Some last-minute news items before the national title is decided in a few hours:
Things to watch tonight.
UConn is taking the Final one step at a time.
Syracuse has come far in a short time.
The Orange are the only hurdle left for the Huskies.
The country is rooting for Syracuse.
One World Trade Center's lights will shine blue and orange for the Orange women.
Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman is the fashion king.
Fearless Cornelia Fondren keeps coming up big for the Orange.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma had a memorable moment with John Wooden.
UConn is where being good isn't good enough.
Husky freshman Katie Lou Samuelson is putting her team before her injury.
What does "Always Reppin" mean to our title teams?
The broadcast team:
Kara Lawson, Rebecca Lobo and Kevin Negandhi have great chemistry on TV.
Sunday night I watched as Lawson and Lobo walked past me at Bankers Life Fieldhouse, chatting away, in their dress up gear and sneakers. They get along well.
Division II:
Championship game story and photos.
Award:
UConn point guard Moriah Jefferson has won the Dawn Staley Award.
Non-Tournament news:
Nebraska coach Connie Yori has resigned amidst allegations of mistreatment.
Ronny Fisher has been named head coach at Campbell.
WNBA Draft:
Tonight Breanna Stewart is going to give Seattle Storm fans a taste of what they'll be soon seeing.
Minnesota's Rachel Banham reflects on her career and looks to the WNBA Draft.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Lowering the rims: the real question is, what is basketball?
The "lowering the rims discussion, featuring Jemele Hill and Michael Smith.
This was a topic on social media last week, and I chose not to link the subsequent stories on the argument because I'm tired of it. What Hill and Smith say in the video linked above is what I did earlier today on the Sports Social radio show: lowering the rims would mean the women's game would change to become like what the men's game has morphed into, which is more stunts than basketball. Do we want that? This is the central question.
The NBA of the 1970's and 1980's was team and fundamentals-oriented. That's the NBA I grew up watching. Today's NBA is about showmanship: dunks and fancy moves, and lazy defense. NBA players get paid insane amounts of money - some just to sit on the bench. The good ones are more like Hollywood stars than athletes.
The women's game, which is still fundamentals-based, gets compared to the flashy NBA and is called "boring." That's the issue. So should we conform to the newer "show" ideal, or stay the way we are?
Not that the rims are in danger of being lowered anytime soon, but if a change were ever to be made, we'd all need to have this discussion first.
This was a topic on social media last week, and I chose not to link the subsequent stories on the argument because I'm tired of it. What Hill and Smith say in the video linked above is what I did earlier today on the Sports Social radio show: lowering the rims would mean the women's game would change to become like what the men's game has morphed into, which is more stunts than basketball. Do we want that? This is the central question.
The NBA of the 1970's and 1980's was team and fundamentals-oriented. That's the NBA I grew up watching. Today's NBA is about showmanship: dunks and fancy moves, and lazy defense. NBA players get paid insane amounts of money - some just to sit on the bench. The good ones are more like Hollywood stars than athletes.
The women's game, which is still fundamentals-based, gets compared to the flashy NBA and is called "boring." That's the issue. So should we conform to the newer "show" ideal, or stay the way we are?
Not that the rims are in danger of being lowered anytime soon, but if a change were ever to be made, we'd all need to have this discussion first.
Monday, April 4, 2016
More Championship story lines
Tomorrow is the culmination:
Syracuse is hoping for a big payoff from their run to the title game.
The goal for the Orange is simple: fluster UConn.
The offensive system of assistant coach Vonn Read propels Syracuse.
The Orange: no heroes, just winners.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma can go from great to the greatest ever.
Breanna Stewart is a Syracuse fan but a UConn star. Stewart is facing the hometown team she loved growing up.
Former Syracuse players showed up en mass Sunday to support their alma mater.
The Oregon State-UConn semifinal Sunday delivered strong ratings.
Crown 'em:
In Division II, Lubbock Christian took down Alaska-Anchorage for the National Championship, and an undefeated season.
In Division III, Thomas More made it two straight national titles by defeating Tufts, 63-51.
Non-Tournament news:
After considering other job opportunities, FGCU coach Karl Smesko is staying.
WNBA news:
New WNBA president Lisa Borders says the WNBA and NBA are joined at the hip.
Syracuse is hoping for a big payoff from their run to the title game.
The goal for the Orange is simple: fluster UConn.
The offensive system of assistant coach Vonn Read propels Syracuse.
The Orange: no heroes, just winners.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma can go from great to the greatest ever.
Breanna Stewart is a Syracuse fan but a UConn star. Stewart is facing the hometown team she loved growing up.
Former Syracuse players showed up en mass Sunday to support their alma mater.
The Oregon State-UConn semifinal Sunday delivered strong ratings.
Crown 'em:
In Division II, Lubbock Christian took down Alaska-Anchorage for the National Championship, and an undefeated season.
In Division III, Thomas More made it two straight national titles by defeating Tufts, 63-51.
Non-Tournament news:
After considering other job opportunities, FGCU coach Karl Smesko is staying.
WNBA news:
New WNBA president Lisa Borders says the WNBA and NBA are joined at the hip.
Playing catch up
About last night:
UConn blew past Oregon State, 80-51, to reach their fourth straight title game.
Syracuse routed Washington, 80-59, to reach their first championship game.
UConn freshman Katie Lou Samuelson broke her foot in the process.
More:
The unconventional Orange will take on UConn.
Why it's run and done for so many UConn foes.
Syracuse's three-point shooting makes other teams pay.
Orange coach Quentin Hillsman thinks he has one edge in preparing for the Huskies.
Nothing will get in the way of the friendship between Breanna Stewart and Brittney Sykes.
Growing up as Breanna Stewart.
Stewart sees the softer side of Auriemma.
Oregon State's special season came to an end. Gratitude overshadowed heartbreak. The Beavers have begun a legacy.
Washington's Final Four run should be savored.
Non-Tournament news:
Adia Barnes will be the new Arizona coach.
Aerial Powers will forego her senior season at Michigan State and declare for the WNBA draft.
UConn's Morgan Tuck says she will announce whether she'll choose the WNBA or to stay another year after tomorrow's title game.
Mississippi Valley State's new coach is Jessica Kern.
Award time:
Geno Auriemma and Breanna Stewart are the Naismith coach and player of the year.
WNBA news:
Again, Sheryl Swoopes will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sheryl Swoopes career timeline.
It was emotional for Swoopes.
UConn blew past Oregon State, 80-51, to reach their fourth straight title game.
Syracuse routed Washington, 80-59, to reach their first championship game.
UConn freshman Katie Lou Samuelson broke her foot in the process.
More:
The unconventional Orange will take on UConn.
Why it's run and done for so many UConn foes.
Syracuse's three-point shooting makes other teams pay.
Orange coach Quentin Hillsman thinks he has one edge in preparing for the Huskies.
Nothing will get in the way of the friendship between Breanna Stewart and Brittney Sykes.
Growing up as Breanna Stewart.
Stewart sees the softer side of Auriemma.
Oregon State's special season came to an end. Gratitude overshadowed heartbreak. The Beavers have begun a legacy.
Washington's Final Four run should be savored.
Non-Tournament news:
Adia Barnes will be the new Arizona coach.
Aerial Powers will forego her senior season at Michigan State and declare for the WNBA draft.
UConn's Morgan Tuck says she will announce whether she'll choose the WNBA or to stay another year after tomorrow's title game.
Mississippi Valley State's new coach is Jessica Kern.
Award time:
Geno Auriemma and Breanna Stewart are the Naismith coach and player of the year.
WNBA news:
Again, Sheryl Swoopes will be inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Sheryl Swoopes career timeline.
It was emotional for Swoopes.
Sunday, April 3, 2016
Game side news
Award time:
Oregon State center Ruth Hamblin was named the NCAA's Elite 90 winner: she has a 3.85 GPA, in addition to helping her team reach the Final Four.
UConn point guard Moriah Jefferson has won the Nancy Lieberman Award.
General Final Four news:
The Final Four is a-changing.
UConn's dynasty is almost over.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma is making a case to be considered the greatest hoops coach ever.
Washington coach Mike Neighbors and Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman had to put their friendship on ice for the game.
Non-Tournament news:
Albany may never see another coach like Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
Coach Robin Pingeton on Missouri's season, and the future.
Baylor had a disappointing end to the season, but could be even better next year.
WNBA news:
Q&A with forward Reshanda Gray.
Oregon State center Ruth Hamblin was named the NCAA's Elite 90 winner: she has a 3.85 GPA, in addition to helping her team reach the Final Four.
UConn point guard Moriah Jefferson has won the Nancy Lieberman Award.
General Final Four news:
The Final Four is a-changing.
UConn's dynasty is almost over.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma is making a case to be considered the greatest hoops coach ever.
Washington coach Mike Neighbors and Syracuse coach Quentin Hillsman had to put their friendship on ice for the game.
Non-Tournament news:
Albany may never see another coach like Katie Abrahamson-Henderson.
Coach Robin Pingeton on Missouri's season, and the future.
Baylor had a disappointing end to the season, but could be even better next year.
WNBA news:
Q&A with forward Reshanda Gray.
Saturday, April 2, 2016
AP coach and player of the year: Auriemma and Stewart
The AP coach of the year and player of the year was announced at the end of the day of open team practices today: Geno Auriemma and Breanna Stewart.
In receiving the honor, Auriemma was moved to tears.
It's no exaggeration to say that every member of the media in the press room - including me - was moved to complete silence. Even the Connecticut reporters were a bit speechless, one saying to me that he'd never seen Auriemma like that in his life.
The reporter in the story linked above said Auriemma "sauntered off," but I saw him walk off quietly, as he had walked into the press conference. It's clear he has a lot on his mind right now.
In receiving the honor, Auriemma was moved to tears.
It's no exaggeration to say that every member of the media in the press room - including me - was moved to complete silence. Even the Connecticut reporters were a bit speechless, one saying to me that he'd never seen Auriemma like that in his life.
The reporter in the story linked above said Auriemma "sauntered off," but I saw him walk off quietly, as he had walked into the press conference. It's clear he has a lot on his mind right now.
2016 WBCA Division I Coaches’ All-America Team
Check out my story and photos from today's ceremony, and afterwards.
Final Fourness
Arrived in Indianapolis early this morning, and have been through the full day of activities here. More on that and on many personal accounts later, but for now, let's catch up:
Indianapolis is the center of the women's basketball world.
The Pac-12 is flexing its muscles in the Tournament.
UConn can join a couple of four-peat pioneers in women's hoops.
Jamie Weisner and Sydney Wiese are a combination that could crack UConn.
Oregon State is bringing confidence into their battle with UConn.
Young Beavers fans and mom are having a good time at the Final Four.
Oregon State players are taking in the Final Four atmosphere. They are blending playfulness and intensity.
Beaver Jen'Von'Ta Hill makes an impact despite not playing many minutes.
Oregon State photo gallery.
Oregon State's tease shoot.
The science behind Chantel Osahor's three-point shot.
Why Washington's Kelsey Plum never envisioned a Final Four.
Husky Talia Walton draws strength from her mother's battle with cancer.
Behind the scenes: Washington's tease shoot.
Ten things you need to know about Washington coach Mike Neighbors.
Syracuse photo shoot.
UConn is unfazed by distractions.
Sports science: Breanna Stewart's dominance.
Moriah Jefferson embodies UConn success as much as anyone else.
WNIT:
South Dakota beat FGCU, 71-65, to take the WNIT championship.
Non-tournament news:
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer says UConn's dominance isn't bad for the sport - but next year it could be.
Was the Lady Vol season a disappointment?
The future is bright for Ohio State.
Western Kentucky coach Michelle Clark-Heard says the team will be back hungry next year.
Indianapolis is the center of the women's basketball world.
The Pac-12 is flexing its muscles in the Tournament.
UConn can join a couple of four-peat pioneers in women's hoops.
Jamie Weisner and Sydney Wiese are a combination that could crack UConn.
Oregon State is bringing confidence into their battle with UConn.
Young Beavers fans and mom are having a good time at the Final Four.
Oregon State players are taking in the Final Four atmosphere. They are blending playfulness and intensity.
Beaver Jen'Von'Ta Hill makes an impact despite not playing many minutes.
Oregon State photo gallery.
Oregon State's tease shoot.
The science behind Chantel Osahor's three-point shot.
Why Washington's Kelsey Plum never envisioned a Final Four.
Husky Talia Walton draws strength from her mother's battle with cancer.
Behind the scenes: Washington's tease shoot.
Ten things you need to know about Washington coach Mike Neighbors.
Syracuse photo shoot.
UConn is unfazed by distractions.
Sports science: Breanna Stewart's dominance.
Moriah Jefferson embodies UConn success as much as anyone else.
WNIT:
South Dakota beat FGCU, 71-65, to take the WNIT championship.
Non-tournament news:
Stanford coach Tara VanDerveer says UConn's dominance isn't bad for the sport - but next year it could be.
Was the Lady Vol season a disappointment?
The future is bright for Ohio State.
Western Kentucky coach Michelle Clark-Heard says the team will be back hungry next year.
Friday, April 1, 2016
Senior CLASS Award winners
The list:
Women’s Basketball 2015-16 Winner
Name Position School
Breanna Stewart Forward University of Connecticut
First Team
Name Position School
Ruth Hamblin Center Oregon State
Moriah Jefferson Guard University of Connecticut
Kelsey Minato Guard Army West Point
Tiffany Mitchell Guard University of South Carolina
Second Team
Name Position School
Jillian Alleyne Forward Oregon
Adut Bulgak Center Florida State University
Aundrea Gamble Guard Arkansas State
Bria Holmes Guard West Virginia University
Jonquel Jones Forward George Washington University
Women’s Basketball 2015-16 Winner
Name Position School
Breanna Stewart Forward University of Connecticut
First Team
Name Position School
Ruth Hamblin Center Oregon State
Moriah Jefferson Guard University of Connecticut
Kelsey Minato Guard Army West Point
Tiffany Mitchell Guard University of South Carolina
Second Team
Name Position School
Jillian Alleyne Forward Oregon
Adut Bulgak Center Florida State University
Aundrea Gamble Guard Arkansas State
Bria Holmes Guard West Virginia University
Jonquel Jones Forward George Washington University
Are we there yet??
Final Four:
Four keys to the Final Four.
The Final Four is star-studded.
Washington and Oregon State: started from the bottom, now we're here.
Takeaways from Washington and Syracuse's first meeting.
Syracuse’s Quentin Hillsman and Vonn Read are preparing carefully for Washington.
Oregon State center Ruth Hamblin brings her block party to the Final Four.
The Beaver freshmen are excited.
Syracuse's Brianna Butler is doing what she's told.
Another UConn promo piece.
Shyra Ely-Gash tipped off the Final Four with a fashion show today.
Non-Tournament news:
Rachel Banham won the three-point shot contest last night.
Arura Stevens and Angela Salvadores are transferring from Duke.
Katie Abrahamson-Henderson has left Albany to take the head coach job at UCF. That makes three coaches I featured in my "Coach's Chair" series on womenshoopsworld.com this season that have now moved on to other schools.
USF coach Jennifer Azzi announces she's gay, and that she's married her assistant coach.
New Mexico's new coach, Mike Bradbury, relishes the challenge that awaits.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma has a growing coaching tree.
WNBA news:
Army's Kelsey Minato is now eligible for the WNBA draft, after having her military commitment deferred.
The Sparks have signed veteran center Ann Wauters.
Ode to women's basketball:
What we are made of: gold.
Four keys to the Final Four.
The Final Four is star-studded.
Washington and Oregon State: started from the bottom, now we're here.
Takeaways from Washington and Syracuse's first meeting.
Syracuse’s Quentin Hillsman and Vonn Read are preparing carefully for Washington.
Oregon State center Ruth Hamblin brings her block party to the Final Four.
The Beaver freshmen are excited.
Syracuse's Brianna Butler is doing what she's told.
Another UConn promo piece.
Shyra Ely-Gash tipped off the Final Four with a fashion show today.
Non-Tournament news:
Rachel Banham won the three-point shot contest last night.
Arura Stevens and Angela Salvadores are transferring from Duke.
Katie Abrahamson-Henderson has left Albany to take the head coach job at UCF. That makes three coaches I featured in my "Coach's Chair" series on womenshoopsworld.com this season that have now moved on to other schools.
USF coach Jennifer Azzi announces she's gay, and that she's married her assistant coach.
New Mexico's new coach, Mike Bradbury, relishes the challenge that awaits.
UConn coach Geno Auriemma has a growing coaching tree.
WNBA news:
Army's Kelsey Minato is now eligible for the WNBA draft, after having her military commitment deferred.
The Sparks have signed veteran center Ann Wauters.
Ode to women's basketball:
What we are made of: gold.
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