USA TODAY Sports women's basketball All-American teams

[YellwJcket999]

Admittedly I have not read the second page of comments...with that said....

No Kia Nurse anywhere? Does that make any sense?

 

[DefenseBB]

No Lexie Brown? at all?

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I am 100% with you on this! I really don't understand the Brooke McCarty choice this year, she was brutal and was not even the best player on her own team. For those of us who think Pheesa had a down year, go look at McCarty's stat drop off.
Just to frustrate many of us here's McCarty vs. Brown:

McCarty 31.9 min per, .418 FG%, .377 3-Pt% 4.4 reb, 138 Assists, 51 TO's, 48 steals 13.9 Pts per
Brown 35 min per, .470 FG%, .384 3-Pt%, 4.5 reb, 131 Assists, 93 TO's, 106 steals, 20.1 Pts per

Brown had a better FG%, better 3 pt %, more rebounds, slightly less assists, more turnovers offset by many more steals and 6 points per game more. Plus Lexie meant more to her team than McCarty.

McCarty got it on last years reputation. What ever happened to scribes you know, thinking?

 

[DefenseBB]

Just for the sake of pedantry : Mikayla Vaughn is the freshman post player. Mychal Johnson is the senior guard.

It's sometimes hard to keep all the Mikayla/Michaela/Mychal names straight...

...and Muffet McGraw, Marina Mabry, my goodness you've mm'd us to the m'th degree!

 

[Mister2]

Of course, this is the "top 5" with some acknowledgement of position.

Assuming Lou can be in 2 places at once, it'd be interesting to see this team play the current UConn team. Not sure the all-americans would have such an easy time of it, especially if Z gets to play as 6th man.

The USA AA team won't stand a chance. The UCONN Lou would face guard and lock down the AA Lou, and with Kia doing the same to Wilson, the AA team is toast.

 

[IWearShoes]

The MM COY was somewhat of a surprise....there was a least a couple more deserving IMO. Candidly, maybe its her lack of graciousness around the Stewie and Durr events or the flopping incidents over the years that taint my view of her.

It's very obvious that I'm biased, but even after all the injuries, there is not a starter in the ND lineup that wasn't rated higher coming out of HS than every player on the Mississippi State team, including our 1st team AA. With the caveat that Geno deserves it pretty much every year, Vic deserves it this year.

 

[Kevin G]

Gabby > Vivians.....all day every day. End of discussion.

(I even think McGowan over Vivians)

 

[IWearShoes]

Gabby > Vivians.....all day every day. End of discussion.

(I even think McGowan over Vivians)

No comment on Gabby vs VV other than they are both wonderful players, but I can assure you that the vast majority of MSU fans know who the leader and most vital player is for the 2018 Bulldogs, and our post is really good too (and named McCowan).

 

[rugbymate]

It's very obvious that I'm biased, but even after all the injuries, there is not a starter in the ND lineup that wasn't rated higher coming out of HS than every player on the Mississippi State team, including our 1st team AA. With the caveat that Geno deserves it pretty much every year, Vic deserves it this year.

Totally agree.....Vic should be recognized for bringing the Miss State program into prominence

 

[bballnut90]

Gabby’s easily one of the 5 best players in the country, but All American awards are given to who has had the best season...very different criteria. 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2.5 steals isn’t 1st team worthy IMO. People mention her defense, but she didn’t win DPOY in her conference, so I just don’t see a strong argument for it, especially compared to the other players on this list and what they’ve accomplished this year. I think Vivians is absolutely deserving of 1st team and I agree with the 1st team list.

Leaving McCowan off is a big surprise, I’m guessing the poor showing against SC was fresh in voter memory when the votes came in. She’s had a remarkable season and Mississippi State is 32-1. I’d put her on 2nd team. I feel like I’m always defending her so maybe I’m in the minority there, but she’s had an outstanding year and Mississippi State has been a steady top 2-3 team all year.

No issue at all with Collier making third. She hasn’t been a huge standout like last year, but she’s quietly put together a fantastic season. I know a lot of people would rather see Nurse on these teams, but I think Napheesa has had a better season overall.

 

[Psyjaxx]

Admittedly I have not read the second page of comments...with that said....

No Kia Nurse anywhere? Does that make any sense?

It only makes sense not to see Kia Nurse anywhere on the All-American team IF they are being literal about "American", since she is Canadian.

 

[IWearShoes]

Gabby’s easily one of the 5 best players in the country, but All American awards are given to who has had the best season...very different criteria. 10.6 points, 7.5 rebounds, 5 assists and 2.5 steals isn’t 1st team worthy IMO. People mention her defense, but she didn’t win DPOY in her conference, so I just don’t see a strong argument for it, especially compared to the other players on this list and what they’ve accomplished this year. I think Vivians is absolutely deserving of 1st team and I agree with the 1st team list.

Leaving McCowan off is a big surprise, I’m guessing the poor showing against SC was fresh in voter memory when the votes came in. She’s had a remarkable season and Mississippi State is 32-1. I’d put her on 2nd team. I feel like I’m always defending her so maybe I’m in the minority there, but she’s had an outstanding year and Mississippi State has been a steady top 2-3 team all year.

I'll simply say that McCowan is one of the 15 best players in the country this year. Actually I'll say a bit more...

Brittany McPhee 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45% fg, 26% 3fg, 722 minutes played for a 22-10 team
Teaira McCowan 17.7 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 60% fg, 963 minutes played for a 32-1 team

Is there a competent defense for McPhee being on the 3rd team over McCowan (or numerous others)?

McPhee did have a great and memorable game in the Trees' win over Oregon with 33. McCowan had 35, 19 & 5 blocks on 15-18 shooting against the Ducks.

 

[rwdinsalem]

It only makes sense not to see Kia Nurse anywhere on the All-American team IF they are being literal about "American", since she is Canadian.

Last Time I checked Canada was still in America.

 

[cbraarj]

I'll simply say that McCowan is one of the 15 best players in the country this year. Actually I'll say a bit more...

Brittany McPhee 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45% fg, 26% 3fg, 722 minutes played for a 22-10 team
Teaira McCowan 17.7 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 60% fg, 963 minutes played for a 32-1 team

Is there a competent defense for McPhee being on the 3rd team over McCowan (or numerous others)?

McPhee did have a great and memorable game in the Trees' win over Oregon with 33. McCowan had 35, 19 & 5 blocks on 15-18 shooting against the Ducks.

If it went by individual games. Aja Wilson didnt have any AA Games against Uconn in 4 years. But she always had McCowans number.

 

[cbraarj]

I'll simply say that McCowan is one of the 15 best players in the country this year. Actually I'll say a bit more...

Brittany McPhee 17 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.4 apg, 45% fg, 26% 3fg, 722 minutes played for a 22-10 team
Teaira McCowan 17.7 ppg, 13.2 rpg, 2 bpg, 60% fg, 963 minutes played for a 32-1 team

Is there a competent defense for McPhee being on the 3rd team over McCowan (or numerous others)?

McPhee did have a great and memorable game in the Trees' win over Oregon with 33. McCowan had 35, 19 & 5 blocks on 15-18 shooting against the Ducks.

McPhee is a guard and McCowans a forward. You do know the difference between the two. Also McPhee was injured and missed games this year.

 

[IWearShoes]

If it went by individual games. Aja Wilson didnt have any AA Games against Uconn in 4 years. But she always had McCowans number.

Where did I say it went by individual games? I laid out the season stats for a 3rd team AA vs McCowan . Only mentioned Oregon games because that was McPhee's signature game this year and McCowan had an even better game vs them. Didn't mention A'ja at all, but if getting 20 boards against SC in Starkville is a rough game then I'll take a lot of those. She's not the player A'ja is and I didn't make that argument.

 

[IWearShoes]

McPhee is a guard and McCowans a forward. You do know the difference between the two. Also McPhee was injured and missed games this year.

Not sure why you went full on rude here, but I'll play. McCowan (note the lack of an s) is 6'7" and among the biggest players in the country. Not too many of those are forwards. You do know what a Post player is don't you?

There are three guards on the 3rd team AA list so obviously each team is not made up of 2 guards, 2 forwards and 1 center. Probably just the 15 highest vote getters.

I am sorry that McPhee got injured, but AA honors should take into account a season's work and if you miss games and better candidates put up better numbers then so be it. I'll wait for your argument as to how McPhee's seasonal numbers qualify her as an AA over McCowan or Nurse or any number of other players?

 

[bballnut90]

It's very obvious that I'm biased, but even after all the injuries, there is not a starter in the ND lineup that wasn't rated higher coming out of HS than every player on the Mississippi State team, including our 1st team AA. With the caveat that Geno deserves it pretty much every year, Vic deserves it this year.

Vic deserves it. The job he's done this year has been remarkable. He really gets the best out of his players and Mississippi State has surpassed everyone's expectations. Muffet has done a remarkable job too but this isn't her year to win COY. Honestly all of the top 6 coaches have done fantastic jobs this season, but Vic should win.

 

[IWearShoes]

Vic deserves it. The job he's done this year has been remarkable. He really gets the best out of his players and Mississippi State has surpassed everyone's expectations. Muffet has done a remarkable job too but this isn't her year to win COY. Honestly all of the top 6 coaches have done fantastic jobs this season, but Vic should win.

I appreciate your sentiment and agree that there have been some great coaching jobs done among the top teams this year. MSU is 32-1 against a solid if not spectacular schedule, just had the best SEC season in 20 years and I have to acknowledge that their resume really doesn't make them a for sure 1 seed (although I think they will be). Top 5 are really good. It's going to be a great tourney once we get to the Sweet Sixteen.

 

[shiverz45]

I appreciate your sentiment and agree that there have been some great coaching jobs done among the top teams this year. MSU is 32-1 against a solid if not spectacular schedule, just had the best SEC season in 20 years and I have to acknowledge that their resume really doesn't make them a for sure 1 seed (although I think they will be). Top 5 are really good. It's going to be a great tourney once we get to the Sweet Sixteen.

South Carolina 2015-2016 was 31-1 going into the tournament with a SEC regular season and a SEC tournament championship. Also went 16-0 in the conference. Only loss was to UConn at that point. By virtue of duel championship I would say that was a better season.

 

[cbraarj]

Where did I say it went by individual games? I laid out the season stats for a 3rd team AA vs McCowan . Only mentioned Oregon games because that was McPhee's signature game this year and McCowan had an even better game vs them. Didn't mention A'ja at all, but if getting 20 boards against SC in Starkville is a rough game then I'll take a lot of those. She's not the player A'ja is and I didn't make that argument.

You compared how they each played against Oregon. You cant compare a guard and a center!

 

[cbraarj]

Not sure why you went full on rude here, but I'll play. McCowan (note the lack of an s) is 6'7" and among the biggest players in the country. Not too many of those are forwards. You do know what a Post player is don't you?

There are three guards on the 3rd team AA list so obviously each team is not made up of 2 guards, 2 forwards and 1 center. Probably just the 15 highest vote getters.

I am sorry that McPhee got injured, but AA honors should take into account a season's work and if you miss games and better candidates put up better numbers then so be it. I'll wait for your argument as to how McPhee's seasonal numbers qualify her as an AA over McCowan or Nurse or any number of other players?

With that last paragraph in your mind KLS should not make it either! Uconn players dont play a lot of minutes especially the starters. They have 5 players scoring in double figures. Hopefully KLS gets a honorable mention,lol.

 

[WLT1717]

No comment on Gabby vs VV other than they are both wonderful players, but I can assure you that the vast majority of MSU fans know who the leader and most vital player is for the 2018 Bulldogs, and our post is really good too (and named McCowan).

First opportunity to watch McCowan last weekend. Even when hampered by fouls, you can see she's a rising star. Just going to keep getting better with such talent, drive, and coaching.

 

[TerpWomenFan]

Obviously Lexie Brown and Cunningham were the obvious omissions. But who would you remove to put them on it. There are no obvious answers.

 

[skilz]

Obviously Lexie Brown and Cunningham were the obvious omissions. But who would you remove to put them on it. There are no obvious answers.

Brook McCarty would be one... Brook struggled all year.

 

[IWearShoes]

With that last paragraph in your mind KLS should not make it either! Uconn players dont play a lot of minutes especially the starters. They have 5 players scoring in double figures. Hopefully KLS gets a honorable mention,lol.

Most are aware that the Uconn players are in a different situation because of the large number of blowouts. Throw out my minutes comments if you like and tell me how McPhee had a better year than McCowan when not considering she missed a quarter of the season. Also, you can certainly compare a guard to a center if there is not a guideline for how many of each make the AA teams.

 

[IWearShoes]

Obviously Lexie Brown and Cunningham were the obvious omissions. But who would you remove to put them on it. There are no obvious answers.

Brook McCarty would be one... Brook struggled all year.

McPhee is another obvious one. Cunningham, Brown, Nurse, and McCowan all had better years.

 

[Bama fan]

Just for the sake of pedantry : Mikayla Vaughn is the freshman post player. Mychal Johnson is the senior guard.

It's sometimes hard to keep all the Mikayla/Michaela/Mychal names straight...

It is hard to keep such similar and yet unfamiliar names straight. And BTW, I am sure pedantry appreciates your tip of the hat!

 

[Orangutan]

It's very obvious that I'm biased, but even after all the injuries, there is not a starter in the ND lineup that wasn't rated higher coming out of HS than every player on the Mississippi State team, including our 1st team AA. With the caveat that Geno deserves it pretty much every year, Vic deserves it this year.

You don't think McGraw deserves it because she had more talent that Miss St. but then you say "Geno deserves it pretty much every year"? Ok...

Yes, all but a handful of coaches would trade their starting 5 for Mabrey-Ogunbowale-Young-Westbeld-Shepard in a heartbeat. On the other hand, that's a roster of 3 wings and two power forwards. There is no rim-protecting center (would have been Vaughn and Turner). There is no point guard (Thompson) and no one to defend opposing point guards (Thompson & Johnson).

What's impressive to me about the coaching job McGraw has done is how she has had to adjust on the fly. Mabrey had to go from moonlighting at point guard to being a starting point guard. Young had to pickup playing point guard in the middle of the season while wearing a protective facemask. ND had to switch midseason to playing almost exclusively zone.

And everything ND does has to be done while avoiding foul trouble like the plague as ND has basically 6 players (Danielle Patterson will be very good one day but for now she is still prone to far too many freshman mistakes). That pretty strictly limits how aggressive ND can be defensively.

I think Schaeffer is a fine choice for CoY, by the way. Maybe even a better choice than McGraw. I just think there's more to understanding the job Muffet has done this year than can be seen by simply looking at HS recruting rankings.

 

[DefenseBB]

McPhee is another obvious one. Cunningham, Brown, Nurse, and McCowan all had better years.

You realize that McPhee missed 9 games with injury right? Of the 9 3 were losses and her first game back was Tennessee (a loss) then Stanford went on its run. I have NO quibbles with McPhee. McCarty is not deserving this year over Lexie Brown. Sophie had a good year but I don’t think it’s a travesty in being let off this team. I do think Gustafson played in a poor conference and is over rated (albeit very good, just not AA) and if anything maybe Jordin Canada could be dropped in favor of Cunningham but as a Senior, I am ok with it. The only travesty is Lexie vs. Brooke as I noted their stats above.

McCowan was great this year but I don’t agree she was one of the 15 best, I am hard pressed to place her in top 20, but it’s close. She disappears too much at key moments even for a 32-1 squad. She gotten taken to the woodshed by A’ja and would be beaten badly by Kalani Brown as well. Might even struggle again Texas with White/Holmes.

 

[IWearShoes]

You don't think McGraw deserves it because she had more talent that Miss St. but then you say "Geno deserves it pretty much every year"? Ok...

Yes, all but a handful of coaches would trade their starting 5 for Mabrey-Ogunbowale-Young-Westbeld-Shepard in a heartbeat. On the other hand, that's a roster of 3 wings and two power forwards. There is no rim-protecting center (would have been Vaughn and Turner). There is no point guard (Thompson) and no one to defend opposing point guards (Thompson & Johnson).

What's impressive to me about the coaching job McGraw has done is how she has had to adjust on the fly. Mabrey had to go from moonlighting at point guard to being a starting point guard. Young had to pickup playing point guard in the middle of the season while wearing a protective facemask. ND had to switch midseason to playing almost exclusively zone.

And everything ND does has to be done while avoiding foul trouble like the plague as ND has basically 6 players (Danielle Patterson will be very good one day but for now she is still prone to far too many freshman mistakes). That pretty strictly limits how aggressive ND can be defensively.

I think Schaeffer is a fine choice for CoY, by the way. Maybe even a better choice than McGraw. I just think there's more to understanding the job Muffet has done this year than can be seen by simply looking at HS recruting rankings.

In most years McGraw would absolutely deserve it, and to many she obviously deserves it this year. I just think this was a rare year when she did an outstanding job (along with others), but there was a coach who did even more, with less. Vic's award would be based on the 32-1 culmination of what he built over the last 4 years and the recognition that he dealt this year with key injuries as well, which were much less publicized than ND's. MSU lost two likely major contributors in Iggy Allen to an ACL in the preseason and Ameshya Williams after 1 game when she left school for undisclosed reasons. Vic had to go heavily to a 4 guard lineup at that point. Having McCowan at the rim allowed him this luxury, but it is certain she would not have to play the minutes she does if we had the competent depth we lost.

My comment on Geno was simply prompted by the fact that he is clearly the greatest women's coach of all time so he has to be in the discussion yearly. I only mentioned ND's talent to make it clear just how well Vic has identified and developed the talent on his team and to point out what he has accomplished with lesser initial developed talent.