Scouting the Top College Seniors with the WNBA's Director of Player Personnel

First Look at the Top College Prospects

NEW YORK � Just like they do every college season, the WNBA Player Personnel Department has been busy getting to know all of the college seniors. In fact, they have been watching most of the class of 2008 since they were freshmen and sophomores.

Of course, the women's NCAA season is just getting started, but it's never too early to look ahead to the 2008 WNBA Draft. Doing precisely that is Carolyn Jenkins, a former assistant coach with the Minnesota Lynx and now the WNBA's Director of Player Personnel. CJ will be keeping an especially close eye on these 20 young women this season on the college hardcourt:

Player
School
Position
Height
Notes
Matee Ajavon
Rutgers
G
5-8
 Matee is the leader of a very good 2007-'08 Rutgers squad. She is a tough and highly skilled combo guard who can defend and finish games for a team that has an excellent chance to return to the Final Four.
Jolene Anderson
Wisconsin
G
5-8
 Has been Wicsonsin's leading scorer all three years of her college career, including averaging almost 20 points per game last season. She has a scorer's mentality whenever she is on the floor, and is a good rebounding guard (7.1 per game).
Nicky Anosike
Tennessee
C
6-4
 Nicky is a versatile post player who has been asked to play almost every position on the floor during her career at Tennessee. She joins Chamique Holdsclaw, Tamika Catchings and Candace Parker as the only four Lady Vols to amass 600+ points, 500+ rebounds, 100+ blocks, 100+ steals and 125+ assists.
Essence Carson
Rutgers
G
6-0
 Essence has a tremendous work ethic and has become one of the better shooters in the college game. She is mature beyond her years, and is capable of handling even more of the scoring load for the Scarlet Knights.
Sarah Elliot
Kentucky
C
6-6
 Excellent shot blocker with good shooting touch around the basket. Led the Wildcats in scoring last season, and is their leading returning rebounder.
Sylvia Fowles
LSU
C
6-6
 Sylvia provides a tremendous low-post presence that has not been seen in college basketball for quite a while. She has a tremendous upside and will continue to grow as she gains even more experience at the next level.
Laura Harper
Maryland
F/C
6-4
 Excellent shot-blocking post player who has the ability to bang down low with more physical post players.
Alexis Hornbuckle
Tennessee
G
5-11
 Finished the season very well last year. A very good combo guard who can defend well on the perimeter and get to the rim off the bounce.
Charde Houston
Connecticut
F
6-1
 Charde has the ability to do whatever she wants to do on the floor, and with the talent surrounding her on this year's UConn team, she is poised to have a tremendous season.
Tasha Humphrey
Georgia
F
6-3
 Physical low-post player who has the ability to extend the defense with her 3-point shooting ability. A three-time All-American who is poised to have an excellent senior season.
Crystal Langhorne
Maryland
F/C
6-2
 Great low-post scorer who has a quick first step off the dribble. Has the ability to bang down low and take taller defenders off the dribble.
Erlana Larkins
UNC
F
6-1
 Physical low-post player that has excellent court vision and passing skills. Possesses a diverse set of low-post moves, as well as the ability to face up and penetrate to the basket.
Marscilla Packer
Ohio State
G
5-9
 Excellent 3-point shooter who has helped Ohio State win big games throughout her career. She will be in a position to assume more of the scoring load with the departure of Jessica Davenport.
Lindsey Pluimer
UCLA
F
6-4
 Versatile forward whose game is similar to many European post players. Has played small forward as well as the power forward position throughout her career and will have to assume more of a leadership role with the departure of Noelle Quinn.
Wanisha Smith
Duke
G
5-11
 Good scoring combo guard who can play all three perimeter positions. Will need to become more of a leader this year for a team adjusting to a new system and life without Lindsay Harding and Alison Bales.
Angela Tisdale
Baylor
G
5-7
 Quick athletic point guard who can create good shots for her teammates. She is also an excellent 3-point shooter and finished the season strong last year.
Marcedes Walker
Pittsburgh
C
6-3
 Physical post who is a two-time Big East first team selection. Played very well against 2007 champion Tennessee in the NCAA Tournament last season.
Khadijah Whittington
N.C. State
F
6-1
 Great rebounder who is quick to the ball. Has the ability to score down low against smaller defenders by utilizing her quickness to the basket.
Candice Wiggins
Stanford
G
5-11�
 Excellent all-around player who has extended 3-point range. A two-time Pac-10 Tournament MVP who has played all perimeter positions throughout her Stanford career.
Sa'de Wiley-Gatewood
Maryland
G
5-9
 Excellent ballhandler who excels in the open court. Will look to assume more of a scoring role for Maryland this year with the departure of Shay Doron.