THE WNBA'S DARK HORSE PLAYERS

  

A STAR IS BORN

2011'S DARK HORSE DANIELLE ADAMS

 
The dark horses.  We all know them.  They're apparent in every sport -- players least expected to come up big who end up doing exactly that.  Telling from this year's pre-season, I've put together a list of such underestimated achievers.  Star players and this year's first round draft picks don't count in this list.  Those women are expected to do well.

 

  

ALEXIS GRAY-LAWSON

 (PHX)

GUARD

When we think about the Phoenix Mercury, Taurasi, Taylor and Dupree are likely to be the first players who pop into our minds.  But Gray-Lawson's 34 points against the Japanese team on May 8th could change that, especially with Taylor out this season.   At only 5'8" she plays much bigger.  It would be interesting if Coach Corey Gaines gives her a good amount of playing time. 

  

MISTIE BASS

  (CONN) 
FORWARD

Mistie's been in the league awhile with the Houston and Chicago but hadn't really made her presence felt.  If given decent minutes, she could contribute significantly to The Sun.   In just under 20 minutes, she scored 12 points with 6 rebounds and 4 assists against the defending champion Lynx on May 10th.  Not bad for the daughter of famous R&B singer Chubby Checker.

 RONEEKA HODGES 

(IND)
GUARD

Scored 16 points against her old team San Antonio Stars on May 5th.  Dropped 10 against them four days later.  Never heard her name mentioned before, but she plays with determination and could be very effective when Katie Douglas and Briann January are on the bench.

NATASHA LACY

(WAS)

GUARD

Sunk 10 points and grabbed 6 rebounds against the Sky this past Thursday.  Didn't think the Sparks would trade her but she did have her ups and downs and sometimes a particular team and a certain player are simply not the right fit for each other.  If her FT% improves, her contribution to the the Mystics could be very valuable this year.  We shall see.

MONIQUE CURRIE
(WAS)
FORWARD

Currie is back and healthy and after a disappointing season last year, the Mystics could certainly use her all of her talent.  She scored 12 points against the Sky on May 10th and went 4 for 4 from the charity strike.  With Marissa Coleman gone (a mistake made by the Mystics, I thought),  I'd look for Currie's production to increase, perhaps to career highs.

  

 
VICTORIA DUNLAP

(SEA)
FORWARD

Made an impressive showing with 13 points against the new and improved Tulsa Shock on May 11th.   No player can truly fill Swin Cash's shoes,  but Dunlap could play an important role throughout the season.   We'll see how Coach Agler utilizes her.

LAURIE KOEHN

(ATL) 

GUARD

First she was in the WNBA then she wasn't -- getting cut by the Mystics and then playing overseas for Poland.  Though Poland played poorly, she was one of their few bright spots, dropping close to 18 points a game.  Fast forward and now she's with the Atlanta Dream.   She scored 21 points, all from downtown, against the Shock this past Saturday.  This is a welcome surprise for Atlanta primarily because the team isn't known for their 3 pt shooting.   Looks to me like a welcome backcourt addition to Lindsay Harding, Tiffany Hayes and guard/forward Angel McCoughtry.

 

- WNBA Jones