We should be equal or better at three positions by conference play: PG, SG, PF (Didi). The loss of Cox changes the equation, and we don't know how this foot problem will play out.
have seen too many fine players subside back into in-and-out, up-and-down performers because of foot injuries, and while this is called a pre-stress fracture condition, Cox is both very large and very active and that constitutes a source of concern for me. Without her we are still an outstanding team, but with her we are a great team, perhaps as fine a defensive lineup as we have seen in the women's college game. We will just have to wait and see how this develops.
One commentator has already designated NaLyssa Smith as the top sophomore in the country, and I don't have to be a partisan to agree with that assessment. She is not the defensive force that Cox is, but is in my view her equal as a rebounder and her superior as a scorer. Playing with Cox, other teams cannot focus on her, but at this point I believe her to be on her way to being an all-time Baylor Great. Her combination of physicality and skill, combined with speed and mental toughness is rare and we are fortunate to be able to watch her continue to develop.
Where this team is far superior to last year's group is in depth. The five (six, with Trinity Oliver) frosh were not as a group ready to take the floor against strong Power Five teams, Smith being the exception. This year, in addition to the ever developing Moon Ursin, there is not a single player off the bench who is not ready to contribute at both ends of the floor. There is not a huge drop off when Mulkey chooses to play them as a unit.
Finally, let me say a word about DeGrate. We have not had a backup post player with her experience and scoring ability, together with defensive and rebounding in the deep paint. With Cox out for a time, she will get major minutes and will make the most of them. This will only strengthen the team when Lauren returns. If there is a comparison to be made it must begin with the depth of the bench, and no Lady Bear team has come close to that of this group. They will wear teams down and the team speed will have its way in late game situations because of that.
But Cox must be in that lineup if they are to win it all again.