Losing a WNBA first-rounder is not going to go unnoticed, and Kasi -- also now a pro player, in Brazil -- ended up being a really nice player for Kellie at the end of her career. BUT, I will agree with you that we definitely have the potential to be really, really good by the end of the season.
I feel like Keyen is going to need much of the season to get back to full health and stamina, but her leadership will definitely be there from day 1. It has never left, actually. As for Marta, IF she can finally get well and back to being able to run and jump and condition without pain, she will be a tremendous asset because I'm sure she's the type of young woman who is spending time off-court finding ways to improve at least the mental side of her game. Bottom line on injuries, though, is that there's just no way to know how much time either Marta or Keyen will need to get fully back. Hopefully sooner than later. If they're healthy by the time SEC play starts, we'll be golden.
Alexus, too, will need time to learn how to play with the rest of the team. She obviously won't need any time to get into condition -- she will be READY to roll, and roll FAST. I'm greatly looking forward to seeing how Alexus meshes with our guards on fast breaks. We could be in for some real fun runs this season.
I also can't help thinking our incoming freshmen are going to surprise a lot of people by how much they're able to contribute in their first season. I believe we've got some real go-getters in those kids, and I can't wait to see them play.