First of all it is good to be back at Arco for another season of Monarchs Basketball
You can tell on the floor that the team is going through some transition. Defensively, they still hold the same principles; a lot of switching, perimeter pressure, physical down low. Offensively, this is going to be a different team. Whether it is for good or for bad remains to be seen. The team just seems to play at a faster tempo, even in the half court. There were very few shot clock violations (unlike last year). And they seem to push the ball a little better in transition. The most obvious issue this season is there is going to be a glaring, gaping hole at the center position.
Kara Lawson - What can you say. Still leader on the floor, and based on what I saw tonight, she may start at the 2 and play the bulk of the backup minutes at the point.
Aqua Franklin - Folks, I think we "potentially" have A PG of the future. Good court awareness and feel for the game. Does not play like a rookie.
Rebekkah Brunson - This is TYOB (The Year of Bekky). I am looking for another All Star season. In my opinion she was (and is capable to be on most nights)the best player on the floor. She may be the most athletic "big" in the "W".
Adrian Williams-Strong - Will start out the season starting at the "5". She still has hands of stone. But she is a veteran, that is in her spot at the right time. She plays with heart, but is that enough.
LaTangela Atkinson - You can tell she is growing up. Court Presence is much better. She will always be silky smooth. Will that translate into consistant results, remains to be seen.
Kim Smith - Seems to be more confident. But it is obvious she is 11th player at best. Still seems to lack strength. She seems to get pushed around. And missing those three free throws to shut the door did not help matters.
Laura Harper - "The Rookie". I did not follow her career at Maryland, so I was a little surprised that she is not that athletic. She seemed to struggle with the speed of the game. I hope that was just "overseas" legs. But she is physical, plays very hard, has a defensive presence and will be a solid addition to the squad. But I think she may be best served as a backup for right now (contrary to what I felt going into the game). She can play very well around the basket, but on the high post, she has much room to grow.
Chardel Allen - THE REVELATION OF THE NIGHT!!! 18 solid minutes off the bench. Has an offensive arsenal and confidence this team has not seen since, since....maybe Ruthie Bolton. Dribble drives, pull up jumper, slashing to the bucket, and is not afraid to pull the trigger. I am not saying she is going to be a star or anything, but I am being prophetic in saying that offensively she will be a breath of fresh air, SHE HAS GAME. I hope she hangs around and is a solid part of the rotation.
I. Piekarska - Was not impressed at all. Big and slow. She will be cut.
SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BALL
1. I was a little surprised at the reception for Yolanda Griffith. Extremely cordial, nothing special, and when the ball was tipped up, it seemed like the divorce had gone final. I think Monarch fans are trippin far more than we would like to admit.
2. We got a good look at a board favorite Kimberly Beck. Rail thin. And I am glad "Aqua Fresh" is on our side. Beck will be a back up, unless she adds some meat to her frame.
3. If Seattle think they are going to ride the backs of Hall of Famers (Griffith and Swoopes) and an overrated Swin Cash to the Finals, think again. Unless Bird and Jackson play above and beyond what they have played in the playoffs these last three years, there will only be a first round exit again. If I were a Storm fan, and I saw Swoopes down on the floor as long as she was, lifeless and motionless, it would cause me great trepidation to think that two-38 year olds is going to make a significant difference.
It is all about Jackson and Bird, and Seattle will only go as far as those two players take them. And in my opinion Sue Bird the last two seasons, is not the Sue Bird of her first few years.
4. I like Geralds and Ely. Those two players will anchor the bench, everybody else is ordinary at best.
ANY THOUGHTS?
You can tell on the floor that the team is going through some transition. Defensively, they still hold the same principles; a lot of switching, perimeter pressure, physical down low. Offensively, this is going to be a different team. Whether it is for good or for bad remains to be seen. The team just seems to play at a faster tempo, even in the half court. There were very few shot clock violations (unlike last year). And they seem to push the ball a little better in transition. The most obvious issue this season is there is going to be a glaring, gaping hole at the center position.
Kara Lawson - What can you say. Still leader on the floor, and based on what I saw tonight, she may start at the 2 and play the bulk of the backup minutes at the point.
Aqua Franklin - Folks, I think we "potentially" have A PG of the future. Good court awareness and feel for the game. Does not play like a rookie.
Rebekkah Brunson - This is TYOB (The Year of Bekky). I am looking for another All Star season. In my opinion she was (and is capable to be on most nights)the best player on the floor. She may be the most athletic "big" in the "W".
Adrian Williams-Strong - Will start out the season starting at the "5". She still has hands of stone. But she is a veteran, that is in her spot at the right time. She plays with heart, but is that enough.
LaTangela Atkinson - You can tell she is growing up. Court Presence is much better. She will always be silky smooth. Will that translate into consistant results, remains to be seen.
Kim Smith - Seems to be more confident. But it is obvious she is 11th player at best. Still seems to lack strength. She seems to get pushed around. And missing those three free throws to shut the door did not help matters.
Laura Harper - "The Rookie". I did not follow her career at Maryland, so I was a little surprised that she is not that athletic. She seemed to struggle with the speed of the game. I hope that was just "overseas" legs. But she is physical, plays very hard, has a defensive presence and will be a solid addition to the squad. But I think she may be best served as a backup for right now (contrary to what I felt going into the game). She can play very well around the basket, but on the high post, she has much room to grow.
Chardel Allen - THE REVELATION OF THE NIGHT!!! 18 solid minutes off the bench. Has an offensive arsenal and confidence this team has not seen since, since....maybe Ruthie Bolton. Dribble drives, pull up jumper, slashing to the bucket, and is not afraid to pull the trigger. I am not saying she is going to be a star or anything, but I am being prophetic in saying that offensively she will be a breath of fresh air, SHE HAS GAME. I hope she hangs around and is a solid part of the rotation.
I. Piekarska - Was not impressed at all. Big and slow. She will be cut.
SOME RANDOM THOUGHTS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE BALL
1. I was a little surprised at the reception for Yolanda Griffith. Extremely cordial, nothing special, and when the ball was tipped up, it seemed like the divorce had gone final. I think Monarch fans are trippin far more than we would like to admit.
2. We got a good look at a board favorite Kimberly Beck. Rail thin. And I am glad "Aqua Fresh" is on our side. Beck will be a back up, unless she adds some meat to her frame.
3. If Seattle think they are going to ride the backs of Hall of Famers (Griffith and Swoopes) and an overrated Swin Cash to the Finals, think again. Unless Bird and Jackson play above and beyond what they have played in the playoffs these last three years, there will only be a first round exit again. If I were a Storm fan, and I saw Swoopes down on the floor as long as she was, lifeless and motionless, it would cause me great trepidation to think that two-38 year olds is going to make a significant difference.
It is all about Jackson and Bird, and Seattle will only go as far as those two players take them. And in my opinion Sue Bird the last two seasons, is not the Sue Bird of her first few years. 4. I like Geralds and Ely. Those two players will anchor the bench, everybody else is ordinary at best.
ANY THOUGHTS?
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