A very important point I think with WNBA rookies and Stewart and Diggins who as far as I can see chose not to play overseas last year. (Does anyone know why she made that decision?) It is not dissimilar to the transition most HS students deal with in college - Stewart took most of a year to come to terms with the physicality of the college game.Playing senior-level international basketball for the first time can certainly be an education.
“It’s a much more physical game, so you need to be ready for that,” says Sue Bird, who at 33 could become the first American woman to make four World Championship teams. “It wasn’t until I played overseas that I really understood what that was like.”
She had a disappointing, near disastrous rookie season and made the intelligent decision to work on her game and strengthen her bod.
The results are apparent for all to see.
In addition, the transition from the tough college season to the pros straightaway, was a bit much physically for her and furthermore, she had opportunities to make endorsement money and do some work on her brand. All in all, a very wise choice.
A very important point I think with WNBA rookies and Stewart and Diggins who as far as I can see chose not to play overseas last year. (Does anyone know why she made that decision?) It is not dissimilar to the transition most HS students deal with in college - Stewart took most of a year to come to terms with the physicality of the college game.
It is an interesting thing, because the touch fouls still get called, but the body contact allowed is much greater. It is an adjustment for all USA players, men and women and maybe harder for the men because if they are good enough for the USA team they generally never play overseas except in these tournaments.
msf22b - thanks for the info on Diggins' decision - I don't follow her career so was just a bit surprised that she hadn't gone overseas. Based on her improvement this past WNBA season, it certainly seems to have worked. Has she signed on with a team for this year? I do think it is good experience to play overseas, but obviously not essential.
I'll paraphrase something Geno said about Sue... "When you talk to her about basketball you better be righter than right, because she knows everything." He was being complimentary and not sarcastic about her knowledge. I would love to see her on the UCONN coaching staff after her playing days are over.It looks like the old E.F. Hutton commercial: When Sue talks, people listen.