Player Comparisons: Moriah Jefferson x Lindsey Harding

New generation, same excitement in women’s basketball.

Player Comparisons provides a new look at top girls’ high school prospects by comparing them with a WNBA player or current NCAA All-American. For our high school followers, it’ll give a glimpse into the future of some of the top names on the scene today. Player Comparisons also looks back at the body of work of current college and pro players, many of whom were SLAM All-Americans during their prep careers.

by Jonathan Hemingway / @JLHemingway

HERALDED PREP-PLAYERS

Harding was a nationally ranked prospect coming out of high school, earning recognition as a Parade All-American and a Street & Smith All-American. Those achievements along with being a four-year starter at Cy-Fair HS earned her a scholarship to Duke University in 2002. Jefferson has been tabbed by ESPN HoopGurlz as the No. 2 prospect in the 2012 class. She plays for the Texas Home Educators Sports Association (THESA) and has helped her squad to four NCHBC national championships. Her accomplishments in high school and on the summer circuit led her to sign a National Letter of Intent with Huskies of UConn.

TEXAS TOUGH

Harding and Jefferson play the game with a very appropriate chip on their shoulder. Did Harding pick it up in Houston while playing ball as a teenager? Or was it the Dallas ball that provided Jefferson with the edge she needed to become the best point guard in high school land? One thing is for certain: Both point guards play the game with a fire that resembles the Lone Star State’s reputation for passion and individualism.

CREATORS

Harding set the school record at Duke for assists and also ranks 12th overall for points scored. Those accomplishments put her in the conversation as one of the great point guards in ACC history. Jefferson on the other hand is a natural scorer who is fantastic with the ball in her hand. Her ability to shake defenders and get a shot at any time is special. Jefferson has had to make the transition as to the point guard position in the past few years, because of her size and stature. Look for Coach Geno Auriemma to use his talented recruit as a focal point in his offense for years to come.

LOOKING FORWARD

Harding completed an illustrious career at Duke University and earned the right to be drafted No. 1 overall in the 2007 WNBA Draft. Today she plays for the Atlanta Dream and led them to the WNBA Finals this past season. Her ability to use a ball screen and hit the open jumper or pass to a rolling post player makes her one of the top point guards in the league today. Moriah Jefferson will carry the flag for the game of women’s basketball at the point guard position in the very near future. Similar to Harding, Jefferson will play with an unquestioned love for the game.

For more on Moriah Jefferson, pick up SLAM 155, on newsstands everywhere.