WASHINGTON MYSTICS 30-1 I like Natalie Novasel and LaSondra Barett for the future of this franchise. I think the Mystics will miss Marissa Coleman though. She had a trailer load of potential. Langhorne is one of my favorite players, and I believe she'll put up similar numbers this year. Matee Avajon also did some stellar things in '11. No reason to say she can't do better this year. Aside from that, however, I see this season as a stepping stone toward a playoff season.
TULSA SHOCK 25-1 I want to see Tulsa in the playoffs with the picks they've made this year but I have to be conservative. I can only say that they likely will not be the league's punching bag this year. I believe that Glory Johnson will do the team some good. Both Glory and Riquna Williams could potentially win some big games for them down the stretch. Plus I predict Lynetta Kizer will be a force to be reckoned with in the future. But I think they need a season to gel before we can put them and postseason in the same conversation. At least a season.
CONNECTICUT SUN 20-1 I'm not saying the Sun will have a terrible season. I'm saying they won't make the playoffs. If I'm wrong I'm wrong, but I just don't see it any other way. They have youth going for them and Renee Montgomery is always fun to watch. However in the years since Katie Douglas, Lindsay Whalen and Nykesha Sales have departed the team's never impressed me as a dominant force in the Eastern Conference. I think Kara Lawson should be a starter and take the reign as captain if you ask me. They could use more poise.
PHOENIX MERCURY 17-1 With Penny Taylor out for the season with a damaged ACL, I can't justify ranking the Mercury any higher. The team has won or lost regardless of whether Diana Taurasi has a great game. When Taylor has a bad game they usually lose. Plain and simple, her not being on the floor will be a substantial debit. Everyone is talking about Ohio Buckeye Sammy Prahalis -- the only true point guard in the first round. I talk about her too. She had an amazing senior year and she has the legs to match the Mercury's famous run-and-gun offense. Those matchups against Lindsay Whalen and Sue Bird and Becky Hammon -- the best in the business at the "1" will tell the story. Yes, they did pick up Charde Houston and still have Krystal Thomas but I don't see them making the playoffs this year.
INDIANA FEVER 16-1 Tamika Catchings finally brought home her first MVP Award. As I said in an earlier post, the frustrating thing about her legacy in the league is that her teammates over the years haven't quite matched her intensity, which I realize is a great deal to ask for. Sadly, I think the Fever will come up short again this year. Bright spots include a healthy Briann January and an impressive big woman in Sasha Goodlett. I also like three point phenom Jeanette Pohlen, who played marvelously whenever Katie Douglas was on the bench. Aussie point Erin Phillips' performance during their series against the Liberty was brilliant, but she kind of floundered versus The Dream. What the future holds is anyone's guess. But I'd be surprised if they make the Finals.
SEATTLE STORM 15-1 I don't expect the Storm to do all that much aside of making the playoffs. There's nothing in the way of momentum after that heartbreaking loss to the Mercury last year. Lauren Jackson's history of injuries makes me too leery to rate them any higher. Plus, it is an Olympic year, so she'll be out for a good portion to represent Down Under. I think rookie Shekinna Stricklen will make a mark, but not enough to help take the Storm all the way. As a sidenote I don't think future Hall Of Famer Katie Smith will play beyond this upcoming season. Ditto for Tina Thompson.
ATLANTA DREAM 13-1 Why do I rate the two time defending Eastern Conference Champs so low? I think Erika de Souza's absence to represent Brazil in London will take some early steam out of the team that longer well after she comes back. Izi Marques has left, and I think the Dream will miss her. She was incredible against the Fever in postseason last year. I would have kept her and traded Armentie Price. On the upside, it will be interesting to see how Angel McCoughtry and Tiffany Hayes work together. The Dream is a fast group of women -- the East's version of the Mercury in some ways. Results could be very positive. As for their bigs, I always thought Allison Bales could have been a major factor given her size, but we'll never know. She has retired to enter medical school. We wish her good luck. At least they have Sancho who won some tight games for them in '11.
NEW YORK LIBERTY 12-1 This is where it gets tough. I think another summer without the services of Janel McCarville will hurt. Most Improved Player Kia Vaughn did very well in Janel's absence, but they don't have strong post up force. They drafted relatively unknown Kelley Cain who played for Pat Summit in Tennessee. She's 6'6" - a big body. Whether she makes a difference remains to be seen. Katelin Redmon of Gonzaga, the Lib's second pick and 36th overall, looks solid though. I personally think this team is getting long in the tooth and could use more youth anyway. Cappie Pondexter is still one of the deadliest two guards in the game, though her numbers were more amazing when she was in Phoenix. Having said that, I think they should do well, just not win it all.
SAN ANTONIO SILVER STARS 10-1 With elder stateswoman Tully Bevilaqua not getting any younger, I like the Stars' pick, Miami's Shenise Johnson, a whole lot. Ruth Riley's departure shouldn't hurt them that much. I see Tangela Smith contributing significantly. I also see Danielle Adams branching out even further in '12. Many say that she would've been 2011 Rookie Of The Year if not for her injury. I agree. Kid's got a sweet touch and plays with surprising maturity. And speedy Danielle Robinson is exciting to watch as well. On another note, I don't know if Becky Hammon will have the legs this year, yet every time I doubt her she surprises me. Not as big on Jayne Appel as I was when she was at Stanford but hopefully she'll surprise too.
CHICAGO SKY 8-1 I like the Sky's chances. I think new acquisitions Swin Cash and Le'Coe Willingham will compliment Sylvia Fowles very well. I look for 2011 steal leader Epiphanny Prince and Courtney Vandersloot to only get better. Plus they have the legend Ticha Penicheiro coming off the bench. If they don't make the playoffs this year something is definitely wrong. And yes, I'm going out on a limb and saying they'll make it to the Finals. I can't put a finger on it but something tells me they'll be in the Finals this October.
LOS ANGELES SPARKS 5-1 When the Sparks changed coaches, got Marissa Coleman plus Alana Beard, and nabbed the number one pick, which turned out to be Nneka Ogwumike, I said to myself that they would be this year's WNBA Finals Champs. But while I'm certain they'll do much better than last year, I think it'll will take a season for this new group of ballers to hit championship stride. A healthy CP3 and Nneka could do all kinds of damage if the chemistry is there. Candace is her own universe in many ways and you wouldn't want a crowded frontcourt to get in the way of her ferocious play. My crystal ball shows a memorable playoff round with the Lynx in September.
MINNESOTA LYNX 3-1 As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it. I think rookie Peters and veteran Brunson will be huge together this season. I look for Maya Moore to only get better. And the backcourt? No worries. Best in the league in my opinion. Did I mention they have youth on their side? They sure do. Coach Reeves has a well oiled machine. True, the WNBA hasn't had a franchise repeat in ten years (something that in my opinion hurts the league to a degree because it doesn't allow for rivalry), but the Lynx are as good as any to buck the trend. I only see the Sparks giving them any serious comp.
So there you have it. Disagree if you will. In fact, I welcome it.
But for crying out loud, let the season begin already.
- WNBA Jones
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