Article:Brittney could go pro (no, not THAT Brittney!)

6-8, wears a size 18 mens shoe and led her high school team to a win in Houston last night. Notice the word "her." J.E. Skeets of Yahoo.com talks about Brittney Griner a 16 year-old junior in Houston, Texas who leads the area in scoring, blocked shots, dunks, and being tall. She stands 6'8" (for now), wears a size 18 men's sneaker, and has exploded onto the high school basketball -- and YouTube -- scene over the past year.

Last night, Griner posted 29 points, 13 rebounds, 11 shots and nine assists in helping her Nimitz High School to a first round playoff win over rival Westside High School. On top of that, she dunked twice. Hard. Those would have made His Airness proud. Yahoo! Sports has the video. Check it out.

Could Brittney Griner one day play in the NBA? She seems to have some of the tools. She's 6'8" and growing, is just 16 and, from the limited footage that I've seen of her, looks pretty quick on her feet and comfortable with the ball. With a few solid years of coaching, you'd have to at least consider it a possibility, right? This gal could be the next LeBron James or could help some D1 program reach the top (U of H, are you listening?) when the time comes.

Well, no. And here's why: While Griner's 6'8" frame might make her the swat-blocking Gheorge Muresan of Texas women's high school basketball, it would mean nothing in the NBA. Can you imagine her trying to defend someone as athletic and strong as Rudy Gay or Andre Iguodala? It would be impossible. I'm still convinced that the first woman to play in the NBA will actually be a short, lightning-quick point guard with great decision-making skills and a jumpshot. You know, like, Jose Calderon ... but ... um ... not.