My USA U19 Picks

[glenn]

This is my latest blog entry:

http://www.hoopgurlz.com/my-usa-u19-picks

[BrooklynSaints]

Wow, You are really calling for a lot of changes. Your suggesting a whole new team. Only keeping 5 players from last years team.

Gone from last years team:

Jayne Appel - since she has a waiver does it mean a space is saved for her? How does that work?

Tina Charles - Injury

Nikitta Gartrell

Stefanie Gilbreath - ACL injury

Italee Lucas -

Khadijah Rushdan - I think this will be a mistake, Rushdan was a leader in assists for many games last year. I think coaching staff will remember this and pick her.

Brittainey Raven

I did not buy your reasoning for Bjokland. Saying she will eventually shoot. I would think everyone else you let go would eventually do something.

[glenn]

Well, I'm basing it on what I'm seeing and what the selection committee is saying.

I probably was unclear about Bjorklund. I've probably seen her more than anyone here, so of course I've seen her shoot better. She still is shooting as well as anyone but Delle Donne, Pohlen and Strickland. She is strong and can make plays.

The team being chosen now will play in a vastly different environment. It will be far more physical and the competition will be many times better. The U.S.'s weaknesses were not exposed last year because they ploughed through five undermanned opponents. It will be much different against the world's best. As I pointed out, my mindset was looking for toughness, shooting and more mistake-free players.

It's been drummed into the players' heads - again today by Cynthia Cooper and Dawn Staley - that the selection committee and coaching staff are not going to tolerate lack of discipline and anything less than the brightest attitudes. Lucas and Rushdan have not conformed to what the committee says it wants. They have made far too many mistakes. Rushdan also has shown lapse in effort, and everyone also has made it clear that won't be tolerated.

Appel's waivier means they still can place her on the team, but I think that will be difficult. I of course think she makes the team even better and more versatile.

[mygirlcanflatoutball]

I have to agree with Glenn,

Angie is as strong and tough as any point guard I've seen the past few years. She is so fundamentally sound and intelligent, one of those rare players that elevates the game of those around her. She can flat out shoot the rock with near unlimited range. She is a must have for his year's team.

[BrooklynSaints]

I have to agree with Glenn,

Angie is as strong and tough as any point guard I've seen the past few years. She is so fundamentally sound and intelligent, one of those rare players that elevates the game of those around her. She can flat out shoot the rock with near unlimited range. She is a must have for his year's team.

Well I picked her in my selections also. My question involved Glenn's reasoning which he clarified.

Question : Is Bjorkland a point guard ?

[ifyousayso]

Ok,so if we are basing the selection on the history of a player as opposed to the actual trials and their play against the others trying out...then it seems to me that we would be saying that players will be considered on the merit of past play as opposed to coming to the trials and just nailing it.

I do not believe this is how it should be. I think that their prior successes is what gets them invited,but, how they perform over the trials is what gets them on the team. Everyone trying out goes in with a clean slate so to speak.

Nothing against Bjorklund, but, if she didnt outperform anyone that is not selected for the team how fair is that?

[glenn]

Again, I'm not saying Bjorklund did not outperform anyone. I just remarked on her shot. She otherwise made plays galore - ballhandling, passing and defensively. She also shot extremely well during the Saturday night scrimmages. Her choice definitely was not based on history.

And, yes, Saints, she can play the point. She was a point through about her sophomore year in high school and essentially controlled her club team.

[ifyousayso]

Thanks for the clarification Glenn...I am sure the committee is going to have a tough time choosing from so many players that have so much to offer.