The SacBee notes Nicole Powell's future as a WNBA star.

"Along with Taurasi, Nicole is the most skilled player in the draft," says Monarchs GM and coach John Whisenant. "Nicole has Chris Webber hands - that's why she gets so many rebounds. She's a good perimeter shooter and an outstanding passer. She's definitely a point forward like Larry Bird or Scottie Pippen."

Some observers, however, are more wary, wondering what position Nicole will play in the pros. "You don't want to pass on a player like her, but if it's me drafting third, I'm not sure I'd take her there," one scout told the LA Times. "Her versatility makes her special. But I'm not sure what is her best position for the WNBA. It will be challenging on how she fits into a team."

But of course, we're getting ahead of ourselves -- there's still work to be done at the college level. This year is Powell's last chance to lead the Cardinal deep into the tournament.

"That's the challenge ahead for Nicole - leading us to the Final Four," says coach TV. "That's how we measure greatness."

But VanDerveer also notes that the team's lack of March success shouldn't diminish Powell too much.

"When you look at some of the other great players out there, they have a lot of talent around them. Nicole hasn't had as much athleticism around her as Alana Beard or Diana Taurasi. So the numbers she's posting and the things she's doing, she's doing on her own. That's not discrediting our players, but there is more athleticism around those other players. In some ways, we have to really work for our points."