Preseason All-America Teams

[BlueDevils]

Now you are making a ridiculous comparison. The bottom line is that Kiah shows up in big games while some other players that you mentioned don't.

You were better off saying that to justify your point. This year I don't think there's one center that is leading the race, but I will say Elizabeth Williams has shown throughout her career that she is the best defensive center in the league right now. Also, Kiah defensive presence is worth mentioning but I am not ready to say it's more impressive than Elizabeth Williams being 3x ACC defensive player of the year. IMHO, you take Kiah Stokes off UCONN and they still win both championships. Nice talking to you

 

[johnnyc]

Definitely Coates and Alleyne over Williams. And I think Stokes would prove to be the better center in a match up.

 

[BlueDevils]

Harrison, Coates, Jessica Jackson of Arkansas, Stokes, and Mavunga are all posts I would take over Liz right now based on last year's performances. Liz is good but her first two years dealing with stress fractures has certainly limited her development. She's a talented and hard working kid but I don't think its crazy to have other names in mind when it comes to a preseason list. That doesn't mean she won't come out with an AA year as a senior. Izzy is probably is the most refined offensive post player in the country coming into next year and Mavunga is close behind. As far as defense Izzy has room for improvement (foul trouble, gives up position on the block) but she is one of the best help side defenders and probably the best weak handed blocker in WCBB. If our guards do even a marginally better job of getting her the ball this season she will no doubt be an AA. I would absolutely agree with Stokes coming in as the best interior defender and possibly rebounder.

Harrison is a solid post and is about the only one I can accept. I haven't seen Coates play, but every time I checked South Carolina game stats she was a stat filler which really stood out to me considering she was coming off the bench. Haven't heard of Jessica Jackson and haven't heard anyone on multiple sites even mention her name, so I'm going to assume she had a big game against Tenn so you feel she must be dominant (correct me if I'm wrong). As far as Stokes I think Liz has the slight edge both offensively and defensively, but this year I expect a much improved Stokes. Last, but not least Mavunga. I like Mavunga game a lot and she played Liz pretty well twice last year, but there was one game Liz COMPLETELY OUTPLAYED Mavunga with 28 points and 5 blocks that game.

 

[bballnut90]

Responding to a couple of the posts...there really is no reason for a preseason team besides a fan's best guess and something to talk about during the off season. It gets fans excited for the season and points out players who we think will do well so we can be sure to watch them if they play on TV.

Williams hasn't improved much in college, but she is still one of the top centers in women's basketball. Great defender and has glimpses where she can play very well offensively. She's a lock for preseason AA simply because she has been a 3x AP All American. Whether she takes her game to the next level this season or has another solid but underwhelming season remains to be seen, but she is a preseason AA.

I believe Jefferson could be the best point guard in the nation next year, but I will be stunned if voters give 3 players 1st Team All-American honors from the same team. If they didn't do it in 2002 with Bird/Cash/Taurasi, I don't see it happening this year with Stewart/KML/Jefferson. That said, if Jefferson ups her scoring to 14-15 ppg, dishes in 5-6 assists, a couple steals and has a 3:1 A/TO ratio while shooting 50% from the floor and 40% from long range then she's a lock for the team. I can't think of a player who was named a 1st Team AP-All American while averaging 13ppg or fewer.

Kaela Davis is another darkhorse to keep an eye on, and some of the freshmen could make a huge impact (Wilson, Turner, Atkins, Canada, and Mitchell are the top 5 recruits according to Hoopgurlz and all could be major players for their team as freshmen.)

 

[Kibitzer]

This thread developed into an enriching discussion about several fine centers from different teams.

The contribution of our visiting (non-UConn) posters has made this possible.

I suppose they will have less to say when the discussion trends toward comparison of their players vs. Stewie or Kaleena.

Or Moriah.

Next up? Freshman of the year. Why do I think Boneyarders will hold their own when this debate begins? Before everyone talks at once, I suggest four answers.

 

[uconnfan68]

Now you are making a ridiculous comparison. The bottom line is that Kiah shows up in big games while some other players that you mentioned don't.

Even when they play against Kiah.

 

[Frodo]

What exactly has Elizabeth Williams done to warrant first team All-American recognition? If EW were at UCONN at her current level of development, Kia Stokes would still be our starting center and EW would be leading the high fives after three pointers.

Agreed, I think Williams may be the single most overrated player in college basketball. I'd love to see a matchup between Stokes and Williams come tourney time...I think Stokes eat her lunch!

 

[BlueDevils]

Agreed, I think Williams may be the single most overrated player in college basketball. I'd love to see a matchup between Stokes and Williams come tourney time...I think Stokes eat her lunch!

Yea I think Elizabeth Williams offensive game is overrated, and every Duke fan knows why.

 

[MilfordHusky]

I think, if healthy, Stewie, Kaleena, and Moriah make a 10-player team. I don't think they make a 5-player team because of the implicit quota, even though they may be 3 of the top 5 players. MoJett will have the keys to the Ferrari and will be in charge. That should get her bonus points. Stewie will be the best player, and Kaleena the best shooter.

In terms of other players, I have Jewell Loyd in the top 5. Alexis Jones, if playing as she did before injury, is probably top 10. I don't have E. Williams in the top 5 or even top 10. She may be the best defensive player in the conference, but it's a conference notorious for poor defense.

I'm not sure if any frosh will have the impact that Diamond did. As noted, the senior class is relatively week. That means a lot of recognition for the juniors and possibly sophs. I'm forgetting some excellent players, but I'd consider K. Davis, Coates, N. Davis, Harrison, and maybe Scaife among the top 15 or so.

I expect that Kiah will make at least HM AA. Stef won the NDPOY last year. I think Kiah will have more boards and blocks than Stef did. She'll feel the sense of urgency as a senior and really come through. Natalie will give her some good practices.

 

[rvwsleep]

This thread developed into an enriching discussion about several fine centers from different teams.

The contribution of our visiting (non-UConn) posters has made this possible.

I suppose they will have less to say when the discussion trends toward comparison of their players vs. Stewie or Kaleena.

Or Moriah.

Next up? Freshman of the year. Why do I think Boneyarders will hold their own when this debate begins? Before everyone talks at once, I suggest four answers.

For Freshman of the year, I'll go with Gabby if she's healthy, followed by Courtney, Sadie and Kia.
Did I forget anyone ?

 

[Coler]

Tyler Scaife will be one to watch for. She's working on her 3-point shot this off-season, so she should be a front-runner for B1G POY imo.

Also Kahleah Copper could also be one to watch, she spent most of the season shooting nearly 60% from the floor, ended the season shooting 52%. But still pretty impressive. Expecting more elements in her game this season. Copper & Scaife will be hard to handle for teams in the B1G.

 

[Geno-ista]

Crystal Bradford, Central Michigan
Jillian Alleyne, Oregon
Rashanda Gray, Cal
Sara Hammond, Louisville
Tyler Scaife, Rutgers
Lexi Brown, Maryland

I think Bradford and Scaife are future super stars!

 

[Geno-ista]

Tyler Scaife will be one to watch for. She's working on her 3-point shot this off-season, so she should be a front-runner for B1G POY imo.

Also Kahleah Copper could also be one to watch, she spent most of the season shooting nearly 60% from the floor, ended the season shooting 52%. But still pretty impressive. Expecting more elements in her game this season. Copper & Scaife will be hard to handle for teams in the B1G.

They are both impossible to handle one on one! They are dynamite!

 

[HuskeySlim]

IMHP, Sam Logic is the best all around point guard in the country, with Mojett just behind her. Mojett raises the bar for all point guards her last 2 years in college. I don't think Ariel Massengale played well enough last year to be awarded 3rd team AA. I'm sure injuries have limited her somewhat.

I have always liked E Williams. Great defensively, good around the basket, but needs to work on free throw shooting and mid-range jumper. She had the a setback with the stress fracture. I don't think we have seen her best yet. Kiah Stokes learned more the latter part of this season than she did her 1st 2 seasons. We have not seen Kiah's best yet either. Doris Burke said she thought the best post tandem in wcbb was Stef & Stewie.
This year I believe it will be Stewie & Kiah !

Someone mentioned Tyler Scaife. To me she is the best player a lot of folks don't know about. She may even lead the country in scoring this coming year.

 

[BlueDevils]

Tyler Scaife will be one to watch for. She's working on her 3-point shot this off-season, so she should be a front-runner for B1G POY imo.

Also Kahleah Copper could also be one to watch, she spent most of the season shooting nearly 60% from the floor, ended the season shooting 52%. But still pretty impressive. Expecting more elements in her game this season. Copper & Scaife will be hard to handle for teams in the B1G.

Scaife is a BALLER

 

[uconnfan68]

Agreed, I think Williams may be the single most overrated player in college basketball. I'd love to see a matchup between Stokes and Williams come tourney time...I think Stokes eat her lunch!

Already happened and she did.

 

[stwainfan]

Diamond would be on the list if she was playing.

 

[MilfordHusky]

Diamond would be on the list if she was playing.

Maybe not top 5, but certainly top 10-20. But she's not playing, as noted.

 

[Gate81]

I too would put Moriah Jefferson ahead of Brittany Boyd. Boyd is very exciting to watch and can be absolutely brilliant, but then she makes mistakes that others wouldn't. Unfortunately have to agree on Elizabeth Williams, whose choice of Duke has come back to bite her; she would have been at a different level if she'd gone to play for one of the better coaches.

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

What exactly has Elizabeth Williams done to warrant first team All-American recognition? If EW were at UCONN at her current level of development, Kia Stokes would still be our starting center and EW would be leading the high fives after three pointers.

slug25- - right on about Eliz. Williams! Her and Russell at TN are the most over-rated #1's ever! Right now with her limited offensive game, Kiah is way better than either one! And when she adds her 12' to 15' shot this off season she'll make them look sick!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

BlueDevils- - - Where was Eliz Williams, the 3x defensive player of the year in the ACC, in 3 30+ losses to UCONN? Right now Kiah Stokes is among the top 2 defensive centers in the USA with her rebounding and blocked shots! She will definitely add an outside shot this off-season making her the best center in the USA!

 

[RSHERMVIKES]

IMHO, the three pre-season All-American teams + Honorable Mention are:

1st Team:
Breanna Stewart F UCONN
KML F UCONN
Mo Jefferson G UCONN (she was the 2nd best PG to Sims this past year!)
Nina Davis F Baylor
Jewel Loyd G ND

2nd Team:
Isabelle Harrison F TN
Alisha Gray G NoCar
Tiffany Mitchell G SoCar
Alaina Coates C SoCar
Kaela Davis G GA Tech

3rd Team:
Samantha Logic G IA
Courtney Walker G TX AM
Brittany Boyd F Cal
Tyler Scaife G Rutgers
Kiah Stokes C UCONN (I think Kiah can be 2nd team)

HM:
Eliz. Williams C Duke
Ariel Massengale G TN
Rashanda Gray F Cal
Sara Hammond F L'ville
Crystal Bradford F Ctrl. Mich.
Lexie Brown G MD

 

[BlueDevils]

BlueDevils- - - Where was Eliz Williams, the 3x defensive player of the year in the ACC, in 3 30+ losses to UCONN? Right now Kiah Stokes is among the top 2 defensive centers in the USA with her rebounding and blocked shots! She will definitely add an outside shot this off-season making her the best center in the USA!

Two of those games she was getting outplayed by the best center in the league, Stephanie Dolson. Kiah is right behind Williams defensively and offensively Liz isn't that' far ahead, but I will also say if Williams add an outside shot she'll be the best center in USA.

 

[BlueDevils]

IMHO, the three pre-season All-American teams + Honorable Mention are:

1st Team:
Breanna Stewart F UCONN
KML F UCONN
Mo Jefferson G UCONN (she was the 2nd best PG to Sims this past year!)
Nina Davis F Baylor
Jewel Loyd G ND

2nd Team:
Isabelle Harrison F TN
Alisha Gray G NoCar
Tiffany Mitchell G SoCar
Alaina Coates C SoCar
Kaela Davis G GA Tech

3rd Team:
Samantha Logic G IA
Courtney Walker G TX AM
Brittany Boyd F Cal
Tyler Scaife G Rutgers
Kiah Stokes C UCONN (I think Kiah can be 2nd team)

HM:
Eliz. Williams C Duke
Ariel Massengale G TN
Rashanda Gray F Cal
Sara Hammond F L'ville
Crystal Bradford F Ctrl. Mich.
Lexie Brown G MD

Boyd is a point guard... And idk if it's just me but I don't think the NCAA will put three players on one team on the 1st team just for the sake of the game. I am a huge Mo fan though.

 

[BlueDevils]

slug25- - right on about Eliz. Williams! Her and Russell at TN are the most over-rated #1's ever! Right now with her limited offensive game, Kiah is way better than either one! And when she adds her 12' to 15' shot this off season she'll make them look sick!

I wouldn't be so quick to come at Russell. From what I heard she was being bothered by a foot injury this past season. I think after this year you can make a fair judgment about her game, but that's just me.

 

[Kibitzer]

Boyd is a point guard... And idk if it's just me but I don't think the NCAA will put three players on one team on the 1st team just for the sake of the game. I am a huge Mo fan though.

ahem

I think you meant Loyd, who plays for ND, whose PG is named Allen.

And the matter of three players from one team, er, program is not for the NCAA to decide but this issue flies in the face of the bias of the folks (mostly jounalists) who do the voting. It is very possible, if not likely, that Moriah will be the best PG in wcbb next season but be denied first team AA recognition because Stewie and Kaleena are almost certain to hog the votes.

I believe that Elizabeth Williams is a fine basketball player who has been dogged by bad luck. She arrived at Duke with lofty expectations (for both her and the team), and since then: has played while injured; played on a team beset by injuries; has been outplayed by Dolson (on the court and in the polls); and has played on a team that for whatever reason has not achieved very much.

 

[Icebear]

Elizabeth Williams is a 3 time ACC defensive player of the year...

And not near as good as Kiah.

 

[RadyLady]

slug25- - right on about Eliz. Williams! Her and Russell at TN are the most over-rated #1's ever! Right now with her limited offensive game, Kiah is way better than either one! And when she adds her 12' to 15' shot this off season she'll make them look sick!

One has to wonder how player development plays into this - these girls are rated at the high School level coming out of high school and as we know, college is a whole different ball game.
Posts take longer to develop again, as we all know. I would venture to say that they earned their #1 raking at the time, garnered a look from Geno (If I remember correctly) and chose to go elsewhere.

Both of them have been plopped into their respective team's starting line-ups from the get-go, hence the spotlight and intense scrutiny. Were they ready? Well, let's give their #1 rankings their due and say "maybe".

I say again that posts take longer to develop, and with teams who have weak offensive proclivities for example, "doing well" and "living up to their #1 ranking" ain't gonna be easy unless you are a special, special player. Rebounding and shot blocking stats show up well in the box score. In game intangibles do not. Enter Kiah. What Kiah does, a lot of what Kiah does in a ball game does not make it into the box score card - Her presence changes the offense of the other team, I have seen her alter so many shots and watch players literally back pedal when they see her coming at them in the paint. She has impressive size and great timing.

Neither of Russel's or Williams' teams have exceeded or even met expectations, I suspect if they had, this would be an entirely different conversation. But given those team's flaws, neither post had a chance of significantly developing their game. I don't need to go into UConn's success except to say that Kiah, especially this past year has been a part of that (UConn's) success.

Is she AA material? I will answer that at the end of her senior season. I will cheer for her, and as she is one of my favorite players, hope that she comes into her own and gains confidence in her scoring.
I will not diss her at every outing as some are apt to do if that outing doesn't meet my expectations. She is UConn, I am UConn, and that's really all that matters. I know what UConn can do.

As to the other two? They can gather all the hardware they can...they are not UConn - it was their choice.

 

[jsloanjr]

IMO, UCONN will have 3 1st team AA this season and 2 2nd team.....104 days to wait..............

 

[BlueDevils]

ahem

I think you meant Loyd, who plays for ND, whose PG is named Allen.

And the matter of three players from one team, er, program is not for the NCAA to decide but this issue flies in the face of the bias of the folks (mostly jounalists) who do the voting. It is very possible, if not likely, that Moriah will be the best PG in wcbb next season but be denied first team AA recognition because Stewie and Kaleena are almost certain to hog the votes.

I believe that Elizabeth Williams is a fine basketball player who has been dogged by bad luck. She arrived at Duke with lofty expectations (for both her and the team), and since then: has played while injured; played on a team beset by injuries; has been outplayed by Dolson (on the court and in the polls); and has played on a team that for whatever reason has not achieved very much.

I was referring to Brittney Boyd.