For those of you in the dark, Brittney Griner is a 16 year-old junior in Houston, Texas who leads the area in scoring, blocked shots, dunks, and being tall. She stands 6'8" (for now), wears a size 18 men's sneaker, and has exploded onto the high school basketball -- and YouTube -- scene over the past year.
Last night, Griner posted 29 points, 13 rebounds, 11 shots and nine assists in helping her Nimitz High School to a first round playoff win over rival Westside High School. On top of that, she dunked twice. Hard. Which brings us to our question: Could Brittney Griner one day play in the NBA?
She seems to have some of the tools. She's 6'8" and growing, is just 16 and, from the limited footage that I've seen of her, looks pretty quick on her feet and comfortable with the ball. With a few solid years of coaching, you'd have to at least consider it a possibility, right?
Well, no. And here's why: While Griner's 6'8" frame might make her the swat-blocking Gheorge Muresan of Texas women's high school basketball, it would mean nothing in the NBA. Can you imagine her trying to defend someone as athletic and strong as Rudy Gay or Andre Iguodala? It would be impossible.
I'm still convinced that the first woman to play in the NBA will actually be a short, lightning-quick point guard with great decision-making skills and a jumpshot. You know, like, Jose Calderon ... but ... um ... not.
Poster Comment:
This girl is 6'8" and has had 45 dunks so far this year in her high school games. She has an 86-inch arm span and wears a size 18 man's shoe.