Julius Erving

From the latest sports science and fitness research by Dan Peterson and theorignalPGC.

Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are a common and debilitating problem, especially for female athletes. A new study from UC Davis shows that changes in training can reduce shear forces on knee joints and could help cut the risk of developing ACL tears.

“We focused on an easy intervention, and we were amazed that we could reduce shear load in 100 percent of the volunteers,” said David Hawkins, professor of neurobiology, physiology and behavior at UC Davis. Hawkins conducted the study at the UC Davis Human Performance Laboratory with graduate student Casey Myers.

The anterior cruciate ligament lies in the middle of the knee and provides stability to the joint. Most ACL injuries do not involve a collision between players or a noticeably bad landing, said Sandy Simpson, UC Davis women’s basketball coach.

“It almost always happens coming down from a rebound, catching a pass or on a jump-stop lay-up,” Simpson said. “It doesn’t have to be a big jump.”

Hawkins and Myers worked with 14 female basketball players from UC Davis and local high schools. They fitted them with instruments and used digital cameras to measure their movements and muscle activity, and calculated the forces acting on their knee joints as they practiced a jump-stop movement, similar to a basketball drill.

First, they recorded the athletes making their normal movement. Then they instructed them in a modified technique: Jumping higher to land more steeply; landing on their toes; and bending their knees more deeply before taking off again.

After learning the new technique, all 14 volunteers were able to reduce the force

Dee Brown

passed up to the knee joint through the leg bone (the tibial shear force) by an average of 56 percent. At the same time, the athletes in the study actually jumped an inch higher than before, without losing speed.

Hawkins recommends warm-ups that exercise the knee and focusing on landing on the toes and balls of the feet. The study does not definitively prove that these techniques will reduce ACL injuries, Hawkins said: that would require a full clinical trial and follow-up. But the anecdotal evidence suggests that high tibial shear forces are associated with blown knees.

Hawkins and Myers shared their findings with Simpson and other UC Davis women’s basketball and soccer coaches, as well as with local youth soccer coaches.  The research was published online Aug. 3 in the Journal of Biomechanics.

Simpson said that the team had tried implementing some changes during last year’s preseason, but had found it difficult to continue the focus once the full regular season began. In live play, athletes quickly slip back to learned habits and “muscle memory” takes over, he noted. More intensive off-court training and practice would be needed to change those habits, he said.

“We will be talking about this again this season,” Simpson said. Implementing the techniques in youth leagues, while children are still learning how to move, might have the most impact, he said.From The latest sports science and fitness research by Dan Peterson on theoriginalPGC

Monica Wright

Monica Wright playing Ryan Gomes is H-O-R-S-E.

http://www.sikids.com/Horse

Moni has to learn to talk the talk and walk the walk!

In reviewing game film of Minnesota Lynx rookie guard Monica Wright, Seattle Storm coach Brian Agler noted that she is a confident go-to player and liked “how physical she is for being that young.”

Monica Wright

Wright wasted no time in person showing Agler and the Storm just how good she could be when she came to Key Arena on Wednesday evening.

On an inbounds play during Minnesota’s first possession, Wright came around a screen on the right wing and received the ball from forward Hamchetou Maiga-Ba and in seemingly one fluid motion elevated over Tanisha Wright for quick jumper falling away for the first two points of the game.

That was just a sneak preview of what was to come.

In the first five minutes before a Storm timeout with 4:44 left in the first quarter, Wright had already scored 6 points on 3-5 shooting capped off by a strong layup off of two feet after driving by Wright on the left wing and pulling a crossover on a rotating Lauren Jackson in the middle of the key.

It wasn’t just that the Lynx were running plays to Wright, it’s that she so smoothly showed the ability to score in multiple ways and an undeterred tenacity even in the face of a stalwart defender like Lauren Jackson.

In catching up with her after the game, Wright was definitely disappointed with the Lynx’s 79-76 loss, but relieved by the breakthrough performance in which she finished with 19 points on 8-16 shooting in 34 minutes.

“It just felt like it was a weight lifted off my shoulders,” said Wright. “It was just something I needed to do for the team to be in the game and be able to win.”

The weight Wright was referring to was the 8-31 shooting in her first two games against the Tulsa Shock and Washington Mystics, which some might see as a harbinger of inefficient volume shooting to come. However, Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve shared a more nuanced analysis of her performance with Swish Appeal prior to Wednesday night’s road game against the Seattle Storm.

“You know, without Monica Wright to start the Tulsa game, we don’t get off to a double figure lead,” said Reeve when asked about Wright’s 6-18 and 7 turnover performance against the Shock. “So we didn’t really have a whole lot to say to her. We actually took her out at the end. And we’ve got some veterans that we need to count on. It should not be a situation where you count Monica Wright to get through this time. So I’m more interested in letting Moni just kind of adjust to our league and when she plays well obviously we’ll be really good, it’s just going to take some time.”

Between Agler’s observations of the Lynx offense, Reeve’s faith in her rookie, and Wright’s self-assessment of her game, it might almost seem inevitable that Wright ends up becoming a great scorer in this league. Perhaps needless to say, Wright was a bit better than the Storm expected.

The WNBA Draft is today!  For Monica Wright, her family as well as a host of others, today is a special day.  In a little less than an hour, everything Monica has known as a player changes.  There will be pay checks, endorsements, appearances, media, pictures, travel.  Exciting times!  Congratulations to all, enjoy the moment and the day – it’s special.  Follow the DRAFT HERE. See our 2010 WNBA MOCK DRAFT HERE.

From By DAVE UTNIK

On the rare occasions when she allowed herself to look beyond the goal directly before her, Monica Wright imagined what it might feel like to walk onto the court for the first time as a professional basketball player.

She’s never been one to assume anything. The University of Virginia’s all-time scoring leader has spent her entire career pursuing one small milestone after another.

Looking too far ahead isn’t her thing. Wright prepares for the moment and then moves on. It’s a personal rule that has worked out well because everywhere she goes, success ultimately follows.

But even Wright has day dreams.

Monica Wright's Draft Day

And her happily-ever-after visions have usually involved playing in the Women’s National Basketball Association.

Even as a high school sophomore, when she was just beginning to discover her potential as one of the nation’s elite women’s basketball players, it was assumed by everyone around her that Wright would play in the WNBA.

Her talent was that obvious.

Almost everything Wright has accomplished over the past decade—two high school state championships at Forest Park and first-team Associated Press All-America honors at Virginia—has led her to this afternoon’s draft in Secaucus, N.J., where the best player in Prince William County history is expected to be among the top five selections.  She won’t get past the second pick.

“I can see myself around the perimeter playing maybe one through three. That’s where I have been playing throughout my whole career,” Wright said. “But I feel the most comfortable at shooting guard.

“As I have heard and learned, this draft is going to be guard heavy so it’s going to be exciting to see where everybody goes.”

Pre-draft buzz has Wright reaching the podium within 10 minutes, most likely as the No. 2 or No. 3 overall pick—shortly after the Connecticut Sun select UConn center Tina Charles with the first pick.

Here is a quick look at where Wright could be headed:

Connecticut Su

1st and 7th overall pick

After finishing sixth in the Eastern Conference last season at 16-18, the Sun had a busy offseason. They acquired 2009 first-round pick Renee Montgomery from Minnesota in exchange for the first overall pick. On Wednesday, they traded guard/forward Amber Holt and center Chante Black to the Tulsa Shock to get the No. 7 pick.

Connecticut, which desperately needs a center, is expected to select Charles. The last two No. 1 selections—Angel McCoughtry and Candice Parker—went on to win rookie of the year honors.

The Sun would certainly choose Wright at No. 7, but she probably won’t last that long.

Minnesota Lynx

2nd and 3rd overall pick

The Lynx seem to be a perfect fit for Wright, who led the Atlantic Coast Conference in scoring and was named the NCAA defensive player of the year.

First-year coach Cheryl Reeves wants defense to be a priority after Minnesota gave up the second-most points in the league a year ago. And that is Wright’s forte.  ACC and National Defensive Player of the year, check.

The thing about Wright is that she also creates match-up problems with her speed and versatility. She’s started at point guard, shooting guard and small forward at one point or another in her career. The Lynx appear to be set in the backcourt after acquiring Lindsey Whalen from the Sun to play alongside Candice Wiggins.

Chicago Sky

4th overall pick

The Sky nearly made the playoffs for the first time since joining the league in 2005 and Wright is just the kind of athlete who could finally lead them there.

If the Lynx don’t select Wright with one of their two picks, then the Sky almost assuredly will despite five guards on the active roster, including point guard Kristi Toliver, from Maryland, and Jia Perkins.

The Sky bolstered their front court by getting center Courtney Paris from Sacramento in the dispersal draft and Shameka Christon is a trade with the Liberty.

What they need now is an impact scorer. With one pick in the first two rounds, Chicago will have to draft wisely.

San Antonio Silver Star

5th overall pick

The Stars are the first 2009 playoff team to make a pick in this year’s draft. After nearly upsetting eventually champion Phoenix in the Western Conference semifinals, there aren’t many weaknesses.

They addressed a need for rebounding by trading for center Michelle Snow, signing Tasha Humphrey and getting forward Laura Harper in the dispersal draft.

All-Star Becky Hammon and shooting guard Roneeka Hodges are the likely backcourt starters, but Wright has a way of blending in almost anywhere.

Washington Mystic

6th overall pick

It’s probably wishful thinking. As wonderful as it would be for Wright to play—and star—in her hometown, there is very little chance of her landing in D.C.

The Mystics are one of the league’s up-and-coming teams after a string of successful drafts and the recent signing of all-star guard Katie Smith, who should play along with Alana Beard and Lindsey Harding in a three-guard backcourt.

After reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals last season, the Mystics could still use another versatile small forward. Maybe they’ll be lucky enough to find Wright still on the draft board at No. 6. It’s not likely though.

Brigitte Yuille, provided by

As the madness of the men’s and women’s basketball seasons come to an end, the Women’s National Basketball Association prepares for a winning season – but with a little less fanfare. The WNBA, which is 13 years young, has steadily gained popularity over the years, but if you think the women are making close to as much as the men, think again. The disparity is alarming, but things are changing.

In Pictures: Top 5 Most Hair-Raising Contracts in sports.

Rookies in the WNBA get paid a minimum $35,190. Shocked? Well consider this, the maximum WNBA salary for veteran players in 2010 is $101,000. Quite shy of the massive paydays and endorsement deals of their male counterparts. In fact, the average NBA player makes over $5 million.

Here’s a look at some of the top paydays of the most recognizable WNBA players.

• Marion Jones
  As an accomplished athlete, Marion Jones is sure to draw interest in the WNBA. The Olympic sprinter has joined the Tulsa Shock in Oklahoma as its newest point guard. Jones, once considered the fastest woman, in the world had admitted to using steroids for the 2000 Olympics. She had to return all five Olympic medals and spent six months behind bars for the incident and involvement in a check-fraud scam. Jones has signed a one-year contract with the Tulsa team receiving the league’s minimum of $35,000. (Increased popularity leads to increased salaries, but will the WNBA become a fan favorite? Learn more in The “Next Big Thing” In Pro Sports.)
• Lisa Leslie
  WNBA veteran Lisa Leslie had been considered the most marketable and most dominant player in the league. She retired at the end of the 2009 WNBA season to be a mom and pursue other interests. The trailblazer for female basketball players has been in the league since its opening season and was the leader of points and rebounds for the L.A. Sparks in California. According to the AP in 2006, Leslie was making the maximum salary in the NBA at $91,000.

  The four-time Olympic gold medalist took advantage of her notoriety and dabbled in other careers. She signed a contract with Wilhelmina modeling agency, has worked as an actress and has been in pursuit of a broadcast career. (Learn more about the financial implications of the Olympics. Read Olympic Economics: Boom Or Doom?)

• Candace Parker
  Candace Parker was the number one overall pick in 2008 which landed her playing alongside Lisa Leslie for the L.A. Sparks. She stands to earn more than any female player in the WNBA history and make as much if not more than any male basketball player. Her current endorsements with Adidas and Gatorade are estimated to be worth approximately $3 million. Although such contracts are the norm for NBA superstars, they are less frequent in the womens’ league.
• Sheryl Swoopes
  Often called the “female Michael Jordan,” veteran WNBA player Sheryl Swoops made slightly less than the $99,500 salary cap right before she left the Seattle Storm in Washington. However, rosters were cut last year to free up money in order for the teams to stay within their salary caps and create parity among the players. This Olympic gold medalist was awarded an endorsement deal with Nike, who created the “Air Swoopes” shoe.

  According to the Seattle Times, the Seattle Storm’s coach needed to stay within a cap of $803,000 resulting in the valuable athlete being released from her contract.

The Future of the WNBA
The Great Recession has challenged the WNBA by disrupting audience attendance, revenue and owners’ financial interest. The WNBA is attempting to maintain its viability by discovering new sources of income, such as its eight-year TV arrangement with ABC/ESPN.

Meanwhile, WNBA players continue to head overseas to collect larger paychecks in places such as Poland, Israel and Turkey during their off-season.

Still feeling uninformed? Check out last week’s business news highlights in Water Cooler Finance: Zombies File Taxes, Dead Bills Rise Again.

Original story - Top WNBA Salaries: How Do They Stack Up?

Beth Mowins & Debbie Antonelli’s “Shootaround with Beth & Debbie” has become a mainstay in my listening library!

Their weekly podcast throughout the Women’s NCAA Basketball season is a fantastic source of all the inside scoop, analysis and insight into women’s college basketball.

Debbie Antonelli & Beth Mowins on the set for "Shootaround with Beth & Debbie"

This Shootaround Selection Show is the WBCA’s first VIDEO podcast of Shootaround with Beth & Debbie.  The show includes a breakdown of the NCAA DI Bracket, NotreDamus Predictions, Coach Interviews, and the Shooter of the Year finalists.

If you want all the insight into the Women’s NCAA Tournament don’t miss this opportunity to see the Shootaround Show in living color on your computer!

You can also subscribe to the weekly podcast by clicking HERE.

Download the Selection Show VIDEO podcast HERE:

]]> http://www.allbasketballreview.com/shootaround-with-beth-debbie-video-style/feed 0 http://www.allbasketballreview.com/wnit-coverage-online http://www.allbasketballreview.com/wnit-coverage-online#comments Thu, 18 Mar 2010 09:06:11 +0000 Jeff http://www.allbasketballreview.com/?p=2704 Watch WNIT Online 2010

Unlike the NCAA Women’s Tournament, the WNIT has more trouble with TV coverage. Therefore, local channels are likely to broadcast the games.

View the first round schedule.

Try watching the WNIT online with a satellite tv program on your computer. Using free websites are ok, but they are slow, sluggish and not exactly worth the time.

For March Madness you can get discounts, there’s a $20/off the normal price of $49.99 offered now. You can not only watch the WNIT but also, NIT, NCAA Men’s and Women’s NCAA Tournament Online

You Can Download the Software by Clicking Right Here

Kelly Miller had almost given up on the idea of ever again playing on the same basketball team as her twin sister, Coco.

Not since 2001 had the twins played together at the University of Georgia and sisterly reunions almost never play out in professional sports.

But that all changed for Kelly Miller on Wednesday when the Atlanta Dream signed her to a two-year free-agent contract and re-signed Coco to a two-year deal.

“I’m so excited to be playing for Atlanta,” Kelly said. “Coco and I have dreamed about playing on the same team again and are so grateful for this opportunity.”

Coco said she’s thankful that the Dream decided to hold a reunion.

“We haven’t played together since our days at UGA, so I’m really looking forward to it,” Coco said. “It’s like a dream come true.”

Kelly, a 5-foot-10 guard, started 25 of 34 games for the Minnesota Lynx last year and averaged 4.4 points and two assists. She has averaged 7.6 points and 2.6 assists during her nine-year career.

“I think Atlanta is the perfect fit for me,” Kelly said. “They love to get up and down the floor and they have some of the fastest players in the league. They have a great mix of veterans and young talent, so it’s going to be an exciting season.”

Kelly & Coco Miller

Coco, a 5-9 guard, averaged 3.9 points and 1.5 rebounds for the Dream last year. She thinks Kelly will add a lot to the team.

“I’m really looking forward to the upcoming season,” Coco said. “With the new roster additions and talented returning players, it’s going to be a very exciting year for the Dream.”

But the biggest winners from having Kelly and Coco on the same team will be their mother and father or, more specifically, their wallets.

The parents shuttled between Atlanta and Minnesota watching the twins play last year.

“This will definitely make it easier on my parents,” Kelly said. “They won’t have to split their time between two cities and now they can cheer for one team.”

KATIE SMITH TO MYSTICS

Congratulations to all!

PRINTABLE VERSION HERE

The 2010 WNBA Draft is just 25 days away.  Many things can happen before then with trades, player movement and free agent signings, but we’ll look at this draft-eligible class and see which college and European stars will be taking their game to the WNBA this summer.

Our Mock draft looks into the current WNBA roster of each team, assess their needs and predicts what college or draft-eligible European pros might best suit those needs and why.

Spending eight years in the WNBA, sitting in on countless draft prep meetings and being involved in seven WNBA Drafts, as well as spending the last four years in the ACC, may not mean I’ll get it right but I’ll take a stab at it.

Let’s look at the First Round:

1           Connecticut Sun            Tina Charles            6-4            C            UConn

This is probably the worst kept secret and prediction in the basketball world right now.  Other than UConn finishing as undefeated National Champions, again.  A big reason for that… Tina Charles.  Charles is without a doubt the clear #1 pick and best overall player in the country.  Charles is tremendously gifted athletically and has a versatile skill set allowing her to play at both the high and low post.

ABR:

Add Tina Charles (6-4) to the Sun’s front line of: Chante Black (6-5), Sandrine Gruda (6-4), Asjha Jones (6-3), DeMya Walker (6-3) and Tamika Whitmore (6-2).  Whoa!… There’s not a better, more experienced core group of versatile posts in the East, perhaps the entire league.  Combine that with the chemistry of acquiring PTG Renee’ Montgomery (former Charles team mate at UConn) with the shooting of Jekabsone-Zogota (39.4% on 3’s) and Tan White (37.7% on 3’s) and Aisha Jones (31.3% on 3’s).  Defenses have a lot of issues to contend with in Connecticut.

2            Minnesota Lynx            Monica Wright            5-10            G            Virginia

ACC Player of the Year, ACC leading scorer, 6^th leading scorer nationally (3^rd All-Time Scorer in ACC History), ACC Defensive Player of the Year.  The accolades go on and on, but what impressed me the most is that she is a humble, wonderful, hard working and confident person.  A true joy to know and coach.  Wright is an explosive guard who gets her own shot, is tremendous in transition, has a killer pull-up and mid-range game and has improved her 3-point range every year.  She’ll fit in perfectly into the Lynx backcourt plans and will grow into a tremendous pro.

ABR:

The backcourt rotation of Lindsay Whalen, Candice Wiggans and Simone Augustus needs an explosive scorer.  I like Hamchétou Maïga-Ba and Kelly Miller, but neither has the explosiveness of Wright.  Look for Wright to be able to be the chameleon in that backcourt, helping at any of the three guard spots.

3            Minnesota Lynx            Alysha Clark            5-10                        F Middle TN State

Did Minnesota say scoring?… Look no further than Alysha Clark.  28.7 PPG, #1 in the Nation, 62.2% FG, 32.7% 3FG add in 11.5 RPG.  And how about this for the month of March… 40, 44, 48 in back-to-back-to-back games.  Are you kidding me?  DANG!  Clark has the ability to create her own shot, finish in transition as well as post up and score on the block against guards or forwards.

ABR:

My only question is if you Minnesota will burn back-to-back first round picks on two wings and pass up on a big or trade a pick for a young veteran player.  It’s not often you are blessed with two picks this high in the same draft.  The 2010 draft is only 4 or 5 impact players deep and Minnesota is potentially setting its’ roster for the next several years.  It may be hard to pass on Appel or Amber Harris with this pick.

4            Chicago Sky            Epiphanny Prince            5-9            G Botas Spor/Rutgers

Prince is tough, a proven leader and scorer and has the skills to be a point or an off guard in the WNBA.  She has experience in the pro game by electing to forego her last season of eligibility at Rutgers and play overseas for Botas Spor.  Prince is good in the pick & roll, has 3-point range, can finish with contact and has the ability to run a team.

ABR:

An underestimated aspect of Epiphanny’s game is her defense.  Coming from Rutgers, she learned to defend from one of the best.   She will defend with a fury and she will be able to lead those around her.  With the guard corps of Dominique Canty, Jia Perkins, K.B. Sharp, Erin Thorn and Kristi Toliver, Prince will have an opportunity to have an immediate impact in the Sky backcourt.

5            San Antonio Silver Stars            Andrea Riley            5-5            PTG Oklahoma State

Can the Silver Stars pass on Jane Appel here?  No one has her going this late.  Yes they can, unless they have a deal in the works were they draft Appel and trade her.  San Antonio has plenty of options and talent at the 4 and 5.  The recent trade the Silver Stars made bringing Michelle Snow to San Antonio allows them to “go off the board” a little with this pick and fill a different need.

ABR:

Riley is a jet-quick PTG, who loves to run and push the ball up the floor and can create open shots for others.  With guards Helen Darling (32 in August), Becky Hammon (just turned 33 March 11^th), *HAPPY BIRTHDAY BECKY!, Roneeka Hodges (28 in July) and Edwige Lawson-Wade (31 in May) can all still play, but this allows the Silver Stars to start setting themselves up for the future as well.

6            Washington Mystics            Jayne Appel            6-4            C            Stanford

The Mystics could use another post player, and one of Appel’s ability would pay immediate dividends to the Mystics.  Opponents in the East will have to guard Appel on the block, leaving guards Matee Ajavon, Alana Beard, Marissa Coleman, Monique Currie and Lindsey Harding with a great deal of room to penetrate, score and kick for open looks.  If you were to tell Julie Plank and GM Angela Taylor Appel would be there at 6… they’d jump for joy.

ABR:

Jane Appel is the real deal.  She is easily talented enough, skilled enough and well respected enough to go anywhere with picks 1 – 5.  The situation of the first five teams needs and some question of just how much better is the already gifted Appel going to get drop her to #6 for me.  More than any other team, this would be a great fit for her.

7            Tulsa Shock            Amber Harris            6-5            4/5                        Xavier

If you are starting a team, as Nolan Richardson is, you look for a PTG and/or a post.  If Andrea Riley (the perfect home-town fit on all fronts for Tulsa) is gone, then the pickings are slim.  The Shock could also use a versatile forward.  Enter Harris.  Harris needs strength to play on the low block in the WNBA, but her perimeter shooting, her ability to drive and her shot blocking make her a nice complement to Kara Braxton (6-6), Taj McWilliams (6-2) and Olayinka Sanni (6-2).

**Amber Harris can elect to return to Xavier for one more season.  Sources say that she and fellow RS-Jr. Tashia Phiilips want to return to help Xavier to win a National Championship.  If they win it all this year (with UConn playing?… not likely) they may both jump to the WNBA this summer.**

ABR TRADE ALERT: Let’s play GM here. Nikki Teasley (PTG 6-0) is a Free Agent and the only true PTG on the roster.  If it’s me, I’m working like mad on three things:  1.) To trade up and pick Riley,  2.)  to sign FA Teasely and 3.)  to also try to sign FA Katie Smith (who has indicated she won’t play in Tulsa).  Couple Smith with the #7 pick and see if we can find another young PTG to run this team and lead a new franchise into the future.  Now Smith doesn’t have to do this. She’s an unrestricted FA, but if she did it might make a better deal for her, the league and everyone involved.  What team is out there that is very close to winning it all?  Who needs a proven champion, leader, scorer and team player like Katie Smith and the #7 pick?  Who also has a PTG worthy of this level trade.  Answer:  Indiana.  The Fever are on the verge of a championship in Indiana, they were so close last year.  Catchings, Smith, Douglas and Sutton-Brown might just get it done for Lin Dunn if this trade happens.  The #7 Pick and Katie Smith to Indiana for Briann January?  January is the PTG of the future in Indiana, but for a potential championship – the future is now.  I don’t know the ins-and-outs of Indiana’s salary cap, that’s for the bigwigs to figure out.  Rumors of the team moving last year means the Fever needs to win it now, not plan for “down the road.”  Even if Indiana has to flip picks and give Tulsa #11 – do it, add Harris or Kelsey Griffin to the Fever with that pick, strengthen your depth and put yourself in a position for a ring!

8            Los Angeles Sparks            Kelsey Griffin            6-2            F            Nebraska

Griffin has destroyed the Big 12, ranked as the Nation’s #1 Women’s Basketball Conference by collegrpi.com She has an extremely high skill level – especially from the high post where she passes, shoots and will rebound the basketball.  The All Big 12 selection is a very good screener and her feel for the game and basketball IQ are exceptional.

ABR:

In Griffin, the Sparks get a tremendous compliment to Vanessa Hayden (C, 6-4) DeLisha Milton-Jones (F, 6-1) Candace Parker (F, 6-4) Tina Thompson (F, 6-2).  There is tremendous size, skill, experience and versatility with this roster.  Candace, Tina and DeLisha could play anywhere at the 2, 3 or 4, with some combination of Shannon Bobbitt, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Betty Lennox, Ticha Penicheiro with them.  Interesting and dangerous potential in the West for new coach Jen Gillom.

9            Atlanta Dream            Jacinta Monroe            6-5            F                        FSU

Jacinta Monroe can run, defend, rebound, shoot the high post jumper and block shots. The Dream are a guard heavy roster right now with many “Tweeners” playing at the 3 and the 4.  Monroe would give them another athletic, around the basket player that has the ability and skill set to excel in the pro game from the high post.  She could really be a steal at #9 in the long run.

ABR:

Jacinta needs to add strength, consistency and range to her jump shot and has a tendency to disappear in games at times, but she’s long and talented and as she improves overall and establishes that she will work and play hard every game, she can take the place of the recently traded Michelle Snow.

10            Seattle Storm            Allison Hightower            5-10            G           LSU

Hightower brings a tenacious defensive presence to the game along with her offensive capabilities.  Playing for the Hall of Fame and legendary WNBA coach Van Chancellor she will be ready for the expectations that Brian Agler will have for her.  The Storm needs an explosive guard who can score.  Hightower doesn’t need to come in and carry the Storm with Jackson, Sue Bird and Cash but it would help if they can get a player at 10 that can help.  Hightower might just be that player.

ABR:

Hightower’s ability to break down a defense from either wing spot with her drive, pull-up or 3 will continue to improve and develop as she adds strength and experience.  This is a quality player to be available at 10 and one that could find her way on to an opening day roster.

11            Indiana Fever            Danielle McCray            5-11            G/F            Kansas

McCray is perhaps one of the most flexible players available in the draft.  Her versatility allows her to do a little bit of everything. McCray’s ability to shoot the basketball is tremendous and a great asset.  Any team, at any level can always use shooters.  She could add an extra outside presence for Indiana.  When adding to a roster with the 11^th pick, a player who may or may not make it to opening day, the ability to do it with an all around player is a key.  Those type of players, like McCray, can provide depth and play a variety of roles in practice and when preparing for opponents as they develop and adjust to the pro game.

ABR:

McCray’s greatest asset is probably the fact she might be able to be on the “unable to perform list” for 2010.  If she is not fully recovered from her knee injury and if the Fever can draft her, not having to worry about finding a roster spot for her while retaining her rights until 2011, that is a huge plus.

12            Los Angeles Sparks            Alexis Gray-Lawson            5-8            G            Cal

I just want to say Gray-Lawson tore us apart (at Virginia) in the NCAA Tournament in 2009.  She was tremendous.  That made a believer out of me.  This year she received her third All Pac-10 award, averaged 17.5 PPG, while becoming the career leader in 3’s at Cal.  She is a player whose competitive spirit and tenacity are undeniable.  Gray-Lawson gives the Sparks another scoring weapon that can also defend.  The bonus for the league and the Sparks is she played at Cal and is from Oakland.

ABR:

Gray-Lawson is a flat out scorer. She can be streaky from 3 (30.3%), that will need to improve, and is tremendous off the dribble possessing a very good mid-range game.  Gray-Lawson has the ability to take contact and get herself to the free throw line, 171 FTA in 31 games.

There you have it… the 2010 MOCK WNBA Draft.

Let’s hear what you have to say and why.