2010 Power Forward Prospects
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Follow the Storm on Twitter for More NewsStormbasketball.com is taking a look at the top prospects for the April 8 WNBA Draft on a position-by-position basis. For the top players on the board, Storm Head Coach
Brian Agler offers his insider take as well as a comparison to a current WNBA player. Today we continue with power forwards.
KELSEY GRIFFIN |
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Key Stats - PPG: 20.3 | RPG: 10.4 | APG: 1.9
Bio: After battling injuries, most notably a foot injury that forced her to redshirt the 2008-09 season, Griffin had a healthy and dominant senior year, leading Nebraska to an undefeated regular season and winning Player of the Year honors in a loaded Big 12 conference. Griffin is a polished player who has been effective both in the post and on the perimeter.
Coach Agler says … "Great competitor. Has a great feel for the game. Extremely versatile post player. I just think she has great instincts - she gets her hands on a lot of basketballs, whether it's a rebound or a tip to a teammate. Can handle the ball in the open floor, has three-point range, plays well with her back to the basket"
WNBA comparison: "She reminds me a little bit of a smaller version of Lauren Jackson."
JACINTA MONROE |
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Key Stats - PPG: 13.2 | RPG: 7.3 | APG: 0.9
Bio: An All-ACC First Team selection and All-Defensive First Teamer, Monroe's length makes her dangerous as a shot blocker. She averaged more than two blocks per game as a senior and ranks among the ACC's top 10 all-time shot blockers. At 6-5, Monroe has the height to play center in the WNBA, but her frame and face-up game suggest she is more likely to end up as a four.
Coach Agler says … "I think she's somebody who has helped herself here of late, helped herself this season. Good hands. Finishes well around the basket. Quick defensively, quick in transition."
WNBA comparison: "She's a little bit like DeWanna Bonner frame-wise and runs the floor like her, but she's more of a post player; Bonner's more of a face-up player, though Monroe can hit the midrange jump shot."
AMANDA THOMPSON |
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Key Stats - PPG: 13.1 | RPG: 10.6 | APG: 2.6
Bio: A role player who complemented the Paris twins, Thompson has moved back to her natural four position and stepped into more of a featured role as a senior to help lead Oklahoma back to the Final Four. Thompson ranked fourth among major-conference players in rebounding and plays bigger than her size, but also has experience playing on the wing and is a quality ballhandler with a developing outside shot.
Coach Agler says … "Physically strong, great competitor, hard worker. She's a little bit of an undersized four player, but has great instincts. Physically strong, finishes around the basket, good team player. Excellent rebounder."
WNBA comparison: "Camille Little."
OTHER POWER FORWARD PROSPECTS |
Heather Bowman, Gonzaga - West Coast Conference Player of the Year as a sophomore, she finished her career as the Zags' all-time leading scorer. An undersized center in college, she has enough skill to play the four as a pro.
Shanavia Dowdell, Louisiana Tech - Named WAC's Player of the Year as both a junior and a senior. She finished her career as the conference's all-time leading rebounder and ranked third in the country with 12.4 per game this season.
Gabriela Marginean, Drexel - Romanian native ranked in the country's top 10 in scoring and free throw percentage. She was the Colonial Player of the Year as a junior and was Honorable Mention Associated Press All-American this season.
Nicole Michael, Syracuse - Led team in scoring and rebounding in earning First Team All-Big East honors despite playing just 25.7 minutes per game; averaged 22.3 points and 12.1 rebounds per 40 minutes. Has three-point range.
