At 5-8, Raven is 6 inches shorter than Juju. 6-0 Bree Hall would probably be the first option. 6-1 Tessa Johnson’s defense is not there yet.Milaysia is only 5-10 but has super hops.. PoaPoa is not an option.
Watkins defends the perimeter more than you realize I think and is a better perimeter defender than you are giving her credit for. Plus Juju shoots CC volume from the perimeter with Hailey Van Lith efficiency so I'm not sure she is the perimeter threat you are making her out to be either. Her biggest threat is around the basket and Watkins is a great match up there.
Nika is 5'10 and Juju's height really wasn't an issue. Seeing her and Paige next to each other, I find it hard to believe Juju is 6'2", unless people are counting the top of the bun when measuring. She is a small 6'2".
I am totally with you on this post, both about Nika and about Watkins and about Raven. Being a great defender isn't about athleticism taken in isolation. It's about knowing your position, getting to your spots, getting the switches right, calling out screens and so on. This is exactly why Nika was so good. Also, a ton of tenacity didn't hurt. This is also why Ash is becoming a great defender, and KK too. Give them another year to master their craft and they'll give Nika a run for her money as premier defenders. I'd say Raven has similar qualities as Nika and these are what will get her drafted this year.
You're right that Ashlyn Watkins defends the perimeter, too. All SC's bigs except Kamila did that last year. Same with Geno's bigs. It's the way they coach defense. Plus they both like their teams to switch 1 through 5 when possible, though again Kamila wasn't quite capable of this. But this doesn't make Ashlyn a great perimeter defender in isolation from the team. It's just what the team scheme requires of her. Just as Dorka and Aaliyah weren't great perimeter defenders in isolation. But used as part of a full-team scheme they could be effective out there. This isn't to say Ashlynn isn't good playing defense at the top of the key. I think she is. But I don't think she can keep Juju in front of her. One reason you use a big to defend at the top of the key is to make it hard to pass from one side to the other in the half court offense. That isn't quite the same as being a great on-ball perimeter defender.
I disagree with the context of your post. She doesn't defend elite perimeter players that are superstars on the perimeter for anything other than a switch off or random play because its things like you have suggested- she'd get into foul trouble. In no way does she defend a player like this in the manner you imply.
I will agree that we can’t risk fouls with Ashlyn.
I just want to say - reitearate I have a ton of respect for your team and players. It might seem like I'm slamming your team and players. Which is not my intent. Anyhow, why do you feel there is a risk of foul trouble from such a super defender like her? The elite defenders - you don't pull them away from super offensive players. Their purpose is to defend.
The biggest risk is her temperament. Dawn reeled her in some last year but needs to do more this year.
so if Angel Reese came back - you wouldn't put Watkins on her as well? Because if you can't risk having her defend Juju because of foul trouble, then why would you put her on Angel? Does her temperment change if you would put her on Angel?
That’s Dawn’s job. But also, who fouls out first if Angel came back?
Not gonna lie I listened to some off season interviews with Olivia Miles and Hannah Hidalgo today and I'm 1000 percent sold on their team. Lol. In one Olivia Miles interview she talked about how she was cleared late last season but it didn't make sense for her to waste a year of eligibility. That kinda put to ease my concerns about her health. She's also a pretty great interviewee, super well thought out answers. True point guard answers. It was funny she was kinda going on about how great it's going to be playing alongside Hannah, and Soni, and Maddy, and .... she's like whoever the 5th starter coach puts out there.lol. I was hoping she dropped a clue but I think that was from the interview way early in the summer. Then I listened to Hannah Hildalgo. She really has a great head on her shoulders as well. But what stood out is the interviewer asked what would be the next step or goal for next season and she said without hesitation or awkwardness, a national championship. Straight dawg answer from HH. Teams out there are hungry and coming. I'm definitely worried about the Huskies.
This is a chatboard. No opinion on this?
And every team that faces ND should worry about them too.
Scar vs NC State neutral court game
So, you’re saying SC still belongs on this list, even after losing a likely first team AA? [Sorry, I couldn’t resist]
I agree with the sentiment but disagree with how you have the players placed. There is no way that Walker or Tac play the 4 this year with the logjam of players we have at that position. Feagin is also too versatile to be relegated to the 5. When we went with a big lineup this past season, Dawn often inserted her at the 3. Tessa is also not starting over Milaysia at the SG. I think Coach Staley will value Milaysia's ability to push the tempo, which will push her over Paopao in the starting lineup.
We can review our lineups during the season. I don’t think Dauda will start early though she might by mid season. I don’t think Milaysia will start at 2 - though she might end up with more minutes than Paopao.
Fairly sure they'll be a strong defensive team with or without Watkins.
I don't doubt it. But the front court will not be quite so strong as it looked to be. And I don't expect Dauda and Tac to be equivalent substitutes for Ashlyn. She will not be so easily replaced.
Agreed. Staley's teams always play good D, but Watkins is one of a kind with her quickness and ability to elevate. Can[t think of any player I've ever seen cover so much territory on the court, especially not a post player.
As before, I'm mostly in agreement with you. But I think they could "miss a beat" without Ashlyn, in the sense that they are still likely to win the NC but perhaps without another undefeated season.
Tessa is my favorite too. She is the happy, smiling face of the Gamecocks. Her teammates love her and so do I. As I understand it, she is the "core" of the Gamecocks in the locker room. She steals minutes from Tehina and Bree but they are truly like sisters rather than mere teammates.