Lambert & WBCA All Star Game

[Bball Girl]

Sheila Lambert took a really hard fall in the WBCA game against the USA National Team. She missed a free throw and threw herself at the ball trying a) to get the reboud and b) trying to show her stuff and down she crashed. They took her to the hospital and the SA papers reported that she suffered a fractured tibula and a sprained ankle. I haven't heard anything further today.

On a brighter note..Crockrom did a superb job, led the WBCA team in scoring and Van Chancellor was quoted as saying that she went up several notches in the eyes of the WNBA coaches there. She made a couple of smooth moves right around Lisa Leslie and Swoops. She looked terrific. He also said regardless of Lambert's injury she would go in the top 8 in the draft.

Welle didn't play much, looked frustrated and lost when she was in the game. Leslie was just way, way too much for her. She should be drafted and will have another chance to show her stuff at camp.

[Press]

I was there too and was really impressed to Crockrum. She certainly didn't back down from Team USA--another double-double. I hated to see Sheila go down, she was obviously loving that level of play and was trying to show her stuff. I hope she's okay.

As far as Welle, I seriously hope she finds a way to make her game work in the WNBA. I know going against one of the world greatest post players (Lisa Leslie) isn't a good way to start, but her typical (right hook hook up and under) move didn't work. As expected, it was really physicial and she was frustrated and rightly so.

[Jennifer]

Dang, I hate to hear that about Lambert. I hope it doesn't hurt her draft stock; she has a bright future.

As for Welle...I've never thought she'd do well in the WNBA. I wouldn't be surprised to not see her make it, though I hope she does.

[cycofan]

While I would also love to see Welle do well in the WNBA, I don't think her style of play will work. When matched up against better athletes who play more physically, she doesn't do well (reference Chantelle Anderson in the Sweet 16 last year).

From what I've seen and heard, Angie is a good kid with a good head on her shoulders. I think someone will take a chance on her, and I hope she proves me wrong.

[Press]

I would love to see her develope a jump shot of some kind. With her size and skill down low, I hate to see that talent go to waste if her current style doesn't suit the WNBA. I hope it all works out for her.

[mred]

Originally posted by Press:
I would love to see her develop a jump shot of some kind.

Welle has decent range on her shot. Whenever ISU has the ball out of bounds under the opposing team's basket, ISU always runs a play where everyone is clustered near the basket, Welle steps back, the pass goes over the top to her, and she hits a shot from the freethrow line.

Unfortunately, as you state, Welle does not have a jumpshot to speak of. She can hit from anywhere (even beyond the arc), but the longer shots are always set shots. She doesn't put it up off the dribble like shorter players can. If I were Welle, I'd work on shooting off the dribble and ball-handling in an attempt to be a PF. A 4 who can post-up and rebound like her would be a great asset, but she needs to do a lot of work before she can be a 4.

[swok34]

I think Welle will have the opportunity to do well in the WNBA..
though I don't think her impact will be in her rookie year.

She will probably need a season or two of international ball to season her for the physical play at this level. I heard Jacklyn Johnson was playing really, really well overseas this season....

just never can tell, it's probably not quite the jump from hs to college as it is from college to WNBA, especially if you play in a physical conference, which I think the Big XII is, along with the SEC and the Big 10....next on list ACC, though I don't think you see near the physicality in that conference as the first 3.

[carolann]

I'll be waiting and hoping for the best with Angie Welle.

I think Jacklyn Johnson is going to have a solid WNBA carreer. I thought so last year though I was pleasantly surprised to see how quickly she earned playing time.

[carolann]

Re LAMBERT - I think it would be silly for a team to pass on Lambert due to her injury. There is no reason at all to think Lambert won't come back strong.

[Bball Girl]

I don't think anyone will pass by Lambert. Ralph, Catchings, etc were all hurt going into their rookie season. Lambert clearly has the skills, the talent and the guts to play at the next level. She showed that in the minutes she was on the court. Going toe to toe with Shannon Johnson one of my favorite PGs, Lambert was holding her own. No one will pass on that potential.