Where does Timea Gardiner fit back in at?

Timea Gardiner played a big role on the Bruins team that went to the Final Four last season. Ultimately losing to UCONN who just operated at a different level than every team last year. Gardiner came back this season looking to be a key contributor again. She has yet to play a game this season but seems closer to returning to action from injury. Where does she slot in once she returns to action for Cori Close and her team?

UCLA is stacked and they now have Sienna Betts back from injury as well. Off the bench their top three have been Angela Dugalić, Lena Bilić and Sienna Betts. There are only so many minutes that can go around for players. With the starting lineup, locked in place and playing great basketball, there aren’t many more minutes available. Gardiner could force that hand though. She is a veteran player and shoots the ball very well. Shooting 39.5% from 3-point range last year on 4.5 attempts per game.

Gardiner spent her first two years at Oregon State before deciding to transfer to UCLA last year. She was one of the top scorers for the Beavers. Becoming a tremendous pickup for the Bruins providing excellent rebounding as well. Gardiner plays the forward position and helps in the front court. It will be interesting to see if Close continues to give Bilić more minutes or Gardiner absorbs some of those and they play bigger lineups.

It is a tough problem to have but is also a good problem to have. No coaches ever going to say they have too many scoring options. You never know how a game is going to flow so the more you have, the better. The minutes will be tough to decipher. But there are 17 Big Ten games ahead to get it figured out. Then it’s into the Big Ten tournament and a March Madness run. Gardiner figures to play a role in some of way as she is to good not too.