Friday, May 30, 2014

Monday, May 26, 2014

Lynx outlast Sky to win battle of the unbeatens

The final was 75-72 Lynx today, as they remained undefeated in taking down the previously-unbeaten Sky. Maya Moore was held to 14 points and Elena Delle Donne was held to 16.

Other WNBA news.....

Storm:

Sue Bird plans to keep playing into the next Olympics.

One-on-one with Bird.

Lynx:

Maya Moore stands out early with a spectacular start.

Rankings:

Seattle Storm beat reporter Jayda Evans has WNBA power rankings, and they're not bad.

U17, U18 USA Basketball team rosters named

The U17 team is set:

Named to the 2014 USA Women’s U17 World Championship Team after helping the USA to win the 2013 FIBA Americas U16 Championship this past summer, which earned the USA its berth into the 2014 FIBA U17 World Championship, are 2013 U16 MVP Asia Durr (St. Pius X Catholic H.S./Douglasville, Ga.), as well as DeJanae Boykin (Charles H. Flowers H.S./Springdale, Md.), Lauren Cox (Flower Mound H.S./Flower Mound, Texas), Nancy Mulkey (Cypress Woods H.S./Cypress, Texas), Arike Ogunbowale (Divine Savior Holy Angels H.S./Milwaukee, Wis.) and Katie Lou Samuelson (Mater Dei H.S./Huntington Beach, Calif.).

Playing on their first USA Basketball team in 2014 will be: Kristine Anigwe (Desert Vista H.S./Phoenix, Ariz.), Kennedy Burke (Sierra Canyon School/Northridge, Calif.), Natalie Chou (Plano West Senior H.S./Plano, Texas), Te'a Cooper (McEachern H.S./Powder Springs, Ga.), Joyner Holmes (Cedar Hill H.S./Cedar Hill, Texas) and Anna Wilson (Collegiate School/Richmond, Va.).

Additionally, Sabrina Ionescu (Miramonte H.S./Walnut Creek, Calif.) was named as an alternate.


The U18 team has also been named:

Joining their first USA Basketball team are: Ariel Atkins (Duncanville H.S./Duncanville, Texas); Napheesa Collier (Incarnate Word Academy/O’Fallon, Mo.); Paris Kea (Greensboro Page H.S./Greensboro, N.C.); Marina Mabrey (Manasquan H.S./Manasquan, N.J.); Teaira McCowan (Brenham H.S./Brenham, Texas); Beatrice Mompremier (Miami H.S./Miami, Fla.); Mariya Moore (Salesian H.S./Richmond, Calif.); Jessica Shepard (Fremont H.S./Fremont, Neb.); and Destinee Walker (Lake Highland Prep School/Ocoee, Fla.).

Saturday, May 24, 2014

Maya Moore breaks record, Sky doesn't miss a beat

The Lynx edged the Liberty, 87-82. In the process, Maya Moore put up 30 points and broke a WNBA record for four consecutive games scoring over 30 points. That included last night's career-high 38.

The Sky are down two starters, but are still undefeated after clipping the Dream, 87-73. Elena Delle Donne once again lead Chicago with 27 points - a season high.

In the meantime, the Storm beat the Mystics, 73-65.

More WNBA news.....

Liberty:

Summer hoops at the Garden is on tap.

Sparks:

I went to practice today and saw Nneka Ogwumike on the court (!!) She'll be back in game action tomorrow after sitting out the team's second game with a strained lower back.

Candice Wiggins is still day-to-day with a swollen knee.

Friday, May 23, 2014

A bit of parity in the WNBA

Tonight's results:

The Sun took down the Storm, 71-59, behind rookie Chiney Ogwumike's 18 points.

The Mystics upended the Fever, 79-63. Rookie Bria Hartley lead Washington with 15 points.

The Lynx survived the Shock, 94-93, as Maya Moore lead the way with 38 points.

The Stars got past the Mercury, 78-74. Danielle Robinson had 14 points for San Antonio.

More WNBA news.....

Dream:

Rookie Shoni Schimmel brings her own fan base to Atlanta.

Rookie spotlight: Nadia Colhado.

Shock:

Tulsa may shock a few people this season.

Riquna Williams worked her way to WNBA stardom.

Sun:

Kelly Faris is adjusting to a new role for the Sun - waiting.

Chiney Ogwumike proves Nerd Nation is the real deal.

Sue Bird talks Anne Donovan, aging and the big picture.

Chelsea Gray blogs.

Lynx:

A hectic weekend will test the Lynx's "nasty nine."

It's business as usual for Seimone Augustus.

Damiris Dantas is Minnesota's next big thing.

Lynx unleashed podcast.

Q&A with Asia Taylor.

Mystics:

Crystal Langhorne is set for a homecoming when the Mystics host the Storm.

A minute with Tierra Ruffin-Pratt.

Liberty:

Essence Carson is the comeback kid.

Mercury:

Shay Murphy and the "buy lunch Thursday" movement.

College news:

UCLA is planning for a new basketball practice facility.

Chester Nichols returns to West Virginia as an assistant coach.

UCF has brought three new assistant coaches on board.

Chris Boettcher is Southern Utah's new head coach.

USA Basketball:

Ariel Atkins has been added to the U18 tryout roster.

The U17 trials are heating up.

Ebony Hoffman clinics putting the fundamentals back in basketball

Ebony Hoffman isn't wasting time this summer.

The WNBA veteran had planned on playing. But the first week in training camp with the New York Liberty, she injured her hip. The Liberty cut her shortly afterward.

Hoffman came home and picked up right where she left off: running youth basketball clinics with husband Ron Cass. And she's extending even further with a post clinic next Saturday for college players.


The need for skill development is acute, according to Hoffman, who said today's high school and college players lack knowledge of the fundamentals of the game. There are several reasons for this.

Hoffman is of basketball pedigree, as a 2000 graduate of the storied Narbonne High School basketball program in Los Angeles. In those days, she explained, your AAU/summer basketball program and your high school team were one and the same. This helped the Gauchos dominate both the city and state basketball landscape for over a decade. Today, club ball teams are formed with players from everywhere - even out of state.

"Sometimes there are philosophical conflicts between high school and AAU coaches, and players don't get a consistent message," Hoffman said. "On AAU teams now, there is no individual development - it's just all about the team practice."

Hoffman became especially aware of how different the youth basketball landscape is today when Cass was hired as head coach at University High School in Los Angeles two years ago. The couple began to see evidence of a widespread skills deficit on a daily basis.

"For instance, they'll be so into their one-on-one that they'll forget their pivots," Hoffman said. "Many kids can't do both a left-handed and right-handed layup. They'll settle for step-back three's instead of going in and finishing the move."

"Kids are either taught backward, or not taught at all."

Hoffman and Cass began their skills clinics in December, on Saturday mornings at Narbonne. Now they have 40 regular attendees every week. Beginning June 7, the clinic will be 10 a.m.-noon Saturdays at Stephen White Middle School in Carson. This summer they plan to expand, and will offer clinics from 6-8 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays at Laces High School, in addition to Saturdays.

"Our clinic is different because we get them thinking outside the box," Hoffman said. "It's different than your traditional camp-style clinic - we're remixing that. Kids are never bored."

If next weekend's post clinic is successful, Hoffman may continue to work with college players regularly, as well.

"I've got ten years of professional basketball experience, and I'm happy to pass it on," she said.

Wednesday, May 21, 2014

Sky tops Sun, 78-68

Elena Delle Donne once again lead the Sky in a win - today over the Sun, 78-68. She had 21 points.

Sun rookie Chiney Ogwumike lead her team with 18 points.

More WNBA news.....

Fever:

Natasha Howard is making a splash as a rookie.

Stars:

Kayla Alexander recently gave weathercasting a try.

Mystics:

Rookies Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley are adjusting to the WNBA.

A minute with Emma Meeseman.

Mercury:

Brittney Griner is off to an impressive start.

Liberty:

Will fans welcome the Liberty back to the Garden?

Lynx:

Today's practice report.

Storm:

What to do with the Storm?

Kids Choice Sports Awards:

Nominees include Candace Parker and Skylar Diggins.

College news:

Fred Chmiel's hiring as an assistant at Minnesota completes the coaching staff there.

Former Nebraska Husker Amy Stephens is now an assistant coach for her alma mater.

Cecelia Russell-Nava returns to her alma mater, New Mexico State, as an assistant coach.

Time out for college happenings

Pat Summitt will have knee replacement surgery.

Kansas State athletic director John Currie is working to grant Leticia Romero a release from the team.

C. Vivian Stringer's four year contract with Rutgers will pay between $700,000 and $800,000
.

Charlotte coach Cara Consuegra's contract has been extended through 2018-2019.

Sarah Behn was introduced as Brown's new coach today.

Delanie Parry is transferring from Portland State to Seattle University
.

More on WNBA and LGBT pride

News release from the league:

NEW YORK, (May 21, 2014) – The Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) tipped off WNBA Pride presented by COVERGIRL, a new national platform celebrating inclusion and equality, while combating anti-LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender) bias, it was announced today by WNBA President Laurel J. Richie.

“The WNBA welcomes all fans, athletes, and partners to our game,” said Richie. “These beliefs unite the 12 teams of the WNBA and we are very excited to introduce the WNBA Pride platform which celebrates acceptance and inclusion. The WNBA takes great pride in working with extraordinary partners who share these values, and we are so grateful to our presenting partner COVERGIRL along with ESPN, GLSEN and GLAAD for joining the WNBA on this important initiative.”

The WNBA will be the first professional sports league to establish an integrated marketing, media, grassroots and social responsibility program for the LGBT community including a new special site, WNBA.com/pride where league and team Pride content, events and schedules will be posted throughout the season. Information will also be shared on the league’s social media channels where the content will be aggregated with the hashtag #wnbapride.

WNBA to market to LGBT community

'Bout time:

NEW YORK -- The WNBA is launching a campaign to market specifically to the LGBT community, a move that makes it the first pro league to specifically recruit gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender fans to its games.

With the campaign, the WNBA is capitalizing on what it has quietly known for years: The community makes up a significant portion of its fan base. The difference now is that the league is talking about it publicly and making it a deliberate part of its marketing strategy.

The effort, which begins with the launch of a website Wednesday, includes having teams participate in local pride festivals and parades, working with advocacy groups to raise awareness of inclusion through grassroots events, and advertising with lesbian media. A nationally televised pride game will take place between Tulsa and Chicago on June 22. All 12 teams also will have some sort of pride initiative over the course of the season.

Monday, May 19, 2014

C. Vivian Stringer finally signs new contract with Rutgers - but questions remain

About a month ago I wondered why Coach Vivian Stringer hadn't yet signed a contract extension with Rutgers, after she said in February that such negotiations were in final stages.

Today it was announced that the contract was finally signed, but the details are missing:

The 66-year-old Stringer and Rutgers have agreed to terms on a multi-year extension for her to remain at the helm of the school's women's basketball program, according to sources. Neither Stringer, whose contract was due to expire June 30, nor athletics director Julie Hermann were available Monday for comment.

The terms of the deal, which still needs to be approved by the Board of Governors per school policy, are not known, though it is likely that Stringer is taking a pay cut – the significance of which depends on the difficulty of reaching any incentives involved. She has been earning $1.035 million per year in base salary plus annual supplement and deferred compensation prior to other incentives since July 1, 2011.


I had heard a rumor that the school wanted Stringer to retire, and that they wanted to basically let the women's basketball program go. Could the mystery around Stringer's new contract mean there was some truth to these rumors?

Week one of WNBA power rankings

The first round of games are done, and ESPN has wasted no time in pronouncing their weekly power rankings:

1. Mercury
2. Lynx
3. Sky
4. Dream
5. Sparks
6. Stars
7. Liberty
8. Sun
9. Fever
10. Storm
11. Shock
12. Mystics

More league news.......

Fever:

The Fever have waived Jasmine Hassell and signed Krystal Thomas. Poor Hassell. Indiana waived her twice last year. What's the deal?

Top five moments in Fever history.

Dream:

Rookie Shoni Schimmel is shaking things up.

Angela Taylor is now not only general manager, but president of the team.

Sun:

A long journey lead Kelsey Bone to the Sun.

Rookie Chiney Ogwumike has been honored by the Stanford Alumni Association for her outstanding service to her alma mater.

Lynx:

Photos from yesterday's banner raising.

Storm:

Sue Bird has returned to a major challenge with her team.

Mercury:

Brittney Griner is finding her groove in the WNBA.

Shock:

Interview with Liz Cambage, who decided not to return to the team this season.

Sunday, May 18, 2014

More tight games

So far, close games.

Today's results:

The Lynx got by the Sun in overtime, 90-87. Maya Moore lead the way with 33 points.

The Mercury rallied past the Sparks, 64-59, behind Diana Taurasi's 23 points. Nneka Ogwumike and Candice Wiggins sat on the Sparks bench with injuries.

Now teams have shown their stuff. No action until Wednesday, when Connecticut visits Chicago. Then Friday there are four games. Schedule.

Saturday, May 17, 2014

Friday, May 16, 2014

WNBA season: day one

The Liberty routed the Sun, 75-54, behind Cappie Pondexter's 17 points. Rookie Chiney Ogwumike lead Connecticut with 13 points.

The Lynx downed the Mystics, 89-77, headed by Maya Moore's 34 points.

The Dream got by the Stars, 79-75. Erika de Souza lead them with 23 points.

The Sky squeaked past the Fever, 74-71. Elena Delle Donne paved the way with 23 points.

The Sparks pounded the Storm, 80-69. Candace Parker lead LA with 18 points.

More WNBA news.....

Fever:

Meet the Fever....wanna-be homicide detectives and doctors.

Shock:

Rookie Odyssey Sims blogs.

Sun:

Rookie Chiney Ogwumike is ready to make a name for herself.

Mystics:

A minute with Stefanie Dolson.

Tomorrow's schedule:

Dream at Fever

Sky at Liberty

Shock at Stars

Storm at Mercury

Ahhhhhh......feels good to be back.

College news:

The contract of Tulane coach Lisa Stockton has been extended through 2018-2019.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

General managers pick Lynx, Parker to win

WNBA general managers have picked the Lynx to repeat as champions and Candace Parker to claim the MVP title this season.

More league news/team features.......

Mystics:

Kara Lawson is back home and playing with the young Mystics.

Washington opens with many new faces.

The rookie life of Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley.

Sparks:

With Magic Johnson as the boss, the Sparks are chasing a title.

Los Angeles has been re-shaped for a defensive lockdown.

Jantel Lavendar is ready to step it up.

Lynx:

The defending champs enter the season on top.

Veteran newcomer Tan White knows her place with Minnesota.

The Lynx start the season down three players.

Today's practice report.

Dream:

Coach Michael Cooper brings a championship pedigree to the Dream.

Shoni Schimmel and Asia Taylor begin their rookie seasons tomorrow.

Stars:

The Stars are eager for a healthy season.

But, Becky Hammon sprained her ankle in yesterday's practice and will miss the season opener.

Heather Butler is the first UT Martin player in the WNBA. She talks about camp in this video.

Training camp update with Danielle Robinson.

Fever:

The Fever have high expectations this season.

Five things that will determine whether Indiana will make a championship run.

Sun:

Chiney Ogwumike will brighten your day.

The Sun has revamped their entire roster in the wake of a dismal 2013 season.

Alyssa Thomas: a new horizon.

Storm:

Sue Bird's return and the Crystal Langhorne trade are the highlights so far for Seattle.

Bird's return should bolster the team.

Liberty:

The Liberty are back at Madison Square Garden after a busy off-season.

Sky:

The Sky face difficulties coming off a winning season.

Shock:

The Shock are looking to move past their losing ways this year.

Mercury:

Penny Taylor finally has good answers for health questions.

College news:

Itoro Coleman is back as an assistant coach for Penn State.

Tasia Butler has transferred from Syracuse to James Madison.

Ginny Boggess is a new assistant coach at Marquette.

LaTonya Watson joins Bucknell as an assistant coach.

Rosters finalized

Today's cuts and suspensions lead to final rosters:

Atlanta Celine Dumerc Temporary Suspension
Chicago Yvonne Turner Waived
Chicago Sylvia Fowles Temporary Suspension
Chicago Epiphanny Prince Temporary Suspension
Connecticut Yelena Leuchanka Waived
Minnesota Amber Harris Full-Season Suspension
Minnesota Rachel Jarry Full-Season Suspension
San Antonio Jessica Kuster Waived
Seattle Nicole Powell Contract Signed
Tulsa Elizabeth Cambage Temporary Suspension
Washington Kayla Thornton Waived
Washington A’dia Mathies Waived
Washington Nadirah McKenith Waived
Washington Quanitra Hollingsworth Temporary Suspension

Liberty roster

Shock roster

Dream roster

Storm roster

Mystics roster

Lynx roster

Sky roster

Sparks roster

Fever roster

Stars roster

Sun roster

Mercury roster

Tomorrow there are five games to kick off the regular-season schedule:

Lynx at Mystics

Liberty at Sun

Stars at Dream

Fever at Sky

Sparks at Storm

Let's get this party rolling!

Wednesday, May 14, 2014

More massive cuts

The roster completion deadline isn't until tomorrow, but with today's cuts, most teams are already set:

Team Player Transaction

Chicago Sequoia Holmes Waived
Chicago Destiny Williams Waived
Indiana Jeannette Pohlen Waived
Indiana Victoria Macaulay Waived
Minnesota Waltiea Rolle Waived
New York Tyaunna Marshall Waived
New York Nkolika Anosike Waived
New York Shanece McKinney Waived
Phoenix Krystal Thomas Waived
Phoenix Briana Gilbreath Waived
Seattle Michelle Plouffe Waived
Washington Kalana Greene Awarded on Waivers

Plenty to digest

General WNBA:

Team capsule previews.

President Laurel Richie said the league is in a good place.

Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike speak out about the Nigerian kidnappings.

Sun:

Chiney Ogwumike adds identity to the Sun.

Sky:

Epiphanny Prince will return sometime in the next two weeks
.

Elena Delle Donne is even stronger than last year.

Can the Sky take the next step this season?

Q&A with rookie Markeisha Gatling.

Lynx:

Lindsey Moore needs to make a big jump for Minnesota this year.

Storm:

...have signed Nicole Powell, who was cut by the Shock earlier this week.

Season preview.

Mercury:

Media day replay.

Stars:

Vets and youth provide optimism for the season.

College news:

The NCAA Women's Basketball Rules Committee wants cleaner post play and freedom of movement
.

Women's basketball teams continue to achieve academically
.

The wealth gap shows in the NCAA's latest achievement numbers.

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley's schedule is jam-packed this off-season
.

Natalie Butler is transferring to UConn.

Tatianna Jackson is leaving Chattanooga for Georgia State.

Gabby Tyler will forgo her final season at Charlotte
.

Justin Rees is Valparaiso's newest assistant coach.

Over 1,000 people attended a memorial service at Richmond University today for Ginny Doyle and Natalie Lewis, who died last week in a hot air balloon accident.

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Time out from waivers

Lots of WNBA news today, so let's get crackin.......

Today's results:

The Sky beat the Mystics, 76-69, behind Elena Delle Donne's 17 points.

General WNBA:

ESPN tabs five players who need to step up their game: Essence Carson, Liberty; Brittney Griner, Mercury; Sandrine Gruda, Sparks; Crystal Langhorne, Storm; Renee Montgomery, Sun.

Lynx:

Forward Rebekkah Brunson is sidelined indefinitely after having arthroscopic knee surgery today.

Today's practice report.

Liberty:

Q&A with coach Bill Laimbeer.

Stars:

Playing overseas has paved the way for Kayla Alexander.

Storm:

Eye on the Storm, episode one.

Spotlight on Crystal Langhorne.

Fever:

Media day videos.

Shock:

Skylar Diggins tries to find balance on and off the court.

Sky:

Elena Delle Donne wants to step up as a role model.

Mercury:

Center Brittney Griner threw out the first pitch last night at the Arizona Diamondbacks home opener.

Mystics:

Rookies Stefanie Dolson and Bria Hartley are fitting in.

Sun:

Sun players served meals yesterday at a community center.

Today's waivers:

Minnesota Christina Foggie Waived
Tulsa Ariel Edwards Waived

College news:

ESPN tackles the double standard in college coaching.

New assistant coaches at TCU are Edwina Brown, Crystal Robinson and Hanna Howard. (Wow!)

Damon Bailey is a new assistant coach at Butler.

Courtney Locke is a new assistant coach at Lipscomb.

Former Buckeye Maleeka Kynard will use her final year of eligibility at Xavier.

Monday, May 12, 2014

Where is Epiphanny Prince?

All-star guard Epiphanny Prince has yet to join Chicago Sky training camp:

Sky coach / general manager Pokey Chatman said Monday she hoped to have Prince’s status resolved by Wednesday.

Asked if Prince, 26, might be traded by then, Chatman replied. “Nothing like that.”

So what’s going on? Injury? Travel issues? Personal reasons?

“Life,” Chatman said. “Life happens.”


What does that mean?

More WNBA news......

Lynx:

ESPN says Minnesota is again the favorite this season.

The Lynx still have a few open roster spots.

Media day notebook.

Fever:

Thirteen seasons in, Tamika Catchings is still providing much for the Fever.

Indiana picked up Maggie Lucas from Phoenix in a trade.

Liberty:

Tina Charles is glad to be back home.

Sky:

Q&A with Sylvia Fowles.

Stars:

Opener is May 17.

College news:

Old Dominion star Shae Kelley is transferring to Minnesota.

At Northern Colorado, Shalee Lehning is now associate head coach, and former Kansas State coach Deb Patterson is an assistant.

Cut day

So may cuts made today:

Team Player Transaction

Atlanta Samantha Prahalis Waived
Atlanta Jhasmin Player Waived
Atlanta Cassie Harberts Waived
Chicago Avery Warley Waived
Connecticut Kalana Greene Waived
Indiana Haiden Palmer Waived
Indiana Ziomara Morrison Waived
Indiana Jeterra Bonds Waived
Los Angeles Brittainey Raven Waived
Los Angeles Alicia DeVaughn Waived
Los Angeles Alyssia Brewer Waived
New York Meighan Simmons Waived
Phoenix April Sykes Waived
Phoenix Alexis Gray-Lawson Waived
Phoenix Maggie Lucas Traded to Indiana for Indiana’s own 2015 2nd-round draft pick
San Antonio Bri Kulas Waived
San Antonio Carolyn Davis Waived
Seattle Jasmine Lister Waived
Tulsa Nicole Powell Waived

Painful list. And more are on the way.

I wish there were at least two more WNBA teams to accommodate all the fine players being cut.

World Championship team to have all-star coaching cast

Head coach Geno Auriemma will have three amazing assistant coaches: Doug Bruno, Cheryl Reeve and Dawn Staley.

In other news, the 3X3 team has been chosen: Jewell Loyd, Cierra Burdick, Sara Hammond and Tiffany Mitchell.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

Lynx beat Sky to take preseason tournament

The Lynx downed the Sky, 76-69, to take the WNBA's first preseason tournament title in Florida.

In other exhibition game action today, the Dream slipped by the Liberty, 63-58, and the Sparks bested the Storm, 74-67.

More WNBA news......

Storm:

Temeka Johnson has reported to camp.

Sun:

Chiney Ogwumike's relationship with her mother has been a driving force in her life.

College news:

George Washington is also mourning the loss of Richmond associate head coach Ginny Doyle, killed Friday night in a hot air balloon crash.

JC Carter is Utah State's newest assistant coach.

Sparks showcase new depth in 98-58 rout of China National Team

My game story.


From left: Armintie Herrington, Nikki Greene, Alyssia Brewer, Brittainey Raven, Alana Beard and Candace Parker watch fellow teammates get introduced before the game.

Happy Mother's Day

Mothers get taken for granted at times, and WNBA players who happen to be moms are no exception.

The number of athletes who have had babies and bounced back to continue their pro careers is worth noting. There is Yolanda Griffith, whose grown daughter Alicia DeVaughn is now in training camp for the Sparks. There's Tina Thompson, Sheryl Swoopes, Helen Darling (triplets), DeMya Walker, and many more.

Current league MVP Candace Parker's daughter turns five years old on Tuesday. She has literally grown up right before the eyes of fans and media. Yesterday she walked in to the game and right past the bench where her mother sat, and I couldn't believe how much she'd grown since I'd seen her last September. Parker talks about being a playing mom in this interview.

Happy Mother's Day to all you ballin' moms.

Thursday, May 8, 2014

On the eve of the preseason tournament in Orlando......

Today's result:

In their rematch, the Sun bested the Liberty, 60-44. Rookie Chiney Ogwumike lead Connecticut with 16 points.

This weekend's preseason tournament in Orlando:

Tournament details.

Lynx coach Cheryl Reeve warmed to the idea of a preseason tournament, and now loves it.

Today's transactions:

Los Angeles Brandie Baker Waived
Los Angeles Darxia Morris Waived

More WNBA news.....

Sparks:

The Sparks have announced their broadcasting team and programming schedule.

Sun:

Katie Douglas is adding a spark to the Sun.

Liberty:

Guard Kamiko Williams will miss the season after tearing her ACL in practice Tuesday.

Training camp insider with Alex Montgomery.

Lynx:

One-on-one with coach Cheryl Reeve.

Mercury:

Training camp blog for today.

High school news:

Illinois state officials have lifted their suspension of the Homewood-Flossmoor basketball program.

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Dream acquires Swin Cash in trade with Sky

The Atlanta Dream traded Courtney Clements to the Chicago Sky in exchange for veteran Swin Cash. Atlanta will also receive the Sky's third-round selection in the 2015 draft, while Chicago gets the Dream's second-round pick.

Coach Pokey Chatman says Cash will be missed.

Today's result:

In their rematch, the Mystics edged the Fever, 81-80.

Today's waivers:

Connecticut DeNesha Stallworth Waived
Phoenix Hallie Christofferson Waived
Tulsa Amber Dvorak Waived
Washington Kody Burke Waived
Washington Artemis Spanou Waived

More WNBA news.....

Storm:

Bing won't continue their sponsorship of the Storm.

Utah star Michelle Plouffe is making quite an impression at camp.

Sky:

Q&A with Elena Delle Donne.

Sun:

With one more exhibition game, coach Anne Donovan must make some decisions.

Kelsey Griffin has high hopes going into the season.

Mystics:

Former Maryland star Tianna Hawkins is enjoying a homecoming with the Mystics.

Lynx:

Practice report for today.

Maya Moore has been named a team captain.

Mercury:

Today's training camp update.

College news:

Daynia La-Force is Rhode Island's new coach.

Heather Morris and Janelle Marzouka join Loyola and coach Sheryl Swoopes as assistant coaches.

Oklahoma has added former Kansas State signee McKenna Treece to their 2014 class.

James Clark has been named an assistant coach at Georgetown.

USA Basketball:

Twenty-eight will try out for the U18 team.

Tuesday, May 6, 2014

Rookies show out in matinee games

The Shock squeaked by the Stars, 76-75, behind the 30 points of Skylar Diggins. Rookie Odyssey Sims added 13 and rookie Theresa Plaisance, 11. Rookie Kayla McBride lead San Antonio with 17 points.

The Mystics topped the short-handed Fever, 80-63. Monique Currie lead Washington with 18 points, and Tianna Hawkins and rookie Bria Hartley each added 10. Rookie Natasha Howard lead Indiana with 14 points.

Today's transactions:

Team Player Transaction

Minnesota Asya Bussie Waived
Minnesota Theairra Taylor Waived
Seattle Mikaela Ruef Waived
Seattle Valencia McFarland Waived

More WNBA news....

Mercury:

Diana Taurasi gets back to business.

Today's training camp update.

Storm:

In Sue Bird's return, there are no more towers.

Lynx:

With today's two waivers, the Lynx appear to have finalized their roster already.

Sky:

..had media day.

Dream:

Overseas update. (Love the expressions of the American players on the front page)

College news:

Leticia Romero - the Kansas State freshman denied a transfer - is at the center of controversy.

Kurt Godlevske is the new head coach at Butler.

The contract of George Washington coach Jonathan Tsipis has been extended through 2021.

Tai Dillard is now an assistant coach at Houston. She spent one year at Ole Miss; the year before that, she was an assistant at the University of Southern California.

Lin Dunn to retire after this WNBA season

Longtime coach Lin Dunn has announced this WNBA season will be her last, and she will retire in the fall after 44 years guiding teams.

Assistant coach Stephanie White will become Indiana's head coach in 2015.

I'm bummed.

Monday, May 5, 2014

Defending champs rout Australian National Team

The reigning league champions Minnesota Lynx dispatched the Australian National Team, 82-66, in an exhibition tonight.

Box score.

Today's waivers:

May 5

Team Player Transaction

Los Angeles Jackie Nared Waived
Los Angeles Cierra Warren Waived
Los Angeles Antonita Slaughter Waived
Los Angeles Keena Mays Waived
San Antonio Whitney Hand-Jones Waived

More WNBA news.......

Fever:

Guard Jeanette Pohlen will miss the season with a torn Achilles tendon.

Lynx:

Devereaux Peters will undergo arthroscopic surgery on her left knee, and will be sidelined indefinitely.

Lindsay Whalen has returned to practice.

Storm:

President and CEO Karen Bryant will retire July 31.

Shaquala Williams has transitioned smoothy into coaching.

Shock:

Rookie Jordan Hooper has had quite the journey to the WNBA.

Tulsa has added a preseason game May 12, against the Chinese National Team.

Mercury:

Diana Taurasi has returned to practice.

College news:

North Carolina coach Sylvia Hatchell has completed chemotherapy treatments and is back to a full schedule.

Georgetown's Natalie Butler may transfer to UConn following a recent visit.

Former Purdue guard Kelly Komara is back as an assistant coach.

East Tennessee State coach Brittney Ezell has been named an assistant coach for the Bahamas national team.

Curtis Loyd joins the Indiana staff as associate head coach.

Claire Coggins has been promoted from director of basketball operations to assistant coach at Kansas State.

John Motherwell has joined Minnesota as an assistant coach.

The final assistant coach at Gonzaga is Craig Fortier, husband of head coach Lisa Fortier.

High school news:

Highly-touted 2015 recruit De'Janae Boykin of Maryland has verballed to UConn.

Honors:

Delta State has erected a statue of basketball legend Margaret Wade.

Thursday, May 1, 2014

WNBA transactions page is back up

For those of you who have been asking, the transactions page is back up. The first waivers were handed out yesterday:

Team Player Transaction

Atlanta Ashley Corral Waived
Atlanta Danielle Wilson Waived
Atlanta Jacki Gemelos Waived
Connecticut Keisha Hampton Waived
Connecticut Shenneika Smith Waived
Indiana Jennifer George Waived
Indiana Jennifer Schlott Waived
Washington Rachel Tecca Waived

I dread the cuts this year more than usual.

Around the WNBA and NCAA

In the battle for the most press, the Lynx still seem to be in the lead.......

Sun:

Katie Douglas is back.

Connecticut will host an open practice next Tuesday.

Lynx:

Maya Moore is becoming more vocal.

Q&A with Janeth Arcain, part II.

The Lynx are having crisp practices on the main floor.

The Reeve report.

Tricia Liston and the Lynx look like a perfect fit.

Mystics:

A minute with Monique Currie.

Sky:

Game broadcast schedule.

Mercury:

Training camp, day four.

Just for fun:

Last night I invited fans to tweet me pictures of their old WNBA memorabilia. They have some GREAT stuff!

College news:

South Carolina coach Dawn Staley embraces sky high expectations.

Carolyn Kieger is Marquette's new coach. She's been an assistant at Miami for the last five years.

Wisconsin coach Bobbie Kelsey is still struggling to find a rebuilding foothold.

Christian Stefanopoulos is a new assistant coach at Kentucky.

U17 court coaches named

The court coaches for the USA Basketball U17 team trials have been chosen:

Ellis Barfield (Lynwood H.S., Calif.), Dianne Lewis (Edison H.S., Va.), Teri Morrison (Carroll Senior H.S., Texas) and Dori Oldaker (Mt. Lebanon H.S., Pa.).

They'll be hosting 162 athletes.

55 schools face sexual assault probe

Wow:

WASHINGTON -- The Education Department on Thursday took the unprecedented step of releasing the names of the 55 colleges and universities currently facing a Title IX investigation over their handling of sexual abuse complaints.


The list of schools:


State Institution

AZ Arizona State University
CA Butte-Glen Community College District
CA Occidental College
CA University of California-Berkeley
CA University of Southern California
CO Regis University
CO University of Colorado at Boulder
CO University of Colorado at Denver
CO University of Denver
CT University of Connecticut
DC Catholic University of America
FL Florida State University
GA Emory University
HI University of Hawaii at Manoa
ID University of Idaho
IL Knox College
IL University of Chicago
IN Indiana University-Bloomington
IN Vincennes University
MA Amherst College
MA Boston University
MA Emerson College
MA Harvard College
MA Harvard University—Law School
MA University of Massachusetts-Amherst
MD Frostburg State University
MI Michigan State University
MI University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
NC Guilford College
NC University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
ND Minot State University
NH Dartmouth College
NJ Princeton University
NY Cuny Hunter College
NY Hobart and William Smith Colleges
NY Sarah Lawrence College
NY Suny at Binghamton
OH Denison University
OH Ohio State University
OH Wittenberg University
OK Oklahoma State University
PA Carnegie Mellon University
PA Franklin and Marshall College
PA Pennsylvania State University
PA Swarthmore College
PA Temple University
TN Vanderbilt University
TX Southern Methodist University
TX The University of Texas-Pan American
VA College of William and Mary
VA University of Virginia
WA Washington State University
WI University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
WV Bethany College
WV West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine