NCAA news:
Condoleezza Rice will head a new NCAA commission in response to the recent bribery scheme.
College conference news:
The Pac-12 Conference has announced a task force to address issues threatening the integrity of collegiate athletics.
College program news:
AP sources say the NCAA will release a ruling on the North Carolina academic fraud case tomorrow.
Preseason predictions for South Carolina and the SEC.
College team news:
Shakayla Thomas and Florida State are hungry for the next step.
Washington is preparing for life without Kelsey Plum.
College player news:
Texas guard Brooke McCarty got engaged during practice today.
The queen of Mississippi State's basketball court is now the queen of the homecoming court.
Is Kristine Anigwe the best dancer on Cal's team?
Meet Washington freshman Missy Peterson.
Montana’s Kayleigh Valley has sustained a knee injury and is out for the season, for the second year in a row.
College coach news:
Utah coach Lynne Roberts said her team's foundation has been laid, but it's about the long game in the Pac-12.
Oral Roberts coach Misti Cussen is happy to ditch 2017.
Colorado's Alexis Robinson and Kennedy Leonard poked fun at coach JR Payne during Pac-12 media day.
Oregon's Sabrina Ionescu and Ruthy Hebard impersonate coach Kelly Graves.
WNBA team news:
Earlier this afternoon the news began to break that Spurs Sports and Entertainment was selling the San Antonio Stars.
Just up moments ago: WNBA's San Antonio Stars have deal for Las Vegas relocation.
The franchise issued a statement in a tweet.
Women in sports careers:
Retired Air Force Lieutenant General Michelle D. Johnson has been named NBA Senior Vice President and Head of Referee Operations.
High school recruiting news:
No. 1 Samantha Brunnelle is a prospect with a cause.
Texas commit Charli Collier wanted her family to be able to see her play.
Thursday, October 12, 2017
Pac-12 preview: the University of Oregon
This is the first in an annual 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 teams.
The Oregon team that finished the 2016-2017 season was a dangerous one. They upset Temple, Duke and Maryland en route to reaching the first Elite 8 in program history, before finally reaching a road block in top-seeded Connecticut.
The only thing scarier than that is the Duck squad that is going into this season: they return all five starters and their top eight scorers from last year. What's more, they also add a second consecutive stellar freshman class. A preseason poll this week tabbed Oregon to finish second in the Pac-12.
Coach Kelly Graves said that their new depth has already made a difference.
“There is competition at every position, which makes for some intense practices,” he said. “We could sustain an injury and be OK for the day.”
Graves praised his four freshmen, whom he called “awesome.”
“It’s crazy how good they are,” he said.
At the same time, the 24-year collegiate coach is realistic, with only two senior and two juniors poised to lead the team.
“We’re still young, and we will play that way from time to time,” he said.
Youth didn’t seem to matter last year, as a pair of freshmen were Oregon’s leading scorers. Forward Ruthy Hebard (14.9 points, 8.5 rebounds per game) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists per game) helped set the tone early, leading the team to a 10-2 preconference record that included an upset of No. 24 Michigan State and a win over Clemson.
The Ducks stumbled a bit in Pac-12 play, going 8-10. But the regrouping they did for their postseason run showed their tremendous potential – as well as the fact that they are unafraid.
Graves acknowledged that the expectations of his team are higher this year, but he said they are ready.
“I think they, in the backs of their minds, think they can do more and do better, and that’s certainly what we’re gunning for this year,” he said.
Senior guard Lexi Bando (10.2 points per game), junior guard Maite Cazorla (8.1 points, 3.9 assists per game) and sophomore forward Mallory McGwire (7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds per game) also return to start with Hebard and Ionescu.
Returning reserves include junior forward Oti Gildon, senior guard Justine Hall, sophomore guard Sierra Campisano and sophomore guard Morgan Yaeger.
Newcomers include German forward Satou Sabally; Australian guard Anneli Maley; and guard Aina Ayuso from Spain. Redshirt freshman Lydia Giomi, who received a medical hardship after breaking her hand a few games into last season, is also ready to play.
Sophomore forward Erin Boley, who transferred to Oregon from Notre Dame last spring, is practicing with the team despite being ineligible for play this year due to transfer rules.
“Erin is an elite player, and having her here, in practices, makes a huge difference,” Graves said.
Ionescu said the Ducks will continue to focus on playing team basketball.
“I think everyone’s going to have a huge role on our team this year,” she said. “I don’t think there is one player in particular that’s going to play more minutes, or do this or do that. That all takes care of itself.”
Graves said Oregon’s annual retreat is this weekend, where the team will hash out individual and collective goals. But in the first two weeks of practice, they are headed in the right direction.
“The chemistry is good, and everyone is working hard. No one has to be prodded along,” Graves said. “They are all great students. We’re in a great place right now.”
The Oregon team that finished the 2016-2017 season was a dangerous one. They upset Temple, Duke and Maryland en route to reaching the first Elite 8 in program history, before finally reaching a road block in top-seeded Connecticut.
The only thing scarier than that is the Duck squad that is going into this season: they return all five starters and their top eight scorers from last year. What's more, they also add a second consecutive stellar freshman class. A preseason poll this week tabbed Oregon to finish second in the Pac-12.
Coach Kelly Graves said that their new depth has already made a difference.
“There is competition at every position, which makes for some intense practices,” he said. “We could sustain an injury and be OK for the day.”
Graves praised his four freshmen, whom he called “awesome.”
“It’s crazy how good they are,” he said.
At the same time, the 24-year collegiate coach is realistic, with only two senior and two juniors poised to lead the team.
“We’re still young, and we will play that way from time to time,” he said.
Youth didn’t seem to matter last year, as a pair of freshmen were Oregon’s leading scorers. Forward Ruthy Hebard (14.9 points, 8.5 rebounds per game) and guard Sabrina Ionescu (14.6 points, 6.6 rebounds, 5.5 assists per game) helped set the tone early, leading the team to a 10-2 preconference record that included an upset of No. 24 Michigan State and a win over Clemson.
The Ducks stumbled a bit in Pac-12 play, going 8-10. But the regrouping they did for their postseason run showed their tremendous potential – as well as the fact that they are unafraid.
Graves acknowledged that the expectations of his team are higher this year, but he said they are ready.
“I think they, in the backs of their minds, think they can do more and do better, and that’s certainly what we’re gunning for this year,” he said.
Senior guard Lexi Bando (10.2 points per game), junior guard Maite Cazorla (8.1 points, 3.9 assists per game) and sophomore forward Mallory McGwire (7.3 points, 4.2 rebounds per game) also return to start with Hebard and Ionescu.
Returning reserves include junior forward Oti Gildon, senior guard Justine Hall, sophomore guard Sierra Campisano and sophomore guard Morgan Yaeger.
Newcomers include German forward Satou Sabally; Australian guard Anneli Maley; and guard Aina Ayuso from Spain. Redshirt freshman Lydia Giomi, who received a medical hardship after breaking her hand a few games into last season, is also ready to play.
Sophomore forward Erin Boley, who transferred to Oregon from Notre Dame last spring, is practicing with the team despite being ineligible for play this year due to transfer rules.
“Erin is an elite player, and having her here, in practices, makes a huge difference,” Graves said.
Ionescu said the Ducks will continue to focus on playing team basketball.
“I think everyone’s going to have a huge role on our team this year,” she said. “I don’t think there is one player in particular that’s going to play more minutes, or do this or do that. That all takes care of itself.”
Graves said Oregon’s annual retreat is this weekend, where the team will hash out individual and collective goals. But in the first two weeks of practice, they are headed in the right direction.
“The chemistry is good, and everyone is working hard. No one has to be prodded along,” Graves said. “They are all great students. We’re in a great place right now.”
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
UCLA, Oregon picked to go 1 and 2 in preseason Pac-12 poll
Yep, I have been prognosticating this too, that UCLA will likely be top dog and Oregon second. The preseason poll confirms I'm not alone.
More conference news:
Big 12 preseason awards.
There was much friendly competition on Pac-12 media day.
The Pac-12 is committed to conference integrity, the commissioner says.
SWAC preseason all-conference honors.
College team news:
UCLA made a big statement on an international stage this summer.
Preseason notebook from Vanderbilt.
Connecticut is hitting the practice floor running.
Behind the scenes at Pac-12 media day with USC.
Trips to the outdoors helped team bonding at Stanford.
Florida has opened practices with drills, dancing and a new coach.
OSU at Pac-12 media day. They are ready to reload after losing Sydney Wiese.
Oregon is young again, the the expectations are high. They carry the weight of those expectations into a new season.
The Canadian pipeline keeps paying off for Utah. The Utes are already feeling midseason chemistry.
Washington brings fresh faces and energy. No Kelsey Plum, but energy.
New Mexico State is picked to win the WAC.
Offense-rich Ohio State continues their effort to improve defense.
Arizona is making strides, but the best may be yet to come.
Nebraska is working to finish stronger.
Kentucky is ready to paint their own picture.
Baylor pioneer Suzie Snider Eppers is proud of the program.
College player news:
UCLA's Monique Billings and Jordin Canada "turn up."
Florida spotlight on Dyandria Anderson.
South Carolina's A'ja Wilson is the SEC preseason player of the year.
Oregon State's Mikayla Pivec turned to javelin last spring to help her prepare for basketball.
Washington's Hannah Johnson got coaching advice from Stanford's Tara VanDerveer.
Utah's Tanaeya Boclair wants to empower youth through the Teach for America program.
Washington State guard Pinelopi Pavlopoulou shined in the team's postseason run last year.
Kansas State has dismissed sophomore forward Eternati Willock for repeatedly violating team rules.
College coach news:
Tara VanDerveer's contract has been extended through the 2019-2020 season.
VanDerveer still flashes her game for her players.
Arizona coach Adia Barnes has players going out of their comfort zones.
Coach Charli Turner Thorne uses storytime to explain ASU's youth. She and her players busted moves at media day.
Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb is balancing motherhood and coaching.
Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly says his player was disrespected in preseason rankings.
Podcast:
I was a guest on Chasity Melvin's podcast. Check it out.
A tiny bit of WNBA:
Overseas assignments so far. What's interesting about this list is who is NOT on it.
More conference news:
Big 12 preseason awards.
There was much friendly competition on Pac-12 media day.
The Pac-12 is committed to conference integrity, the commissioner says.
SWAC preseason all-conference honors.
College team news:
UCLA made a big statement on an international stage this summer.
Preseason notebook from Vanderbilt.
Connecticut is hitting the practice floor running.
Behind the scenes at Pac-12 media day with USC.
Trips to the outdoors helped team bonding at Stanford.
Florida has opened practices with drills, dancing and a new coach.
OSU at Pac-12 media day. They are ready to reload after losing Sydney Wiese.
Oregon is young again, the the expectations are high. They carry the weight of those expectations into a new season.
The Canadian pipeline keeps paying off for Utah. The Utes are already feeling midseason chemistry.
Washington brings fresh faces and energy. No Kelsey Plum, but energy.
New Mexico State is picked to win the WAC.
Offense-rich Ohio State continues their effort to improve defense.
Arizona is making strides, but the best may be yet to come.
Nebraska is working to finish stronger.
Kentucky is ready to paint their own picture.
Baylor pioneer Suzie Snider Eppers is proud of the program.
College player news:
UCLA's Monique Billings and Jordin Canada "turn up."
Florida spotlight on Dyandria Anderson.
South Carolina's A'ja Wilson is the SEC preseason player of the year.
Oregon State's Mikayla Pivec turned to javelin last spring to help her prepare for basketball.
Washington's Hannah Johnson got coaching advice from Stanford's Tara VanDerveer.
Utah's Tanaeya Boclair wants to empower youth through the Teach for America program.
Washington State guard Pinelopi Pavlopoulou shined in the team's postseason run last year.
Kansas State has dismissed sophomore forward Eternati Willock for repeatedly violating team rules.
College coach news:
Tara VanDerveer's contract has been extended through the 2019-2020 season.
VanDerveer still flashes her game for her players.
Arizona coach Adia Barnes has players going out of their comfort zones.
Coach Charli Turner Thorne uses storytime to explain ASU's youth. She and her players busted moves at media day.
Cal coach Lindsay Gottlieb is balancing motherhood and coaching.
Iowa State coach Bill Fennelly says his player was disrespected in preseason rankings.
Podcast:
I was a guest on Chasity Melvin's podcast. Check it out.
A tiny bit of WNBA:
Overseas assignments so far. What's interesting about this list is who is NOT on it.
Tuesday, October 10, 2017
NCAA launching pilot program to grow women's basketball
The NCAA has launched a new Division I initiative to raise awareness of women’s basketball and enhance attendance at games.
"The program also will seek out the creativity of college basketball marketers throughout the country."
The NCAA is on top of things. I've long advocated this approach for the WNBA. I'm glad the NCAA is doing their part to grow the game.
College team news:
New players could mean a return to an old style for Kentucky.
The Wildcats have the tools to replace what they lost last year.
High-scoring Ohio State is making defense a top priority this season.
Two tiny teammates have joined the Cal Bears.
Cal State Bakersfield is looking for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Oklahoma is beginning practices with a commitment to defense.
Athletic complex updates are a game-changer for Siena.
College player news:
Kelsey Mitchell reflects on her USA Basketball experience over the summer.
Senior Emily Durr has stepped into a leadership role for Iowa State.
How Kansas sophomore Kylee Kopatich found and embraced her own leadership role.
Alabama gave walk-on Taylor Berry a scholarship.
College coach news:
Interview with Western Kentucky coach Michelle Clark-Heard.
First-year New Mexico coach Brooke Atkinson looks to build on the team's recent success.
Boise State's Connie Thorngren was a mentor and friend.
College recruiting news:
Aquira DeCosta and Honesty Scott-Grayson both verballed to Baylor today. DeCosta is No. 4 in the 2018 class and Scott-Grayson is the No. 2-ranked guard.
WNBA player news:
Brionna Jones and Emma Cannon were denied entry to Turkey this week after a fallout between that country and the U.S.
Former WNBA player news:
Becky Hammon continues to blaze an impressive trail in the NBA coaching ranks.
Oklahoma will retire Courtney Paris' jersey Nov. 10.
International news:
ESPN and FIBA have announced a multiyear agreement that includes the right to distribute events across ESPN's platforms through September 2021.
"The program also will seek out the creativity of college basketball marketers throughout the country."
The NCAA is on top of things. I've long advocated this approach for the WNBA. I'm glad the NCAA is doing their part to grow the game.
College team news:
New players could mean a return to an old style for Kentucky.
The Wildcats have the tools to replace what they lost last year.
High-scoring Ohio State is making defense a top priority this season.
Two tiny teammates have joined the Cal Bears.
Cal State Bakersfield is looking for an NCAA Tournament berth.
Oklahoma is beginning practices with a commitment to defense.
Athletic complex updates are a game-changer for Siena.
College player news:
Kelsey Mitchell reflects on her USA Basketball experience over the summer.
Senior Emily Durr has stepped into a leadership role for Iowa State.
How Kansas sophomore Kylee Kopatich found and embraced her own leadership role.
Alabama gave walk-on Taylor Berry a scholarship.
College coach news:
Interview with Western Kentucky coach Michelle Clark-Heard.
First-year New Mexico coach Brooke Atkinson looks to build on the team's recent success.
Boise State's Connie Thorngren was a mentor and friend.
College recruiting news:
Aquira DeCosta and Honesty Scott-Grayson both verballed to Baylor today. DeCosta is No. 4 in the 2018 class and Scott-Grayson is the No. 2-ranked guard.
WNBA player news:
Brionna Jones and Emma Cannon were denied entry to Turkey this week after a fallout between that country and the U.S.
Former WNBA player news:
Becky Hammon continues to blaze an impressive trail in the NBA coaching ranks.
Oklahoma will retire Courtney Paris' jersey Nov. 10.
International news:
ESPN and FIBA have announced a multiyear agreement that includes the right to distribute events across ESPN's platforms through September 2021.
Monday, October 9, 2017
More revving for college season
College conference news:
Five SEC matchups to watch this season.
Unscientific predictions for the Big East.
College team news:
Purdue overview.
Cal's brand is now Under Armour.
Oklahoma is adjusting to practices with a short-handed squad.
College player news:
WVU senior Teana Muldrow will continue to play multiple positions.
South Dakota star Macy Miller is looking sharp in her return from injury.
Indiana starts and ends with senior duo Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill.
Nebraska freshman guard Taylor Kissinger is turning heads in early practices.
College coach news:
Mississippi coach Matt Insell talks about his expectations for the season.
Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors has launched his new podcast.
Ohio State associate head coach Patrick Klein is helping students prepare for college.
USA Basketball:
The next generation starts now for USA Basketball.
WNBA news:
The WNBA had the highest postseason attendance in seven years in 2017.
Five SEC matchups to watch this season.
Unscientific predictions for the Big East.
College team news:
Purdue overview.
Cal's brand is now Under Armour.
Oklahoma is adjusting to practices with a short-handed squad.
College player news:
WVU senior Teana Muldrow will continue to play multiple positions.
South Dakota star Macy Miller is looking sharp in her return from injury.
Indiana starts and ends with senior duo Tyra Buss and Amanda Cahill.
Nebraska freshman guard Taylor Kissinger is turning heads in early practices.
College coach news:
Mississippi coach Matt Insell talks about his expectations for the season.
Arkansas coach Mike Neighbors has launched his new podcast.
Ohio State associate head coach Patrick Klein is helping students prepare for college.
USA Basketball:
The next generation starts now for USA Basketball.
WNBA news:
The WNBA had the highest postseason attendance in seven years in 2017.
Sunday, October 8, 2017
Barely enough
The news is super-scant today, unfortunately............
College team news:
Weber State is focused on winning a Big Sky Championship.
With an NCAA Tournament goal, Mercer focuses on daily improvements.
UAlbany is still scheduled to play in Puerto Rico this year.
Former WNBA player news:
Becky Hammon served as head coach for a half during the San Antonio Spurs' preseason game today.
College team news:
Weber State is focused on winning a Big Sky Championship.
With an NCAA Tournament goal, Mercer focuses on daily improvements.
UAlbany is still scheduled to play in Puerto Rico this year.
Former WNBA player news:
Becky Hammon served as head coach for a half during the San Antonio Spurs' preseason game today.
Saturday, October 7, 2017
Just a light dusting
College team news:
An experienced and talented Oregon Ducks team is excited to begin the season.
Marquette Madness took an awkward turn last night when the DJ catcalled the women's basketball team.
College player news:
Is Chloe Bibby Mississippi State's missing piece?
College coach news:
First-year Florida coach Cam Newbauer is developing a new culture.
Watch Dawn Staley lose it wearing DUI goggles.
WNBA player news:
Temi Fagbenle is buoyed by the Lynx effect.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx assistant coach Shelley Patterson said this is the Lynx's decade in the WNBA.
An experienced and talented Oregon Ducks team is excited to begin the season.
Marquette Madness took an awkward turn last night when the DJ catcalled the women's basketball team.
College player news:
Is Chloe Bibby Mississippi State's missing piece?
College coach news:
First-year Florida coach Cam Newbauer is developing a new culture.
Watch Dawn Staley lose it wearing DUI goggles.
WNBA player news:
Temi Fagbenle is buoyed by the Lynx effect.
WNBA coach news:
Lynx assistant coach Shelley Patterson said this is the Lynx's decade in the WNBA.
Friday, October 6, 2017
Five weeks to go
College conference news:
2017 Pac-12 Women's Basketball Media Day: TV info and how to watch online.
College news:
Niagara has a new student point system for attending athletic events.
Baylor is exploring renovations, new home for men’s and women’s basketball.
Chattanooga has a new basketball court.
Boise State women's sports pioneer Connie Thorngren has died.
College player news:
The Lady Vols' Evina Westbrook has her hoop dreams grounded in a real place.
Victoria Vivians is Mississippi State's homecoming queen.
Catching up with Florida State's "Tree."
College coach news:
The Cal coaches bring motherhood to the court.
Kristy Curry likes the experience Alabama has coming back.
WNBA news:
The league grew in many ways this season.
WNBA team news:
Photo gallery from the Lynx's Championship parade last night.
The governor of Minnesota welcomed the team for a reception this morning.
WNBA player news:
All Maya Moore does is win.
How Sylvia Fowles learned to dominate the boards.
Lindsay Whalen is too busy working out before sunrise to worry about your retirement questions.
Rebekkah Brunson won't go to the White House if Minnesota is invited.
WNBA coach news:
Dan Hughes found the lure of the Storm too good to pass up.
2017 Pac-12 Women's Basketball Media Day: TV info and how to watch online.
College news:
Niagara has a new student point system for attending athletic events.
Baylor is exploring renovations, new home for men’s and women’s basketball.
Chattanooga has a new basketball court.
Boise State women's sports pioneer Connie Thorngren has died.
College player news:
The Lady Vols' Evina Westbrook has her hoop dreams grounded in a real place.
Victoria Vivians is Mississippi State's homecoming queen.
Catching up with Florida State's "Tree."
College coach news:
The Cal coaches bring motherhood to the court.
Kristy Curry likes the experience Alabama has coming back.
WNBA news:
The league grew in many ways this season.
WNBA team news:
Photo gallery from the Lynx's Championship parade last night.
The governor of Minnesota welcomed the team for a reception this morning.
WNBA player news:
All Maya Moore does is win.
How Sylvia Fowles learned to dominate the boards.
Lindsay Whalen is too busy working out before sunrise to worry about your retirement questions.
Rebekkah Brunson won't go to the White House if Minnesota is invited.
WNBA coach news:
Dan Hughes found the lure of the Storm too good to pass up.
Thursday, October 5, 2017
The college news is ramping up
NCAA news:
Congressional representatives want an update from the NCAA on their pledge last year to diversify college coaching and administrative hiring pools.
Why the NCAA's report on the North Carolina academic investigation won't be released Friday.
College team news:
‘We Are’: South Carolina unveils its theme for the 2017-2018 season.
Oregon State is excited for a new challenge.
Jordan Nixon joins a deep recruiting haul for Notre Dame.
Temple begins practice with new faces.
College player news:
Jordan Frericks is ready for Missouri's season.
Memphis forward Ashia Jones will miss a second straight season, this time due to knee problems.
Lauren Aldridge transferred from Kansas to Missouri to play basketball and attend law school.
College coach news:
Coach Brandon Schneider is eyeing a culture shift for Kansas. It is in full effect.
Marshall has a new leader in first-year coach Tony Kemper.
Lansing Community College head women's basketball coach Layne Ingram talks about his transition from a female to male.
Coach Susie Gardner's contract at Mercer has been extended through 2022.
Recruiting news:
No. 1 prospect Christyn Williams lifts the curtain on her final days on the recruiting trail.
Congressional representatives want an update from the NCAA on their pledge last year to diversify college coaching and administrative hiring pools.
Why the NCAA's report on the North Carolina academic investigation won't be released Friday.
College team news:
‘We Are’: South Carolina unveils its theme for the 2017-2018 season.
Oregon State is excited for a new challenge.
Jordan Nixon joins a deep recruiting haul for Notre Dame.
Temple begins practice with new faces.
College player news:
Jordan Frericks is ready for Missouri's season.
Memphis forward Ashia Jones will miss a second straight season, this time due to knee problems.
Lauren Aldridge transferred from Kansas to Missouri to play basketball and attend law school.
College coach news:
Coach Brandon Schneider is eyeing a culture shift for Kansas. It is in full effect.
Marshall has a new leader in first-year coach Tony Kemper.
Lansing Community College head women's basketball coach Layne Ingram talks about his transition from a female to male.
Coach Susie Gardner's contract at Mercer has been extended through 2022.
Recruiting news:
No. 1 prospect Christyn Williams lifts the curtain on her final days on the recruiting trail.
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