Morgan Tuck, her knee, and the WNBA

[Fiftyish]

Any opinions on if Morgan's troublesome knee will cause concern for WNBA execs either this year or next? Would they risk a pick or assume it will eventually heal? Just wondering.

 

[HoopsFan21]

Any opinions on if Morgan's troublesome knee will cause concern for WNBA execs either this year or next? Would they risk a pick or assume it will eventually heal? Just wondering.

When I saw the news this morning, my first thought was after UConn her basketball career is done. If she can't even make it through half a college season in which she gets large chunks of games off, then how will she hold up to the rigors of an overseas + WNBA season? Maybe she can just play overseas for the money. Or perhaps like Doty she calls it quits after college realizing her physical limitations and valuing quality of life for the next 50 years over short term monetary gain.

 

[EricLA]

When I saw the news this morning, my first thought was after UConn her basketball career is done. If she can't even make it through half a college season in which she gets large chunks of games off, then how will she hold up to the rigors of an overseas + WNBA season? Maybe she can just play overseas for the money. Or perhaps like Doty she calls it quits after college realizing her physical limitations and valuing quality of life for the next 50 years over short term monetary gain.

That was my thought. I don't think the WNBA is realistic for her future which is another reason why I think she comes back next year...

 

[MilfordHusky]

I don't want to be overly negative, but I think that year-round basketball may cause too much wear and tear on her knee. Maybe playing in the WNBA OR abroad--but not both--is possible. I can see Morgan in the Marissa Moseley role in about 5 years. She would be a great assistant coach!!

 

[Tenspro2002]

I said it before: her knee is a ticking time bomb. I think she will bolt for the WNBA to get as many good professional years as she can before she's physically unable to anymore.

I agree that WNBA GMs will be concerned; however, she's still a first round pick.

 

[UcMiami]

I doubt it would affect her draft status too much, if she is able to come back and finish he year - somebody might not make her their pick but the next GM on the clock will jump at an unexpected chance.

On a pro career her knee would seem to be an issue regarding playing a 12 month schedule and having a medical issue makes the foreign jobs less attractive even with the larger payday involved - the trainers and facilities available are very inconsistent, and teams tend to just stop paying their players who cannot play for a few weeks. I could see her playing the WNBA season (which is really pretty short) and then pursuing broadcasting or management options in the off seasons.

 

[Icebear]

I said it before: her knee is a ticking time bomb. I think she will bolt for the WNBA to get as many good professional years as she can before she's physically unable to anymore.

I agree that WNBA GMs will be concerned; however, she's still a first round pick.

Not happening she is staying and adding another degree.

 

[Tenspro2002]

Not happening she is staying and adding another degree.

I hope she does, I hope I'm wrong.

I just see this as a business decision. She can always go back and get a Master's degree. She won't always be able to play basketball.

 

[Zorro]

1) If she did leave, it would be idiotic for her to even consider risking her knee in the wnba for peanuts when she could risk it in China or Turkey or damn near anywhere overseas for ten+times peanuts and get some interesting travel in as well.
2) Do you think maybe whether or not she makes the Wall of Honor this year will affect her decision?

 

[j66kicker]

1) If she did leave, it would be idiotic for her to even consider risking her knee in the wnba for peanuts when she could risk it in China or Turkey or damn near anywhere overseas for ten+times peanuts and get some interesting travel in as well.
2) Do you think maybe whether or not she makes the Wall of Honor this year will affect her decision?

I don't think she will know about AA in time to consider that in her decision.

 

[Baroloboy]

Any opinions on if Morgan's troublesome knee will cause concern for WNBA execs either this year or next? Would they risk a pick or assume it will eventually heal? Just wondering.

Surely you are right. If she misses any more games because of the knee after she comes back in two weeks--assuming she does---or if she comes back next year and misses games she maybnot be in the top 10 in the WNBA draft

 

[UcMiami]

1) If she did leave, it would be idiotic for her to even consider risking her knee in the wnba for peanuts when she could risk it in China or Turkey or damn near anywhere overseas for ten+times peanuts and get some interesting travel in as well.
2) Do you think maybe whether or not she makes the Wall of Honor this year will affect her decision?

The WNBA is May to September 5 months - Europe is September to April 8 months and as far as other business opportunities and future career opportunities there is no comparison. The money is certainly a lot better, but only if you are healthy, and with only a few exceptions the support staff in Europe in terms of doctors and trainers is nothing compared to what is available in the US.

 

[hussybulldog]

Geno just wants her to be ready for SC game...I do not understand why people are so hangup with WNBA. NBA is a global phenomenon while WNBA is not. There is also life outside basketball as well.

 

[DaddyChoc]

I hope she does, I hope I'm wrong.

I just see this as a business decision. She can always go back and get a Master's degree. She won't always be able to play basketball.

You're putting too much stock into basketball... basketball is over for tons of fully-able players, not enough teams/roster spots to be thinking a average player can hundreds of thousands of dollars. Ex. Marissa was rather young when she started at UConn, now making 200,000 a year. Some players aren't making that. Morgan get that Masters and save your knees for running around with your grandchildren