Mystics Veterans Take Charge and Leave Little Room for Newbies

Unlike most fans, I love preseason. I mean the singer forgot the words to the national anthem, even though the words are in bright lights and the game announcer mis-pronounced all the team players names. But still, I love preseason. Preseason is the time to evaluate the team, see if the veterans have stepped up their game or if the newbies can compete in the big league. I also love preseason because it is a time for the fans to decide what kind of team and season we will have. Well, preseason is over and my thoughts are in.....

First, thank god for the Veterans. Although, Alana Beard set out to continue to rest her sore shoulder, the remaining starting five, Nikki Teasley, Nakia Sanford, Chastity Melvin, Delisha Milton-Jones and the ultimate sixth man, Coco Miller. Thanks to this core group plus Laurie Koehn, the Mystics are well on their way to a championship season.

Second, the newbies (at least to the Mystics),Rita Williams(not that new to the Mystics), Teana Williams, Meagan Vogel and Gilian Goring (or as my team mates have look pretty damn good also. Williams had to pinch hit as point guard because Nikki Blue was down with injuries and even with Richie's complicated plays she looked like she had been a Mystics for years (well I guess, it was just like coming home).

Finally, Richie Adubato and the rest of the Mystics management has a tough decision ahead of them. This decision is made tougher by the fact that the salary cap will keep them from the maximum rooster. Well, I don't know Richie's picks but here are mine....

I will start with the "No Duh" Group
1. Alana Beard
2. Nikki Teasley
3. Crystal Robinson
4. Coco Miller
5. Chastity Melvin
6. Delisa Milton-Jones
7. Laurie Koehn - BTW she gets the Highlighted Award for 8 out of 9 3-point shots
8. Nakia Sanford

Now, for the "Tough Decision" Group
9. Nikki Blue (but may be injured)
10. Rita Williams (yes, she should get this spot, finally)
11. Gillian Goring (or G-Squared, Double G or just plain GG)- She blocks, rebounds, shoots and she is 6-7. What's not to love
12. Meagan Vogel (this is a long shot, but Tamara James doesn't have control of her game and the bench is already deep.)

Which means, for my money Tamara James and Teana Miller are out, both are quality players but on this team of proven vets is is tough to find a place.

Final Analysis - The Mystics are headed for the 2007 Championships to celebrate the Mystics 10th Anniversary.