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ClayK · Posted: 08/02/12 11:28 am ::: Women's basketball: Guard play

From Australia to Croatia to China, it just doesn't seem that there are very many quality guards in the Olympics. Sure, some have looked good, but that's because, I think, they're playing against other ineffective guards.

Horakova, Mandir, Dumerc, Harrower, etc., all seem like they would struggle in the WNBA because of lack of quickness. They're smart and skilled, and would probably be fine offensively, but they lack athleticism and explosiveness even when compared to someone like Temeka Johnson, say, or Lindsay Harding, or pick your favorite.

It's not that the United States is blindingly quick on the perimeter either, but if that is the perceived weakness of Bird and Whalen, the other national teams are ill-equipped to exploit it.

Now, I'm not saying that Dumerc and Horakova, for example, couldn't play in the WNBA -- I'm sure they could, but they wouldn't be stars, and might not even be starters.

And I think the strong play of Angel McCoughtry is further proof, as she is simply a level above the perimeter players in London in terms of size, speed and explosiveness.

I'm surprised by this, really, as there's no obvious reason that there should be a shortage of perimeter players, and most likely it's just the cyclical nature of talent. But watching these Olympics, it's hard to locate a team that has the guard play -- three-point shooting, defense, ability to penetrate -- that's good enough to beat the U.S. The chances of any basketball upset at any level usually depend on the underdog having good guards, but I don't see that here.

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Michelle89 · Posted: 08/02/12 11:58 am :::

I think Birsel Varderli (PG of Turkey, Fenerbahce) could play in the WNBA. She and Zoll have been solid in the Euroleague the past few seasons and she has been playing well in the Olympics. I wouldnt mind her backing up Bird for the Storm.

p.s Horakova, Harrower are done. Mandir is not good enough. And i think its too late for Dumerc to come over

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"Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson were and are the dynamic duo. They're the one-two punch. They're all the clich�s possible to describe people that perfectly complement each other, who make each other better and also bring out the best in the team." �Karen Bryant

D-hoops · Posted: 08/02/12 12:24 pm :::

ClayK · Posted: 08/02/12 1:08 pm :::

Just to make it clear: I'm not saying that Varderli, etc., couldn't play in the WNBA. I just don't know if they are of the caliber that would improve the league.

Or, to put it another way, so far, it would be hard for me to agree with the claim there are several European guards who would elevate the league if they played in the WNBA. I think their experience and skills could make them solid backups, but they couldn't anchor an expansion team or turn a non-playoff team into a contender.

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Colerr · Posted: 08/02/12 1:44 pm :::

I've been impressed with Miao of China, she's averaging 7.7 APG, and she had a double-double against Croatia with 17 points & 10 assists. Looking forward to seeing what she does against Turkey & USA.

Joe Foss · Posted: 08/02/12 2:20 pm :::

I've been impressed with the quickness of France's Emilie Gomis, who's averaging 14.7 ppg so far. 28 years old, 5'10", but rather light at 135 lbs. She's listed as a G/F. Looks like she could give the US guards trouble with her ability to penetrate. She had very brief experience with the Liberty in 2006, appearing in only 2 games totalling 15 minutes.

Speaking of guard play, did anyone anticipate the problems in shooting the 3-ball the US has had? Sue Bird is leading the way, but is only shooting 27%. Taurasi is at 20%. I didn't expect those numbers from this group.

On the other hand, Becky Hammon is shooting 10% from 3. So it could be worse.

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ClayK · Posted: 08/02/12 2:52 pm :::

Gomis and Miao both played in the league, with less than spectacular results.

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Shades · Posted: 08/02/12 3:03 pm :::

ClayK · Posted: 08/02/12 3:31 pm :::

Becky Hammon, obviously, but the vast majority of players who don't show well in their first go-round do so because they're not good enough to contribute regularly.

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Michelle89 · Posted: 08/02/12 4:40 pm :::

RP · Posted: 08/02/12 7:34 pm :::

bullsky · Posted: 08/02/12 9:08 pm :::

Shades · Posted: 08/02/12 9:18 pm :::

SDHoops · Posted: 08/03/12 2:14 am :::

pilight · Posted: 08/03/12 6:55 am :::

I have not seen a guard in these Games who isn't already in the league that would be an upgrade over Ivory Latta, to pick a middling WNBA guard.

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Michelle89 · Posted: 08/03/12 6:58 am :::

I think i would take Danilochkina over Leilani Mitchell though

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"Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson were and are the dynamic duo. They're the one-two punch. They're all the clich�s possible to describe people that perfectly complement each other, who make each other better and also bring out the best in the team." �Karen Bryant

p_d_swanson · Posted: 08/03/12 7:40 am :::

Based on her current form, Korstin seems primed for a return to the desert...

jaye · Posted: 08/03/12 8:59 am :::

Michelle89 · Posted: 08/03/12 9:36 am :::

Richyyy · Posted: 08/03/12 9:57 am :::

JohnyK · Posted: 08/03/12 11:15 am :::

Cute thread, but, honestly, most of the top international (talking mainly about Europeans) players don't give a fuck about WNBA, they'd rather play for their NT and rest for a month or two or take the summer off altogether.

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p_d_swanson · Posted: 08/03/12 11:22 am :::

JohnyK · Posted: 08/03/12 11:30 am :::

vanyogan · Posted: 08/03/12 1:10 pm :::

jap · Posted: 08/03/12 2:08 pm :::

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