PhiSlammaJamma
05-17-2000, 12:49 PM
Woo boy, it's weird to look at this after so long. It was posted on my comets site.
WNBA MOCK DRAFT 2000
CLEVELAND ROCKERS
NEEDS: The Rockers really struggled last year in the rebounding department. They seem to need some help inside and lacked the big bodies that you need in the WNBA to bang with the best. Look for them to draft a monster player in the second round. This will help the front court by cutting down their time on the floor and giving them more fouls to play with. They seem to have trouble with that. So who to draft in the first round? In the first round, the Rockers will take the best player on the board. Cleveland had a lot of trouble in many different categories, but you'd have to say that scoring was the biggest problem. A big time scorer would do them well.
FIRST PICK OVERALL: Andrea Garner - Penn St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 32
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WASHINGTON MYSTICS
NEEDS: The Mystiques are about to make the jump from perennial loser to a playoff powerhouse. And they are going to do this with one draft pick! They should decide to upgrade their front court with this pick. Last years pick CHamique Holdsclaw was a gimme. This year is a gimmee too. Their second pick is a no brainer. The Mystiques led the league in Turnovers last year so they need someone who can protect the ball when the other team presses.
PICK NUMBER 2: Edwin Brown - Texas.
ACTUALLY WENT: 3
She's obviously the best collegiate player availabler. Angelsa Zampella- St. Josephs is also a terrific ballhandler. The Mystiques will take a long look at Mandy Ronay for experience, but they have to draft Brown -- she is the best young player. She will win you five or six titles in her career.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTAH STARZZ
NEEDS: The Utah Starzz picked up Kate Starbird and will now look to add even more depth. Utah will be looking to the college draft of 2000 for a point guard first, and then secondly will spend a great deal of time investigating free agent players who will become eligible to be in the April 2000 draft. Many Starzz fans are concenrned about the point guard position, so it's likely they will draft a handful of little people, but they also have Dalma Ivanyi who has been doing well. People keep talking about the point guard spot, but Utah is OK. Look for a surprise pick. Or the best player available. Utah may consider Erica Gomez despite the fact that she hasn't played due to injury. She's a fine quality guard with potential to play in the pro league. But also look for them to go after the guards at Louisiana Tech. Tamicha Jackson, Grace Daley at Tulane, Maylana Martin at UCLA, Lynn Pride at Kansas.
PICK NUMBER 3: Tamicha Jackson - Louisiana Tech
ACTUALLY WENT: 8
She could team up with just about anyone and deliver.
PICK NUMBER 8: Chavonne Hammond, Vandebilt
ACTUALLY WENT: 44
Contrary to what everyone seems to be saying about Utah needing a point guard, I think they REALLY need an athletic two, three type player. They need a wing shooter/scorer type of player who will give them an athletic identity at probably the most athletic position in the WNBA. I think you HAVE to have someone to be able to match up with the Tracy Reid, Sheryl Swoopes, Chamique Holdsclaw types of players. The name that keeps popping up in my mind is Allison Starr out of Northern Iowa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA LYNX
NEEDS: With the addition of Kristi Harrower, the Lynx shored up one of their major weknessess. Now they must look to replace the althletic players that were lost in that deal. They got stronger through the trade, and bulked up, but need to replaced the high scoring Edwards. Minnesota had trouble scoring last year. This means they'll need someone who can light it up from the field. If I were Brian Agler, I would take the best college scorer available
PICK NUMBER 4: Jess Zinobile - St. Francis
ACTUALLY WENT: 62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORLANDO MIRACLE
NEEDS: The Orlando Miracle didn't lose a whole lot in the expansion draft, but they didn't have a whole lot to lose anyway. Look for them to take a very althletic player in the first round. Orlando struggled in the passing game last year. They may consider this a leaky hole and go after a passing happy point guard.
PICK NUMBER 5: Charisse Sampson, Kansas
ACTUALLY WENT: 25
Championship teams have experience. Go with a strong post player in the first round -- And hopefully pick up an experienced backcourt player. If Niele Ivey is still available, pick her . She's a great player who's loaded with valuable experience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX MERCURY NEEDS: The Pheonix Mercury got more athletic when they made the trade for Tonya Edwards, but then left her unprotected and lost her. So look for them to go after a solid scorer at the 2 position. After making the trade with the Lynx, they also lost a great deal of depth, so the remainder of the draft will be used to fill the holes before they leak. Pheonix struggled from the field last year. They must draft a high percentage player this year if they are going to compete, and perhaps return to the finals.
PICK NUMBER 6: Helen Darling - Penn St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 17
The Mercury should take Darling to replace what they lost, then Aubree Hamilton and Cortnie Ciacco, or whoever is still left when we get to pick again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTLAND BLAZERS
NEEDS: They will likely be this season's worst team in the league so they need to draft someone who can think positively, even if they don't win games right away. It's so tough to lose so many games -- you start thinking like a loser, then you expect to lose. These girls need to start fresh and believe in their improvement. Portland feels as though they have a great deal of size and athleticism in the fron court. Look for the Blazers to go after some backcourt help. They seem to draft local players more often than not.
PICK NUMBER 7: Nekesha Jewell - Grambling
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
She is an amazing athlete with specific talents that would fit this team well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI
NEEDS: Debbie Black should fill out the point guard needs for the year. So Miami will be looking to get some trees. I'd say they are looking for a quality Center and Power Foward. Brondello was a steal if she stays, but if she leaves, they must look to replace her as well. This team looks like it could be very emotional, and if they get behind on the road look for them to falter. They should draft some stable help in the backcourt.
PICK NUMBER 10: Adrain Williams, USC
ACTUALLY WENT: 21
The girl can rebound with the best of them. Plucking one board after another.
PICK NUMBER 19: Tanisha Johnson - Arkansas St.
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
She is a solid three point shooter who adds value to this team.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE
NEEDS: Everything. However, having said that, they had a wonderful expansion draft. With Campbell and Henning, Seattle gets an experienced backcourt with plenty of championship experience. Campbell can shoot the lights out from beyond the arc and will give Seattle an instant scoring threat. Henning is a quiet leader who fills her role on any team. Look for them to draft some big bodies for the paint.
PICK NUMBER 9: Latavia Coleman - Florida St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 48
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INDIANA
NEEDS: The Fever are excited to have a strong nucleus of players with Grubin and Stephanie McCarty in the backcourt. They have a strong perimeter game. They will now point their scouts toward the addition of big people that are currently playing on the East Coast. No home grown players here, the Fever go after some real talent and size.
NO PICK IN THE FIRST ROUND: Peppi Brown, Duke
ACTUALLY WENT: 43
If she is still there in the seocnd round, you have to select her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT SHOCK
NEEDS: Why the Shock left Brondello unprotected continues to be the league's biggest question. They will look to replace her at the guard position. The Shock already had trouble from the field, but now the loss of Brondello puts them at the bottom of the pile. They desperately need a shooter on this team. Who's going to be their go-to scorer? Someone's got to step up. Remember that Nancy likes to run the floor.
PICK NUMBER:11: Stacy Frese -Iowa St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 35
Nancy Lieberman-Cline found a diamond in the rough last year. This year she might do the same if she uses a second or third round pick on Susie Erpelding from San Diego. She absolutely shoots out the lights.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARLOTTE STING
NEEDS: The Sting were desperate to replace Rhonda Mapp last year. Look for them to do the same although they won't say it. They will also look to the guard and Fowards positions for more depth. Charlotte has a lot of technical fouls last year. That mean they will draft a high intensity player to join them or a cool head to lead them. You make the call.
PICK NUMBER 12: Rhonda Smith - Long Beach St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 46
Rhonda Smith would be a good pick because she is tough as a center and can score off the boards. She seems to be consistent and is not afraid to be aggressive. With two dominating stars in Andrea Stinson and Rookie Michele Griffith, a must is having someone who can consistently get them the ball as well as be a threat herself. What better way than bringing in a crowd favorite, and ex- Mississippi St. Player Angela Harris. If she is gone, I believe anybody at point gaurd is the way to go. With Stinson a point guard can compare to the championship mixture in Houston.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SACRAMENTO MONARCHS
NEEDS: Obviously Ruthie Bolton-Holifield is their heart and soul. And when she and Penicheiro get together these two are the best backcourt in the WNBA. This team is solid. They kept 8 of their 10 best players and of those lost, only Kate Starbird would have been able to grab some minutes on the court. Look for this team to get a little bigger in the draft. Thye want to run and score, but could use another post player for a post-season run. Sacramento struggled from the line last year, and was afraid to get to the stripe because of it. Perhaps a good foul shooter would improve their chances of not only going a long way in the playoffs, but would allow them to finish games confidently.
PICK NUMBER 13: Marylou Augustin - New Orleans
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
Without question, the Monarchs need to take Augustin in the first round. If for any reason she isn't available, they should go for Lisa Baswell out of Jacksonville.. In the second round, they should pick up a scoring machine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK LIBERTY
NEEDS: The Liberty may have survived the Expansion draft, but soon after they lost Lobo to another injury. The retirement of ... ........ and the injury to Lobo will alter their selection pattern. Look for them to go big this year if for no other reason than to have somebody who can hit the boards. They have the heart, but now they need the talent to win it all. The loss of Sophia witherspoon will hurt in a big way. New york struggled with rebounding lasy year. They finished dead last. Look for them to focus on some bulk inside.
PICK NUMBER 14: Stacey Thomas, Michigan
ACTUALLY WENT: 23
If I was the G.M. for the Liberty, I would get what I feel is the greatest all-around women's pro basketball rebounder in the world, and her name is Thomas. She is the big board player the Liberty need, She only knows one thing and that is winning. She is also great role model and a local talent . And, she's not injury prone, doesn't turn over the ball and has soft hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES SPARKS
NEED: On paper, this team is great. They've got some real talent, but they get frustrated against high scoring teams, and they lost the little composure they did have in the expansion draft. In the expansion draft the Sparks lost Grubin and will be looking to replace her backcourt presence. The Sparks biggest problem now is finding a backup point guard. They've got two young players, Mwadi Mabika and Tamecka Dixon that can shoot the basketball with the best of them. They just have to do their homework and get a solid backup point guard. I think just size and toughness is what the Sparks are going to need. Who's to say we may not make trade during the draft. The Sparks are very confident about their ability to go out there and beat the bushed and try to find two big people that can come in and help out with what they feel already is a very comfortable front line. They're looking for someone big ,some backup points and someone to pick up a little bit of duties for someone at the four. The Sparks led the league in scoring. They may be thinking defense.
PICK NUMBER 15: Stacy Clinesmith- UC Santa Barbara
ACTUALLY WENT: 30
I believe the Sparks need a true point. But for now, Clinesmith will do. In the later rounds, maybe Anna Kinne or Vernoica Jutras. These are just a few of the young players that deserve serious consideration. Let's remember pro experience means a lot, but never overlook a diamond in the rough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSTON COMETS
NEEDS: Coop and Swoopes are two of the best players in the world. And Houston's got both of them on their team! Who they no longer have is Sonja Henning and Kara Wolters. Both were lost in the expansion draft. You can look for them to draft a starting point guard with the first pick so that they have someone to lead the offense. Then they will draft a backup point guard. Will they continue to use Coop as the backup point guard? Or will they give Rizzotti more time than last year? The remainder of their picks can only hope to make the cut. Most of the draft picks will be used on big players who are mobile and quick. The houston Comets led the league in shooting percentage, as well as many other categories, so maybe they look to improve even more. They are always looking for more scoring.
PICK NUMBER 16: Jennifer Crow - Oklahoma St.
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
This girl can flat out score and loves to shoot the three. She's not a point guard, but hey, we've got Arcain.
------------------
humble, but hungry.
WNBA MOCK DRAFT 2000
CLEVELAND ROCKERS
NEEDS: The Rockers really struggled last year in the rebounding department. They seem to need some help inside and lacked the big bodies that you need in the WNBA to bang with the best. Look for them to draft a monster player in the second round. This will help the front court by cutting down their time on the floor and giving them more fouls to play with. They seem to have trouble with that. So who to draft in the first round? In the first round, the Rockers will take the best player on the board. Cleveland had a lot of trouble in many different categories, but you'd have to say that scoring was the biggest problem. A big time scorer would do them well.
FIRST PICK OVERALL: Andrea Garner - Penn St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 32
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
WASHINGTON MYSTICS
NEEDS: The Mystiques are about to make the jump from perennial loser to a playoff powerhouse. And they are going to do this with one draft pick! They should decide to upgrade their front court with this pick. Last years pick CHamique Holdsclaw was a gimme. This year is a gimmee too. Their second pick is a no brainer. The Mystiques led the league in Turnovers last year so they need someone who can protect the ball when the other team presses.
PICK NUMBER 2: Edwin Brown - Texas.
ACTUALLY WENT: 3
She's obviously the best collegiate player availabler. Angelsa Zampella- St. Josephs is also a terrific ballhandler. The Mystiques will take a long look at Mandy Ronay for experience, but they have to draft Brown -- she is the best young player. She will win you five or six titles in her career.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
UTAH STARZZ
NEEDS: The Utah Starzz picked up Kate Starbird and will now look to add even more depth. Utah will be looking to the college draft of 2000 for a point guard first, and then secondly will spend a great deal of time investigating free agent players who will become eligible to be in the April 2000 draft. Many Starzz fans are concenrned about the point guard position, so it's likely they will draft a handful of little people, but they also have Dalma Ivanyi who has been doing well. People keep talking about the point guard spot, but Utah is OK. Look for a surprise pick. Or the best player available. Utah may consider Erica Gomez despite the fact that she hasn't played due to injury. She's a fine quality guard with potential to play in the pro league. But also look for them to go after the guards at Louisiana Tech. Tamicha Jackson, Grace Daley at Tulane, Maylana Martin at UCLA, Lynn Pride at Kansas.
PICK NUMBER 3: Tamicha Jackson - Louisiana Tech
ACTUALLY WENT: 8
She could team up with just about anyone and deliver.
PICK NUMBER 8: Chavonne Hammond, Vandebilt
ACTUALLY WENT: 44
Contrary to what everyone seems to be saying about Utah needing a point guard, I think they REALLY need an athletic two, three type player. They need a wing shooter/scorer type of player who will give them an athletic identity at probably the most athletic position in the WNBA. I think you HAVE to have someone to be able to match up with the Tracy Reid, Sheryl Swoopes, Chamique Holdsclaw types of players. The name that keeps popping up in my mind is Allison Starr out of Northern Iowa.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MINNESOTA LYNX
NEEDS: With the addition of Kristi Harrower, the Lynx shored up one of their major weknessess. Now they must look to replace the althletic players that were lost in that deal. They got stronger through the trade, and bulked up, but need to replaced the high scoring Edwards. Minnesota had trouble scoring last year. This means they'll need someone who can light it up from the field. If I were Brian Agler, I would take the best college scorer available
PICK NUMBER 4: Jess Zinobile - St. Francis
ACTUALLY WENT: 62
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
ORLANDO MIRACLE
NEEDS: The Orlando Miracle didn't lose a whole lot in the expansion draft, but they didn't have a whole lot to lose anyway. Look for them to take a very althletic player in the first round. Orlando struggled in the passing game last year. They may consider this a leaky hole and go after a passing happy point guard.
PICK NUMBER 5: Charisse Sampson, Kansas
ACTUALLY WENT: 25
Championship teams have experience. Go with a strong post player in the first round -- And hopefully pick up an experienced backcourt player. If Niele Ivey is still available, pick her . She's a great player who's loaded with valuable experience.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PHOENIX MERCURY NEEDS: The Pheonix Mercury got more athletic when they made the trade for Tonya Edwards, but then left her unprotected and lost her. So look for them to go after a solid scorer at the 2 position. After making the trade with the Lynx, they also lost a great deal of depth, so the remainder of the draft will be used to fill the holes before they leak. Pheonix struggled from the field last year. They must draft a high percentage player this year if they are going to compete, and perhaps return to the finals.
PICK NUMBER 6: Helen Darling - Penn St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 17
The Mercury should take Darling to replace what they lost, then Aubree Hamilton and Cortnie Ciacco, or whoever is still left when we get to pick again.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
PORTLAND BLAZERS
NEEDS: They will likely be this season's worst team in the league so they need to draft someone who can think positively, even if they don't win games right away. It's so tough to lose so many games -- you start thinking like a loser, then you expect to lose. These girls need to start fresh and believe in their improvement. Portland feels as though they have a great deal of size and athleticism in the fron court. Look for the Blazers to go after some backcourt help. They seem to draft local players more often than not.
PICK NUMBER 7: Nekesha Jewell - Grambling
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
She is an amazing athlete with specific talents that would fit this team well.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
MIAMI
NEEDS: Debbie Black should fill out the point guard needs for the year. So Miami will be looking to get some trees. I'd say they are looking for a quality Center and Power Foward. Brondello was a steal if she stays, but if she leaves, they must look to replace her as well. This team looks like it could be very emotional, and if they get behind on the road look for them to falter. They should draft some stable help in the backcourt.
PICK NUMBER 10: Adrain Williams, USC
ACTUALLY WENT: 21
The girl can rebound with the best of them. Plucking one board after another.
PICK NUMBER 19: Tanisha Johnson - Arkansas St.
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
She is a solid three point shooter who adds value to this team.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SEATTLE
NEEDS: Everything. However, having said that, they had a wonderful expansion draft. With Campbell and Henning, Seattle gets an experienced backcourt with plenty of championship experience. Campbell can shoot the lights out from beyond the arc and will give Seattle an instant scoring threat. Henning is a quiet leader who fills her role on any team. Look for them to draft some big bodies for the paint.
PICK NUMBER 9: Latavia Coleman - Florida St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 48
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
INDIANA
NEEDS: The Fever are excited to have a strong nucleus of players with Grubin and Stephanie McCarty in the backcourt. They have a strong perimeter game. They will now point their scouts toward the addition of big people that are currently playing on the East Coast. No home grown players here, the Fever go after some real talent and size.
NO PICK IN THE FIRST ROUND: Peppi Brown, Duke
ACTUALLY WENT: 43
If she is still there in the seocnd round, you have to select her.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
DETROIT SHOCK
NEEDS: Why the Shock left Brondello unprotected continues to be the league's biggest question. They will look to replace her at the guard position. The Shock already had trouble from the field, but now the loss of Brondello puts them at the bottom of the pile. They desperately need a shooter on this team. Who's going to be their go-to scorer? Someone's got to step up. Remember that Nancy likes to run the floor.
PICK NUMBER:11: Stacy Frese -Iowa St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 35
Nancy Lieberman-Cline found a diamond in the rough last year. This year she might do the same if she uses a second or third round pick on Susie Erpelding from San Diego. She absolutely shoots out the lights.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
CHARLOTTE STING
NEEDS: The Sting were desperate to replace Rhonda Mapp last year. Look for them to do the same although they won't say it. They will also look to the guard and Fowards positions for more depth. Charlotte has a lot of technical fouls last year. That mean they will draft a high intensity player to join them or a cool head to lead them. You make the call.
PICK NUMBER 12: Rhonda Smith - Long Beach St.
ACTUALLY WENT: 46
Rhonda Smith would be a good pick because she is tough as a center and can score off the boards. She seems to be consistent and is not afraid to be aggressive. With two dominating stars in Andrea Stinson and Rookie Michele Griffith, a must is having someone who can consistently get them the ball as well as be a threat herself. What better way than bringing in a crowd favorite, and ex- Mississippi St. Player Angela Harris. If she is gone, I believe anybody at point gaurd is the way to go. With Stinson a point guard can compare to the championship mixture in Houston.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SACRAMENTO MONARCHS
NEEDS: Obviously Ruthie Bolton-Holifield is their heart and soul. And when she and Penicheiro get together these two are the best backcourt in the WNBA. This team is solid. They kept 8 of their 10 best players and of those lost, only Kate Starbird would have been able to grab some minutes on the court. Look for this team to get a little bigger in the draft. Thye want to run and score, but could use another post player for a post-season run. Sacramento struggled from the line last year, and was afraid to get to the stripe because of it. Perhaps a good foul shooter would improve their chances of not only going a long way in the playoffs, but would allow them to finish games confidently.
PICK NUMBER 13: Marylou Augustin - New Orleans
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
Without question, the Monarchs need to take Augustin in the first round. If for any reason she isn't available, they should go for Lisa Baswell out of Jacksonville.. In the second round, they should pick up a scoring machine.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NEW YORK LIBERTY
NEEDS: The Liberty may have survived the Expansion draft, but soon after they lost Lobo to another injury. The retirement of ... ........ and the injury to Lobo will alter their selection pattern. Look for them to go big this year if for no other reason than to have somebody who can hit the boards. They have the heart, but now they need the talent to win it all. The loss of Sophia witherspoon will hurt in a big way. New york struggled with rebounding lasy year. They finished dead last. Look for them to focus on some bulk inside.
PICK NUMBER 14: Stacey Thomas, Michigan
ACTUALLY WENT: 23
If I was the G.M. for the Liberty, I would get what I feel is the greatest all-around women's pro basketball rebounder in the world, and her name is Thomas. She is the big board player the Liberty need, She only knows one thing and that is winning. She is also great role model and a local talent . And, she's not injury prone, doesn't turn over the ball and has soft hands.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LOS ANGELES SPARKS
NEED: On paper, this team is great. They've got some real talent, but they get frustrated against high scoring teams, and they lost the little composure they did have in the expansion draft. In the expansion draft the Sparks lost Grubin and will be looking to replace her backcourt presence. The Sparks biggest problem now is finding a backup point guard. They've got two young players, Mwadi Mabika and Tamecka Dixon that can shoot the basketball with the best of them. They just have to do their homework and get a solid backup point guard. I think just size and toughness is what the Sparks are going to need. Who's to say we may not make trade during the draft. The Sparks are very confident about their ability to go out there and beat the bushed and try to find two big people that can come in and help out with what they feel already is a very comfortable front line. They're looking for someone big ,some backup points and someone to pick up a little bit of duties for someone at the four. The Sparks led the league in scoring. They may be thinking defense.
PICK NUMBER 15: Stacy Clinesmith- UC Santa Barbara
ACTUALLY WENT: 30
I believe the Sparks need a true point. But for now, Clinesmith will do. In the later rounds, maybe Anna Kinne or Vernoica Jutras. These are just a few of the young players that deserve serious consideration. Let's remember pro experience means a lot, but never overlook a diamond in the rough.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
HOUSTON COMETS
NEEDS: Coop and Swoopes are two of the best players in the world. And Houston's got both of them on their team! Who they no longer have is Sonja Henning and Kara Wolters. Both were lost in the expansion draft. You can look for them to draft a starting point guard with the first pick so that they have someone to lead the offense. Then they will draft a backup point guard. Will they continue to use Coop as the backup point guard? Or will they give Rizzotti more time than last year? The remainder of their picks can only hope to make the cut. Most of the draft picks will be used on big players who are mobile and quick. The houston Comets led the league in shooting percentage, as well as many other categories, so maybe they look to improve even more. They are always looking for more scoring.
PICK NUMBER 16: Jennifer Crow - Oklahoma St.
ACTUALLY WENT: Undrafted
This girl can flat out score and loves to shoot the three. She's not a point guard, but hey, we've got Arcain.
------------------
humble, but hungry.