Saniya Chong....wow!!!!

[jplotinus]

I don't think the exceptions prove the rule, albeit the ones named are certainly good examples of size mattering not so much.

Further, my speculation was in the context of why Saniya was not more highly rated by HG and other ratings outfits. In that context, that she is not a prototype phenom on the basis of size, might have been held against her.

There's one other factor that might figure in here, consistent with size NOT being an issue:

I read in some thread or another (maybe this one) Saniya jumped center at the start of games. HG apparently didn't take note of that, however.

 

[rocky rococo]

A WNBA guard without much size that uses both hands well (and was very underrated as a youth)--Becky Hammon.

 

[msf22b]

I've noticed a few instances of MoJeff's leaping that leads me to believe that she can get up there with best of them irrespective of her diminutive size.

 

[Bestiarius]

I don't think the exceptions prove the rule, albeit the ones named are certainly good examples of size mattering not so much.

Further, my speculation was in the context of why Saniya was not more highly rated by HG and other ratings outfits. In that context, that she is not a prototype phenom on the basis of size, might have been held against her.

There's one other factor that might figure in here, consistent with size NOT being an issue:

I read in some thread or another (maybe this one) Saniya jumped center at the start of games. HG apparently didn't take note of that, however.

I wasn't really disagreeing with your size matters point, it was just a matter of being hopeful that Saniya is one of the exceptions and thus the examples. The disadvantages of being small & light are often offset by other factors such as speed and quickness made possible by having less body mass to overcome. During the last Notre Dame game, I was struck by how closely MoJef was able to guard Skylar without fouling. Every move Skylar made was instantly duplicated by MoJef and that lead to an immense amount of frustration on Skylar's part, thus helped win the game.

The size trade-offs are complex. For instance a large vertical leap by a short person is offset by the extra time it takes to get up there and come back down so that another jump can be made.

 

[chrissaran]

Sports has always been about comparisons, so your point is meaningless. One of the greatest comparisons of teammates was Mickey Mantle and Roger Maris the year they chased Babe Ruth's home run record. Without comparisons sports wouldn't be nearly as interesting. Think however you want. How many times have fans been asked to pick their all-time UConn team. That requires comparing one player to another, even players that were on the same teams.

 

[TroyHouse66]

Tiny, Muggsy, Nate ?

COME ON... you Nutmeggers!!

Go homegrown...
Calvin Murphy
5-9, 160lbs
Jumped center for Norwalk HS & went on to Niagara Univ and averaged 33ppg
Now enshrined in NBA HOF

Johnny Egan
Weaver HS
Also did well in the NBA at 5-11
(Full disclosure.. my Mother was Weaver '37, so I had to get this tall Beaver mentioned)

 

[sTu]

I will repeat some comments regarding Saniya that I have made since watching her play in N.O. at the all-star game. She demonstrated that she was quite comfortable playing against the other all-stars. She can handle the ball (got picked on one play), the use of both hands, quickness to the basket with change of speed, 3 point shot, and a willingness to pass showing her court awareness and long distance passing ability. There is a lot to like watching her offensive contribution. Assuming she will contribute the above from the offensive side, the minutes she gets will be reflected by her learning to run the offense and just how well she adapts defensively. The further along she is defensively, the more time she will get to make offensive mistakes.