What do we think about Lucy's WNBA potential?

[LarryMullenJr.]

Interesting. Then you would say Kate Martin truly has that much more desirable talent than Syd?
Besides Kate being 1 in. taller what are the skills Kate brings to the table that Syd does not for the W?

Think Syd's recent 3P% is up there (46.4% on season) and her rebounding technique/strength is top notch.
Believe someone said the men's practice squad had a big 6'4" 220lb male who could not move her when she was boxing out.

View embedded media

Very fair points, and I would love to see her make a roster! I think KM was one of the more intelligent players I’ve seen in quite some time. Not always perfect by any means, but she was able to see “a half play ahead”. Knew where to be before the play even unfolded. I don’t want to use the dreaded “high basketball IQ” cliche, but knew where the rebound/pass/drive was going to go and got to the needed spot before it was needed.
I think Syd is turning it on at a great time and like I said I would love to see her make a team I just don’t think she’s known for/excels at anything specific other than being scrappy as hell.

 

[citizenHawk]

Kate Martin was creating her own shots in the 4th quarter of the Final 4 game with UConn. She looked every part of a WNBA player in that game. Not really part of Syd's game. I do think however, Syd has the mentality and physicality for it.

A good run in the tournament could really help these girls raise their stock in a big way, so it will be interesting to see how things unfold.

 

[Grumpy Old Hawk]

I know she has a lot of college ball left to play because we're going win the the whole damn thing, but I have to assume Lucy has some serious potential to get a look from the WNBA, correct?

Win the whole thing and you Trump the Clark teams.

 

[HawksGoneWild1]

Others here may be right. I don't necessarily see it the same way. What I see is she's very close to a Kate Martin type with some different nuances.

Probably some nuances in the W I don't see that others can because they have more insight from watching it. Too much drama/politics for my likes.

Guess we'll have to root for another Kate Martin surprise if she is to be drafted. Otherwise, maybe overseas can help hone her bb craft and then maybe she can come back into the W later. Hopefully Megan G. can give her tips on that.

Good thing is she doesn't want her career to end here from the way it sounds.



Believe she does have a higher IQ than given credit. There's is some IQ that goes into rebounding. Think Ka$h Alexander will tell you that.

Believe Syd does have the ability to create her own shot. I've seen her drive to the basket many times throughout her career. It seems once she got her trust back in her knee this year, she drives to the basketball 2+ times a game for a basket. She doesn't seemed scared at all to do it.

Here's one late in a March Madness game last year. Granted it's not against UConn, but WV was touted as a defensive team. Thus, the low score with only a couple mins left in the game. Again, it may be Syd's height that maybe she can't do this in the W.



That video was embedded in this article commentary on it.
"The score was tied. A little more than two minutes remained. West Virginia held the ball — and momentum. Carver-Hawkeye Arena held its breath.

Following a block by Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall, the Hawkeyes recovered possession. Caitlin Clark stood nearby, ready to decide if her senior season would continue.

She put her hands up, asking for the ball. It didn’t arrive. So, the greatest scorer in Division I history extended both her arms as high as possible, begging to deliver another unforgettable 3-point dagger in her final home game.

“I thought they had left me in transition,” Clark said. “I was kind of all alone just standing there.”

Thousands looked to Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

“I saw the opportunity,” Affolter said. “I knew I was taking that to the hole.”"

Sydney Affolter ignored Caitlin Clark and saved Iowa’s March Madness run

Thousands looked to Caitlin Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

nypost.com

"Sydney Affolter scored Iowa's biggest basket in NCAA win over West Virginia"

Sydney Affolter scored Iowa's biggest basket in NCAA win over West Virginia

The Hawkeyes junior scored 13 points in a 64-54 win against West Virginia.

www.hawkcentral.com

The GOAT watched Sydney Affolter take the bull by the horns in Iowa’s 2nd-round NCAA win
"Sydney Affolter made Iowa’s only basket of the fourth quarter Monday night against West Virginia’s ruthless defense. The biggest basket of the game is what it was."

The GOAT watched Sydney Affolter take the bull by the horns in Iowa’s 2nd-round win

Sydney Affolter made Iowa’s only basket of the fourth quarter Monday night against West Virginia’s ruthless defense. The biggest basket of the game is what it was.

www.thegazette.com

Sydney Affolter fights off defender for and-1 Sydney Affolter fights off defender for and-1



Guess she needs some more big time buckets like this in late mins to get her over the hump like Kate did it.

 

[cmhawks99]

Others here may be right. I don't necessarily see it the same way. What I see is she's very close to a Kate Martin type with some different nuances.

Probably some nuances in the W I don't see that others can because they have more insight from watching it. Too much drama/politics for my likes.

Guess we'll have to root for another Kate Martin surprise if she is to be drafted. Otherwise, maybe overseas can help hone her bb craft and then maybe she can come back into the W later. Hopefully Megan G. can give her tips on that.

Good thing is she doesn't want her career to end here from the way it sounds.

View embedded media

Believe she does have a higher IQ than given credit. There's is some IQ that goes into rebounding. Think Ka$h Alexander will tell you that.

Believe Syd does have the ability to create her own shot. I've seen her drive to the basket many times throughout her career. It seems once she got her trust back in her knee this year, she drives to the basketball 2+ times a game for a basket. She doesn't seemed scared at all to do it.

Here's one late in a March Madness game last year. Granted it's not against UConn, but WV was touted as a defensive team. Thus, the low score with only a couple mins left in the game. Again, it may be Syd's height that maybe she can't do this in the W.

View embedded media

That video was embedded in this article commentary on it.
"The score was tied. A little more than two minutes remained. West Virginia held the ball — and momentum. Carver-Hawkeye Arena held its breath.

Following a block by Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall, the Hawkeyes recovered possession. Caitlin Clark stood nearby, ready to decide if her senior season would continue.

She put her hands up, asking for the ball. It didn’t arrive. So, the greatest scorer in Division I history extended both her arms as high as possible, begging to deliver another unforgettable 3-point dagger in her final home game.

“I thought they had left me in transition,” Clark said. “I was kind of all alone just standing there.”

Thousands looked to Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

“I saw the opportunity,” Affolter said. “I knew I was taking that to the hole.”"

Sydney Affolter ignored Caitlin Clark and saved Iowa’s March Madness run

Thousands looked to Caitlin Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

nypost.com

"Sydney Affolter scored Iowa's biggest basket in NCAA win over West Virginia"

Sydney Affolter scored Iowa's biggest basket in NCAA win over West Virginia

The Hawkeyes junior scored 13 points in a 64-54 win against West Virginia.

www.hawkcentral.com

The GOAT watched Sydney Affolter take the bull by the horns in Iowa’s 2nd-round NCAA win
"Sydney Affolter made Iowa’s only basket of the fourth quarter Monday night against West Virginia’s ruthless defense. The biggest basket of the game is what it was."

The GOAT watched Sydney Affolter take the bull by the horns in Iowa’s 2nd-round win

Sydney Affolter made Iowa’s only basket of the fourth quarter Monday night against West Virginia’s ruthless defense. The biggest basket of the game is what it was.

www.thegazette.com

Sydney Affolter fights off defender for and-1 Sydney Affolter fights off defender for and-1

View embedded media

Guess she needs some more big time buckets like this in late mins to get her over the hump like Kate did it.

Good stuff brother

 

[UpstreamHawkeye]

Here's one late in a March Madness game last year. Granted it's not against UConn, but WV was touted as a defensive team. Thus, the low score with only a couple mins left in the game. Again, it may be Syd's height that maybe she can't do this in the W.

View embedded media

That video was embedded in this article commentary on it.
"The score was tied. A little more than two minutes remained. West Virginia held the ball — and momentum. Carver-Hawkeye Arena held its breath.

Following a block by Iowa’s Gabbie Marshall, the Hawkeyes recovered possession. Caitlin Clark stood nearby, ready to decide if her senior season would continue.

She put her hands up, asking for the ball. It didn’t arrive. So, the greatest scorer in Division I history extended both her arms as high as possible, begging to deliver another unforgettable 3-point dagger in her final home game.

“I thought they had left me in transition,” Clark said. “I was kind of all alone just standing there.”

Thousands looked to Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

“I saw the opportunity,” Affolter said. “I knew I was taking that to the hole.”"

Sydney Affolter ignored Caitlin Clark and saved Iowa’s March Madness run

Thousands looked to Caitlin Clark. Sydney Affolter looked at the rim.

nypost.com

NY Post went for the high drama angle. A good one, I'll say!

 

[citizenHawk]

NY Post went for the high drama angle. A good one, I'll say!

That was a spectacular play by both Marshall and Affolter. *

Hannah Stuelke fought like a warrior on defense in that 4th quarter. That WV player should have been tossed out for the sh*t going down under their basket.

*Gotta say, we were all AJE when that play went down.

 

[kceasthawk]

Interesting. Then you would say Kate Martin truly has that much more desirable talent than Syd?
Besides Kate being 1 in. taller what are the skills Kate brings to the table that Syd does not for the W?

Think Syd's recent 3P% is up there (46.4% on season) and her rebounding technique/strength is top notch.
Believe someone said the men's practice squad had a big 6'4" 220lb male who could not move her when she was boxing out.

View embedded media

All true, BUT being 5'11" and being basically a forward will make it rough. I'll say this, and I sure some will disagree but I like Syds and Lucy's chances better then Hannahs, UNLESS she develops that jump shot, because she won't be able to play on the block in the league. Someone called her a "poor mans Angel Reese". The difference is Reese will get you 10-15 boards EVERY single night, come Hell or high water....

 

[cmhawks99]

All true, BUT being 5'11" and being basically a forward will make it rough. I'll say this, and I sure some will disagree but I like Syds and Lucy's chances better then Hannahs, UNLESS she develops that jump shot, because she won't be able to play on the block in the league. Someone called her a "poor mans Angel Reese". The difference is Reese will get you 10-15 boards EVERY single night, come Hell or high water....

Absolutely 100% agreed on all accounts and HS is one of my favs. 6-2 Athletic forwards who can’t shoot are less valuable than 6ft guards who can’t shoot but can guard 4 spots, 6-2 and under…..”Kylie” and Kylie ain’t gonna make it either.

And AR is one of the best natural rebounders I’ve ever seen.

 

[cmhawks99]

All true, BUT being 5'11" and being basically a forward will make it rough. I'll say this, and I sure some will disagree but I like Syds and Lucy's chances better then Hannahs, UNLESS she develops that jump shot, because she won't be able to play on the block in the league. Someone called her a "poor mans Angel Reese". The difference is Reese will get you 10-15 boards EVERY single night, come Hell or high water....

Incidentally, Aneesa Morrow is a poor man‘s angel Reese, 2 inches shorter but better athleticism and I think better offense

 

[littlez]

All true, BUT being 5'11" and being basically a forward will make it rough. I'll say this, and I sure some will disagree but I like Syds and Lucy's chances better then Hannahs, UNLESS she develops that jump shot, because she won't be able to play on the block in the league. Someone called her a "poor mans Angel Reese". The difference is Reese will get you 10-15 boards EVERY single night, come Hell or high water....

And Angel is pretty damn good on D.

 

[littlez]

Incidentally, Aneesa Morrow is a poor man‘s angel Reese, 2 inches shorter but better athleticism and I think better offense

I think while Morrow is great in college only being 6-1 in the the W is going to be a real problem for her. Not quick enough to play the 3 and 6-1 in the W is small for a Power Forward.

 

[citizenHawk]

The point will always remain: Angel Reese gets a ton of rebounds after her own misses. Hannah at least had the self awareness (or integrity) to own that in her stat line for the Wisconsin game.

Angel Reese is a poor woman's Angel Reese.

 

[cmhawks99]

I think while Morrow is great in college only being 6-1 in the the W is going to be a real problem for her. Not quick enough to play the 3 and 6-1 in the W is small for a Power Forward.

Phee is only 6-1, that’s a high bar of course

 

[littlez]

Phee is only 6-1, that’s a high bar of course

Phee has a way better all around game, much better athleticism and much quicker. She can play 3 positions. Just my opinion.

 

[cmhawks99]

Phee has a way better all around game, much better athleticism and much quicker. She can play 3 positions. Just my opinion.

Mostly agree, better skills for sure, not sure she’s a better athlete. Hannah has crazy bounce and quickness.

 

[littlez]

Mostly agree, better skills for sure, not sure she’s a better athlete. Hannah has crazy bounce and quickness.

Thought we were talking about Morrow?

 

[cmhawks99]

Thought we were talking about Morrow?

Funny you said that I was buttoning some things up at my office when I picked up my phone and responded to that and I got about 100 yards down the road and I’m like wait a minute we were talking about Morrow😂

 

[HawkDoggy]

That would be awesome, however, she’ll be very fortunate to get drafted late 2nd

We disagree....that's OK. I'll stick with my opinion that she gets drafted late in the first round (first round nonetheless). You seem like a guy that will stand strong behind your opinion that she'll be "lucky" to get drafted "late" in the 2nd round. Let's keep this alive (for fun) and place a decent wager on this. We'll see how our "predictions" age. I'll let you propose an amount.

@kceasthawk.....why don't you join the wager too! I mean....especially since you seem so infatuated with me. Weirdo.

 

[cmhawks99]

We disagree....that's OK. I'll stick with my opinion that she gets drafted late in the first round (first round nonetheless). You seem like a guy that will stand strong behind your opinion that she'll be "lucky" to get drafted "late" in the 2nd round. Let's keep this alive (for fun) and place a decent wager on this. We'll see how our "predictions" age. I'll let you propose an amount.

@kceasthawk.....why don't you join the wager too! I mean....especially since you seem so infatuated with me. Weirdo.

Meh…stand strong is an odd flex. I love Lucy, super happy she’s part of the Iowa family and I have defended her and her infectious smile (remember, some of these dopes suggested she didn’t care enough because she was always smiling) many times.

I’ve never been one to wager against “former Hawkeyes“ and if you’re confusing me with some of these super fan/haters, you know they’re “super fans“ because they just want what’s best for the team, the WIN. Then you’ve missed the boat, and you’ve missed it with @kceasthawk as well. I would consider myself positive but pragmatic above all else and I would assume kceast would consider himself similarly.

I will be extremely happy to be wrong, but you’ll note she hasn’t showed up anywhere near the first round in one single mock draft, and I’ve garnered enough knowledge in a years worth of viewing and reading and digging into the WNBA to know that she does not fit the fly off the shelf model.

 

[HawkDoggy]

Meh…stand strong is an odd flex. I love Lucy, super happy she’s part of the Iowa family and I have defended her and her infectious smile (remember, some of these dopes suggested she didn’t care enough because she was always smiling) many times.

I’ve never been one to wager against “former Hawkeyes“ and if you’re confusing me with some of these super fan/haters, you know they’re “super fans“ because they just want what’s best for the team, the WIN. Then you’ve missed the boat, and you’ve missed it with @kceasthawk as well. I would consider myself positive but pragmatic above all else and I would assume kceast would consider himself similarly.

I will be extremely happy to be wrong, but you’ll note she hasn’t showed up anywhere near the first round in one single mock draft, and I’ve garnered enough knowledge in a years worth of viewing and reading and digging into the WNBA to know that she does not fit the fly off the shelf model.

"Meh" yourself....place/name your bet since you are so sure. You know....considering all your analytics and expertise.

 

[cmhawks99]

"Meh" yourself....place/name your bet since you are so sure. You know....considering all your analytics and expertise.

Whoa…this took a turn. You be you cuz, and I’ll be me. I’m not capable of being pressured, bullied or embarrassed.

 

[cmhawks99]

I will add, I just read an article postulating Fudd/Bueckers, others could pull out of this years draft because the collective bargaining agreement the following year.

If that happens and players start pulling out wholesale, who knows who might be drafted in the first round

 

[cmhawks99]

Although if that happens and if for instance they change the draft scenarios for women, Paige might find herself not the #1 draft pick

 

[herkyhawk00]

I think Lucy is one of the best mid range shooters I have seen. I would definitely like to see her get a shot.

 

[HawkDoggy]

Whoa…this took a turn. You be you cuz, and I’ll be me. I’m not capable of being pressured, bullied or embarrassed.

Just what I thought. Pussy.

 

[cmhawks99]

Just what I thought. Pussy.

Once again, that kind of stuff don’t work with me

 

[SCHawkFan]

I will add, I just read an article postulating Fudd/Bueckers, others could pull out of this years draft because the collective bargaining agreement the following year.

If that happens and players start pulling out wholesale, who knows who might be drafted in the first round

Paige already makes good money as a college player. Spending another year in college would not hurt her financially, but, as you said, maybe another player jumps her as the number one pick. Plus, the new CBA might allow college players to leave school early which means Juju might be able to enter the 2026 draft.

 

[cmhawks99]

Paige already makes good money as a college player. Spending another year in college would not hurt her financially, but, as you said, maybe another player jumps her as the number one pick. Plus, the new CBA might allow college players to leave school early which means Juju might be able to enter the 2026 draft.

Yes

 

[General Tso]

Paige already makes good money as a college player. Spending another year in college would not hurt her financially, but, as you said, maybe another player jumps her as the number one pick. Plus, the new CBA might allow college players to leave school early which means Juju might be able to enter the 2026 draft.

Especially when she transfers to Iowa for her last year

 

[herkyhawk00]

Lucy is competing and excelling in the most competitive conference in the country. Getting First Team All-Big Ten, she should definitely get a look at the next level. I think it would be a mistake for her to not be drafted. Offensively, she is a better scorer than Kate Martin who has held her own in the league. She has the best and most consistent mid-range shot I have witnessed in College Women's basketball.

 

[SCHawkFan]

I think Lucy is drafted and will have a shot. Now that she has seemingly added a decent three-point shot to her arsenal, she could make a WNBA team.

 

[FAUlty Gator]

The point will always remain: Angel Reese gets a ton of rebounds after her own misses. Hannah at least had the self awareness (or integrity) to own that in her stat line for the Wisconsin game.

Angel Reese is a poor woman's Angel Reese.