Not everyone is Armintie Price. Not everyone is a relative-unknown on November 4th, just to become a top prospect by April 4th. March is a magical time in the world of basketball. Overnight, upsets are talked about and heroes are made. For WNBA prospects, March is the perfect time to strut your stuff and show scouts all over the nation that you are for real. Hit the floor running, ladies, and hold nothing back. Here is a WNBA Fan's Guide to the 2008 NCAA Tournament. Click each link below to get guides to each day.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Catch Me As I Fall
Part 2 of our Pre-NCAA's draft coverage...
Not everyone can be perfect. However, some players with one-impressive resumes and the game to match, have fallen off of the radar. They always say your last season should be your best, and if you ever hope to have a pro contract, that saying couldn't be more true. However, we've seen some top players fall down the rankings.Luckily, for some, they have time to make it up. Will it be enough time? We'll have to wait until tourney time.
One player who many thought would be a star in the WNBA, Tasha Humphrey, has fallen off a bit this year. Many saw her as the ideal pick for Atlanta at the #4, but as the year went on, people began to wonder if the Dream should go in a different direction. Luckily for them, they traded down, in a trade involving for Tar Heel guard Ivory Latta. But still, many are unsure if Tasha is truly worth the #8 pick. This would mean taking her over proven players like Laura Harper, LaToya Pringle or even Crystal Kelly. Georgia's season hasn't helped either. They've been very up and down, with more downs that ups, it seems. For Tasha, it will be key that she carry this team on her back and show that she is a warrior. Playing deep into the tournament can severely help your chances a high pick, and I'm talking to you Armintie. Tasha needs to stay in the tourney, for both her team and for herself.
Charde Houston is more confusing than ever player. There's two opinions out there. One opinion is that she's a one hit wonder who excelled in high school and will never excel at a higher level because of lack of focus and motivation. Others feel Geno is her biggest problem. We may be looking at another Swin/Laimbeer battle here. But with Charde, it's truly tough to tell what her problem says. For a year now, she has said she's grown stronger with her time with Geno, but her numbers tell a different story. Usually, a player averaging 6.5 ppg won't get a look, even a top program like UCONN. For Charde, she has to prove that she's not a one hit wonder. March is the perfect time for her to do this. Her team is bound for a championship run, as the overall #1 seed. But as much as it's up to Houston, it's also up to the GM's in the league. Who will take that chance? Who will pull something out of a hat and take her? And after someone takes her, how will she perform? Will she be the biggest bust in WNBA history? Doubt it, but you never know.
Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. It's the story of Nicky Anosike's life. Anosike has proven that she's a big game player in the past, but at some point, you have to play well at a consistent basis, not just in an NCAA title game. Anosike has seemed to struggle a lot this season on offense and seems to get frustrated, knowing she's capable of better. Even Pat benched her against UCLA, bringing in the freshman Baugh who provided a spark in that game, eventually pulling the Vols away from the fiesty Bruins. For Nicky, it's all about mentality. She's got to go out there and focus on finishing. I think she has it in her, but I think at times, she's far too lazy. Sure, she rebounds a lot, but it's not good when you rebound your misses over and over again. Once in a while you'd like to, you know, make some baskets. I have no doubt that Anosike will have a big tournament, because March seems to be Ms. Anosike's favorite month. However, how will GMs view her? Will they look at March and be amazed or will they look at her whole season, which reeks of inconsistency? It should be interesting.
Do you want to know how athletic Morenike Atunrase is? She been a key force on defense for years at Texas A&M, especially with shot blocking, where she has led them forever, it seems. Oh, and she stands at 5'10". Last year, Atunrase looked like a prime time WNBA prospect. She has the frame to play in the pros and is very capable of both slashing and shooting. Defense has never been a problem for Morenike, but her offense has improved every year under Gary Blair. However, this year, she has suffered from injuries that have set her back. Being bumped from the starting lineup is more than a reality check for a senior. Missing the entire month of Decemeber, Atunrase has taken a while to get back into form, but looks prime for a good run in March. Luckily for her, her team seems to be playing well at the right time. After going 0-4 in their first four games, the Aggies have responded and now are the team to beat in the Big XII according to some. Keep an eye on Morenike. If she returns to her form last year, watch out.
Not everyone can be perfect. However, some players with one-impressive resumes and the game to match, have fallen off of the radar. They always say your last season should be your best, and if you ever hope to have a pro contract, that saying couldn't be more true. However, we've seen some top players fall down the rankings.Luckily, for some, they have time to make it up. Will it be enough time? We'll have to wait until tourney time.
One player who many thought would be a star in the WNBA, Tasha Humphrey, has fallen off a bit this year. Many saw her as the ideal pick for Atlanta at the #4, but as the year went on, people began to wonder if the Dream should go in a different direction. Luckily for them, they traded down, in a trade involving for Tar Heel guard Ivory Latta. But still, many are unsure if Tasha is truly worth the #8 pick. This would mean taking her over proven players like Laura Harper, LaToya Pringle or even Crystal Kelly. Georgia's season hasn't helped either. They've been very up and down, with more downs that ups, it seems. For Tasha, it will be key that she carry this team on her back and show that she is a warrior. Playing deep into the tournament can severely help your chances a high pick, and I'm talking to you Armintie. Tasha needs to stay in the tourney, for both her team and for herself.
Charde Houston is more confusing than ever player. There's two opinions out there. One opinion is that she's a one hit wonder who excelled in high school and will never excel at a higher level because of lack of focus and motivation. Others feel Geno is her biggest problem. We may be looking at another Swin/Laimbeer battle here. But with Charde, it's truly tough to tell what her problem says. For a year now, she has said she's grown stronger with her time with Geno, but her numbers tell a different story. Usually, a player averaging 6.5 ppg won't get a look, even a top program like UCONN. For Charde, she has to prove that she's not a one hit wonder. March is the perfect time for her to do this. Her team is bound for a championship run, as the overall #1 seed. But as much as it's up to Houston, it's also up to the GM's in the league. Who will take that chance? Who will pull something out of a hat and take her? And after someone takes her, how will she perform? Will she be the biggest bust in WNBA history? Doubt it, but you never know.
Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. Miss. Rebound. It's the story of Nicky Anosike's life. Anosike has proven that she's a big game player in the past, but at some point, you have to play well at a consistent basis, not just in an NCAA title game. Anosike has seemed to struggle a lot this season on offense and seems to get frustrated, knowing she's capable of better. Even Pat benched her against UCLA, bringing in the freshman Baugh who provided a spark in that game, eventually pulling the Vols away from the fiesty Bruins. For Nicky, it's all about mentality. She's got to go out there and focus on finishing. I think she has it in her, but I think at times, she's far too lazy. Sure, she rebounds a lot, but it's not good when you rebound your misses over and over again. Once in a while you'd like to, you know, make some baskets. I have no doubt that Anosike will have a big tournament, because March seems to be Ms. Anosike's favorite month. However, how will GMs view her? Will they look at March and be amazed or will they look at her whole season, which reeks of inconsistency? It should be interesting.
Do you want to know how athletic Morenike Atunrase is? She been a key force on defense for years at Texas A&M, especially with shot blocking, where she has led them forever, it seems. Oh, and she stands at 5'10". Last year, Atunrase looked like a prime time WNBA prospect. She has the frame to play in the pros and is very capable of both slashing and shooting. Defense has never been a problem for Morenike, but her offense has improved every year under Gary Blair. However, this year, she has suffered from injuries that have set her back. Being bumped from the starting lineup is more than a reality check for a senior. Missing the entire month of Decemeber, Atunrase has taken a while to get back into form, but looks prime for a good run in March. Luckily for her, her team seems to be playing well at the right time. After going 0-4 in their first four games, the Aggies have responded and now are the team to beat in the Big XII according to some. Keep an eye on Morenike. If she returns to her form last year, watch out.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Hit me with your best shot
With much of the season behind us, it's not time to reminisce. No, it's not time to look back at the good times, and forget the bad. For seniors in the NCAA, it's time to impress WNBA scouts and impress them quickly. In March, it's win or go home. The main goal of all seniors is to punch their ticket to the NCAA tournament. For these seniors, March is their time to make that happen. Through the season, some have risen to the occasion, while other's have fallen into the pits of the unknown. Let's take a look at the Risers(monday), the Droppers(wednesday), and the in-betweeners(friday).
Movin' on up
For a draft with such a high reputation, their have actually been surprises within the prospects. Just one year ago, Quianna Chaney was an inconsistent jumpshooter who was scared to take over in the big moments. Even worse, when she was aggressive, she was a detriment to her team, has her shot selection wasn't so hot. Now, those are things of the past. This senior has risen to the occasion and has become a quality outside threat to counter her Tiger teammate Sylvia Fowles. Chaney has the type of game that may excel in the WNBA.
She isn't the only one, though. In Chapel Hill, there has been a major surprise. Early in the season, it was obvious that the once-defensive-specialist-offensive-liability formally known as LaToya Pringle had improved dramatically. Not only did Pringle continue to block shots, but her ability to drive in the lane, or hit an open jumper from the perimeter has captured the attention of scouts all over the nation. Everyone was talking about Larkins this season, but it's been Pringle who has helped UNC the most, in my opinion.
Speaking of capturing the attention of scouts, a point guard from Utah has done just that. Leilani Mitchell, a transfer from Idaho, has racked up unreal numbers her finale. Coming from Idaho, people in Salt Lake City expected her to do well, but this year, she's surprised everyone by not only continuing to distribute, but also continuing to score as she did as a Vandal. In a league like the WNBA, point guards are needed at all hours of the day, especially those who can distribue to score. Some question her frame and experience, but I think Mitchell will show them what she's about soon enough.
Another hidden gem in the mid-major scene is Amber Holt, a wing out of Middle Tennessee. Last year, all we knew was Chrissy Givens. In the famous words of Jan Brady 'Chrissy, Chrissy, Chrissy.' Little did we know that Holt could become and even more important player in MTSU's success. While leading the nation in scoring for most of the season, Holt has also made sure she's an asset to squad. Her ability to will her team to wins, including a shocking win over LSU, is what makes most think she will thrive in the WNBA. This could easily be an All-Star calibre wing. She's tough as nails, and most WNBA GM's like that.
Movin' on up
For a draft with such a high reputation, their have actually been surprises within the prospects. Just one year ago, Quianna Chaney was an inconsistent jumpshooter who was scared to take over in the big moments. Even worse, when she was aggressive, she was a detriment to her team, has her shot selection wasn't so hot. Now, those are things of the past. This senior has risen to the occasion and has become a quality outside threat to counter her Tiger teammate Sylvia Fowles. Chaney has the type of game that may excel in the WNBA.
She isn't the only one, though. In Chapel Hill, there has been a major surprise. Early in the season, it was obvious that the once-defensive-specialist-offensive-liability formally known as LaToya Pringle had improved dramatically. Not only did Pringle continue to block shots, but her ability to drive in the lane, or hit an open jumper from the perimeter has captured the attention of scouts all over the nation. Everyone was talking about Larkins this season, but it's been Pringle who has helped UNC the most, in my opinion.
Speaking of capturing the attention of scouts, a point guard from Utah has done just that. Leilani Mitchell, a transfer from Idaho, has racked up unreal numbers her finale. Coming from Idaho, people in Salt Lake City expected her to do well, but this year, she's surprised everyone by not only continuing to distribute, but also continuing to score as she did as a Vandal. In a league like the WNBA, point guards are needed at all hours of the day, especially those who can distribue to score. Some question her frame and experience, but I think Mitchell will show them what she's about soon enough.
Another hidden gem in the mid-major scene is Amber Holt, a wing out of Middle Tennessee. Last year, all we knew was Chrissy Givens. In the famous words of Jan Brady 'Chrissy, Chrissy, Chrissy.' Little did we know that Holt could become and even more important player in MTSU's success. While leading the nation in scoring for most of the season, Holt has also made sure she's an asset to squad. Her ability to will her team to wins, including a shocking win over LSU, is what makes most think she will thrive in the WNBA. This could easily be an All-Star calibre wing. She's tough as nails, and most WNBA GM's like that.
The last player who has seen her stock rise dramatically currently resides in Waco Texas. Angela Tisdale has been with the Lady Bears of Baylor since their title run in 2005. In fact, she's the only hold-over from that championship squad still currently on Baylor's team. This year, she has led her team to one of the best finishes in Baylor history, and even to a top 10 ranking nationally. Like Mitchell, she's another guard who can score and distribute.
These players were simple players this past season. When you mentioned these names, it didn't mean much. But this goes to show what a season can do. Each of these players have helped their chances dramatically. Some might not have been drafted if not for their improved play during their final season. With four of these five on potential NCAA Tournament squads, they hope to continue to prove people wrong and rise on the rankings.
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