Playoffs:
Seimone Augustus has come alive for the Lynx at a crucial moment.
Lynx guard Anna Cruz is following in the footsteps of countrywoman and former Houston Comet Amaya Valdemoro.
Minnesota's rebounding edge could swing the Finals.
Other WNBA news:
Elena Delle Donne and fiancee Amanda Clifton discuss their wedding plans.
The Seattle Storm's Ramu Tokashiki is getting used to dual demands.
The Mercury look to close the gap with the Sparks and Lynx next year.
College coverage news:
ESPN tips off their NCAA coverage Nov. 14.
College tournament news:
The ACC has moved its tournament from North Carolina to South Carolina in light of N.C.'s anti-LGBT policies.
College team news:
South Carolina is keeping it 100, with a twist.
The Gamecocks are back at practice.
Cornell is set for the season.
Illinois State is striving for offensive improvement.
College player news:
Kelsey Mitchell is developing into more of a leader for Ohio State.
Oklahoma's Maddie Manning on "the process."
Penn State's Teniya Page is embracing leadership as she goes into her sophomore season.
Tennessee's Schaquilla Nunn came to basketball at her own pace.
Top recruit Kristina King is developing for West Virginia.
Montana's Kayleigh Valley is out for the season with a torn ACL.
St. John's freshman Tiana England has torn her ACL and won't play this season.
College coach news:
Kentucky coach Matthew Mitchell needs more recruits, and plenty will be on hand this weekend for Big Blue Madness.
Wednesday, October 12, 2016
Moore and Fowles have the Sparks seeing double in Game 2 victory
Last night's game story, with pictures.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
Lynx down Sparks to even the series
The Lynx dominated the Sparks, 79-60, to win and even the series at 1-1.
Next game Friday in Los Angeles.
More playoff news:
Can Seimone Augustus add a fourth WNBA title to her legacy?
More WNBA news:
Sylvia Fowles is studying for a post-WNBA career as a mortician.
College team news:
Oregon State is turning the page to a new season.
FGCU won't go flat, despite the roster turnover.
Penn State looks to continue last season's momentum.
College player news:
Evelyn Akhator is developing on and off the court for Kentucky.
College coach news:
Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw is a 2017 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award recipient.
New Dayton coach Shauna Green knows what challenges lie ahead.
Strength and conditioning coach Xavi Lopez is Oregon's "renaissance man."
Next game Friday in Los Angeles.
More playoff news:
Can Seimone Augustus add a fourth WNBA title to her legacy?
More WNBA news:
Sylvia Fowles is studying for a post-WNBA career as a mortician.
College team news:
Oregon State is turning the page to a new season.
FGCU won't go flat, despite the roster turnover.
Penn State looks to continue last season's momentum.
College player news:
Evelyn Akhator is developing on and off the court for Kentucky.
College coach news:
Notre Dame coach Muffet McGraw is a 2017 John R. Wooden Legends of Coaching Award recipient.
New Dayton coach Shauna Green knows what challenges lie ahead.
Strength and conditioning coach Xavi Lopez is Oregon's "renaissance man."
Monday, October 10, 2016
Pac-12 preview: the University of Arizona
This is the second in an annual season preview series of the Pac-12 teams.
The Arizona Wildcats are in some familiar hands now - and big-time hands, at that.
When Adia Barnes took the reins of the program in the spring, the 1998 graduate did so as Arizona's all-time leading scorer, who became a WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm. Barnes spent the last five years as assistant coach at the University of Washington, where she helped guide the team to the school's first Final Four appearance last April.
Similar to the way she and the Husky staff rebuilt that program, Barnes finds herself with the same task at her alma mater. She and her staff hit the ground running this summer, and have been hard at work ever since. The Wildcats lost only three reserve players to graduation coming into the year, and have added just two freshmen.
But over the last eight years, former coach Niya Butts amassed a 101-149 record in Tucson, including going 3-15 in Pac-12 play in 2015-2016. It was a far cry from the late 1990's and early 2000's, when the Wildcats made NCAA Tournament appearances. The biggest changes Barnes has been working to instill since taking over are expectations and creating a winning culture.
"Players get used to losing, and we're working to get that out of them," Barnes said. "It's not easy creating a new culture."
Athletes are also learning every single day.
"My systems are completely different than what they had before," Barnes said. "They are getting used to going fast and going hard."
Top scoring senior forward LaBrittney Jones (12.6 points, 5.9 rebounds per game) returns, as does fellow starters Malena Washington (10.8 points per game) and JaLea Bennett (5.7 points per game), both junior guards; and senior forward Breanna Workman (6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds per game). Other bright spots are redshirt sophomore Taryn Griffey (7.6 points per game); Charise Holloway (6.6 points per game), a junior guard; and senior forward Dejza James (5.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game).
In addition to coaching and culture-building, Barnes and her assistants are also working hard to recruit. Though it's been a lot of leg work, she said she wouldn't trade it for the world.
"It's so special to be here," Barnes said. "I chose Arizona twice!"
"I would not have accepted this job if I didn't feel like I could build a championship program. (Washington coach) Mike Neighbors left me so well-prepared to be a head coach."
Barnes said Tucson still feels like home.
"I love this place. This is where it all started for me. I want to bring this program back to where it belongs. This University has everything, and this is my dream job!"
Highlights on the Wildcat's preconference schedule include New Mexico State, San Diego and Kansas in December. They begin conference play Dec. 29 at home, as they take on California.
The Arizona Wildcats are in some familiar hands now - and big-time hands, at that.
When Adia Barnes took the reins of the program in the spring, the 1998 graduate did so as Arizona's all-time leading scorer, who became a WNBA champion with the Seattle Storm. Barnes spent the last five years as assistant coach at the University of Washington, where she helped guide the team to the school's first Final Four appearance last April.
Similar to the way she and the Husky staff rebuilt that program, Barnes finds herself with the same task at her alma mater. She and her staff hit the ground running this summer, and have been hard at work ever since. The Wildcats lost only three reserve players to graduation coming into the year, and have added just two freshmen.
"Players get used to losing, and we're working to get that out of them," Barnes said. "It's not easy creating a new culture."
Athletes are also learning every single day.
"My systems are completely different than what they had before," Barnes said. "They are getting used to going fast and going hard."
Top scoring senior forward LaBrittney Jones (12.6 points, 5.9 rebounds per game) returns, as does fellow starters Malena Washington (10.8 points per game) and JaLea Bennett (5.7 points per game), both junior guards; and senior forward Breanna Workman (6.5 points, 4.8 rebounds per game). Other bright spots are redshirt sophomore Taryn Griffey (7.6 points per game); Charise Holloway (6.6 points per game), a junior guard; and senior forward Dejza James (5.3 points and 6.2 rebounds per game).
In addition to coaching and culture-building, Barnes and her assistants are also working hard to recruit. Though it's been a lot of leg work, she said she wouldn't trade it for the world.
"It's so special to be here," Barnes said. "I chose Arizona twice!"
"I would not have accepted this job if I didn't feel like I could build a championship program. (Washington coach) Mike Neighbors left me so well-prepared to be a head coach."
Barnes said Tucson still feels like home.
"I love this place. This is where it all started for me. I want to bring this program back to where it belongs. This University has everything, and this is my dream job!"
Highlights on the Wildcat's preconference schedule include New Mexico State, San Diego and Kansas in December. They begin conference play Dec. 29 at home, as they take on California.
32 days 'til college season
College team news:
The Lady Vols will be more watchful about basketball practice this season.
Maryland is back, and the Terps are ahead of the curve.
Indiana will look to a group of leaders this year.
Team chemistry will be key for East Carolina.
CSUN hopes to bounce back this year.
Offseason work has given the Gators confidence. Their season-ending loss last year is still fresh.
Wake Forest is looking to build on returnees.
Wyoming will become a defensive team.
College player news:
Leticia Romero aims to bring her Olympic experience back to FSU.
Morgan William's return to health will help Mississippi State.
Julia Chandler's bruising brothers prepared her for a position switch at Syracuse.
Injured Tyler Johnson expects to return to Kansas this season.
Alabama transfer Karyla Middlebrook could play a key role for Kansas State.
Duke's Lexie Brown blogs.
Georgia's Mackenzie Engram returns after missing part of last season.
The NCAA has granted Cassie Oursler another season of eligibility at Buffalo.
Nia Washington is making an immediate impact at Iowa State.
Cyclone Seanna Johnson uses past snubs as motivation.
Tee Tee Starks has returned to Iowa State healthy after knee surgery.
College coach news:
Former Fresno State and Ole Miss coach Adrian Wiggins is "living with" his probation.
Q&A with MTSU coach Rick Insell.
The Lady Vols will be more watchful about basketball practice this season.
Maryland is back, and the Terps are ahead of the curve.
Indiana will look to a group of leaders this year.
Team chemistry will be key for East Carolina.
CSUN hopes to bounce back this year.
Offseason work has given the Gators confidence. Their season-ending loss last year is still fresh.
Wake Forest is looking to build on returnees.
Wyoming will become a defensive team.
College player news:
Leticia Romero aims to bring her Olympic experience back to FSU.
Morgan William's return to health will help Mississippi State.
Julia Chandler's bruising brothers prepared her for a position switch at Syracuse.
Injured Tyler Johnson expects to return to Kansas this season.
Alabama transfer Karyla Middlebrook could play a key role for Kansas State.
Duke's Lexie Brown blogs.
Georgia's Mackenzie Engram returns after missing part of last season.
The NCAA has granted Cassie Oursler another season of eligibility at Buffalo.
Nia Washington is making an immediate impact at Iowa State.
Cyclone Seanna Johnson uses past snubs as motivation.
Tee Tee Starks has returned to Iowa State healthy after knee surgery.
College coach news:
Former Fresno State and Ole Miss coach Adrian Wiggins is "living with" his probation.
Q&A with MTSU coach Rick Insell.
Preparing for Game 2
Finals, Finals, Finals:
The Lynx aren't panicking: they've been down one game before.
The Sparks looked more poised than Minnesota in Game 1.
The Lynx are reviewing their Game 1 loss to avoid an 0-2 hole.
Minnesota has experienced both sides of the buzzer-beater.
Alana Beard finally got her moment in the limelight. She wasn't the first option, but was the best one for the Sparks.
Beard's contributions to Los Angeles came way before her game-winner.
Candace Parker was victorious in her first Finals game.
Maya Moore was held in check.
The Lynx have hit the refresh button after the shock of Game 1.
Los Angeles will need another big defensive effort in Game 2.
If Minnesota wins, Rebekkah Brunson will be the first woman in league history to win five championships.
More on the top 20 at 20:
Video interviews!
Reunion day quotables.
On the 20th season.
Favorite current players to watch.
Finals predictions.
Other WNBA news:
Wings guard Aerial Powers aims to build on a strong WNBA debut.
The Lynx aren't panicking: they've been down one game before.
The Sparks looked more poised than Minnesota in Game 1.
The Lynx are reviewing their Game 1 loss to avoid an 0-2 hole.
Minnesota has experienced both sides of the buzzer-beater.
Alana Beard finally got her moment in the limelight. She wasn't the first option, but was the best one for the Sparks.
Beard's contributions to Los Angeles came way before her game-winner.
Candace Parker was victorious in her first Finals game.
Maya Moore was held in check.
The Lynx have hit the refresh button after the shock of Game 1.
Los Angeles will need another big defensive effort in Game 2.
If Minnesota wins, Rebekkah Brunson will be the first woman in league history to win five championships.
More on the top 20 at 20:
Video interviews!
Reunion day quotables.
On the 20th season.
Favorite current players to watch.
Finals predictions.
Other WNBA news:
Wings guard Aerial Powers aims to build on a strong WNBA debut.
Game 1 had the best ratings in six years
Yesterday's WNBA Finals Game 1 had the best ratings since 2010, ESPN reports:
The top five markets were: Minneapolis (2.1); Nashville (1.4); Hartford-New Haven (1.3); Louisville (1.0); Charlotte (0.9). Los Angeles delivered a 0.4 metered market rating.
Interesting that four of the top five markets were NOT WNBA cities.
Bonus:
Interviews with some of the league's top 20.
The top five markets were: Minneapolis (2.1); Nashville (1.4); Hartford-New Haven (1.3); Louisville (1.0); Charlotte (0.9). Los Angeles delivered a 0.4 metered market rating.
Interesting that four of the top five markets were NOT WNBA cities.
Bonus:
Interviews with some of the league's top 20.
Sunday, October 9, 2016
Beard’s buzzer-beating jumper lifts Sparks past Lynx to take Game 1
The pictures with our story are pretty awesome too.
Sparks stun Lynx to take Game 1
What a game!
All those lead changes and ties, and no lead going over five points. What more could you ask for in Finals Game 1?
If you're Minnesota, a win:
A buzzer-beater by Alana Beard brought down the Lynx in Game 1.
Watch the shot.
Behind the shot.
Beard underrated? Not a good idea.
I was reminded right after Beard made her shot of the buzzer-beater that she missed on Oct. 7, 2012 - the last game of the Western Conference Finals between LA and Minnesota. Four years and two days later, the opposite scenario.
It was the first game-winner of the former Duke star's career.
Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver each had 19 points for the Sparks, while Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Box score.
Game photos.
More:
WNBA legend players predict this year's Finals will be a classic.
Lynx forward Maya Moore, who was scoreless in today's first half, vows to be better in Game 2.
The Lynx are paying tribute to the late Prince with purple playoff sneakers.
All those lead changes and ties, and no lead going over five points. What more could you ask for in Finals Game 1?
If you're Minnesota, a win:
A buzzer-beater by Alana Beard brought down the Lynx in Game 1.
Watch the shot.
Behind the shot.
Beard underrated? Not a good idea.
I was reminded right after Beard made her shot of the buzzer-beater that she missed on Oct. 7, 2012 - the last game of the Western Conference Finals between LA and Minnesota. Four years and two days later, the opposite scenario.
It was the first game-winner of the former Duke star's career.
Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver each had 19 points for the Sparks, while Candace Parker and Chelsea Gray added 14 and 12 points, respectively. Box score.
Game photos.
More:
WNBA legend players predict this year's Finals will be a classic.
Lynx forward Maya Moore, who was scoreless in today's first half, vows to be better in Game 2.
The Lynx are paying tribute to the late Prince with purple playoff sneakers.
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