Replacing Tierra Hodges is an impossible job, but the Caledonia Gladiators’ acquisition of Frannie Hottinger is about as good as it gets.

The fact of the matter is that Tierra Hodges is a player who can’t be replaced. Her consistent production is something every franchise dreams of employing, and with her exit confirmed, panic could have easily ensued for the Caledonia Gladiators.

Hodges averaged 17.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 1.7 steals per game, while shooting 55.3% from the floor.

The dominant forward was the Gladiators’ offensive talisman, creating a sublime partnership with Anastasia Warren — who has now also departed the franchise.

It’s easier said than done to replace a star of this calibre. In fact, it is nigh on impossible.

The Newcastle Eagles may have struck lucky through the NCAA system by uncovering another gem in Andrea Daley; this method doesn’t always guarantee instant success, and Caledonia will believe they are in a championship window.

Which is maybe why the club has again stolen a rival’s star player.

Frannie Hottinger signifies hope for the Gladiators

Manchester Basketball fans, look away now. Frannie Hottinger is a Gladiator, and chances are, she is going to be every bit as devastating when she suits up in Scotland.

Donnie MacDonald has struck gold in the post-Tierra era as Hottinger brings a tenacity and scoring presence that will help fill the painful void that Hodges leaves behind.

During her time in Manchester, the American forward registered 17.4 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 1.9 steals per game, while shooting 51.1% from the floor.

Much like Hodges, Hottinger isn’t going to stretch the floor consistently (1.1 3PA per game); however, her work in the paint is going to be a weapon that will become a regular feature in Caledonia’s offence.

Can Caledonia replicate Manchester’s blueprint?

One interesting area will be: how do the Gladiators get the best out of Frannie Hottinger?

Manchester head coach Oli Parr created a system that allowed Hottinger to thrive. Maaja Bratka was a second physical big that helped create separation for the Saint Paul native to devastate the opponent.

Additionally, Tierra East was the energetic guard who could space the floor, and when she found her rhythm, would attract the defender’s attention.

Manchester boasted a big three that complemented each other to perfection, which was evident as the team made a shock run to the Super League Basketball Women (SLBW) Cup Final.

Recent history suggests that the Caledonia Gladiators know how to construct an effective roster, but can they find the right pieces to finally turn success into silverware?