This post was written by Louis Nelson, a Hatchet staff writer.
As her career at GW comes to a close, the question of where center Jessica Adair’s basketball career goes once she leaves Foggy Bottom is starting to come into focus.
Although she said didn’t know she was being watched, Adair’s 15 point, 12 rebound performance Saturday against St. Bonaventure could potentially have a much bigger impact for her than simply moving her team up in the standings. Putting up a double-double when Dan Hughes, head coach and general manager of the WNBA’s San Antonio Silver Stars is sitting courtside might end up being one of the most important performances of Adair’s career.
“I think she has a very powerful type of game,” Hughes said. “She’s shown some real ability to athletically combine some strength and quickness in the post area. But she also, I think, has had a distinguished career. I think she’s done a lot of good things in her career here at GW.”
Hughes said that although he didn’t see Adair as a first round pick in this year’s WNBA draft, he was certain she would be drafted and that the Silver Stars were not the only team taking a look at Adair. For her to make the jump to the professional level, however, certain aspects of Adair’s game will have to improve.
“I think a couple things will be defined at the next level,” Hughes said. “She’ll be playing with other big people, and so I think her ability to handle the ball a little better, from the standpoint of interior passing, not only being the recipient of the ball but being able to distribute to others.”
Adair would be the second straight Colonial to be drafted into the WNBA. Kim Beck, who was a four-year starter for GW and 2008 Atlantic 10 player of the year was drafted in the third round of last year’s draft by the Seattle Storm. Cathy Joens, who graduated from GW in 2004, also plays in the WNBA for the Chicago Sky.
As for Adair’s potential for success in the professional game, Hughes sounded optimistic.
“I think she certainly has a chance,” he said. “There’s no question.”
