This has been a better rookie class than was projected at the time of the draft IMO.
Boston thrived in single-coverage for the first 10 games and started demanding double-teams right after that. She’s proven she can score with ease, even in an offense that doesn’t necessarily feature her. I read the other day that the Fever lead the league in opponent points in the paint allowed and Boston’s been a big part of that. Her first season hasn’t been Parker/Stewart/Wilson level but it’s certainly been in the tier below.
Miller has been up and down but when she’s been on she’s looked like a future All-Star. She reminds me of Rhyne Howard with a higher ceiling based on her height and length if she can refine her three-point shot, which has improved as the season has gone on. Her stepthrough move is already near unguardable as a rookie and she’s had some really flashy passing games as well.
Grace Berger’s playing time has increased as the season has progressed to the point that the Fever generally look better when she’s on the floor. I think the biggest thing about Grace is she’s not going to do something stupid with the ball. Makes the right decisions and often steadies the tide.
Jordan Horston has gotten minutes largely in a developmental context, but she’s been productive and has contributed nicely in a rebuilding year for Seattle. Impacts the stat sheet in all sorts of ways and could evolve into a Natasha Howard/Kahleah Copper sort of player if she can improve her efficiency.
Dorka has been the steal of the draft and one of the three locks for the All-Rookie team. I think one thing people tend to take for granted about UConn players is how fundamentally sound they are, even compared to other top programs like SC, LSU, and Stanford. Geno develops players who can impact the game in myriad ways better than anyone else. Dorka has been a great example of that, showing a rebounding and passing prowess that wasn’t as apparent in a UConn system where no one player is the focal point.
All in all I think it’s been a solid draft class. The five I mentioned would be my picks for the All-Rookie Team although I could see Haley Jones getting the nod over Berger.
