Refs have gone in that direction for some time. That is not calling offensive players for initiating contact. But this one was really absurd. This sort of is an off shoot of the NBA move years ago to sell their league by giving the advantage to offensive players.Was going to say the same thing but from a different perspective.
You are right that she never gets called on that type of move. She knows what refs will allow and uses her frame to her advantage accordingly.
Yes!Janel mcCarvelle
Well, it is apples to oranges, but to be the "best player in the world" she would have to be better than much taller players. In the professional game, the advantage of taller players is accentuated, so it is harder to be the best when you are not exceptionally tall. She may get a small window wherein there are no great tall players and be for a short time the best, but I think it is unlikely. Take a look at the list of WNBA MVPs of all time. Most are very tall players, although Cynthia cooper was her size. And while Ionescu will be improving, so will players like A'ja Wilson and others as yet unrecognized. But only time will tell. That's just my opinion.Those are all frontcourt players so it's a complete apples to oranges comparison.
But never get to that level? Every single one of those players improved after they entered the WNBA. You don't think Ionescu will continue to improve? She's only a sophomore in college and she's already fantastic. Made a big jump from Fr. to Soph year. 2 more years of college, a few years in the W...I can't even imagine what she'll be in 5 years. Not to mention by then some of the players you listed will be on the back half of their career and maybe starting to decline.