[PalmTree]

... I continue to be a Talana doubter; she had one really good contribution last night, which is that she passes the ball well (quickly & accurately) from the backcourt to the front court. But she's not a great half-court point guard because she reduces the spacing on the floor and is not great with entry passes & I think she's a below average defender even when fully healthy. I would much prefer to see Clardy and Swain start together, but if Clardy gets more minutes, then it's not a big issue and will probably sort itself out over the course of the season....

I recall from a couple seasons ago, it got to a point with Lepolo that opposing teams were not even covering her when she had the ball out near the 3 point line. She had massive space. They didn't respect her shot nor her ability to drive and create a jumper or layup nor dish off a good assist. If it gets to that point again this year it ought to be a red flag that we need Clardy or someone else in there instead. I recall a similar discussion back then, where it was pointed out that Tara trusted her the most to bring the ball up the court. But if that's all a point guard gives, with no further shot threat nor assist threat, not to mention any discussion of limitations on defense, then it just isn't enough to justify being the starter IMO.

I have lingering doubts about her overall play too, but I will say TL had two really SAH-WEEET long assists in the game - one to Somfai at the 0:32 mark in OCCard's edited vid, and the other to Swain at 1:32.

[PalmTree]

... I continue to be a Talana doubter; she had one really good contribution last night, which is that she passes the ball well (quickly & accurately) from the backcourt to the front court. But she's not a great half-court point guard because she reduces the spacing on the floor and is not great with entry passes & I think she's a below average defender even when fully healthy. I would much prefer to see Clardy and Swain start together, but if Clardy gets more minutes, then it's not a big issue and will probably sort itself out over the course of the season....

I recall from a couple seasons ago, it got to a point with Lepolo that opposing teams were not even covering her when she had the ball out near the 3 point line. She had massive space. They didn't respect her shot nor her ability to drive and create a jumper or layup nor dish off a good assist. If it gets to that point again this year it ought to be a red flag that we need Clardy or someone else in there instead. I recall a similar discussion back then, where it was pointed out that Tara trusted her the most to bring the ball up the court. But if that's all a point guard gives, with no further shot threat nor assist threat, not to mention any discussion of limitations on defense, then it just isn't enough to justify being the starter IMO.

I have lingering doubts about her overall play too, but I will say TL had two really SAH-WEEET long assists in the game - one to Somfai at the 0:32 mark in OCCard's edited vid, and the other to Swain at 1:32.