Really good read on Collier & Shepard in the Athletic today. Here's a link in case some of you subscribe -
The winning DNA of Lynx rookies Napheesa Collier and Jessica...
And here's a snippet from Cheryl Reeve:
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Good read.
I'm not sure where to put this piece, which focuses primarily on Jessica Shepard and Coach Reeve. On one hand, this thread is rightly focused on Phee, but also is about the Lynx. In any case, this one shows how Shepard and Reeve really wanted Jess to end up with the Lynx. Some input from Jess' college coach....
Lynx rookie Jessica Shepard is a quick study
My favorite lines/insights from Coach Reeve:
- Reeve told Shepard about how good the WNBA was, how athletic, how fast. Shepard’s best chance was being in peak condition. “I can’t tell you how many times we’ve talked to players and given them information and it’s just not accepted,’’ Reeve said.
A mere months later Reeve turned the TV on to watch Notre Dame’s first game. She saw Shepard, 40 pounds lighter. She was shocked. She texted Shepard asking,
“Where did the rest of you go?’’
- A point guard as a youth, Shepard has the knack, which can already be seen in her entry passes to Sylvia Fowles or a cutting Collier. “When you can put the ball in the hands of a post player to make decisions, to shoot, pass, drive, that’s utopia,’’ Reeve said.
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