Let's Make a Football Team of Women's Basketball Players

It doesn’t matter what’s going on in the world, I am always thinking about women’s college basketball. Which is why, on Super Bowl Sunday (after watching some incredible WBB games, I might add), the obvious question bounced around in my head: If I was creating a football team made up of women’s college basketball players, who would I select and why? 

And so, I give you, the first ever Inbox-and-One WBB Football team: 

This one was easy because Fudd was actually a wide receiver, winning the U14 girls flag football championship in 2017. We need some experience on our WBB football team, so Fudd is a great start. Plus, the way she evades defenses in order to get free for a catch-and shoot 3-pointer is akin to how a wide receiver has to shake off defenders in order to get open on a route. 

On the basketball court no one finds a lane to the basket quite like Harrison. That makes her a natural fit for the running back position, which is all about finding holes in a defense and attacking them with the same quickness she uses to drive to the hoop. I can already picture Harrison sneaking through a defense and running 50 yards for a touchdown.

For another position that requires versatility, I’m tabbing Johnson, who is a basketball player, rapper and podcaster. She’s used to balancing multiple tasks, which leads me to believe she can handle deep coverage as well as pursuing ball carriers. Johnson also possesses a high basketball IQ, so I trust her to read and react to different offensive schemes on the football field.

Obviously the player nicknamed Pitbull needs to be on this roster. Samuels (5-6) is small but mighty and she’s never afraid to put her body on the line for the good of the team. She’s aggressive and unafraid of contact – in fact, she seeks it out. Her physicality is ideal for stopping the run, while her speed and agility would allow her to defend the pass.  

I know Skinner is redshirting this season, but I still need her on this football team. Plus, this is a made-up exercise so injuries don’t actually matter. Not only did Skinner play flag football as a little girl, but she was also a star soccer player who participated in USA soccer camps. I’d trust her to line up a 40-yarder any day. She’s good at pretty much everything (even golf) so I trust Skinner to figure out punting as well. 

Tight ends have to do it all: block for runners, protect the quarterback, catch, run, etc. So we are looking for someone with versatility. Dugalic is a strong, athletic 6-4 wing who can shoot, drive, pass and play on the post. She can do it all on the court, so why not on the field as well?

Beers has two brothers, Rocky and Rowdy, who are both college tight ends. So Raegan at least knows a little something about football. Despite the family position, I’m eyeing her for the offensive line because she has good lateral quickness, strength and a great wingspan to defend and get leverage against the pass rush. 

When Fulwiley has the ball in the open court on a fastbreak, she is near-impossible to stop. She’s fast and shifty, which is also exactly what you want out of a returner. Get Fulwiley the ball (foot or basket) in space and it’s game over.

I was already eyeing Rice for the QB spot, and then I saw the above video on UCLA’s social media. She’s got the goods (at least in comparison to her teammates). Point guards are the quarterbacks of the basketball world and Rice is one of the country’s best. Plus, she’s smart and dedicated – to crucial aspects of leading a football team. When I spent time with UCLA for a behind-the-scenes story last season, no one took film more seriously than Rice, who was furiously scribbling down notes every chance she got. 

The average height of an NFL left tackle is 6-6, which is an inch shorter than Betts. In this position a long wingspan is crucial in order to protect the quarterback’s blind side. Left tackles also need to have good footspeed and agility, which Betts uses for her post moves in the paint. Plus, she will be protecting our QB, Rice, with whom she already has a close relationship. Betts won’t let anything happen to her.

There may not be a stronger player in women’s college basketball than McMahon. Her ability to score through contact by overpowering defenders is enough to get her on the roster, but I want McMahon as a linebacker for many reasons. She has a nose for the ball. On the basketball court, that means she is a good rebounder. On the football field it means she would be able to seek out ball carriers and stop the run. McMahon is also strong and athletic, so she can meet opposing players in the gaps, stopping them before they break off a big gain.

No one in college basketball has figured out how to contend with the strength of Crooks. When she posts up, there is no moving Crooks off her spot on the block, which is why she is so hard to defend. That same size and strength make her a perfect fit for the interior defensive line position. She can use her strength and length to generate leverage and her athleticism and natural post footwork to pressure the passer. 

I don’t care what position Strong plays. She’s so good at basketball that I’m going to assume she can play any sport, and therefore I need her on my football team. Pick a position, Sarah, and it’s yours!

Staley is the only coach who I’ve seen take an active interest in football. She loves her Philadelphia Eagles and wore a Nick Emmanwori jersey on Super Bowl Sunday to support former South Carolina and current Seahawks safety. Football knowledge aside, Staley knows how to get the best out of her players. I think she could do that just as well on a field as on the court.