Thank you, gentlemen, for starting a well-deserved thread for Gabby. Throughout the women's event, I've enjoyed watching Gabby play as much as anyone else, the U.S.A. players included...
While most of the US players are comfortable playing the more physical style of play you typically find at the international level, I do think that Pheesa in particular has struggled somewhat during the Olympics trying to adjust her game, which relies more on finesse. She’s had a little trouble finishing through contact, which doesn’t always get called a foul in international play. That’s why Nika never fouled.
i gotta disagree.
Yes that’s true. But Gabby has continued to refine her game to the point where her decision making and execution on the court is nearly flawless. As great as she was at UConn, Gabby is now an even better passer, defender, ball handler and scorer.
Her game is not flawless, but her improvement as a professional is what should happen. If you're a good enough player for basketball to be your job, and you work hard at that job, improvement should follow. Success depends on the competition which is why Gabby has been less successful in the WNBA. She is perfectly suited for the international game.
I did say “nearly flawless.” Gabby’s limited success in the W is largely due to the fact that it’s hard to be a starting guard in the league without being a really good shooter. Gabby is really good at just about everything else.
I actually think a team like the Liberty would be great for Gabby, she would get a lot of playing time, and fits their system well.
I wouldn't rule out Gabby having the opportunity to be a ring chaser for the tail end of the season with several teams including the Aces and the Liberty. I haven't done the math, but a team doesn't have to have the full season cap room to add her, more like half the minimum or so. That is particularly attractive with teams carrying only 11 that had some cap room but not enough for a 12th player at the start.
I believe that under the WNBA rules, Gabby and any other foreign player is not eligible to play this late under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement. I don't know if it has a grace period due to the Olympics being played this year.
Loved watching her play live when they did her homecoming game at Lawlor Event Center in Reno. She was so smooth in her actions. Thought it was kind of funny that Kia was the player of the game, but Gabby was the main draw. To this day it still is the largest crowd to ever watch a women's college basketball game in the State of Nevada.
Gabby performed magnificently at UConn because her over the top athleticism allowed her to play inside. Her speed and ability to elevate set her apart. But she came to UConn with her ball handling skills being underdeveloped due to her HS injuries and that went for her shot making abilities too. I lost track of her after she graduated and 2 years later I stumbled into her playing in Turkey I think and she blew me away. Also blew away the other team. It was a play off game and I thought I was watching DT in Gabby's body. They couldn't contain her and she sure wasn't missing.
Per FIBA Website: All-Star Five:
Overlooked stats for Gabby in her junior and senior seasons at UConn: 190 and 191 assists, respectively. Those numbers as a point-forward. She also grabbed more than 1000 rebounds during her 4 years at UConn. What a player.
