The Liberty and the Mystics tip off in about 20 minutes.
Tomorrow's game action sees the Fever at Sun and the Mercury at Storm.
Rookie debate:
The debate has started on ESPN as to whether Elena Delle Donne or Brittney Griner should be rookie of the year.
Duh. EDD was a shoo-in three weeks ago.
Other WNBA team news:
Fever....Jeannette Pohlen is aiming for a successful return to the court.
Liberty....coach Bill Laimbeer reaches out to fans with a letter.
Lynx....what non-All-Star players did during the break.
Sky....Delle Donne blogs about what she did during All-Star weekend.
College news:
President Obama honored the National Champion UConn Huskies at the White House today.
Stanford's season is getting off to a rough start before it's even begun. Not only has Toni Kokenis retired for medical reasons, Aly Beebe will miss the season due to a torn ACL.
USA Basketball:
Hot damn, USAB headquarters is moving to Tempe, Arizona.
Wednesday, July 31, 2013
Hoopism is five years old
On this day in 2008, I put up my first blog entry in this space. Countless games, analyses and events later, this post is my 3,952nd. Along the way I've had a great time, made some friends, learned some things, networked, and been to a few Final Fours. My goal remains the same: to tell the story of women's basketball, at whatever level.
I'm a good person for this mission, because I am a fan-atic for basketball. I push other, significant things aside to attend games all the time. The sweetest sound to me is the "squeak squeak" of shoes on a court and the sound of a ref's whistle when pulling up to a gym.
Thank you to the hundreds of peeps who pass by each day and view the page - I appreciate it. And as always, if you know of a story that should be told, please let me know.
I'm a good person for this mission, because I am a fan-atic for basketball. I push other, significant things aside to attend games all the time. The sweetest sound to me is the "squeak squeak" of shoes on a court and the sound of a ref's whistle when pulling up to a gym.
Thank you to the hundreds of peeps who pass by each day and view the page - I appreciate it. And as always, if you know of a story that should be told, please let me know.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
WNBA teams get back to practice
WNBA team news:
Lynx....coach Cheryl Reeve has fire with a purpose.
Dream....practiced at Gainesville Middle School today. I hope they have a write up tomorrow.
Mystics....a minute with Michelle Snow.
Mercury....a round table discussion on keys to the second half of the season.
College news:
The impact of the new ten-second rule will be hard to predict.
Former Purdue forward Taylor Manuel has transferred to Division II Missouri S&T.
Duquesne's new coach hopes for more changes.
New Clemson coach Audra Smith has been hard at work.
As Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff is recruiting the daughters of his assistant coach, he's building bonds with the rest of the players.
Lynx....coach Cheryl Reeve has fire with a purpose.
Dream....practiced at Gainesville Middle School today. I hope they have a write up tomorrow.
Mystics....a minute with Michelle Snow.
Mercury....a round table discussion on keys to the second half of the season.
College news:
The impact of the new ten-second rule will be hard to predict.
Former Purdue forward Taylor Manuel has transferred to Division II Missouri S&T.
Duquesne's new coach hopes for more changes.
New Clemson coach Audra Smith has been hard at work.
As Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff is recruiting the daughters of his assistant coach, he's building bonds with the rest of the players.
Ohio State gets committments from the daughters of assistant coach
Eyebrows were raised a few months ago when new Ohio State coach Kevin McGuff hired Mark Mitchell as one of his assistants. Mitchell had only coached middle and high school ball, but he also happened to be the parent of 2014 #4 prospect Kelsey Mitchell.
To no one's surprise today, Kelsey and twin sister Chelsea verballed to the Buckeyes.
Would you want to play for your dad?
To no one's surprise today, Kelsey and twin sister Chelsea verballed to the Buckeyes.
Would you want to play for your dad?
Monday, July 29, 2013
Conference players of the week, more All-Star debate
The Western and Eastern conference players of the week are Tina Thompson and Ivory Latta. Pretty cool for Thompson, and it's dope that so many different athletes have been player of the week so far this season.
Two ESPN writers discuss possible changes to the WNBA All-Star game. I love this quote, by Graham Hays:
Women's basketball doesn't need to try to copy every detail of men's basketball. It really doesn't need to copy things from men's basketball that stopped being entertaining around the same time Brittney Griner was born.
I think that if there are five or more people who can do a skill, it's time for a skills contest. It doesn't matter what the men do.
Check out the All-Star pre-game dunk fest.
Angel McCoughtry vs. Candace Parker biceps flex.
Other WNBA news:
Fever....are doing good business in Indianapolis.
Lynx....Janel McCarville says that if you believe it, it will happen."
Liberty....veteran Katie Smith has had a career packed with historic triumphs.
Storm....talking with Tanisha Wright.
Sheryl Swoopes:
Loyola Chicago's coach, Sheryl Swoopes, will be features in a "Nine for IX" special on ESPN tomorrow night.
What a piece on Swoopes.
Back on the court, Swoopes is happy again.
How Swoopes' pregnancy changed women's pro sports.
College news:
Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves' final blog about being an assistant for the gold-medal winning U19 team.
Two ESPN writers discuss possible changes to the WNBA All-Star game. I love this quote, by Graham Hays:
Women's basketball doesn't need to try to copy every detail of men's basketball. It really doesn't need to copy things from men's basketball that stopped being entertaining around the same time Brittney Griner was born.
I think that if there are five or more people who can do a skill, it's time for a skills contest. It doesn't matter what the men do.
Check out the All-Star pre-game dunk fest.
Angel McCoughtry vs. Candace Parker biceps flex.
Other WNBA news:
Fever....are doing good business in Indianapolis.
Lynx....Janel McCarville says that if you believe it, it will happen."
Liberty....veteran Katie Smith has had a career packed with historic triumphs.
Storm....talking with Tanisha Wright.
Sheryl Swoopes:
Loyola Chicago's coach, Sheryl Swoopes, will be features in a "Nine for IX" special on ESPN tomorrow night.
What a piece on Swoopes.
Back on the court, Swoopes is happy again.
How Swoopes' pregnancy changed women's pro sports.
College news:
Gonzaga coach Kelly Graves' final blog about being an assistant for the gold-medal winning U19 team.
Sunday, July 28, 2013
All-Star game could use improvements
There has been talk among fans today that the All-Star game should be moved. ESPN said the same thing.
Last night I suggested either Indianapolis or Minnesota due to their rabid fan bases and central locations. Other options floated today were Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
D.C. is a good candidate, as they've had sell-out All-Star games in the past.
LA is not an acceptable option. The Pac-12 Tournament was moved this year from LA because of anemic crowds for the last four seasons. It is not a women's basketball town. The WNBA shouldn't even attempt to bother with LA for All-Star festivities.
Pac-12 was moved to Seattle - an amazingly supportive city for women's basketball. I would suggest them for an All-Star game, but I don't want to give one city all the goods.
Indianapolis, Minneapolis or D.C. It's got to be one of those three next year. Not only would there be more fans, there would be more media to cover the events.
After a location is chosen, the All-Star game needs to give players more time to get there. Some teams had Thursday games last week, and athletes had to fly to Connecticut that night for practice the next day. Then the game the day following. What's up with the rushed scheduling?? Have the last game on a Monday, let players get there Tuesday, and have fan fest and practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Speaking of fan fest, there were no activities for fans this year. The one practice each team had, on Friday, was during the work day when no one could come. What is up with that?? How is there expected to be any buzz around the game without fan activities??
Next, there needs to be skills contests. We have some amazing three-point shooters in the league, and several players who can dunk, among other talents. Why weren't these showcased?
There needs to be some kind of pre-game show on TV, too. My homegirl and I were tuning in a half hour before tipoff expecting to find something on the channel, but all we got was a cooking show.
Let's get these changes cracking, WNBA. We need to make next year's All-Star game an epic event.
Other WNBA:
League president Laurel Richie would not address the WNBA salary issue with media yesterday.
The player's union agreement with the league expires at the end of this season. I predict getting a new contract will be just as painful a process as the last time.
U19 team:
USA U19s won their fifth consecutive World Championship gold medal today by defeating France, 61-28.
Club ball:
Basketball on the Bayou wrap up.
Peach State Basketball Summer Invitational talent.
Lauren Cox of Texas is an early one to watch for the class of 2016.
Last night I suggested either Indianapolis or Minnesota due to their rabid fan bases and central locations. Other options floated today were Washington, D.C. and Los Angeles.
D.C. is a good candidate, as they've had sell-out All-Star games in the past.
LA is not an acceptable option. The Pac-12 Tournament was moved this year from LA because of anemic crowds for the last four seasons. It is not a women's basketball town. The WNBA shouldn't even attempt to bother with LA for All-Star festivities.
Pac-12 was moved to Seattle - an amazingly supportive city for women's basketball. I would suggest them for an All-Star game, but I don't want to give one city all the goods.
Indianapolis, Minneapolis or D.C. It's got to be one of those three next year. Not only would there be more fans, there would be more media to cover the events.
After a location is chosen, the All-Star game needs to give players more time to get there. Some teams had Thursday games last week, and athletes had to fly to Connecticut that night for practice the next day. Then the game the day following. What's up with the rushed scheduling?? Have the last game on a Monday, let players get there Tuesday, and have fan fest and practices Wednesday, Thursday and Friday.
Speaking of fan fest, there were no activities for fans this year. The one practice each team had, on Friday, was during the work day when no one could come. What is up with that?? How is there expected to be any buzz around the game without fan activities??
Next, there needs to be skills contests. We have some amazing three-point shooters in the league, and several players who can dunk, among other talents. Why weren't these showcased?
There needs to be some kind of pre-game show on TV, too. My homegirl and I were tuning in a half hour before tipoff expecting to find something on the channel, but all we got was a cooking show.
Let's get these changes cracking, WNBA. We need to make next year's All-Star game an epic event.
Other WNBA:
League president Laurel Richie would not address the WNBA salary issue with media yesterday.
The player's union agreement with the league expires at the end of this season. I predict getting a new contract will be just as painful a process as the last time.
U19 team:
USA U19s won their fifth consecutive World Championship gold medal today by defeating France, 61-28.
Club ball:
Basketball on the Bayou wrap up.
Peach State Basketball Summer Invitational talent.
Lauren Cox of Texas is an early one to watch for the class of 2016.
After the party
Yesterday's all-star game highlighted the future of the WNBA.
The athletes gave the venue rave reviews.
Rookie Elena Delle Donne is looking ahead.
Coach Mike Thibault is leading the resurging Mystics.
Regular season play resumes Thursday.
College news:
The Vols and Huskies agree that it's time to renew the rivalry.
Candace Parker weighs in.
Coaches Brian Giorgis and Dave Magarity discuss the future of college hoops.
The athletes gave the venue rave reviews.
Rookie Elena Delle Donne is looking ahead.
Coach Mike Thibault is leading the resurging Mystics.
Regular season play resumes Thursday.
College news:
The Vols and Huskies agree that it's time to renew the rivalry.
Candace Parker weighs in.
Coaches Brian Giorgis and Dave Magarity discuss the future of college hoops.
Saturday, July 27, 2013
More injury bugs
The Sky have been hit hard, once again, by injury:
The Sky also announced they will be without reserve point guard Sharnee Zoll-Norman for four weeks and center Carolyn Swords indefinitely.
Zoll-Norman broke her thumb against the Mystics while Swords has a knee ligament injury that will require surgery on Saturday.
Only three teams in the league are injury-free at the moment: the Lynx, Sparks and Mystics. The WNBA's other nine teams have varying levels of injured troops, which range from the mild to the catastrophic.
Sheryl Swoopes:
The next "Nine for IX" episode on ESPN Tuesday will feature Sheryl Swoopes.
Clip.
Photos.
U19's:
The USA U19 team beat Australia today in the semifinals, 77-54. They'll face France in the championship game tomorrow.
The Sky also announced they will be without reserve point guard Sharnee Zoll-Norman for four weeks and center Carolyn Swords indefinitely.
Zoll-Norman broke her thumb against the Mystics while Swords has a knee ligament injury that will require surgery on Saturday.
Only three teams in the league are injury-free at the moment: the Lynx, Sparks and Mystics. The WNBA's other nine teams have varying levels of injured troops, which range from the mild to the catastrophic.
Sheryl Swoopes:
The next "Nine for IX" episode on ESPN Tuesday will feature Sheryl Swoopes.
Clip.
Photos.
U19's:
The USA U19 team beat Australia today in the semifinals, 77-54. They'll face France in the championship game tomorrow.
Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 2014 inductees announced
The Women's Basketball Hall of Fame 2014 class was announced during today's all-star game:
LIN DUNN (Coach)
Dunn has been a professional head coach for 11 seasons, leading the Indiana Fever to the 2012 WNBA Championship. She was named the 1998 American Basketball League (ABL) Coach of the Year and was the 2009 Runner-up for the WNBA Coach of the Year. As a collegiate coach, Dunn has over 400 victories, being named Big Ten Coach of the Year twice (1989, 1991).
MICHELLE EDWARDS (Player)
Edwards played for the University of Iowa, leading the Hawkeyes to a 102-22 record from 1984-1988. She is the only Hawkeye women’s basketball player to have her jersey retired. Edwards was named a 1988 Kodak All-American, Naismith All-American, USBWA All-American, Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, and the University of Iowa’s Athlete of the Year. She also played 5 seasons in the WNBA.
MIMI GRIFFIN (Contributor)
Griffin is considered to be the first broadcast expert for women’s basketball. She served as the “face” for women’s basketball in its’ early television exposure and laid the foundation for women’s basketball on television. Griffin was the first woman color analyst for a NCAA men’s tournament game on ESPN in 1990. She was also named the 1994 WBCA Mel Greenberg Media Award winner.
YOLANDA GRIFFITH (Player)
Griffith is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA All-Star. She was the 1999 WNBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. She lead the Sacramento Monarchs to the 2005 WNBA Championship. In college, Griffith was a 1991 Kodak Junior College All-American, a 1993 WBCA Division II Player of the Year, and a 1993 Kodak Division II All-American.
JASMINA PERAZIC (Player)
Perazic played for the University of Maryland, leading the Terps’ to the 1982 NCAA Final Four and a final ranking of No. 3 in the country. She was named a 1983 Kodak All-American and co-ACC tournament MVP. Perazic was a two-time member of the Yugoslavian Olympic Team leading them to the bronze medal in 1980. She played one season in the WNBA for the New York Liberty.
CHARLOTEE WEST (Contributor)
West was a huge advocate for women’s sports and pioneer for Title IX. From 1960 to 1986 she served as the director of athletics for women at Southern Illinois University. She helped transform the department from its meager beginnings into a nationally recognized program with a budget of more than $1 million dollars for 11 sports. West was the 1983 WBCA Administrator of the Year and was the first recipient of the Honda Award.
More info in the inductees.
Dunn, who has been coaching 43 years, is arguably the headliner.
LIN DUNN (Coach)
Dunn has been a professional head coach for 11 seasons, leading the Indiana Fever to the 2012 WNBA Championship. She was named the 1998 American Basketball League (ABL) Coach of the Year and was the 2009 Runner-up for the WNBA Coach of the Year. As a collegiate coach, Dunn has over 400 victories, being named Big Ten Coach of the Year twice (1989, 1991).
MICHELLE EDWARDS (Player)
Edwards played for the University of Iowa, leading the Hawkeyes to a 102-22 record from 1984-1988. She is the only Hawkeye women’s basketball player to have her jersey retired. Edwards was named a 1988 Kodak All-American, Naismith All-American, USBWA All-American, Big Ten Conference Player of the Year, and the University of Iowa’s Athlete of the Year. She also played 5 seasons in the WNBA.
MIMI GRIFFIN (Contributor)
Griffin is considered to be the first broadcast expert for women’s basketball. She served as the “face” for women’s basketball in its’ early television exposure and laid the foundation for women’s basketball on television. Griffin was the first woman color analyst for a NCAA men’s tournament game on ESPN in 1990. She was also named the 1994 WBCA Mel Greenberg Media Award winner.
YOLANDA GRIFFITH (Player)
Griffith is a two-time Olympic gold medalist and four-time WNBA All-Star. She was the 1999 WNBA MVP, Defensive Player of the Year, and Newcomer of the Year. She lead the Sacramento Monarchs to the 2005 WNBA Championship. In college, Griffith was a 1991 Kodak Junior College All-American, a 1993 WBCA Division II Player of the Year, and a 1993 Kodak Division II All-American.
JASMINA PERAZIC (Player)
Perazic played for the University of Maryland, leading the Terps’ to the 1982 NCAA Final Four and a final ranking of No. 3 in the country. She was named a 1983 Kodak All-American and co-ACC tournament MVP. Perazic was a two-time member of the Yugoslavian Olympic Team leading them to the bronze medal in 1980. She played one season in the WNBA for the New York Liberty.
CHARLOTEE WEST (Contributor)
West was a huge advocate for women’s sports and pioneer for Title IX. From 1960 to 1986 she served as the director of athletics for women at Southern Illinois University. She helped transform the department from its meager beginnings into a nationally recognized program with a budget of more than $1 million dollars for 11 sports. West was the 1983 WBCA Administrator of the Year and was the first recipient of the Honda Award.
More info in the inductees.
Dunn, who has been coaching 43 years, is arguably the headliner.
East was beast but West was best
West 102, East 98
Candace Parker scored 23 points, breaking an all-star scoring record. She was crowned game MVP.
ESPN points out that Parker stepped up.
Parker and her two Sparks teammates proved crucial down the stretch for the West. Toliver had 19 points, and said ``Being here this weekend was a lot of joy. It was humbling to be here but I feel like I belong.''
Videos and photos galore.
The mood was light and humorous from the player introductions. Arguably, Maya Moore's performance of the worm was the best intro.
Players "video bombed" on-camera interviews. My personal favorite today was Shavonte Zellous shimmying into league president Laurel Richie's interview.
Other humorous stand out moments:
- Ivory Latta and Zellous cut up on the East bench, making viewers laugh too.
- Angel McCoughtry drove to the rack for an incredible bucket, came at the camera flexing her biceps, and then kissed one of them.
- Parker spun around for an insane basket, and then curved her arms in front of her, bodybuilder-style, and grimaced until Toliver jumped up and slapped her shoulder. She then busted out a grin.
- At halftime, Diana Taurasi discussed veteran Tina Thompson's replacement of her teammate, Brittney Griner. She said, "we don't need BG - we've got Tina." Griner threw something at her back.
- Rebecca Lobo sat on the East bench during the first half, and appointed assistant coach Mickie DeMoss the "translator" for coach Lin Dunn. Having Dunn mic'd up for portions of the game was fun.
- Griner being asked at halftime if she'd play defense in the all-star game, and her response: "Why not? I'd be honkin' down!"
- Parker to ESPN on how to act after a great play: "You've got to flex, you've got to do the duck lips....I forgot the beating my chest part."
It was great to see everyone having such a good time. Fun is the reason athletes begin playing hoops in the first place.
I've scanned the Internet and there are people who are unhappy and/or who are complaining about today's game, for whatever reason. I don't care that much because it's impossible to please everyone. Some people are never, ever satisfied, either. The important thing to me was that athletes were having fun, fans got to see some great skills, and the game was close and not a blow out.
There were plenty of story lines, including Diana Taurasi's special shoes, which she had made for the game.
Lamont Simpson wore the ref cam.
Both Candace Parker and Glory Johnson dunked during warm ups. Johnson dunk.
Eight players from the former Big East Conference took the court today.
ESPN suggests that the all-star game find a new home.
I suggest Minneapolis or Indianapolis. Fan bases there are rabid and intense. Both cities are more in the middle of the country, which would make athlete traveling more fair.
Candace Parker scored 23 points, breaking an all-star scoring record. She was crowned game MVP.
ESPN points out that Parker stepped up.
Parker and her two Sparks teammates proved crucial down the stretch for the West. Toliver had 19 points, and said ``Being here this weekend was a lot of joy. It was humbling to be here but I feel like I belong.''
Videos and photos galore.
The mood was light and humorous from the player introductions. Arguably, Maya Moore's performance of the worm was the best intro.
Players "video bombed" on-camera interviews. My personal favorite today was Shavonte Zellous shimmying into league president Laurel Richie's interview.
Other humorous stand out moments:
- Ivory Latta and Zellous cut up on the East bench, making viewers laugh too.
- Angel McCoughtry drove to the rack for an incredible bucket, came at the camera flexing her biceps, and then kissed one of them.
- Parker spun around for an insane basket, and then curved her arms in front of her, bodybuilder-style, and grimaced until Toliver jumped up and slapped her shoulder. She then busted out a grin.
- At halftime, Diana Taurasi discussed veteran Tina Thompson's replacement of her teammate, Brittney Griner. She said, "we don't need BG - we've got Tina." Griner threw something at her back.
- Rebecca Lobo sat on the East bench during the first half, and appointed assistant coach Mickie DeMoss the "translator" for coach Lin Dunn. Having Dunn mic'd up for portions of the game was fun.
- Griner being asked at halftime if she'd play defense in the all-star game, and her response: "Why not? I'd be honkin' down!"
- Parker to ESPN on how to act after a great play: "You've got to flex, you've got to do the duck lips....I forgot the beating my chest part."
It was great to see everyone having such a good time. Fun is the reason athletes begin playing hoops in the first place.
I've scanned the Internet and there are people who are unhappy and/or who are complaining about today's game, for whatever reason. I don't care that much because it's impossible to please everyone. Some people are never, ever satisfied, either. The important thing to me was that athletes were having fun, fans got to see some great skills, and the game was close and not a blow out.
There were plenty of story lines, including Diana Taurasi's special shoes, which she had made for the game.
Lamont Simpson wore the ref cam.
Both Candace Parker and Glory Johnson dunked during warm ups. Johnson dunk.
Eight players from the former Big East Conference took the court today.
ESPN suggests that the all-star game find a new home.
I suggest Minneapolis or Indianapolis. Fan bases there are rabid and intense. Both cities are more in the middle of the country, which would make athlete traveling more fair.
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