She will likely enter the regular guard rotation right away. However, it will take some time for Curtis to mesh her raw athletic abilities with the Huskies team concept. When she does, Curtis has the potential to give NU a spark. Sophomore Lori Newsome also will be an inside-outside threat, with the skill and size to take the ball to the basket or score from the perimeter. Another second-year player, Krystal Keillor, also has the ability to fill that role, but she remains one of the team s X factors.
More question marks are in the paint.
As mentioned earlier, the focus of the Huskies low-post game will be on senior Lani Lawrence. She is the team s top returning scorer and rebounder. Her supporting cast down low has been depleted, however. With a lack of proven rebounders, the Huskies will need increased help on the glass from Caruso and the rest of the backcourt. Junior Jennifer Clapp, who appeared in 17 games last season, has experience at forward and will likely provide meaningful minutes off the bench again.