Francesca Belibi May Help Kickstart Stanford's Finest Decade

We know she can dunk - so at 6'-1" she has to call on her +/- 40" vertical leap to propel her considerably above the rim.  But along with her leaping ability, she obviously has major core strength and great timing. Add in, considerable dexterity, a 6'-8" wingspan, a potent work ethic, and terrific coordination and it becomes clear - Fran Belibi has the tools to become not only one of Stanford's, but one of women's basketball's all-time greats. During the next four years we should be prepared to watch the development of a star the likes of which Stanford has rarely seen. She brings to mind Nneka and Candice Dupree - two 6'-2" stars in the WNBA and on our World Cup and Olympic teams.

Picture Fran with Candice's consistent right and left-handed jump hook. With her explosive elevation she could score consistently over anyone playing in college at this point. Same with a mid-range jumpshot. I just see her becoming pretty much unstoppable by the end of her freshman year. Of course, Stanford will have a whole team of offensive weapons, so Fran's stats won't be as glittery as they would be at say Temple, where Candice Dupree played. But when the NCAA tournament rolls around next March, I can foresee Fran as a human highlight reel. You may have seen these video clips which went viral on Youtube - but if you're looking for a way to fill seats in Maples check out the following link:

https://www.si.com/college-basketball/2018/12/13/fran-belibi-dunk-stanford-regis-jesuit-high-video

Not only her home games, but her away games last season were all standing-room only with hundreds of male players in addition to the usual women's bball fans, excited to see Fran play. She gets asked all the time for her autograph by young girls who know her as a YouTube celebrity. She has a major commercial playing on Chinese television. Right now she's trying out for the Under 19 USA girls team in Colorado Springs that will take place later this summer in Thailand. When asked what her biggest achievement of this past year was, she said her Math ACT score of 35 out of a possible 36 was big. When asked about basketball beyond Stanford, she says after college she'll head straight into  medical school to become a pediatrician like her mom. We'll have to take a wait-and-see approach on that question.

I mentioned in Ashten's preview piece last week that she helped Fran win the McDonald's Slam Dunk competition - the first female to win that competition since Candice Parker. I could go on, but you get my drift. We're in for a fantastic four year experience watching and cheering for this remarkable young talent. See you in Maples for a four year ride we'll never forget!! Go Card!! Go Fran!!