Player improvement 2017-18 season

It's her international experience that sets her apart, for instance in her U17 world championship run and her 3x3 experience, but even her "club" experience included playing against and with professionals.  She's a seasoned player who lives and breathes basketball. 

If had bothered to read articles quoting KM in the preseason, you would know that she made that statement about having trouble against small guards.  You're not paying attention.  And if you didn't see her ballhandling improve over the course of the season, then what was it that other people on this board who have been praising her improvement referring to?  And what do you think AG got better at?  Or do you think she didn't improve in any respects?

I’m not the one claiming AG is a better ball handler than KMc. 

This speculation is mostly fun. Predicting the starting 5 can be controversial because there is 8 to 10 who are talented enough to be a starter. This obviously stirs up debate. If picking the starting 5 was easy there would be no debate.

My thoughts on who is least likely to come off the bench from the guards. First Katie McWilliams then Mikayla Pivec next Destiny Slocum followed by Kat Tudor then Aleah Goodman and finally Jasmine Simmons.

KM has the leadership qualities and versatility that coach wants on the floor. She can even fill in at forward if coach decides he wants all 4 of the guards with starting experience on the floor. KM could even play post to put a super shooting 5 on the floor.

To me it is almost to close to call if the decision was between MP an DS. I gave the edge to MP because of versatility. She literally could start at every position except post. She might struggle some with height disadvantage at forward, but could fill the role. On the flip side DS would give the team advantages at point that they have not had in the past, so you would think coach would want her on the floor.

It would be a tough decision to bring KT in as the 6th man, but I am guessing this is pretty likely. She has done it before. There will still be minutes for her.

I think it is pretty likely that AG and JS will be coming off the bench. They both have a lot to contribute so finding minutes will be important.

Now the forward position. Taya Corosdale is obviously the returning starter. She has done nothing to lose this spot, but coach might decide to go with KM at this spot due to obvious depth and talent at guard. I am torn as to which way coach will go. If positions are followed according to the roster then TC will start with Madison Washington back up and Janessa Thropay next.

Predicting center is challenging. The defense coach uses is very dependent on an intimidating post. The value of scoring is beneficial, but not completely necessary. Last year was the first time coach had such dynamic scoring abilities at post since arriving here. I think Joanna Grymek will be the starter due to the ability to fill the role. I don't think coach will go with a small lineup to start even though this may put the 5 most talented on the court. I do think the small lineup will be used more. JG will probably get 20-25 minutes a game. I could see JT filling the role of post with success, but I think TC and MW would struggle. Of course Andrea Aquino and Patricia Morris will get playing time, but I don't think they will overtake JG next year. I do understand that the ceiling for AA and PM is higher, but the role to fill is intimidating defensive post because none of the candidates will provide what Marie Gulich did, next year. Interesting thought AA could literally sub in at every spot next year except point, except minutes would be harder to come by at all the other spots.

You and others talk like KM has proven leadership qualities, when in fact nothing has been proven.  The team deferred to Sydney for leadership, then Marie.  If KM had leadership skills then I would have expected something more out of her than the diffidence on the court that she has consistently demonstrated.  She does not, or is not able to, drive to the hoop.  She has never been vocal on the floor.  People seem to think she'll be all Pac-12 this season, but that's a pipe dream.  She's a senior, and to expect a lot of development from her at this stage is wishful thinking.  People seem to forget how they've complained in the past about her not being more aggressive out there, as a scorer and rebounder.

Based of his body of posts I'd bet the farm that Katie at least doubles his basketball IQ.  

Just because coach Rueck and her team mates both wanted her as a co-captain doesn't mean she is a leader, oh wait, maybe it does.