agree with what everyone said pretty much. i was very impressed with how active Maya was everywhere on the court, even tho her outside shooting was literally just missing. steals, blocks, tips, hustle, deflections, etc. i was really curious who was going to win the jump ball between her and Angel, and neither touched the ball the first try. that was pretty funny!
not having seen enough games this year, i was not convinced (not that anyone in Minny NEEDS to convince me), that starting 6'2" Taj as the center was a good idea given she gives up so much size against players 6'4"+, but she does so many other things well, like Maya, it's not just about scoring when she's on the court.
absolutely LOVED Maya's reverse scoop shot when she drove along the baseline and made the reverse layup. IMHO the best shot of the game, hands down. should have been a top 10 on Sportscenter.
i can't tell enough about Whalen's defense to know if it hurts the team, so to speak. Minny plays good team defense, and players get beaten off the dribble all the time, and it's clear no matter how fast Whalen moves her feet laterally, she won't be able to keep up with Harding. i agree with the poster that said she's a competent defender given that she's a tad slower than the speedy PG Harding.
i think what Whalen brings overall (to the olympic trials) is impressive, but we will get a very good chance to see a player i think very few gave a shot to make the team in Harding. they both are terrific and both are better at certain aspects of the game than the other. i think Renee has proven she's very good too, and along with her and Vandersloot (altho Courtney's WNBA season was not nearly as impressive as the other 3), it will be a very spirited battle for who else makes the Olympic team. i'd give the edge to Whalen, just because of her experience, but i think an argument could be made for any of the quartet of fantastic guards who will likely back up Bird...
