The Chicago Sky selected point guard Courtney Vandersloot, a 5-foot-8 point guard, with the third overall pick in the 2011 NBA Draft. The Gonzaga product averaged 19.8 points (16th in the nation) and 10.2 assists (1st) this season and is regarded by some analysts, including ESPN panelist Rebecca Lobo, as the best point guard prospect since Sue Bird.
Vandersloot won two major awards for her fantastic season as a senior, taking home the Frances Pomeroy Naismith Award for the best women’s player 5-foot-8 or shorter, as well as the Nancy Lieberman award for the nation’s top point guard. Clearly, her work with NBA Hall-of-Famer John Stockton, Gonzaga’s most famous point guard, paid off.
For a comprehensive scouting report about Vandersloot’s strengths and weaknesses, please visit Swish Appeal, SB Nation’s women’s basketball blog. Swish Appeal notes that Vandersloot has excellent court vision and can handle with either hand, but must improve her athleticism and defensive skill to cut it in the WNBA.