With these intense WNBA playoff games, let us not forget our NCAA news:
NCAA officials will closely monitor the pace of play this year.
UConn Coach Geno Auriemma pitches his plan for new regionals sites.
Elena Delle Donne, Skylar Diggins and Brittney Griner discuss what they want to work on during their senior years.
Q&A with Rutgers Coach C. Vivian Stringer.
The Iowa Hawkeyes are looking for the right mix.
UConn's Bria Hartley is healing, and eyeing a return to practice.
Tulane media day quotes.
IUPUI preview: the guards.
Former UCLA Bruin Natalie Nakase wants to coach in the NBA.
Janet Holt Baker will be inducted into the Tennessee Tech Hall of Fame Nov. 2.
Thursday, October 18, 2012
Fallout from Cheryl Reeve technical
For her jacket-tearing technical in last night's game, Lynx Coach Cheryl Reeve has the support of her mother and Rick Mahorn. But Fever Coach Lin Dunn said it showed "a lack of respect," and thought Reeve should have been tossed from the game.
The episode has gone viral.
The league says last night's game was the most-viewed playoff game on ESPN since 1999.
In the meantime, Lynx players are getting ready for game three tomorrow (with some video of Dunn, too).
It doesn't sound like Katie Douglas will be playing tomorrow night.
The episode has gone viral.
The league says last night's game was the most-viewed playoff game on ESPN since 1999.
In the meantime, Lynx players are getting ready for game three tomorrow (with some video of Dunn, too).
It doesn't sound like Katie Douglas will be playing tomorrow night.
More on last night's game two
The Lynx pummeled Indiana on the boards for the win.
Video highlights.
Photo gallery.
Playoffs blog.
Press conference videos:
Lin Dunn.
Tamika Catchings and Briann January.
Cheryl Reeve, Seimone Augustus and Taj McWilliams-Franklin.
You all saw the way Reeve motivated her team with that technical? The emotions leaked over to the players.
To say the game was physical is a gross understatement.
What will happen in game three?
Video highlights.
Photo gallery.
Playoffs blog.
Press conference videos:
Lin Dunn.
Tamika Catchings and Briann January.
Cheryl Reeve, Seimone Augustus and Taj McWilliams-Franklin.
You all saw the way Reeve motivated her team with that technical? The emotions leaked over to the players.
To say the game was physical is a gross understatement.
What will happen in game three?
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Pac-12 preview: Stanford University
This is the third in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
Stanford fans are used to seeing their team on top. Coach Tara VanDerveer, who enters her 27th year this season, has produced a dynasty of sorts, leading the Cardinal to the Final Four each of the last five years.
This season may take a sharp departure from that pattern, however, as Stanford struggles to reload. Gone are four graduates - the most notable being three-time All-American Nneka Ogwumike, who is worth at least three players for all that she did for the team.
Last year Ogwumike was her team's top scorer (20.5 ppg) and leading rebounder (10.2 rpg). She was also the motivator; the one who inspired her team to work hard by her example; the one who encouraged and provided positive reinforcement. Not to mention all the little things she did on the court besides score and grab boards.
Filling the shoes of such a complete player is the tallest of orders, and the Cardinal may not have the remedy just yet.
Nneka's sister, junior Chiney Ogwumike, (15 ppg, 10.1 rpg) is a good start. Stanford also returns junior guard Toni Kokenis (9.5 ppg), who emerged at the end of her freshman year and continues to grow as a player. Senior forward Joslyn Tinkle (8.7 ppg) is back, as is the fourth starter, sophomore point guard Amber Orrange, who seems to have much potential.
VanDerveer changed the offense last year when it became obvious that the young Orrange had a knack at the point. She ended up starting the last two-thirds of the season, and made an impression at the Pac-12 Tournament.
But after the starting five, the Cardinal ranks are thin.
Gone are key reserves Lindy La Rocque and Sarah Boothe. Sophomore forwards Bonnie Samuelson and Taylor Greenfield return, as does junior guard Sara James and sophomore forward Erica Payne. But none of the four averaged over 4.6 points per game last year. They had their chances, but Nneka Ogwumike played most of every game because she had to. She was the only reason the Cardinal were at last year's Final Four. It was one of the best-kept secrets of the tournament.
The rest of the Stanford squad is young. Two redshirt freshmen are ready to play: Jasmine Camp, a 5-foot-7 guard and Alex Green, a 5-foot-9 guard. Redshirt junior Mikaela Ruef, a 6-foot-3 forward, also returns.
There are also four true freshmen: 6-foot-3 forward Alyson Beebe; 5-foot-6 guard Denia Ebersole; 5-foot-10 guard Kiran Lakhiam; and 6-foot-5 forward/center Tess Picknell. Only Beebe was ranked in high school, yet she won't play this season due to a knee injury sustained over the summer.
Besides the youth of the team, another challenge for the Cardinal may be lack of a true center. Ogwumike, Tinkle, Samuelson and Payne are the only players over six feet tall with experience, and none is a center. Picknell is the tallest on the team, but won't likely be ready to step into the center role her first year.
Another issue will be finding someone to rebound. Tinkle averaged 5.4 last year and Samuelson, an anemic 1.2. Chiney Ogwumike won't be able to get all the rebounds for the Cardinal; others will have to step up. But will they?
Stanford's preseason schedule is set up as if they are still championship contenders. They will face Baylor, Gonzaga, South Carolina, Tennessee and Connecticut before beginning conference play. It should be interesting, to say the least, to see how they'll do against such opponents.
VanDerveer is a Hall of Fame coach, and one of the smartest in the business. No doubt she has a plan for rebuilding what is almost a brand new team.
But Stanford fans will have to remember - especially this year - that sometimes things take a while to be put back together.
Stanford fans are used to seeing their team on top. Coach Tara VanDerveer, who enters her 27th year this season, has produced a dynasty of sorts, leading the Cardinal to the Final Four each of the last five years.
This season may take a sharp departure from that pattern, however, as Stanford struggles to reload. Gone are four graduates - the most notable being three-time All-American Nneka Ogwumike, who is worth at least three players for all that she did for the team.
Last year Ogwumike was her team's top scorer (20.5 ppg) and leading rebounder (10.2 rpg). She was also the motivator; the one who inspired her team to work hard by her example; the one who encouraged and provided positive reinforcement. Not to mention all the little things she did on the court besides score and grab boards.
Filling the shoes of such a complete player is the tallest of orders, and the Cardinal may not have the remedy just yet.
Nneka's sister, junior Chiney Ogwumike, (15 ppg, 10.1 rpg) is a good start. Stanford also returns junior guard Toni Kokenis (9.5 ppg), who emerged at the end of her freshman year and continues to grow as a player. Senior forward Joslyn Tinkle (8.7 ppg) is back, as is the fourth starter, sophomore point guard Amber Orrange, who seems to have much potential.
VanDerveer changed the offense last year when it became obvious that the young Orrange had a knack at the point. She ended up starting the last two-thirds of the season, and made an impression at the Pac-12 Tournament.
But after the starting five, the Cardinal ranks are thin.
Gone are key reserves Lindy La Rocque and Sarah Boothe. Sophomore forwards Bonnie Samuelson and Taylor Greenfield return, as does junior guard Sara James and sophomore forward Erica Payne. But none of the four averaged over 4.6 points per game last year. They had their chances, but Nneka Ogwumike played most of every game because she had to. She was the only reason the Cardinal were at last year's Final Four. It was one of the best-kept secrets of the tournament.
The rest of the Stanford squad is young. Two redshirt freshmen are ready to play: Jasmine Camp, a 5-foot-7 guard and Alex Green, a 5-foot-9 guard. Redshirt junior Mikaela Ruef, a 6-foot-3 forward, also returns.
There are also four true freshmen: 6-foot-3 forward Alyson Beebe; 5-foot-6 guard Denia Ebersole; 5-foot-10 guard Kiran Lakhiam; and 6-foot-5 forward/center Tess Picknell. Only Beebe was ranked in high school, yet she won't play this season due to a knee injury sustained over the summer.
Besides the youth of the team, another challenge for the Cardinal may be lack of a true center. Ogwumike, Tinkle, Samuelson and Payne are the only players over six feet tall with experience, and none is a center. Picknell is the tallest on the team, but won't likely be ready to step into the center role her first year.
Another issue will be finding someone to rebound. Tinkle averaged 5.4 last year and Samuelson, an anemic 1.2. Chiney Ogwumike won't be able to get all the rebounds for the Cardinal; others will have to step up. But will they?
Stanford's preseason schedule is set up as if they are still championship contenders. They will face Baylor, Gonzaga, South Carolina, Tennessee and Connecticut before beginning conference play. It should be interesting, to say the least, to see how they'll do against such opponents.
VanDerveer is a Hall of Fame coach, and one of the smartest in the business. No doubt she has a plan for rebuilding what is almost a brand new team.
But Stanford fans will have to remember - especially this year - that sometimes things take a while to be put back together.
Lynx take game two, 83-71
What a game:
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Seimone Augustus scored 23 of her 27 points in the second half to help the Minnesota Lynx surge past the Indiana Fever 83-71 on Wednesday night to even the WNBA finals at one game apiece.
Maya Moore pitched in 23 points and the defending champion Lynx forced the Fever into 24 turnovers, 15 after halftime. Tamika Catchings led the way as usual with 27 points and eight rebounds, but the Fever's defense faded after a dominant start. They let the Lynx score 29 points in the third quarter and bring an already-loud crowd into the game even more.
The series now moves to Indiana. Game 3 is on Friday and Game 4 is on Sunday.
Lynx got mad and got even.
Fever Coach Lin Dunn said it was the most physical game she's been a part of, in 42 years of coaching.
College news:
Elena Delle Donne's choice to be drafted next year is Chicago.
Cal basketball launches its new website in four days.
Overseas professional news:
A back injury has sidelined Australian superstar Lauren Jackson. She is out of WNBL play for at least two weeks.
MINNEAPOLIS (AP) -- Seimone Augustus scored 23 of her 27 points in the second half to help the Minnesota Lynx surge past the Indiana Fever 83-71 on Wednesday night to even the WNBA finals at one game apiece.
Maya Moore pitched in 23 points and the defending champion Lynx forced the Fever into 24 turnovers, 15 after halftime. Tamika Catchings led the way as usual with 27 points and eight rebounds, but the Fever's defense faded after a dominant start. They let the Lynx score 29 points in the third quarter and bring an already-loud crowd into the game even more.
The series now moves to Indiana. Game 3 is on Friday and Game 4 is on Sunday.
Lynx got mad and got even.
Fever Coach Lin Dunn said it was the most physical game she's been a part of, in 42 years of coaching.
College news:
Elena Delle Donne's choice to be drafted next year is Chicago.
Cal basketball launches its new website in four days.
Overseas professional news:
A back injury has sidelined Australian superstar Lauren Jackson. She is out of WNBL play for at least two weeks.
Game two is tonight
5 p.m. Pacific, 8 p.m. Eastern on ESPN and ESPN3.
Preview.
Videos.
Lynx practice reports.
Fever practice reports.
Erlana Larkins and Rebekkah Brunson.
College bonus:
Skylar Diggins, Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner visited ESPN studios today.
Total access.
Behind the scenes.
Griner on Mike and Mike.
Chat with Diggins.
Chat with Delle Donne.
OOO Weee! I'm psyched!
Preview.
Videos.
Lynx practice reports.
Fever practice reports.
Erlana Larkins and Rebekkah Brunson.
College bonus:
Skylar Diggins, Elena Delle Donne and Brittney Griner visited ESPN studios today.
Total access.
Behind the scenes.
Griner on Mike and Mike.
Chat with Diggins.
Chat with Delle Donne.
OOO Weee! I'm psyched!
First and second all-WNBA teams announced
The teams:
2012 ALL-WNBA FIRST TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks Forward 176
Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever Forward 161
Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun Center 196
Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty Guard 128
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx Guard 95
2012 ALL-WNBA SECOND TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx Forward 102
Sophia Young, San Antonio Silver Stars Forward 67
Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky Center 95
Kristi Toliver, Los Angeles Sparks Guard 91
Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx Guard 88
2012 ALL-WNBA FIRST TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Candace Parker, Los Angeles Sparks Forward 176
Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever Forward 161
Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun Center 196
Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty Guard 128
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx Guard 95
2012 ALL-WNBA SECOND TEAM
Player Team Position Points
Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx Forward 102
Sophia Young, San Antonio Silver Stars Forward 67
Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky Center 95
Kristi Toliver, Los Angeles Sparks Guard 91
Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx Guard 88
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Pac-12 preview: University of Washington
This is the second in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
Things didn't go exactly as planned last year for the University of Washington Huskies.
Coach Kevin McGuff left Xavier after a celebrated career there to take over the program in Seattle, and he assembled an all-star coaching cast. But before pre-season even started, leading scorer Kristi Kingma tore her ACL and was out for the year. Two of the Huskies' four freshmen, forward Talia Walton and guard/forward Deborah Meeks, also were injured in the weeks that followed, and opted to redshirt the season.
The understaffed team did well considering: they were 20-14 overall, 8-10 in conference and made it to the second round of the Pac-12 Tournament before succumbing to power house Stanford, who went on to the Final Four. But this year could be brighter for the UW, despite lack of experience, another injury and possible size issues.
Kingma, a guard/forward, is back and ready to go, as is sophomore point guard Jazmine Davis, who was the Huskies' second-leading scorer last year. Starting guard Mercedes Wetmore also returns, as does guard Kellie McCann-Smith and forward Aminah Williams. This should help make up for the loss of 6-foot-4 Regina Rogers, who was last year's top point-getter. Three other seniors - one a starter and the other two, key reserves - are also gone.
McGuff had been counting on 6-foot-3 freshman Katie Collier, ranked 22 in last year's class, and a member of the McDonald's All-American team. But Collier sustained a knee injury over the summer and is out for the season. Walton, at 6-foot-2, hasn't had college playing time. The Huskies remaining freshmen, guard/forward Heather Corral and forward/center Mathilde Gilling, are both over six feet, but also lack experience.
McGuff is already planning to step up the UW's running and shooting game until the taller players catch on - typical for coaches with shorter rosters. This is not foreign territory for McGuff, who was known for his fast, aggressive teams at Xavier.
The Huskies preseason schedule includes match ups against San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, Wisconsin and Long Beach State. Their season opener is Nov. 9, at home vs. Saint Mary's.
Such a schedule, which seems to build in difficulty as the weeks lead up to conference play, might allow the UW to collect experience, develop some team chemistry and make a run in the Pac-12.
Things didn't go exactly as planned last year for the University of Washington Huskies.
Coach Kevin McGuff left Xavier after a celebrated career there to take over the program in Seattle, and he assembled an all-star coaching cast. But before pre-season even started, leading scorer Kristi Kingma tore her ACL and was out for the year. Two of the Huskies' four freshmen, forward Talia Walton and guard/forward Deborah Meeks, also were injured in the weeks that followed, and opted to redshirt the season.
The understaffed team did well considering: they were 20-14 overall, 8-10 in conference and made it to the second round of the Pac-12 Tournament before succumbing to power house Stanford, who went on to the Final Four. But this year could be brighter for the UW, despite lack of experience, another injury and possible size issues.
Kingma, a guard/forward, is back and ready to go, as is sophomore point guard Jazmine Davis, who was the Huskies' second-leading scorer last year. Starting guard Mercedes Wetmore also returns, as does guard Kellie McCann-Smith and forward Aminah Williams. This should help make up for the loss of 6-foot-4 Regina Rogers, who was last year's top point-getter. Three other seniors - one a starter and the other two, key reserves - are also gone.
McGuff had been counting on 6-foot-3 freshman Katie Collier, ranked 22 in last year's class, and a member of the McDonald's All-American team. But Collier sustained a knee injury over the summer and is out for the season. Walton, at 6-foot-2, hasn't had college playing time. The Huskies remaining freshmen, guard/forward Heather Corral and forward/center Mathilde Gilling, are both over six feet, but also lack experience.
McGuff is already planning to step up the UW's running and shooting game until the taller players catch on - typical for coaches with shorter rosters. This is not foreign territory for McGuff, who was known for his fast, aggressive teams at Xavier.
The Huskies preseason schedule includes match ups against San Diego State, UC Santa Barbara, Pepperdine, Wisconsin and Long Beach State. Their season opener is Nov. 9, at home vs. Saint Mary's.
Such a schedule, which seems to build in difficulty as the weeks lead up to conference play, might allow the UW to collect experience, develop some team chemistry and make a run in the Pac-12.
But wait, there's more
Fantastic piece on "Mama" Taj McWilliams-Franklin. What a journey, and one that continues:
Current Lynx teammate Candice Wiggins did some calculating and figured out that when Taj was playing for the Orlando Miracle at the start of her WNBA career in 1999, Wiggins was in that city for a 13-and-under AAU tournament. She went to see a Miracle game, along with a few other future pro players like Los Angeles' Candace Parker.
"None of us knew then how much Taj was going to impact us," Wiggins said. "She had to claw and scratch her way to respect. She earned it with all the odds stacked against her."
Taj still has a lot in front of her. She'll be an assistant to women's hoops head coach Greg Williams at Rice University this coming season. That was a job she worked hard to get, sending letters and résumés to several programs. Williams, who previously spent time coaching in the WNBA, understands how much value Taj can bring in working with young people.
College:
The Colonial Athletic Association is in transition as the season starts.
Once-progressive Tennessee takes a hit with latest discrimination suits.
Holly Warlick embraces the challenge of replacing Pat Summitt.
Current Lynx teammate Candice Wiggins did some calculating and figured out that when Taj was playing for the Orlando Miracle at the start of her WNBA career in 1999, Wiggins was in that city for a 13-and-under AAU tournament. She went to see a Miracle game, along with a few other future pro players like Los Angeles' Candace Parker.
"None of us knew then how much Taj was going to impact us," Wiggins said. "She had to claw and scratch her way to respect. She earned it with all the odds stacked against her."
Taj still has a lot in front of her. She'll be an assistant to women's hoops head coach Greg Williams at Rice University this coming season. That was a job she worked hard to get, sending letters and résumés to several programs. Williams, who previously spent time coaching in the WNBA, understands how much value Taj can bring in working with young people.
College:
The Colonial Athletic Association is in transition as the season starts.
Once-progressive Tennessee takes a hit with latest discrimination suits.
Holly Warlick embraces the challenge of replacing Pat Summitt.
NCAA forced to relocate next spring's Trenton regional
Trenton, N.J. is a no-go for 2013:
The NCAA has been forced to relocate several championships from New Jersey because of a new state law allowing sports wagering on professional and collegiate games.
The five championships, all scheduled in 2013, include the Division I Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, Diving Regionals (Piscataway, March 14-17), Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, Trenton Regional (Trenton, March 30-April 2), Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship (Hoboken, April 26-28) and the Division II and III Women’s Lacrosse Championships (Montclair, May 18-19).
Other college news:
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott wants more coverage for women's basketball.
One-on-one with Delaware forward Elena Delle Donne.
Delle Donne, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins will visit ESPN in Connecticut tomorrow.
Baylor's Brittney Griner is ready for her senior season.
UConn freshman Breanna Stewart already has Coach Geno Auriemma's faith.
Playing at a Juco has new Texas Tech forward/center Jackie Patterson ready to go.
Texas Tech freshman guard Ivonne Cook-Taylor has torn her ACL and will miss the season.
St. Bonaventure senior forward Chelsea Bowker will sit out this year after sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.
After tragedy, Vicky McIntyre has found family at Florida.
Pa'Sonna Hope has been granted a transfer waiver by the NCAA, and will be able to play for Memphis immediately.
Penn State has set the bar high this season. Lion media day quotes.
Iowa guard Kathy Thomas is realizing her Division I dreams.
Getting to know LMU freshman Chelsea Barnes.
Marshall's coaching staff is new and young.
The NCAA has been forced to relocate several championships from New Jersey because of a new state law allowing sports wagering on professional and collegiate games.
The five championships, all scheduled in 2013, include the Division I Men’s and Women’s Swimming and Diving Championships, Diving Regionals (Piscataway, March 14-17), Division I Women’s Basketball Championship, Trenton Regional (Trenton, March 30-April 2), Division III Men’s Volleyball Championship (Hoboken, April 26-28) and the Division II and III Women’s Lacrosse Championships (Montclair, May 18-19).
Other college news:
Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott wants more coverage for women's basketball.
One-on-one with Delaware forward Elena Delle Donne.
Delle Donne, Brittney Griner and Skylar Diggins will visit ESPN in Connecticut tomorrow.
Baylor's Brittney Griner is ready for her senior season.
UConn freshman Breanna Stewart already has Coach Geno Auriemma's faith.
Playing at a Juco has new Texas Tech forward/center Jackie Patterson ready to go.
Texas Tech freshman guard Ivonne Cook-Taylor has torn her ACL and will miss the season.
St. Bonaventure senior forward Chelsea Bowker will sit out this year after sustaining a season-ending ankle injury.
After tragedy, Vicky McIntyre has found family at Florida.
Pa'Sonna Hope has been granted a transfer waiver by the NCAA, and will be able to play for Memphis immediately.
Penn State has set the bar high this season. Lion media day quotes.
Iowa guard Kathy Thomas is realizing her Division I dreams.
Getting to know LMU freshman Chelsea Barnes.
Marshall's coaching staff is new and young.
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