A Trip Over the Pond... European Edition

This year, the contributors at WNBA Draft Net are looking outside of the US to see if there are any top prospects worthy of a WNBA Draft Pick. We will keep track of this group throughout the year and see how they're doing. Let's get this started.

 First off is a youngster from Spain, 6'3 Forward, who currently plays for Celta Indepo in the Spanish League. Alba Torrens is coming off of an impressive set of performances in Beijing and is one of the up and coming  youngsters in the European game. Torrens averaged 7.6 points, 4 rebounds while shooting 46% from the floor in Beijing. For Celta, she is currently averaging 13.8 ppg, 5.5 rpg, 1.4 apg, and shooting nearly 40% from the field. Torrens is a lengthy guard who can finish on the perimeter and inside. Her versatility is something we don't always see in the WNBA. She's a very intriguing prospect.

 Another youngster out there is Sonja Petrovic, FIBA Europe's 2007 Young Player of the Year. Sonja is a member of the Serbian National Team and has helped build the program as a whole. She was named MVP of the U19 Championships in 2006. Petrovic was supposed to play for Spartak Moscow this year, but has not played for them thus far. However, at the small forward position, Petrovic has shown that she is a talent. She is coming from a struggling national team but they have improved because of her.

Petrovic (SCG #5) and Eldebrink (far right) are
among the top young players in Europe.

Moving a little North, we will now discuss Frida Eldebrink, a guard from Sweden. She is currently playing for Tarbes, who plays in both the French League as well as EuroCup. She is currently averaging 9 points, 2 rebounds and 2 assist for Tarbes in Eurocup Competition. The 5'9" guard also participated in U19 World Championships and averaged 18 ppg, 6 rpg, and 2 spg. She led her team to the title game where they met the USA. They lost, of course, but she scored 10 points against a very good USA team.

Anastasiya Veremeyenko is one of the talented young posts in the World. She is from Belarus and played an important role for the team in the Olympics in Beijing. At 6'5", Veremeyenko makes a strong prospect because she has a pro-build and is very strong. She's a solid shot blocker and has moves offensivelly down in the post. She is definitely one of the better young players in the world.

5 balls a bouncin'

On Tuesday, the WNBA held it's annual Draft Lottery. Things went according to plan, with Atlanta getting the first pick, Washington nabbing the second pick and Chicago settling for the third selection. Minnesota and Phoenix recieved the fourth and fifth picks respectively. Early, early predictions are below.

1. Atlanta - McCoughtry
2. Washington - C. Paris
3. Chicago - Coleman
4. Minnesota - A. Paris
5. Phoenix - Walker

Prospect Rankings: Week 4

Walker is still the top dog, but Ashley Paris continues to climb the rankings.

Rank - Name (Team) - Last Week's Rank
  1. Ashley Walker (California) - 1
  2. Courtney Paris (Oklahoma) - 2
  3. Angel McCoughtry (Louisville) - 7
  4. Ashley Paris (Oklahoma) - 5
  5. DeWanna Bonner (Auburn) - 3
  6. Renee Montgomery (UCONN) - 6
  7. Danielle Gant (Texas A&M)- 4
  8. Rachel Allison (Baylor) - 8
  9. Briann January (Arizona State) - 24
10. Shalee Lehning (Kansas State) - 10
11. Star Allen (Ohio State) - 10
12. Marshae Dotson (Florida) - 14
      Chandrea Jones (Syracuse) - 16
14. Rachel Porath (UW Green Bay) - 13
15. Chante Black (Duke) - NR
16. Robyn Fairbanks (Utah Valley State) - 12
17. Julianne Viani (Marist) - 27
18. Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (Purdue) - 15 
19. Jernisha Cann (IUPUI) - 21
      Jessica Bobbitt (Belmont) - NR
      Laura Kurz (Villanova) - 25
22. Sybil Dosty (Arizona State) - NR
23. Megan Frazee (Liberty) - 29
24. Krystal Ellis (Marquette) - NR
25. Dominique Duck (Western Kentucky) - NR

HM: Shavonte Zellous (Pittsburgh), Rashanda McCants (North Carolina), Aisha Mohammed (Virginia), Emily Fox (Minnesota), Marissa Coleman (Maryland).

WNBA Prospect of the Week (12/1-12/7)

Shavonte Zellous, a 5-10 guard out of Pittsburgh, is this week's Prospect of the week. Zellous' Panthers went 2-0 this week with wins of Duquesne and #8/11 Maryland. Zellous was key in the Panthers upset of the Terps, scoring 25 points, pulling down 5 boards and dishing out two assists. She also shot 45 percent from the field and 50 percent from three while shooting a perfect 2 for 2 at the free throw line. For the week, Zellous averaged 19.5 ppg, 5 rpg, 2.5 ppg, 42% FG, and 47% 3FG.

 Also Considered: Robyn Fairbanks (Utah Valley State), Ashley Walker (California), Angel McCoughtry (Louisville), Traci Edwards (UW-Milwaukee), Amber Guffey (Murray State).

Introducing...Kristi Cirone

Most people haven't heard much about Kristi Cirone. To which I say, where have you been? This young woman has been 'wow-ing' opponents and scouts for a while now. And believe me, her fans (Cironettes?) have enjoyed every minute of her successful career. Not mention she's also a two time consecutive Jackie Stiles MVC Player of the Year recipient. Oddly enough, many have compared her to that former SMS Lady Bear. Cirone brings a strong skillset with both the ability to score and distribute. She has also helped lead her Illinois State team, who gave Oklahoma a scare, into the spotlight,while also setting some records of her own. Bottom line, the girl is good and whoever drafts her will be lucky to have her. And if you don't believe me, believe ISU's Head Coach Robin Pingeton when she says “She’s a tremendous worker who has taken her game to another level.”

The Bigger the Better - A Center Breakdown

Here are the top big girls in the Class of 2009.

Chante Black (Duke)
Chante Black is primed for a strong senior season. After suffering an injury following her sophomore year, Black came back on the scene last year and helped keep a struggling, young Duke team afloat. This year, Black will again be one of the top players in the ACC because she can score down low, rebound on both ends, and block shots with regularity.
 
Megan Skouby (Iowa)
Prior to the season, Skouby wouldn't have been here. After having a great freshman season, Skouby seemed to disappear during her sophomore and junior seasons - even going to the bench. However, this year, Skouby has been a consistent force for the Hawkeyes. She is one of the more versatile centers.

Devanei Hampton (California)
Coming off an injury, Hampton will need to once again work her magic. After missing a good part of the preseason, Hampton is finally back and will need to help Cal on their quest to the Final Four. Hampton is one of the more athletically gifted players in the post because she's quick and can score in the paint in a variety of ways. She's also a very good rebounder and a solid defender. Keep an eye on Dev.

Courtney Paris (Oklahoma)
Courtney Paris hearts stats. For real. This young woman has done what no one has ever done. Her streak of consecutive double doubles is one of the records that most people can't see ending. Courtney Paris is a very strong player who knows how to score in the paint. She's not the most fit or versatile player, but she continues to get the job done. With her USA Basketball experience, WNBA scouts know she could have an impact early in her career.

Kia Vaughn (Rutgers)
It's scary to think how good Vaughn could be if she actually had gotten the ball more in her first three years. Now, in her final year, Vaughn is one of Rutgers' veterans and should play a big key role. Vaughn has great footwork down low and can score in the post in a variety of ways. She's also an underrated defender. But again, to show what she can actually do, she has to get the ball. Demand touches, Kia, demand touches.

HM: Aisha Mohammed (Virginia), Nadia Parker (USC), Jenna Green (UCSB), Sybil Dosty (Arizona State), Jessica Adair (George Washington).

Introducing...Rashanda McCants

We're here today to talk about McCants. No, not that McCants, this McCants. As a senior for the UNC Tar Heels, Rashanda McCants enters in the spotlight with all eyes on her, even garnering a cover on Sports Illustrated. Pressure usually doesn't get to her, though, no matter how many Cameron Crazies heckle her. As one of the few seniors on UNC's team, she will be looked to lead the Tar Heels to the Final Four, the same way a certain other McCants did. There's a sibling rivalry in the McCants family but according to Sylvia Hatchell, the Rashad and Rashanda look oddly similar. "She has a legitimate big-time jump shot. She looks just like her brother shooting," Hatchell said. Oh, and Rashanda has even worked at adding another facet to her game; the dunk.

Prospect Rankings: Week 2

Lots of good games over Thanksgiving. We have a new number 1.

Rank - Name (Team) - Last Week's Rank
  1. Ashley Walker (California) - 16
  2. Courtney Paris (Oklahoma) - 1
  3. DeWanna Bonner (Auburn) - 10
  4. Danielle Gant (Texas A&M) - 7
  5. Ashley Paris (Oklahoma) - 5
  6. Renee Montgomery (UCONN) - 19
  7. Angel McCoughtry (Louisville) - 13
  8. Rachel Allison (Baylor) - 4
      Amber Jackson (North Texas) - 29
10. Shalee Lehning (Kansas State) - 8
      Star Allen (Ohio State) - 3
12. Robyn Fairbanks (Utah Valley State) - 15
13. Rachel Porath (UW Green Bay) - 11
14. Marshae Dotson (Florida) - 2
15. Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (Purdue) - 14
16. Chandrea Jones (Syracuse) - 20
17. Rashanda McCants (North Carolina) - 28
      Candyce Bingham (Louisville) - 21
19. Kristi Toliver (Maryland) - NR
20. Shantia Grace (South Florida) - 25
21. Jernisha Cann (IUPUI) - 17
      Nadia Parker (Southern Cal) - NR
23. Marissa Coleman (Maryland) - NR
24. Briann January (Arizona State) - NR
25. Laura Kurz (Villanova) - NR

HM: Megan Skouby (Iowa), Julianne Viani (Marist), Amber Bland (NC A&T), Megan Frazee (Liberty), Jhasmin Player (Baylor).

WNBA Prospect of the Week (11/24-11/30)

Renee Montgomery, a 5'7" guard from Connecticut, has been named this week's WNBA Draft Net Prospect of the Week. Montgomery's UCONN Huskies are out to a perfect 5-0 record and had two wins over BYU and #4/6 Oklahoma this week. Against the Sooners, Montgomery posted an impressive stat sheet including 30 points (career high), while shooting 55% from the field and 50% from three point range. She also dished out a UCONN record 13 assists and pulled down six boards. For the week, Montgomery averaged 24.5 points, 4 rebounds, 7.5 assists, and shot an average of 59% from the field and 64% from three point range.

 Also Considered: Ashley Walker (California), Shalee Lehning (Kansas State), Dellina Criner (Nevada), Sha Brooks (Florida).

Powerful Prospects - A Power Forward Breakdown

Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton (Purdue) 
Lindsay Wisdom-Hylton was expecting to play her senior season, but last year she injured herself and is back for her true senior season. After a surprisingly good first year, Wisdom-Hylton has been a leader for the Boilermakers. She can score, rebound, and especially defend. She's got skills that will help her make the move to the WNBA. There is no question that she is WNBA ready.

Ashley Walker (California)
Her critics will call her undersized and inept to play in the WNBA. But, oh the contrary. Walker, who stands a solid 6'1", makes up for lack of height in her ability to rebound and score. She is a human double double machine and has had to carry the load for the Cal Bears while Hampton and Ndaiye are out. She has shown she has what it takes.

Megan Frazee (Liberty) 
The WNBA has seen very few Megan Frazee's lately. Frazee brings a unique skillset to the table. This is a girl who is legit from the perimeter and can shoot with the best of them. However, at  6'3", she may be expected to play more post in the pros. But she can handle it. she's got an ideal pro body and is a great rebounder and defender at the post positions. You may not hear a lot about her now, but you should in March.

Kelsey Griffin (Nebraska) 
Talk about a diamond in the (well, not so) rough. Griffin may be one of the quietest players on the national scene, but if you've ever seen a Nebraska game, you for sure noticed her. She's very old school in her approach and is very blue collar. She's strong, yet also quick. She can rebound with the best of them, and has worked on mixing up her offensive game. Again, if you've done your homework, you know Griffin.

Ashley Paris (Oklahoma)
It's hard being the sister of one of the most dominant forces to ever play the game, but while Ashley Paris has played in the shadow of her sister a bit, she has shown she is just as valuable too. What Courtney lacks, Ashley brings to the table. Ashley is smaller than her sister by a couple inches, but she's quicker. Also, Ashley is much more perimeter oriented. Her versatility and knack for rebounding will help her in the pros. Most teams could use an Ashley Paris. She just needs to stay agressive.

HM: Star Allen (Ohio State), Marshae Dotson (Florida), Rachel Allison (Baylor), Kemie Nkele (UC Riverside), Robyn Fairbanks (Utah Valley State).