NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
2019 was a long time ago in sports years and injuries along with tough breaks have made the last two seasons one’s to forget for the Washington Mystics. But with a healthy roster led by the return of 2-time MVP Elena Delle Donne the outlook on the upcoming season is a good one. Missing the postseason for the first since 2016 the mission is clear, get back to the standard the franchise has built. Welcome back to Alysha Clark who will bring perimeter shooting and defense fresh off a summer to work on her game I look forward to seeing what Myisha Hines-Allen does in 2022. Hurt to see that former UConn Husky Christyn Williams is done for the season, she would have added some backcourt depth. Trading away the number 1 pick in this year’s draft the league is on notice that Washington is doing two things. One that they are all in on improving on the defensive end and, two not being in the postseason is unacceptable. With a full roster, they have a chance to be elite on the defensive end and shut teams down. The league enters its 26th season with so many exciting storylines and the play on the floor has only gotten better as well as the continued focus on being a voice for social justice.
Washington Mystics Roster
| NAME | POS | AGE | HT | WT | COLLEGE |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
G
|
25
|
5′ 8″
|
167 lbs
|
Texas
|
|
|
C
|
21
|
6′ 5″
|
190 lbs
|
Ole Miss
|
|
|
Katie Benzan 14
|
G
|
23
|
5′ 6″
|
130 lbs
|
Maryland
|
|
Alysha Clark 22
|
F
|
34
|
5′ 11″
|
167 lbs
|
Middle Tennessee
|
|
G
|
30
|
5′ 9″
|
160 lbs
|
Saint Joseph’s
|
|
|
F
|
32
|
6′ 5″
|
187 lbs
|
Delaware
|
|
|
F
|
31
|
6′ 3″
|
186 lbs
|
Maryland
|
|
|
F
|
25
|
6′ 1″
|
200 lbs
|
Louisville
|
|
|
Rui Machida 13
|
G
|
29
|
5′ 3″
|
—
|
—
|
|
G
|
26
|
5′ 9″
|
140 lbs
|
Maryland
|
|
|
C
|
28
|
6′ 3″
|
200 lbs
|
Duke
|
Guards:
Let’s start with the ball handlers, shall we? The Mystics have a steady hand in Ariel Atkins who stepped up last season in terms of scoring and should have zero issues filling in when needed on the scoring end and will continue to be a fantastic two-way wing player. Where do we start when talking about Natasha Cloud? Not even mentioning the awesome work she always does off the floor, getting back to the court Cloud is one of the best PGs in the league. She can set up teammates or if needed go get a bucket herself, a complete player. And don’t forget she has been all defensive-team member as well, the other guards on the team will have the opportunity to find a role and fill it out.
Ariel Atkins also talked about being a leader and becoming more vocal on the court. #Mystics25 | #MysticsMediaDay pic.twitter.com/Bu4FTAgv7S
— The NBS Sports Hour (@NBSSportsHour) April 22, 2022
Forwards:
Oh, this is going to be fun! The versatility they bring makes any hoop head stand up. The plan is to include rest days into the season for Elena Delle Donne which based on the past is a smart move. Just having her ON the floor will be huge for the entire team and her leadership and output have been missed. We have to hope that the back issues are behind her and the former MVP can just get busy when her number is called. Joining her will be Myisha Hines-Allen and Alysha Clark, Allen will add to the rebounding numbers as well as a sneaky ability to get timely steals. Clark is deadeye from deep and has to overcome nagging foot injuries. Keeping the theme on defense she is a lockdown defender. Tianna Hawkins comes back to D.C. and should add depth to the frontcourt.
Center:
Shakira Austin was the 3rd overall pick in this year’s draft and she can do so many things. Enough size to bang in the paint with the bigs and, quick enough to handle wing players as well. With the talent on this roster, she can find her way, and also building a consistent outside shot could make her a nightmare for opposing squads. I see lots of offensive rebounds and putbacks coming her way. Elizabeth Williams was added as a strong post player who will be a factor on the boards and be a great example for Austin to follow.
Outlook:
Head coach Mike Thibault has his sights set on a title and with the potential, his team has to be versatile on the offensive end and top-notch on the defensive end I won’t call him crazy. But, with the number of talented teams around the league, it will not be a cakewalk and health will be a major factor. If we have learned anything about sports the games are not played on paper it will be exciting to see what the season brings.
