My Thoughts On 2016 WNBA Draft Picks

[MilfordHusky]

Does nobody see the similarities between Banham and Lindsay Whalen? Whalen was pretty good right from the start, but there were a lot of questions about her athleticism and ability. Banham has the same body type as Whalen. She moves like Whalen. She seems to have good court vision and awareness like Whalen. Whalen has developed into a great player. If Banham can continue to model her game after hers, she may end up being great. Point guard is a very demanding position and it may take time, but there is still much reason to hope that she can take that leap, although it may come after her second or third season.

The build may be similar, but Lindsay is probably more solid and in better shape. She's also a much better passer and not primarily a scorer. I'd like to see Rachel succeed. She certainly added excitement to the WCBB season.

 

[psconn]

Does nobody see the similarities between Banham and Lindsay Whalen? Whalen was pretty good right from the start, but there were a lot of questions about her athleticism and ability. Banham has the same body type as Whalen. She moves like Whalen. She seems to have good court vision and awareness like Whalen. Whalen has developed into a great player. If Banham can continue to model her game after hers, she may end up being great. Point guard is a very demanding position and it may take time, but there is still much reason to hope that she can take that leap, although it may come after her second or third season.

Your keyboard to God's monitor.

 

[JoePgh]

Does nobody see the similarities between Banham and Lindsay Whalen? Whalen was pretty good right from the start, but there were a lot of questions about her athleticism and ability. Banham has the same body type as Whalen. She moves like Whalen. She seems to have good court vision and awareness like Whalen. Whalen has developed into a great player. If Banham can continue to model her game after hers, she may end up being great. Point guard is a very demanding position and it may take time, but there is still much reason to hope that she can take that leap, although it may come after her second or third season.

I remember Lindsay Whalen as a rookie. She was always driving to the basket and getting fouled, and she could make some acrobatic layups on those drives, often for and-1's. When Geno got her for the 2012 Olympic team tryouts, he commented on how she was always trying to "move the chains", which I thought was a perfect description of her playing style.

I haven't seen any of that in Rachel Banham, but they do come from the same school.

 

[Roger G]

There are definitely differences between Banham and Whalen. No doubt. Banham ended up sixth all-time in points scored in the NCAA. Whalen was much lower.