In all fairness... if our program wants to move up in the rankings year after year then we can't have (I surrender) type of classes. The graduated senior is basically a rent-a-player for one year and probably won't contribute that much to the team. The book is still out on the Swedish guard as she might do a Claire Rockhall and get homesick and go home. Yes, we do have the top player in the state of Minn. verballed for 2017 in Scott and a top ten PG in Rae Rae. But, we need a lot more to be and to stay a top program in the Big 12. The last two classes have been the best we have seen in years if we want to be considered with the best then we have to do the same year after year. Our staff is good enough to do this and more. Lastly, your comment about playing time leads me to a question. How does Baylor, and Oklahoma add talent every year even with loaded teams?
No doubt we lost out of several top players for the 2016 class, but what are you going to do when all your offers commit elsewhere: Koenen, Fredrickson, Tudor, Russell, Cera, Olinger, Sullivan, Doyle, Cox, Goodson, Hebard, and Ford.
Bowe was a 3-year starter for Balcomb, since a Freshman. Granted her numbers aren't amazing, but pretty solid for a 20 minutes of play. Balcomb tends to run a huge rotation, with most players in the 15-25 minutes range. Also, Vandy runs very similar offensive sets, and Balcomb like BF has a history of very successful "undersized" post/forwards, just wish she had a three shot.
I think this was a move to add a solid experience practice player to the roster for the young forwards/posts, and have some reserve for a solid season for a huge year when she can play.
Her year of play:
Jadda - RJr
Tee Tee - So
Emily - Jr
Carleton - So
Adrianna - Fr
Seanna - Sr
Bre - Jr
Claire - RSo
Meredith - So
Heather - 5YrSr
That's a pretty good looking balanced roster The following year though, we lose both Heather and Seanna, and only add Kristen Scott so far in the front court. Here's holding out that we have a chance with Abi Scheid still, losing out on Emily Sullivan recently, hurt.
I don't think any of us have any idea how well Adriana will work out, we just don't much yet. Anxious to hear BF talk about her.
I think the difference between ISU and the elite teams in regards to playing time are a bit different. Would BF bench an upperclasman in favor of playing a freshman/sophomore that brings more to the table? Mulkey does that and has a reputation for doing that. Spots on the floor are earned from scratch with her every year, and that is what other elite teams like UConn, Stanford, and Tennessee tell recruits and do as well. Also, the whole national championship history/potential means a lot too. We learned that all too well with Kiah and Taylor who opted for those programs knowing playing time would be a challenge early on, and Taylor, really never lived up to her potential on the court, but Kiah got a couple NC rings, and is going to be WNBA rookie of the year thanks to her training with Geno.