The Sun edged the Storm, 67-66, on a Shekinna Stricklen shot with 8.2 seconds to go. They snapped a four-game losing streak.
The Sparks took down the Sky on their home court, 88-77. Candace Parker lead five players in double figures, with 31 points. Elena Delle Donne had 21 for Chicago.
The Lynx routed the Dream, 86-70. Sylvia Fowles is fitting in with Minnesota.
The Mystics annihilated the Stars, 88-53. Washington has won five straight.
Lynx:
The Lynx play hurt and stay competitive, but their championship window may be closing.
Liberty:
Essence Carson has received the WNBA Cares Community Assist Award for June.
Only one game tomorrow:
Lynx at Shock
College news:
Coach Suzie McConnell-Serio has signed a new contract at Pitt that goes through 2020-2021.
Duke's Rebecca Greenwell blogs about summer and summer workouts.
Friday, July 31, 2015
Introducing: womenshoopsworld.com
Today, which coincides with the anniversary of this blog, I'm introducing and unveiling my new independent women's basketball news site, womenshoopsworld.
I'll continue to cover college, professional and other basketball across the United States and the world, but I'll be doing it for my own site, my own self.
Womenshoopsworld has no affiliation with any team, school or basketball organization or franchise.
Story ideas, questions and comments can be sent to: whoopsworld@aol.com.
I'll continue to cover college, professional and other basketball across the United States and the world, but I'll be doing it for my own site, my own self.
Womenshoopsworld has no affiliation with any team, school or basketball organization or franchise.
Story ideas, questions and comments can be sent to: whoopsworld@aol.com.
Hoopism blog is 7 years old
Today marks the seventh anniversary of this blog. Since that hot summer day in 2008 when I posted for the first time, I've covered college, professional and high school basketball in different states around the country. I've made 5,471 posts, and have had almost one million page views.
I canvas the web daily to find the best news links. I am confident that the most thorough list of news sources is on this site, every day. I will continue to deliver, as well as produce columns, stories and other pertinent items as the need arises. My passion for the game is intense.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate it, and I appreciate your comments and interactions on twitter.
Long live the game!
I canvas the web daily to find the best news links. I am confident that the most thorough list of news sources is on this site, every day. I will continue to deliver, as well as produce columns, stories and other pertinent items as the need arises. My passion for the game is intense.
Thank you for reading. I appreciate it, and I appreciate your comments and interactions on twitter.
Long live the game!
Thursday, July 30, 2015
Easing into a four-game Friday
Only one game tonight:
The Mercury used a 19-5 run down the stretch to out-gun the Shock, 78-66.
Lynx:
Minnesota's winning culture is a big draw.
Anna Cruz is questionable for tomorrow's game, after an ankle sprain during last night's contest.
Storm:
Top pick Jewell Loyd has no regrets about leaving Notre Dame early this year to be drafted.
All the Storm's rookies are figuring out the WNBA.
Mercury:
Despite three championships, the Mercury still fight for attention. Their hometown newspaper sure isn't helping out. You have to scroll far down on the left side of the page to find Mercury news. It's it's in season.
Shock:
A WNBA team in Dallas will likely inspire area girls.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sun
Dream at Lynx
Mystics at Stars
Sparks at Sky
Breaking barriers:
The Sacramento Kings will reportedly hire Nancy Lieberman as an assistant coach.
Mo'Ne Davis laments the lack of women's sports coverage on television.
College news:
Tasha Pointer has joined St. John's as an assistant coach.
Kayla Ard is a new assistant coach at Dayton.
Emmonnie Henderson will miss the season at Louisville while attempting to qualify for the USA Track and Field Team.
The Mercury used a 19-5 run down the stretch to out-gun the Shock, 78-66.
Lynx:
Minnesota's winning culture is a big draw.
Anna Cruz is questionable for tomorrow's game, after an ankle sprain during last night's contest.
Storm:
Top pick Jewell Loyd has no regrets about leaving Notre Dame early this year to be drafted.
All the Storm's rookies are figuring out the WNBA.
Mercury:
Despite three championships, the Mercury still fight for attention. Their hometown newspaper sure isn't helping out. You have to scroll far down on the left side of the page to find Mercury news. It's it's in season.
Shock:
A WNBA team in Dallas will likely inspire area girls.
Tomorrow's game schedule:
Storm at Sun
Dream at Lynx
Mystics at Stars
Sparks at Sky
Breaking barriers:
The Sacramento Kings will reportedly hire Nancy Lieberman as an assistant coach.
Mo'Ne Davis laments the lack of women's sports coverage on television.
College news:
Tasha Pointer has joined St. John's as an assistant coach.
Kayla Ard is a new assistant coach at Dayton.
Emmonnie Henderson will miss the season at Louisville while attempting to qualify for the USA Track and Field Team.
Wednesday, July 29, 2015
Remaining WNBA teams storm out of gate for season's second half
Today's results:
It was a highly-anticipated match up, with Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker each making a season debut for their respective teams. But in the end, it was other players who were the high-scorers, as he Lynx held off the Sparks, 82-76. Maya Moore put up 27 and Lindsay Whalen, 24 for Minnesota. Four Los Angeles players were in double-digits.
The Mystics took down the Storm, 87-74, for their fourth straight win.
The Fever topped the Liberty, 84-72, for their second win in two days.
The Stars rolled past the Dream, 102-85, behind Kayla McBride's 25 points.
Now here's a question:
Are Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne the Magic and Bird of the WNBA?
Stars:
Danielle Adams was suspended earlier today for three games without pay for violating the WNBA's anti-drug policy.
Dream:
Angel McCoughtry is the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 4,000 points.
The Yum! Center in Atlanta has offered to host WNBA games in the event of Phillips Arena renovations.
Sky:
Q&A with rookie Clarissa dos Santos.
All-Star review:
WNBA "the season" episode four.
It was a highly-anticipated match up, with Sylvia Fowles and Candace Parker each making a season debut for their respective teams. But in the end, it was other players who were the high-scorers, as he Lynx held off the Sparks, 82-76. Maya Moore put up 27 and Lindsay Whalen, 24 for Minnesota. Four Los Angeles players were in double-digits.
The Mystics took down the Storm, 87-74, for their fourth straight win.
The Fever topped the Liberty, 84-72, for their second win in two days.
The Stars rolled past the Dream, 102-85, behind Kayla McBride's 25 points.
Now here's a question:
Are Brittney Griner and Elena Delle Donne the Magic and Bird of the WNBA?
Stars:
Danielle Adams was suspended earlier today for three games without pay for violating the WNBA's anti-drug policy.
Dream:
Angel McCoughtry is the second-fastest player in WNBA history to reach 4,000 points.
The Yum! Center in Atlanta has offered to host WNBA games in the event of Phillips Arena renovations.
Sky:
Q&A with rookie Clarissa dos Santos.
All-Star review:
WNBA "the season" episode four.
Brittany Boyd having a good time on her perfect-fit team
I spoke to Liberty rookie Brittany Boyd last week. Q&A.
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Two overtime night
Tamika Catchings hit a jumper with six seconds left to lift the Fever past the Sun in overtime, 75-73. The shot also makes Catchings now second in all-time scoring in the WNBA.
The Mercury came back from 19 down to edge the Sky in overtime, 89-87. DeWanna Bonner lead Phoenix with 34 points, including 16 in the third quarter. Elena Delle Donne grabbed 32 for Chicago.
Lynx:
New signee Sylvia Fowles met the press today. Video.
The Chicago Sky were finally able to grant Fowles' wish.
Minnesota has signed Shae Kelley, whom they cut in training camp, to a seven-day contract.
Mystics:
Washington is bigger and badder coming out of the All-Star break.
Dream:
Shoni Schimmel is still shining despite a slow second season.
Storm:
The Storm is willing to be patient with newly-acquired Monica Wright.
Liberty:
The Liberty will honor Becky Hammon at Sunday's game.
Stars:
San Antonio signed French forward Valeriane Ayayi, and waived Kalana Greene.
League expansion:
WNBA president Laurel Richie says expansion is "a couple years down the road."
College news:
Utah and its new coach, Lynne Roberts, are shooting for national relevance.
Former Maryland exercise expert Katie Fowler is working with South Carolina.
The Mercury came back from 19 down to edge the Sky in overtime, 89-87. DeWanna Bonner lead Phoenix with 34 points, including 16 in the third quarter. Elena Delle Donne grabbed 32 for Chicago.
Lynx:
New signee Sylvia Fowles met the press today. Video.
The Chicago Sky were finally able to grant Fowles' wish.
Minnesota has signed Shae Kelley, whom they cut in training camp, to a seven-day contract.
Mystics:
Washington is bigger and badder coming out of the All-Star break.
Dream:
Shoni Schimmel is still shining despite a slow second season.
Storm:
The Storm is willing to be patient with newly-acquired Monica Wright.
Liberty:
The Liberty will honor Becky Hammon at Sunday's game.
Stars:
San Antonio signed French forward Valeriane Ayayi, and waived Kalana Greene.
League expansion:
WNBA president Laurel Richie says expansion is "a couple years down the road."
College news:
Utah and its new coach, Lynne Roberts, are shooting for national relevance.
Former Maryland exercise expert Katie Fowler is working with South Carolina.
Monday, July 27, 2015
Midseason assessments
ESPN gives each WNBA team a grade on their midseason report card, which I more or less agree with:
West
Minnesota: A
Tulsa: B
Phoenix: B-
San Antonio: C-
Seattle: C-
Los Angeles: D+
East
New York: A
Chicago: B
Washington: B-
Connecticut: B-
Indiana: C
Atlanta: C-
Since I give out plenty of report cards at my other job, I'm going to bestow some award show-type midseason awards.
Most Title Hungry: Minnesota
I haven't seen a team this active in transactions in one season in a long time. Every time something has happened to a player, the Lynx have responded with a trade or an acquisition within 24 hours. They want that trophy.
Highest potential to make a comeback: Tulsa
Since Odyssey Sims came back from injury, the Shock seem to be clicking again. Granted they are still missing Skylar Diggins, which is huge. But the momentum and positive attitude is there, and they are holding the line in the West. Playoffs look good for them.
Biggest question mark (West): Los Angeles
How much of an impact will Candace Parker make after she returns to play in two days? Will the team get healthy again? Will Crystal Bradford be able to help significantly now that she's healthy? The Sparks have a big hold to crawl out of; is it too big?
Biggest question mark (East): (tie) Washington and Indiana
Why are these two teams struggling? Both are healthy, and everyone is back. The Mystics, especially, started out strong and faltered. The Fever have a lightening rod in Tamika Catchings. What is the hold up? Will they get going the second half of the season?
Most exciting team to watch: New York
They play great defense, are quick and have awesome chemistry. Just flat-out fun to watch. If they stay healthy and work hard, they could take the East.
Transactions today:
Los Angeles Candace Parker Contract Signed
Chicago Sasha Goodlett Waived
Chicago Sylvia Fowles Signed by Chicago and traded to Minnesota along w/ a 2016 2nd round pick
Atlanta Erika De Souza Traded to Chicago
Minnesota Reshanda Gray Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Damiris Dantas
Minnesota Damiris Dantas Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Reshanda Gray
San Antonio Valeriane Ayayi Contract Signed
Lynx:
The Sylvia Fowles trade fit into Minnesota's championship goals.
Lindsay Whalen will be back for Wednesday's game.
Sparks:
Candace Parker will play in Wednesday's road game at Minnesota.
Parker has signed her contract, at last.
Liberty:
The Liberty are mirroring coach Bill Laimbeer on court.
Mercury:
Three strengths and three weaknesses of the team in the season's first half.
Dream:
"Mama D" Delisha Milton-Jones is closing in on games-played record.
College news:
South Carolina has turned up its offseason training.
Louisiana Tech is starting from scratch again with a new roster.
Trelanne Moore is Mercer's new assistant coach.
Weber State's new assistant coach is JD Gustin.
Karen Blair is a new assistant coach at Texas State.
International news:
Liz Cambage will petition the Basketball Australia Board to have her playing ban removed, after she skipped the first day of national team training camp for a concert.
West
Minnesota: A
Tulsa: B
Phoenix: B-
San Antonio: C-
Seattle: C-
Los Angeles: D+
East
New York: A
Chicago: B
Washington: B-
Connecticut: B-
Indiana: C
Atlanta: C-
Since I give out plenty of report cards at my other job, I'm going to bestow some award show-type midseason awards.
Most Title Hungry: Minnesota
I haven't seen a team this active in transactions in one season in a long time. Every time something has happened to a player, the Lynx have responded with a trade or an acquisition within 24 hours. They want that trophy.
Highest potential to make a comeback: Tulsa
Since Odyssey Sims came back from injury, the Shock seem to be clicking again. Granted they are still missing Skylar Diggins, which is huge. But the momentum and positive attitude is there, and they are holding the line in the West. Playoffs look good for them.
Biggest question mark (West): Los Angeles
How much of an impact will Candace Parker make after she returns to play in two days? Will the team get healthy again? Will Crystal Bradford be able to help significantly now that she's healthy? The Sparks have a big hold to crawl out of; is it too big?
Biggest question mark (East): (tie) Washington and Indiana
Why are these two teams struggling? Both are healthy, and everyone is back. The Mystics, especially, started out strong and faltered. The Fever have a lightening rod in Tamika Catchings. What is the hold up? Will they get going the second half of the season?
Most exciting team to watch: New York
They play great defense, are quick and have awesome chemistry. Just flat-out fun to watch. If they stay healthy and work hard, they could take the East.
Transactions today:
Los Angeles Candace Parker Contract Signed
Chicago Sasha Goodlett Waived
Chicago Sylvia Fowles Signed by Chicago and traded to Minnesota along w/ a 2016 2nd round pick
Atlanta Erika De Souza Traded to Chicago
Minnesota Reshanda Gray Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Damiris Dantas
Minnesota Damiris Dantas Traded to Atlanta along w/ a 2016 1st round pick and Reshanda Gray
San Antonio Valeriane Ayayi Contract Signed
Lynx:
The Sylvia Fowles trade fit into Minnesota's championship goals.
Lindsay Whalen will be back for Wednesday's game.
Sparks:
Candace Parker will play in Wednesday's road game at Minnesota.
Parker has signed her contract, at last.
Liberty:
The Liberty are mirroring coach Bill Laimbeer on court.
Mercury:
Three strengths and three weaknesses of the team in the season's first half.
Dream:
"Mama D" Delisha Milton-Jones is closing in on games-played record.
College news:
South Carolina has turned up its offseason training.
Louisiana Tech is starting from scratch again with a new roster.
Trelanne Moore is Mercer's new assistant coach.
Weber State's new assistant coach is JD Gustin.
Karen Blair is a new assistant coach at Texas State.
International news:
Liz Cambage will petition the Basketball Australia Board to have her playing ban removed, after she skipped the first day of national team training camp for a concert.
Seimone Augustus talks about her marriage
It is so ordered:
I think part of falling in love is finding someone who can just deal with you — who loves you because of your isms, not despite them. We’re all pretty complex people working to understand ourselves and the world around us. I understood LaTaya pretty quickly because I had a 30-year head start with my dad. They’re a lot alike — both Geminis. They think similarly, express similarly. In the end, we balance each other. She forces me out of my comfort zone — to go out and experience the world and not always default to my homebody personality. She’s opened my mind to new things and new ways of thinking — poetry, travel, adventure. I think I anchor her — bring steadfastness and calm to our lives.......
I was nervous the morning of our wedding day. Committing my life to someone wasn’t what had me wrecked — all of the details about the day were. My parents came into my room around 7 a.m., jumping on my bed like, “You’re getting married today!” The wedding wasn’t until 5 p.m., so I had a whole day of anticipation and excited anxiousness. I got dressed as we got closer to time and went outside just to take it all in — the decorations, the setup, the day. Everything looked amazing. The sun was full and shining down. The officiant pointed out all of the symbols around us as signs for a good and happy marriage: a rainbow, birds overhead — symbols of our angelic ancestors looking over us. The entire ceremony was rooted in Hawaiian tradition. I remember all those tiny details
Heartwarming.
I love the picture of Augustus being silly behind Varner.
I think part of falling in love is finding someone who can just deal with you — who loves you because of your isms, not despite them. We’re all pretty complex people working to understand ourselves and the world around us. I understood LaTaya pretty quickly because I had a 30-year head start with my dad. They’re a lot alike — both Geminis. They think similarly, express similarly. In the end, we balance each other. She forces me out of my comfort zone — to go out and experience the world and not always default to my homebody personality. She’s opened my mind to new things and new ways of thinking — poetry, travel, adventure. I think I anchor her — bring steadfastness and calm to our lives.......
I was nervous the morning of our wedding day. Committing my life to someone wasn’t what had me wrecked — all of the details about the day were. My parents came into my room around 7 a.m., jumping on my bed like, “You’re getting married today!” The wedding wasn’t until 5 p.m., so I had a whole day of anticipation and excited anxiousness. I got dressed as we got closer to time and went outside just to take it all in — the decorations, the setup, the day. Everything looked amazing. The sun was full and shining down. The officiant pointed out all of the symbols around us as signs for a good and happy marriage: a rainbow, birds overhead — symbols of our angelic ancestors looking over us. The entire ceremony was rooted in Hawaiian tradition. I remember all those tiny details
Heartwarming.
I love the picture of Augustus being silly behind Varner.
Blockbuster trade sends Fowles to Lynx, de Souza to Sky
Big three-team trade:
The Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream have agreed on a trade that sends center Sylvia Fowles and Chicago’s 2016 second-round pick to the Lynx. The Dream send Erika de Souza to the Sky, and the Lynx send forwards Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray and their 2016 first-round pick to the Dream.
So Fowles, who reportedly only wanted to be traded to Minnesota, gets her way.
De Souza, who has been under-producing in Atlanta, has a chance to shine in Chicago.
Dantas and Gray, who haven't had a chance to play with the Lynx, may get that chance now.
Over the weekend, WNBA teams quietly took names off of rosters as they tried to trade, sign and otherwise upgrade in time for the July 29 trade deadline.
The Dream reportedly will waive Erica Wheeler and re-sign Delisha Milton-Jones.
It's looking like the second half of the season will be entirely different from the first, in "a tale of two seasons" style.
The Minnesota Lynx, Chicago Sky and Atlanta Dream have agreed on a trade that sends center Sylvia Fowles and Chicago’s 2016 second-round pick to the Lynx. The Dream send Erika de Souza to the Sky, and the Lynx send forwards Damiris Dantas, Reshanda Gray and their 2016 first-round pick to the Dream.
So Fowles, who reportedly only wanted to be traded to Minnesota, gets her way.
De Souza, who has been under-producing in Atlanta, has a chance to shine in Chicago.
Dantas and Gray, who haven't had a chance to play with the Lynx, may get that chance now.
Over the weekend, WNBA teams quietly took names off of rosters as they tried to trade, sign and otherwise upgrade in time for the July 29 trade deadline.
The Dream reportedly will waive Erica Wheeler and re-sign Delisha Milton-Jones.
It's looking like the second half of the season will be entirely different from the first, in "a tale of two seasons" style.
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