NFL
By: Nick Andre
The Minnesota Lynx are beginning a new era after the retirement of Sylvia Fowles. There’s a lot to be excited about with this team. Napheesa Collier is returning full-time while a lot of their key contributors are returning this season as well. However, Lynx fans should be excited about Brea Beal, who was their 24th pick in this year’s WNBA Draft. After displaying a great career at the University of South Carolina, Beal is going to help elevate the Lynx’s chances as playoff contenders.
Brea Beal is a player that a coach can implement with any lineup. Her versatility from defense and putting the ball on the floor allow her to be a spectacular player. The best way to describe Beal as a player is someone who is a star in their role. She may not be the best player on the floor, however, she shines due to her energy and effort on the floor.
Beal’s motor is one thing to admire about her game. As a high-IQ player, she understands what’s going to happen on the floor before the play is made. With that being said, Beal’s positioning and movement have always been important when executing a play. During her time at South Carolina, head coach Dawn Staley did a terrific job of positioning Beal to be in the best position for high-quality shots and the ability to take pressure off her teammates.
Beal averaged 6.1 points per game to go with five rebounds during her four years at South Carolina. The stats may not be eye-popping but Beal’s impact is bigger than what’s on the box score. Playing for the Lynx, head coach Cheryl Reeve will be able to utilize Beal for multiple reasons. She can be the anchor in the team’s defense while also playing anywhere on the floor on offense. As Beal continues to develop at the professional level, we will continue to watch her value increase as she only capitalizes on the versatility she showed at South Carolina.
