How good is Pederson ?

[BrooklynSaints]

I assume Pederson will assume the role of Brooke Smith at Stanford.

Will Pederson Be:

A) As good as Smith

B) Better than Smith

C) Better in a few years

D) None of the above

[intelligenthoodlum]

The IH thinks that it will be none of the above. Brooke Smith was really a PF in size, but was most effective as a C in Stanford's schemes.
Kayla is a C in size, but will be most effective as a PF in Stanford's schemes, doing the high-post/elbow/short-corner thing.

[BrooklynSaints]

The IH thinks that it will be none of the above. Brooke Smith was really a PF in size, but was most effective as a C in Stanford's schemes.
Kayla is a C in size, but will be most effective as a PF in Stanford's schemes, doing the high-post/elbow/short-corner thing.

I guess Smith played PF last year. Doing the high-post/elbow/short-corner thing. Since this is Pedersen's natural position she may be more comfortable making the transition to college.

[scoutnwhoops]

Pedersen is simply a more skilled player. She does more things. It may take a year to figure some things out but I bet by her soph year people will be amazed at what she can do at the college level and moreso how she and Appel play off each other. With Melanie Murphy and JJ Hones having a full year under their belt, albeit injured, thrown in the fire or whatever, they should be a different but scary team next year. Just my opinion of course. Pedersen got the least amount of hype I think nation wide because she was injured most of the summer but look at her at USA U19's and you'll get why I think she'll shine there as bright as any Stanford player to date.

[BrooklynSaints]

Pedersen is simply a more skilled player. She does more things. It may take a year to figure some things out but I bet by her soph year people will be amazed at what she can do at the college level and moreso how she and Appel play off each other. With Melanie Murphy and JJ Hones having a full year under their belt, albeit injured, thrown in the fire or whatever, they should be a different but scary team next year. Just my opinion of course. Pedersen got the least amount of hype I think nation wide because she was injured most of the summer but look at her at USA U19's and you'll get why I think she'll shine there as bright as any Stanford player to date.

When you say as good as any stanford player are you including Wiggins. Do you Pedersen will be as big a star as Wiggins? If so that would be really exciting. Wiggins had a great freshman year.

I'd be surprised if Hones is ready by November. My guess would be Roz Gold although each time you reinjure the same knee it becomes harder to rehab.

[scoutnwhoops]

I think Pedersen will be a star. Wiggins is tough to fill but her WNBA size should create problems for everyone from day one and she's one of the hardest working kids you'll find too. Don't be surprised if she goes down as one of the best Stanford players in the class of Wiggins.

[jonnyss]

I'd be surprised if Hones is ready by November. My guess would be Roz Gold although each time you reinjure the same knee it becomes harder to rehab.

i saw jj last night at the coffee house walking with no limp and wearing no brace. of course that's not running, jumping, or changing direction, but it seemed promising.

[BrooklynSaints]

i saw jj last night at the coffee house walking with no limp and wearing no brace. of course that's not running, jumping, or changing direction, but it seemed promising.

If you remember Roz was not limping either. Roz was injured at the USA event in May. She is still not ready to play today.

You have to remember its more than just being able to walk without a limp, run and jump. You have to clear your mind of the fear of the pain. I've had two knee operations so I know what that is. That fear makes a player hesitant and prevents them from playing at full strength. At this level of play full strength is very important.