Have you ever heard of the saying only the strongest survive? In the WNBA those words are more true than ever; with only 144 spots each player has to battle to be on an opening day roster and continue to fight to stay on that roster. It’s kind of crazy how humans’ way of life sometimes imitates the animal kingdom. Out there its eat or be eaten, the same thing can be said about a basketball court; so it got me thinking who would be some of the WNBA’s best in the animal world?
Diana Taurasi/Lion
The Lion: Regarded as one of the best players in the world, it’s only fitting you compare her to a lion. The lion is known as the king of the jungle or in this case, the queen of the jungle; the lion’s reputation speaks for itself just like Diana Taurasi. Their legacies are unmatched and very few opponents want to challenge the king or queen for their throne.
Candace Parker/ King Cobra
Moving silently hunting with their eyes before striking is what the Cobra does in the wild and is what Candace Parker does on the basketball court. With the combination of their length and speed and deadly venom, these creatures are a force to be reckoned with. Just like the Cobra, Parker’s height and versatility allow her to take on players twice her size. Parker using her 6’4 frame in the paint to warn off competitors can be compared to the Cobra’s use of its signature hood as a defensive mechanism to scare away hunters. Both souls are from different worlds but when they strike everyone around them will know.
Sue Bird/Chimpanzee
How can you not compare one of the best basketball minds and high IQ players to the world’s smartest animal? Chimps are intelligent and with their skill to manipulate and conform to their surroundings to help others, screams the perfect point guard. Sue Bird‘s basketball IQ and passing abilities has her regarded as the greatest point guard the WNBA has ever seen. It’s not too many defenses that can throw Bird off her game; she can conform to any type of defense or offense teams like to play, and before you realize it, her skill to manipulate the game will have you playing her style of ball.
Breanna Stewart/Mosquito
I know what you’re thinking, Breanna Stewart a Mosquito? She’s won on every level. How is she compared to a tiny insect? Well, the Mosquito is the world’s deadliest animal and can kill you in multiple ways. Stewart’s winning record shows how deadly she is on the basketball court. Her ability to go inside and out keeps her opponents guessing. Like the Mosquito, her movements on the court are so quick that before you see it, you’re hit with a dagger of a shot.
Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike/Wolves
The Wolf is intelligent but they’re loyal to their family. When you think about family loyalty within the WNBA you have to think of the Ogwumike sisters from Stanford to Los Angeles: these sisters have each other’s back and just like the wolf, they hunt in a pack on the court, blocking shots, rebounding, and making them a fierce tandem.
A’ja Wilson/Swan
Watching A’ja Wilson blossom into a WNBA superstar has been a beautiful sight to see. Her moves on the offensive end have become so majestic and smooth it’s like she is gliding on air. Comparing A’ja to a Swan doesn’t mean she’s not an ultimate competitor; it means Wilson in all aspects of the game displays grace and creativity.
Stay tuned for Part 2 coming soon. Follow me on Twitter @WNBAUncut and check out Beyond Women’s Sports for more articles on amazing women and their sport.
