Fantasy WNBA basketball rankings-Sky covergirl, ND dominates
by Domerduck (2022-06-24 16:29:41)

The attached ESPN article shows the top 75 WNBA players ranked by Fantasy points. I have never played Fantasy sports but maybe I shoudl start given the ND players success as one thing is very clear, ND players dominate the list. 4 ND stars are in the top 15 and 8 total are in the top 51 including all 5 of our stellar 2019 class. Still ND is lead by Skylar Diggins having her picture represent the Fantasy list in this current WNBA ESPN cover story.

Sky is tied 3rd overall and the only non #1 pick in the top 4 Fantasy Rank (FR). In fact 10 of the top 15 are #1 WNBA draft picks including ND's Jackie Young (#1 2019/#7 FR) and Jewell Loyd (#1 2015/#15 FR). They join 2 UConn players (Stewart-#1 2016/#1 FR, Charles #1 2010/#8 FR), SC's Wilson (#1 2018, #2 F), Oregon's Ionescu (#1 2020, t3 FR), Washington's Plum (#1 2017/#6 FR), Tennessee's Parker (#1 2008/#10 FR), Kentucky's Howard (#1 2022/#11 FR), and Stanford's N Ogwumike (#1 2012/#12 FR). Joining Sky (#3 pick 2013) as a top 15 Fantasy player who wasn't a WNBA top pick is ND's Arike (#5 2019/#9 FR), Clemson's Jones (#6 2016/#5 FR), tOSU's Mitchell (#2 2018/#13 FR), and FSU's Howard (#5 2014/#14 FR).

No other school is showing up so well on this list as ND when you add KMac #31, Marina #34, Bri #46, and Jess #51. When you look at other schools only UConn has even 5 in the top 50 (#1/#8 plus DT t27, MoJeff #37 & Bird t41). Tennessee has only 3 (#10 plus #35 DeShields & #48 Harrison while 6 schools/countries with 2: South Carolina #2 & #17 Gray, Oregon t3 + #46 Sabally, Maryland t17 Thomas & t32 Jones, Australia #19 Cambage & #23 Magbegor, Rutgers t27 Copper & t38 Wheeler, and MTSU t32 Parker and #49 Clark. Then there are 23 schools/countries that have just 1 player represented in the top 50 including the 3 time National Champs Stanford (#12 Nneka) & Baylor (#24 Smith).

If there is anything that shows the development of ND players to be successful in the WNBA is this list. It can only be a positive sign and I hope we get 4 ND stars at the WNBA All star game that will continue to show ND player excellence.




Interesting. — OK, I was off base…
by BabaGhanouj  (2022-06-24 17:02:51)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

After reading the article, always important before responding, I realize this is nothing to do with popularity, but based on a statistical point distribution system. Nevermind!

[To me, I also have never played fantasy sports so I could be off-base (to mix a metaphor), it shows the powerful brand Notre Dame has in the sports world. It's the proverbial subway alumni. ND sports' teams are popular, including women's basketball.

It's the reason I have to nod, but eye-roll, when Irish fans accuse others (from officials to sports organizations to the public) of a bias against Notre Dame. As our opponents, probably more correctly, point out, Notre Dame may gain benefits because of its popularity.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not advocating Notre Dame exceptionality, one way or another, but I think we must recognize that our beloved teams, and players, are quite popular.]


Funny, given how you & I seem to always refer to statistics.
by Domerduck  (2022-06-24 18:33:58)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

The statistical ties give it away especially that Sabrina and Sky are both tied for 3rd. Still you are right that using Sky in the pic is a nod to ND's popularity.


Yeah, embararssingly funny.
by BabaGhanouj  (2022-06-24 20:10:13)     cannot delete  |  Edit  |  Return to Board  |  Ignore Poster   |   Highlight Poster  |   Reply to Post

I am, however, hoping to generate more meaningful and and more timely stats in the coming season. Get your requests in early.