Topic: 15 Burning Questions
Question #9
MJ's Take...
There are about six or seven prospects that have been in or around the lead group all season, but a few players seem to have separated from that lead group. Those players are SF Angel McCoughtry of Louisville, PG Renee Montgomery of UConn, and SF Marissa Coleman of Maryland, though not exactly in that order.
Angel’s been a favorite for #1 overall pick honors since being named Big East POY as a sophomore, and she has developed into one of the most dominant defensive players in the nation to go along with her scoring deftness. What can’t be quantified, however, are her relentless drive and her freakish length. She’s listed at 6’1, but she sure seems to be a couple inches taller than that because of her long limbs and athletic ability.
Renee has not allowed a perceived weaknesses—lack of size and shaky perimeter shooting—to derail her team’s undefeated campaign in her senior year. She brings leadership, scoring ability, ballhandling, in-your-face defense, and intensity to the PG position. The last senior PG to lead her team to an undefeated regular season wound up being drafted #1 overall in the draft, and the Atlanta Dream’s GM (Marynell Meadors) has always endorsed Renee as a possible #1 overall choice. Considering the Dream has three other PGs on the roster, that’s making one heck of a statement.
Finally, Marissa’s dominance during the final third of the ACC season places her in the highest group. WNBA GMs already liked her size, strength, and ability to shoot the ball. During her dominant stretch (which includes two ACC titles for her Maryland Terrapins), she displayed the ability to put the ball on the floor, rebound, find the open man, and set the emotional tone for her team. Her ability to play multiple positions (ballhandling SG, PF) while still being able to dominate at her natural position (SF) has her stock at its all-time high.
PS's Take...
Angel McCoughtry, Courtney Paris, Marissa Coleman, Dewanna Bonner, and Ashley Paris are really standing out at the end of the season. Coleman in particular has made a serious push and is finishing the season in top form.
CD's Take...
For weeks, McCoughtry and Paris have been alone at the top. McCoughtry has shown she can play both ends well and has the most complete game and also one of the more flashier and offensive games. Paris' consistency in both rebounding, scoring and blocking has put her at the top. Paris has been at the top of this class for years now.
DeWanna Bonner made a push mid-season and still is among of the cream of the crop, IMO. Also, Marissa Coleman's late season breakout also has her among the elite. Two flashy, yet questionable PG's in Renee Montgomery and Kristi Toliver have also been near the top, mostly because they are among the most debated prospects. Ashley Walker was at the top early in the season, but due to Cal's struggles she may have dropped off a bit. Though, her performances in the tournament may have launched her back up there.
