Final Thoughts II - The GOAT

[diggerfoot]

I know, I know, this topic has gone on long enough. Yet hearing Dailey's recent take on this set to motion some thoughts that might be a conciliatory conclusion to this topic. The three greats had three different specialties, at least as revealed by coaches comments (and my opinion as well). In summary:

Taurasi: The Greatest of All Time at Leading
As evidenced her junior year when she led and inspired an inexperienced team to victory, a team whose performance dropped off considerably without her (well, her and Conlon).

Moore: The Greatest of All Time at Putting a Team on Her Back
As evidenced her sophomore year when Stanford held us to 12 points the first half. Charles gets an assist for her defensive contribution, but Moore near single-handedly got the offense going again.

Stewart: The Greatest of All Time as a Calming Force
As evidenced her freshman year when her stellar play settled a team that could not beat Notre Dame in close games.

In my view, Moore had the most consistent greatness, Taurasi's greatness most influenced teammates and Stewart had the most impressive season of greatness her senior year.

Now do I expect that to settle the debate? Not at all ; but those are my final thoughts.

Be well Boneyarders!

 

[UcMiami]

Love your posts!
I liked Geno's answer when asked about what the weakness of each player was when they arrived:
Diana arrived believing she was the best, and she wasn't the best player on the team, after her freshman loss she had to work to become the best.
Maya arrived believing she could do it all by herself, and after her freshman loss learned that she needed the other five players on the court to win.
Stewart arrived wanting it always to look easy, and after her freshman slump had to learn that it wasn't easy, and to embrace how hard it really was.

As he said their greatest strengths were also their greatest weakness.

 

[hoophuskee]

Stewie is GOAT. Her defensive intimidation -- imo sets her apart. DT was the greatest 2guard defensive rebounder I've ever seen. She rebounded with such force. Maya's understanding of the game leading to many steals while being ssooooo solid defensively in whatever she did.

Stewie just had to be in the game -- overall after her frosh year- she was such an influence defensively. Even if Maya's and D's offense had superiority early in their career- Stewart's presence at that end is just sooooooooooooooo awesome. And offensively - her threat to score inside allowed her teammates free reign from the perimeter. Even if she didn't touch the ball-- nor block a shot -- she indirectly affected the game more imo which trumps whatever advantages Amazing Maya and Fabulous D had produced. Edge to Sensational Stewie.

And just think Husky fans- we were blessed to see them all. And unlike UCLA fans, we got to see their incredible greatness for four years - not just three. And yes I am pumped for next year - win or lose next year - we got some exciting players coming back.