Before the Finals, a bit of everything

WNBA Finals:

Around the Rim Finals preview podcast.

The Lynx-Sparks match up is exactly what we'd hoped for.

The WNBA's series preview.

Strengths of the two teams are analyzed.

The Minnesota Twins have purchased 500 tickets for fans to Finals Game 1.

The Sparks will host Game 3, Oct. 14, at USC's Galen Center. Game 4 on Oct. 16 will be back at Staples Center, as per a team spokesman.

WNBA player news:

All Maya Moore does is win.

WNBA coach news:

Dream coach Michael Cooper has coached many of the best.

Former WNBA player news:

Lauren Jackson talks pregnancy and Australia's failed bid at a medal in the Olympics.

WBHOF:

The Hall of Fame will announce their new class in February.

NCAA news:

NCAA Division I will consider new recruiting rules.

College team news:

UConn's 75-game winning streak will be tested early.

Despite six new faces, Maryland begins practices well-acquainted.

College player news:

Once upon a time, Washington guard Kelsey Plum met Sue Bird and told her she would be just like her someday.

Nebraska will be without Rachel Blackburn this year, who has had season-ending knee surgery.

Missouri's Jordan Frericks has suffered a season-ending knee injury.