Stock Up, Stock Down [Part 2]

STOCK DOWN

Matee Ajavon -NCAA Numbers: 12 ppg, 7 apg

Ajavon fielded criticism throughout her collegiate career for her inability to run a team and for bad shot selection. She struggled all season with her shooting (less than 40% from the field, 25% from three) and that carried over into the tournament (35% overall), but her playmaking ability improved slightly. After a promising beginning to her final NCAA Tournament (one in which she averaged nearly a 3:1 assist-to-turnover ratio), the senior lead guard turned in a final performance against UConn that saw her shoot 8-23 (35%) from the field and record an assist-to-turnover ratio of 0.5 (4 assists, 8 TOs).

Kimberly Beck -NCAA Numbers: 4 ppg, 5 apg

Beck, the A-10 Player of the Year, entered the 2008 NCAA Tournament averaging over 12 points per game and six assists and shot 40% from the field (37% from three). In three NCAA tournament games, Beck scored 12 points total on 4-25 shooting (16%) and did not hit a shot from within the three-point line. She also lacked zip on a number of her passes. While she did look good defensively and had three good floor games, it became apparent that Beck’s slight build could factor more prominently into her WNBA chances. It is difficult to determine how she will contribute at the pro level when her shot isn’t falling.

Shannon Bobbitt - NCAA Numbers: 5 ppg, 3 apg

One of the biggest knocks on Bobbitt’s game is her ability to control the basketball. After the Texas A&M game in which she recorded seven turnovers and struggled to get into any sort of shooting rhythm, those questions popped up yet again. For the tournament, Bobbitt is shooting 9-28 (32%) from the field and recording nine assists to 14 turnovers. While it’s certainly true that Bobbitt has an opportunity to redeem herself thanks to Tennessee advancing to the Final Four, one has to wonder how much more of Bobbitt scouts have to see before determining that her lack of size and offensive creativity keep her from being a prominent WNBA prospect. In this case, extra exposure could work against her.

Crystal Kelly - NCAA Numbers: 17 ppg, 7 rpg

On perhaps the biggest stage in her college career, Kelly missed a golden opportunity to prove that she can produce big numbers against quality competition. Kelly did score 17 points and grabbed seven boards, but she struggled to get into any rhythm inside until the game’s outcome was no longer in doubt. She will have to impress at the WNBA Pre-Draft camp to see if someone is still willing to take a flyer on her with a Top 20 pick.

Erlana Larkins - NCAA Numbers: 11 ppg, 8 rpg

After earning ACC Tournament MVP honors, Larkins appeared to be ready to lead UNC back to the Final 4 in her home state of Florida. However, the 6-1 senior post embarked on a nightmarish final NCAA appearance. She entered the second weekend of the tournament shooting 33% from the field after a 5-17 shooting performance against UGA in the second round. In her final two NCAA Tournament games, Larkins went 4-23 (17%) from the field and scored 12 total points while being pushed around and rejected by Louisville’s Chauntise Wright (Sweet 16) and LSU’s 6-6 superstar center Sylvia Fowles (Elite 8).