From an incremental/improvement perspective? Adapting to slightly different perspectives? Combinations thereof?
What makes it interesting is that of the players you chose, Napheesa Collier had a great, overall season, while both Arike Ogunbowale and Teaira McCowan came on strong after the All-Star break.
With that in mind, here are some thoughts:
- Collier. Continued excellence wouldn't be such a bad outcome, would it?
If Moore comes back, there will be adjustments, but that would hold true for players like Sims, as well. Plus, Phee is used to sharing the ball and playing in unison, so don't see it as a big deal. If Moore does not come back, I think she might become even more aggressive on the shooting end.
- Durr. After watching her for many years at ND, I've always thought of her as a combo guard who looks for her shot. She and Nurse would benefit beyond belief having someone like Ionescu who could hit them in their favorite spots. If not, I see incremental growth.
- McCowan can become a 20-10 machine for sue and can help protect the lower part of the paint. Defensively, can she move out to cover more mobile centers who can hit the medium-range jumper and/or drive by her?
- Young. Jackie used to be a solid finisher on drives while she was at ND. Could tthis be a case of playing point guard at a faster, more intense level after a very long and demanding collegiate season?
The good news is that she has fit in well with the overall team. But I wonder...this is still the player that is the leading scorer in Indiana history. Could she help more at a position other than point guard?
- Ogunbowale. I happen to think Arike will do just fine playing with Skylar Diggins-Smith and/or MoJeff. Both of those guards have shown the ability to play with very talented scorers: you know MoJeff's running mates and don't forget Diggins-Smith played with K-Mac, Jewell Loyd and Natalie Novosel, all of whom could score. Plus, Arike played off other scorers, as well: Jackie Young and Marina Mabrey.
Less on the ball could translate to more efficiency. Good for all concerned.
Will be interesting to see how Kalani Brown progresses: will she get more PT?
While I expect Brianna Turner to be a wing person for Griner, expect more shots from her next year.
Stay tuned on KLS and Alanna Smith, who was largely MIA this year.
I'd love to see how Jess Shepard comes back, but those ACLs can take longer than expected.