My my My my
 
 
 
 
 
 

How tall are women basketball players


Women’s NCAA Basketball Recruiting Guidelines

What skills are needed to play basketball in college? And how can you get college coaches to notice you? Whether an athlete is a perimeter player or post player, this section lays out the different requirements needed to compete at the college level, from NCAA Division 1 to JUCO programs. Knowing your best athletic fit is key to creating a realistic list of target schools.

Quick Links

What do women’s college basketball coaches look for in recruits?

What skills are needed to get on a women’s college basketball team?

Average women’s basketball player height by position and level

Women’s basketball point guard recruiting guidelines

Women’s basketball power forward recruiting guidelines

Women’s basketball center recruiting guidelines

Women’s basketball shooting guard recruiting guidelines

Women’s basketball small forward recruiting guidelines

How to get ranked in women’s college basketball

What do women’s college basketball coaches look for in recruits?

When determining a recruit’s athletic ability, college coaches consider a variety of factors. Most notably:

  • Height and frame: Physical characteristics, like height and body frame, athleticism and strength can be a driving factor for some coaches.
  • Technical ability. Coaches don’t want to bring on athletes who need to be taught the fundamentals—technical ability is essential. Can the recruit protect the ball, or shoot with the right footwork and release point?
  • Basketball IQ. Basketball IQ means having situational awareness of the game and the ability to make the right decisions in real-time. For example, if the clock is winding down and the game is tied, does the player know to hold onto the ball until the last shot, instead of forcing a shot early? This is where position-specific skills come into play as well. Can perimeter players successfully drive the game and control the pace? Do post players read the right defensive rotations? It also means being aware of how many time outs and fouls both teams have throughout the game.
  • Academics. Lastly, there are aspects outside of athletics that can truly set recruits apart. Academics, especially at the Division 3 level, are extremely important to college coaches. High grades and test scores speak to an athlete’s discipline, leadership ability and even time management skills. 

Of course, what coaches look for also depends on their program’s specific needs. Some schools might invest more in developing a tall, athletic post player, while others value a smaller player who has raw talent, polished skills, and strong instincts. In many cases, college coaches will turn to JUCO teams to find transfers who are stronger and more developed compared to high school student-athletes.  

Establishing relationships with college coaches is the best way to fully understand their recruiting needs. But another quick way is to visit a team’s roster. Look at which athletes are graduating and study the team’s athletic history to see which positions coaches are recruiting and what key stats they look for.  

What skills are needed to get on a women’s college basketball team?

When compiling their lists of top recruits, college coaches evaluate three factors: physical ability, fundamentals and basketball IQ. They seek out players who are conditioned, technically sound, can read the game and have strong instincts. They also want to coach athletes who have the potential to improve. That’s why playing nationally and against other high-level recruits is a popular way to gain exposure. Here is a quick overview of the type of players each division recruits:

D1 women’s basketball skills: These recruits are ranked nationally and are included in top lists, such as ESPN’S HoopGurlz Top 60. They have elite ball handling and defensive skills and are the best player on their high school and club team. They are the top recruits across the country. They’re awarded top accolades, including All-State honors, start on varsity all four years, and compete nationally through their AAU team. These coaches typically make verbal offers to prospects before their junior year. 

D2 women’s basketball skills: These players have mastered the fundamentals and are considered one of the top players on their high school and club team. They have control on the court and will continue to develop under a collegiate training program. They’ve received awards like All-Region, All-District, and All-Conference and play on a highly-competitive AAU team. Top NCAA Division 2 programs make verbal offers to these athletes at the beginning of their junior year and continue to make offers into senior year as well.

D3 women’s basketball skills: These players have some club and varsity experience, earning them accolades such as All-Area and All-Conference. They have the fundamentals nailed down and may need to continue to work on other parts of their game, whether it’s rebounding or defense. A bulk of these recruits will receive offers after the summer of their junior year and into senior year.

NAIA women’s basketball skills: Top basketball recruits look similar to Division 2 athletes, while other NAIA programs better reflect Division 3 competition. These prospects have varsity experience, played with a high-level club and earned awards, such as All-Area and All-Conference. They’ll continue to get stronger and improve their technical ability under a collegiate training program. Coaches typically make offers during junior year and into senior year as well.

JUCO women’s basketball skills: JUCO basketball prospects aim to fine-tune their skills before transferring to a four-year institution. They are utility players who benefit from competing in a post-high-school setting. This level is a great opportunity for athletes to focus on core fundamentals before going on to play at the highest level. 

Average women’s basketball player height by position and level

Average women’s basketball player height

 Tier 1Tier 2Tier 3Tier 4
PositionD1 and top D2D2, top D3 and NAIAD3 and NAIAJC
PG5’8”+5’6”+5’5”+5’5”+
SG5’10”+5’8”+5’8”+5’8”+
SF5’11”+5’10”+5’8”+5’8”+
PF6’0”+5’11”+5’9”+5’9”+
C6’2”+6’0”+5’11”+5’11”+

Average women’s basketball player height by position

  • Average point guard height: 5’6”
  • Average shooting guard height: 5’8”
  • Average small forward height: 5’9”
  • Average power forward height: 5’10”
  • Average center height: 6’0”

In NCAA Division 1 women’s basketball, the average basketball player height is 5’6”.

Women’s basketball point guard recruiting guidelines 

Top D1 and top JC 

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, competing two years at the elite national level, such as the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League or adidas Gauntlet. Ranks nationally on lists such as ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA

  • Height: 5’6”+
  • Club experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Three years of summer club experience, gaining coach exposure at tournaments.
  • High school experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-State, All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.  

Low D3 and low NAIA 

  • Height: 5’5”+
  • Club experience: Two years of summer club experience, competing locally and state-wide.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area, All-District or All-Conference. 

Low D3 and low JC 

  • Height: 5’5”+
  • Club experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it is not necessary.
  • High school experience: One to two years of varsity experience.

Women’s basketball power forward recruiting guidelines 

Top D1 and top JC

  • Height: 6’0”+
  • Club experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, competing two years at the elite national level, such as the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League or adidas Gauntlet. Ranks nationally on lists such as ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA

  • Height: 5’11”+
  • Club experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Three years of summer club experience, gaining coach exposure at tournaments.
  • High school experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-State, All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.  

Low D3 and low NAIA 

  • Height: 5’9”+
  • Club experience: Two years of summer club experience, competing locally and state-wide.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area/All-District, or All-Conference.  

Low D3 and low JC 

  • Height: 5’9”+
  • Club experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it is not necessary.
  • High school experience: One to two years of varsity experience. 

Women’s basketball center recruiting guidelines

Top D1 and top JC 

  • Height: 6’2”+
  • Club experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, competing two years at the elite national level, such as the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League or adidas Gauntlet. Ranks nationally on lists such as ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region, and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA

  • Height: 6’0”+
  • Club experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Three years of summer club experience, gaining coach exposure at tournaments.
  • High school experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-State, All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.  

Low D3 and low NAIA

  • Height: 5’11”+
  • Club experience: Two years of summer club experience, competing locally and state-wide.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area, All-District or All-Conference. 

Low D3 and low JC

  • Height: 5’11”
  • Club experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it is not necessary.
  • High school experience: One to two years of varsity experience.

Women’s basketball shooting guard recruiting guidelines 

Top D1 and top JC 

  • Height: 5’10”+
  • Club experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, competing two years at the elite national level, such as the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League or adidas Gauntlet. Ranks nationally on lists such as ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Three years of summer club experience, gaining coach exposure at tournaments.
  • High school experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-State, All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.  

Low D3 and low NAIA

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Two years of summer club experience, competing locally and state-wide.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area, All-District or All-Conference. 

Low D3 and low JC 

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it is not necessary.
  • High school experience: One to two years of varsity experience.

Women’s basketball small forward recruiting guidelines

Top D1 and top JC

  • Height: 5’11”+
  • Club experience: Plays at the highest level in AAU, competing two years at the elite national level, such as the Nike Elite Youth Basketball League or adidas Gauntlet. Ranks nationally on lists such as ESPN HoopGurlz Super 60. High profile player who is usually recruited through AAU as an underclassman.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter all four years of high school. Earned several top accolades, such as All-State, All-Region and All-Area honors. Best player on the team.

Low D1, top D2 and top NAIA 

  • Height: 5’10”+
  • Club experience: Three to four years of AAU experience, playing on high-level teams that compete nationally. Three years of summer club experience, gaining coach exposure at tournaments.
  • High school experience: Three to four years as a varsity starter, earning awards such as All-State, All-Conference and All-Region. One of the top athletes on the team.  

Low D3 and low NAIA

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Two years of summer club experience, competing locally and state-wide.
  • High school experience: Varsity starter as an upperclassman, possibly earning some accolades such as All-Area, All-District or All-Conference. 

Low D3 and low JC

  • Height: 5’8”+
  • Club experience: Some AAU experience playing locally, although it is not necessary.
  • High school experience: One to two years of varsity experience.

How to get ranked in women’s college basketball

Star ratings are a quick and easy way to convey a recruit’s level of talent to college coaches. Most commonly, student-athletes are ranked from no stars, meaning their talent is unknown, to 5 stars, or elite athletes. In women’s basketball, 5-star athletes are the best recruits in the country and have outstanding athleticism far beyond their peers. Prospects who are considered the best player on their club or high school team are typically 4-star and 3-star athletes. Student-athletes who show dominance on the court but have a few areas to improve on are usually labeled as 3-star athletes. Lastly, 1- and 2-star recruits have the potential to compete at the college level and after some training and development, could become reliable starters.

It’s important for recruits to gauge their level of talent so they know which programs they qualify for and most importantly, where they’ll garner coach interest. There are a couple of ways to receive a star rating and get ranked in basketball. First, they can ask their high school or club coach to help assess their skill set, and research college team rosters to see where their talent aligns. Another way is to have a third-party, like NCSA, use their expertise and knowledge of the college landscape to personally evaluate the recruit.

Get Started for Free!

A profile only takes 60 seconds

Athlete Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Check if you reside outside of the United States

Sport *

Select SportBaseballCheerleadingEsportsField HockeyFootballMen's BasketballMen's DivingMen's GolfMen's Ice HockeyMen's LacrosseMen's RowingMen's SoccerMen's SwimmingMen's TennisMen's TrackMen's VolleyballMen's Water PoloMen's WrestlingSoftballWomen's BasketballWomen's Beach VolleyballWomen's DivingWomen's Flag FootballWomen's GolfWomen's GymnasticsWomen's Ice HockeyWomen's LacrosseWomen's RowingWomen's SoccerWomen's SwimmingWomen's TennisWomen's TrackWomen's VolleyballWomen's Water PoloWomen's Wrestling

H. S. Grad Year *

Select Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030

Phone *

Zip Code *

Parent Information

Parent's First Name *

Parent's Last Name *

Parent's Email *

Check if you reside outside of the United States

Phone *

By submitting, you agree to receive personalized follow-up and marketing messages from NCSA by email, phone and automated text. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Standard rates apply.

Get Started for Free!

A profile only takes 60 seconds

Athlete Information

Athlete's First Name *

Athlete's Last Name *

Check if you reside outside of the United States

Sport *

Select SportBaseballCheerleadingEsportsField HockeyFootballMen's BasketballMen's DivingMen's GolfMen's Ice HockeyMen's LacrosseMen's RowingMen's SoccerMen's SwimmingMen's TennisMen's TrackMen's VolleyballMen's Water PoloMen's WrestlingSoftballWomen's BasketballWomen's Beach VolleyballWomen's DivingWomen's Flag FootballWomen's GolfWomen's GymnasticsWomen's Ice HockeyWomen's LacrosseWomen's RowingWomen's SoccerWomen's SwimmingWomen's TennisWomen's TrackWomen's VolleyballWomen's Water PoloWomen's Wrestling

H. S. Grad Year *

Select Year 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030

Phone *

Parent Information

First Name *

Last Name *

Email *

Check if you reside outside of the United States

Phone *

Zip Code *

By submitting, you agree to receive personalized follow-up and marketing messages from NCSA by email, phone and automated text. Consent is not a condition of purchase. Standard rates apply.

Top 10 Tallest Female Basketball Players in The WNBA 2022

Home » Top Ten » Top 10 Tallest Female Basketball Players in The WNBA

by Maria

Who are the tallest female basketball players in the world?

Height matters a lot more in basketball than in any other sport. A tall basketball player can perform better and more efficiently. Usually, we really see a woman with extra height in daily life. In WNBA there are a number of women that have extra height. Here in the below article, we have ten of the tallest female basketball players in the WNBA.

Summary

Basketball is not only a popular sport in America, but it is also one of the most popular sports in the world. It is popular among both men and women equally. The women’s National Basketball Association is one of the most popular leagues in the United States. Here are the ten tallest female basketball players in WNBA.

10. Carolyn Moos – Height: 6’6”

Carolyn Moos is a retired American professional female basketball player who is famous for her 6.6ft height. She is one of the tallest female basketball players in the WNBA.

Moos was born on 23, May 1978, and developed her interest during her school days because of her fast-growing height. In WNBA she played for Phoenix Mercury and now she is retired from her profession.

9. Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles – Height: 6’6”

Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles is an American professional female basketball player. She is also famous for her tall height of 6.6ft. The 34-year-old Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles plays for the Minnesota Lynx of the WNBA.

Fowles is the 9th tallest women’s basketball player. She was born on 6 October 1985 and is still active in the field. She joined Minnesota Lynx in 2015. Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles’s height is 6ft 6 inches and her weight is 91kg.

8. Kara Wolters Drinan – Height 6’7”

Kara Wolters Drinan is a famous American former professional female basketball player. She is also famous for her prominent tall height. Drinan’s height is 6ft and 7inches. She is the eighth tallest woman who ever came in WNBA.

Wolters Drinan was born on 15 August 1975. From her childhood, her height was comparatively tall which developed her interest in becoming an athlete. Later, she became a professional basketball player and played for the Houston Comets of the WNBA.

7. Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera – Height: 6’7.5”

Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera is another tallest female basketball players in the WNBA. She is also an American professional female basketball player who is now a coach. She is 6’7.5inches tall and considered the 7th tallest female basketball player in the world.

Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera was born on 17 November 1982 and began playing basketball at a young age. Her height helped her in becoming a professional basketball player. She retired from basketball as a player and now serves as a coach.

6. Lindsay Corine Taylor – Height: 6’8”

Lindsay Corine Taylor is an American professional retired female basketball player. She is 6ft 8inch tall and considered one of the tallest women ever to come into the WNBA.

Taylor was born on 20 May 1981. She also played in the Turkish Women’s Basketball League and many other professional leagues.

5. Brittney Griner – Height: 6’8”

The fifth tallest female basketball player in the world, Brittney Griner is also an American professional female basketball player. Her height is 6ft 8inches. She plays for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA.

Brittney Griner was born on 18 October 1990. From childhood, she was unusually tall. She decided to be a professional basketball player because of her height.

4. Elizabeth “Liz” Cambage – Height: 6’8”

Elizabeth “Liz” Cambage is an Australian professional female basketball player. She is famous for her unusual height of 6ft 8inches. She is the fourth tallest female basketball player in the WNBA.

Liz was born on 18 August 1991. She joined WNBA in 2011 and still, she is a part of the Las Vegas Aces of the WNBA.

3. Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova – Height: 6’8”

The third tallest female basketball player, Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova is a Russian professional female basketball player. She plays for the Phoenix Mercury of the WNBA.

Stepanova was born on 23 Feb 1979. She is 6ft 8inches tall and considered one of the tallest athletes in the world right now.

2.

Zheng Haixia – Height: 6’8.5”

Zheng Haixia is a Chinese former professional female basketball player. In the United States, she played for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. She is the 2nd tallest female basketball player in the WNBA.

Zheng Haixia’s height is 6ft and 8.5inches making her the 2nd tallest women basketball player ever. She was born on 7 March 1967 in China. Her weight is 104kg.

1. Malgorzata Dydek – Height: 7’2”

The tallest female basketball player in the WNBA, Malgorzata Dydek was a Polish professional female basketball player. In the United States, she played for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA.

Malgorzata Dydek’s height was 7ft and 2inches making her one of the tallest athletes in the world. Her weight was 101kg. She was born on 28 April 1978. In 2011 she died of a heart attack in Australia.

Summary

Have a look at the recap of what we have discussed above. The top 10 tallest female basketball players in 2022 are:

1. Malgorzata Dydek – Height: 7’2” – 2.18m

2. Maria Alexandrovna Stepanova – Height: 6’9” – 2.12m

3. Zheng Haixia – Height: 6’8.5” – 2.03m

4. Elizabeth “Liz” Cambage – Height: 6’8” – 2.03m

5. Brittney Griner – Height: 6’8” – 2.03m

6. Lindsay Corine Taylor – Height: 6’8” – 2.03

7. Katharen Ruth “Katie” Mattera – Height: 6’7.5” – 2.02m

8. Kara Wolters Drinan – Height 6’7” – 2.01m

9. Sylvia Shaqueria Fowles – Height: 6’6” – 1.98m

10. Carolyn Moos – Height: 6’6” – 1.98m

Leave a review about the top 10 tallest female basketball players in the WNBA

6 tallest players in WNBA history - Dreaming of a slamdunk. Light - Blogs

For women, the average height is 163-165 centimeters or about 5 feet 4 inches. The average height of a women's NBA player is somewhere on the verge of 6 feet or 180 centimeters. This is about 10% more than the average for the fair sex and a high level even for men. There are always exceptions to the rules, but basketball is considered to be a game of Gullivers/giants/giants. Outstanding growth distinguishes in the crowd, gives prospects and advantages, obliges, and the inability to use it on the court is disappointing. As they say, the family is not without Tabitha.

The following is a list of the six tallest players in WNBA history, based on an inconspicuous post by Joe Dorish of Yahoo! Sports with a few custom additions.

The fact that all the players listed below played in any clubs in the position of a center, I consider it obvious, I did not point it out again. Where possible, for fun and interest, shoe sizes are also listed.

6. Catherine (Kathy) Mattera

Height: 6 feet 7.5 inches (202 centimeters)

Shoe size: 17 (US) / 53 (Euro)

Liberty University star, winner of a number of student awards, prizes, awards and records was selected eighth overall in the 2005 draft by the Connecticut Sun, but was immediately traded to San Antonio for a player whose name will still hear a lot of laudatory words in his address a little lower. Mattera, who went by the surname Feenstra until 2008 and her marriage, was named to the best rookie team at the end of her debut season and was second in the voting for the best rookie of the year. A season later, she moved to the Detroit Shock, and in 2008, as a result of the expansion draft, she moved to Atlanta, where she spent her last decent season. By 2009year began to fade and ended her performances in the NBA.

In 2012, she became the women's basketball coach at Cornerstone University in her hometown of Grand Rapids, Michigan.

5 (2). Lindsey Taylor

Height: 6 feet 8 inches (203 centimeters)

also "on exchange" ended up in "Phoenix Mercury". Appeared in five games and scored a total of 3 points. In 2006, she tried to break into the Seattle Storm: she played in two preseason games, gaining 7 points and 3.5 rebounds, but she never achieved a place on the roster.

After that, she performed in Turkey, France, Poland and China (where she still plays) - everywhere she is extremely successful. In 2008, she signed with the Washington Mystics, missed the season-opening game against Indiana, and was expelled a week later.

4 (2). Maria Stepanova

Height: 6 feet and 8 inches (203 centimeters)

Shoe size: 14/48

Before becoming a Russian basketball star, Maria Alexandrovna managed to play both in Europe and overseas. Drafted 8th overall in the 19th draft98 years old with Phoenix, for which she played 5 seasons. As a rookie, she averaged a modest 3.3 points + 1.9 rebounds in 6.5 minutes. In her second season, she more than doubled her numbers (7.8+5.1) plus finished the season second in the league in blocks average (1.94). The 2000 Millennium Season was spoiled by an injury, but the 2001 season turned out to be very successful: she played in all 32 matches (of which 31 came out in the starting five), gaining a solid 10 + 6 + 2 blocks per game. In 2005, she played half of the season and since then has not appeared in the WNBA, focusing solely on monopolizing the title of national champions and Cup winners for the UMMC team.

Started playing basketball at the age of 8, scoring from above at 15. Today she is one of the few who managed to do THAT in the official game. No comment.

3 (2). Zheng Haixia

Height: 6 ft 8 in (203 cm)

Shoe size: 18/54

Drafted 1st overall, 169th round, 169th overall in the WNBA Draft Los Angeles Sparks. By that time, already 30-year-old Zheng managed to play four times at the Olympic Games for the Chinese team and win one bronze medal with her (at 1984) and one silver medal (1992, lost in the final against the united team of the republics of the former USSR).

During the 1997 WNBA season, Zheng not only successfully partnered with the emerging Lisa Leslie, but even became the first foreign woman to win any WNBA award, winning the Sports Conduct Award. Plus, she was awarded the Bud Light Shooting Champion Award for the highest field goal percentage in the entire League. In the second season of Yao Ming, the WNBA played only 98 minutes in six matches, after which she drove back to the Middle Kingdom to educate a new generation of champions.

2 (2). Elizabeth (Liz) Cambage

Height: 6ft 8in to the mark of two meters.

After making a splash in the Australian WNBL (boomers championship and MVP), Cambage was selected by the Tulsa with the second overall pick in the 2011 draft, just behind Maya Moore. In the first season, she took part in the All-Star Game and at the end of the season entered the first team of the best newcomers. This year, as part of the Australian team, she won a bronze medal at the London Olympics and scored a throw from above in a match against the Russian team.

Everything would be fine if it weren’t for Liz’s loud statements and controversial decisions: either she will say in an interview that they say “I’m not going to play and be a central figure in Tulsa,” or she will not keep her promise to return to the Shock for the rest of the season. “Slambage” was expected in the NBA, but she chose to recover and prepare for the season in China, where, by the way, she is called by one of the largest contracts in the world (about 400 thousand per season). And this is at the age of 21.

Worthy of mention:

1.5. Alyssa DeHaan

Height: 6 feet and 9 inches (206 centimeters)

Total dominance at the school level (statistics close to triple-double per match: 24 + 9 +9 blocks). Nationally recognized at the university (second most career blocks in Division One history). Then back problems (herniated discs) that prevented her from being drafted in 2010. And that's it. Today, DeHaan seems to be less likely to be on the WNBA team: she is 24, she is married, continues to study and plays volleyball for the University of Grand Valley State, is going to become a doctor.

The sports teams of the university, by the way, are proudly called "Lakers".

1. Malgorzata (Margot) Didek

Height: 7 feet 2 inches (218 centimeters)

Shoe size: 18/54

the tallest woman in history was born in Warsaw, in a family where her parental heritage predicted her “high future: father Jan was 6 feet and 7 inches (2 meters) tall, and mother Maria was 6 feet and 3 inches (about 190 centimeters). Let's not forget about the sisters - the eldest, Katarzyna (as tall as her father, played both in the ABL and in Poland, and the youngest Marta (an inch shorter than "Katya") still plays in Spain.

Margot was chosen No. 1 in the 1998 Draft by the Utah Stars, she began to intimidate opponents at both ends of the floor from the very first season. in that Didek often simply did not notice her opponents and often accidentally hit her opponents with elbows on the head. She did not score from above in games because she "already had enough press attention" and, even once she saw a video of her own dunk from a training session, she decided don't do that in the game simply because it "looks ugly" In 10 seasons (two games for the Sparks in 2008 - not counting), she managed to play for 4 teams, was selected to the All-Star Game twice, but returned every year home, h to please native Polish fans with their game.

In the WNBA, she became a defensive legend like Manute Bol or Mark Eaton of the NBA: she holds the record for most blocks in a career and average per game, she led the league in total blocks in a season 9 times and 8 times - by the number of blocks on average per game.

Margot was fluent in five languages ​​(Polish, Spanish, English, French and Russian), was posthumously awarded the Polish Cross of Merit and the Order of the Rebirth of Poland.

Yes, unfortunately. To "big people with big hearts" nature and fate are often unmerciful. 19May 2011, when Margo was pregnant with her third child, she had a heart attack. She was placed in an artificial coma, but 8 days later she died without regaining consciousness at a hospital in Brisbane, Australia at the age of 37.

How women's basketball works, Sport

Sport

8560

Author

Irina Makarova

Novgorod University has many sports sections for both boys and girls. One of the most successful NovSU teams is the women's basketball team. Lawn decided to go to the gym on one of the training evenings and find out more about what women's basketball is.

There are nine people in the team, and they all play basketball in the sports hall of the Humanitarian Institute on Monday, Thursday and Friday.

The trainer's name is Maria Ishimova. She is 26 years old, but, like many athletes, she looks younger than her age. She is distinguished from other basketball players only by her tenacious gaze: during our conversation, she did not stop watching the field.

Technique

Maria has been playing basketball since 1999, almost 20 years. In the past, she played for NovGU in the ASB (Student Basketball Association). But the ASB has a clear regulation: players over 25 years old cannot take part in competitions. Also, only university students play in the association.

As Maria says, basketball is everything for her, it's her life, and that's why after graduating from the university the girl didn't quit sports:

— I can't imagine my life without basketball. At first I played on my own, and now, when I don’t have the opportunity to play in the ASB, I coach the Novgorod State University team.

Basketball is the most technical sport. It actively involves the legs, arms and head. And it's not about power moves - in basketball you have to think:

- My coach, Oleg Mikhailovich Kruglenko, always said that only smart people can play basketball, there is no place for a stupid one. Because you always need to calculate a few steps ahead of all your actions on the field. I don't want to offend other sports, but basketball is the best game in the world.

Height and laziness

A dozen girls are running around the hall. You expect model height from basketball players, but many of the players look like they have an average 166 cm:

- High height for basketball, of course, is a plus, but you can cope with 1.62, like me, - answers the question about Mary's growth. - The main parameters, or rather, qualities, for a good basketball player are diligence and responsibility.

Basketball is a team sport. Here you do not play for yourself, you have a team, you have a family. And if you foolishly make a mistake, you will let everyone else down. And it is important to constantly work on your technique, on dribbling, throwing. Don't skip workouts and don't be lazy.

Your laziness can become a team loss.

Let's turn our attention to the parquet. Despite the fact that now the girls play for two different teams against each other, the feeling of unity and friendship does not disappear anywhere. And this is understandable: according to the coach, all the girls are responsive and friendly and quickly include newcomers in their team.

Dreams

Basketball players do not have a sports club. There is a team "NovGU Veliky Novgorod", for which they play in the ASB. The women's team of Novgorod State University plays in the top division, they went to competitions in Tula, Velikiye Luki, Smolensk. From everywhere the team brings victories.

Creating a club is Maria's dream, which she plans to realize. This requires a great desire and financial investments. There is already an idea how to name the club - in honor of the memory of Oleg Mikhailovich Kruglenko, the coach who devoted his life to creating women's basketball in Veliky Novgorod.

His business lives on, new girls regularly come to basketball lessons:

— To begin with, we teach you to dribble, because basketball is impossible without dribble. Then we learn how to make the right throw. Don't hit the ring without a proper throw. After that, we introduce the course, explain our tactics. And then we learn how to properly defend. Without protection technology, gaming activity is impossible. Just like without tactics. We have our worked out combinations, but we are trying to introduce new ones. I study other people's matches, watch games and take new tricks, - says the coach.

Team philosophy

Training ends. On the face of each of the girls, joy and a fuse are visible: the game for them is definitely not an obligation, but a vocation. Basketball players come up to us and talk about what basketball means to them. Spoiler: basketball is a family:

- Basketball is a tactical game, similar to chess. And basketball brings up discipline, character. And teaches friendship. Even if we compete in training, we become a family off the court: we celebrate our birthdays, weddings, children's birthdays.

Ksenia Khoroshaeva basketball player, 26 years old

- I like that in basketball we play as a team, we support each other. From the game, from the atmosphere you get pleasure. You come to training, and that’s it: for two hours, the rest of the problems disappear, only the game remains.

Alena Kordina basketball player, 18 years old

I have been playing basketball since the fifth grade. Basketball for me is a family, these are people who are always there, this is my team.


Learn more