WNBA Draft Watch: Alaina Coates

WNBA Draft Watch: Alaina Coates
WNBA Draft Watch

Currently the No. 2 player on the 2017 WNBA Draft Board, Alaina Coates is one of the premier interior threats in the college game today. While her game as a South Carolina Gamecock isn’t based on traditional post feed entries from the perimeter to score, she’s shown that she’s capable of making plays inside and putting the ball in the hoop. Couple that with her willingness to rebound and Coates has shown why she’s a sure-fire first round selection in April. Through 22 games, she is averaging a double-double checking in with 13.9 points, 11.6 rebounds per contest.

For a player Coates size to run the floor on the break the way that she does is impressive. She’s averaging right at an assist and a half per game while tied with two teammates (Allisha Gray, Kaela Davis) for most minutes played per game at just over 27. Coates knows her role, shooting mainly chip shots at the rim leading to her 66.5 field goal percentage. She has not attempted a 3-pointer this season and is shooting 67.6 from the free throw line.

Hansen’s Take

With Coates her steady improvement from her sophomore year to now is impressive. Her scoring, scoring efficiency and rebounding production has gone up with her minutes played in each of those seasons.  This season is the first she’s produced a positive assist-to-turnover ratio as well, showing she’s dealing with double teams better. Post play runs a premium and Coates has the physical tools and production to be the top post on the board.

 

Brandon Clay serves as the WNBA Director of Scouting for ProspectsNation.com and owns The JumpOffPlus.com International Report, which is picked up by more than 150 colleges and universities nationwide. He serves as the Executive Camp Director for the Elite Basketball Academy Camps. He serves on the Naismith Trophy Men’s / Women’s College Player of the Year Academy and is chairman of the HS Boys / Girls Board of Selectors and is on the McDonald’s All-American Selection Committee. He also is the publisher of PSBPopCulture.com.

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