2018 WNBA Season; Canadians Achonwa, Alexander, Nurse & Bulgak
Hello Canadian Girls Basketball Family,
The 22nd season of the WNBA is underway, and there has been nothing but excellent basketball so far. I urge young players to invest quality time and focused energy into watching the WNBA this summer. You can keep up with the WNBA League Pass, follow @WNBA on Twitter and Instagram, and download the WNBA App.
I watched game film as a player at Minnesota, but I never really broke it down strategically. When I began coaching at Kansas State, my perspective on film changed as a result of sitting in meetings with coaches who were reading every possession, every player, and projecting offensive and defensive strategies. I learned to watch basketball differently; critically and with purpose.
Watching the WNBA this summer will develop your basketball IQ by helping your overall understanding of the value of intangibles such as angles, change of speed, and setting up your defender amongst other valuable concepts. You can learn new moves, develop your playing philosophy, and find role models and excellent women to learn from and to help you shape your journey.
Canadians in the WNBA…
This season’s Canadians in the WNBA include teammates Natalie Achonwa, drafted 9th out of Notre Dame, and Kayla Alexander, all-time leading scorer and shot blocker at Syracuse. This post combo is suiting up with Indiana Fever and play tonight at 7pm vs. The Washington Mystics.
2018’s 10th overall pick out of Connecticut is National Champion and Olympian Kia Nurse playing with NY Liberty. Kia had an impressive debut in her first WNBA appearance against Chicago. The team takes on the Minnesota Lynx tomorrow at 7:30pm.
The No. 10 overall pick from @UConnWBB, @KayNurse11 drops 17 PTS in her #WNBA debut! #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/de4sktaaED
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 21, 2018
Last but not least on the list of Canadians is 2016 first round draft pick Adut Bulgak who played at Florida State. She is bringing her All-American resume to the Chicago Sky this summer. Check her out in action tomorrow at 10pm against Seattle Storm.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bi7dpL_nqYF/
Players I’ve liked so far…
Aja Wilson – 1st pick 2018 out of South Carolina. They’re building her a statue at South Carolina, so I’ll let you do your own research on her.
Liz Cambage – Dallas Wings 6’8 C from Australia. Averaging 17.7 VERSATILE points and snatching 10 rebounds a game so far.
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough – Washington Mystics G out of Maryland. I’m impressed with the utilization of her length, speed, and athleticism. She also led the NCAA and set Big Ten record in 3-point FG% in 2016.
Allie Quigley – Chicago Sky SHOOTER out of DePaul. 2 time WNBA 6th woman of the year and shooting 59% from the field. She’s averaging 18 points so far; showing deep range, mid range and versatility so far but it’s all next level shooting!
Nia Coffey – Las Vegas Aces F out of Northwestern. Carrying over many Big 10 Accolades and somehow always at the right place at the right time. She’s been on the free throw line 15 times in the first 2 games.
In Case You Missed It…
Diana Taurasi – Phoenix Mercury; first player in WNBA history to reach 1,000 career 3’s in the 2018 season opener. She leads the WNBA in scoring with 7928 points.
Now the first #WNBA player with 1,000 3-pointers…we showcase @DianaTaurasi's CAREER THREES mix! #WatchMeWork pic.twitter.com/UsgPbnG6yq
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 19, 2018
Maya Moore – Minnesota Lynx; This player should be a household name in every girls basketball home. With her success at every level, Moore is the Jordan Brand Ambassador and is utilizing her platform and success to change the game.
Teams to watch this season…
Well watch all of them, but specifically the Minnesota Lynx and the LA Sparks. Especially if they’re playing against each other; both teams are stacked with experience and excellence and have built a rivalry over the last few years. The Sparks won the 2016 Finals on an Ogwumike buzzer beater in game 5. That series’ points total: Lynx 391, Sparks 386. In 2017 the Lynx took the championship with another one of Maya Moore’s clutch floaters. The 2017 Series points total: Lynx 383, Sparks 373.
2018’s Sunday’s Season Opener was no exception…
What a finish!
ALL ANGLES of @cgray209's buzzer-beater that won it for @LA_Sparks! #WNBAAllDay pic.twitter.com/m7W9cTSiWs
— WNBA (@WNBA) May 20, 2018
The WNBA is better than ever. With pioneers such as Lisa Leslie, Cynthia Cooper-Dyke, Dawn Staley and Becky Hammon, the WNBA has an excellent foundation and the road to excellence is being paved. If you’re planning on being next up, do your research. and find out who’s changing the game in this generation.
