MJ's Take...

Small forward and it isn’t even close. You’ve got McCoughtry in a league of her own, followed by the likes of Coleman, Bonner, and Virginia’s Lyndra Littles (who some erroneously denigrate without having much to back their claim). If you don't acquire a decent wing prospect in this class (assuming it's your primary need), you simply aren’t looking hard enough or didn’t make the right calls to the right GMs. It would not shock me to see as many as six small forwards taken in the first round.

PS's Take....

There are a lot of quality small forwards/swing players avaialble, with McCoughtry, Coleman, Bonner, and Gant at the top of my list for that position.

CD's Take...

I'm going to go out on a limb and say the point guard slot. Obviously there are stars at the SF position, but I think there is more depth at the point guard position. Montgomery and Toliver lead the way with January, Lehning, Brooks, Cirone and Boddie just behind. Not to mention players like Kristi Smith, Camille LeNoir, Mandy Morales, Julianne Viani, and Dellena Criner. I think people may be surprised at how many points are taken in the draft.

Posted by wnbadraftnet at 12:45 PM CDT

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Question #3

 MJ's Take...

Having seen her play recently, I’d say Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (F/C, Purdue). I know she’s coming off a serious knee injury from 2007 and is just now regaining her confidence, but she’s still one of the better post players in her class despite being undersized. She’s tough/strong, can guard multiple positions well, and can score inside. She also seems to have an even keel demeanor. What’s not to like?

 PS's Take...

Shalee Lehning is my pick here.  People knock her defense, and shrug at her rebounding, but she is a true point guard with the ability to penetrate almost at will against any defense and find open shooters...there are teams that should be willing to die for a penetrating, pass first, point guard who rebounds so aggressively.  I also like Megan Frazee who plays for a small school, but offers a great blend of size and skill that will make her a solid pro.

 CD's Take...

Marlies Gipson comes to mind. Gipson is undersized at 6'0" but has dominated in the post for the last couple years in the nation's toughest conference. Gipson is great with her back to the basket, but she's as effective from 15 feet and in. She has a solid range to her game. Plus, she's an underrated shot blocker. She's one of the best defenders in the Big XII.

I also have to give a shout out to Marshae Dotson. If toughness had a place in the stat column, Dotson would fill it up. Again, she's another undersized post (at 5'11") but she is great in low post situation and has a knack for rebounding.

Posted by wnbadraftnet at 10:48 AM CDT

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Question #2...

 MJ's Take...

At the top of the list would be Kristi Cirone of Illinois State and Megan Frazee of Liberty. Cirone is a knockdown shooter from the SG slot while Frazee is a combo forward who can play inside and outside. Both players will have to battle their tails off to secure a roster spot in any season, let alone 2009.

PS's Take...

Forward Megan Frazee (Liberty), Guard Kristi Cirone (Illinois State), and Forward Robyn Fairbanks (Utah Valley State).

CD's Take...

Frazee and Cirone are the best of the bunch. But I like a couple more players. Mandy Morales is a spunky little guard who can drive and shoot. She's very athletic and has been on the top of the radar for quite some time. Also keep an eye on Amber Bland. She's from North Carolina A&T and can score huge numbers. She's one of the best mid major prospects out there.

Posted by wnbadraftnet at 2:23 PM CDT

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Over the next three weeks, our three contributors will attempt to answer 15 Burning Questions going into the 2009 WNBA Draft. Each day, we will post a question, followed by our thoughts on the subject matter. Don't forget to comment with your responses!

1. Who are some players that have been pleasant surprises in 2009?

MJ's take...

Some would say DeWanna Bonner (G/F, Auburn), but that’s because they never saw her play prior to this season. Ashley Paris (F/C, Oklahoma) comes to mind. She seems to be using the attention her sister receives on a nightly basis to her advantage by making opponents think twice about double-teaming Courtney. Losing weight during the summer seems to have made her more of a full court player. She’s also a better defender and rebounder than in years past. While she still isn’t quite an elite prospect like her twin sis (considered a first-round pick and not a top five pick like Courtney), she has given herself a chance to compete for a roster spot and possible rotation minutes in 2009. Like most players in this draft, nothing is a guarantee.

CD's take...

I definitely have to agree with Ashley Paris. Prior to the season, many "thought" she'd be good but we've actually seen how much she has improved as the season has gone on. She's very athletic and runs the floor incredibly well for a post. Plus, she's strong. All of that is the making for a strong WNBA prospect. Another name would be Ashley Walker. She's had one of the biggest breakout years this season. When many people thought of Cal, they thought of Alexis Gray-Lawson and Devanei Hampton but Walker has stolen the show this year. Walker is undersized in the post, but she has extreme athleticism (re: The 0.3 sec. shot) and has a knack for rebounding. Paris and Walker have probably surprised me the most.

Posted by wnbadraftnet at 9:45 AM CDT

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