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Take 5: Five Summitt Hoops writers thoughts on five WBB topics

By Blake DuDonis

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: UCLA Bruins forward Monique Billings (25) fights for position against Connecticut Huskies forward Gabby Williams (15) during the game between the UConn Huskies and the UCLA Bruins on November 21, 2017, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 21: UCLA Bruins forward Monique Billings (25) fights for position against Connecticut Huskies forward Gabby Williams (15) during the game between the UConn Huskies and the UCLA Bruins on November 21, 2017, at Pauley Pavilion in Los Angeles, CA. (Photo by David Dennis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /
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KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Muffet McGraw coaching during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 16, 2017, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee upset the Irish 71-69. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
KNOXVILLE, TN – JANUARY 16: Notre Dame Fighting Irish head coach Muffet McGraw coaching during a game between the Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Tennessee Lady Volunteers on January 16, 2017, at Thompson-Boling Arena in Knoxville, TN. Tennessee upset the Irish 71-69. (Photo by Bryan Lynn/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Question 1: Who or what have you been most impressed with thus far this season?

Brian Schwartz (@bschwartz): Crystal Dangerfield’s improvement. Lots of athletes make big performance jumps following their freshman year.  Though the season is still young, I can not recall seeing a player get so much better so fast starting in the beginning of their sophomore year. She’s showing the confidence to take and make NBA-range 3s, she’s played with assertiveness while also making good decisions.  She gained a lot of muscle over the summer and hopefully that will help her to maintain aggressiveness.

Jasmine Brown (@jasmined_brown)– I have been most impressed with Michigan. They are still on the quest to making the NCAA tournament after being snubbed last year. They have not slowed down since winning the WNIT last season, proving they are indeed legit.

Rhiannon Potkey (@RPotkey)-  I’ve been most impressed with Notre Dame. I thought it may take the Irish a month or two to get into sync for many reasons –  not having Brianna Turner (out for the season with an ACL), dealing with injuries to other key players and integrating transfer Lili Thompson among them. Obviously, getting Jessica Shepard eligible right before the first game was a huge boost. Despite her Hall of Fame credentials, I truly believe Muffet McGraw is underrated as a coach beyond the loyal women’s basketball followers. She continually produces successful seasons no matter the personnel or circumstances.

Arielle Chambers (@ariivory)- Conference to conference, I’ve been impressed with several players. Crystal Dangerfield has improved drastically in confidence from her freshman to sophomore season; it’s a joy to watch. Her shot is coming together nicely and she’s blossoming into a very efficient player. Sabrina Ionescu of Oregon is a walking walking triple-double. Right now, she’s covering everything necessary to stay an across-the-board player.  Asia Durr is exceeding expectations and putting up large numbers for her 6-0, 4th ranked Cardinals. And, of course, Aja Wilson is gaining the attention of professional coaches with her consistent, clutch performances. 

Team-wise, Notre Dame is looking very well rounded. I expect great things from them this year. 

Blake DuDonis (@Coach_Blake_)- There are a ton of answers I could go with for this question but I’m going to say the start that Louisville has had. Going to Columbus and knocking off Ohio State was one thing, but following that up with a dismantling of Michigan and then taking down everyone’s sexy Final Four pick of  Oregon? Man, that is a great start.

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