I just read both Phillycoach & Misters2 back and forth and both make valid and valuable points. Ultimately I tend to side more with Mister2, as what concerns me more is MW hasn't even really, fully solidified her 7th spot. Yes, she is and seemingly all year has had that almost handed to her. (Almost like Wilson and the POY voting). There have been multiple times, games and minutes where Kyla, Molly or another sub got in before her. With her supposed talent level(which we truly have only seen glimpses of in over 30 games), surely says something. Exactly what it is is not fully clear even to knowledgeable and truly interested outsiders as those here. It must at least partially be her attitude. The point that most concerns me in many sports, wbb and U Conns ebb is a players mental preparedness and attitude. One of the best points made was about KLS not initially being the first choice for the 5th spot. KLS yes fulfilled a role as a freshman, as did Gabby & Pheesa, (which the available role now is much, much more limitedon this team for MW) but they each did all they could to fulfill that role and get that playing time. Each of them became so much better as sophomores and now juniors and seniors because of their amazing, relentless desire to be better. So far that hasn't been all that evident in MW. It seems her talent and athletic ability will shine through and she will make that sophomore leap and / or the light will go on but everyone's emotional / mental development and the adjustments that takes are very different. Time will tell with MW but all the cheerleading, good wishes and anticipating won't get it done.
One of the reasons I love KLS is her desire, willingness and amazing motivation to constantly become a better player and teammate. Even making AA as a sophomore and probably having been the 3rd best player on the team last year, what did she do. Seems to me, she committed her summer and this year to make major strides in rebounding both offensively and defensively, defensively and has somehow been able to improve her already quite good shooting and passing. Both Gabby, Pheesa and Kia demonstrate similar growth and desire in their areas that can be improved. Those are the role models, growth and development that MW needs to see, do and fully embrace to become first a major player on the team and before AA or NPOY should even be mentioned. That's what Gabbys comments and its implied criticism of the freshmen was addressing.
I don't personally appreciate all the good wishes, hyping up a player, pampering that goes on more today than before. Swallow your pride and get with it and ALL the very hard work that's going to be required every day until one graduates and well beyond, to achieve those lofty goals. I surely hope MW can and does do it, but so far it's truly unclear the outcome for her. She though does have the ultimate control and the key(s) to it happening and the how and when it does.
Bronx23
