This is an interesting article and, given the general insularity of the American public, may also reflect a similar insularity in the American basketball world.
What say ye?
Europeans mocking the WNBA 2018 Draft as it underlines the lack of global game view Stateside - Bluestar Media
Generally agree with Mr. Nielsen that both Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina should have both been drafted much higher in the WNBA draft. There was ample verifiable performances ( as noted in the article) to more than justify these selections and alleviate any concerns from WNBA teams. The evidence dates back to FIBA U19 from Summer of 2015 when USA basketball team featuring A'Ja Wilson, Lauren Cox, Napheesa Collier and Azura Stevens played against a Russian team featuring Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina. A'Ja was deservedly named tournament MVP but both Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina were outstanding. Since 2015 Maria Vadeeva and Raisa Musina have been playing professionally against many WNBA players including teammates Neka, Angel, and Cappie. Despite the BY musings A"Ja Wilson has also obviously improved significantly since 2015 but here is a key factor that should have figured into the drafting- Vadeeva is a full 2 years younger than Wilson.
The major concern about drafting these Russian player is something that
@Shades has mentioned here before: are they committed and available to play a full WNBA season. As pointed out in the article the Russian National team has no major international commitments that would make them unavailable to the WNBA. The club team's schedule in Russia does not conflict with the WNBA season because if it did Neka and Angel would also have conflicts.
I saw the draft pretty much the same way Nielsen did and would not have been surprised if Valdeeva was the #1 overall pick. Musina falling to the second round is unfathomable to me because IMO she has comparable (if not better than) skills to Napheesa Collier.
This is the game from 2015 so that people can judge for themselves.
