Recruiting Needs for 2013

[connboy77]

It is my belief that Griner will stay at Baylor until she graduates. The money in the pro's for women is not that great, unless you play in a foreign country. I want her to stay one more year because the UCONN/Baylor game next year would be one of the best games ever.

 

[Wbbfan1]

I'm of the opinion that if Baylor wins the National Championship, Griner will turn pro since she's eligible. Between playing overseas and in the WNBA she'll earn around 500K for 6 - 8 months of work. If she's on the Olympic Team, there will be some WNBA players that will nudge her to turn pro. Then there's her father and his entourage who have been around Brittney since early high school. I have no inside information, just my uninformed opinion.

 

[doggydaddy]

It is my belief that Griner will stay at Baylor until she graduates. The money in the pro's for women is not that great, unless you play in a foreign country. I want her to stay one more year because the UCONN/Baylor game next year would be one of the best games ever.

WNBA is a summer game. Overseas basketball pays well and is played over the winter. Making $200,000-$400,000 overseas can be very alluring.

Prince did it

 

[UcMiami]

On Griner leaving early:
1. The WNBA is not an option until her class graduates or until she graduates (whichever comes earliest) so oversees would be the option for next year (same as for Prince.) While the money oversees would definitely be good, remember that about 50% of that goes in European taxes.) And the money available to women still does not represent the kind of 'set for life' money of a first year contract for a men's player.
2. The best full time personal coaching a player receives is during their college years (as long as they have a good coaching staff and I think Baylor qualifies on that front.) And I think there is a strong connection for Griner to those coaches.
3. I think Griner has 'matured' personally later that some of her age mates - I think that is reflected in her not wanting to play for USA basketball until this last year. I think she didn't want to leave her comfort zone of home/Baylor until this year, and it was a 'get your feet wet' experience. I think she will be more comfortable with another year at Baylor and a season in the WNBA before she takes the European plunge.
4. Prince was a real exception in the women's game, and I think will continue to be one - unless money becomes all important to a player, or something really bad happens at their college, women will not jump early.

 

[JS]

In addition to the 7 ft wingspan, Stewarts size 22 foot will be an obstacle for intended bounce passes to postup targets.

The downside is she'll get called for tripping fouls on folks driving the other side of the lane.

 

[Wbbfan1]

There was an article late last week that stated since both Brittney and Skylar were going to turn 22 this year, they were eligible for the WNBA draft. Brittney was born on October 18, 1990. She will be 22 in October.

From Mel Greenberg's Blog:

The other factor is both Baylor great Brittney Griner and Notre Dame sensation Skylar Diggins, because this will be the 22nd year of their birth, they have the option of leaving early, according to the WNBA collective bargaining agreement.

Blog Link

 

[easttexastrash]

I think that the lure of a NC is much greater for women than it is for men. Griner has a tremendous relationship with Mulkey and wants to bring home a championship for her and Baylor, possibly more than for herself. Who knows, it may never happen. As someone mentioned earlier, you never know when a team is going to get red hot and make every shot they throw up and end your season. And UCONN is going to be a tremendous team next year. Beating the Huskies next year will be an incredible feat and not one that any team may be capable of. The only team that will stand a chance is the team that has Griner.

EDD left UCONN knowing that she would never win a NC, yet she still chose to play the game. Her motivations were very different but I also suspect that she will play out her eligibility before turning pro.

Look at Luck, Barkley and Jones in NCAA football. All three QBs chose to come back for their senior seasons when they could have gone pro and made millions. They all enjoy the college experience and want a championship. Griner has never ended the season with a win...no state championship or NCAA championship. She wants the taste of a title.

I am not sure that you can categorize Griner's father as an entourage. He is a protective father who looks out for his daughter. It was almost described as a negative quality. BG has endured more at her age than most of us can relate to. She has been called some of the worst things that a young girl should ever have to be called, and if she were my daughter, I would likely have been equally protective.

 

[easttexastrash]

Just curious to know the opinion of UCONN fans who have seen Stewart and Jefferson play. How does Stewart compare to EDD and how does Jefferson compare to Hartley? Does anyone have any footage of Stewart? I would love to get a sneak peek at her play.

It sounds like Stewart and EDD would have played the same position and that Jefferson could come in an allow Hartley to move to the 2 spot, although it is hard to envision anyone playing PG other than Hartley until she graduates.

 

[doggydaddy]

Just curious to know the opinion of UCONN fans who have seen Stewart and Jefferson play. How does Stewart compare to EDD and how does Jefferson compare to Hartley? Does anyone have any footage of Stewart? I would love to get a sneak peek at her play.

It sounds like Stewart and EDD would have played the same position and that Jefferson could come in an allow Hartley to move to the 2 spot, although it is hard to envision anyone playing PG other than Hartley until she graduates.

Here is a Stewart Video

I haven't seen enough of either to tell you the comparison. Maybe others can take that task on. I do know that EDD is a superior shooter. And Stewart is a superior defender and rebounder.

Jefferson is quicker than Hartley. And probably anyone else in WCBB right now! Both have great 3 point shots and terrific handles. Hartley is stronger and a little bigger.

pap49cba, gods gift to us for all his linking, posted a Jefferson video. Here it is.

Starting backcourt in Jefferson's freshman year will be Doty and Hartley.

Backing them up will be the quickest backcourt in America with Jefferson and Banks.

 

[easttexastrash]

I did find some footage of the Stewart's "dunk," which was no dunk at all. She does seem to be pretty slight of frame so I can see the point of the other poster's note that she would probably not match up with Griner until she can put on some lower body strength.

In the other footage that I saw, I didn't see her make a shot other than shots within about 5 feet of the basket, and she actually missed quite a few of those.

I'm not sold yet as I saw Griner play in high school and she was much more impressive. I am not sure that Stewart has the foot speed to play the 4 in college. I have not doubt that she will have an impact with her length, and she will undoubtedly develop under Geno's system. But comparing footage of EDD and Stewart coming out of high school, EDD was a much more developed player. I think that Stewart will be about two years from making a major impact, but she will certainly impact the game.

Stewart does appear to have a sweet stroke from three-point range. Surprisingly, Griner also has a pretty sweet stroke from 3 range, although nobody gets to see it unless you watch Baylor in warm-ups. I've watched her shoot in warm-ups and the percentage that she makes is pretty impressive. But like Griner, I am not sure that you want a player of that height and length standing around the three point line.

 

[pap49cba]

Someone posted a Jefferson video.

Is that all I am to you???

 

[doggydaddy]

I think that the lure of a NC is much greater for women than it is for men. Griner has a tremendous relationship with Mulkey and wants to bring home a championship for her and Baylor, possibly more than for herself. Who knows, it may never happen. As someone mentioned earlier, you never know when a team is going to get red hot and make every shot they throw up and end your season. And UCONN is going to be a tremendous team next year. Beating the Huskies next year will be an incredible feat and not one that any team may be capable of. The only team that will stand a chance is the team that has Griner.

I agree....lol.

EDD left UCONN knowing that she would never win a NC, yet she still chose to play the game. Her motivations were very different but I also suspect that she will play out her eligibility before turning pro.

I agree. Just to stay one more year close to her sister.


Look at Luck, Barkley and Jones in NCAA football. All three QBs chose to come back for their senior seasons when they could have gone pro and made millions. They all enjoy the college experience and want a championship. Griner has never ended the season with a win...no state championship or NCAA championship. She wants the taste of a title.

I see your point. But for every Luck, Barkley and Jones, there are many many more that are leaving for the NFL before their eligibility is up. In fact, a record was set for how many are coming out early this year.

 

[easttexastrash]

I think that the biggest impact player next year will be Jefferson. Imagine giving Hartley a spell by bringing in the top point guard in her class. Geno knows how to develop a point guard! Baylor is bringing in a good PG, but it will be hard for her to get any playing time with Sims proving that she can go 40 minutes a game. But the freshman PG will certainly not be on the level of Jefferson.

 

[doggydaddy]

Is that all I am to you???

pap, I have edited my post. Mea Culpa.

 

[easttexastrash]

I think the biggest factor is the one that someone previously mentioned. Griner loves the feel of protection that her teammates and coaching staff provide. She also loves the college experience, attending almost every sporting event that takes place on campus. I would bet my house on Griner staying in school.

 

[doggydaddy]

I did find some footage of the Stewart's "dunk," which was no dunk at all. She does seem to be pretty slight of frame so I can see the point of the other poster's note that she would probably not match up with Griner until she can put on some lower body strength.

In the other footage that I saw, I didn't see her make a shot other than shots within about 5 feet of the basket, and she actually missed quite a few of those.

I'm not sold yet as I saw Griner play in high school and she was much more impressive. I am not sure that Stewart has the foot speed to play the 4 in college. I have not doubt that she will have an impact with her length, and she will undoubtedly develop under Geno's system. But comparing footage of EDD and Stewart coming out of high school, EDD was a much more developed player. I think that Stewart will be about two years from making a major impact, but she will certainly impact the game.

Stewart does appear to have a sweet stroke from three-point range. Surprisingly, Griner also has a pretty sweet stroke from 3 range, although nobody gets to see it unless you watch Baylor in warm-ups. I've watched her shoot in warm-ups and the percentage that she makes is pretty impressive. But like Griner, I am not sure that you want a player of that height and length standing around the three point line.

See if you can find video of her playing on the Pan American game. You are way off about her in almost every way.

 

[easttexastrash]

See if you can find video of her playing on the Pan American game. You are way off about her in almost every way.

I may be. It is hard to base an opinion one one high school game. I guess I'll get a good look next year.

I couldn't find the PanAm footage. If anyone has any to share I would enjoy watching that. I am intrigued by her play and her length. I love to watch a big girl play at a high level.

 

[doggydaddy]

I think the biggest factor is the one that someone previously mentioned. Griner loves the feel of protection that her teammates and coaching staff provide. She also loves the college experience, attending almost every sporting event that takes place on campus. I would bet my house on Griner staying in school.

Not saying she is going, but she has the opportunity to do so. She will demand big bucks overseas and huge marketing opportunities right away. Sometimes the dollar calls. Even for young women.

 

[alexrgct]

I may be. It is hard to base an opinion one one high school game. I guess I'll get a good look next year.

The game DD linked to was from her sophomore year, as are a number of the others I've seen on YouTube. She's definitely progressed quite a bit since then.

 

[Icebear]

EDD left UCONN knowing that she would never win a NC, yet she still chose to play the game. Her motivations were very different but I also suspect that she will play out her eligibility before turning pro.

EDD's family and their financial situation is likely much different than Griner's. Her her dad is a real estate developer in Delaware.

 

[doggydaddy]

I may be. It is hard to base an opinion one one high school game. I guess I'll get a good look next year.

She is a special talent who will make an immediate impact. I know you appreciate WCBB and you will really enjoy watching her play.

 

[easttexastrash]

Not saying she is going, but she has the opportunity to do so. She will demand big bucks overseas and huge marketing opportunities right away. Sometimes the dollar calls. Even for young women.

I don't think that Griner particularly enjoyed being out of the US last summer. I simply don't think that she is prepared to leave family and friends behind and head to Europe. And it's not as if she is a starving person whose family is incapable of supporting itself. He father is a retired sheriff if my memory serves me correctly.

Plus, nobody in Europe dresses as well as Mulkey. She would miss the fashion influence.

 

[easttexastrash]

She is a special talent who will make an immediate impact. I know you appreciate WCBB and you will really enjoy watching her play.

I agree. I love watching women play at a high level. Win or lose, I always appreciate a great performance. Hartley scares the crap out of me, but watching her play is a joy. She has obviously put in a tremendous amount of work and is a beautiful player to watch.

 

[Suebird10fan]

As far as my Baylor allegiance, maybe some Texas geography lessons would be in order. El Paso (739 miles) is "all the way on the other side of the state." Lubbock (400 miles) is "all the way on the others side of the state." Harlingen, TX (624 miles) is "all the way on the other side of the state." Waco is only 199 miles from my home town, which in Texas, is not a long distance. Add the relatively close proximity and a family history with Baylor and it is easy to see where my loyalties to Baylor came from. And the Baylor campus is where I met my nearest and dearest friend in life.

Thanks for the geography lesson ETT ... I drove across Texas on I-10--850 miles IIRC--but that was a long time ago! Not sure when I got confused--I may have flipped Lubbock and Waco--but I've pictured Waco being in west Texas for a long time.

We disagree on some things but its great to have a knowledgeable Baylor fan on the board. And I think we both agree that UConn and Baylore will be playing some great basketball games against each other over the next couple of years. Looking forward to the games and some good pre and post-game banter.

 

[easttexastrash]

The game DD linked to was from her sophomore year, as are a number of the others I've seen on YouTube. She's definitely progressed quite a bit since then.

Thanks for pointing that out. That would make sense. Development form sophomore to senior would be major.

Next year's game is going to be something to watch.