Rhyne went CRAZY this season @howard_rhyne is your 2022 Kia @WNBA ROY pic.twitter.com/ZP9Dcblhti

— WSLAM (@wslam) August 25, 2022

Howard led the Dream (14-22) to a fifth-place finish in the Eastern Conference standings. The former Kentucky All-American averaged 16.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 2.8 assists per game on 36.1 percent shooting from the field and 34.3 percent from beyond the arc. She was the only rookie to be nominated to the 2022 All-Star Game. She also made history after she became the sixth rookie to score 30+ points in her first four games.

Howard earned 53 votes out of a possible 56 votes she could’ve gotten from WNBA media members and broadcasters. Howard also headlines the All-Rookie team that features NaLyssa Smith, Queen Egbo, Shakira Austin, and Rebekah Gardner. Austin received two ROY votes, and Smith received one. Howard is the second Dream player to win the RY after Angel McCoughtry received it in 2009.

Howard entered the WNBA after a legendary career at Kentucky. Her accolades include earning First-Team All-American honors twice and winning the Freshman of the Year award from the WBCA, USBWA, and SEC. Her SEC accolades include earning the back-to-back Player of the Year awards, four All-SEC nominations, including three First-Team nods from 2019-2021, and an All-Defensive team nod in 2020.

The post Rhyne Howard Crowned the 2022 Rookie of the Year appeared first on SLAM.

HOW DOES IT FEEL, SUN FANS??? #CTSun pic.twitter.com/3twme5dlRy

— Connecticut Sun (@ConnecticutSun) August 25, 2022

DeWanna Bonner led all scorers with 21 points, five rebounds, and five assists. Alyssa Thomas followed up with 13 points, eight rebounds, and two assists. Jonquel Jones dropped 11 points, 10 rebounds, and two assists, and Natisha Hiedeman rounded out Connecticut’s double-digit scorers with 11 points, two boards, and two dimes.

Bonner also became the 10th player in WNBA history to knock down 300 career field goals and passed Angel McCoughtry in the process of doing so.

“Our team is incredibly confident in what they do and who they are,” Sun Coach Curt Miller said, per ESPN. “We’re back to the semis for four straight years. This group wants to take another step, and there’s not one person that’s going to pick us to beat Chicago. So we’re going to go with the underdog mentality and give it our best shot.”

.@DEEBONNER24 with a BIG 21-5-5 Game 3 to lead the @ConnecticutSun to the Semifinals of the #WNBAPlayoffs presented by @google pic.twitter.com/eJAZpTCFrM

— WNBA (@WNBA) August 25, 2022

Marina Mabrey posted a team-high 20 points, Veronica Burton contributed 10 points, six rebounds, and four dimes, and Teaira McCowan followed up with eight points, 12 boards, and two blocks.

The Sun won Game 3 after holding the Wings to perhaps the worse scoring effort of the season. Connecticut held Dallas to 22 points in the second half, and their final tally of 58 was a season-low. Dallas shot just 6-27 from the field in the second half and turned the ball over 11 times.

Part of Dallas’ offensive struggles could be attributed to Isabelle Harrison suffering an ankle injury in the first-quarter that she wouldn’t come back from. Not even Arike Ogunbowale’s short-lived return from abdominal surgery could spark Dallas’ stagnant offense. The former national champ went scoreless in six minutes, going 0-3 from the field and 0-2 from beyond the arc.

Bonner credited Connecticut’s defensive clinic to second-year guard DiJonai Carrington. The 35-year-old forward believed Carrington’s “defensive pressure was unbelievable,”, especially in the last 20 minutes of the game.

Carrington was so successful as a defensive pest that she got into a squabble with Mabrey midway through the fourth. The two guards were jaw-jacking as Mabrey set up to inbound the ball from the sideline.

“Forget all that; the credit to this game goes to DiJonai Carrington,” Bonner said. “I think she was the difference maker for us this whole game. Her defensive pressure was unbelievable; she kinda jump-started us the whole game. So take the ball out of my hands and give it to her cause tonight was all about her and her pressure. She definitely jump-started us that second-half, and (I’m) definitely so proud of her.”

The semifinal matchups will start on Sunday, with Las Vegas and Seattle kicking off the action at 4 p.m EST on ESPN. The Sun and Sky will play at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN 2. The Sky swept their regular-season series with the Sun, 4-0, winning by an average of 4.5 points per game.

The post Connecticut Advances to Second-Rounds After 73-58 Rout Over Dallas appeared first on SLAM.

Cheryl Reeves is the head coach of the World Cup team and will be joined by Mike Thibault, Kara Lawson, and Joni Taylor as her assistant coaches.

The training camp will take place September 6-12 in Las Vegas. An intrasquad Red-White game will headline the camp on Sept. 10 before the final roster comes out for the FIBA World Cup that runs Sept. 22-Oct. 1 in Sydney, Australia.

The following is a complete list of expected training camp participants: Ariel Atkins, Shakira Austin, Boston, Kahleah Copper, Elena Delle Donne, Diamond DeShields, Stefanie Dolson, Allisha Gray, Chelsea Gray, Dearica Hamby, Myisha Hines-Allen, Natasha Howard, Rhyne Howard, Sabrina Ionescu, Brionna Jones, Betnijah Laney, Jewell Loyd, Kayla McBride, Angel McCoughtry, Arike Ogunbowale, Kelsey Plum, Aerial Powers, NaLyssa Smith, Breanna Stewart, Alyssa Thomas, Courtney Williams, A’ja Wilson and Jackie Young.

Invitees will report “pending the conclusion of their WNBA seasons and the progression of the national team selection process,” USA Basketball said in a release.

“I am looking forward to welcoming this amazing group of athletes to a productive training camp as we prepare for the 2022 FIBA World Cup,” national team coach Cheryl Reeve said in a release. “These athletes will report to camp having just completed their WNBA seasons, and it says a lot about their competitive drive and commitment to USA Basketball that they will come to Las Vegas prepared to participate at the highest level.”

Atkins, Chelsea Gray, Loyd, Stewart, and Wilson won gold with Team USA in Tokyo. Alisha Gray, Dolson, Plum, and Young — members of the gold-medal-winning 3×3 team — will be headed to Vegas. Wilson, Stewart, Delle Donne, Loyd, Plum, and Young were members of Team USA’s World Cup team that won gold in Spain in 2018.

Delle Donne and McCoughtry didn’t play in Tokyo due to injuries but were contributors to the 2016 Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro. McCoughtry had appeared in three WNBA games in two years due to knee injuries and is currently a free agent after the Lynx bought her contract out before the season started.

This will be the first Team USA roster that won’t feature Sue Bird, and Sylvia Fowles is retiring. Tina Charles, Diana Taurasi (season-ending quad injury), Skylar Diggins-Smith (personal reasons), Napheesa Collier (played one week of basketball after giving birth in May), and Brittney Griner, who is controversially imprisoned in Russia due to drug possession and smuggling charges.

The post Aliyah Boston Headlines Invitees Tor Team USA Training Camp appeared first on SLAM.

To her surprise, the Three Stripes not only rocked with her vision but wanted to turn her dream of having her own court and, more importantly, giving back to the community into a reality. 

“I’m like, Oh, my God, are you serious?” McCoughtry says over Zoom of her reaction when she found out adidas wanted to help her put the project together. 

This past Friday, the five-time gold medalist and adidas unveiled the newly refurbished “Reach for the Stars” basketball court at Shively Park. They started organizing everything for the refurbishing last fall—while opting to begin painting in the summertime to ensure the paint would dry—and the result is a vibrant and intricately designed court, created by Project Backboard, with an array of colors and geometrically shaped patterns. 

McCoughtry says she specifically wanted reds to be included in the mural’s color scheme because it represents both Louisville and the community. There are also hints of yellow and her favorite color, purple. 

“There’s just hints of all kinds of colors that just brighten it up. It’s just really going to attract everybody to the court and to that area.”

Located less than 10 minutes away from the University of Louisville campus, the court also features a stunning portrait of a women’s basketball player lifting her hands in the air in triumph.

“I think what the mural symbolizes is just overcoming adversity,” McCoughtry says over Zoom, just days before the court’s unveiling. “Being a champion. There’s so much emotion behind it, and that’s what I love about the court. It’s a woman’s face, a Black woman. You don’t really see many courts with a woman figure.” 

There’s also the phrase “Reach for the Stars” written in her handwriting on the court, which also happens to be the title of her latest single. For McCoughtry, the opportunity to intertwine her love for the game with her passion for music makes that detail even more special. 

“I’ve been doing music for so long, and, of course, basketball has been my number one passion, but I’ve done it for a while. Many people don’t know that, and I just never really promoted to that level, it’s just [like] I put it out, and whoever likes it likes it, and I keep it moving, I go play basketball. But with this, just to have a connection with the court, reaching for the stars, and then they can download the song and actually be inspired by the song as well. I don’t think we’ve heard anybody do that. With adidas, we are definitely setting the bar high. We are definitely breaking barriers. I’m really excited about that part just for people to see, like, Wow, you can really do anything. That’s what my speech is going to be to the kids on that day, like; I just started playing basketball at eight. I just love the game. So if you find something you love, it can take you places you’ve never imagined. I’m standing right now on a basketball court that I helped create with adidas. So, it’s amazing.”

Growing up in Baltimore, the five-time gold medalist admits that the courts were “rough,” At the time, she didn’t see anyone, from big names to brands, coming in to refurbish the space for young hoopers like herself to play on. She heard a lot about Shively Park during her time at Louisville, and while she mainly spent most of her time on campus and in the program’s training facilities, she did pass by it once or twice.

To be a part of the court’s revamping is a full-circle moment for McCoughtry, as it represents not only her own chance to give back to the community, but she hopes it will inspire more female hoopers to “know their value” and have courts of their own.

“I think that is going to start to spiral more women [and] next thing you know; more women will have courts. I assume you could see Sue Bird have one and Breanna Stewart. I’m sure they’re like, whoa, you know? That’s the goal: for more women to do these kinds of things and to inspire (them) to set the bar high. I think it’s time for us to start setting the bar high in our worth and our value and what we can bring.” 

It’s also about the next generation of female hoopers paving the way for future opportunities to arise, too. McCoughtry has continued to be an inspiration throughout her career—her resume includes numerous gold medals, WNBA Rookie of the Year, five WNBA All-Star appearances, and earned All-WNBA First Team honors twice.

Lately, she’s been spending time recovering from significant knee injuries that caused her to miss the 2021 WNBA season, but as of now, she says she’s been back in the gym and is in a good place.

“I went to the gym yesterday to just play; I felt really, really good where I’m at. I gave my agent the okay to talk to teams, so I think very soon, by the All-Star break. I’m really excited to get back out there.”

And now, having a court with her image on it only adds to her illustrious legacy. She’s not stopping there, though, and hopes that the refurbished court at Shively Park will create even more opportunities for both herself and the future of women’s basketball. 

“I will say this is definitely something that leaves a legacy. Even after I retire, I can go on and see that, wow, there’s a court. These are things that last forever—my grandkids can come and see that court. It’s amazing, and sometimes it’s like winning a championship ring, right? The championship ring doesn’t really have its value until 20 years later, 10 years later. You see how we go back and look at what Magic Johnson’s done or Michael Jordan or Lisa Leslie because the value increases as the years go by. That’s how I feel about the court; I think just the value will continue to increase. And off the court, I already talked [NBA] 2K, you know they have the WNBA side of it, [and I’m like], hey, this is an opportunity. The court to be in the video game. There (are) so many ideas and ways to maneuver with it, and (it) talks about putting the music in the video game on the WNBA side. Not even just the W side; put it on the whole video game!

But hey, just the fact that they’re loving my idea and being able to pitch that part is just amazing. Whoever thought the WNBA players would be in the video game anyway? Now I’m talking about our assets, our courts, (and) our music in video games, too. We’re taking this to a whole other level.”

The post Angel McCoughtry and adidas Look to Inspire the Next Generation with Refurbished ‘Reach For the Stars’ Court in Louisville appeared first on SLAM.

In addition, the Lynx released forwards Rennia Davis, Nina Milic and guard Yvonne Turner from their hardship contracts yesterday.

Just this afternoon, the Lynx announced a few more signings under hardship contracts, picking up Evina Westbrook and Moriah Jefferson while re-signing Milic, Turner and Hannah Sjerven to hardship contracts.

NEW: The Minnesota Lynx have signed Moriah Jefferson and Evina Westbrook, the team announced, while re-signing Nikolina Milić, Hannah Sjerven and Yvonne Turner to hardship contracts.

— Alexa Philippou (@alexaphilippou) May 13, 2022

The aftermath leaves the Lynx with eight active players for their Saturday evening contest against the Chicago Sky (1-1).

The post Minnesota Lynx Release and Sign Multiple Players to Hardship Exemption Contracts appeared first on SLAM.

McCoughtry, 35, has played just 20 minutes through the team’s 0-3 start.

“Although the organization has been very patient with my injury and helping me heal my body, sometimes it’s about what fits best for both parties. I believe in myself, and I know I will be all the way back to perform at the highest level,” McCoughtry said in a statement the Lynx released.

McCoughtry underwent surgery for a torn ACL and meniscus tear she suffered last season. McCoughtry holds the WNBA Finals record for points in a game (38) and playoff game (42). She was the first overall pick by Atlanta in 2009, where she played 10 seasons, winning two back-to-back scoring titles, was named to six All-WNBA teams, and earned eight All-Defensive selections. McCoughtry won two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.

She is 15th all-time in scoring and eighth in points per game at 18.6.

The post Minnesota Lynx Buy-Out Angel McCoughtry’s Contract appeared first on SLAM.

Breaking @WNBA news: @AtlantaDream trade to get No. 1 pick from @WashMystics today. Mystics now have No. 3 and No. 14. WNBA Draft is Monday at 7 p.m. ET on ESPN. Time to adjust those mock drafts again.

— Mechelle Voepel (@MechelleV) April 6, 2022

The Mystics received the No. 3 and No. 14 overall pick in return and have the right to swap its own first-round choice in 2023 with the first-round selection the Dream received from the Los Angeles Sparks in the Chennedy Carter trade earlier this year. The Dream holds the No. 1 and No. 15 picks in next Monday’s WNBA Draft.

We landed this year’s No. 1 overall WNBA Draft pick in a trade with Washington

More info

— Atlanta Dream (@AtlantaDream) April 6, 2022

Atlanta will pick first overall in the Draft for the first time since 2009 when they selected Angel McCoughtry. McCoughtry went on to earn five All-Star selections, seven All-Defensive First team nods and was named to the All-WNBA First Team twice. She also led the Dream to all three of their WNBA Finals appearances in 2010, 2011, and 2013.

The 2022 WNBA Draft will occur next Monday at 7 PM ET on ESPN.

The post Atlanta Dream Swaps Third and 14th Pick for No. 1 Overall Selection in 2022 WNBA Draft appeared first on SLAM.

Bird is currently an unrestricted free agent and cannot negotiate a contract with the Storm until the period officially opens on January 15. Players can then sign on February 1. She has played her entire career for the Seattle Storm since being drafted by the team in 2002.

GUESS WHO’S NOT GOING ANYWHEREEEE?!?!

BRB, going to cry happy tears @S10Bird pic.twitter.com/ZzTzFYrs3s

— WSLAM (@wslam) January 7, 2022

The four-time champion was recently named to the W25, a list of the top 25 players that have ever played in the W out of 72 nominees. To be considered, players had to have competed in the WNBA for at least two seasons and fit at least four of seven criteria:

• Winning a major individual playing award.
• Selection to at least one All-WNBA Team at any level.
• Selection to at least one WNBA All-Defensive Team at any level.
• Selection for at least one WNBA All-Star Game.
• Member of at least one WNBA championship team.
• A ranking among the top 40 career leaders in any major statistical category, as of the start of the 2021 season.
• Winner of the WNBA’s season-long Community Assist Award.

10 of the W25 are current players: Sue Bird, Tina Charles, Elena Delle Donne, Sylvia Fowles, Brittney Griner, Angel McCoughtry, Nneka Ogwumike, Candace Parker, Breanna Stewart, and Diana Tuarasi

Who’s y’all GOAT in the W?! pic.twitter.com/ILq6zHk7fi

— WSLAM (@wslam) September 5, 2021

Bird has put up 12.0 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 5.6 assists per game for her career. As the oldest active player in the W, she leads the league all-time in assists, games and minutes played, and turnovers. The 12-time All-Star ranks in the top 10 in multiple categories, including points, three-pointers made and attempted, steals, points, and made, missed, and attempted field goals.

Among her career accolades being voted All-WNBA eight times and led the league in assists three times. She has also won 10 medals with Team USA, making her the most decorated basketball player, man or woman, ever. She is one of only one of 11 players ever to win Olympic gold, World Cup gold, a WNBA title, and an NCAA title.

The post Sue Bird Announces Her Return For Another Season appeared first on SLAM.

We compiled some of their best posts as they congratulated President-elect Biden and Vice President-elect Kamala Harris on their historic win.

View this post on Instagram

We are so much stronger when our differences bring us TOGETHER rather than tear us apart!!! Congratulations to @joebiden & @kamalaharris – biggest voter turnout in American history!! Let’s keep the momentum going and shape a more inclusive and equal America

A post shared by Chris Paul (@cp3) on Nov 7, 2020 at 10:30am PST

View this post on Instagram

And she’s from Oakland. Congrats @kamalaharris

A post shared by Damian Lillard (@damianlillard) on Nov 7, 2020 at 11:01am PST

View this post on Instagram

#BidenHarris2020 @kamalaharris @joebiden

A post shared by Candace Parker (@candaceparker) on Nov 7, 2020 at 11:36am PST

View this post on Instagram

Mood

A post shared by Bradley Beal (@bradbeal3) on Nov 7, 2020 at 9:43am PST

View this post on Instagram

Leggoooo

A post shared by Angel McCoughtry #35 (@mccoughtry) on Nov 7, 2020 at 9:44am PST

The post NBA, WNBA Players React To Joe Biden and Kamala Harris Winning Election appeared first on SLAM.

—

Introduction by Ros Gold-Onwude:

This isn’t a moment, it’s a movement.

Summer protests demanding that “Black lives matter” have put a magnifying glass on a group within the movement often left most vulnerable in society: Black women. In 1962, Malcolm X said: “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

Here, we examine the WNBA, a professional basketball league of excellent, elite, predominantly Black women. Over the course of its 24 years of existence, the women of this league have time and time again stepped up to lead the call for change.

With the WNBA’s inaugural season in 1997, there was a new American women’s professional basketball league that young girls could aspire to. In 2014, the WNBA became the first pro sports league to air a nationally televised “Pride” game in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community. In 2016, players accepted fines to wear “I Can’t Breathe” t-shirts, protesting against police brutality. In 2019, perennial superstar Maya Moore left the WNBA in the prime of her career to fight for criminal justice reform. In 2020, after a long and grueling fight, the players negotiated a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), granting them more equity, increased salaries, better lifestyle conditions while traveling on the road, new health and mental wellness initiatives and improved maternal care, including paid maternity leave and assistance with childcare.

The WNBA’s true power is in the collective voice of its players, who have increasingly used their platforms to demand more. WNBA players have long been on the frontlines fighting against racism, police brutality, sexism, sexuality discrimination, inadequate maternity policies and more.

The women of the WNBA have had everyone else’s back, who will have theirs?  While they compete in the most elite women’s basketball league in the world, they are still battling for respect and still working to find a consistently successful formula to sell tickets and to market their dynamic collection of women to the public.

Let me make sure not to discredit the longstanding devoted fans of the league; they are the life-blood of the WNBA’s success and their loyalty is both needed and cherished. However, given the high caliber of talent, increased quality of play and increased number of televised and streamed games, this league is deserving of more. I hear you, agonizing over the countless tragic murders of Black women like Breonna Taylor and Oluwatoyin Salau, crying out: “Protect and nourish Black women, #SayHerName!” I share this anguish and challenge us to also say the names of our Black female heroes while they are alive and crusading. Let’s keep that same energy and show more love to the WNBA, a league of predominately Black women who are the best of the best at their craft.

In a recent roundtable discussion, I spoke with three highly-decorated WNBA players of different eras:

Hall of Famer Sheryl Swoopes, a 3x Olympic Gold Medalist and 4x WNBA champion with the Houston Comets.

Las Vegas Aces forward Angel McCoughtry, a 2x Olympic Gold Medalist and 5x WNBA All-Star.

Minnesota Lynx guard Lexie Brown, a 2018 first-round pick out of Duke.

We talked about the realities of what Black women face in America with regards to racism and sexism, and how WNBA players have always led the charge for equality and respect.

Below is part one of the roundtable. Stay tuned for the rest of the discussion.

Gold-Onwude: How did basketball affect the trajectory of your lives?

Swoopes: For me, when I think about my journey and where basketball started, I started playing when I was seven years old. I think I knew at a very early age that basketball would be my ticket to not only change my life but change my family’s life. And never did I realize just how much it would change my life and I don’t just mean the things it did for me on the court, I mean just doors it opened for me which allowed me to open doors for Angel, for Lexie and for everyone who came after me; but I don’t think we talk about the people, the women who even came before me that paved the way for all of us to have those opportunities. And I’m so thankful and so blessed and grateful that we’re having this conversation today, where we can still talk about the growth of the game. I can honestly say that without this sport my life would be very different, absolutely.

McCoughtry: I just think it’s opened so many doors. You know, growing up in Baltimore playing with all the guys, the only female out there, I remember they all came one day outside and said, “Hey, you can play in the WNBA one day.” And I was like, “What that’s? The WNBA?” And they were like, “It’s the NBA, but for the girls.” That’s when I went home and I started watching you, Sheryl, and watching them win championships and I was just amazed that there were women out there that were just like me. I didn’t have to be ashamed to be tall, I could stand proud and be who I am. That was the first time I watched a lot of women play sports on TV, I always just saw the men. I never dreamed of being an Olympian, I never dreamed of being able to play in different countries. None of that ever crossed my mind. Just playing the sport has opened so many doors. Now we can inspire, we can advocate for political justice through our sport. That’s what it’s all about.

Gold-Onwude: Lexie, how did ball affect the trajectory of your life? It’s interesting because Angel brings up something that I resonate with and we’re the same age essentially. I wasn’t necessarily growing up to be a pro, that idea came later. You are younger and the league has experienced a whole lot more success and longevity by the time that you were coming to the game. How did you view the league and what was possible for you with basketball?

Brown: I wanted to be a WNBA player when I was little, so that’s the amazing thing that you guys have been able to do for players like me. You had built a league that we were able to look up to and want to get to, but basketball is something that I just love and like Sheryl and Angel said, the doors that it’s opened have been incredible and the voice that I’ve been given and other players in the league have been given to speak up on things that normally we probably wouldn’t be comfortable speaking on. One because we wouldn’t know much about it or two because we wouldn’t think anybody would be listening. So to be able to speak on things, being [in this roundtable] for me is incredible. I’m honored. Basketball has definitely changed my life.

Gold-Onwude: Sheryl, this one is for you. You played in the inaugural WNBA season. 1997, the league starts up. The Houston Comets win the first four championships in the league’s history. Earlier you said that we don’t necessarily talk enough about the beginning of the WNBA and even the players who played before the WNBA was started. So let’s take a moment to relive that. What was the public reception to the start of the WNBA?

Swoopes: First thought was if the NBA is behind the WNBA then it’s going to be successful; and I just remember all the marketing that the league put behind it and it was year round, it wasn’t just during the season. People were excited about it and coming off of the success that the 1996 Olympic team had. I think we had built a lot of fans and a lot of excitement and a lot of curiosity about, Can these women really play? And I think in that moment, Ros, we truly gained the respect of people around the world of how good these women really can be.

Gold-Onwude: Has the growth and the reach of the league since then met your expectations?

Swoopes: When I look at where the WNBA is today, I will tell you a couple of things. I think the talent level from top to bottom is better than it was in the beginning. And what I mean by that is, you have teams that you don’t know who’s going to win the championship from one year to the next. Not to say the talent wasn’t good then because it was, but the thing I would say that does disappoint me a little is I think the league could and should do a lot more in marketing players.

Gold-Onwude: I know players are talking about how to use their platform in a meaningful way and how the WNBA can support them in doing that. What are meaningful, non-superficial, non-performance ways that the WNBA can use this 2020 season to affect change facing racial inequalities and systemic racism in America?

McCoughtry: We can definitely use this sport as a tool. I didn’t agree with some NBA players who said, Hey, this is a distraction, it’s entertainment. No, we’re here to unite. We use our basketball as a tool. We inspire. This is the time now to play and fight for the social justice. We’re definitely going to have our shirts on. I think we can use our interview platforms to speak up. Look, Breonna Taylor, she was in Louisville, that’s where I went to school. Right now we’re advocating for that. We can use this tool to fight against the social injustice. This is the time now.

Brown: I agree with everything that Angel just said. I think also I’m excited that, although the bubble is not an ideal environment, we’re also going to be in there together so we’ll be able to bounce ideas off of each other, share stories, share experiences with each other. I think that usually teams kind of do their own thing one by one by one because we’re all in different cities, but I think we’ll be able to have one united voice really because we’re all going to be in the same place. I think that us as players are going to have a lot of control over what’s said and shared because we’re going to be the only ones in there.

Swoopes: I think it’s every player’s individual decision. If you think it’s good for you to play then you play. If it’s not then you don’t. Because not only do we have this coronavirus pandemic, we got the whole [problem of] systemic racism, all that stuff going on. There’s a lot going on in this country right now. And I think if players are going to play, then you make that decision and you play, but you have to have a plan in place. So if the NBA and WNBA are going back to play, is that a distraction? It’s probably a distraction for people who are already distracted anyway, right? And I agree with Angel, it’s a moment for everybody to come together and say, All right, we have a huge platform. And it’s no secret that the NBA and WNBA are predominantly Black. So the thing I don’t want to happen is for players to start playing again and all of a sudden they’re back in their space and their environment and forget about the real world, because these issues and these problems that we have today are going to be around for many more years to come. If we at some point, and I say we as all of us as Black people, don’t put our feet down and say listen, Here are some of the changes that we want, here are some things that have to happen, here’s where we need you to be on our side. I don’t think players use their voice enough and if players are saying we want to play, I think it’s a perfect time and perfect opportunity for players to take advantage of it and demand change.

McCoughtry: It’s been too long. And I like what I see, you know, we have to support the millennials, they’re the ones out there fighting. The millennials. They weren’t there with Rodney King, they weren’t there with Martin Luther King, they weren’t there. They saw George Floyd and they were pissed. Everybody got to see, Oh my God, America’s really in a lot of trouble right now. You see in France, you see in London, they’re tearing down Confederate statues. We see things that we’ve never seen before, so some kind of change is happening. But I think that we need to continue to use our platforms. Beyonce wrote a letter for Breonna Taylor. We all need to use our celebrity and our platforms to really get this done.

Gold-Onwude: I want to bring the conversation to a special woman we all know—Maya Moore. She left hoops in the prime of her career to fight for criminal justice reform. It definitely felt like it happened so abruptly, like all of a sudden Maya just didn’t come back to hoops. This honorable cause taken up by one of the biggest stars in the game has been covered by the media here and there, but I think we should be talking about Maya Moore more.

McCoughtry: I competed with nobody like I did with Maya Moore…ever. It’s never going to be the same. I wish she was back, but I understand the road she’s going on. It’s a road that needs more attention. I think what she’s doing is amazing. I don’t think enough people know the story of what she’s doing and I think that Netflix or somebody needs to do a documentary of what she’s doing off the court.

Swoopes: Maya’s a champion, she always has been. What she’s doing now is not going to be any different. Everything that she brought to the court, all the passion, energy, drive, determination she had as a basketball player, she now has that in this cause. I agree with Angel. I think somebody, somewhere should be doing more coverage, should be talking more about what Maya is doing now instead of people talking about, Oh my God, I can’t believe Maya just left the game. That’s her decision. I think Maya gave everything she had to give to the game and probably accomplished if not everything almost everything that she wanted to accomplish as a basketball player. I’ve always said that I feel like God puts us on this earth and that we all have a purpose and sometimes it takes us some of us longer than others to find that purpose. Maya, a lot like myself, I don’t think her purpose was to be a basketball player. I think it was to use basketball as a platform to do bigger and better things. The passion that she has right now in her heart is for something bigger and better than basketball. And where we are in this country as African American men and women, I couldn’t think of a better time for her to be doing what she’s doing. I got nothing but love for Maya, nothing but respect for her.

Brown: I think the Lynx have always been at the forefront of these types of issues. Knowing what I know now, I see one of the main reasons why—because they had someone like Maya playing on the team and I’m sure she advocated for things like that. Her last season was my first season, so up until that point I had just been a fan, a spectator of hers. And obviously in my first season, I was still kind of a fan and a spectator. I don’t think she’s getting nearly enough attention as she should. You see what some of the NBA guys have been saying. They’re just talking about leaving the game. They’re not actually going to leave and leave all that money. Maya actually did it. She didn’t announce it, she just did it. And nobody’s saying anything. All the attention the guys have gotten for just saying they shouldn’t play and go help the community. OK, hear you, go do it.

Gold-Onwude: Definitely. And to your point, Lexie, what Maya did was brave. She didn’t discuss it, talk about it, she left behind something that was wildly successful and comfortable for her. I remember those Stanford-UConn battles of our college days and then covering her in the pros. Maya’s an excellent woman at everything. So when I see her as she steps into this next phase and fights for criminal justice reform, I see a woman that is still excellent. And Sheryl, you said her crusade is on time. She was actually a little early. The country just now is like, OK, Let’s fix some things. Maya’s been doing this. I agree that her story needs to be uplifted even more than it has been because if someone, a player of her caliber on the men’s side, left to do such a noble cause, it’d be everywhere.

Swoopes: It would be all over the place.

McCoughtry: It would be a movie by now.

Gold-Onwude: It would be a movie.

Brown: Like if a person like LeBron just stopped playing, it’d definitely be a movie already.

McCoughtry: Not even if it was a LeBron caliber player, if it was just a normal player that scored two points a game on the bench in the NBA, it would be everywhere. 

—

100 percent of proceeds from SLAM’s new issue will be donated to charities supporting issues impacting the Black community. Grab your copy here.

Photos via Getty.

The post LET’S KEEP IT REAL: WNBA Roundtable About Racism & Sexism, Part 1 appeared first on SLAM.

The season tips off on Saturday, July 25 at noon ET with the Storm against the Liberty. Below is our 2020 preview to get you ready for the action. Let’s go.

EAST

1. Chicago Sky

If there’s one team everyone in the League should fear this upcoming season, it’s the Sky. This Chicago group is one of the youngest in the League, so it’s no surprise that they are also one of the most athletic. Behind prolific scorers in two-time Three-Point Contest champion Allie Quigley and Diamond DeShields, the Sky were second in scoring last season, just behind the champion Washington Mystics. Not only that—they were also  second in assists, in large part due to Courtney Vandersloot, the record holder for most assists in a single season. In keeping core pieces like Stefanie Dolson, Cheyenne Parker and Gabby Williams, while also picking up Sydney Colson and Azura Stevens, Sky Town has a lot to look forward to in the 2020 campaign.

2. Connecticut Sun

Connecticut came just short of the championship in 2019 with one of the strongest rosters in the WNBA, but this year’s roster looks slightly different. Although they’ll be without leading scorer Jonquel Jones, who has chosen to sit out over health concerns due to COVID-19, they won big time in acquiring DeWanna Bonner during free agency. Along with veteran guards Alyssa Thomas and Jasmine Thomas, Bonner will help fill the major scoring void. The big question for the Sun revolves around team chemistry, having lost on-court leader Courtney Williams, as well as having picked up multiple free agents this offseason.

3. Washington Mystics

The reigning WNBA Champions will aim to defend their title in 2020, although they’ll be without some major pieces. They took a big hit during free agency in losing Point God Kristi Toliver, and will be without 2019 MVP Elena Delle Donne and free-agent signee Tina Charles due to health concerns over COVID-19. Washington added vet Essence Carson to help fill the void of Natasha Cloud, who has chosen to sit out the season in order to focus on the fight for social justice. Even without some serious offensive pieces, they still have last year’s Finals MVP Emma Meesseman, who will need to step up once again if the Mystics are to make another deep playoff run.

4. Indiana Fever

Indiana has struggled since their last playoff appearance in 2016, but this new squad could be considered the sleeper of the League. With lottery picks in the most recent drafts, the Fever are now young, quick and hungry to win. Indiana’s biggest strength is their talented bigs, including Natalie Achonwa, Teaira McCowan and the 2020 No. 2 overall pick Lauren Cox. They also have strong young guards in Kelsey Mitchell and Victoria Vivians, who returns this season after missing last year due to a knee injury. Behind the veteran leadership of Candice Dupree and Erica Wheeler, as well as former Mystics assistant and new head coach Marianne Stanley, Indiana’s ceiling is extremely high.

5. Atlanta Dream

Having lost Angel McCoughtry during free agency, Atlanta has a lot of question marks around this upcoming season. With significant movement in the offseason, the Dream’s roster has several new faces playing together for the first time. Courtney Williams and Shekinna Stricklen join the team after a WNBA Finals run with the Sun last season, and therefore will need to provide leadership in the locker room. Additionally, their frontcourt crew of Elizabeth Williams, Glory Johnson and Kalani Brown is extremely strong. The future definitely looks bright for the Dream, as they also picked up scoring sensation Chennedy Carter in this year’s Draft.

6. New York Liberty

The team with the most unknowns is the new Brooklyn crew. With one of the most inexperienced rosters, new head coach Walt Hopkins will need to rely on veterans Layshia Clarendon, Amanda Zahui B and Kia Nurse to help transition the rookies into the pros. That being said, the Liberty have some of the best prospects from this year’s draft, including NCAA phenom Sabrina Ionescu and former Husky Megan Walker. If Sabrina, Megan and the rest of the rookies are able to adapt quickly, the Liberty could have a surprisingly successful season. New York will be without Asia Durr, though, who decided to opt out of the 2020 season due to health concerns over COVID-19.

WEST

1. Seattle Storm

The 2018 championship team is finally back together after a year of many injuries, and we have a feeling they’re about to pick up right where they left off. Stewie is back, Sue is back, and the best part is that a lot of the younger players now have more experience to help take Seattle back to the top. We witnessed Jordin Canada and Jewell Loyd really come into their own in 2019, leading Seattle to the second round of the playoffs. With last year’s Defensive Player of the Year Natasha Howard, as well as new additions in Morgan Tuck and Epiphanny Prince, the Storm are destined for another title run.

2. Phoenix Mercury

Skylar Diggins-Smith, Brittney Griner and Diana Taurasi are the new “Big Three” of the WNBA, and they’re likely to take the Mercury near the top at IMG this summer. Phoenix already had a stacked roster and the addition of one of the best scoring guards in the League only makes them that much better. With Bria Hartley and 2019 champion Shatori Walker-Kimbrough joining the mix, there’s no doubt that Phoenix has the deepest roster in the League. Diana “The GOAT” Taurasi is back this year after missing most of last season due to injury, which makes Phoenix one of the early favorites to win it all. 

3. Las Vegas Aces

The Las Vegas Aces are one of the top teams to watch in 2020. In another major free agency move, Vegas picked up Angel McCoughtry, who adds the experienced guard play they have been missing. Although they’ll be without Liz Cambage (due to health concerns over COVID-19) and Kelsey Plum (due to a torn achilles suffered in the offseason), the Aces roster is still strong. With some of their major players missing, 2018 Rookie of the Year A’ja Wilson is set to have another breakout season and potentially be an MVP candidate.

4. Los Angeles Sparks

You know the competition in the West is great when the Sparks are somehow in the middle of the pack, even though they have one of the greatest players ever hooping for them. The big question for L.A. this year is how Coach Derek Fisher implements his offensive system with top scorers Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike, Chelsea Gray and Riquna Williams. The Sparks also picked up Brittney Sykes and longtime rival Seimone Augustus. If Coach Fisher and his staff are able to put together a game plan that gets everyone on the roster involved, the Sparks could be the team to beat in the West.

5. Minnesota Lynx

Cheryl Reeve’s Lynx look a lot different than most years, as they continue their rebuilding period. Their leader, Maya Moore, has continued her inspiring path of pursuing social justice reform, which leaves Sylvia Fowles as the veteran in the locker room. The Lynx have lots of promising young talent on the roster, including 2019 Rookie of the Year Napheesa Collier. They also picked up some strong prospects in this year’s Draft with Mikiah Herbert Harrigan and Crystal Dangerfield. With sharpshooters Rachel Banham and Lexie Brown, the Lynx still have a chance at a solid season that could help develop a lot of their talent for the future.

6. Dallas Wings

Dallas has the most inexperienced roster in the West, but don’t let that fool you—they have some true bucket-getters on their squad who are poised to have big seasons. All eyes will be on 2019 Rookie of the Year runner-up Arike Ogunbowale, who averaged 19.1 points per game in her first season. Most exciting, though, is their pickup of Katie Lou Samuelson, who didn’t see much playing time with Chicago last year. As a UConn product, you know she’s bound to be a sponge and learn quickly how to be implemented into the offense, especially under head coach Brian Agler. With the addition of top prospects Satou Sabally and Bella Alarie, the Wings are low-key our favorite to shock the League this season, potentially even clinching a playoff spot.

—

Camille Buxeda is a Senior Content Producer at SLAM. Follow her on twitter @CamilleBuxeda.

Photos via Getty.

The post 2020 WNBA Season Preview appeared first on SLAM.

—

We brought Sheryl Swoopes, Angel McCoughtry and Lexie Brown together with host Ros Gold-Onwude to learn about their perspectives as Black women in sports. 

Part 1 of the roundtable can be found here.

Gold-Onwude: Angel and Lexie, how do you feel the WNBA does as far as marketing players?

McCoughtry: I still remember that episode of you guys on Martin [to Swoopes]. That was the best thing ever. He was challenging Gina saying that women can’t do what men can do. And then she brings these WNBA players [to play]. That was the best thing ever for us to see growing up. To add on to that, people don’t know LeBron personally, but they know LeBron. Does that make sense? So if someone doesn’t know Lexie Brown or Angel McCoughtry, why are they gonna come to the game? They don’t know who they’re watching. Our commercials are only on when we have a game. Then people don’t even know when we have a game. You can see an NBA commercial when you’re watching primetime TV. I think, too, some of the NBA players can grab some of us and say, Hey, I want Lexie in this State Farm commercial with me. They need to get to know who she is as well. I think we can all work together to get more of these girls known. Yeah, we know Diana Taurasi. We know Sue Bird. But they should know Lexie Brown. I think we can do a better job at that.

Gold-Onwude: MVPs and star players have gotten promoted. Sheryl, you, Cynthia Cooper—I knew everything about you. Growing up in New York, I knew Teresa Weatherspoon. Candace Parker. I’m a big Cappie Pondexter fan. But maybe you’re talking to somebody who’s a little biased because I’m an actual women’s basketball fan. We’re talking about the casual fan. How do we get them in line with knowing everybody? I remember networks like ESPN did things like “The 3 to See” with Skylar Diggins and Britney Griner and Elene Delle Donne. It was just about the top players. How do you get to that next level? Maybe like with you Lexie, someone who’s a star but young and coming up, how do we learn more about your story the way we might learn about a role player on an NBA team?

A lot of times the stories around women’s sports tend to be “good girl stories,” all good news, all positive. Could the WNBA benefit from having more real, honest characterizations of who the personalities and players are in the league?

Brown: I’m coming from college and it’s the same there. You know the three top players, they all look the same, they might not even be the best players but they all look alike. There’s a certain look that I think people try to push out. I think our league has the most colorful personalities from top to bottom. The beautiful thing about our league is that there’s not a lot of us, so we really all do know each other pretty well. There are a lot of stories that need to be shared. And just because they’re real doesn’t mean they have to be tragic or sad, they just have to be real. Everything doesn’t need to be a good girl story, like you said. I think that this younger group of WNBA players has tried to take it into their own hands, using social media and their followings and things like that. I personally have noticed that even sometimes when we reach out to the league: Oh, we have this idea. They turn it away. They don’t want it. They don’t want anything to do with it. So that’s forced us to go our separate ways and find our little fan groups separately. When you go out somewhere and say that you’re a professional basketball player, they get super interested. You tell them that you attended Louisville and Duke and then people lose their minds. There are so many stories to tell.

McCoughtry: It’s hard to work really hard at something and it’s like, Man, does anybody notice that I worked this hard? I have an ice cream shop here in Atlanta. Kandi Burruss from the Real Housewives of Atlanta was actually the owner of the building, so I rented from her which was awesome. Todd was her husband. They were doing a mural out back [of the building]. I go out back to look at it, they’re putting all the sports teams logos on this mural. So I asked the guy, Where is the Dream logo gonna be? He was like, Dream, what is that? I don’t know nothing about that. I said, Todd, the mural outside is dope, but you’re forgetting one thing. The WNBA logo. We’re the only women’s professional sports team in the city and you forgot about us. He was like, Oh my god, my bad! My bad! You come to my ice cream shop every day, we’re friends, and you forgot to put the only women’s professional team’s logo on this mural. I have to send you guys a picture of this mural. If you look at it now, we’re at the top. The fact that I had to fight for that. How do you forget?

I have another story for y’all real quick. I’m at the NBA Awards and PR says, Come over and do some interviews. I come over to do the line on the red carpet and they’re all like [looking]. [They said], Excuse me, we want the players. So I walked to the next person. They were like, Excuse me, we’re waiting for the players. I’m a player. I’m a two-time Olympic Gold Medalist. Really? I went down that whole red carpet line, nobody looked at me twice. I felt kind of belittled. It was just like, That’s what you guys really think of us? I wasn’t even considered a player. Those are the things that definitely have to change.

Gold-Onwude: Let’s talk about how mainstream media and entertainment treat WNBA players. It’s not just that the WNBA has to market [players] better. Sports reporters, people who cover sports, will say things like, The first pro championship to come to Seattle, or something. And you’re like, Well, what about the Seattle Storm? You see it over and over again. I feel like every year there’s a correction of a professional sports broadcaster with credibility dismissing the credits of a WNBA championship.

Swoopes: The other part of that, too—and I’m not saying you, [Ros], because I don’t think you do it. But even as commentators or broadcasters or analysts, when you’re watching games, college or WNBA, we compare girls to boys all the time. When you’re watching college games, you’ll say, Oh, so and so reminds me of Kevin Durant or Steph Curry or James Harden. No, she reminds you of Angel McCoughtry or Lexie Brown or Candace Parker. You know what I mean? We’ll talk about what everyone else is not doing to promote the league and help us grow the game, but we don’t help ourselves grow the game.

Gold-Onwude: I hear that a lot and the strategy there is trying to capture that casual fan who might know the NBA player more than the WNBA player and create some kind of connection. But I’ve often felt that women’s basketball shouldn’t be compared to men’s basketball because they are separate and different games and businesses. Lexie, I’ll take it to you. When we talk about women’s basketball, should it be compared to men’s basketball in your opinion?

Brown: I know when I was younger, there was a point where I was looking up to NBA players. And then when my dad got into coaching in the WNBA, he kind of shut all that down. He was like, Nah, you’re going to model your game after all of these players. So even through middle school and high school, my favorite player was Kristi Toliver. I loved her at Maryland; she was the reason why I committed to Maryland. I basically modeled my entire game after her up until I got to college, honestly. I do agree with what people say, that they’re trying to capture the casual fan by comparing to NBA players—I do understand that. But I feel that at this point, we’re trying so hard to capture so many casual fans, we just need to capture a new fan. Maybe mentioning a WNBA player will have them [thinking], Oh, I wonder who that is. They’ll go look up the WNBA player and discover this whole league filled with women who can hoop their asses off. I am guilty of comparing people to NBA players, definitely; but as I’ve gotten older, gotten to know these players and paid a little bit more attention, I’m able to compare a lot of players to WNBA players instead.

Gold-Onwude: Sometimes the public criticism and jokes that we see are happening even in popular culture, like television shows such as Family Guy or Black-ish, which is a show about uplifting Black culture and here they are cracking jokes about a league that is predominately Black. I’m a fan of the show but it was disappointing to see those kinds of jokes and it continues to permeate that it’s OK to make fun of a group of excellent women. First I want to ask, does it hurt when you see that?

Brown: Not as much as it used to. You look at the people who are making these comments and you’re like, They must be jealous or something. It’s been hard for me to understand, with men specifically, why they have such a problem with women being good at anything. Not even just sports, just anything. It’s weird. I can’t figure it out. I can’t wrap my mind around it. Men can be good at things and women can be good at things. It’s that simple. But the jokes are played out. I will say they haven’t come up with anything new. It’s the same jokes coming from a page with an egg as the icon. We must be doing something right if people are upset at how amazing and successful we are.

McCoughtry: I like how you put that. I had one last night, Lexie. I was saying how our season was going to start at the end of July and I was like, It’s going to be weird not having any fans. Guys were like, You should be used to that.

Brown: That’s the other thing. They say something crazy and you’re like, F off, and they’ll either message me or tweet me later saying they were just playing and they’re a huge fan. I’m just convinced that people want a reaction because they’re bored and sometimes we give in to them.

Swoopes: It’s easy to sit behind your phone or computer or something and run your mouth. It’s easy to do that. But if you met that person or saw that person in the store or on the street or whatever, they’re not going to say anything. To me, some of the comments that I read on social media, I honestly laugh at them. Like, really? It’s so stupid. You have to laugh at it. For me personally, and I don’t play anymore, but for some of the things like Black-ish; when I see that, I’m like, really? I don’t feel like that hurt me personally, but it hurt us. I think that hurts the game—when we’re still trying to grow it and get fans and talk to people about how incredible these women are, not just at basketball, but how incredible these women are. A show like Black-ish, that’s what’s funny to me. You want to make fun and poke at who we are and our game. That’s the part that drives me crazy. I could care less what some of these assholes have to say on social media.

McCoughtry: Here’s the thing, they want to compare us to greats. For example, I’m at a restaurant and I’m telling this guy, Hey, you should come to a WNBA game. He’s like, Why should I come watch you guys play? Can you jump as high as LeBron? No. Can you run as fast as LeBron? No. Well, why should I come watch you play? I said, I run faster and I jump higher than you. You can’t even compare to me, so why would you say that? He kind of got quiet [after that]. Just the fact that you’re comparing me to a freak of nature like LeBron, but you can’t even compare yourself to me, but you’re knocking me—a woman who’s doing incredible things in life and playing a sport.

I want to dig deep. I ask my male friends, When you guys were younger, what were you taught about women? That women couldn’t do anything? They’re like, No, we were just taught to be easy on girls, not too rough. So nobody ever taught you to knock women in sports? No. So where does that come from? Is it taught behavior? To me, it feels like racism. It’s a form of racism. It’s a taught hate.

—

Click here for part 1 of the WNBA roundtable.

100 percent of proceeds from SLAM’s new issue will be donated to the Social Change Fund. Grab your copy here.

Photos via Getty.

The post LET’S KEEP IT REAL: WNBA Roundtable About Racism & Sexism, Part 2 appeared first on SLAM.

Entering its 23rd season, the WNBA has more talent than ever before, making final roster cuts even more excruciating for teams.

The WNBA season will tip off tonight with the Wings visiting the Dream at 7:30 p.m. EST. Check out the 12-player, opening-night rosters for every WNBA team below!

(NOTE: Some opening-night rosters do not include players on the temporary suspended list while injured, sitting out or fulfilling overseas commitments.)

ATLANTA DREAM

Alex Bentley (G)
Monique Billings (F)
Jessica Breland (F)
Maite Cazorla (G)
Nia Coffey (F)
Marie Gülich (C)
Tiffany Hayes (G)
Angel McCoughtry (GF)
Renee Montgomery (G)
Haley Peters (F)
Brittney Sykes (G)
Elizabeth Williams (C)

CHICAGO SKY

Kahleah Copper (GF)
Diamond DeShields (G)
Stefanie Dolson (C)
Jamierra Faulkner (G)
Chloe Jackson (G)
Jantel Lavender (FC)
Astou Ndour (C)
Cheyenne Parker (F)
Allie Quigley (G)
Katie Lou Samuelson (GF)
Courtney Vandersloot (G)
Gabby Williams (F)

CONNECTICUT SUN

Kristine Anigwe (FC)
Rachel Banham (G)
Bridget Carleton (GF)
Layshia Clarendon (G)
Bria Holmes (G)
Jonquel Jones (FC)
Brionna Jones (C)
Shekinna Stricklen (GF)
Alyssa Thomas (F)
Jasmine Thomas (G)
Morgan Tuck (F)
Courtney Williams (G)

DALLAS WINGS

Kaela Davis (GF)
Skylar Diggins-Smith (G)
Allisha Gray (G)
Isabelle Harrison (F)
Tayler Hill (G)
Glory Johnson (F)
Brooke McCarty-Williams (G)
Imani McGee-Stafford (C)
Arike Ogunbowale (G)
Theresa Plaisance (FC)
Azura Stevens (FC)
Kayla Thornton (F)

INDIANA FEVER

Natalie Achonwa (FC)
Candice Dupree (F)
Shenise Johnson (G)
Paris Kea (G)
Betnijah Laney (G)
Stephanie Mavunga (F)
Erica McCall (F)
Teaira McCowan (C)
Tiffany Mitchell (G)
Kelsey Mitchell (G)
Asia Taylor (F)
Erica Wheeler (G)

LAS VEGAS ACES

Liz Cambage (C)
Sydney Colson (G)
Dearica Hamby (F)
Kayla McBride (G)
JiSu Park (C)
Kelsey Plum (G)
Sugar Rodgers (G)
Carolyn Swords (C)
A’ja Wilson (FC)
Tamera Young (F)
Jackie Young (G)

LOS ANGELES SPARKS

Alana Beard (GF)
Kalani Brown (C)
Chelsea Gray (G)
Alexis Jones (G)
Marina Mabrey (G)
Nneka Ogwumike (F)
Chiney Ogwumike (FC)
Candace Parker (FC)
Tierra Ruffin-Pratt (GF)
Maria Vadeeva (FC)
Sydney Wiese (G)
Riquna Williams (G)

MINNESOTA LYNX

Seimone Augustus (G)
Lexie Brown (G)
Karima Christmas-Kelly (F)
Alaina Coates (C)
Napheesa Collier (F)
Damiris Dantas (F)
Sylvia Fowles (C)
Danielle Robinson (G)
Jessica Shepard (F)
Odyssey Sims (G)
Stephanie Talbot (F)
Shao Ting (F)

NEW YORK LIBERTY

Rebecca Allen (G)
Tiffany Bias (G)
Brittany Boyd (G)
Tina Charles (C)
Asia Durr (G)
Reshanda Gray (F)
Bria Hartley (G)
Kia Nurse (G)
Nayo Raincock-Ekunwe (FC)
Tanisha Wright (G)
Han Xu (C)
Amanda Zahui B (C)

PHOENIX MERCURY

DeWanna Bonner (F)
Essence Carson (G)
Arica Carter (G)
Sophie Cunningham (G)
Brittney Griner (C)
Briann January (G)
Camille Little (F)
Sancho Lyttle (F)
Alanna Smith (F)
Diana Taurasi (G)
Brianna Turner (F)
Yvonne Turner (G)

SEATTLE STORM

Sue Bird (G)
Jordin Canada (G)
Alysha Clark (F)
Natasha Howard (F)
Anriel Howard (F)
Crystal Langhorne (FC)
Jewell Loyd (G)
Kaleena Mosqueda-Lewis (F)
Courtney Paris (C)
Mercedes Russell (C)
Sami Whitcomb (GF)
Shavonte Zellous (G)

WASHINGTON MYSTICS

Ariel Atkins (G)
Natasha Cloud (G)
Elena Delle Donne (F)
Tianna Hawkins (F)
Myisha Hines-Allen (F)
Kiara Leslie (G)
Emma Meesseman (F)
Kim Mestdagh (G)
Aerial Powers (F)
LaToya Sanders (FC)
Kristi Toliver (G)
Shatori Walker-Kimbrough (G)

The post WNBA Opening-Night Rosters Set for 2019 Season ✅ appeared first on SLAM.

Coming off a career season in 2017, the Atlanta Dream point guard is checking off major career goals like clockwork.

Over the past 12 months, she’s been named an All-Star, participated in Team USA training camp and provided color commentary for the Pac-12 network.

And she’s making a difference in the community by championing important social issues.

As people across the world celebrate International Women’s Day on March 8, Clarendon continues to fight for equality and inclusion for all women.

Talented and aware, Clarendon is one of the strongest voices in sports.

In a recent conversation with SLAM, Clarendon offered insight into important issues both on the court and off.

SLAM: The Dream added a lot of talent and a new coach. How quickly do you think this team can come together as a unit?

Layshia Clarendon: I think chemistry is the hardest thing to being a successful team. If you look at the Minnesota Lynx and the best teams in sports history, it all comes down to chemistry. I think that will be the big question early on.

I’ve played with Jessica Breland before. I’ve played against Renee Montgomery and I’ve talked to her. Those are two great additions that won’t really cause any problems. I think we’ll get along great.

And getting Angel [McCoughtry] back. I think it’s just going to be how quickly our team can gel. I think (head coach) Nicki [Collen], from my conversations with her, is going to do a good job laying a foundation for everybody and then moving forward.

I’ve played with Elizabeth [Williams] before. I’ve played with Tiffany [Hayes]. Angel’s coming back, and we’ve got some new players like Brittney Sykes.

So I think the question will be chemistry, and I think we have a good opportunity there. It’s just how quickly can you gel?

SLAM: When you hear Coach Collen say she wants to be the fastest team in the League, that’s got to be music to this team’s ears, right?

LC: Definitely. I think she’s a smart basketball mind, but she’s not going to come in and try to make us into a grind-it-out, half-court team. But I do think she’s going to make us be a better half-court execution team.

I think playing to our strengths with our speed. We were already one of the fastest teams last year. But the problem was if we weren’t getting out in transition and scoring easily, we struggled a little bit more. I think she’s going to bring that good balance for us.

We definitely have the horses to play great defense and then get out and just shove the ball down people’s throat. It’s just adding that second layer of complexity. Because once you start playing really good teams who aren’t going to turn the ball over or you can’t always get a stop on, it’s going to be like can you execute and can you have that second and third layer of scoring.

SLAM: The WNBA has been incredibly united. Perhaps no more so than last season when nearly every team supported Black Lives Matter. How was the League able to organize so effectively?

LC: I think we have a lot of people who are socially active. I think that’s where it starts–with people who want to be involved and care about these issues and who are kind of pushing the envelope forward.

Nneka [Ogwumike] and myself and people on the executive committee and player reps across every team, we did start a group text. It was last year, I think. A WhatsApp text that kind of got everybody.

Our League is only 144 players, so we did have the opportunity to have everyone on one WhatsApp message. It was a literally a players-only, anyone can have these conversations. We did have a lot of back-and-forth dialogue that sometimes was exhausting about the Black Lives Matter movement.

Some people had people in the police academy and some people had family members who had faced police brutality. But we had this space that was almost like an open forum to have conversations and say, ‘Why do you want to want to do the shirts?’ Or, ‘Why not?

Obviously, Minnesota came out leading with the Dallas Five on their shirt and the “Change Starts With Us” slogan. It definitely is through that WhatsApp text. It’s been a really great form of communication because athletes do not check their emails, so that’s a really hard space to get people to talk back and forth. And it’s just hard to have dialogue over email versus a live-updating WhatsApp group.

SLAM: What’s been talked about in the WhatsApp group recently?

LC: We’ve been talking about our CBA, which could be up at the end of this year. We would have to opt-in or out. So we’ve started having conversations about our CBA. That’s a really important issue that’s not necessarily directly related to social activism. But it is because we’re talking about pay equity and all these different issues with that. That’s kind of the hottest topic right now.

A lot of times people will share articles in there. So just kind of drop an article and say like, ‘This is what’s going on.’ Or as far as dialogue, ask a question with an article. I just shared the Michael Silver article last night. Elizabeth Williams before that shared an article about the US Hockey team winning gold and the need for more government subsidies on the women’s side for sports. Because they subsidize the NFL arenas and you see a lot of tax breaks with that stuff.

You just don’t think the women’s side gets subsidized, but that they do through that. That’s a question, like, ‘OK, how can we find a way to pour money into the women’s side?’

Stuff like those articles will often get shared.

SLAM: I know you watched the Oscars. Best actress Frances McDormand championed the “inclusion rider,” a clause that requires the cast and crew be diverse in order to retain an actor. Is that something that resonates with WNBA players?

LC: It definitely resonated with me. I had never heard the term. At first, my family was looking at each other in the room like, ‘Inclusion riders?’

So we hopped on Twitter and people were asking the same question, like, ‘What does this mean?’ And then my wife finally found it, and she read that out loud and was like, ‘Wow, if every man took the time to put that in his contract—like, I’m not going to work unless this film is diverse—that’d make so much sense.’

We haven’t talked about it in the group text, but in my own personal life, I said it this morning. I was like, Two words: Inclusion rider. How she kind of dropped the mic. That really stuck out to me.

We see disparities in every workforce across the board. That’s just another way that we’re seeing women step up in that. Seeing Frances’ speech gave me life and power to just keep fighting.

SLAM: After being named an All-Star last season, has that given you a new platform to push for issues you’re passionate about?

LC: I think it has. I think having that on your resume is a big deal. Every time I’ve done broadcasting this year—I do it for the Pac-12 network as a color analyst—my other partner has introduced me like, ‘WNBA All-Star, Layshia Clarendon is my partner here.’ You just can just see the notoriety of adding that big accomplishment to your resume. My social media has grown some too, so I think it does help.

The next goal for me would be Olympian, not just for the title, but for the experience and the dream that I have in terms of that. I think when you do perform that way—which I’m always so focused on performance every single day—it does increase your platform.

It’s a win-win because I work really hard. I want to be the best. And it does increase your ability to help change.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BfENXqlha-Y/

SLAM: What do you think of the Fox News anchor’s “Just shut up and dribble” comments directed at not just LeBron, but basketball players in general?

LC: At first, I was like c’mon Fox News, I can’t give this any of my attention, but I’ll answer the question [laughs]. Because it’s so much propaganda, not even a legitimate argument.

Why do you have a reason to speak up? You have a political platform because someone gave you a microphone on television. We have the same opportunity. Don’t even get me started.

I thought that was what athletes often get, and I think it’s a way to try and silence us and take our power away. We are public figures, and we do have a public platform that in and of itself is political, and it can be as political as you want it to be.

I think to try and silence us and be like, ‘Shut up and dribble that ball,’ I think it scares people how much athletes speak up now and realizing how much power we have. I think the NFL protest really scared a lot of people.

It was comical. Ridiculous. The next Fox News propaganda. I was like, Wait, this is political or is, like, a skit when I first saw it.

SLAM: International Women’s Day is today. What are you planning for the day and what does it mean to you?

LC: February was Black History Month, so I was like, Whoo, that’s me. And then I was like, Oh, March is Women’s History Month, so double win there. I’m a black woman—I’m just winning all of February and March.

I was researching a little bit about International Women’s Day. Because I’ve known and celebrated it in the past. I was looking back to some of the history, dating to the early 1900’s that was pretty cool.

Just to be united. Women’s causes are universal across the board, and it’s really sad that we’ve had to fight for so long and we’re still fighting. It also gives you a sense of solidarity knowing that this is a global fight, and that people across the world and the country are fighting for this.

I’ll be doing probably something with Google on that day. They’re releasing some of their search statistics for the year, so that’s a way I kind of celebrate it. And then working out, kind of like I normally do.

SLAM: What’s a book that you’ve read recently that you’d recommend?

LC: I recently read The Hate U Give, and that’s a pretty popular one right now. It’s by Angie Thomas. I’d recommend that one.

SLAM: Is there anything else you’d like to add?

LC: The only thing I just always wish the fight, and especially with any social fight, is that the movement has to be intersectional.

For example, recognizing trans women on International Women’s Day. And Black women, Latina women, every type of woman. The movement can’t be singular-minded. It has to be intersectional or we all don’t win.

RELATED:
Chiney Ogwumike on Black History Month and Why The WNBA Remains Politically Active

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“No, no, no, and I have to get used to that,” Latta says, with a smile that suggests she’s not going to mind the process. “I’m so used to somebody running at me. And a couple of times I caught the ball, looked around, and, Oh shoot, I’m wide open! What? And then a teammate shouting, Shoot it! Well, OK!”

Latta’s experience was hardly unique. And it’s vital to understand that the acquisition of Delle Donne does more than just give the Mystics the hope of reaching the highest level the franchise ever has in its checkered history. The Mystics now have an opportunity to reinvent the offensive ceiling for WNBA teams.

“It feels and seems new and different,” Delle Donne says of the Washington attack while sitting on the bench as the crowd, heavily influenced by Delaware residents who traveled a short distance to watch the Wilmington native, files into the Verizon Center before a game. “I’m used to having that set called, so this is new and different. It’s very much what Geno [Auriemma] had us doing with USA Basketball. So you need to have that high IQ, trust in your teammates. I think there’s going to be some growing pains, but once we get it, I think it’s going to be really hard to defend.”

The biggest reason for this is Delle Donne, of course. She is 6-5 and shoots with elegance and efficiency. And her size, frame and dazzling array of moves, either in the post, penetrating down the lane or simply shooting over people in the midrange, make her impossible to stop.

From the time Chicago took her with the second pick in the 2013 Draft, the Sky’s game plan revolved around Delle Donne’s offense, most effectively during a 2014 run to the WNBA Finals. In 2015, the Sky posted the best offensive rating in the League, and Delle Donne posted a player efficiency rating of 32.75—the third-best single season total in the history of the WNBA—en route to MVP honors. So even before she forced her way to Washington this offseason by threatening to sit out the upcoming season if she was not dealt, Delle Donne had been an offensive force the League had never seen.

There simply isn’t a weakness in her offensive game. She can score from anywhere, against any defender. Foul her, and she sinks free throws at a 93.8 percent clip, best in League history (Mystics head coach Mike Thibault says there is a $25 fine for any player who commits a lane violation when she’s at the line). Her strength and handle make reaching in a foolish endeavor, anyway—her 6.2 turnover percentage is also, yes, the best in League history.

And the aesthetics of it all are just remarkable. Watching her drag two, three defenders with her down the lane as she goes to the basket is an exercise in absurdity. She’s playing a different game than everybody else.

In 2016, 15 WNBA players had at least 30 possessions in isolation, per Synergy. EDD finished with 1.206 points per possession, by far the best in that situation of anyone in the League. She had 97 such possessions. The next highest total? Atlanta Dream forward Angel McCoughtry at 64.

Delle Donne simply had to carry her Sky team offensively, one heavy lift at a time.

“I don’t think it was good for her game to be put in—Hey, go to the elbow in the fourth quarter and try to score every time down or we can’t win,” Thibault says of Delle Donne’s time in Chicago. “Now she knows if she gets double-teamed, and she swings the ball, there are going to be people who can make shots. And she knows the ball will come back around. If you give the ball up, it’s not going to die in someone’s hands. It’ll come back.”

But it doesn’t have to—that’s the remarkable thing about the roster Thibault’s built around her. Consider that three of the top four three-point shooters from last season all play for Washington now. Emma Meesseman, a top-20 player in her own right, led the League with 44.8 percent. Delle Donne was third, at 42.6 percent. And Kristi Toliver, the combo guard who helped the L.A. Sparks to a 2016 title, shot 42.4 percent.

Those stats are eye-popping in isolation. But consider that each of the three did this while playing on separate teams. Now, after Delle Donne and Toliver joined Meesseman in Washington, all three are on the floor at once, spacing, creating impossible choices for opposing defenses to make.

“I mean, there were moments where Elena was inside, and there was nobody,” Meesseman recalls after the opener. “And we’re going to have to get used to that. Because everybody can shoot, everybody can drive. So it’s amazing that there are so many options.”

It’s something fans will appreciate once in the door, but the person who will bring them there is Delle Donne. The reality is that despite 20 years in the League, the Mystics have never broken through either on the court or in the crowded DC sports landscape. A pair of decades without a WNBA Finals appearance is part of the reason why, but only a part.

The franchise, at long last, has a marketable star to build around, an undisputed giant of the game. An Olympian, a former MVP and someone in the prime of her career. Moreover, in Delle Donne, the Mystics have a Nike athlete and someone with the understanding of how the branding game works. She’s represented by a well-respected agency; she’s worked closely with The Players’ Tribune; she can rattle off the marketing statistics and challenges the WNBA faces more easily than the League’s own marketing department.

Delle Donne is sufficiently talented enough to force DC to take notice of her, and savvy enough to take advantage when it does.

And that’s without taking home court advantage into account. Emma Meesseman is a great player, but former Vice President Joe Biden didn’t take the time to write her a letter, the way he did to Delle Donne when the Mystics acquired her. Part of that is their shared Delaware roots.

“I knew the Delaware faithful would travel,” she says. “Mother’s Day, doesn’t matter, that’s my crew, my family. I mean, literally a home game. Delaware doesn’t care that it’s two hours—it’s a home game.”

But the accomplishments Delle Donne has piled up by age 27 are the primary reason for all the attention.

Now, she has a supporting cast to help her reach what she said is her foremost goal: a WNBA title. As Meesseman said, these are multi-faceted offensive talents, particularly Meesseman and guard Tayler Hill. The court awareness of the group has already made quick work of the concern in some corners that the team lacked a true point guard. In their first game, seven players collected assists, and Meesseman, essentially playing the 4 most of the time, led the team.

“Their basketball IQ is so high,” Delle Donne says about her teammates. “Kristi will see things and make a quick alteration in the middle of a play, and it makes such a difference. So to be able to play with people like that is super exciting. Coach doesn’t really have us running set offenses. He is just putting us in places and making reads.”

There is another side to the game, of course, and that’s at the defensive end. Thibault is of two minds about it. He’s been pleased by how quickly the Mystics are catching on to his defensive scheme and believes it will all come together eventually. But he also believes to contend for a championship, the Mystics cannot simply outshoot opponents. Since 2010, every WNBA champion has finished in the League’s top-three in defensive efficiency.

Thibault said that Delle Donne and Meesseman will share rim-protection duties. EDD regularly ranks top-10 in the League in block percentage, though Thibault said he doesn’t want to waste her energy by consistently forcing her to guard physical centers. He’s convinced that collectively, it will be enough, and it has to be.

“I think we’ve still got to be a top half of the League defensive team,” Thibault says. “I don’t think you win in the pressure of playoff games if you don’t have that mentality. It helps to have more weapons on offense, but you need to have a field goal percentage difference between offense and defense if you’re going to be that team.”

There is a model that argues otherwise: Diana Taurasi’s ’09 Mercury managed to land last in the League defensively, but deployed four three-point shooters at 40 percent or better (Taurasi, Tangela Smith, Temeka Johnson and Penny Taylor) en route to a trophy. Whether that can work in a league where both Minnesota and Los Angeles perform at elite levels on both ends, no one can say, though it seems unlikely.

But like Taurasi in her prime, the Mystics have a featured star to call for the ball in big moments. And she isn’t alone.

“When you have four, five people on your team that aren’t afraid of the moment, then you’ve made that transition,” Thibault says. “I don’t think you’d have Elena here without others who already weren’t afraid of the moment. Tayler’s not afraid of the moment, Kristi’s not afraid of the moment, Ivory’s not afraid of the moment. They’re willing to take big shots and live with the consequences.”

The postgame locker room after the 89-74 win over San Antonio was as giddy as you’ll see, a group that believes its ready to do what no DC team ever has: reach the WNBA Finals, let alone win it. The Mystics scored more than 88 just five times last season, and Thibault and his team rightly believe their first game was a mere baseline, not close to the peak this group can reach.

Still, in action, as her fianceè, father, brother, niece and collection of Delaware natives who think of her as family all watched, Elena Delle Donne was feeling like she’d put herself precisely where she wanted to be.

“I knew this team had great chemistry, but when you get here and you feel it and you experience it, it’s even better than what I had imagined,” Delle Donne says. “It’s so fun to play with so much talent and so many options and never feel like you truly have to force because that next pass is better than forcing something. It’s exactly what I was hoping for and even more.”

—

Howard Megdal is a contributor to SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @howardmegdal.

Photos via Getty Images

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The Atlanta Dream star is spending her “offseason” in Kursk, a historic Russian city that sits on the largest known iron-ore reserve in the world.

Tucked away among the city’s many universities and 18th Century cathedrals, McCoughtry has been quietly putting in work alongside reigning WNBA MVP Nneka Ogwumike, New York Liberty guard Epiphanny Prince and Minnesota Lynx guard Anna Cruz.

“I wanted to be on a team where I didn’t have to kill myself,” McCoughtry says of her current club, Dynamo Kursk. “Last year [in Turkey], I had to do so much for so many minutes. Then come to the Atlanta Dream, and I had to do so much for so many minutes. It wears you down.”

Now 30, McCoughtry is understandably sensitive when it comes to the mileage she puts on her body.

Since entering the WNBA in 2009, she’s scored more points and recorded more steals than any other player in the league. She’s a six-time All-WNBA team selection and an eight-time All-Defensive teamer.

She’s won two Olympic Gold medals (’12, ’16) and two World Cup golds (’10, ’14) with Team USA, too.

And that’s only during her summers.

McCoughtry, like the vast majority of professional women’s players, spends nearly eight months every year playing outside of the States.

She’s now in her eighth international season—she’s won Hungarian and Turkish league championships and been to the EuroLeague title game. There are the small rule changes, and it’s a decidedly more finesse brand of basketball. But the biggest difference is the fans.

“People appreciate women’s basketball more overseas,” McCoughtry says. “In the States, all I hear is the comparison: You can’t jump as high; you’re not as fast. Well, of course, I’m a woman. Over here, they just appreciate the art of the game.”

Players make a good living, and they travel the world while playing ball. There are plenty of perks, no doubt.

But the constant grind of year-round basketball becomes exhausting—both mentally and physically. Especially for a player like McCoughtry, who’s asked to do so much for her teams.

Between the busy domestic league and EuroLeague (sometimes EuroCup) schedules, players have very little time off, if any at all. McCoughtry was unable to celebrate the holidays with her family for the better part of a decade while playing in Slovakia, Hungary and Turkey. (This season in Russia, she finally had a break around Christmas.)

“Going from season to season is like being locked down,” she says. “But after this season, I can put my feet up and relax and do whatever I want to do. I can’t wait for that feeling.”

That’s because once the Russian Premier League playoffs conclude in early May, Angel McCoughtry will be taking a break from basketball. Or as she puts it: “I’m free.”

McCoughtry announced her decision in a letter published on the Atlanta Dream’s website in early January: “This dynamic schedule also takes its toll both mentally and physically,” she penned from halfway across the globe. “After much careful thought and consideration, I have decided to take time off during the 2017 WNBA season.”

Although surprising, the news was met with only minor scrutiny, as this wasn’t the first time one of the league’s foremost stars has opted out during a WNBA season.

Both Diana Taurasi and Candace Parker took significant time off to rest in 2015. Parker returned two months into the season, while Taurasi, due to a contractual agreement with her international team, sat out the entire campaign.

McCoughtry thinks the trend will only continue in the WNBA, at least until things change in future collective bargaining agreements.

“I absolutely think it’ll happen more because it’s going to prolong people’s careers,” she says. “If they just keep going all year, they’re going to have a short career.”

For now, McCoughtry is enjoying herself in Russia. The ever-curious traveler has stayed busy exploring the “winter wonderland” and meeting new people. Her Instagram and Twitter pages are daily dispatches of local discoveries and new action shots in a Kursk uniform—the latter sure to invite confused comments from fans who only know McCoughtry as a WNBA star at home.

As we wrap up the phone call from thousands of miles away, I ask if she purposely left open the possibility of a return in her letter. With a laugh, McCoughtry says, “It’s looking limited right now. But let’s keep hope alive.”

She’s reached a point in her life and career where she’s content. The commentary, the trade rumors—everything else is just part of the soundtrack to her perfectly imperfect path. “I’ve basically accomplished everything. All that’s left is a WNBA championship,” she says. “I definitely want to fulfill that goal, but if not, I’m satisfied with how my career has went.”

In a league where stars can be “cored” for up to four seasons, essentially leaving players powerless, McCoughtry is flipping the script. It’s rare in the WNBA for a player to call the shots. But that’s exactly what she’ll be doing from here on out.

“At this point, I’m going to take it year by year,” McCoughtry says. “I’m not going to sign any long extension contract anywhere. Right now, it’s year by year.”

—

Ryne Nelson is a Senior Editor at SLAM. Follow him on Twitter @slaman10.

Photos courtesy of Getty Images and Dynamo Kursk

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Williams averaged 3.3 points and 3.2 rebounds per game in her rookie campaign and the Sun finished the season with the worst record in the Eastern Conference (15-19).

In early February, Williams was traded to the Atlanta Dream for the rights to the fourth overall pick in the 2016 WNBA Draft. Connecticut would select Rachel Banham out of Minnesota who suffered a season ending knee injury after playing just fifteen games.

Meanwhile the 23-year-old center is blossoming into the player she was projected to be. Williams is averaging 11.9 points per game, 7.6 rebounds (seventh in the WNBA), 2.9 offensive rebounds (second) and 2.6 blocks (second).

Atlanta finds itself in the midst of a fight for playoff positioning with just a few games left. Currently in fourth place, the Atlanta Dream believe that they can make a fourth trip back to the WNBA Finals due to the scoring of Angel McCoughtry, head coach Michael Cooper’s championship experience, and Williams’ defensive presence.

SLAM: What would you say are the major differences between your rookie season and sophomore season?

Elizabeth Williams: Oooh [laughs]. It’s different in every way. I’m just playing with a lot more confidence and just playing a lot more, too. That helps in getting my confidence—playing a lot. I think going overseas (Turkey) and getting that experience also helped as far as playing against really good players and getting myself ready for coming to Atlanta.

SLAM: How did you feel when you first heard you were traded to Atlanta?

EW: I was pretty excited. It was a good opportunity for me. Things in Connecticut just weren’t working out the way that Connecticut saw it and the way that I saw it. I was looking forward to coming here, playing for Coop, and playing this style of basketball and it’s worked out well.

SLAM: You’re second in the league in blocks and your team is second as well. Would you say you’re the anchor of the team’s defense?

EW: Yeah, I’d say so. My job in there is to be a big presence, block shots and alter shots. Coop is a big defensive guy, so for me to be in there and be that presence is huge for us.

SLAM: You’re also second in the league in offensive rebounding. Is giving your team second chances more technique or more hustle?

EW: It’s a little bit of both because if you don’t pursue the ball, you’re just not gonna get it. Technique in a sense that you have to kind of anticipate where shots are falling off, but I’d say it’s a little bit of both.

SLAM: How does your role change with Sancho Lyttle being out with an injury?

EW: Yeah, Sancho’s a vet. Any time a vet is out it’s hard. And then from that 4-spot we just kind of have to get used to having different people there. Sometimes Angel will be there; sometimes I’ll be at the 4. We’re just trying to adjust in different ways.

SLAM: The rookie Bria Holmes is a natural 3, but has had to play some 4 as well. Talk about the start that she’s had.

EW: Oh man, I’m just so excited for her, even the rest of this season and moving forward. She’s a really good player and she works hard. I think that she can do a whole lot of things. It’s awesome when she’s at the 3 and she comes in for Angel and there is still that spark with her coming off the bench. If she starts, she still just does her thing.

SLAM: What was your schedule like during the Olympic break?

EW: We got that first week or so off. I started in L.A. playing with the Select Team where we scrimmaged the Senior Team. Then I went home and got a nice little break—a mental break and a physical break. We all came back to Atlanta and were working out doing a lot of drills, offense, defense, just to get back into the flow.

SLAM: You’re in the running for the Most Improved Player. Would winning that award be important to you?

EW: I’m not as much worried about the award as how well the team does. It would mean more if our team wins a championship or gets to the Finals. That’s kind of my focus right now.

SLAM: Your team is five games behind New York and you’re neck and neck with Indiana and Chicago. What’s the goal for this team heading into the playoffs?

EW: I think first of all to solidify the 4-spot and maybe sneak into the third or second spot. I think the only way to be first is if L.A. loses all their games, which isn’t gonna happen. The goal is for us to solidify and keep the momentum going from before the break and continue to get those wins.

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Back in 1996, there were those who believed “Macarena” had more legs than the WNBA, but you win a free game of Trivial Pursuit if you can name the band that did that song—meanwhile, 20 years later, the WNBA is still in business.

Sure, the league has gone through growing pains, but it’s carved out its own niche in the sporting world, and proven that 5,000-plus people will pay cold hard cash to watch women play basketball on hot summer evenings. There are 12 teams now, and while there are still issues (the Olympics interrupt the season every four years, for one) and transient franchises (the Tulsa Shock are now the Dallas Wings), the basketball is better than ever. Oh, and NBA followers should pay enough attention to see how the new Playoff format works: instead of four teams qualifying from each conference, it will just be the top eight teams by winning percentage moving on at season’s end. If it works as well as many hope, the odds will go up that the NBA will make the same move in the near future.

In honor of that new format, the teams are listed in predicted order of finish, from one to 12, with last year’s regular-season record and overall position in parentheses.

1. Phoenix Mercury (20-14, tied for 4th)

If it were 2006 instead of 2016, adding Diana Taurasi and Penny Taylor to a team that went 20-14 would basically concede the WNBA title to Phoenix—but even at 34 and 35, respectively, the Taurasi-Taylor one-two punch will be a formidable addition to an already strong team. If the Mercury’s many veterans perform even close to their capabilities, and Brittney Griner continues to be a force of nature in the paint, Phoenix will be very hard to beat.

2. Minnesota Lynx (22-12, 2nd)

For the Champion Lynx, age is just a number—but you have to wonder when all those 30-somethings on the Minnesota roster will start to break down. Seimone Augustus, the third youngest of the starters at 32, missed 18 games, but otherwise the Lynx stayed healthy. And healthy, they were clearly the best in the league. But can Lindsay Whalen (34), Rebekkah Brunson (34), Sylvia Fowles (30) and new reserve Jia Perkins (34) dodge time’s bullets one more summer?

3. Los Angeles Sparks (14-20, 10th)

The Sparks planned to solve their problems on the wing by trading for gunner Riquna Williams, but she then tore her Achilles tendon. Plan B was then instituted, trading for point guard Chelsea Gray, who will allow Kristi Toliver to play the 2, but Alana Beard is going to have to play heavy minutes at small forward—or Coach Brian Agler will have to go big with three post players (Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Jantel Lavender) in the game at the same time.

4. Chicago Sky (21-13, 3rd)

Elena Delle Donne is one of the best players in the world, and there was a time when Cappie Pondexter was in that conversation, too. Pondexter, though, is 33 now, and Brazil Olympian Erika de Souza is 34, and how much those two—who may recall that Los Del Rio recorded “Macarena”—have left will determine how far Chicago can go.

5. Washington Mystics (18-16, tied for 6th)

In an age of look-at-me middling talents, 23-year-old Emma Meesseman is an anomaly: She’s one of the best young players in the world, but critics complain she avoids the spotlight. At 6-4, Meesseman needs to be the star in Washington so the role players have room to play those roles—and maybe this will be the year she takes center stage. If not, it will be another early playoff exit for the Mystics.

6. New York Liberty (23-11, 1st)

With Epiphanny Prince out until after the Olympics—if she comes back at all—the Liberty need newcomers Shavonte Zellous and Lindsey Harding to step up. Tina Charles anchors the frontcourt, but coach Bill Laimbeer has to find some more offense until (or whether) Prince returns. If second-year players Brittany Boyd and Kiah Stokes score consistently, though, New York could be a dark-horse contender for the title.

7. Dallas Wings (18-16, tied for 6th)

Skylar Diggins returns from an ACL injury to join Odyssey Sims in one of the league’s most exciting backcourts, and Glory Johnson returns from a soap-opera relationship with Brittney Griner (with twins), so look for the relocated Tulsa Shock to give Dallas fans plenty to talk about in year one. But someone—rookie Aerial Powers, perhaps—needs to take charge at small forward.

8. Connecticut Sun (15-19, tied for 8th)

There’s justifiable optimism in out-of-the-way Uncasville, as a healthy Chiney Ogwumike and solid Kelsey Bone give the Sun a powerful presence in the paint. Connecticut sees Morgan Tuck as the WNBA version of Draymond Green, and if a shooter emerges on the wing, the Sun could be a menace.

9. Indiana Fever (20-14, tied for 4th)

The focus will be on Tamika Catchings’ final year, but along with keeping Catchings healthy, Indiana needs Erlana Larkins in peak form, too. Another big question is how well Briann January recovers from microfracture knee surgery—without her, it’s Shenise Johnson and lots of uncertainty in the Fever backcourt.

10. Atlanta Dream (15-19, tie for 8th)

It starts with the Angel everyone loves to hate, but after her, the drop-off is steep; there are too many unknowns for a return to the glory days of back-to-back trips to the WNBA Finals. McCoughtry is one of the elite, no doubt, but Shoni Schimmel needs to be in good enough shape to play 32 effective minutes every night and someone (first-round draft pick Bria Holmes?) needs to surprise.

11. Seattle Storm (10-24, 11th)

After four years of playing with the best at her level, Breanna Stewart will recall her days at Cicero North High, when she was pretty much the whole show. Sure, Crystal Langhorne is a solid player, and Jewell Loyd showed promise as a rookie, but Sue Bird is a shadow of the great player she was, and no one else can score. Put it all together, and Stewart will likely lose four times as many games (20, or more) in a 34-game summer as she did in her four years at UConn (five).

12. San Antonio Stars (8-26, 12th)

The Stars were the worst team in the league last year, and their best player, Danielle Robinson, will miss this season with a torn Achilles. Second-leading scorer Jia Perkins was inexplicably handed to Minnesota for some spare change, and third-leading scorer Sophia Young-Malcolm retired. Kayla McBride (38.2 percent from the field last year) and rookie Moriah Jefferson must carry the load in 2016, but they probably won’t be able to carry it very far.

—

Photo via Getty Images

The post For The Summer appeared first on SLAM.

Three-time Gold medalists Diana Taurasi, Tamika Catchings and Sue Bird will captain the veteran squad. Reigning WNBA MVP Elena Delle Donne and two-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year Brittney Griner join the team for the first time:

• Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx)

• Sue Bird (Seattle Storm)

• Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever)

• Tina Charles (New York Liberty)

• Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky)

• Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx)

• Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury)

• Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream)

• Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx)

• Breanna Stewart (University of Connecticut)

• Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury)

• Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx)

Five of head coach Geno Auriemma’s  former players were named to the squad, including 21-year-old WNBA rookie Breanna Stewart.

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Candace Parker was left off the roster.

I'm very disappointed @Candace_Parker wasn't selected to the USA Basketball Women's Olympic Team.

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2016

I feel @Candace_Parker is the best all around women's basketball player in the world!

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) April 26, 2016

I was surprised & disappointed to be left off the 2016 USA Olympic Team. But I wish all the members of the team GOODLUCK in Rio. #Gold

— Candace Parker (@Candace_Parker) April 26, 2016

The post Five Former UConn Huskies Headline 2016 Olympic Women’s Basketball Roster appeared first on SLAM.

There are now 25 basketball players competing for 12 spots on the US Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. Fifteen of the 25 recently participated in a three-day training game run by USA Basketball at the University of Connecticut from February 21-23.

On the first day of the training game, SLAM spoke with Carol Callan, USA Basketball’s National Team Director to discuss the selection process. Callan is the chairperson of the selection committee for the women’s team that will compete in this summer’s Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

The other members of the selection committee are Renee Brown, the WNBA’s Chief of Basketball Operations and Player Relations, Dan Hughes, Head Coach and General Manager of the San Antonio Stars, Chris Sienko , General Manager of the Connecticut Sun, and Katie Smith, assistant coach with the New York Liberty.

Carol spoke about how the following factors played a role in the selection process: individual talent, players who fit roles on the team, sentimentality, age, previous Olympic or international experience, previous opportunities to be in the Olympics, and previous relationships with coaching and administrative staff.

Ten of the players have played in previous Olympics: Seimone Augustus, Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Tina Charles, Sylvia Fowles, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore, Candace Parker, Diana Taurasi and Lindsay Whalen.

The US Olympic Women’s Basketball Team has won five straight Gold medals going back to 1996.

This roster is so loaded that if the 6 of the 25 players who played at UConn under current Olympic head coach Geno Auriemma constituted the starting five and the sixth man, they could probably be in the mix for the Gold. Auriemma was also the head coach for the US Olympic Women’s team in 2012.

It is expected that cutting the 25 to the final 12-woman roster will occur at one time, most likely late spring or early summer.

The current roster is:

The post Selecting the 2016 Women’s Olympic Basketball Team (VIDEO) appeared first on SLAM.

Congrats to the 25 @TeamUSA finalists named today by USA Basketball! READ: https://t.co/AVzwGLnXQ1 #RoadToRio pic.twitter.com/RqcDwmmuXC

— USA Basketball (@usabasketball) January 25, 2016

Fifteen of the 25 finalists for the USA Basketball Women’s National Team earned a combined 41 Olympic and FIBA World Championship gold medals.

The team will be coached by Geno Auriemma, who has a 23-0 record with the USA National Team and three gold medals.

See the full list of players below:

Finalists for the 2016 U.S. Olympic Team include: Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (New York Liberty), Elena Delle Donne (Chicago Sky), Skylar Diggins (Dallas Wings), Stefanie Dolson (Washington Mystics), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Minnesota Lynx), Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury), Briann January (Indiana Fever), Jantel Lavender (Los Angeles Sparks), Kayla McBride (San Antonio Stars), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Chiney Ogwumike (Connecticut Sun), Nnemkadi Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), Danielle Robinson (San Antonio Stars), Odyssey Sims (Dallas Wings), Breanna Stewart (University of Connecticut), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Courtney Vandersloot (Chicago Sky) and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx).

 

Additionally, Jewell Loyd (Seattle Storm), who took part in the USA National Team’s minicamp in Las Vegas this past May, was added to the USA National Team pool and is among the 25 finalists. The No. 1 pick in the 2015 WNBA Draft and the 2015 WNBA Rookie of the Year, Loyd is a two-time world champion with USA Basketball. She helped the 2010 USA U17 World Championship Team collect gold with an 8-0 record, and she returned as a member of the 2014 USA 3×3 World Championship Team that swept its competition for a 9-0 record and gold medal at the 2014 FIBA 3×3 World Championship.

Related:
USA Basketball Names 30 Finalists for 2016 Olympic Team

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Elena Delle Donne, the league’s leading vote-getter, will start alongside Tamika Catchings, Angel McCoughtry, Tina Charles and Shoni Schimmel.

In the West, it’s Maya Moore, Brittney Griner, Candice Dupree, Seimone Augustus and Skylar Diggins (although Diggins and Augustus will need a replacement due to injury).

Head coaches and four players will be wearing live microphones over the course of the game. Additional highlights are below:

In-game Access

 

· Rowe will have in-game access to both the Eastern and Western Conference benches, conducting live interviews with players;
· Pre-game and halftime locker room access;
· On-court camera access during the action, specifically free throws and dead ball situations;
· ESPN anchor Matt Barrie will host the State Farm Halftime Report with guest Chiney Ogwumike (Connecticut Sun).

 

Live Microphones

 

· A total of four players – one per half from each team will wear live microphones during the games;
· The head coach of each team will also wear a live microphone.

 

espnW

 

· Columnist Mechelle Voepel will report from Mohegan Sun Arena;
· Leading up to Saturday’s game, Voepel will profile leading All-Star vote-getter Elena Delle Donne, name her top five MVP candidates at the break, and provide additional on-site pre-game coverage and features;
· W @ The WNBA All-Star Game will have one-on-one interviews with WNBA participants and coaches;
· Live social media content involving fans and All-Star players;
· The @espnW Twitter account will use the official @TwitterMirror during All-Star practice;
· Before regular-season games resume, Michelle Smith’s midseason report will break down all 12 teams, including midseason grades for the first half of the season.

The post 2015 WNBA All-Star Game To Air July 25 on ABC appeared first on SLAM.

Sky forward Elena Delle Donne, the leading vote-getter in the entire league, will start alongside Tamika Catchings, Angel McCoughtry, Tina Charles and Shoni Schimmel.

In the West, it’s Maya Moore, Brittney Griner, Candice Dupree, Seimone Augustus and Skylar Diggins (though Skylar will need a replacement due to a torn ACL).

More from the WNBA:

NEW YORK, July 14, 2015 – Elena Delle Donne of the Chicago Sky, who is on pace to set the WNBA single-season record for scoring average, finished as the top vote-getter in WNBA All-Star Balloting 2015 presented by Boost Mobile. Delle Donne (25.8 ppg) garnered 18,034 votes to lead the Eastern Conference for the second year in a row and all players for the second time in three seasons. In 2013, she became the first rookie in WNBA history to earn the most votes overall.

 

Tamika Catchings of the Indiana Fever will join Delle Donne in the Eastern Conference starting lineup after being selected to the All-Star Game for a record 10th time, all starts. The 2011 WNBA MVP presented by Samsung, Catchings (9,923 votes) had been tied with Tina Thompson for the most overall selections.

 

Tulsa Shock guard Skylar Diggins, who was selected as a starter for the second straight year, and Minnesota Lynx forward Maya Moore, the 2014 WNBA MVP presented by Samsung, paced the Western Conference and ranked second and third overall with 15,895 and 13,706 votes, respectively.

 

Joining Delle Donne in the Eastern Conference backcourt is Boost Mobile WNBA All-Star 2014 MVP Shoni Schimmel of the Atlanta Dream (8,881 votes), who was selected as a starter for the second straight year. Lining up alongside Catchings in the frontcourt for the East will be Angel McCoughtry of the Atlanta Dream (7,619) and 2012 league MVP Tina Charles of the New York Liberty (6,129), both selected for the fourth time overall. McCoughtry will be making her fourth start, Charles her second.

 

Moore, a four-time selection and four-time starter, will be joined in the West frontcourt by Phoenix Mercury stars Brittney Griner (7,138) and Candice Dupree (5,954). Griner, the reigning WNBA Defensive Player of the Year presented by Samsung, was selected as a starter for the third time in three seasons. Dupree, a five-time All-Star, was voted in as a starter for the first time.

 

Along with Diggins, the other backcourt player selected to start for the West is six-time All-Star Seimone Augustus of Minnesota (9,599). The MVP of the 2011 WNBA Finals presented by Boost Mobile, Augustus will be making the second All-Star start of her career.

The post Elena Delle Donne Headlines 2015 WNBA All-Star Starting Lineups appeared first on SLAM.

Eastern Conference

1. Washington (16-18, tied for second): In a conference filled with questions, the Mystics may have the fewest. Emma Meesseman is an emerging star (just 22) at power forward, the backcourt is solid, Kia Vaughn is serviceable at center, and if either Armintie Herrington or Kalana Greene lay claim to the small forward spot, Mike Thibault has enough pieces to maneuver his way to a first-place finish.

2. Atlanta (19-15, first): Wisdom says the most important position is PG, and the Dream jettisoned theirs, Jasmine Thomas, who got most of the minutes last year. Word is Celine Dumerc will not return to the league. That leaves rooks Samantha Logic (is she quick enough?) and Brittany Hrynko (is she consistent enough?) to run things. The rest of the lineup, led by Angel McCoughtry, is quality, so a solid performance at point guard from Shoni Schimmel (pg. 62) should put the Dream back on top.

3. Indiana (16-18, tied for second): The Fever have a lot of players in their prime but the question is whether that prime is good enough to get Indiana back over .500. One reason for the uncertainty is that the team’s best player, Tamika Catchings, waved goodbye to her prime long ago, and this will be her last season as she turns 36 in July. Like ATL, though, the pieces could fall into place, and Indiana could surprise. Or not.

4. Chicago (15-19, tied for fourth): Will she or won’t she? It says here Sylvia Fowles won’t return (she supposedly wants a trade), and that pushes the Sky down a notch. With the 6-5 Olympian, Chicago would have been the heavy favorite in the East and had a good shot at a title. Elena Delle Donne is one of the best, Cappie Pondexter could be rejuvenated by a return home, and the rest of the roster has enough juice to give the stars room to work.

5. New York (15-19, tied for fourth): Bill Laimbeer got two first-round picks, but it’s unclear if either (Brittany Boyd and Kiah Stokes) will be difference-makers this year, or ever. Otherwise, the Liberty have Tina Charles, tremendous when motivated, Epiphanny Prince home (when she’s not fulfilling overseas obligations) and well, not much else.

6. Connecticut (13-21, sixth): If Chiney Ogwumike hadn’t hurt her knee in Europe, the Sun would be in the mix. Without her, though, they need to have Chelsea Gray make her delayed debut (she sat out last year with an injury) in grand style, and some pretty good players (Alyssa Thomas, Alex Bentley, etc.) figure out how to be very good. It could happen, but without Ogwumike and consistent outside shooting, the Sun could find it hard to rise.

Western Conference

1. San Antonio (16-18, tied for third): Dan Hughes always gets the most out of his teams, and this year, he has a lot of pieces in place for a surprise run. Kayla McBride, Danielle Robinson and Jia Perkins are very good; Jayne Appel, Danielle Adams and Sophia Young-Malcolm do their part up front; and if Alex Montgomery can again shoot better than 40 percent from three, the Stars could shine very brightly.

2. Los Angeles (16-18, tied for third): The big question is when Candace Parker will return—and forgive Sparks’ fans if they replace “when” with “if,” as CP3 doesn’t need the money, has a bad knee and like all the other elite players, knows she won’t get any time off in 2016, an Olympic year. Even without her, though, this is a very strong team, with solid Jantel Lavender and exceptional Nneka Ogwumike up front, good guards (Kristi Toliver, Erin Phillips and Temeka Johnson) and a vet in Alana Beard.

3. Minnesota (25-9, second): The Lynx have been blessed with incredible injury luck in recent years: Only once in the past three seasons has a starter played fewer than 29 games, but all those starters, except Maya Moore, are now 31 or older. Healthy, this is the best team here; but the law of averages says that the Lynx are due to be unhealthy in 2015.

4. Tulsa (12-22, tied for fifth): The Shock have been giving youngsters big minutes in recent years, and the growing pains are evident, but it looks like they’ll give that scenario another whirl by tossing No. 2 overall pick Amanda Zahui B. into the mix. Courtney Paris is fine at that spot but limited enough that the combination of Skylar Diggins, Odyssey Sims and Glory Johnson aren’t quite enough to challenge the league’s best. But if Zahui is indeed wowie, the Shock could live up to their name.

5. Phoenix (29-5, first): That thud you hear is the mighty Mercury coming back to earth. Taurasi is taking the summer off (with financial encouragement from her Euro team), Aussie vet Penny Taylor is doing the same and Erin Phillips is in L.A. Yes, Phoenix still has the very great Brittney Griner and the very good Candice Dupree, but unless 6-5 DeWanna Bonner can play all three perimeter positions, it’s going to be a long summer.

6. Seattle (12-22, tied for fifth): The basketball gods smiled on the Storm, gifting them Jewell Loyd with the No. 1 pick, but new coach Jenny Boucek still has little to work with. Sue Bird is 35 with bad knees, Lauren Jackson isn’t playing, Camille Little is gone, and only undersized Crystal Langhorne is a quality player in her prime. Then again, Breanna Stewart awaits the lottery winner next year, so maybe the skies aren’t completely dark.

The post 2015 WNBA Preview appeared first on SLAM.

More from our friends at USA Basketball: 

On the heels of gold-medal performances that secured the USA men and women a berth into the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympic Games, the 2014 USA Men’s World Cup and USA Women’s World Championship teams have been selected as co-recipients of the 2014 USA Basketball Team of the Year. USA Basketball’s Board of Directors is responsible for selecting its annual award winners.

 

“USA Basketball is proud to recognize the accomplishments of the USA Men’s World Cup and USA Women’s World Championship teams and to honor them as the 2014 USA Basketball co-Teams of the Year,” said USA Basketball CEO/Executive Director Jim Tooley. “In addition to playing basketball at the highest level, these athletes and coaches demonstrated impressive sportsmanship and teamwork that led to tremendous success. We are very grateful for their commitment and dedication.”

 

The 2014 USA Basketball Men’s World Cup Team captured a 9-0 record and the gold medal at the FIBA Basketball World Cup from Aug. 30-Sept. 14 in Bilbao, Barcelona and Madrid, Spain. 

 

“We talked about selflessness on this team when we first got together in Las Vegas, and I think this team epitomized that,” said Jerry Colangelo, USA Basketball Men’s National Team managing director. “Different people stepped up on different nights to lead the charge, and it was just a great experience. With no discredit to our previous teams, this may have been the hardest-working team on our tenure because the attitude was there every day. This was also the youngest team we’ve ever had, and maybe that’s a part of that reason or logic. But the work ethic was terrific; we couldn’t have asked for more.”

 

“I think the most special thing about this team was the experience as a whole,” said USA men’s head coach Mike Krzyzewski(Duke University). “In other words, where we started from, with injury, with people with contracts or personal issues that were not able to attend. The prediction was not one of victory, and where it turned out was at the completely other end of the spectrum. And the journey was the best one we’ve had, I think. I loved it. I love our staff, and we became a very, very close team.”

 

The 2014 USA Basketball Women’s World Championship Team captured a 6-0 record and the gold medal at the FIBA World Championship from Sept. 27-Oct. 5 in Istanbul, Turkey. 

 

“We really didn’t have a lot of time or preparation and had a lot of new players on the team we tried to incorporate,” said USA women’s head coach Geno Auriemma (University of Connecticut). “We played exceptionally well in Istanbul and had a great group in terms of how easy they were to coach. The chemistry we had on the team was about as smooth sailing as any USA Basketball team I’ve been involved with.”

 

This year’s announcement marks the 19th time USA Basketball has presented the Team of the Year Award, which first was earned in 1996 by the historic USA Women’s Olympic/National Team.

 

The USA Men’s World Cup team featured: DeMarcus Cousins (Sacramento Kings); Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors);Anthony Davis (New Orleans Pelicans); DeMar DeRozan (Toronto Raptors); Andre Drummond (Detroit Pistons); Kenneth Faried (Denver Nuggets); Rudy Gay (Sacramento Kings); James Harden (Houston Rockets); Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers); Mason Plumlee (Brooklyn Nets); Derrick Rose (Chicago Bulls); and Klay Thompson (Golden State Warriors). Assisting Krzyzewski were Jim Boeheim (Syracuse University), Tom Thibodeau (Chicago Bulls) and Monty Williams (New Orleans Pelicans). 

 

The USA men became just the third country in FIBA Basketball World Cup history to capture consecutive titles, and its +33.0 points per game differential was the most by a U.S. men’s team in a FIBA Basketball World Cup or Olympic Games since the 1994 Worlds (+37.8).

 

The USA women’s team featured: Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx); Sue Bird (Seattle Storm); Tina Charles (New York Liberty); Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury); Brittney Griner (Phoenix Mercury); Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream); Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx); Nnemkadi Ogwumike (Los Angeles Sparks); Odyssey Sims (Tulsa Shock); Breanna Stewart(University of Connecticut); Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury); and Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx). Auriemma was assisted by Doug Bruno (DePaul University), Cheryl Reeve (Minnesota Lynx) and Dawn Staley (University of South Carolina).

 

The women’s title was a record ninth FIBA World Championship gold and second consecutive gold for the USA.

The post USA Men’s & Women’s National Teams Share Team of the Year Award appeared first on SLAM.

Moore led the league in scoring at 23.9 ppg while shooting an efficient 58.6 true shooting percentage. If you’re into advanced metrics, Moore’s PER (29.4), net plus/minus (+23.9) and win shares (8.1) were also tops in the WNBA. She may have solidified her MVP status when she dropped 12 points in the fourth quarter against Phoenix to snap the Mercury’s 16-game win streak on July 31.

Earlier in July, after Moore dropped 32 points in a 93-82 win over Tulsa, Shock coach Fred Williams called Moore “the Michael Jordan of the WNBA.” Moore told the Pioneer Press that she believes the comparison is a testament to her work ethic:

“I’m hoping that he meant the winning habits, the competitiveness, the leadership, trying to make teammates better, willing to learn, willing to put in the work,” she said. “That’s what I think of. I constantly look to get better.”

The 25-year-old received 371 points (including 35 of a possible 37 first-place votes) from a panel of 38 sportswriters and broadcasters. It’s Moore’s first WNBA MVP, but most likely not her last.

2014 WNBA MVP Voting Results
Player, Team (Points)

1. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx (371)
2. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury (242)
3. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream (112)
4. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks (91)
5. Brittney Griner, Phoenix Mercury (67)

The post Maya Moore Named 2014 WNBA MVP appeared first on SLAM.

But Schimmel wouldn’t back down, challenging Griner again in the fourth quarter. With her back turned to the rim, Schimmel threw up a dazzling shot over her head, just beyond Griner’s reach, for two of her All-Star game-record 29 points.

Over a year ago, she pulled that exact move on Griner to upset No. 1 Baylor in the Sweet 16 in what would become the highlight of the 2013 NCAA Tournament.

Schimmel’s life is much different now. The rookie for the Atlanta Dream isn’t a starter anymore. She isn’t the first, second or even third option on her team, either. She’s a spark off the bench, averaging 7.6 points and 3.7 assists in 20.3 minutes a night.

That’s why the move on Griner during the All-Star game was refreshing. We were finally seeing Shoni ‘Showtime’ Schimmel fully in her element again; the creative, flashy playmaker we’ve watched cross women left and right since her high school days in Oregon.

She looked comfortable. She looked like she was in the middle of a pickup game, passing the ball between her legs and behind her back, and pulling deep threes without hesitation.

Earning MVP honors with 29 points (seven threes) and 8 assists after starting just two games this season, Schimmel broke through, leading the East to a 125-124 overtime win.

“It’s definitely something I will remember for the rest of my life,” she says. “For me to kind of never really play like that before and to do it at such big of a stage with all the greats there, I hope it makes an impact on what I can bring to this league.”

She held up the MVP trophy on national television. She was trending on Twitter. She has the WNBA’s top-selling jersey.

But now almost a week removed from the high of it all, it’s back to the grind for Schimmel; back to her role in Atlanta as a reserve.

It’s an unfamiliar position for Schimmel, the eighth overall pick in the 2014 draft, who has always been the go-to player on every team she’s ever played on. For the last four years at Louisville, she was one of the top college point guards in the nation.

Now, she’s adjusting to making the most of erratic minutes. Sometimes she plays 25 minutes, other times she plays seven.

“At first I tried not to worry about it. Just to sit there and go out there and play basketball and have fun,” Schimmel says. “And then it just kind of kept going and I just didn’t really know how to handle it. It’s really frustrating, but at the same time, you know, if we’re winning, I can’t sit there and be mad about not starting or not playing much because you know, hey, at least we’re winning.”

The Dream (15-7) comfortably sit at first place in the East. All-Star vets Angel McCoughtry and Erika de Souza are leading an Atlanta team eager to return to the Finals after making three appearances in the last four years without a ring.

Schimmel is doing her part whenever she can.

Though her shooting percentage is down (just 37 percent from the field), she’s posted double figures nine times, including three 17-point games. She’s also dished out seven or more assists six times, including a 10 and 11-assist outing.

“Whenever Shoni’s number is called, Shoni’s ready,” says Karleen Thompson, who recently took over Dream head-coaching duties when Michael Cooper left on medical leave. “She’s sitting right beside me all the time so I can see that. She’s always ready, she’s watching the game, she’s a student of the game, she knows what’s needed when she gets in there. She’s just always ready.”

So what’s keeping her from the court? If Schimmel can perform like she did in the All-Star game against the likes of Diana Taurasi and Maya Moore, why can’t she see more time on her own team?

“Everyone knows that Coach Cooper sits on his defense. And that’s the one thing that Shoni has been working on, getting better at, to be able to come in and defend out there on the court. Her confidence is building in that. She’s working hard,” Thompson says.

“There are big things in store for Shoni’s future. Everyone can see that,” Thompson continues. “But that would probably be the one thing that I think that Shoni is really taking the time to get better at.”

Schimmel is specifically working on her one-on-one defense. She wants to be able to contain the elite players in the league, not just be able to break them down with a single crossover and get to the basket.

Every day she works on her agility, using ladders to develop more quickness to help with sliding laterally so she can better stay in front of whoever she’s guarding.

This isn’t the first time Schimmel has had to make adjustments. The same questions that followed her as she transitioned from high school to college ball follow her now as she adapts to the pros: Is she too ‘streetball,’ too ‘showy,’ to thrive at this level?

“A lot of people would say she’s not going to be able to be successful with the way she plays in college, there’s too much razzle dazzle, too much showboating,” says Schimmel’s former coach at Louisville, Jeff Walz. “But it’s not trying to change someone’s game, it’s just trying to adapt it to what you’re trying to do and what you can get the most out of that player and I think that’s what Shoni’s been willing to do.

“When she came here, we didn’t try to change her game, we wanted to just educate her. Know when to make the behind the back pass, know when to make the no look pass, or when to simply make a bounce pass. She was willing to do that and I think that’s why her game has continued to progress. We didn’t want to take away her flair, her charisma. That’s the thing that’s good for our game, and I don’t think Atlanta wants to do that either.”

In her first game back from the All-Star game on Tuesday, Schimmel played 31 minutes off the bench in a 112-108 double-overtime loss to the Lynx. She scored 17 points (including 5 threes) and had 8 assists.

Maybe the tide is beginning to turn for her. Maybe she’s inching closer to securing a more prominent role. But even if Schimmel didn’t play half as many minutes against the Lynx, she would probably still be in the gym working on defensive slides or three-point shots right now.

“I want to go out there and be one of the best,” Schimmel says. “This whole transformation to college to the WNBA has been crazy. I haven’t had much time to sit there and let it sink in with everything going on. I’m trying to learn everything, trying to sit there and do whatever I need to do to continue to keep growing as a player.”

The post Dream Big appeared first on SLAM.

East
Starters
Shoni Schimmel, Backcourt (Atlanta Dream)
Cappie Pondexter, Backcourt (NY Liberty)
Elena Delle Donne, Frontcourt (Chicago Sky)
Angel McCoughtry, Frontcourt (Atlanta Dream)
Tamika Catchings, Frontcourt (Indiana Fever)

 

Reserves
Jessica Breland, Frontcourt (Chicago Sky)
Tina Charles, Frontcourt (NY Liberty)
Erika de Souza, Frontcourt (Atlanta Dream)
Katie Douglas, Backcourt (Connecticut Sun)
Briann January, Backcourt (Indiana Fever)
Chiney Ogwumike, Frontcourt (Connecticut Sun)

 

West
Starters
Diana Taurasi, Backcourt (Phoenix Mercury)
Skylar Diggins, Backcourt (Tulsa Shock)
Maya Moore, Frontcourt (Minnesota Lynx)
Candace Parker, Frontcourt (L.A. Sparks)
Brittney Griner, Frontcourt (Phoenix Mercury)

 

Reserves
Seimone Augustus, Backcourt (Minnesota Lynx)
Candice Dupree, Frontcourt (Phoenix Mercury)
Glory Johnson, Frontcourt (Tulsa Shock)
Nneka Ogwumike, Frontcourt (L.A. Sparks)
Danielle Robinson, Backcourt (San Antonio Stars)
Lindsay Whalen, Backcourt (Minnesota Lynx)

Sorry Tiffany Hayes, Erlana Larkins and Penny Taylor. There’s always next year—or at least until a current All-Star is ruled out due to injury. The 2014 WNBA All-Star Game will take place in Phoenix on Saturday, July 19 at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

Previously:
Maya Moore, Skylar Diggins, Shoni Schimmel Headline WNBA All-Star Starters

The post WNBA All-Star 2014 Reserves Announced appeared first on SLAM.

Elena Delle Donne led all Eastern Conference vote-getters for the second year in a row, but may not play in the All-Star game due to complications with Lyme Disease. Indiana forward Tamika Catchings will be making her ninth All-Star appearance despite having played just two games this season. Atlanta rookie Shoni Schimmel finished third overall in total votes despite averaging just 7.8 points this season.

Here’s how the final balloting played out:

2014 WNBA ALL-STAR FINAL RETURNS

 

EAST

 

Guards: Shoni Schimmel (Atl) 25,601; Cappie Pondexter (NY) 10,104; Ivory Latta (Was) 9,932; Briann January (Ind) 8,717; Courtney Vandersloot (Chi) 7,504

 

Frontcourt: Elena Delle Donne (Chi) 26,129; Angel McCoughtry (Atl) 17,562; Tamika Catchings (Ind) 13,939; Erika de Souza (Atl) 12,859; Chiney Ogwumike (Con) 11,980

 

WEST

 

Guards: Diana Taurasi (Phx) 19,404; Skylar Diggins (Tul) 17,937; Seimone Augustus (Minn) 16,143; Lindsay Whalen (Minn) 13,691; Sue Bird (Sea) 8,210

 

Frontcourt: Maya Moore (Minn) 28,389; Candace Parker (LA) 23,555; Brittney Griner (Phx) 18,432; Nneka Ogwumike (LA) 10,697; Kayla McBride (SA) 10,192

Reserves will be announced on July 15 at 8 p.m. EST on ESPN2. The 2014 WNBA All-Star Game will take place in Phoenix on July 19 at 3:30 p.m. EST on ESPN.

The post Maya Moore, Skylar Diggins, Shoni Schimmel Headline WNBA All-Star Starters appeared first on SLAM.

Where will these superstars fit in the MVP puzzle at this point in the season? Scroll through the gallery to find out.

Images via Getty

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings  – June 3

The post WNBA MVP Rankings appeared first on SLAM.

This season’s MVP rankings held plenty of shake ups throughout the season, but none were bigger than Tamika Catchings reaching the number one spot for the first time to close out the regular season. Let’s get to it:

1. Tamika Catchings

Catchings graces the top of the rankings when it matters most. The Fever were 1-7 to start the season but have battled back to put themselves in great position for a deep post-season run. Despite all the injuries that have plagued this team all year, Catchings has put the Fever in position to win night in and night out. Catchings is locked in offensively, but it’s her dedication rebounding and defense propel her team to victories. Her impact on the floor and the locker room, molding the identity of the team is why she is the Most Valuable Player in the WNBA.

2. Candace Parker

Parker has been sensational in the past three games on the offensive end, averaging over 20 points for Los Angeles. The problem is that the Sparks lost two of the last three against playoff-bound teams in Minnesota and Atlanta. Questions are beginning to stir if this is truly the year for L.A., and if they have what it takes to make it out of the West. Parker’s inability to push this team over the hump against the best cause a slight dip for her in the rankings.

3. Angel McCoughtry

A-Mac has the Dream playing great ball heading into the postseason. More impressive than winning three of the past four games is that Atlanta has beat playoff-bound teams in the Sparks and Indiana. Angel is the most dynamic player in the WNBA, and when locked in can will her team to victory against anyone. A-Mac may not win MVP, but she is a sure fire lock for All-WNBA First Team.

4. Sylvia Fowles

Chicago has won eight of their past nine games, and a lot of credit should be given to Fowles. “Big Syl” anchors the middle of one of the most physical and dynamic frontcourts in the WNBA.

5. Maya Moore

Moore has picked up her play in the second half of the season, just like she did in 2012. She is one of the smoothest scorers in the WNBA and is heating up at the right time for the Lynx. Moore has posted two 30-point games in the last five, and shot over 50 percent in both of those contests. With all of the pieces around her, Maya does a great job in regards to picking and choosing her spots and making each shot count.

6. Diana Taurasi

The Mercury seem to have found their footing, winning four of their past five games. Taurasi has led the in scoring, posting over 20 points in three of the past five. The key to the Mercury’s success will lie in maintaining the balance and keeping everyone involved offensively. Taurasi will be held responsible for keeping that balance, as the ball is in her hands most of the game. The crafty wing has delivered as of late, averaging close to 8 assists in the past five games. With one of the best starting fives in the WNBA, the Mercury are skilled enough to make some noise in the playoffs.

7. Elena Delle Donne

Delle Donne has had one of the best rookie seasons since Parker exploded on the scene. The Sky forward has turned a team that has never made it to the postseason into a team with homecourt advantage. Despite playing with All-Star players in Epiphanny Prince and Fowles, Delle Donne still is able to fill up the box score, averaging 18 points and close to 6 rebounds a night.

8. Lindsay Whalen

Whalen’s steady all-around play has allowed her to emerge at the best point guard in the WNBA. Statistically Whalen is having a great year, averaging 15 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds, but so much of her value lies in things that don’t grace the box score. The steady point guard keeps the turnovers low and puts her team and herself in the best position to score each possession. Her decision-making makes Minnesota a dynamic team and a hard out each postseason.

9. Liz Cambage

Cambage opened a lot of eyes and quieted doubts of her being a dominant WNBA player. In her second year in the league, Cambage has improved across the board in every statistical category. The Shock wont make the postseason this year, but with Skylar Diggins spoon feeding Cambage easy dimes, Glory Johnson locked in at the 4 and another top player coming in via the draft, Tulsa will be in a good space for years to come.

10. Tina Thompson

This may be Thompson’s last ride, but she is going out with a blast. The seasoned vet has aged gracefully, displaying a smooth jumper and crafty back to the basket game. Her high basketball IQ and ability to put her team in position to succeed on each game is why she sits on the list. Her statistics may not blow anyone away, but her value to her team is undeniable. If the Storm are going to make any noise in the postseason, it will be due to Thompson’s steady hand.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Parker delivers in the clutch, fills the box score.

The post WNBA MVP Rankings appeared first on SLAM.

by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup

This past week, #CandaceCan became a mantra, as Candace Parker led the Sparks to a double-overtime comeback victory against Tulsa on Sunday. Slyvia “Big Syl” Fowles continues to spit out double-doubles and rise up the MVP rankings. Third year wing Maya Moore seems to be heating up at the right time as the Lynx look to make a trip back to the finals.

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks

Parker added fuel to her MVP fire with her dominant performance against the Tulsa Shock. With L.A. down 14 in the fourth, CP3 put the team on her back sparking a comeback victory in double overtime, 90-88. Parker finished with a line of 26 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. The Sparks are now just a game out of first place.

2. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever

The Fever have been slipping as of late, but not due to a lack of effort from Catchings. The Indiana forward was solid against the Lynx, with 22 points and 10 rebounds in the 84-77 loss. On a positive note, the Fever sit at fourth and only a game out of third.

3. Slyvia Fowles, Chicago Sky

“Big Syl” keeps spitting out double-doubles, with 10 points and 13 rebounds in the Sky’s latest victory against the Atlanta Dream. Fowles leads the WNBA in rebounding with close to 12 rebounds a night. With the Sky holding the best record in the East, Fowles is a serious option for MVP this year.

4. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream

The Dream are 3-7 in the past 10 and are currently on a three-game losing streak, which hasn’t helped AMac raise in the standings. Nonetheless, McCoughtry has been steady in the past three games, averaging 20 points per contest.

5. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx

Moore continues to rise up in the rankings with her stellar play this month. Moore was on fire against the Fever, dropping 35 points in the contest. Statistically, Moore has improved across the board, but her teammates attest that her impact can’t be limited to things that show up in the box score. Her ability to will her team to win is one of her greatest assets. The Lynx’s record since Moore’s arrival proves the point: from 13-21 in 2010, to 27-7 in both the 2011 and 2012 seasons.

6. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky

Delle Donne looks healthy and is back to filling up the box score. Last game against the Dream, Delle Donne was unstoppable with 25 points and 8 rebounds in the victory. But the emergence of Fowles plays a huge part in Chicago’s rookie not being higher in the rankings.

7. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury

The Mercury are 5-5 in the past 10 and seem unable to make the push to another level. But Taurasi is having an amazing season statistically, as she leads the league in scoring and is second in assists. Even more alarming is the Mercury’s inability to carve out wins in the West, as they’re 7-12 against conference foes

8. Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx

Whalen continues to fill up the box score for the league’s best team. In limited time against the Liberty, Whalen had 18 and 6 assists in a 73-47 victory. Whalen’s ability to balance her scoring and keep teammates involved will make this team one of the hardest outs come playoff time. With a record of 12-2 at home, the Lynx know how to protect home court, and Whalen’s leadership plays a huge factor. Whalen may not win the MVP trophy this year, but she’s cemented herself as one of the best point guards in the WNBA.

9. Liz Cambage, Tulsa Shock

The 6-8 center has put questions about her toughness to rest with a stellar season this year. With averages of 16 points, 8 rebounds and close to 3 blocks per game, the future is bright in Tulsa.

10. Tina Thompson, Seattle Storm

Thompson won’t blow you away with her numbers, but she is the Seattle Storm’s most valuable player. Currently the Storm sit at fourth in the West and are only a half game out of third place. With Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird out due to injury, the team has leaned upon Thompson—and she’s delivered. With Thompson’s impending retirement at the end of the season, look for Seattle to make some noise this postseason.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Parker sits atop the league for yet another week
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Parker returns from injury in dominant fashion

The post WNBA MVP Rankings appeared first on SLAM.

The past week in the WNBA was highlighted by the re-emergence of Angel McCoughtry and the Atlanta Dream, Elena Delle Donne’s return from a foot injury and Sylvia Fowles’ second (yes, second) 20/20 outing of the season.

Let’s get to it:

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks

Parker’s ability to grab a rebound and push it on the break makes her a terror to guard. Against the Indiana Fever, CP3 recorded a prototypical 18 points and 6 rebounds in a 94-72 blowout.

2. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream

Against the Minnesota Lynx, McCoughtry was a terror on the defensive side of the floor with 4 steals and 2 blocks en-route to a 88-75 victory. Angel’s dedication to playing both sides of the floor with the same intensity have played a huge role in the Dreams’ three-game winning streak, and her rise in the MVP rankings.

3. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever

Catchings couldn’t seem to find her groove offensively against the Storm this week, shooting 4-14 from the field in a 70-77 loss. But she found her stroke in the following contest against the San Antonio Silver Stars, shooting 5-10 and 8-8 from the line in a 80-63 victory.

4. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center

Fowles—or as we call her on SLAM Radio, “Big Syl”—continues to show why she’s the best center in the WNBA. Against the reigning MVP Tina Charles, Fowles was unstoppable with 20 points and 21 rebounds in an 89-78 victory. She followed up that performance with 16 points and 15 rebounds in a huge comeback win over the Mystics.

5. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard

Last game against Tulsa, Taurasi was in a league of her own, spoon feeding her teammates for easy baskets. She finished the game with 28 points and 10 assists.

6. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward

Delle Donne could be higher in the rankings, if not for her nagging injuries. The rookie has been sensational this year, posting averages of 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game. The Delaware native returned from her foot injury earlier than expected this last game against Washington, and scored 24 points en route to a Chicago win.

7. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward

The Lynx have been a bit erratic as of late, losing to Tulsa and Atlanta, but beating the Liberty by 30. Moore lit up the Liberty for 28 points and 6-10 shooting from downtown. She continued her hot shooting in a loss against the Dream, going 4-5 from deep. This team seems to be in the midst of a mid-season funk, but if Moore keeps shooting like this, the Lynx will find their way sooner than later.

8. Liz Cambage, Tulsa Shock, center

In the past 10 games, when Cambage played more than 25 minutes, the Shock are 3-3. The 6-8 center’s size and soft touch make her a formidable presence around the rim. Fouling her isn’t a wise option also, as she shoots 76 percent from the line.

9. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty, guard

Pondexter struggled through a foot injury in the Liberty’s one game this week. New York currently sits a game out of the playoffs, so the ball is in their court on whether they will make the postseason or not.

10. Lindsey Whalen, Minnesota Lynx, guard

Whalen has cooled down quite a bit as of late, which may be why the Lynx have lost two of the past three contests. The clever point guard couldn’t find her touch offensively against the Dream, logging only 4 points on 2-9 shooting from the field. Her assists haven’t dropped off much, though, averaging 6.3 in the past three games.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: She’s Back
WNBA MVP Rankings: The CP3 Show

The post WNBA MVP Rankings: Parker’s World appeared first on SLAM.

In this week’s MVP rankings, Diana Taurasi has taken steps forward due to interim coach Russ Pennell’s more efficient system. Despite back-to-back 30-plus point outings for Angel McCoughtry, the Dream are riding a cold streak. Tamika Catchings, in the past week, nabbed her 900th steal and sneaks up the MVP ladder. And the “Candace Can” mantra still rings true for the Sparks, as their do-it-all forward reigns once again in the rankings.

Check out the latest:

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks, forward

The Sparks are the hottest team in the league, as they currently are riding a five-game winning streak. Parker has come back from a wrist injury and continued to contribute at a high rate. Last game against the Chicago Sky, Parker contributed 18 points, 7 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 steals in a 80-76 win. The Sparks look to push for first place in the West and home court advantage throughout the playoffs. The Sparks face an uphill battle in the next couple games against the Indiana Fever and pesky Seattle Storm.

2. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever, forward

The Fever have been plagued by injuries, yet still sit at third in the Eastern Conference. Much credit has to be given to Catchings, who has put the team on her back this year. Last week Catchings plucked her 900th steal, which is a lot of cookies. The former Lady Vol has aged gracefully, averaging 17 points and 7 rebounds. Her 3 steals and a block per night make her a serious threat for Defensive Player of the Year as well.

3. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream, guard

McCoughtry has topped 30 the past two games, but that has still not been enough to halt the Dream’s losing streak. Against the Sun, Angel scored 33 points but was unable to make that last push to beat Connecticut. The team has been plagued by injuries as of late; hopefully getting their sixth woman, Tiffany Hayes, back takes some pressure off of McCoughtry.

4. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard

The team has taken on a new identity since Coach Gaines was replaced last week. Everyone thought this team would dominate from the start, but this team has lacked the ability to stay healthy nor stop anyone on the defensive side of the floor. Despite the fact Diana is leading the league in scoring and top-five in assists, the team has just pushed over .500. Since the coaching change, Diana has transformed into a more efficient player, which has led to three straight victories for the Mercury. Taurasi flirted with a triple-double last game against the Fever, with 12 points, 11 assists and 6 rebounds. Taurasi will continue to rise up the MVP list if the Mercury continue to win games.

5. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center

“Big Syl” continues show the league she is the best center in the WNBA this season with her stellar play down low. The Sky may have lost against the Sparks, but Fowles put on a show with 22 points and 9 rebounds. In the previous game against Minnesota, Syl was unstoppable in the paint, with 31 points and 9 rebounds. Fowles is now hitting her free throws, which makes sending her to the line an option teams will have to pass on for the time being. Look for the crafty big to continue to dominate the paint next game against Seattle.

6. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward

Delle Donne was spectacular in her return from injury, winning Eastern Conference Player of the Week. The Delaware native scored 19 points and pulled down 9 rebounds in a 77-61 victory against Connecticut. Later in the week, the rookie dominated the Lynx in a pivotal matchup against the Western Conference leaders. Her 32 points and 6 rebounds helped the Sky defeat the Lynx in overtime. Unfortunately, the smooth wing suffered a minor foot injury last game against the Sparks. Delle Donne is easily the league’s best rookie, but to make a push at the MVP trophy she must stay on the floor.

7. Lindsey Whalen, Minnesota Lynx, guard

Whalen has been sensational of late but has been unable to push her team to victory, resulting in a slight decline for her in the MVP race. Whalen filled up the box score with 16 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists, but shot poorly from the field (6-16 in the contest). Minnesota may boast the league’s best record but have lost when facing the best teams out East. Whalen must find a way to help guide her team to victory against teams with equal talent.

8. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty, guard

Pondexter has been on fire as of late, and has been able to turn her big games into wins for the Liberty. Last game against the Dream, Pondexter dropped 33 points and dished out 7 assists in a key road win. The Liberty remain on the outside looking in, but only sit a half game behind Washington, whom they play next game. The Liberty’s schedule won’t get much easier, as they face the Lynx and Sky on the road next week.

9. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward

Moore found her stroke offensively, which led to her winning Western Conference Player of the Week. She led the West in scoring with 23 points and 3.3 steals on the week. The Lynx as a team though have been in a funk, unable to close out big games against playoff-bound teams in the East. The next couple of games won’t be easy on Moore, as they face Tulsa, the Liberty and Atlanta Dream.

10. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun, center

Charles has been much more efficient shooting the ball in the past week, which led to a big victory last night against the Atlanta Dream. Charles dominated the paint with 25 points and 6 rebounds in the 88-86 win. The Sun are currently three games out of the final playoff spot, but have key games against playoff teams Atlanta and Chicago this week. The ball is in their court if they desire to make it back to the playoffs this year.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: The CP3 Show
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Can
WNBA MVP Rankings: Angel On Fire

The post WNBA MVP Rankings: She’s Back appeared first on SLAM.

by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup

With the All-Star break over and games back in full swing, players will look to push their teams into the playoffs and cement themselves as MVP candidates.

The star-studded weekend event in Connecticut was dominated by forward Candace Parker, who put on one of the best All-Star performances of all time with 23 points and 11 rebounds. Parker has been spectacular all year, and sits atop of the MVP rankings for yet another week. The race is much closer than many would think, as Angel McCoughtry and Tamika Catchings are nipping at Parker’s heels with their great all-around play.

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks, forward

Parker has been out since the All-Star break with a wrist injury, but her performance in the All-Star game was one of the best ever. Parker dominated the exhibition game with 23 points and 11 rebounds, locking in the MVP of the game as well. The Sparks are 3.5 games out of first, and will look to make a push for first place and home field advantage in the playoffs upon Parker’s return.

2. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream, guard

Atlanta lost a tough one against Phoenix on Saturday, but McCoughtry did all she could to put her team in position to win. The Louisville alumna was unstoppable against the Mercury, pouring in 33 points and 8 assists in the game. Atlanta is 5-5 in their last 10 games, but has suffered injuries to key players in Tiffany Hayes and Sancho Lyttle. Look for the Dream to rebound and McCoughtry to make a push at the MVP trophy as the season progresses.

3. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever, forward

The Fever started out the season 1-7 but held strong and have turned things around. The have won seven of the past 10 games and sit at third in the East. A lot of the credit for this team’s turnaround can be given to Tamika Catchings. If the Fever can get hot and lock in a top 2-seed, Catchings may be bring home the MVP trophy. Her impact on both sides of the floor puts her team in position each game. Last game against the Sky, Catchings filled up the stat sheet with 18 points, 8 rebounds and 3 steals and a block as the Fever won 64-58 in Chicago. The only knock against Catchings at the moment is that she shoots a tick under 40 percent from the field, but with players slowly coming back from injury, the former Lady Vol will be able to pick and choose her spots better. Expect her percentages to rise and look for the Fever to make a run in the upcoming weeks.

4. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center

All eyes are on Elena Delle Donne, but center Sylvia Fowles may have the biggest impact on the Sky. Fowles is super efficient offensively, shooting 57 percent from the field and when she’s on the floor, the Sky are +23. On the glass, Fowles is unstoppable, averaging 11.7 rebounds per night—4 of them come on the offensive glass. The extra chances the center gives the Sky make this team very hard to slow down.

5. Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx, guard

The Lynx are 17-3 and undefeated at home this year. Whalen has led the charge at the point this year for the Lynx. When Seimone Augustus went down, Whalen was the one to step up offensively and put the team on her back. The crafty wing is averaging 16 points per game, but also keeps her teammates involved dishing out close to 6 assists per contest. All eyes will be on Whalen to see if she can keep up this scoring now that all pieces are back on the floor.

6. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard

Taurasi has been on a tear this year, as she leads the league in scoring and is top-five in assists. Unfortunately this hasn’t led to as many wins as projected, which is why she sits so low on the list. Taurasi has also struggled to make an impact on the defensive end, as she is well below her career averages of a steal and a block per night. One of the biggest issues may be the fact that the Mercury are horrible at home, currently sitting at 4-6 on the season. For the UConn alumna to be considered seriously as an MVP candidate and the Mercury to solidify themselves as contenders, Taurasi will have to find ways to take the team to another level. With recent injuries to DeWanna Bonner and Brittney Griner, a lot of pressure will be on Taurasi the next couple of games.

7. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward

Delle Donne has had the biggest impact of all rookies this year. It was sad to see her go down with a concussion right before the All-Star game, but hopefully the time off allowed her legs to get some much needed rest, as Chicago makes a push heading into the second half of the season. Delle Donne returned last game, but looked a little rusty with 12 points and 2 rebounds in a loss against Indiana. The explosive wing will find her groove again as she catches up to game speed via practice and upcoming contests.

8. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty, guard

The Liberty found themselves down 14 last with 8 minutes left in the fourth against the Washington Mystics. Pondexter led the charge with a key four-point play, sparking a 93-88 comeback victory for New York. Pondexter made the game look easy all night long, with 21 points and 8 assists in the contest. The Chicago native has shown great balance in her game as of late, mixing up the jumper while getting to the rim at will. Against Washington, Pondexter shot 5-12 from the field, but got to the line 12 times putting in 10 of the attempts. The Liberty sit at the 4-seed and are fighting to hold on to the last spot, holding a half game lead against the Mystics. If the Liberty are to make the playoffs and make a deep run, Pondexter will be lead the charge.

9. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward

Moore has stepped it up across the board in offensively and defensively for the Lynx. The smooth wing is averaging 17 points and 6 rebounds, yet still many were expecting more from Maya this year. All of the physical tools are there, but sharing the ball with two other explosive players in Lindsey Whalen and Seimone Augustus hinder us from seeing her on attack mode all night long. Moore is content with sharing the load, which has led to back-to-back finals appearances.

10. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun, center

Charles has stepped it up a tick offensively this year and on the glass, averaging 19 points and 11 rebounds per game. Unfortunately for Sun fans, this hasn’t led to nearly as many wins as it did last year. Charles’ biggest step back has been her shooting percentages, as she went from shooting 48 percent last year (in an MVP season) to 41 percent this year. The good news for Connecticut is that there is plenty of basketball left to be played, and they only sit two games out of the last playoff spot.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: Candace Can
WNBA MVP Rankings: Angel On Fire

The post WNBA MVP Rankings: The CP3 Show appeared first on SLAM.

[audio:http://www.slamonline.com/online/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Slam-Radio_07.28.13.mixdown-1.mp3]

In this week’s episode of SLAM Radio, hosts Christian Mordi (@mordi_thecomeup) and Justinn Delaney (@airjustinn) sit down with west coast artist Shawn Chrystopher (@shawnchrys) to discuss his love for the Lakers, key off-season transactions, his new LP Lovestory and more. Later in the show SLAM Radio links with Atlanta Dream head coach Fred Williams to discuss MVP candidate Angel McCoughtry, what sparks their defense, the growth of rookie Alex Bentley and his playing days at Boise State. This week’s episode wraps up with a discussion on John Wall and his $80 million extension, is he worth the money? The hosts also discuss the Andre Iguodala deal with Golden State and did that help or hurt the Warriors. Jumping in to share his thoughts on both hot topics is SLAM editor Abe Schwadron (@abe_squad). As always, keeping the beats flowing is DJ Michael Medium (@michaelmedium).

Previously:
SLAM Radio: Mateen Cleaves, Jon Connor, Coach Brian Agler
SLAM Radio: Summer League Takeaways, Key Free-Agent Signings
SLAM Radio: Dawn Of A New Era

The post SLAM Radio: John Wall, Shawn Chrystopher, Dream Coach Fred Williams appeared first on SLAM.

The WNBA season, now at its halfway point, has been full of intense battles with old rivalries and fresh faces. Angel McCoughtry has been a force this year and is making a strong case for MVP. Former MVP Tamika Catchings has put the Fever on her back early in the season, and despite a roster full of injuries, Indiana holds a playoff spot. The best in the west has been Candace Parker, who has maintained her reputation as one of the most versatile and dominant players in the WNBA.

Many expected the “3 to See” to take the league by storm, but not to the extent of a member of the trio being a MVP candidate. Elena Delle Donne has emerged as a legitimate force and will be making the push in the second half of the season toward Rookie of the Year as well as MVP.

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks, forward

The versatile forward has been locked in offensively this year. The Sparks have been a great regular-season team the past couple of years, but unable to get over the hump in the postseason. Sparks fans are hoping for a change in the trend this year. Parker will play a huge role in this team making it to the Finals. This is the Illinois native’s second straight healthy season and she has showcased her full arsenal, averaging 18 points, 9 rebounds and 3 assists per game. On defense the former Lady Vol is just as impressive averaging 2 blocks and a steal per game.

2. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream, guard/forward

The Atlanta Dream wing has been an unstoppable force this year on the court. Angel is top 5 in scoring, yet still manages to keep her teammates involved, as she is also top five in assists. The last time she was playing this well was the years Atlanta went to back-to-back WNBA finals. Angel was spectacular against Connecticut this week, scoring 22 points while dishing out 6 assists. McCoughtry has been a terror on the defensive side as well, averaging 3 thefts per game. With a strong push in the second half, the Louisville alumnae could grab hold of the MVP trophy.

3. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward

The smooth wing suffered her first real setback of the season in a loss against the Mystics. Delle Donne not only shot 2-25 from the field, but also left the game with a concussion. Outside of this most recent game, Delle Donne has been sensational for the Sky, turning a team that had a top-three pick a year ago into a legitimate title contender. It should be no surprise that with averages of 18 points, 5 rebounds and 2 blocks per game, she led all in vote-getters for the All-Star game. Look for the Delaware native to get much-needed rest this All-Star weekend and to make a strong push in the second half toward the MVP trophy.

4. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard

The UConn alumna has bounced back with a vengeance this year for Phoenix. The electric wing was spectacular against the Sparks dropping 32 points, 6 assists and 7 rebounds in a 90-84 victory. With weapons like Brittney Griner, DeWanna Bonner and more alongside her, it will be hard for teams to lock in on Taurasi and slow her down.

5. Slyvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center

The crafty center is healthy for the first time in years and has been dominant in the post for the Sky. Fowles shares the rock with two scoring machines in Epiphanny Prince and Delle Donne, but makes each shot count, averaging 15 points per game. Fowles has been a terror on the glass this year for opponents, snatching close to 12 rebounds per game. The Sky are on their way to their first playoff appearance in team history, and poised for a deep run with a healthy Fowles on board.

6. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever, forward

The Fever have been decimated by injuries since the start of the season, and yet they still hold a playoff spot going into the All-Star break. At the halfway point of the season a valid argument can be made that no player has faced as much pressure as Tamika Catchings. The former MVP has delivered for the Fever, averaging 16.8 points 6.5 rebounds and three assists per contest. Defensively, the former Lady Vol has been a force as well swiping 3 steals and block per game.

7. Lindsay Whalen, Minnesota Lynx, guard

When Seimone Augustus went down, many expected the Lynx to slip. Instead the team has been just as efficient due to the strong play of Whalen. Lindsey is still finding teammates, but has stepped up her scoring average to 16 points per game this season. Whalen also is shooting a career high from the field at 49 percent. Whalen’s scoring may take a slight dip upon Augustus’ return, but her assists will rise as well.

8. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward

Moore has found great balance in her game this season for the Lynx. Like Taurasi, Moore plays alongside another superstar in Seimone Augustus and All-Star Lindsey Whalen, but still contributes big time numbers. Moore and company are locked in as the No. 1 seed in the West. The only knock against Moore is that she may not be aggressive enough offensively. Nonetheless, the former Huskie is still efficient and can fill is up without taking a lot of shots.

9. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty, guard

The Liberty have had many ups and downs this year, but Pondexter has been a steady force since day one. The Liberty needed a win badly against the Fever this week to stay in arm’s reach of the last playoff spot, and Pondexter delivered a strong performance. The explosive wing filled up the stat sheet with 24 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists in a 77-72 road victory against the defending champs. Look for the Liberty to turn things around in the second half of the season.

10. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun, center

The Sun are struggling to get wins this year, but Charles has done all she can to put them in position to win games. Connecticut is playing the year without starting power forward Asjha Jones, and has missed Kara Lawson for extended parts of the season. Even amidst the pressure, Charles is still averaging 18 points and close to 11 rebounds a game. The Sun will get a much-needed rest and look to get more healthy bodies around Charles.

Previously:
WNBA MVP Rankings: Angel On Fire

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Among the many intriguing WNBA storylines this season, one story has gone under the radar: The Atlanta Dream have the best record in the WNBA (10-2) and are undefeated at home (7-0).

Atlanta’ success starts with forward Angel McCoughtry, who who was suspended two games last season for violating team rules. Now McCoughtry has a new attitude.

McCoughtry’s pouting has been replaced with fist pumps. This renewed trust in her teammates is contagious and makes for better basketball.

“I think we have a great chemistry,” McCoughtry told SLAMonline. “We’ve been through a lot, especially last year. It made us a lot stronger.”

McCoughtry consistently leads the WNBA in steal per game (3.7) and this season she has company. Armintie Herrington (3.1) is third overall in the league in steals per game while Tiffany Hayes (1.4) is tenth. Prior to taking off for Europe to play for Spain’s national team Sancho Lyttle also joined in on the thievery with 2.8 steals per contest. As a team the Dream force a league-high 12.7 steals per game.

McCoughtry took it upon herself to add new dimensions to her game for the 2013 season, and great defense has become the Dream’s calling card. The team is also fourth in scoring behind the All-Star-infested Mercury, Sparks and Lynx. Atlanta is also third in the WNBA in assists (17.7) and field-goal percentage (45 percent).

Meanwhile, McCoughtry is the second in scoring (20.2 ppg) and has earned a rep as the ultimate go-to player. Last year’s scoring champion has seen increases in her rebounding numbers but more notably, her assists per game have jumped from 2.9 to 5.

Granted, Atlanta hasn’t met the likes of Phoenix or Los Angeles yet, but the Dream stand atop the league with an inspired McCoughtry leading the way.

“Trust me and believe, Angel is coming back strong too,” McCoughtry said after helping Fenerbahce win the Turkish League title this past winter. “Trust me and believe. It’s coming. Real soon. I will win a WNBA championship. Mentally, after this experience, I’m stronger than ever. And physically, I’m 26-years-old, hitting my prime, and I am ready to go. Trust me and believe. It’s coming.“

She warned us—we should have listened.

The post Dream Season appeared first on SLAM.

With the “big three” entering the WNBA this year, the hype leading up to the 2013 season has been the highest it’s been in a while, maybe ever. Rightfully so, as Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins play different positions, but all can dominate a game and make an immediate impact.

With an intruding blend of grizzled vets and rising stars competing in the W, the league is the best it’s probably ever been. Here are 10 stars who are making a push for MVP this season:

1. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream, guard

McCoughtry has been the most dynamic player in the WNBA this season. The Dream play at a relentless pace on both sides of the floor, causing boatloads of turnovers each game. This style of play allows McCoughtry to get in the open floor and create—something she does very well. The Louisville alumna is averaging 21 points per game and also dishes out 5 assists per night. The only down point is her turnovers. McCoughtry turns the rock over an ugly 4 times per game, but she’s getting that back—averaging 4 steals as well. The Dream are 8-1, which is the best record in the WNBA.

2. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks, forward

CP3 has been sensational this year for the Sparks. Los Angeles has a handful of offensive weapons, which at times, can hurt her scoring average. But Parker still finds a way to impact games. Last game against Washington, Parker filled up the stat sheet with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and a steal. The Chicago native is WNBA’s best all-around player, and could be in the hunt for MVP and Defensive Player of the Year.

3. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, center

You don’t have to average 25 points to dominate a game, and Syl Fowles proves that statement true night in and night out. The Sky are in the hunt for their first Playoff birth in franchise history due to Fowles’ dominant play in the post. Fowles is averaging only 14 points, but her 13 rebounds and 3 blocks per game round out a nice stat sheet. With Fowles shooting over 51 percent from the field, look for the Sky to call her number more on offense as the season progresses.

4. Maya Moore, Minnesota Lynx, forward

Maya Moore is coming into her game this year. Last year she was dominant in the second half of the season and has continued to score at a rapid pace in the early parts of this WNBA season. Moore averages 19 points and 7 rebounds per game, and the former Huskie is red hot from downtown this year also, shooting 47 percent from deep. Minnesota has the best record in the West, and will be on the hunt to reclaim their title from Indiana this year.

5. Diana Taurasi, Phoenix Mercury, guard

The Mercury and Taurasi got off to a slow start this year, but all has changed the past four games. The former Huskie exploded in the past two games with 31 against Washington, and 18 points, 9 rebounds and 8 assists against San Antonio. Phoenix has a lot of weapons on offense, which make it very hard to solely lock in on Taurasi. The electric wing will only continue to get stronger as the season progresses.

6. Cappie Pondexter, NY Liberty, guard

Our Diary keeper has gotten stronger as the season progressed for the Liberty. Cappie loves to mix it up in the paint, snatching down 5 rebounds per game this season. When teams lock in on her offensively, Pondexter has shown the ability to find others with 4 assists per game. The Chicago native has struggled some shooting the ball, but look for this to improve along the way. The Liberty will lean heavily on the veteran guard on their 10-day road trip.

7. Elena Delle Donne, Chicago Sky, forward

Griner may have gone first overall, but Delle Donne has played the best ball of the rookie class in the early part of the season. With Epiphanny Prince out for a month, the Delaware native has stepped up her game on the offensive end and been a fantastic number one option for the Sky. Coach Pokey Chatman has show great faith in Delle Donne, throwing the rookie into the fire early, as she averages over 32 minutes per game. The forward has shown much improvement on the defensive end, averaging over 2 blocks per game.

8. Ivory Latta, Washington Mystics, guard

Latta started out the season red-hot but has cooled down some as of late for the Mystics. Coach Mike Thibault puts Latta in the pick-and-roll situation a lot, and her quickness and ability to shoot the ball from deep make her a chore to defend in those situations. The Mystics are 4-3 and hold a playoff spot in the East, which was something many didn’t expect for this team. The mentality of this team has changed since the arrival of Latta.

9. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun, center

Tina Charles has been a double-double machine for the Sun. Unfortunately those monster games haven’t resulted in many wins in Connecticut as of late. The loss of Asjha Jones this year has had a big impact on this team early in the season. Charles is also shooting 39 percent, close to 10 percentage points under her career average. This will have to improve for the Sun to get back in the playoff race and Charles to win back-to-back MVP titles.

10. Glory Johnson, Tulsa Shock, forward

Glory Johnson has been one of the best surprises this year in the WNBA. Everyone saw the potential of the forward while at Tennessee, and now we’re starting to see the results on the floor. Glory shoots a solid percentage on the year, rounding out at 45 percent from the field. Johnson earns her touches down low with a monster effort on the boards, averaging 10.5 per contest. The Shock have been getting better as the season continues. Look for this team to rack up more wins upon the return of center Liz Cambage from an ankle injury.

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by Clay Kallam / @ClayKallam

You couldn’t avoid ESPN’s “3 to See” campaign no matter how hard you tried, and now the trio of rookies—Brittney Griner, Elena Delle Donne and Skylar Diggins—are in the WNBA, which means we’ll get even more hype, especially since the network just signed a long-term deal with the league.

So where do the talking heads go from here? Consider the possibilities…The GOAT (?): If Griner stays healthy, very likely yes. If her offense continues to improve, she’ll be one of those once-in-a-generation players who can control a game at both ends of the floor. The Blonde Bomber: If you like tall attractive women who can shoot like Stephen Curry, then Elena Delle Donne’s for you. But you better be 6-5, and you better not play her in HORSE, because she simply does not miss. Glamorous and Gritty: Skylar Diggins has got the look—and even if Weezy doesn’t get the Prince reference, it won’t take long for anyone who sees her to understand. But Diggins has more than glamour; she’s a get-it-done player who defends and rises to the occasion in the clutch.

Western Conference

1. Minnesota (27-7, first): Many are already conceding the West to Phoenix, but Griner is a rookie, and the Lynx are a rare combination of youth and experience—plus pure talent. Lindsay Whalen, Seimone Augustus, Maya Moore, Rebekkah Brunson and friends aren’t just going to roll over because the Mercury picked up a dunker.

2. Phoenix (7-27, sixth): Tank, schmank … the Mercury “rested” a lot of “injured” stars last year and wound up winning the Griner sweepstakes. They now have her, Candice Dupree, Penny Taylor and Diana Taurasi, but the key is how good second-year point guard Sammy Prahalis will be. And there are legitimate questions about how much the 32-year-old Taylor has left after a career hampered by injuries.

3. Los Angeles (24-10, second): Free-agent signee Lindsey Harding filled the biggest void for the Sparks, and with Candace Parker, Nneka Ogwumike and Kristi Toliver, the lack of a true center seems incidental. The Sparks would coast to first in the East but they’re a half-step behind the top two in what could be the strongest conference the league has ever seen.

4. San Antonio (21-13, third): Dan Hughes is a superb coach, and even without Sophia Young, he’ll get the Silver Stars into the postseason—for whatever that first-round playoff pasting will be worth. After all, even Becky Hammon has to give in to advancing age at some point.

5. Tulsa (9-25, fifth): Six-eight Australian Liz Cambage bailed on Tulsa, backing out of her WNBA commitment at the last minute—and leaving the Shock with a nice backcourt (Diggins and Candice Wiggins) but no size up front. [Update: Cambage changed her mind and will play this season.—Ed.] Young forward Glory Johnson is good, but not enough.

6. Seattle (16-18, fourth): No Sue Bird. No Lauren Jackson. Not many wins.

Eastern Conference

1. New York (15-19, fourth): Bill Laimbeer is back, and he’s got Cappie Pondexter to go along with a lot of veteran firepower. The Liberty aren’t great, but neither is the rest of the East, and if Kara Braxton and the rookie posts pound the boards, New York’s toughness will be the difference.

2. Chicago (14-20, fifth): A healthy Epiphanny Prince, the outside game of Delle Donne and Sylvia Fowles in the paint  is a deadly offensive combination. Point guard Courtney Vandersloot, though, has to take a great leap forward for the Sky to jump past New York.

3. Indiana (22-12, second): The Fever have plenty of pieces, but the pieces are getting a little frayed at the edges. Katie Douglas and Finals’ MVP Tamika Catchings will both turn 34 this season, though if they each play 30 games and Erlana Larkins builds on her 2012 breakout season, Indiana could win the East.

4. Atlanta (19-15, third): Everyone’s back from a scary group—except point guard Lindsey Harding. In her place is Jasmine Thomas, who was the lead guard for 5-29 Washington last summer. The erratic, entertaining and vastly talented Angel McCoughtry will once again take center stage, but will new coach Fred Lewis be able to keep her act from disrupting the team?

5. Connecticut (25-9, first): It’s subtraction by addition, as Anne Donovan, a consistently mediocre coach, takes over for Mike Thibault, and it’s subtraction by subtraction with Ashja Jones taking the summer off. MVP Tina Charles, Kara Lawson and Renee Montgomery, in that order, are quality players, but the dropoff is steep after that, and there’s no reason to believe Donovan will have the answers.

6. Washington (5-29, sixth): Thibault moves over from  Connecticut, and though the roster is pretty bare, he’ll get a lot more out of this mismatched collection than Trudi Lacey ever did. Even “a lot more,” however, might not mean much more than 10 wins as Crystal Langhorne is pretty much all alone.

The post Temperature Rising appeared first on SLAM.

Last season, the Mystics were rock bottom in the W in scoring, led the league in turnovers and finished with the worst record. The lone bright spot was a chance at getting a top-three pick in a draft with three potential superstars. Washington, of course, drew the fourth pick.

Despite all that went wrong for the Mystics, they started this season off right with the signing of coach Mike Thibault. The former Connecticut Sun coach is known as an offensive guru and great decision maker with personnel. Sitting down with SLAMonline, Thibault discussed the reasons why Washington was a great move for him, drafting Tayler Hill, off-season signings of Ivory Latta and Kia Vaughn and more.

SLAM: What made the Washington Mystics position right for you?

Mike Thibault: A couple reasons. I saw a opportunity to turn around a franchise that had been struggling. Also when I met with ownership, they made a commitment to me and a long-term plan to turn this team around. They made a commitment to doing this the right way.

SLAM: How important was it for you to not only be the coach, but the GM for this team?

MT: The GM part wasn’t really the most important thing to me. When I was in Connecticut, I didn’t have that title, but I did 95 percent of the player decisions. The title is nice, but it can be misleading depending on the organization. A lot of people think the GM has the final say on everything that goes on within the organization, which is not true. I stay away from the business end and PR end of things, that’s not my job. The important thing is I have the final say on contracts and all basketball decisions.

SLAM: On draft day you selected guard Tayler Hill from Ohio State. For a team that had offensive woes last year, how important was the selection of a dynamic offensive player like Hill?

MT: It was really important. It is very hard to find a big-time scoring wing in this league. You can count the dominant ones on one hand that have come out in the last five or six years. You have Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore, maybe a little deeper with Seimone Augustus. It is hard to fill that spot. Also our needs weren’t as pressing in the post when we added Kia Vaughn.

SLAM: Does Tayler Hill have a chance to crack the starting lineup this year?

MT: I expect her to at least be in the rotation. We couldn’t use the fourth pick on someone we had to wait for. It’s up to her how big of an impact she wants to have this year.

SLAM: You guys added a couple pieces this offseason in Kia Vaughn and Ivory Latta. Ivory had a really nice year last season in Tulsa and can really sure up the PG spot for you guys. How do you plan on utilizing her?

MT: I think with us going to a NBA three-second rule, it will open up a little more space for her to penetrate. We plan on running a ton of pick and roll with her this year to get her in the lane attacking and putting pressure on teams. She can also play off the ball because she is a terrific three-point shooter. I think she will be comparable to a lot of the NBA guards to can get in the lane in the pick and roll.

SLAM: What do you expect from Kia Vaughn?

MT: Kia is a leader. I think we will have a nucleus of players who are between the ages of 26 and 29 and near the primes of their career. Two years ago she was the Most Improved Player in the WNBA. She does a lot of things very well that don’t show up on the stat sheets, like taking a charge, or a great block out and stopping another team’s good offensive rebounder from getting it. We need players like her in the locker room, who are about winning.

SLAM: This team was last in the WNBA in scoring last year. You maximized the Suns’ offensive potential last year. What is the scheme you would like to implement this year?

MT: I want them to play at a faster pace. They played at the slowest pace last year in the league which led to the lowest number of points. They were also a mediocre perimeter shooting team. That’s why you get Latta and Hill to sure that up some. I believe that pushing the ball and having your guards in an attack mentality make it hard for a team to lock in on one or two things. The thing about last year’s team was people would lock in on Currie and Langhorne and that was it. This year we have changed that because we have added more weapons to worry about.

SLAM: What are your thoughts on Crystal Langhorne? She is a force in the post. Do you think she can expand on her numbers from last year?

MT: This year we have helped her some by having better teammates around her. In many games last year she was subject to double- and triple-teams, and by bringing in these players, we will eliminate some of that. We also have seen her develop her game some away from the rim, which will also eliminate some of the double-teams there as well. We are getting her to hit the foul line jump shot and attack more off the dribble from there as well.

SLAM: The team really hurt themselves last year by committing too many unforced turnovers. How much of an emphasis will you put on protecting the ball?

MT: I always tell people in order to be a playoff team, you have to win two of the three categories each night: turnovers, rebounding and the free-throw battle. In most nights they had lost all three last year, which is not good. I expect this team to improve on that this year.

SLAM: You have had your son coaching alongside you since a young age, learning the ropes. How much growth you have seen from him over the years?

MT: He has grown up around the game his whole life. He was already a graduate assistant at Missouri by his junior year, and he has had a chance to really grow the past five years at Connecticut. Since then he has also worked at VCU and St. John’s, so he has a different perspective working with college and pro games. I think our players in Connecticut really appreciated his efforts with players individually.

SLAM: How will you gauge success with this team?

MT: I think in the short term, it will be how hard they work in where we want to take this team. We want the players to be all in and work each day on becoming better players and gelling as team, which takes time due to so many new players. As far as record, I don’t know. It all depends on how the rest of the league shakes out, but my mindset is to compete for a playoff spot and take it from there.

The post Long Road Ahead appeared first on SLAM.

by Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup

I sat there shocked at the news that popped across my screen. When the ticker read that MVP candidate Angel McCoughtry was suspended indefinitely, doubt was immediately cast over the Atlanta Dream franchise.

Who will pick up Atlanta’s scoring load? Will they change their style of play? Will the Dream be able to maintain their Playoff spot without their star player?

Thankfully, we wont have to go without AMac, as she cleared things up with Atlanta and is back on the floor. Two more Playoff teams stamped their ticket to the postseason in Connecticut and Indiana. With the end of the season rapidly approaching, it will be interesting to see which players fade and which rise to the occasion when it matters most.

1. Candace Parker, L.A. Sparks (Last Week, 1)

Parker does it all on the court, and at an elite level. CP3 can fill it up and quick. Sure, she’s around her career average in points, but she has been dominant on the boards, flirting with close to a double-double average on the season. The Illinois native has picked up her play on the defensive side of the floor as well, averaging close to 2 steals and 3 blocks per night. It amazes me how she can deliver such gaudy defensive numbers while only giving 2 fouls per night, which is a testament to her athleticism.

2. Tina Charles, Connecticut Sun (Last Week, 3)

Tina is peaking at the right time for the Sun. The NY native has delivered some of her best games against some of the better teams in the league the past week. She dominated against Sylvia Fowles with a 24-point, 14-rebound effort against the Sky and followed that up with a 20 and 10 night against the Silver Stars. Let’s hope Charles can take this momentum into the postseason for her team.

3. Angel McCoughtry, Atlanta Dream (Last Week, 2)

AMac may have missed time, but her game is still razor sharp. In her first game back from suspension, Angel poured 24 points on the Sun, in just 19 minutes of play. Angel is leading the league in scoring and the team lives and dies by her sword, so Atlanta fans will continue to pray she stays hot the rest of the way.

4. Kristi Tolliver, L.A. Sparks (Last Week, 4)

Tolliver stays high in the rankings with her sizzling hot play. The former Lady Terp was the hottest player in the WNBA in the past month, with 19 points or more in the past 10 games. Tolliver combines her smooth jumper with razor-sharp ball handling and X-ray court vision, pushing 5 assists per game. It won’t be long before Kristi is top three in the MVP race.

5. Tamika Catchings, Indiana Fever (Last Week, 5)

The former Lady Vol has carried her success in the Olympics back home to the Fever. Catchings is hot right now, as she has pushed herself into the top five in scoring. Tamika is filling it up across the board as well, averaging close to 8 rebounds. The Fever are one of the hardest teams to beat not only due to their tough defense, but the clutch offensive play of TC.

6. Cappie Pondexter, New York Liberty (Last Week, 9)

The top feels so much better than the bottom, so much better. At one point in the season the Liberty looked doomed, they couldn’t buy a bucket and the defense-first mentality wasn’t working. Kudos to the Liberty for sticking with it this year, as this team has pulled themselves back into the playoff race, currently holding down the 4-seed. A large part of the re-emergence of the team has been due to their leader, Cappie Pondexter. The combo guard has been unstoppable as of late, attacking the rim with reckless abandon each possession. Cappie is starting to play a little point during some parts of the game, freeing up Leilani Mitchell, so look for her assists to go up as well.

7. Sue Bird, Seattle Storm (Last Week, 6)

There have been many ups and downs and players rotating in and out for the Storm, but there has only been one steady force: Sue Bird. Bird can kill you by picking your defense apart or lighting you up from downtown. The Storm will have all chips riding on their point to lead them to the promised land this year.

8. Sophia Young, San Antonio Silver Stars (Last Week, 8 )

The former Lady Bear has started to heat again and the timing couldn’t be better for the Silver Stars. The small forward went on a tear last game with 32 points and 8 rebounds against the Mercury, showcasing her crafty ball handling and smooth mid-range game.

9. Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky (Last Week, 7)

The Sky are falling in the standings and for the first time, this has an affect on Fowles’ ranking in the MVP race. Reason being, Fowles has been unreliable of late, losing grip on the rebounding title in the process. Let’s hope her 14-point, 9-rebound game against the Sparks is a step in the right direction.

10. DeWanna Bonner, Phoenix Mercury (Last Week, NR)

Last week, SLAMonline ran a Q+A with the rising star, and here again I will shoot praises for Bonner’s game. The clever wing has filled in nicely for Diana Taurasi and currently sits as the second leading scorer in the WNBA. Bonner isn’t just an offensive-minded player though—she loves to mix it up, getting dirty in the paint and fighting for boards. Last game, Bonner scored 24 points, but also contributed 9 rebounds. Look for Bonner to make a push for All-WNBA this year.

The post WNBA MVP Race, Week 11 appeared first on SLAM.

Last year’s Rookie of the Year has the most popular jersey in the WNBA this season, according to the league’s sales figures. Second on the list is MVP favorite Candace Parker, followed by 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Diana Taurasi: “Olympic champion Maya Moore of the Minnesota Lynx remains No. 1 on the WNBA’s list of the most popular selling jerseys, based on sales on WNBAStore.com from October 2011 through August 2012. Moore, who was selected as the top overall pick in the 2011 WNBA Draft, also had the top selling jersey last year after earning 2011 WNBA Rookie of the Year honors and helping lead the Lynx to the WNBA title. Minnesota regained its position at No. 1 for team merchandise.”

TOP 10 MOST POPULAR WNBA PLAYER JERSEYS:
1. Maya Moore – Minnesota Lynx
2. Candace Parker – Los Angeles Sparks
3. Diana Taurasi – Phoenix Mercury
4. Becky Hammon – San Antonio Silver Stars
5. Sue Bird – Seattle Storm
6. Cappie Pondexter – New York Liberty
7. Lauren Jackson – Seattle Storm
8. Tamika Catchings – Indiana Fever
9. Angel McCoughtry – Atlanta Dream
10. Lindsay Whalen – Minnesota Lynx

TOP 5 MOST POPULAR WNBA TEAM MERCHANDISE:
1. Minnesota Lynx
2. Los Angeles Sparks
3. Atlanta Dream
4. San Antonio Silver Stars
5. Phoenix Mercury

The post Maya Moore Has the WNBA’s Top-Selling Jersey This Season appeared first on SLAM.

By Stephen Litel / Photo by Matthew Fleegel

The WNBA regular season tips off tonight with a matchup between the Los Angeles Sparks and Seattle Storm. As a new feature here at SLAMOnline, we will be doing a weekly power rankings of the WNBA teams. Agree or disagree with the rankings, let me know in the comments below or give a follow on Twitter @stephenlitel to discuss.

With that being said, let’s take a look at the first 2012 WNBA power ranking:

1. Minnesota Lynx
The reigning champs only got better in the off-season, bringing everyone back from their championship squad except for Charde Houston and Alexis Hornbuckle. In their place comes rookie Devereaux Peters and veteran Erin Thorn. They ran through the League during both the regular season in 2011 and are clear favorites to bring home the title again in 2012, believing only the injury bug could stop them on their “road to repeat.” The top spot is theirs until other teams show they are capable of dethroning the champions.

2. Connecticut Sun
Last year, the Sun showed they have the talent to play with any team in the WNBA and are definitely a team with a promising future. Well, the future begins now and they must take the next step in their development as a championship-contending squad by learning how to win on the road. They have that ultimate mix of young talent—like Tina Charles, Renee Montgomery and Kelsey Griffin—to go along with veteran leaders who can still play at a high level, such as Kara Lawson and Olympian Asjha Jones.

3. Indiana Fever
Losing Tangela Smith hurts, but the Fever were able to get even deeper with the additions of Roneeka Hodges and rookie Sasha Goodlett. This is a veteran team that knows how to win in the WNBA consistently and also know how to utilize the Olympic break to their advantage. After all, this is a team that may very well have represented the Eastern Conference in the WNBA Finals last year had it not been for an injury to the reigning MVP Tamika Catchings.

4. Seattle Storm
When you think of the WNBA postseason, the Seattle Storm come to mind. Winning two titles and looking to play in the Playoffs for a record ninth straight year, the Storm have challenges in doing so, but are also a veteran team who knows how to win. Trading away Swin Cash and Le’Coe Willingham was a tough call, but having the opportunity to bring in Tina Thompson will help while Lauren Jackson sits out. Coach Brian Agler always seems to get the most out of his team when everyone is doubting them, like some are doing entering the year without Lauren Jackson, but don’t ever bet against Agler and his point guard, Sue Bird.

5. Los Angeles Sparks
It was an excellent off-season for the Los Angeles Sparks. They added a ton of talent to their team, such as Alana Beard, Nicky Anosike, Marissa Coleman and the No. 1 in the Draft, Nneka Ogwumike and, on paper, should have a great season. There are two questions surrounding this team heading into the year though. First, can they stay healthy? All indications from camp are that Alana Beard looks ready to regain her place as one of the best perimeter players in the WNBA, but has a health history that is well-documented. Obviously, this team revolves around Candace Parker, who also has her own injury history. Second question is how consistent can their point guards—Kristi Toliver and Sharnee Zoll—be this year?

6. Phoenix Mercury
Losing Penny Taylor is huge, but the Mercury, like Seattle, know what it takes to win in the WNBA. They have plenty of players capable of stepping up and doing their best to make up for the loss, most notably DeWanna Bonner and new addition Charde Houston, who should fit in very well with Phoenix’s style of play. Some question the depth at point guard heading into the year, but with how much Diana Taurasi handles the ball, the transition should go smoothly, especially for rookie Sammy Prahalis. To doubt this team due to Taylor’s loss for the season, especially with how easily they score the ball, would be a big mistake.

7. Atlanta Dream
The Dream has represented the Eastern Conference in the WNBA Finals the past two seasons, but have been unable to bring home the hardware. This season will be a great challenge without Alison Bales, who retired, and Erika de Souza, who is out for the Olympics. Already a team that likes to run, Angel McCoughtry and company added Ketia Swanier and rookie Tiffany Hayes. This will be a team who looks to run even more and should have a lot of success because of their depth on the perimeter, but if games slow down to a halfcourt game, they will have some issues.

8. San Antonio Silver Stars
In last season’s playoffs, the San Antonio Silver Stars were the only team to post a victory against the Minnesota Lynx. They followed up another solid season in 2011 by improving their roster by bringing in Tangela Smith, Shameka Christon and front-runner for Rookie of the Year Shenise Johnson. The problem San Antonio faces is they play in the Western Conference, which is stacked. This feels like another typical season for San Antonio, where they are up and down all season, fighting for a playoff berth right down to the wire. This is a team overlooked by many because they don’t have the same big-name players as Minnesota, Seattle or Los Angeles—outside of Becky Hammon, of course—but the Stars are a really good team and one to watch all year.

9. Chicago Sky
With the additions of veterans Swin Cash, Ticha Penicheiro, Ruth Riley and Le’Coe Willingham, center Sylvia Fowles finally has more help. After a solid rookie season, one which brought an All-Star nod, from Courtney Vandersloot, the Chicago Sky seem poised to finally reach the postseason. They upgraded their roster significantly, but how quickly do they find their style of play and mesh on the court? With the championship-winning veterans on the roster accustomed to winning games, if they find the ability to work together, they will be scary heading into the 2012 playoffs.

10. New York Liberty
This was a playoff team in 2011, winning a game against the Indiana Fever. Cappie Pondexter is an amazing talent, but she needed more help heading into 2012. The Liberty did little to improve their team in the off-season, even raising eyebrows by drafting Kelley Cain as high as they did. Kara Braxton had a remarkable preseason—averaging 18 points and 11 rebounds—and if she can continue that throughout the regular season, the Liberty will compete for a playoff berth right down to the wire.

11. Washington Mystics
Without question, the Mystics improved in the off-season, adding players such as Noelle Quinn, Michelle Snow, Ashley Robinson and drafting Natalie Novosel. Crystal Langhorne looked amazing in the preseason, averaging 14 points and 10 rebounds, but one of the biggest reasons for hope is the return of Monique Currie, who averaged 15.5 points in the preseason after missing most of last season. This team will be better this season, but it’s very difficult to see a playoff berth with the level of teams ahead of them in the Eastern Conference.

12. Tulsa Shock
No Cambage is a shame, but things still look up for the Tulsa Shock. Make no mistake, they are still going to be one of teams in the WNBA which struggles the most, but they have taken that first, most important step. They have a coach they want to listen to and play hard for at all times. They have an incredibly young team and individual players are working towards improving their personal game while helping the team compete. After all, the elder statesman on this team now is Temeka Johnson. Rookies Glory Johnson and Riquna Williams will add some excitement to the games and hope for the future.

Let the debate begin, WNBA fans. Which teams do you believe are too high or too low on this list?

Hit Page 2 for our WNBA Preview from SLAM 159.

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Team USA announced the first eleven players of their twelve player roster Friday, assembling the team they believe gives the United States the best opportunity to win the gold medal in London. This team will set out to bring win the gold for a fifth straight Olympics and with the roster they have put together, it is difficult to believe they won’t accomplish the remarkable accomplishment.

“I think anytime you’re choosing a team made up of the best players, not only the best players in the country, they’re some of the best players in the world, it’s very difficult to come to a team of 12,” said Team USA head coach Geno Auriemma. “While 11 players have been selected to be a part of the 2012 Olympic Team, some really, really good players are still in the mix for that final spot. I think for the 11, the committee took into consideration what the competition is and who we’re going to have to beat, and put together a really incredible group of players that is not only highly skilled and competitive, they’re proven winners.”

The eleven players named to the team are Sue Bird, Tamika Catchings, Diana Taurasi, Seimone Augustus, Swin Cash, Sylvia Fowles, Candace Parker, Tina Charles, Angel McCoughtry, Maya Moore and Lindsay Whalen.

“It’s an honor for me to represent my country and play,” said Parker.  “I think that the first time around, I was excited and just wanted to do it for me, for myself. I dreamt of that since I was a kid. Now that I have my daughter, it’s kind of like I want to show her women’s basketball and show her that we’re continuing to grow in the sport of women’s basketball. I’m excited for her to be at the Olympics and experience that and hopefully remember it.”

“It’s an honor, obviously,” adds Catchings. “Anytime you get to represent your country is just an incredible honor. I’m looking forward to going back to the Olympics with another team full of young and old players. It’s going to be a lot of fun.

Bird, Catchings and Taurasi will represent the United States in the Olympics for the third time, while Augustus, Fowles, Cash and Parker will make their second appearance. The four players making their Olympic debuts will be Charles, McCoughtry, Moore and Whalen.

“I was overwhelmed with joy and excitement,” said Charles. “It is truly a blessing to be named with the elite players in women’s basketball and the opportunity to play with a great group on the highest level of competition doesn’t get any better than that.

“I didn’t really know what to say at first. I’m kind of still so happy,” adds Whalen. “It’s one of those things I’ve dreamt about since I was growing up and something I’ve really worked for. For me, being on the last USA World Championship Team and being in the pool for the Olympic team, having that as a goal is something I’ve really been working hard for. I’m really excited to be a part of it.”

Now that a majority of the roster is set, Team USA will put the final touches on their preparations for the Olympic Games. Although the United States has come home with the gold medal the past four Olympics, they are taking nothing for granted and know there are a number of teams in the field who could challenge them.

“Going into London is going to be a huge challenge for us,” said Taurasi. “These teams are getting back into the swing of things, getting their training camps ready. It’s going to be the usual suspects with Australia I think being the favorite going in, coming off of a less than impressive World Championship for their standards. They’ve really kept the level of basketball really high throughout the world. Then you have teams like Brazil, who has the capability of scoring a lot of points, getting you involved in a very difficult game. Russia, and then you have the Asian teams with China always being a tough competitor.”

“I think in the 2012 Olympics, the toughest competition is going to be Australia,” adds Bird. “I think that’s a no-brainer. A lot of the European teams are moving up as well, but Australia’s the one.”

For those making their first appearance in the Olympic Games, the opportunity to represent your country is a special thing they will remember forever. The individual players already understand what their roles will be for this team and are ready to do whatever it takes.

“Passion, intensity, and a willingness to do all of the little things championship teams need to win; whether that’s scoring the ball, setting a great screen, or getting a key rebound,” said Moore.

“I really want to focus on defense, bringing defensive energy to the team,” adds McCoughtry. “We have a lot of scorers—all of us can score—so I want to focus on my defensive energy.”

This is a deep team with a majority of the players capable of playing more than one position. Because of that fact, Geno Auriemma and his staff will have the exciting challenge to mix and match lineups and there should definitely be some interesting lineups out there at times. With players as talented and hungry for gold as those on this roster, Auriemma may say there is pressure, but the truth is it should be nothing but a pleasure.

“There’s pressure in the fact that the United States has won four gold medals in a row,” said Auriemma. “That’s a good kind of pressure. To me, that’s the kind of pressure that makes you even better because the bar’s set really, really high. Knowing the competitive nature of the group and the coaching staff, the higher the bar, the better we like it. I’m thrilled that we won four in a row. I have a tremendous admiration for the coaches who have coached in those four gold medal games and those players who have played in them. I hope we can continue to add to that legacy.”

Auriemma is a head coach who has the respect of his players and earned that status a long, long time ago.

“He just knows everybody’s personality,” said Fowles. “He knows how to get to you mentally, physically. You just got to get it done when you’re playing for him. He knows what he wants, he’s consistent with what he wants and he knows how to win. You don’t have any choice but to respect that.”

A great roster, a great coaching staff and the opportunity to do something unprecedented? The United States will be more than focused on dominating the rest of the world in London.

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Earlier we hit you with the Men’s National Team schedule, and now here’s the Women’s schedule, which includes two exhibition games and participation in a four-team tournament. Below are the details, courtesy of USA Basketball:

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Feb. 24, 2012) — The 2012 USA Basketball Women’s National Team’s exhibition schedule was announced today and will include exhibition contests against Brazil in Washington, D.C., on July 16, and Great Britain in Manchester, England, on July 18. Additionally, the USA is scheduled to play in a four-team tournament hosted by Turkey in Istanbul, July 21-24. The remaining two teams and the tournament schedule will be announced at a later date.

Following the mid-summer break in the WNBA season, the U.S. will gather in D.C. on July 14 for training prior to its July 16 doubleheader with the USA men’s team. The women will tip-off against Brazil at 5:30 p.m. (all times listed are local) at the Verizon Center, followed by a USA men versus Brazil game at 8:00 p.m.

Two days later in the Manchester Arena, the USA women are scheduled to tip against host Great Britain at 7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. EDT). The USA men also will face the host nation at the Manchester Arena, slated for July 19 at 7:30 p.m. (2:30 p.m. EDT).

Tickets for both the USA Men’s and Women’s National Team games against their respective Great Britain counterparts will be available starting March 6th. To reserve your tickets please call +44 (0)844 847 8000 or visit ticketmaster.co.uk.

Ticket information for the exhibition games in Washington, D.C. will be released at a later date. To stay connected with all things USA Basketball, follow us at www.usabasketball.com, @usabasketball on twitter and become a fan of USA Basketball on Facebook.

“I think any opportunity that we get to train is vital,” said Geno Auriemma, USA and University of Connecticut head coach. “The game in Washington, D.C., against Brazil gives us an opportunity to see right away what we have. What are some of our strengths? What are some of our weaknesses? It is a great send-off. There should be a lot of fanfare for our team. These are phenomenal athletes and I want the entire country to back them. So, this will be a great opportunity to send them off.”

The U.S. has faced Brazil just twice in exhibition games and official FIBA events over the last decade. However, the two nations have clashed just once in that time in Olympic or World Championship play. The United States earned a 99-59 win against Brazil in the 2006 FIBA World Championship bronze medal game and also defeated the South Americans 73-60 in 2002 in pre-World Championship play. Overall, encompassing all official events (non-exhibition games) dating to 1953, the U.S. owns an overall 43-16 win-loss record over Brazil.

The July 18 game at the Manchester Arena will mark the first time a USA Basketball Women’s National Team has gone up against Great Britain. USA and Great Britain teams have faced off only three times in the past – all at the World University Games (1985, 2009, 2011) – with the Americans owning a 3-0 advantage.

Similarly, the USA National Team has never competed against Turkey. However, the U.S. downed the Turks in the only prior meetings between the two nations: at the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship and the 1997 World University Games.

The 12-member USA National Team that will compete against Brazil and Great Britain will be selected from the list of 21 finalists for the 2012 USA Women’s National Team, which include: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Silver Stars), Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Rebekkah Brunson (Minnesota Lynx), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun),Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Baylor University),Lindsey Harding (Atlanta Dream), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Kara Lawson (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx),Candace Parker(Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Silver Stars).

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Courtesy of USA Basketball:

Highlighted by a trio of two-time Olympic gold medalists and featuring a total of nine players who have won Olympic gold, 21 USA Women’s National Team members were today named as finalists for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team. The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Player Selection Committee.

“Now that we’re down to 21 finalists, you look around and you see a group of players that have tremendous experience,” said Geno Auriemma , 2009-12 USA National Team and University of Connecticut head coach. “(We have) players that have won gold medals, won World Championships, there are WNBA champions on the list, players that have won in Europe in international competition. You’ve got a group of players that have experienced everything there is to experience and as a coach, as someone who’s been around these players, I couldn’t be happier with this group. They represent the best of what the United States has to offer.”

The 21 finalists for the 2012 U.S. Olympic Women’s Basketball Team include: Jayne Appel (San Antonio Silver Stars), Seimone Augustus (Minnesota Lynx), Sue Bird (Seattle Storm), Rebekkah Brunson (Minnesota Lynx), Swin Cash (Chicago Sky), Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun), Candice Dupree (Phoenix Mercury), Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky), Brittney Griner (Baylor University), Lindsey Harding (Atlanta Dream), Asjha Jones (Connecticut Sun), Kara Lawson (Connecticut Sun), Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream), Renee Montgomery (Connecticut Sun), Maya Moore (Minnesota Lynx), Candace Parker (Los Angeles Sparks), Cappie Pondexter (New York Liberty), Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury), Lindsay Whalen (Minnesota Lynx) and Sophia Young (San Antonio Silver Stars).

“When you’re trying to pick a team,” said Auriemma. “It’s important that you don’t just say, ‘ok, well, we’re just going to get the best player and that’s all there is to it.’ You’re trying to put together the Olympic team. So, you’re trying to find players that fit together very well, that are very compatible, they complement each other’s strengths, hide each other’s weaknesses. So, we’re going to have to decide. What kind of team do we want? What are the dynamics that we’re trying to achieve? In the end, are we prepared for anything the other countries are going to throw at us and do we have something for every occasion? As we’re picking the team, those things are going to be really crucial.”

Headlining the finalists roster are 2004 and 2008 Olympic gold medalists Bird, Catchings and Taurasi. They were joined on the 2004 Olympic gold medal stand by Cash and on the top of the podium in 2008 by Augustus, Fowles, Lawson, Parker and Pondexter.

All 12 members of the 2010 USA World Championship Team, which earned the USA’s London Olympic berth by virtue of claiming the ’10 FIBA World Championship, are still in the running for a spot on the 2012 team. Those athletes include: Appel, Bird, Cash, Catchings, Charles, Dupree, Fowles, Jones, McCoughtry, Moore, Taurasi and Whalen.

Bird and Catchings are three-time USA World Championship Team members, having also won gold in 2002 and bronze in 2006; while Augustus, Parker and Taurasi competed on the 2006 USA World Championship Team that returned with the bronze medal.

Twenty of the 21 athletes compete professionally in the WNBA and most continue to hone their games during the winter in China or Europe. The lone collegian is Griner, who has the chance to be the first collegiate athlete selected to a U.S. Olympic women’s basketball team since 1988 (Vicky Bullett, Maryland; Bridgette Gordon, Tennessee).

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Anyone who’s followed the decorated career of Minnesota Lynx guard Seimone Augustus from a distance could be tempted to label it easy. While the judgments may not be accurate, they’re understandable. A condensed listing of the 6-foot scorer’s storybook-like hoop achievements: as a 3-year-old, played organized ball with 5-year-old boys; at age 14, made the cover of Sports Illustrated for Women with the headline, “Is She The Next Michael Jordan?”; the only female to have her jersey retired by LSU; won six gold medals with USA Basketball; twice won the Naismith and Wooden Awards; reigning WNBA Champion and Finals MVP.

But to think the 27-year-old Baton Rouge, LA, native resides on easy street would clash with the fact that she’s two months removed from seizing the W’s throne and currently sits on a phone in Moscow fresh out of practice. What many American hoops fans are ignorant to is that the WNBA season makes up only a third of the average female pro’s year. “This is the life of a female basketball player,” says Augustus, who has just six weeks off per year—the two after the WNBA season ends, two weeks around Christmas and two between the end of the European season and start of the W’s. “In order to live a comfortable lifestyle–not a luxurious lifestyle, just comfortable–we have to come over here to play and make money. We don’t really have a choice.”

Seimone, who currently plays for Spartak Vidnoe in Russia, is already in the midst of two simultaneous seasons—the Russian League and Euroleague–where the physicality of play can make the WNBA seem almost exhibitionist (“Being an American, you almost have to show blood to get a foul over here.”). Enduring months of body-bruising play weeks after carrying Minnesota to its franchise-best record of 27-7 (the Lynx first winning season since ’04) and a 7-1 Playoff run makes No. 33 that more Marvel-worthy. Yet for the one many consider the female version of Carmelo Anthony, it was, well, easy, when compared to what she endured since becoming Minny’s No. 1 pick.

Her first few seasons saw her take shot after shot with the Twin Cities on her shoulders. The result: five straight losing seasons and a couple sore shoulders. “Yeah, I had to shoot a lot of balls…did I wanna do it? No, but I had to in order to give my team a chance.”

In 2010, Minny began putting a real team around its version of MJ, acquiring forward Rebekkah Brunson, Lindsay Whalen and ’11 Draft gem Maya Moore within a year. Seimone was already a superstar, but these co-stars gave her some talented players to lead. “Seimone has always been a leader by example,” says Brunson, the Lynx leading rebounder. “She makes everyone around her better by her ability to silently motivate with her individual greatness. This year, though, and especially in the playoffs, she became the vocal leader that everyone knew she could be.”

The welcomed help resulted in Augustus finishing the season averaging a career low in points (16.2), though her shooting efficiency remained stellar. But once the post-season lights shone bright, “Money Mone” relapsed, averaging 22 ppg throughout the Playoffs, including a Game 3 Finals performance where she finished off the Atlanta Dream with 36 spectacular points. “I had to,” says Augustus of her post-season scoring binge. “Maya got into foul trouble early in some of those games, and everybody looked at me to carry the scoring load. Plus, you had Angel McCoughtry on the other side averaging, like, 40 ppg [technically, 31 ppg.—Ed.]. I had to try and take some of that shine off of her [laughs].”

Anyone who has chronicled the off-court life of Seimone Augustus would label it anything but easy. Over the years the tattooed court assassin has dealt with personal and family health issues. Seimone’s hell began on June 17, ’09, when she tore her ACL in just the sixth game of the WNBA season. Being unable to play ball sent Seimone into a depression. That this career-threatening injury occurred during her contract year nearly drove her mad. “I was the angriest person on the planet,” she remembers. “I couldn’t find happiness in anything I did because the thing I was most passionate about I couldn’t be a part of.”

By the start of the 2010 season, Mone had a contract extension signed and a knee ready for action. But then she felt stabbing pains in her stomach. Huge fibroid tumors were discovered on Seimone’s uterus, a common problem with Augustus women. The daughter of Seymore and Kim had to decide whether to remove the tumors and risk their return or remove her uterus entirely. She opted for the latter. As if preparing for a hysterectomy wasn’t scary enough, Seimone’s dad was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, making it impossible for father and daughter to support each other during their operations. “It was an emotionally hard time for [my parents] as well as myself.”

Mone’s nightmarish year gave her a new outlook on life and a renewed zest for hoops. “Before the injuries I felt myself getting worn down because you never really get a break,” says Augustus. “But after a year off from the ACL and abdominal surgery, I didn’t want any more time off. I just wanted to push through the next couple seasons.”

Looking back, Seimone credits the MVP she is today to her walk through hell. “I feel like I went through that dark period because maybe I got a little lax on what I needed to do to become better,” she admits. “And the way the team was coming together, I couldn’t afford to be lax with my approach to the game because just as fast as you’re one of the top players in the league, you can be the last player in the league or not in the league [anymore].”

The post She’s So Money appeared first on SLAM.

Angel McCoughtry Behind the Scenes of her music video Illusion from Stephen Philms on Vimeo.

While taking a break from filming her upcoming documentary, Angel let us in on her other hustle: music. Already an established WNBA baller, McCoughtry is now expanding into the music world and is in the process of filming a video for her single “Illusion”. The former No. 1 pick and multi-dimensional talent is definitely making the most of her abilities. Be on the look out for her music video and documentary.

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This has been one of the best WNBA seasons ever when it comes to the product on the floor every night, and there’s no reason to expect the Finals to be any different. I don’t expect Minnesota to try to outslug the Dream as Connecticut and Indiana tried to do (and pretty much had to do).

Hopefully, both teams will focus on running and shooting, and we’ll get a high-scoring, highly entertaining conclusion to an outstanding WNBA summer. Set your DVRs now…

Point guard: Just looking at these two point guards, your first guess would be that they’re very different players—and though in a sense, they are, in more important ways they’re very similar (even aside from having the same first name).

Obviously, Lindsay Whalen is the bulkier guard, outweighing Lindsey Harding by at least 20 pounds, despite being only an inch taller. Not surprisingly, Harding is quicker and more athletic, but in terms of on-court effectiveness, it doesn’t seem to make much difference. Though Whalen’s offensive numbers are better, Harding’s defense is better and she’s faster.

Oddly, in a sport where outside shooting is pretty much the sine qua non for elite guards, neither Whalen nor Harding does much damage from three-point distance. Whalen had one of her best seasons, shooting 40.5%, but only took 42 threes during the regular season while Harding attempted just 33 threes, making 10 of them for 30.3%.

Whalen shoots a little more, but also has more assists, as she gets more touches than Harding, who often just watches as Angel McCoughtry or Armintie Price streak down court after a steal. In the end, there’s not much to choose, but I’ll give Minnesota the edge.

Shooting guard: We’ll call this pair Armintie Price and Seimone Augustus, anticipating the Atlanta matchup, but the four wings are all pretty much interchangeable. Price, an intelligent and athletic player who has worked hard to become a decent shooter to go along with a full basket of other skills, will probably draw Augustus, if only to keep McCoughtry out of foul trouble. She won’t test Augustus or Maya Moore at the other end as it’s safe to just drop in the lane and wait for Price to drive, but the assistant coach at Ole Miss is a fine passer and a very smart player who will take advantage of any mistakes.

Augustus, on the other hand, has been in the spotlight since she was in eighth grade, and after a couple injury-plagued seasons, has stepped up as one the world’s best. Against most teams, her size and skills present insoluble problems, but Price and McCoughtry have a better chance to slow her down than most. Still, advantage Minnesota.

Small forward: Angel McCoughtry might just be the best player in the WNBA, which is pretty much like saying she’s the best player in the world. She can score, rebound, defend and pass, though she does turn the ball over too much and is not a good three-point shooter. Nonetheless, her dramatic personality is perfectly suited to the big stage of the WNBA Finals, and if she stays out of foul trouble, put her down for 20 points a game—and at least three emotional outbursts.

Maya Moore is the anti-McCoughtry: Everybody’s darling who always says and does the right thing. She’s also a very good player, extremely smart, very competitive and very skilled. Unfortunately, she is way overmatched defensively trying to guard McCoughtry, so look for Augustus to draw that duty while Moore tries to stay in front of Price. That assignment, though, will tire Augustus a bit, and though she almost never fouls, no one who guards McCoughtry can seem to avoid sending her to the line.

But this advantage goes to Atlanta, regardless. McCoughtry can do things no other woman can (remember that spinning left-handed layup from behind the backboard, through contact, against Indiana?) and the only person who can stop Angel is Angel.

Power forward: This is one of the most intriguing matchups of the postseason, as both Rebekkah Brunson and Sancho Lyttle are long, athletic forwards who are capable of taking over games.

Brunson first: Even though she has a sometimes balky knee, she still might be the best jumper in the league. She’s athletic (John Whisenant originally envisioned her as a small forward) and has a nose for the ball—but really can’t shoot outside about six feet. Every once in a while, she’ll have a game in which she makes the elbow jumper, and when that happens, there’s not much the opposition can do to stop her.

Lyttle, on the other hand, doesn’t have that freakish leaping ability, but she’s a much better shooter – and is also a good rebounder. It’s no accident that when Lyttle was fully healthy, Atlanta started winning, and her five-game playoff stats (11.8 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.2 spg) are much more indicative of her ability than her regular season numbers.

Do you like pancakes or French toast? Even.

Center: Since Erika de Souza will be back in the States for four of the five games (after playing for Brazil in the Olympic qualifier), she gets the nod in this analysis—and that’s good for Atlanta. Taj McWilliams-Franklin is a cagy veteran, but de Souza has been around the block a couple times herself, and is 6-5 to McWilliams-Franklin’s 6-1.

McWilliams-Franklin is a better ballhandler and a better outside shooter, but de Souza’s presence in the paint will be a challenge for the Lynx. Nonetheless, she misses game one, so this one too is even.

Bench: When de Souza comes back, each team will run out three reserves on a regular basis. For Atlanta, that would be Iziane Castro Marques (who will start in game one), Alison Bales and Coco Miller. Castro Marques is the key, as she’s one of those players who makes big plays for both teams. Like McCoughtry, the only one who can stop Izzy is Izzy, and she does a pretty good job of it about half the time. Bales is a solid WNBA post, though at 6-7, she’s not nearly the inside presence you’d expect. Miller is the veteran guard off the bench but she needs to play better than she has in the first five postseason games (14.3% shooting, two assists in 43 minutes).

Minnesota will call on Jessica Adair (the Lynx’ only real inside presence), Candice Wiggins (emotional long-range shooter who attempted 124 three-pointers and 54 two-pointers during the season) and Monica Wright (another top pick who has yet to dazzle in the WNBA). The only real difference is that the Dream bench is more experienced, and all played in the Finals last year—so based on that, give the advantage to Atlanta.

Coaching: Both Cheryl Reeve and Marynell Meadors were roasted and toasted last year, and for some reason, a lot of Atlanta fans still don’t like Meadors, even though she’s taken the Dream to the WNBA Finals for two straight seasons. Both have done good jobs in all aspects of the job, so this too is even.

Intangibles: The presence of two college coaches—Price and Shalee Lehning—on the Atlanta roster, and Carol Ross on the bench, gives Atlanta a little more emotional ballast, which of course the Dream need with McCoughtry and Castro Marques around. Atlanta also reached the finals last year, and that counts for something, even though Minnesota’s individuals have plenty of playoff experience. Still, it says here that McCoughtry’s emotion, overall Dream leadership and last year’s trip to the Finals are enough to give Atlanta the edge.

In conclusion: The categories break down 3-2-3, which pretty much tells you all you need to know about this series. It should be close throughout, and though it’s possible one team will manage to win three close games (as happened last year in Seattle’s sweep), most likely this goes five games.

Of course, if Atlanta gets game one without de Souza, that might be enough to inspire the Dream to finish the series early. I’ll play it safe, though: Atlanta in five.

The post Breaking Down the WNBA Finals appeared first on SLAM.

The 2011 USA Basketball Women’s Pan American Games Team will feature 11 college athletes and one high school senior competing Oct. 21-25 in Guadalajara, Mexico, at the 2011 Pan American Games.

The official 12-member USA roster includes: Breanna Stewart (Cicero-North Syracuse H.S./North Syracuse, N.Y.), a high school senior who helped the USA to a gold medal and earned a spot on the five-person all-tournament team at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship this past July; alongside NCAA student-athletes Shante Evans (Hofstra/West Chester, Pa.); Christine Flores (Missouri/San Antonio, Texas); Tavelyn James (Eastern Michigan/Detroit, Mich.); Emilie Johnson (UC Santa Barbara/Loomis, Calif.); Marissa Kastanek (North Carolina State/Lincoln, Neb.); Kevi Luper (Oral Roberts/Adair, Okla.); Valencia McFarland (Mississippi/ Edwards, Miss.); Katelan Redmon (Gonzaga/Spokane, Wash.); Kayla Standish (Gonzaga/Ellensburg, Wash.); April Sykes (Rutgers/Starkville, Miss.); and Avery Warley (Liberty/
Washington, D.C.). The player selections were made by the USA Basketball Women’s National Team Committee.

The USA, which will look to defend its 2007 Pan American Games gold medal, will be led by an experienced trio of accomplished coaches, including USA head coach Ceal Barry alongside assistant coaches Jennifer Gillom and Debbie Ryan.

“We have a great variety of players, and I think the selection committee did a tremendous job in a tough time period,” Barry said. “It’s tough for college players to get away, but this is a group that is versatile and talented. We’ll find out once we get to Houston how we are going to fit these pieces together, and I’m looking forwarding to working with all 12 players.”

The U.S. squad will open training camp on Oct. 15 with an evening practice in Houston, Texas (time and location TBD), followed by two practices on Oct. 16 and 17, and a morning session on Oct. 18. The team will depart for Guadalajara and the 2011 Pan American Games on Oct. 18, and will have a practice on Oct. 19 and 20 before the competition starts on Oct. 21.

Three 2011 USA team members have prior USA Basketball experience. As a member of the 2011 USA Women’s U19 World Championship Team, Stewart averaged team-highs of 11.2 points and 7.3 rebounds per game to go along with 1.7 blocks in 19.9 minutes per game to help the USA to a 7-1 record and gold medal at the 2011 FIBA U19 World Championship. Shooting 46.8 percent from the field (36-77 FGs), Stewart was named to the five-member all-tournament team. She also won gold medals with the USA at the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championship in France and the 2009 FIBA Americas U16 Championship in Mexico.

Additionally, Sykes was one of 14 finalists for the 2011 USA Basketball Women’s World University Games Team, while Standish attended trials for the 2011 USA WUGs team.

The 2011 USA Women’s Pan American Games Team includes seven players who will graduate from college in 2012, three members of the junior class who will graduate in 2013 and one college sophomore. Stewart has one year of high school remaining before she is expected to head to the University of Connecticut in the fall of 2012, where she has verbally committed to attend.

Represented by one athlete on the USA roster are the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), Big 12 Conference, Big East Conference, Big South Conference, Big West Conference, Colonial Athletic Association (CAA), Mid-American Conference (MAC), the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and the Summit League, while the West Coast Conference (WCC) is represented by Gonzaga teammates Redmon and Standish.

For a second consecutive year, Luper was named the Summit League Player of the Year following the 2010-11 season, and Luper and Warley (Big South) each took home conference Defensive Player of the Year honors.

Listing on their all-conference first teams in 2010-11 were Evans (CAA), James (MAC), Johnson (Big West), Luper (Summit), Redmon (WCC), Standish (WCC) and Warley (Big South).

Sykes listed on the 2011 Big East All-Conference second team, while Kastanek (ACC) earned honorable mention and McFarland was named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.

Additionally, Warley and Standish were named to their conference all-tournament teams.

The draw for the 2011 Pan American Games women’s basketball competition took place on June 27, and the U.S. women will play in preliminary round Group A, along with Argentina, Mexico and Puerto Rico; while Brazil, Canada, Colombia and Jamaica comprise Group B. Preliminary round play for the women’s basketball competition runs Oct. 21, 22 and 23, with the semifinals on Oct. 24, and the finals on Oct. 25.

The Pan American Games are a multi-sport competition held every four years (2011, 2015, etc.) in the year preceding the Olympics. Organized by the Pan American Sports Organization (PASO), the Games are open to men and women representing countries from North, South and Central America and the Caribbean.

Overall, the USA women in Pan American Games competitions have won seven of 14 gold medals, as well as four silver and two bronze medals, compiling a 72-12 overall record.

Former players of note that have competed in the Pan American Games include: Jennifer Azzi (1991); Cynthia Cooper (1987); Anne Donovan (1983 and 1987); Teresa Edwards (1987 and 1991); Pat Head Summitt (1975); Nancy Lieberman (1975 and 1979); Katrina McClain (1987 and 1991); Angel McCoughtry (2007); Carla McGhee (1995); Ann Meyers (1975 and 1979); Cheryl Miller (1983); Dawn Staley (1995); Sheryl Swoopes (1995); and Candice Wiggins (2007).

USA Basketball

Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., USA Basketball is a nonprofit organization and the national governing body for men’s and women’s basketball in the United States. As the recognized governing body for basketball in the United States by the International Basketball Federation (FIBA) and the United States Olympic Committee (USOC), USA Basketball is responsible for the selection, training and fielding of USA teams that compete in FIBA sponsored international basketball competitions, as well as for some national competitions.

Since 2008, USA Basketball men’s and women’s teams have compiled a sterling 134-6 win-loss record in FIBA or FIBA Americas competitions. USA teams are the current men’s and women’s champions of the Olympics and the FIBA World Championships; FIBA women’s U19 world champions; the men’s and women’s title holders for the FIBA U17 World Championships; and the men’s and women’s U18 and U16 FIBA Americas champions. USA Basketball currently ranks No. 1 in all five of FIBA’s world ranking categories, including combined, men’s, women’s, boys and girls.

For further information about USA Basketball, go to the official Web site of USA Basketball at www.usabasketball.com and connect with us on facebook.com/usabasketball, twitter.com/usabasketball and www.youtube.com/therealusabasketball.

The post USA Basketball Announces 2011 Women’s Pan American Games Team appeared first on SLAM.

So now that L.A. dissipated any real interest in the last weeks of the WNBA season by collapsing in the fourth quarter Tuesday, we’ve got a little time to look at some other aspects of the summer—such as who really is the best player.

There are a lot of candidates of MVP, but for the sake of discussion—OK, maybe even an argument—a look at the latest Player Efficiency Rankings list can add some actual data to the conversation.

First, what’s PER? It’s a complex formula developed by John Hollinger that attempts to rate players by assessing their statistical contributions. Unfortunately, there are a lot of assumptions built into the formula (such as how often a particular player handles the ball, the positive value of an assist as opposed to the negative value of a turnover, etc.) not to mention a fuzzy (at best) acknowledgment of defensive contributions, but it’s still a lot better than just referring to points and rebounds per game.

And all misgivings aside, PER is still a reasonable way to start any analysis of the top players in the game, though again it’s important to remember that defense isn’t really accounted for.

So who do the numbers love? CP3—and no, I’m not talking about Courtney Paris. Candace Parker can obviously score and rebound with the best of them, but she’s rewarded as well for her very low turnover percentage and her ability to draw fouls. Her PER is 27.58, which doesn’t mean much except that the average is artificially set to 15.0, and that a strong MVP candidate should be around 27.5.

We’re done here, right?

Well, not quite. For one thing, Parker missed 15 of L.A.’s 32 games, which brings up the persistent question of how many games does a player have to play to be eligible for an award? Sylvia Fowles hasn’t missed any games, and her PER is 26.27, so doesn’t she get credit for durability?

And that brings us to point two: Parker’s devotion to defense has never been all that fervent, while Fowles is a force at that end of the floor. Acknowledging that PER doesn’t really give defense its due would move Parker down and Fowles up—and they’re not that far apart to begin with.

Third and fourth on the list are Tamika Catchings and Penny Taylor, both of whom have the advantage of playing on playoff teams—neither Parker nor Fowles will be present in postseason, and there’s certainly an argument to be made that an MVP in a league in which eight of the 12 teams advance to postseason should be good enough to carry her team into the playoffs.

Catchings probably has the most convincing case of those two, as many will argue that Taylor isn’t even the best player on her own team—and sure enough, Diana Taurasi is sixth overall, just two spots behind Taylor. In between is the pouty Angel McCoughtry, probably the best defender of that trio, but also the most mercurial (even though she plays for the Dream).

Overall, though, the numbers suggest pretty strongly that Catchings is the logical choice for the MVP, especially considering that she’s one of the best defenders in the world, and is underserved by the PER formula.

And now, just for the fun of it, let’s see what PER has to say about the MUP, or Most Unvaluable Player—and that list begins with Andrea Riley. Riley has had an abysmal year, but she does have a pretty good excuse: She gave birth to daughter Tiana March 29, and has struggled with conditioning and recovery all summer.

Phoenix guard Ketia Swanier has no such excuse, though, but she is reputed to be a good defender, so maybe her score could be adjusted up from 4.90. The next four on the list are also considered strong on defense (Shyra Ely, Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Kerri Gardin and Scholanda Robinson), but Iziane Castro-Marques is not—and her PER of 8.08 is a big reason she dropped out of Atlanta’s starting lineup.

Two 2011 first-round draft picks also aren’t faring that well, as Courtney Vandersloot (9.32) and Jasmine Thomas (9.45) are well below average.

And speaking of average, who does PER says is closest to being just a regular, ordinary, run-of-the-mill player? Why, ageless Taj McWilliams-Franklin, who checks in at 14.91. Matee Ajavon and, surprisingly, Swin Cash are also close to the 15.0 middle mark, which pretty much completes a look at the PER spectrum.

Still, it hasn’t really solved the MVP quandary. Parker has the numbers, but she’s missed 15 games and doesn’t really defend; Catchings is a barely above average shooter (according to another advanced stat called efficient shooting percentage), and that’s one of the single most important factors in winning games. And Fowles couldn’t even get the Chicago Sky into the playoffs, so how good can she really be?

So in the end, as usual, it comes down as much to feel as analysis—and which player you’d rather have on your team.

The post What The Numbers Say About the WNBA MVP appeared first on SLAM.

Check out another sneak peek into the production of the up-coming documentary “Angel’s Dream” about the life and career of Atlanta Dream superstar Angel McCoughtry. In this episode, Angel speaks about her life growing up in Baltimore, how she became the No. 1 draft pick in 2009 and about the inspiration for the documentary. Follow Angel on Twitter @angel_35.

The post Video: Angel’s Dreams, Pt. 2 appeared first on SLAM.

SAN ANTONIO, TX — The WNBA season lasts only 34 games and stretches from (roughly) June through September. On the surface, it seems relatively short and much less hectic than the NBA’s 82-game season by comparison.

But as you know, appearances can be deceiving.

Nearly 10 WNBA All-Stars had a game with their respective teams Thursday night, just 18 hours before they were scheduled to arrive in San Antonio to fulfill All-Star responsibilities (WNBA Cares events, practice, receptions, etc.). Remember, players in the WNBA don’t just hop on a comfortable, chartered flight when it’s convenient like players in the NBA and NFL do; they travel just like you and I. Some fly Southwest, others Delta; you get my point. They check their own bags, go through ridiculous security lines, and wait inside the terminal like the rest of us as our flight is inevitably delayed.

For example, after the Storm beat the Silver Stars in Seattle Thursday night, Swin Cash and Sue Bird didn’t arrive in San Antonio until after ten in the morning on Friday. They got to the hotel, slept for about an hour or so, and then had to catch the bus to the AT&T Center for practice and media availability.

Why am I telling you this? Simple. If I didn’t, maybe you’d never know.

After all, based on the smiles, laughter, eager participation in multiple community events, and selfless interaction with fans there’s no way anyone would think these players were mentally or physically exhausted.

That, is the consummate definition of a professional.

In speaking to multiple players, they all said (in their own, unique way) that All-Star weekend is rejuvenating for their spirit. The life of a WNBA player is in constant motion. Fluid. Repetitive. Because they compete at the highest of levels for 11 out of 12 months of the year, they don’t have the luxury of seeing their friends or families on a consistent basis.

But it became increasingly apparent to me that All-Star Weekend is special in that they get to let loose a little bit. Have some fun. See their loved ones.

I was in the midst of talking to first-time All-Star Courtney Vandersloot on the AT&T Center floor when she looked up and saw her parents who came in from Washington to see her play. Tamika Catchings made a point to greet a multitude of family and friends in the stands before practice. Other players mentioned they were just looking forward to grabbing a bite to eat with their family.

Nothing extraordinary, just quality time. The WNBA All-Star game is less about the play on the court as it is celebrating their collective accomplishment.

That’s why little breaks like this (even for those not in the All-Star game) are so critical for WNBA players (who, you may or may not know, play professional basketball year-round). You can tell that this weekend, and not necessarily the basketball portion, means something to these women.

They’re grateful to represent their respective teams and thankful to even have the opportunity to play in an All-Star game.

Respect.

Random Observations and Things of Note

– It is freaking humid in San Antonio. But the cab drivers are friendly.

– SLAM was a big hit. I had numerous people come up and tell me they’ve been subscribers for years. Pretty cool.

– Swin Cash is a machine. Lucky for us, she has been holding it down for SLAM all weekend long. She took some great flip-cam video we’ll be sharing it soon.

– After the East’s head coach Marynell Meadors (Atlanta Dream) spent time having her squad “run” through “offensive sets” (we can barely call them that), West coach Brian Agler (Seattle Storm) told a couple of us in the media that he’d be doing things a bit differently during the West’s practice. Indeed, he did; the bulk of the time was spent trying to see how many shots the players could hit from half-court in 60 seconds. This was MUCH more entertaining.

– In case you were wondering, Sue Bird made three granny-shots in a row (four total in 60 SECONDS) from HALF-COURT! I’ve never seen that before.

– Diana Taurasi said my shoes were fly even though they were adidas.

– Speaking of shoes, Maya Moore wore a SICK pair of customized Jordan’s and will debut them in the All-Star game today (see her tweet below).

– Liz Cambage dunked (easily) in the West’s practice.

– Becky Hammon and Danielle Adams, from the hometown San Antonio Silver Stars, received the loudest applause as they stepped onto the court.

– The University of Connecticut exports some pretty amazing players to the WNBA (see picture to the right of Renee Montgomery, Diana Taurasi, Tina Charles, Swin Cash, Sue Bird’s left arm, and Maya Moore).

– Tamika Catchings could very well be the nicest human being on the planet.

– Epiphanny Prince, Katie Douglas, and Angel McCoughtry spent the most time signing autographs to fans.

– I talked to Penny Taylor about the weather along the Australian coast. It sounds like heaven. Literally.

– Media availability occurred after the East’s practice which ended at 4:00 and prior to the West’s practice at 4:30. Needless to say, having all media and players on the court at the same time was…interesting. I did my best not to ask a player a question they’ve already been asked, which is likely why Penny Taylor and I ended up chatting about the weather in Australia…

– Taj McWilliams-Franklin and Marie Ferdinand-Harris held a basketball clinic for an hour after the East and West practice ended. Over 100 kids from local Boys & Girls Club participated and had a blast.

All-Star Tweets of the Day

– Maya Moore (@MooreMaya): “Getting xcited to showcase the All-Star J’s I’ll be rockin tomorrow!! Wore these @ practice today. http://lockerz.com/s/122681316“

– Swin Cash (@SwinCash): “UConn Fam in the building! @tinacharles31 @Da20one @MooreMaya Sue & Dee http://lockerz.com/s/122711882″

– Renee Montgomery (@Da20one): “Oh and @piphdagreat10 is NOT the best dressed here but she’s also NOT the worst. @swincash is the Best dressed.”

– Cappie Pondexter (@cappa23): “Had an amazing time with kids n @nbafit at Fort Sam Houston! Made my day a true blessing!!! #wnba #allstar weekend”

– Rebekkah Brunson (@twin1532): “I’m in love #Nike“

– Elizabeth Cambage (@ecambage): “Having so much fun with all the wonderful ladies here at @wnba all star weekend!! Such an honor to be here”

***

Check back at 3:30 ET for our live blog of the 2011 WNBA All-Star game.

The post WNBA All-Star Sights and Sounds appeared first on SLAM.

After opening the game shooting 5-of-5 from the field to ignite an 11-1 run, the USA Basketball Women’s World Championship Team (8-0) steadily improved its advantage throughout to easily secure a 106-70 win over Spain (6-2) that featured points from all 12 players and earned the USA its place in the 2010 FIBA World Championship gold medal game.

“I thought we played really, really well on offense,” said USA and University of Connecticut head coach Geno Auriemma. “Our defense got better and better as the game went on. We’re about as ready as we can be going into tomorrow night.”

The USA will battle host Czech Republic (6-2), which earlier today outlasted Belarus (4-4) 81-77 in overtime, for the gold medal at 8:00 p.m. (2:00 p.m. EDT) on Oct. 3 in Karlovy Vary; while Spain will meet Belarus to play for bronze at 5:30 p.m. (11:30 EDT). The USA’s final game, which will be played in front of a raucous crowd of Czech supporters, will air live on NBA TV, and fans can also watch live streaming of all FIBA World Championship games at www.FIBATV.com. 

“Tomorrow night’s going to be one of the most difficult challenges for this team,” Auriemma continued. “You’re playing the Czech Republic on their home court, with all their fans, in kind of a Cinderella run for them to get to this point. I think the emotions and the energy in this building is going to be a great place to be tomorrow night. I’m looking forward to it.”    

Tamika Catchings (Indiana Fever), who was 3-of-4 from 3-point, led four U.S. players in double figures with 14 points. That was followed by Sylvia Fowles (Chicago Sky) with 13 points and a game-high six rebounds, Angel McCoughtry (Atlanta Dream) with 11 points and three steals, and Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) with 11 points and four assists. 

Additionally, Sue Bird (Seattle Storm) dished out a game-high five assists and three players just missed double digits, including Swin Cash (Seattle Storm), who was 4-of-4 from the field, Tina Charles (Connecticut Sun) and Ashja Jones (Connecticut Sun) with nine points apiece… Not only is a gold medal at stake in Karlovy Vary, but the gold medalists will earn a berth to the 2012 Olympic Games.”

The post Team USA Earns Spot In Gold Medal Game appeared first on SLAM.

So I’m talking to a guy who runs a scouting service for college coaches looking for high school girls to recruit–and he says he never watches the WNBA.

I didn’t pursue the reasons why, because he looked like one of those purists who hates the NBA, and thinks the college game is the pinnacle of the sport. I don’t need to go into that argument, and try to convince someone that just playing hard doesn’t necessarily equate to good basketball–after all, the girls on my high school team play pretty hard, but I still wouldn’t recommend that a random basketball fan pay $5 to watch us play.

But regardless of his reasons, it is simply foolish for anyone associated with women’s basketball to not pay attention the WNBA–and here a few reasons why:

1) It’s the best women’s basketball league in the world. The Euroleague, which brings together the top club teams from all the European countries, has some pretty good players, but they’re spread across a lot of teams, and the limitations on the number of Americans on each roster definitely dilutes the talent.

And though the WNBA doesn’t have all the top Euros, due to its relatively low salaries, there’s no doubt that the 11-woman rosters in the W are deeper and better than their counterparts in Europe, or anywhere else.

Which means, simply, that anyone who wants to know about what the best women’s basketball looks like needs to watch the WNBA. (It is true, however, that the coaching isn’t the best in the world–the best coaches, for the most part, follow the money and thus are in the NCAA.) A professional or semi-professional worker bee in women’s basketball, regardless of level, must be familiar with the WNBA.

There is one problem: On TV, the WNBA doesn’t look nearly as good as it actually is. To truly appreciate the level of play, it’s almost a necessity to be in the first few rows of a WNBA game–and then the strength, size, skill and physicality of the players becomes impossible to ignore.

Unfortunately, not many people can do that, and so when, for example, a talent evaluator used to watching high school players from the second row of the bleachers sees a WNBA game on TV, or from 40 rows up, it’s very hard for him to grasp how good the players really are.

2) It sets the standard. Those young players with serious ambitions in the sport absolutely must watch the WNBA, because there they’ll see what they must do to compete at the highest level. A 5-11 high school power forward may be all that in 3-D in summer basketball, but it won’t take many viewings of the WNBA to realize that there’s a very limited future for 5-11 power forwards–and that transitioning to the three sooner rather than later is an excellent idea.

More lessons: Smaller guards (anyone 5-9 or smaller) clearly must make three-pointers, and post players (6-3 or taller) must learn to love contact, and preferably initiate it.

A perceptive reader will note that most girls won’t make the WNBA – but first, who’s to say what 14-year-old will and what 14-year-old won’t. Angel McCoughtry was barely recruited out of high school, and was the top overall pick in the 2009 draft. Equally important, the best college players are preparing for the WNBA, and those are the players that young hopefuls will be playing against throughout their high school years.

So knowing the WNBA means knowing the competition, and that’s very valuable information, especially to someone who’s trying to evaluate high school talent.

3) It is crucial for the future of the sport. Because the WNBA is by far the most visible American professional team sport for women, it attracts young athletes into the game. Why would any great young female athlete choose lacrosse as her top sport? Sure, there are scholarships here and there, but there’s no money in it after college, and no fame or glory.

With the WNBA on TV most Tuesday nights in the summer, it’s pretty clear that there’s a future in women’s basketball, and a future that includes not only a salary, but national TV exposure. But should the WNBA disappear, all of a sudden that motivation disappears, and no longer is basketball more attractive than volleyball, softball, soccer, lacrosse or water polo.

So anyone who cares about women’s and girls’ basketball needs to pay attention, acknowledge and promote the WNBA, if only for the good of the game.

And what they’ll find, as they watch the league more and more, is that it can stand on its own as quality basketball, worth watching for its own sake–and played at a much higher level than NCAA teams can ever dream of.

The post Don’t sleep on the WNBA appeared first on SLAM.

I wrote a story on the Stanford-bound prep star of Cy-Fair HS that was Originally published in SLAM 131.

I asked her to write a guest blog to show SLAM faithful how a basketball phenom navigates the b-ball award tour and handles being certified as the next big thing. Here’s her account:

***

by Chiney Ogwumike / @ChineyO13

I love March Madness! This has definitely been the most memorable year for me on many specters. I have been blessed and privileged to have partaken in a once-in-a-lifetime adventure this past month.

It all started March 2 when our high school team won our second state championship in the past three years. There is no better feeling than knowing you gave all you had for your community, friends, family, teachers, and fellow students, ending your senior year with a win that will last forever in history.

The celebration lasted a couple of days and before I knew it on March 21. I turned 18 years old. My mom and other sisters planned a surprise birthday party for me, the first one ever! I was so shocked and happy to share the day with great company. But the surprises didn’t end there… Tuesday, March 23, I headed to Atlanta to graciously receive one of the most prestigious awards basketball has to offer: the Naismith Award for High School Girl’s Player of the Year. The ceremony was beyond impressive and I even met one of my newest best friends, Jared Sullinger. Jared and his father James “Satch” Sullinger were honored as the respective High School Boys Player of the Year and High School Boys Coach of the Year. Angel McCoughtry was also an esteemed guest there and directed advice to all the rising basketball players. She reiterated that your “degree comes first, then you can hit the court.” Great advice! The trip was short yet magical.

Two days later the surprise came. I should have caught the hint when my little sisters were unusually giddy. It was a typical school day that happened to end with a celebratory “pep rally.” After receiving many random delays, I made it to the auditorium. The whole pep rally was really a set up to present me with the Gatorade National Girl’s Basketball Player of the Year Award. I never expected to receive the award, even after Nneka, my sister won it in 2008. To top it off, Nneka and the entire Stanford women’s basketball team presented me the trophy in front of my school via Skype. Man technology these days is crazy! You see the festivities on Facebook.

All of the accumulated excitement of the past week continued to build as I headed to the Columbus, Ohio where I was selected to play in the McDonald’s All-American games. That was probably the most fun and memorable week ever! I’ll hit the high points.

All-Americans: When I was at camp in Oregon this past summer, Nike trainer Ganon Baker said our Class of 2010 was probably the most enjoyable class he has had yet. We all get along, are competitive, and have a strong will to work while having fun. It was never more evident at McDonald’s. We experienced so many things together, from high competition to charity, and are forevermore a family of friends. In this unique way we are bonded for life. When many people read about the All-Americans you tend to hear the sports news such as stats, wins, and commitments. You don’t hear Odyssey Sims can liven up any conversation. Ray McCallum loves apple dippers. Maggie Lucas is a beast at RockBand. Tobias Harris has got the freshest rap flows. Brandon Knight and Corey Joseph put on a front of being mellow and chill but BKnight has the world’s greatest smile and Corey is so intense about his air hockey (especially against unbeatable Bria Hartley.) We are a bunch of kids that love our sport and I know we have bright futures on and off the court.

Ronald McDonald House: Here’s a story that should tell all. There was a cute little boy there named Leonardo, moved recently from Italy, who was full of energy, life, and laughter. He ran around, got Fab Melo (commit to Syracuse) to pick him up and let him dunk the ball, and eventually started chasing the boys, hitting them in their (with all due respect) “soft spots.” You would expect any guy to hide from that situation but Jared Sullinger summed it up saying, “Of course it hurt but I’ll take that hit any day just to make him smile.” Hoops and a heart!

McDonald’s JamFest: 3-Point Contest: Maggie Lucas shot like a pro. Corey Joseph showed a piece of his silky smooth repertoire behind the arc. Skills Challenge: Kendall Marshall probably had the most impressive run early conquering every obstacle. Slam Dunk Contest: Ray McCallum stole the show with his inconceivable hops and circus-like acrobatics. But Josh Selby won the crown doing things SportsCenter worthy. And yes, the ladies danced with Cupid from hit song “Cupid’s Shuffle.” Evan Turner and Sammy Prahalis also graced our company.

Awards Banquet: We all got spiffed up and enjoyed a night hosted by Emmitt Smith where we thanked all of the sponsors that made this event one of the most desired event for any high school athlete in the country. Later Harrison Barnes and I were honored with the Morgan Wootten Player of the Year Award. Harrison Barnes as a person is just like his dunks: classy, humble, and awe-inspiring.

The Game (Girls): We reppin’ the Lone Star State of Texas and the WEST SIDE! I am so proud of Odyssey Sims, Tiffany Moore, Karla Gilbert, and Meighan Simmons for showing why “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” But nevertheless we did it as a team, everyone counted. Despite a zillion turnovers it was an upbeat and exciting game.

The Game (Boys): The scary thing is every boy had an amazing highlight. But I think what stood out in the end to me was… 1) Jared Sullinger: hospital in the morning to MVP of the East by night, playing in his hometown at his future university, 2) Harrison Barnes: MVP of West, flawless and dominating performance, and 3) Brandon Knight: did the little things that mattered to his team, until he hit the buzzer three that gave the dub to the West!

With all said and done in Columbus, some of us we headed back to our Lone Star for the WBCA All-American game. To rap up the travel and trips was never a more perfect ending or dare I say beginning. I was lucky to play on the Final Four floor right before my sister did in the championship series. It was an amazing experience, to have someone so dear to me work so hard and start living her dream. I cannot plan a better finish to the journey.

I am so thankful to all these organizations for providing opportunities to promote women’s basketball and inspiring everyone to achieve greatness. All of our open hearts and minds have created a fraternity of basketball players who are working together to compete, succeed, and positively influence our peers, changing the world.

It has been an honor being your correspondent and if you wish you can continue to follow me at twitter.com/ChineyO13.

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