The Lunar Owls' fate hangs in the balance, and it all comes down to one crucial player. This team's struggles are no secret, as they find themselves in a tough spot, having yet to secure a win. The absence of Napheesa Collier, even before the season began, dealt a significant blow to their prospects. And if that wasn't enough, Skylar Diggins, due to a lower leg injury, missed the first three games, further complicating matters.
Without Collier and Diggins, the burden falls on Marina Mabrey and Aaliyah Edwards to drive the offense. While they've performed admirably, the real challenge lies in getting more out of Rebecca Allen, Rachel Banham, and Temi Fagbenle. The Lunar Owls' potential as contenders faded with Collier's announcement, but they still aim to be competitive. Head coach DJ Sackmann must find a way to unlock the potential of Allen, Banham, and Fagbenle. Skylar Diggins' return could be the catalyst for this transformation. The team needs someone other than Mabrey to create scoring opportunities and set up the role players, as asking them to create on their own is a tall order at the professional level.
Banham, Allen, and Fagbenle need the right support to thrive. All three are newcomers to Unrivaled, a league vastly different from the WNBA. Yet, their skills could be a perfect fit for Unrivaled's fast-paced, three-on-three format. Allen showcased solid defense in her first three games, Banham is a reliable 3-point shooter, and Fagbenle excels at running the floor for a big player. Despite this, they rank among the least productive players early in the season. This could be due to the unique challenges of Unrivaled or the need for a better-defined role within the team.
Having played as role players alongside star teammates in the W, the presence of a true point guard could be the key to their success, even in limited minutes. Diggins, with her impressive assist averages of 6 per game in her last season with the Seattle Storm and 4.7 in her first Unrivaled season, finished second in assists per game behind Chelsea Gray. Once Diggins makes her season two debut, the Lunar Owls will focus on getting Mabrey, Edwards, and Diggins in sync. However, her impact will also be felt by Allen, Banham, and Fagbenle, potentially turning their fortunes around.
If the Lunar Owls fail to get Diggins back soon or cannot elevate the performance of Allen, Banham, and Fagbenle, they may be in for a challenging season. The team's future is uncertain, but with the right adjustments, they could still surprise us. What do you think? Will the Lunar Owls find their groove, or will they struggle to stay afloat? Let's discuss in the comments!
