In McNelis' defense, she does have the last year's team leader in rebounds (Emer Foley) and scoring (Shannon Steuber). Stueber was also second in scoring among CUSA freshmen last year. The Lady Eagles' woes started before McNelis was hired and even Rick Reeves would have struggled last year because there were so many freshmen on the team and the players with the most talent  (outside of Carter, Jones and Riggs) were all playing their first year at the D-I level. McNelis also brought in some very good talent this year.

Don't be surprised if Foley and Stueber both make the All-CUSA Team, while a couple of frosh's make the All-Freshmen team this year. The Lady Eagles are really close to being a regular in the post-season again. Maybe a WNIT appearrance this year or next year, but NCAA appearances are in the future as well.

Kudzu King wrote:

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I will be suprised if Foley has a good season, considering she's torn an ACL and will be out for the year. Having said that, I think it's way too early to judge McNelis, Eustachy and Lutes.

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Oh, hadn't heard that about Foley. It's a shame because she had a really good sumer in the European league and was poised to be a breakout star in CUSA.

C-USA whoa... wrote:

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C-USA is a much weaker conf with the departures.  The NCAA won't give it much luv on selection days in the future.  JLM better stick to winning it outright rather than getting at-large bids.

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