The issue of the number of ex-ABL players allowed into the WNBA caused an enormous contraversy between the league and its players. But while this issue that had threatened to sideline the WNBA's third season was finally resolved, it left in its wake a huge wave of now unemployed ABL basketball players, many of whose basketball skills surpassed their WNBA counterparts. Here is a list of former ABL players that deserve to take the court and my predictions on which ones will make the cut. For those that didn't get picked up this season due to the restrictions, GOOD LUCK NEXT YEAR!!!
LOCKS
Natalie Williams: 6-2 C Took home the ABL MVP award last season. Arguably the best center in the woman's game, there's no way she'll go without a spot if she wants one.
Delisha Milton: 6-1 F Powerful, yet smooth, she has emerged as one of the games brighest young stars. Look for her in the WNBA next summer.
Elaine Powell: 5-9 G A lightning quick shooting guard who can hang with the best of them, her explosive all-around play will earn her a spot.
Deserves a Spot
Katy Steding: 6-0 G/F Was in the middle of her best season. Could make a WNBA this time around if she is willing to play away from the Seattle/Portland area.
Sonja Henning: 5-7 G A hard working point guard, Henning played consistently and solidly throughout the season, and would make a nice point at least as a backup on any WNBA team.
Sylvia Crawley: 6-5 F/C Despite not getting much playing time in the ABL, Crawley has the height and athleticsm to make a WNBA team. Her dunks are crowd-pleasing and definite media hype would follow.
Others:
Debra Williams and Averill Roberts: 5-8 and 5-9 G Neither would be a starter, but Williams especially provides a big spark to her team. Unfortunately, both will most likely miss the cut.
LOCKS:
Debbie Black: 5-3 G Black makes up for any difference in height with a big heart and lots of drive. If she wants a spot, it will be hard to pass her up.
Tari Phillips: 6-3 F/C Often overlooked, Phillips could make all the difference for a championship contender.
Crystal Robinson: 5-11 G/F Though injury plagued, Robinson has proven herself each night among the best and is a lock if she wants to go WNBA.
Edna Campbell: 5-8 G Campbell proved to be a scoring machine, hanging admist Natalie Williams in the points per game department. Not only can she score, but she is an all-around great player. She's a must for the WNBA.
OTHER:
Alisa Burras: 6-3 C Played solidly as a rookie, she only has room for improvement. She might just get a shot, though she may have to wait a while for the chance.
LOCKS
Shannon Johnson: 5-7 G No way the WNBA can pass her up. With the exception of Dawn Staley, she has little competition for the honor of best point guard.
Katie Smith: 5-11 F All-ABL everything, Smith will easily find herself a spot in the WNBA as she prepares for Team USA.
Tonya Edwards: 5-8 G Despite also experiencing the pressures of coaching, her play never fell off, as she remained among the league leaders in scoring. A complete player who is a coach on the floor, Edwards will make a name for herself. Did we mention she only had 1 loss in the games she coached?
Valerie Still: 6-1 F Though she has taken heat for comments about the WNBA, Still's talent and personality is a rare combination. Her skills could easily land her a spot in the WNBA. Whether she wishes to take it, and whether the WNBA chooses to offer her a spot remains to be seen.
OTHERS
Beverly Williams: 5-9 G Because of a torn ACL, Williams did not play this season. However, with the Stingrays, Williams lit up quite a number of times. Another player who has a good shot at the WNBA>
Sonja Tate: 5-6 G One of the most underrated players, Sonja kept the Quest loose, but she also was a big spark. Often stepping up for injured players or players who were having off-nights, Tate has the ability to put on a show. Hopefully, she'll have a chance to show what she can do.
Angie Pothoff: 6-2 F A role type of player, Pothoff does what she needs to do, simple. A welcome addition to any team, but it might not be enough to land her a spot.
LOCKS
Adrienne Goodson: 6-0 F Great player all around, she has tremendous athleticsm and will become an instant star and fan favorite with her flashy play.
Yolanda Griffith: 6-4 C One of the best in women's basketball today, she took the ABL by storm. If you don't know her yet, you soon will.
Katrina McClain: 6-2 F Never reported to the Condors, McClain is one of the most powerful frontcourt players around and can definitely find a spot in the league.
OTHERS:
EC Hill: 5-7 G A solid role player will make a nice addition in a few seasons.
Deanna Tate: 5-8 GSpeedy and determined, she is another player who will probably be overlooked but would make a nice backup.
Ashley Berggren: 5-10 G After a terrific college season, Berggren never got enough playing time to prove herself. She's still young and with some work could emerge as a nice pro player.
LOCKS
Saudia Roundtree: 5-7 G One of the best points in the game, she was having one of the best seasons of her career. The only way she will get overlooked is if teams are scared off by her past injuries.
Venus Lacey: 6-4 C If she decides to play in the WNBA, she will most likely be picked up. Strong, tall, and powerful, she's not afraid to battle with the best of them.
OTHERS
Tracy Henderson: 6-3 C A talented young player, she's most likely in if the league wins the negotiations.
Michelle Marciniak: 5-9 G Struggled throughout her pro career so far, but she has a loyal fan backing and is one of the more marketable players.
Falisha Wright: 5-6 G Beat Marciniak out for the starting spot, but she probably won't get picked up because she's not well known.
LOCKS
Carolyn Jones-Young: 5-9 G Great scorer and all around player, she was one of the best in the ABL. Recovering from an ACL injury, but should be back to form soon.
Kara Wolters: 6-7 C Nice height, she has room for improvement but is a steady player with lots of fan backing.
Jen Rizzotti: 5-5 G Hustles for every ball on every play, she is a spark on any team. A fan favorite.
OTHERS:
Stacey Lovelace: 6-4 F Nice inside presence, she can block shots, score, and rebound. Has a good shot if the 52 players are selected.
Limor Mizrachi: 5-7 G Probably not going to be a starter on any team, but she is a solid backup type who played better than most expected with the Blizz.
LOCKS
Teresa Edwards: 5-11 G Probably a better player than WNBA MVP Cynthia Cooper, if Edwards wants a spot, she pretty much has one.
Andrea Nagy: 5-7 G Another talented point guard can make it at the WNBA's weakest spot.
Taj McWilliams: 6-4 F Had a great season, she is a real threat. Strong rebounder and scorer, but also has very quick hands. Hard to leave her out.
OTHERS
Chasity Melvin: 6-3 C Was on her way to Rookie of the Year honors. She proved herself against the best and deserves a spot, which she'll likely get if the league wins the ex-ABL player number negotiations.
La'Keshia Frett: 6-3 F Another player who will might be overlooked, she is close to a spot.
LOCKS
Jen Azzi: 5-8 G The only thing that could possibly cost her a spot is her feelings about the WNBA. If she wants a spot, her skills can earn her one.
Clarissa Davis-Wrightsil: 6-1 F She is explosive and can score- quickly. Has the talent to make it.
Kedra Holland-Corn: 5-6 G Very good all-around player who was becoming one of the top guards in the league.
Clarisse Machanguana: 6-5 C Really emerged last season. Ticha Penicheiro would like to have her back on the end of some of her passes in Sacremento.
Sheri Sam: 6-1 G/F Deserves a spot, but it will be tough to earn one if the players get there way.
OTHER
CHARLOTTE SMITH: 6-0 F Another player right on the bubble who is hoping the WNBA accepts 52 players.
LOCKS
SHALONDA ENIS: 6-1 F She definitely will find herself a spot after a great ABL career.
Kate Starbird: 6-2 G A definite fan favorite, Starbird stepped up big time with the Reign. It would be hard to turn her down.
Val Whiting: 6-2 F/C Often overlooked, Whiting was one of the top ABL players and is a great scorer and rebounder.
OTHER
Niesa Johnson: 5-9 G Really helped turn things around in Seattle with her play at the point. Has a chance, but will really have to prove herself.
If the WNBA were only to allow 24 players in, it might look a little like this:
Natalie Williams, Yolanda Griffith, Delisha Milton, Elaine Powell, Teresa Edwards, Shalonda Enis, Addrienne Goodson, Shannon Johnson, Katie Smith, Carolyn Jones-Young, Edna Campbell, Jen Azzi, Val Still, Crystal Robinson, Tonya Edwards, Saudia Roundtree, Sheri Sam, Kara Wolters, Jennifer Rizzotti, Andrea Nagy, Taj McWilliams, Val Whiting, Katrina McClain, and Clarisse Machanguana.
That leaves many of the most talented players out in the cold, so we'll see what happens.
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