[old spanish trail]

I would have to think that Somfai (with her big body. good footwork and tons of international experience) might be best suited to do the job, but everyone must help out.

In the 2024 U18 Asia Cup final Somfai had 13 rebounds for Australia even though China's 7'-2" Ziyu Zhang was in the game.  (Zhang herself only had 1 more rebound than Somfai did.)  Hopefully an encouraging sign...

In the two times I've seen Somfai play, she's not a big jumper, but she's strong and does position herself well for whatever is required. She really knows how to play.

Very impressed with Umeh's improved mobility and aggressiveness in the post based on the open house practice and the videos on FB.  I didn't see much of that last season.  At this point, I'm adjusting my starting lineup:

Clardy and Swain at the guards, Somfai and Agara at the forwards with Umeh at the post.  That gives Stanford a powerful front line they lacked last season. Some have suggested that Somfai start at the post.  That would win a lot of games, but I don't think that's the ticket that takes us into the NCAA Tourney.  As talented as she is, Lara does not have the size to contend with the bigger, taller players Stanford will eventually encounter and it takes her out of her natural position (forward) which she has played for years.  

Ogden is first off the bench.

I believe Eschmeyer is Stanford's #1 post for the future.  Her skill sets are impressive, but she needs to get stronger.  The preconference schedule may allow Kate to give Alex good minutes as she adjusts to the more physical college game.

I agree re Alex, and believe she will be a star. Great to hear re Umeh.

[old spanish trail]

I would have to think that Somfai (with her big body. good footwork and tons of international experience) might be best suited to do the job, but everyone must help out.

In the 2024 U18 Asia Cup final Somfai had 13 rebounds for Australia even though China's 7'-2" Ziyu Zhang was in the game.  (Zhang herself only had 1 more rebound than Somfai did.)  Hopefully an encouraging sign...

In the two times I've seen Somfai play, she's not a big jumper, but she's strong and does position herself well for whatever is required. She really knows how to play.

Very impressed with Umeh's improved mobility and aggressiveness in the post based on the open house practice and the videos on FB.  I didn't see much of that last season.  At this point, I'm adjusting my starting lineup:

Clardy and Swain at the guards, Somfai and Agara at the forwards with Umeh at the post.  That gives Stanford a powerful front line they lacked last season. Some have suggested that Somfai start at the post.  That would win a lot of games, but I don't think that's the ticket that takes us into the NCAA Tourney.  As talented as she is, Lara does not have the size to contend with the bigger, taller players Stanford will eventually encounter and it takes her out of her natural position (forward) which she has played for years.  

Ogden is first off the bench.

I believe Eschmeyer is Stanford's #1 post for the future.  Her skill sets are impressive, but she needs to get stronger.  The preconference schedule may allow Kate to give Alex good minutes as she adjusts to the more physical college game.

I agree re Alex, and believe she will be a star. Great to hear re Umeh.