Emptying The Notebook Before The Final Preseason Game

Kyle Ratke
Web Editorial Associate
Email | Twitter

With just one more preseason game, there isn't a lot of time for Lynx head coach Cheryl Reeve to make all the appropriate assessments when it comes to certain players. Luckily for Minnesota, its roster is led by a group of veterans, but there are still spots to be fought for over the next few days before the final roster is announced.

"I think games tell us a lot," Reeve said. "We've needed a lot of practice time to put the system in. I wouldn't mind a couple more games to get a feel on a player, but at this point two games are good to get some separation on certain players."

One new face who could make the roster is rookie Sugar Rodgers who put in a full day of practice after missing Saturday's game because of a quad injury. Rodgers was a full-participant at practice on Monday afternoon and will play on Tuesday barring any major setback. Reeve said that although it would have been nice to see Rodgers play more during training camp, the team still has a pretty good feel for the type of player she is.

"It's a body of work," Reeve said. "It's one of those things when she has gone out there we have a decent perspective of where she is. Now we are watching how she responds to certain situations. That's what the game gives us."

Moore Offers Advice

Maya Moore isn't exactly what you'd call an old veteran, but she does have plenty of basketball experience between her years at the University of Connecticut, the WNBA and her time overseas. With so many new faces on the court trying to crack the roster, Moore offers some advice.

"Be confident," the 23-year-old forward said. "Just paying attention and being mentally prepared. That's something that our organization is very intense about."

She was also pretty happy to play in a competitive game on Saturday, even if it was just a preseason game.

"Trying to beat up on someone else is nice," Moore said. "Seeing what different lineups play better together is something that we try to do."

Homecoming On Delay?

Tuesday's game against the Connecticut Sun was supposed to be the first time fans would be able to see Lindsay Whalen and Janel McCarville play together since their days at the University of Minnesota. That may not be the case anymore as McCarville rolled her ankle at practice on Monday. She underwent tests, but it doesn't sound like Reeve wants to risk playing McCarville during a preseason game.

"I haven't had a chance to talk to a trainer yet," Reeve said after practice. "I think she stepped on someone's foot. We'll see what the diagnosis is... I don't know if we would see her tomorrow. I'm not sure if it would be worth it."

Guard Seimone Augustus, who sat out of Saturday's game because of a minor ankle injury, will be ready to go tomorrow. Rookie guard Lindsey Moore's status is uncertain for the game however, after suffering a strained calf.

The Second and Final Preseason Game

The Lynx will play their final preseason game at noon tomorrow against the Connecticut Sun. The game will be held at the Target Center.

Quick Hits

Rookie Rachel Jarry, who impressed Reeve with her play during Saturday's win over Washington, seemed pleased with her 11 point performance.

"It was a good start," the Australian forward said. "It was exciting to get out there and play and get a game under us. Things went well. I was happy with the team's performance and with myself. You can't really tell how you're progressing until you go up against an opponent. It was nice to get the cobwebs out and go run with the girls."

Reeve said that final roster decisions could be impacted by the team's early schedule.

"I think the more time we've had the more separation you see between each of the players," Reeve said. "Then it comes down to the fit... We can go small. We can go big. We look at our opponents upcoming. We play some bigger opponents in the first month, so is that something that we factor?"

For more news and notes on the team follow the Minnesota Lynx on Twitter.