My Opals Commonwealth Games team

Saturday 28 January 2006

Several things to note:

* I don't believe in rewarding players for tenure.

* Related to the above point, there is a bias towards young players. I really think this is a good opportunity to give the next generation of players a chance.

* This is NOT a prediction. This is who *I* would pick, not who BA will pick.

Now to the team:

Starters

PG: Tully Bevilaqua

It's funny to think that Tully's never played at a major international tournament even after her storied international career. Even at her age though, she deserves a spot on the team because she is by far our best perimeter defender and is a solid floor leader to boot.

SG: Belinda Snell

She hasn't had as good a WNBL season as last year but she's got a great all-round game and her D has improved too.

SF: Trish Fallon (captain)

Trish still has it; she just doesn't bring it all the time. She has played well as of late though and her consistent shot, great footwork and veteran smarts are still of great use to the team.

PF: Jacinta Hamilton

Hamilton was robbed of an Athens spot. She has great post skills and potential but once again, NEEDS TO BULK UP.

C: Lauren Jackson

Duh.

Bench

G: Erin Phillips

The start of a long and probably rewarding international career for this star-in-waiting

PG: Jae Cross

Solid all-round but the main reason why she's here is because Vealy's only been back for a short time. Otherwise, Vealy would be in.

SG: Deanna Smith

Awesome breakout WNBL season and I think she's got decent potential at the international level.

F: Rohanee Cox

Another one who has had a breakout season in the WNBL. Some have questioned her attitude and work ethic but I think it would be a great opportunity to give her a taste of the Opals and to see whether she's suitable or not. She has great potential (possibly WNBA-calibre) and a taste of the top level may spur her to greater things.

F: Emily McInerny

Yeah, I've questioned her utter lack of offence but once again, a good opportunity to see how she fits into the scheme of things. I'd be interesting to see how her D translates to the international level.

F: Natalie Porter

I like Porter because of her strength and passing eye. She may be questionable on the international level but I'd like to give her another chance and I do like her a lot better than the stagnancy of Laura Summerton and Hollie Grima.

F/C: Emma Randall

Well posts are a bit scarce at the moment. Emma Randall has improved a fair bit since she joined Dandenong and I think it would be a good chance to give her a run. I have to agree that this is a bit of a dubious one but it would be a good chance to see where she's at and it may help her development.

Players who missed out and why

F/G: Katrina Hibbert

This is possibly the most "controversial" omission. Hibbert is a good WNBL player but I question whether she's of much value at the international level and there's nothing she brings that other players on my squad can't provide and the other wings picked can provide skills that Hibbert can't provide:

Fallon - veteran leadership, also has consistent mid-range shot
Cox - athleticism, slashing
McInerny - defence

So why Snell and not Hibbert? (since the two are compared often) Well Snell is stronger, has a quicker shot release and plays better D.

C: Jenny Whittle

Whittle has put up good numbers in the WNBL but that's because the post is REALLY lacking in the WNBL. Is she better than Randall? A bit but Randall is younger, has upside and will be around for some time to come. Whittle will not and frankly, she's a predictable player and can't really defend anybody on the international level either.

I think she will make the team though. I wish she didn't unretire.

F: Laura Summerton and F/C: Hollie Grima

I am giving up on this players - they have barely improved since they left the AIS. Grima in particular is quite infuriating: WHERE'S THE POST MOVES? Summerton's rebounding has improved since her stint in the WNBA but she's essentially a finesse garbage player and we can do a bit better than that.

PG: Kristen Veal

Veal's in good form but I don't want to risk her just yet when she's just come back from another knee injury.

G/F: Alison Tranquilli

Jan's fave but going on this season's form, does not deserve to even be considered at all. I have a sinking feeling she will make it though.

PG: Alicia Poto and SG: Renae Camino

Still injured or won't be in shape in time for the CGs.