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With all the craziness and scary shit going on, basically quarantining myself just because, it always perks me up to see the grandboys. I hope it perks you up too!
The boys having a busy day!!!
And taking a little nap after!!!
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With all the craziness and scary shit going on, basically quarantining myself just because, it always perks me up to see the grandboys. I hope it perks you up too!
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UConn junior Megan Walker has declared for the WNBA draft and will not be returning to the Huskies for the 2020-21 season.
I'll admit it. I was wrong. I really didn't think she would do this and I said so in a blog about a month ago. Sad for the fans, but thrilled for Megan. She is going to be a great pro.
The latest mock draft has her as No. 6 to Minnesota where she would have a chance to play with Napheesa Collier!
At 6'1" and a strong WNBA ready body, Megan is the prototypical small forward.
With her improved three point shooting skills and her ability to drive and get her shot off with contact, I expect her to be quite successful in the league.
A walk down memory lane!
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A walk down memory lane!
Megan Walker HS Highlights
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If you read many of the post on the UConn message board and on Facebook, you would think Megan was a bench player declaring for the draft. At first I was just surprised to see so many negative comments about her leaving, but then I got more angry than surprised.
Many talk about that she is too slow to be a guard and too small to be a forward. That is just wrong. She is quicker than people think. And she is a strong player, strong enough to play small forward in the WNBA.
From Voepel in 2013 in describing the WNBA small forward.
"Need someone to mix it up in the paint? Shoot 3-pointers? Slash to the rim? Rebound? Handle a big scoring load or set up teammates or both? Defend players bigger or smaller or the same size? That is the WNBA small forward".
And that is Megan Walker.
Other say she has more to learn and could use another year at UConn. Well, I suppose that is true. But if you are going to be drafted top ten, why not learn in the WNBA and earn some money? I'm not even sure what more she would learn at UConn. She would maybe improve her draft stock by staying? But I think she is ready. And apparently so does she.
It just seems to me that some fans look at the three games against Oregon, South Carolina and Baylor and think that defines Megan and her future. I call bullshit on that. She had terrific stats this season. She showed what she could do. Fortunately, the teams in the WNBA won't be so myopic about her ability.
I could cut and paste all the stupid posts about Megan. It would certainly fill my blog. But they don't deserve repeating.
I'm so happy for Megan. She gave us plenty of thrills and pleasure over her three years. No, she did not disappoint me one bit. Her junior year she played like the No. 1 recruit that she was.
And when the voting is done, she will be the AAC player of the year, and an All-American. She is ready for the WNBA, no matter what the naysayers say.
And when the voting is done, she will be the AAC player of the year, and an All-American. She is ready for the WNBA, no matter what the naysayers say.
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So Megan is leaving UConn for the WNBA. It's true. How does she compare to the current batch of small forwards in the WNBA? What are the expectations for her in the WNBA?
Let's start with the expectations. Will she be as good as Collier? Doubtful she will be ROY with Ionescu as a rookie. But will she contribute to a team from off the bench. No doubt in my mind.
I tried to think of some players that came into the league that remind of her physically and with the same type of skills. The best I could come up with was former Tennessee Lady Vol Shekinna Stricklen.
Stricklen was the No. 2 pick in the 2012 draft and has now played 8 years in the league. I believe Walker was a better college player. Her junior year was better than any season that Stricklen had. But they both are very good three point shooters, with a decent handle and a strong body. They just seem to be similar players to me.
Stricklen in her 8 years in the WNBA, played for Istanbul overseas and made a terrific living in basketball. And only averages 7.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, .5 APG while shooting 40.5% from the field, 37.5% on threes. For anyone to think that Walker can't match and exceed those stats just doesn't understand what this young woman can do.
And please don't jump all over her decision when her rookie numbers are lower than what you think she should be doing. Camille Little, another 6'2" forward who just retired this year, played 13 years after having a rookie year where she averaged 3.9 PPG and 4.5 RPG. THIRTEEN YEARS.
Good luck Megan. Knock em dead!!
Stricklen in her 8 years in the WNBA, played for Istanbul overseas and made a terrific living in basketball. And only averages 7.5 PPG, 2.5 RPG, .5 APG while shooting 40.5% from the field, 37.5% on threes. For anyone to think that Walker can't match and exceed those stats just doesn't understand what this young woman can do.
And please don't jump all over her decision when her rookie numbers are lower than what you think she should be doing. Camille Little, another 6'2" forward who just retired this year, played 13 years after having a rookie year where she averaged 3.9 PPG and 4.5 RPG. THIRTEEN YEARS.
Good luck Megan. Knock em dead!!
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Over the next few week, I'll be posting videos, interviews, articles and general information about the players that will be added to the UConn roster next season and their possible impacts. Now that Megan Walker has declared for the WNBA draft, the new players are more and more important. I will also give my opinion on the returning players as well.
I'm so excited about the 2020-21 season. Great players and competing for a National Championship is in the future.
Paige with Azzi
No last names needed
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Great interview with Geno
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UCONN LINKS
Megan Walker's legacy at UConn UConn Blog
Huskies get more bad news as Walker enters WNBA draft Rep. American
UConn junior Walker declares for the WNBA draft SNY
UConn star Walker leaving for WNBA draft Hartford Courant
Megan Walker declares for 2020 WNBA draft UConn Blog
UConn's Megan Walker declares for WNBA draft ESPN
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I'm always open for suggestions. Just please reply to this blog or email me at:
Well said. Megatron is getting paid, which is the whole point when you are a top 10 talent... she was a great scorer and defender on a team that dramatically improved. She can afford personal coaching and now knows how to develop her own program and will be a fine pro.
ReplyDeleteDangerfield was a better college player
ReplyDeleteGlad you're back, Doggydaddy. I always look forward to your insight & humor. Happy New Year to you and your family.
ReplyDelete