10 Players to Keep an Eye On

Hana Machová, PG, Czech Republic
Machova is not exactly an unknown. She's considered by many the best European point guard, but somehow she has quietly flown under the radar. She was very good in Athens and in the European Championships, leading the Czech to the title, but I think this is her breakout tournament. Look for her to lead all players in assists and AST/TO.


Yakelyn Plutin, PF, Cuba
Plutin was the Tournament of the Americas' MVP when Cuba defeated Brazil and she really impressed me with her quick feet and strong post play. A Cheryl Ford-type of player, with great instincts around the basket and good footwork. She's Cuba's latest great post player no one will ever know because she doesn't play in the WNBA.


Tatiana Shchegoleva, PF, Russia
Shchegoleva is not exactly unknown either, but she has a high ceiling and she's only 24. Tall, skilled post player with range. Oh, she's blonde, too. Know anyone that fits that bill?
She can play the 3 on offense and if Russia decides they want to go with a frontcourt consiting of Shchegoleva, Stepanova at the 4 and Ekaterina Lisina at the 5, who the hell is gonna stop them???


Ekaterina Lisina, C, Russia
Russia's latest Espionage Barbie is going to be the Original Espionage Barbie's partner in crime. The 6'6" 19 year-old is still learning the ropes, but the sky is the limit, literally, as she might still be growing up!
Lisina still is raw and needs work, but who can deny that the Russians do a great job with their post players?


Micaela Jacintho, SF, Brazil
Micaela will finally have her chance to play in a major tournament after suffering severe injuries right before the 2004 Olympics and 2002 World Champs. Think Shameka Christon. That's who she reminds me of. Smile and everything. She has tons of talent and will be Brazil's spark plug. Look for her and Izi to get a few oncourt speeding tickets until the end of the World Champs.


Érika Cristina de Souza, C, Brazil
The 2006 Spanish League MVP suffered a mild ankle sprain last week and will miss Brazil's first 2 games, but that shouldn't stop her. This was going to be her tournament, but I still believe she'll be able to have an impact and establish herself as the primary offensive threat for the Brazilians. She was signed by the New York Liberty earlier this year, but backed off of the deal to stay home and practice with the national team. Make no mistake, she really wants this title.


Candace Parker, F/C, USA
The only college player on Team USA's roster, Parker impressed the coaching staff with her performances during the team's spring tour of Europe and Oceania. She's ready for prime time and, with Lisa Leslie's absence, should get plenty of playing time to justify the hype.


Erin Phillips, PG, Australia
Those Australians and their pesky little guards. Phillips impressed everyone in her rookie season in the WNBA playing as a backup point guard for the Connecticut Sun. She has range, is quick and should play the same spark off the bench role for the Opals.


Alana Beard, SG, USA
Beard is known quantity in the WNBA, but this is her first major competition with the US's Senior Team. She will be the x-factor for Team USA. Her ability to guard the perimeter will be game-changing and since Swoopes could be sidelined for great part of the tournament, Beard will be relied upon heavily to guard the opponents' best player in many occasions.


Laia Palau, SG, Spain
With the absence of Amaya Valdemoro, Palau has been Spain's main offensive option. She is deadly from the 3-point line and has good passing skills. Look for her to put up big numbers if the Spanish don't get their star back in time.