GEORGETOWN HOYAS
Coach: Terri Williams-Flournoy. Eighth season, 96-84
Key player: G Sugar Rodgers. The Hoyas’ leading scorer and offensive focal point will have a target on her back. If she can handle the defensive looks that will be thrown at her, expect another big season.
Biggest loss: F Monica McNutt. Not only will the Hoyas miss McNutt’s 10.5 points and 4.3 rebounds, but her graduation also leaves a huge leadership void the team is struggling to fill.
Best addition: G Taylor Brown. This highly regarded freshman from Bowie, Md., is an example of how the Hoyas’ success has paid off in garnering top-flight area recruits.
Best case: The Hoyas break through against Big East powers Connecticut and Notre Dame and make a deep run in the NCAA tournament.
Worst case: Opponents find a way to bottle up Rodgers and a second scoring option never develops, making the offense stagnant.
Three key games:
• Georgetown at Maryland, Nov. 13. Three of Hoyas’ first six games are against ranked opponents, including this rematch with the Terrapins.
• Notre Dame at Georgetown, Jan. 10. Hoyas draw the NCAA runner-up at home, which still figures to be a tall order against the loaded Irish.
• Georgetown at Connecticut, Feb. 11. Georgetown has played the Huskies tough, but getting a win would help validate the program’s ascension to Big East power.
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