Best 2015 WCBB Players By Position...

[baggerbob]

PG: Jefferson, Romero (FSU), Allen, Theriot (Nebraska), Johnson (Baylor)

SG: Mitchell (little carolina), Alexis Jones, Nurse, Mitchell (Ohio State), Plum

Small forwards: Powers, Deshields, Courtney Williams (TAMU), Moore (Louisville), Walker-Kimbrough

PF: Stewart, Azura Stevens, Tuck, Davis (Baylor), Wilson (Lesser Carolina)

Centers: Turner, Bulgak, Coates (lower carolina), Hamblin, Jones (Maryland)

Stewie could be at the top of your list at Small Forward, Power Forward, and Center, of which she'll play all 3 at times this year.

 

[stwainfan]

Like Tennessee or not Diamond is just to good. Not to be on a top five player list.

 

[WestCoastFan]

Plum, Mitchell and DeShields aren't the most efficient players, but they can knock down tough contested jumpers which makes them a unique asset. They are great bail out players if the offense isn't clicking and the shot clock is winding down. Some may question their shot selection at times, but if the game is on the line and it's down to the last few possessions, you put the ball in their hands for your best chance to win.

As an aside--these are the types of players that have led upsets of UCONN over the last several years. UCONN plays outstanding team basketball, but to beat UCONN, it's unlikely you'll do it through playing better team basketball. Notre Dame and Stanford have had their moments, but by and large, they haven't been able to come close when playing team basketball. When beating UCONN, usually there will be a player who UCONN can't contain and has been the difference maker down the stretch. If you look at UCONN's losses over the last 7 years, the bulk of them came against Notre Dame led by Diggins or McBride who both had several big games and made huge plays down the stretch in tight games. In 2012 when UCONN lost to Baylor, Sims took over (although Griner's 25 points, 9 rebounds and 9 blocks is worth a mention.) In 2015 UCONN couldn't stop Thompson or Orrange. No one would describe Diggins, McBride, Sims, Thompson, or Orrange as particularly efficient players, but they were all capable of stepping up their games and being great bail out players similar to Mitchell/Plum/DeShields. They have their hot and cold streaks, but when they are hot, they couldn't be stopped. These prototypes have found the most success against UCONN's stingy defense the last 7 years compared to any other player prototype....so that's why I give them a lot of credit.

I got no dispute with Diggins and McBride owning the Huskies for a spell. They were definitely AAs and had all-around talent. Geno's team during that time just wasn't as good until he started playing those three freshmen (Stewie, Mo and Morgan) regularly. As far as 2012 Baylor game (actually played in 2011), Griner took over after down by 11, not Sims. Also, those two Stanford girls had a great game, but certainly not worthy of comparison to these others players. My point about AA selection is the all-around ability. Prodigious scorers/shooters are nice to have, I guess, but doesn't make you an AA. The best players (not just good players) might not be on great teams, but they make their team better by playing great offense and defense. They also play great against the best teams. My opinion, anyways.

 

[chrissaran]

Taya Reimer is ND's center. Tuner is the power forward.

 

[PhillyCoach]

PG: Jefferson, Romero (FSU), Allen, Theriot (Nebraska), Johnson (Baylor)

SG: Mitchell (little carolina), Alexis Jones, Nurse, Mitchell (Ohio State), Plum

Small forwards: Powers, Deshields, Courtney Williams (TAMU), Moore (Louisville), Walker-Kimbrough

PF: Stewart, Azura Stevens, Tuck, Davis (Baylor), Wilson (Lesser Carolina)

Centers: Turner, Bulgak, Coates (lower carolina), Hamblin, Jones (Maryland)

Hey triaddukefan - let's remember your Jones(Maryland) pick for top 5 centers. I'll take Butler. Jones is 6'3" - 12 pts, 8.8 rebounds, only 49 blocks, a poor 27 total assists for the year, 100 personal fouls, and 68 turnovers. Jones is a little rough around the edges. UConn fans know the four returning starters are all current or future AA material. I am (as many BY posters are too) very excited about Butler's debut with UConn. Anticipation is not a strong enough word. Her Georgetown-Big East experience and one year of Geno/CD training is hard to ignore IMHO.

 

[triaddukefan]

Hey triaddukefan - let's remember your Jones(Maryland) pick for top 5 centers. I'll take Butler. Jones is 6'3" - 12 pts, 8.8 rebounds, only 49 blocks, a poor 27 total assists for the year, 100 personal fouls, and 68 turnovers. Jones is a little rough around the edges. UConn fans know the four returning starters are all current or future AA material. I am (as many BY posters are too) very excited about Butler's debut with UConn. Anticipation is not a strong enough word. Her Georgetown-Big East experience and one year of Geno/CD training is hard to ignore IMHO.

I actually initally had Boyette on the list......... then I remembered Jones and slipped her in. I'll remember this list.

Ive never seen Butler play... never seen any highlights...... so how do you expect me to put a player on the list that Ive never seen in action ?

 

[MilfordHusky]

Relative to the list in the OP, I'd change the following:

Move Morgan up.

Move Nina Davis up.

Add Diamond as a top 3 or so SG or wing.

Move Coates down.

 

[BlueDevils]

Just out of curiosity, has the op stated why DD was not on their list?

 

[mudcat]

Point Guards:
1. Moriah Jefferson, UConn
2. Niya Johnson, Baylor
3. Letitia Romero, FSU
4. Lindsay Allen, ND
5. Rachel Theriot, Nebraska

Two-Guards (all other guards, not pg):
1. Tiffany Mitchell, SC
2. Courtney Williams, USF
3. Kelsey Mitchell, OSU
4. Kia Nurse, UConn
5. Shatori Walker-Kimbrough, Maryland

Forwards (big and small):
1. Breanna Stewart, UConn
2. Aerial Powers, MSU
3. Azura Stevens, Duke
4. A'ja Wilson, SC
5. Morgan Tuck, UConn
6. Nina Davis, Baylor
Centers:
1. Alaina Coates, SC
2. Briana hoTurner, ND
3. Adut Bulgak, FSU
4. Ruth Hamblin, OSU

I believe you have to put DD from TN somewhere on this list. As much as many here may criticize her, when not injured she is a scintillating talent. Also, while many criticize her play, she was a freshman at the time: I expect better (more consistent) play this year, as this is the year when most players make the biggest jump.
I also think you have to find a place among those guards for Rachel Banham of MN, who is certainly deserving even if she plays at only 80% of what she was before the injury and who is supposed to be fully recovered.

 

[Dougie]

Not a bad list.

I am slightly amazed at how Boneyarders keep coming up with off-season topics
to chew on.

That's what happens when your favorite team keeps spitting out national championships.

 

[Orangutan]

Taya Reimer is ND's center. Tuner is the power forward.

Notre Dame makes no official distinction. If you look at any box score, both are just listed as forwards. To me, Turner is clearly the center, though.

Defensively, their responsibilities are pretty much the same.

Offensively, Reimer takes most of her shots from the high post and Turner takes all of her shots at or near the rim.

I'm not sure why people think Reimer is the center. Because she has a stockier build, I guess? If their heights were listed accurately, it would be clearer, too. Reimer is actually closer to 6'2 and Turner is probably closer to 6'4 despite both being listed as 6'3.

 

[CocoHusky]

Notre Dame makes no official distinction. If you look at any box score, both are just listed as forwards. To me, Turner is clearly the center, though.

Defensively, their responsibilities are pretty much the same.

Offensively, Reimer takes most of her shots from the high post and Turner takes all of her shots at or near the rim.

I'm not sure why people think Reimer is the center. Because she has a stockier build, I guess? If their heights were listed accurately, it would be clearer, too. Reimer is actually closer to 6'2 and Turner is probably closer to 6'4 despite both being listed as 6'3.

By this logic then ( Turner is a center) let's list Morgan Tuck as a center and IMO she would be the best center in WCBB instead of 3rd, 4th, or 5th Forward. Besides everyone knows Wilson & Stevens are Guards (wantabe) anyway.

 

[Buzzyboy]

PG: Jefferson, Romero (FSU), Allen, Theriot (Nebraska), Johnson (Baylor)

SG: Mitchell (little carolina), Alexis Jones, Nurse, Mitchell (Ohio State), Plum

Small forwards: Powers, Deshields, Courtney Williams (TAMU), Moore (Louisville), Walker-Kimbrough

PF: Stewart, Azura Stevens, Tuck, Davis (Baylor), Wilson (Lesser Carolina)

Centers: Turner, Bulgak, Coates (lower carolina), Hamblin, Jones (Maryland)

What I like is the love that Moriah and Breanna get along with the respect that Morgan does, as well. I agree that Morgan is at least top three at her position but the more important thing is Morgan will be there at the end of the year hoisting that national championship trophy along with her peers.

 

[Buzzyboy]

I got no dispute with Diggins and McBride owning the Huskies for a spell. They were definitely AAs and had all-around talent. Geno's team during that time just wasn't as good until he started playing those three freshmen (Stewie, Mo and Morgan) regularly. As far as 2012 Baylor game (actually played in 2011), Griner took over after down by 11, not Sims. Also, those two Stanford girls had a great game, but certainly not worthy of comparison to these others players. My point about AA selection is the all-around ability. Prodigious scorers/shooters are nice to have, I guess, but doesn't make you an AA. The best players (not just good players) might not be on great teams, but they make their team better by playing great offense and defense. They also play great against the best teams. My opinion, anyways.

I don't know if I would say that Geno's team wasn't as good, I would say that for some mysterious reason, UConn would play uncharacteristally poorly in the waning moments of games, allowing those two (who are crunch time players) opportunities to help pull out a victory. I'll always remember how many foul shots UConn missed in that three overtime game, some of which were one and one opportunities but also that ridiculously lucky three point shot that bounced off the rim a couple of times before finally dropping to send the game into overtime. UConn choked in at least three and maybe more of those games which NEVER happens, particularly with seasoned players. The perfect storm that allowed Notre Dame to develop a mystique that UConn has recently started crushing!!!!

 

[Nuyoika]

Poor Morgan...she never seems to get the love. Honestly, anyone honestly think Powers (who I've only seen once), Stevens or Wilson is a better player than Tuck? If you're picking for 3 on 3 game, who would you pick? I would take Stewie, Morgan and my Dad...and he passed away two years ago. I realize it looks like serious "home cooking" to place her second, but really....

To be honest that is exactly how I make my decisions for these lists LOL. If I had to play a pick up game right now who would I pick (assuming I wanted to win)... I always go for a UConn kid first because they learn a read and react system. They play off instincts.

 

[TFintheMix]

Point Guards:
1. Moriah Jefferson, UConn
2. Lindsay Allen, Notre Dame
3. Letitia Romero, FSU
4. Niya Johnson, Baylor

....

I thought Kelsey Mitchell was her team's PG?

Anyhow bballnut90, your post makes a lot more sense to me especially the top 3 in each category. I particularly like Linda Allen and Kelsey Mitchell being #2 and #1 respectively in their category. Mitchell is a SUPERSTAR. Mitchell is why Ohio St. was so successful last year. She is why they are getting better recruits and getting transfers.

 

[WestCoastFan]

I don't know if I would say that Geno's team wasn't as good, I would say that for some mysterious reason, UConn would play uncharacteristally poorly in the waning moments of games, allowing those two (who are crunch time players) opportunities to help pull out a victory. I'll always remember how many foul shots UConn missed in that three overtime game, some of which were one and one opportunities but also that ridiculously lucky three point shot that bounced off the rim a couple of times before finally dropping to send the game into overtime. UConn choked in at least three and maybe more of those games which NEVER happens, particularly with seasoned players. The perfect storm that allowed Notre Dame to develop a mystique that UConn has recently started crushing!!!!

I totally agree on the return to "ND crushing"...it's a beautiful thing. My point about the team being not as good as ND back then was for the reasons you mentioned...a breakdown in fundamentals, maybe even a "choke". The best TEAM normally wins those kind of games. But, once again, that was the past. Enjoy the current wave, Baby.

 

[triaddukefan]

. Besides everyone knows Wilson & Stevens are Guards (wantabe) anyway.

 

[CocoHusky]

I don't know if I would say that Geno's team wasn't as good, I would say that for some mysterious reason, UConn would play uncharacteristally poorly in the waning moments of games, allowing those two (who are crunch time players) opportunities to help pull out a victory. I'll always remember how many foul shots UConn missed in that three overtime game, some of which were one and one opportunities but also that ridiculously lucky three point shot that bounced off the rim a couple of times before finally dropping to send the game into overtime. UConn choked in at least three and maybe more of those games which NEVER happens, particularly with seasoned players. The perfect storm that allowed Notre Dame to develop a mystique that UConn has recently started crushing!!!!

You are being very selective by only going back to the '12-13 season and the three times ND beat UCONN. Just one season prior '11-'12 ND also beat UCONN 3 times in one season. We had Maya-a "seasoned player" for those games but ND had the better team.

 

[RockyMTblue2]

Just out of curiosity, has the op stated why DD was not on their list?

Just a hunch. She's injured(did not play in Europe) and won't have played in a year and a half.

 

[CocoHusky]

Let's not overlook the obvious. Someone from the incoming Feshmen class will be in the discussion for among the best players in WCBB. Last season it was Mitchell, Wilson & Turner, before that it should have been DD, before that Loyd & Stewie, before that KML & Elizabeth Williams, before that Ogwumike & Thomas........ My Candidates would be The Pheenom, Durr, KLS with Salvadores having an outside shot.

 

[Bonpland]

I've enjoyed reading this thread but it brings up one of my favorite sports topics; Why do so many fans put such great weight on statistics?

Deciding player rank based on points scored has never made sense to me. We've seen opposing players who have had great scoring seasons disappear against us (re-watch the last four ND games, and while your at it review the box scores to see how often Taurasi was our leading scorer during those two years that she carried the program to the second and third of her team championships.) Pumping in points against mediocre opponents is not an indication of a player's overall value.

When D was dishing the ball to others and passing up shots, was she less valuable than the players she regularly faced who came into games with a better scoring average than she had?

I think that DD will "light it up" this year, and has been pointed out by others she is now older and in a new situation, but will she make her teammates better at their positions? Sue didn't outscore Alana Beard as a senior, but who would you rather have with the ball in her hands with the game on the line?

The perfect team would be one where all 12 players scored six points a game and then held their opponents to under sixty. What player on that mythical team would be considered for an award?

We shave decimal points one way and another in evaluating talent, but when Diggins was leading ND to victories over us it wasn't her scoring that did us in. It was her ability to help her teammates perform at their very best. It was the Taurasi in her; that swagger that we learned to hate, the same wat that the Vols hated D. That's doesn't show up on a piece of paper.

It's unlikel;y that Nurse wil finish statistically in the top tier of two guards this season, but she very well may be the best at her position come April. And after all when they're slipping the Championship baseball caps on backwards, and smiling for the cameras who would coaches rather have on their team?

 

[TBIF54]

You are being very selective by only going back to the '12-13 season and the three times ND beat UCONN. Just one season prior '11-'12 ND also beat UCONN 3 times in one season. We had Maya-a "seasoned player" for those games but ND had the better team.

Maya had already graduated. If she had been a part of the 2011-2012 team, she would have made the difference in favor of the Huskies.

 

[WestCoastFan]

...and lousy guards at that. Really, I would have a hard time putting them in the "power forward" group, since they both play very soft. Maybe we can have another category: Slow and Lazy??

 

[WestCoastFan]

I've enjoyed reading this thread but it brings up one of my favorite sports topics; Why do so many fans put such great weight on statistics?

Deciding player rank based on points scored has never made sense to me. We've seen opposing players who have had great scoring seasons disappear against us (re-watch the last four ND games, and while your at it review the box scores to see how often Taurasi was our leading scorer during those two years that she carried the program to the second and third of her team championships.) Pumping in points against mediocre opponents is not an indication of a player's overall value.

When D was dishing the ball to others and passing up shots, was she less valuable than the players she regularly faced who came into games with a better scoring average than she had?

I think that DD will "light it up" this year, and has been pointed out by others she is now older and in a new situation, but will she make her teammates better at their positions? Sue didn't outscore Alana Beard as a senior, but who would you rather have with the ball in her hands with the game on the line?

The perfect team would be one where all 12 players scored six points a game and then held their opponents to under sixty. What player on that mythical team would be considered for an award?

We shave decimal points one way and another in evaluating talent, but when Diggins was leading ND to victories over us it wasn't her scoring that did us in. It was her ability to help her teammates perform at their very best. It was the Taurasi in her; that swagger that we learned to hate, the same wat that the Vols hated D. That's doesn't show up on a piece of paper.

It's unlikel;y that Nurse wil finish statistically in the top tier of two guards this season, but she very well may be the best at her position come April. And after all when they're slipping the Championship baseball caps on backwards, and smiling for the cameras who would coaches rather have on their team?

Couldn't agree more. Well written

 

[CocoHusky]

Maya had already graduated. If she had been a part of the 2011-2012 team, she would have made the difference in favor of the Huskies.

Ooops, I stand corrected, I'm off by one season. Actually ND started getting UCONN's number in Maya's last game in uniform FF in 2011. UCONN didn't reverse the curse until FF in '2013.

 

[Orangutan]

I've enjoyed reading this thread but it brings up one of my favorite sports topics; Why do so many fans put such great weight on statistics?

Deciding player rank based on points scored has never made sense to me. We've seen opposing players who have had great scoring seasons disappear against us (re-watch the last four ND games, and while your at it review the box scores to see how often Taurasi was our leading scorer during those two years that she carried the program to the second and third of her team championships.) Pumping in points against mediocre opponents is not an indication of a player's overall value.

When D was dishing the ball to others and passing up shots, was she less valuable than the players she regularly faced who came into games with a better scoring average than she had?

I think that DD will "light it up" this year, and has been pointed out by others she is now older and in a new situation, but will she make her teammates better at their positions? Sue didn't outscore Alana Beard as a senior, but who would you rather have with the ball in her hands with the game on the line?

The perfect team would be one where all 12 players scored six points a game and then held their opponents to under sixty. What player on that mythical team would be considered for an award?

We shave decimal points one way and another in evaluating talent, but when Diggins was leading ND to victories over us it wasn't her scoring that did us in. It was her ability to help her teammates perform at their very best. It was the Taurasi in her; that swagger that we learned to hate, the same wat that the Vols hated D. That's doesn't show up on a piece of paper.

It's unlikel;y that Nurse wil finish statistically in the top tier of two guards this season, but she very well may be the best at her position come April. And after all when they're slipping the Championship baseball caps on backwards, and smiling for the cameras who would coaches rather have on their team?

For me, the problem isn't putting too much weight on statistics. It's putting too much weight on the wrong statistics.

I agree that too much weight is put on counting statistics such as raw point totals. On the other hand it is possible to quantify the contributions of pass-first players by looking at their assist rates, shooting percentages, +/- ratings, etc.

Numbers never lie but people (including myself, of course) are often profoundly stupid in interpreting them.

 

[CocoHusky]

For me, the problem isn't putting too much weight on statistics. It's putting too much weight on the wrong statistics.

I agree that too much weight is put on counting statistics such as raw point totals. On the other hand it is possible to quantify the contributions of pass-first players by looking at their assist rates, shooting percentages, +/- ratings, etc.

Numbers never lie but people (including myself, of course) are often profoundly stupid in interpreting them.

Truer words have seldom been spoken. And just to be clear, I'm not taking a shot I'm among the "people" you reference.

 

[BlueDevils]

...and lousy guards at that. Really, I would have a hard time putting them in the "power forward" group, since they both play very soft. Maybe we can have another category: Slow and Lazy??

You're unfairly criticizing Stevens. Not once did she flat out say she was a guard unlike Wilson. On top of that she has better ball handling and is more versatile than Wilson. Although Wilson has a better inside game. Stevens showed, in spurts, what she can do and her versatility as a FRESHMAN against Uconn.

My point: Stevens is a forward who can contribute from the wing and has better "guard " abilities than Wilson. Wilson is a player who came out of highschool that suggested she was a guard, since then it's been proven that if any incoming forward were anything close to a guard it would be STEVENS who once again never claimed to be a guard. Her actions brought her into the conversation not talk or by the talk of Duke fans claiming she's a guard. If you're going to compare the 2 PLEASE DO RESEARCH. PS. Stevens is NOT a guard she's a forward who can score in multiple ways.

 

[triaddukefan]

...and lousy guards at that. Really, I would have a hard time putting them in the "power forward" group, since they both play very soft. Maybe we can have another category: Slow and Lazy??

A grown man/woman calling 19 y/o college kids lazy ? ??

Apparently the people who selected the USA u-19 team overlooked them being slow and lazy I guess the Russian squad that saw these slow and lazy players drop 48pts between them were even slower and lazier than Stevens and Wilson.

I hope the WNBA teams that select them high in the 2018 draft will overlook their being slow AND lazy Hopefully Duke and South Carolina can overcome two of their better players being both slow and lazy Lemme log off for a bit so i can cut the backyard........ slowly.. and lazily of course