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2018 WNBA Rookie Report: Gabby Williams

By Ben Dull

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 12: Gabby Williams #1 of the Chicago Sky shoots the ball against the Minnesota Lynx on May 12, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - MAY 12: Gabby Williams #1 of the Chicago Sky shoots the ball against the Minnesota Lynx on May 12, 2018 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by David Sherman/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Welcome to the 2018 Rookie Report. This initial set of posts will give a brief outlook on members of the 2018 WNBA draft class.

We will discuss the answers these players provide to their new teams along with questions that will need to be answered for them to maximize their potential as a player. We’ll close with thoughts on what will need to happen for each player to get some playing time and offer thoughts on what you should be looking forward right away as you tune in on League Pass. (Advanced stats obtained via HerHoopStats. Read their glossary here.)

Gabby Williams

Round 1, Pick 4 – Chicago Sky

Age: 21 – Height: 5’11 – Position: Forward/Wing

2017-18 stats at UConn:

Chicago has welcomed in another smart passer and versatile defender who happens to also be one of the best athletes to come out of college in recent memory.

Answers she provides

  • A wing-sized player to take on tougher defensive assignments
  • Strong grab and go instincts
  • Athleticism and finishing ability in the open floor to get out and run with point guard Courtney Vandersloot
  • Polish as a passer and playmaker to face up from the foul line and make plays as a roller
  • Ample lateral quickness to dial up the pressure with their pick and roll coverages to give opponents a different look
  • Combined quickness and vertical to alter shots at the rim and on the perimeter as a help defender

Questions looking forward

  • Continuing to make good decisions with the ball against longer, more athletic frontcourts
  • Finishing at the rim against a set defense
  • Willingness to take open jumpers
  • Battling inside for position and rebounds enough as a four to maximize her offensive skill set

Path to playing time

Chicago’s roster has taken longer to round into shape with several key contributors still playing overseas well into the month of May. The Sky will likely keep a more traditional power forward. The team may be less inclined to play Williams at the four for extended minutes, at least early on in the season.

One thing to watch right now

What wrinkles will head coach Amber Stocks introduce to her offense with Williams in mind, if any? This roster is deep with players that can catch it at the three-point line, put the ball on the floor and make a play.

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