Renee Brown, WNBA director of player personnel, says while there is no substitute for collegiate experience, the Australians get the most out of their national programs. Their play complements the American system, which makes their transition easier. The fact that the WNBA is interested in 20 players tells you how good their system is. Their versatility is ideal for the pro game. Rothstein agrees, adding that the up-tempo game the Australians played at the Olympics is just one of their skills.
Nobody runs all night.
And if you're going to be good, you have to be able to do both. The Indiana Fever's Nell Fortner, coach of the 2000 US women's Olympic team, says the Aussies will be a factor in the playoff race. Added firepower Two Australians, Timms and Miami's Sandy Brondello, are former WNBA All-Stars. Veal with the Mercury, Taylor with the Rockers. Rothstein, who says Brondello is one of the best shooters in the world, is looking for her to give the Sol the offensive firepower they lacked in their run at the playoffs last season.