Keyboard Quarterbacks

By Karen Bailis

The New York Liberty lucked out Monday when the Minnesota Lynx inexplicably passed on the opportunity to take former University of Minnesota star Janel McCarville in the WNBA dispersal draft.

The 6-2 McCarville’s numbers with the Charlotte Sting, which folded last week, weren’t stellar. Last season, she averaged only 14 minutes per game, 4.5 points and 3.5 rebounds. But her two pro seasons were marred by injuries. She’s playing overseas now, having recovered from back injuries, and is posting numbers reminiscent of her Kodak All-American college career: 14.2 ppg, 11.3 rpg, 4.3 apg and 3.7 spg.

The Liberty, which had a subpar 11-23 season last year, needs a hard-nosed player with her size (220 lbs.) and post skills. However, after taking veteran All-Star forward Tangela Smith in the draft, the Lynx might still try to acquire the popular McCarville in hopes of adding some punch to its disappointing play and attendance.

McCarville was part of the inside-outside tandem with flashy point guard Lindsay Whalen that took the Golden Gophers to the Final Four in 2004 and was the No. 1 draft pick in 2005. The Lynx might be willing to deal to get her, but it’d be wishful thinking to dream they’d give up last year’s No. 1 pick, Seimone Augustus. And, really, she’s the only player worth acquiring. The 2005 Naismith Player of the Year and 2006 WNBA Rookie of the Year averaged 21.9 ppg, No. 2 in the league, and ranked in the top 10 in the league in nine other categories. No one else on the Lynx averaged in double figures last year.

Could there be a multi-team deal in the works? Problem is, Liberty GM Carol Blazejowski has not proven herself to be an aggressive drafter or trader. Draft day is April 4, and the season opens May 19.

Dispersal draft:

1. Monique Currie, Chicago Sky
2. Tangela Smith, Minnesota Lynx
3. Janel McCarville, New York Liberty
4. Helen Darling, San Antonio Silver Stars
5. Kelly Mazzante, Phoenix Mercury
6. Teana Miller, Washington Mystics
7. Tye’sha Fluker, Seattle Storm
8. Yelena Leuchanka, Houston Comets
9. Sheri Sam, Indiana Fever
10. LaToya Bond, Sacramento Monarchs
11. Ayana Walker, Los Angeles Sparks
(Detroit and Connecticut passed. Center Tammy Sutton-Brown and forward Allison Feaster are unrestricted free agents and weren’t included in the draft. They can sign with any team when the free-agency period begins Jan. 15.)