Was a bit disappointed to see the Women's team scrimmage their scout team instead of an intrasqaud scrimmage like they did last year. Sounded like there were too many injuries they were dealing with that Coach Mox didn't want to risk more with Clark, Doumbouya, Brown and Lauterbach not playing (Brown is out for the year with the ACL injury, but not sure what the others are dealing with), not sure though if Kitchen played (don't remember her playing and since it was only two 10 minute periods most didn't play much at all) or if she was injured too.
Noyan, Vaugh, Johnson and McGhee were the returning ones that played and all looked similar to last year with the exception of Noyan who you can tell is a different player this year. She is going to be a solid force. McGhee definitely will need to be more consistent this year and hopefully Vaughn can stay healthy.
Of the new players the most impressive was Lattimore who is so fluid and athletic for her height and often brought the ball up court. Going to be great in transition and on drives to the hoop, but playing against the male scout team and there being limited contact to protect players was hard to tell how she will be in a physical game down low. Hurd looks to be all she is expected to be, great size and versatility. Valenti-Paea and Dunbar definitely look to be in the rotation and good depth players for injuries or foul trouble. Grays didn't play too much, but from what I saw don't think she will be much more than depth as needed (same with Lauterbach and Doumbouya) with McGhee and Hurd both at 6'2" and able to play the 4.
Hard to tell how they are going to be this year going against a scout team that wasn't in great condition (they started strong and led the women early, but faded as they got tired on the big court) and with players playing such limited minutes. Definitely going to need to find someone to replace what Taylor brought every game with toughness and rebounding plus key scoring, but is a great opportunity for the young core of Johnson, McGhee, Vaugh and Hurd to play big roles.
