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King of Hokies
Joined: 10/12/1999
Posts: 21,168
Likes: 21,152
King of Hokies
Founder Lifetime

I think calling Mackie, for one, a "very strong starter" is a

mischaracterization. She clearly was the best PG we had. But she also, very clearly, was not the player we need to compete at the highest levels. She couldn't guard her position, and she couldn't (or wouldn't) shoot from the outside. Both of those factors caused major issues in offensive execution. The first of which forced Duffy to start and play Wells *major* minutes even though she was essentially a non-contributor on offense. The second one cause issues with spacing and clogged driving lanes because the opponent could back way off Mackie and sag into help position. Baker, unfortunately, had maxed out her effectiveness at the 4. She's proved she has no low post offense and she struggled to guard bigger, stronger post players. So in Duffy's system she is a 4. But her physical abilities put her between the wing and 4. Again, just not a perfect fit. However, she is tough and she can really shoot it. So on balance, of course, she was a major asset. Her AllACC accolades say as much. But in order to grow, we need better players. Ones who can play effectively on both ends of the court. And ones who Duffy doesn't have to mix up the lineup and floor minutes in order to try to cover over weaknesses in their games. Now, will Duffy be able to get those players? We don't know, we'll just have to see.
Posted: 04/15/2026 at 12:03 PM ET
(In response to this post by Stork)

Thread Replies (53)

Full Thread →
Question for the Home Crowd
JRHokie • 04/15/26 06:15 AM ET
For me, I'm curious about the overall pattern -- across the athletic dept.
Long-Lost Hokie • 04/15/26 12:10 PM ET
Well this is going to be CMD's players this year...
`lag • 04/15/26 09:03 AM ET
That’s not just VT that’s every school now. Very few players stay anywhere
uber hokie • 04/17/26 03:59 AM ET
We talk so much about “tall”. Tall isn’t the factor. How many talks have we
DGHOKIE • 04/16/26 06:08 AM ET
If you’re talking about Wes Unseld, that was more like 60 years ago…..
vtbball80 • 04/17/26 12:23 AM ET
Yes, Wes **
DGHOKIE • 04/17/26 05:28 AM ET
we'll find out...
`lag • 04/16/26 08:10 AM ET
In my opinion, Baker is a bigger loss than you imply.
HokieHouse • 04/15/26 09:44 PM ET
Carys struggled late. Improved in late game situations.
TomTurkey • 04/16/26 10:51 AM ET
Believe we have two more from the portal to go
1977hokie • 04/15/26 09:56 AM ET
yeah, I like it so far and there's still plenty of portal room...
`lag • 04/15/26 10:22 AM ET
I worry that losing those two players is a sign of something else.**
Stork • 04/15/26 09:39 AM ET
What might that ......
2hhoop3 • 04/15/26 10:38 AM ET
they left cause CMD or the way WBB is run**
VermontDDS • 04/15/26 12:22 PM ET
If you see their interaction, it is not because of CMD, **
VAHokie89 • 04/15/26 08:25 PM ET
S/he doesn't know squat. Just stirring the pot.**
j9hokie • 04/15/26 09:11 PM ET
Everybody including me don't have a clue why they portaled out**
mrknowitall • 04/15/26 09:45 PM ET
Well, if YOU don't know...**
TomTurkey • 04/16/26 12:22 PM ET
how do you know that? **
j9hokie • 04/15/26 08:06 PM ET
Oh, I have no idea. Just worrisome to me that two very strong starters
Stork • 04/15/26 10:47 AM ET
I think calling Mackie, for one, a "very strong starter" is a ◄
King of Hokies • 04/15/26 12:03 PM ET
Nelson was a Soph and led or was 2nd in ACC in assists
hokiepro • 04/16/26 11:48 PM ET
There's nothing lame about stating facts. Name the opposing PGs that
King of Hokies • 04/17/26 02:37 AM ET
It’s not a “fact” it’s your opinion. She wasn’t some DPOY but she
hokiepro • 04/17/26 07:54 AM ET
It's a fact that she couldn't guard her opponent. And it's a fact that
King of Hokies • 04/17/26 11:23 AM ET
Keep waiting
hokiepro • 04/17/26 01:15 PM ET
Duffy’s system didnt’ put baker at the 4
VAHokie89 • 04/15/26 08:28 PM ET
You're wrong about both. First off, Baker had no choice but to play the 4
King of Hokies • 04/16/26 04:00 PM ET
Stats
Battlesuggs • 04/15/26 12:56 PM ET
Teams crowded the paint because they knew Mackie couldn't or wouldn't shoot**
mrknowitall • 04/15/26 02:40 PM ET
It wasn;t that systematic. It was not like the situation
VAHokie89 • 04/16/26 08:19 AM ET
Yes the teams had more people in paint because of her
texashokie1 • 04/16/26 08:36 PM ET
So Duffy “nudged” them to move on?**
Stork • 04/15/26 12:27 PM ET
I have no idea. She probably told them what VT needs from them next year.
King of Hokies • 04/15/26 01:48 PM ET
You shouldn’t nudge unless you have better replacements
1977hokie • 04/15/26 12:58 PM ET
To be fair to your own players, you have to reveal your plans so they have
NMB Hokie • 04/15/26 08:58 PM ET
I always thought Baker is a tall wing. She would do better at Lou IMO.
RandomAsianGuy • 04/15/26 12:24 PM ET
Thanks for clarifying........
2hhoop3 • 04/15/26 10:51 AM ET
Dawn Staley said one of the first things recruits asks is about finances**
mrknowitall • 04/15/26 11:09 AM ET
i assumed they'd ask her what it's like working with the aflac duck.**
squarerootofone • 04/15/26 02:53 PM ET
That was their second question**
mrknowitall • 04/15/26 03:35 PM ET
Except I would have guessed those 2 would have been who Duffy would have
Stork • 04/15/26 10:55 AM ET
Maybe she did push.....
2hhoop3 • 04/15/26 11:08 AM ET
Okaaaaay... I mean, I'm clueless on their motives...
`lag • 04/15/26 10:29 AM ET
Doesnt need the money?
Nelsonia Hokie • 04/15/26 10:48 AM ET
delete. incorrect information.
`lag • 04/15/26 02:39 PM ET
I feel like I'd seen they were somewhat estranged...b
stescham • 04/15/26 06:42 PM ET
mea culpa jumped tracks to Allen Iverson's blowing a lot of money...
`lag • 04/15/26 08:01 PM ET
Me too, **
1977hokie • 04/15/26 09:51 AM ET
Having conversations with myself
`lag • 04/15/26 09:20 AM ET
Depending on remaining portal "gets", I think the overall new roster may
j9hokie • 04/15/26 09:07 AM ET
be fun watching them develop, and yes potentially a much better team**
`lag • 04/15/26 09:22 AM ET
Patience grasshopper!**
EDGEMAN • 04/15/26 08:45 AM ET