Earlier today, I had drafted a thread for the 8 players I thought deserved "real" consideration and when I was editing it, I inadvertently deleted the "Pulitzer prize" winning article.
So now that the list has been trimed down, as my fine college nwhoopfan says, we can and should whittle this down some more.
The real contenders (as of Jan 18):
1. A'ja Wilson-SC: who was the preseason favorite for this award and regardless of the final tally, will be the #1 pick of the WNBA. To me, she's be good but not great, add in the less than top notch supporting cast and her propensity to foul unnecessarily and scowl far too much, I think she's in the conversation, but not leading. Her games against UConn, MSU and Tenn rematch will determine this for her.
2. Kelsey Mitchell-OSU: I have to admit, I am slowly, ever so slowly, coming around on her. I have seen enough games this that yes, she's still a chucker from the old-adage "give me the ball and don't worry" but that is what McGuff preaches so who are we to argue. Add in the fact she did an about face on USA basketball and went to the camp and did very well has me nodding my head. That said, her team still is only a top 16, I am not sure if she truly makes anyone better but she is a 1st AA at this point. I think she's on the outside (just on the the outside) of this discussion.
3. Asia Durr-Louisville: This year she has announced herself with authority. Despite being #2 in KLS class coming out of HS, she hadn't really distinguished herself as elite until now. What has me most impressed what her teammates and in particular Hines-Allen think of her and how they speak glowingly of her. How she handles Kia and UConn as well as the ACC Tourney, will be the deciding factor for her
4. Teira McCowan-MSU: Boy did we get to see her coming out party last year and she has continued that trend this year. Her stock has risen dramatically and how she handles Russell (Tenn) and Wilson will determine if she's for real or just beating up on cupcakes and pip-squeaks.
5. Kalani Brown-Baylor: I thought she was a bit short-changed last year given the year she had and this year she has continued with the double doubles. Yes, I know Kim has a terrible OOC and Kalani's stats are a tad suspect, but honestly, who doesn't think she can play? How she handles Texas and their group of size will be interesting and will determine some of her fate. I do think there is a tad of disrespect towards Baylor due to their location for the media as well as Kim's scheduling and personality.
6. Sabrina Ionescu-Oregon: above I mention double/double so here I have to mention the triple double machine (as opposed to the triple Lindy
). Sabrina is clearly the PAC-12 POY at this point of the season and her team is doing very well. Due to her being a sophomore, I just don't think she looks as dominant vs. the other candidates for the voters to put her top with two years left.
7. KLS-UConn: to me, I think the team plays better with her on the court and leading the way. She has broadened who already strong skills set to include more of everything-mid-range, drives to the basket, rebounding, defensive length, assists, toughness and now the intangible-leadership. Have you noticed Geno doesn't take digs at her any more? To me, her games against SC and Lou will determine if she wins. She is on the short list of real contenders for me.
8. Gabby-UConn: Gabby is without a doubt, the heart and soul of this team. She has made more with less shooting skills through her athleticism than anyone else. She does everything but score regularly. She's an undersized post player who handles the ball well, sees the court with great vision, rebounds, plays superb defense, gets assists and makes her team mates better. However, I think due to her offensive concerns with the mid-range jumper and the fact she has lock down defense, she's more than likely to win DPOY than the Wooden.
9. Kia-UConn: I have always respected Kia for her ability to do whatever little things are needed to win games. Be it scoring, assists, a lockdown defender, rebounds or diving for loose balls-she does it. Does this resonate with voters, sadly no. Do we love her-ABSOLUTELY! She should be a first round WNBA pick and I think could win ROY award in the WNBA as she will be a great floor leader. That said, I don't see the voters picking her. I do think she has a real shot at one of the 10 AA's.
10. Pheesa-UConn: At this point, she's on here due to what she did last year. We have seen glimpses but I think Z has taken away some of her territory down low. She needs to step it up big time to really be considered. I am not doubting her as we have seen it before. I just think there is too many players even on her own team that overshadow her this year.
To be honest, no one else on the list really gets me excited. Let me know your thoughts.
