Sleeper Defenders: Brianna Turner

My 11th-grade U.S. history teacher, Mr. Jezak, went to Notre Dame University. Coincidentally, Las Vegas Aces backup forward Brianna Turner was matriculating there at the same time. Learning this information last fall kept her name in my mind, and I've began to think more of her while watching the Indiana Fever vs. Aces' third meeting this season.

I’ve come to the conclusion think Turner fits in a category with Kiah Stokes that I'd like to call "sleeper defenders."

This year, Turner averages 1.9 points in 12.1 minutes per game, but I think her defense shows through the effort stat: rebounding (which she averages over 2 per game). Although she is not at the top in defensive rating like Stokes, if she continues playing this well in her role now, I would suggest the Cleveland Sirens or a future expansion team pick her up (look at Kiah Stokes’ improvement with the Valkyries).

As I watch more and more games, I’ll write down more defenders I think deserve more attention.