Recent quotes:
“The tryout is a very big thing, I really wanted to do my best in the tryout. I didn't want regret in my life, like, ‘I should've gone for the tryout.'” Geethu.
San Antonio Silver Stars head coach Dan Hughes said:
"She far exceeded my expectation coming in, what was amazing to me working her out was her listening ability was tremendous,” Hughes said. “That was really pleasing, really exciting to see an athlete that cares that much about getting better. She's been in Chicago, L.A. and now here in San Antonio, and she's going through every drill with an intensity. I enjoyed working with her. It was a favorable impression she left on me.''
Significance of the try outs:
Geethu Anna. Jose is the first Indian to try out for a WNBA team. The 6'2'' forward from Kerala, India had try outs with the Chicago Sky, the L.A sparks and the San Antonio Silver Stars. Even though trying out doesn't sound as glamorous as making a team, it is a big accomplishment nevertheless. It brings much intangible value to her as a player and Indian basketball. It acts as a motivation factor for many basketball players in India who now know that if they can be as good as Geethu (or better) they will have a chance at the big leagues.
The result:
By looking at the statements which were made by Dan Hughes it is probably the case that she might not be selected to play with the Silver Stars. There haven't been any opinions expressed by any personnel from the Chicago Sky and L.A Sparks organization, it is probable that they couldn't find a space for her on the roster just yet.
What could be the reasons for them to not give her a spot?
The fact that she is trying out with the teams after the WNBA draft shows that the teams are in search of a player with a particular skill set that would fit their needs. At 6'2'', Geethu is a tall player and most probably fit the typical women's power forward profile. As a player, she is known to play both inside the paint as well as at the perimeter range so it is probably safe to assume they chose to try her out due to her versatility. During the try out they check the speed, strength and tendencies of the player to judge what the strengths and weaknesses are. If they find certain weaknesses in the player's game, they will check the player's willingness and ability to learn new things.
If they found no weaknesses in Geethu's game they will take her right away. If they found certain weaknesses, they will wait until they really need her regardless of her weaknesses. The fact that Geethu follows directions very well and is willing to learn will be a positive on the coaches' mind. The fact that she is 25 years old and is not too young for the WNBA rookie standards will probably make the coaches think twice.
Does this mean she will not be picked in the future?
Definitely not. In basketball players get injured all the time, and the teams will need to bring in someone to substitute the injured player's spot on the team. Teams have scouting networks, and since Geethu tried out with three teams, the rest of the teams will know exactly what kind of a player she is and what she can offer. If a team needs a player like her and if their coach wants to give her a chance, her phone will ring.
How will this experience make a difference in Geethu's career?
1) She got exposure in India and abroad among thousands of basketball fans.
2) She worked/did try outs with fabulous WNBA coaches and probably learned new techniques to improve her game.
With this experience she is obviously a much matured player mentally. She can use her maturity and coaching tips to make her game and the Indian national team better. She can definitely help other young players on the team and give them a perspective on what to expect if they do try outs in the WNBA. Who knows, may be she will become a great coach one day and take Indian basketball to another level? Yes, the possibilities are unlimited.
For now, lets just hope she will get a spot on one of the 12 WNBA teams. I will keep you updated on what happens.
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