WNBA rookies wrecking shop

Some might forget (well, not my readers) that the WNBA has a number of rookie stars not named Candace Parker are doing well this season. John Altavilla of the Hartford Courant and their impressive WNBA coverage touched briefly on the rooks making an impact.

Parker, the consensus national player of the year for the national champion Lady Vols, ranks among the top 15 in nearly every major statistical category after debuting with 34 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists against Phoenix. She became the first in league history to have at least five points (16), rebounds (16), blocks (six), assists (five) and steals (five) in one game.

Alexis Hornbuckle and Tasha Humphrey have fit in well with the Detroit Shock, the defending Eastern Conference champions. Sandrine Gruda, Kerri Gardin, Jolene Anderson and Amber Holt have made major contributions for first-place Connecticut, and Matee Ajavon (Houston), LaToya Pringle (Phoenix), Essence Carson (New York), Laura Harper (Sacramento) and Tamara Young (Atlanta) have played well.

“It’s the responsibility of this class to raise the bar,” Parker said. “And it is capable of doing that, just like we did in college.”

It’s likely Parker will win the ROY, but I expect Candice Wiggins to lay some claim by the time the season’s over.