I love the WNBA for Not Being the NBA!

People are always comparing the WNBA with the NBA.  The discussion floating around right now is will or can women play in the NBA. Why would they want to. (other than money)  I enjoy the fact there is two leagues. And the fact they are different. When I turn on the WNBA I am not looking for the NBA.

 Becky Hammon

NBA players don't look this good!

First let me give you a little history of me.  Texas boy who had dreams of playing in the NBA. I started watching the NBA when Gus "Wizard" Williams was winning the NBA championship for the Seattle SuperSonics. I used to sneak up late at night and watch tape delayed games of the NBA. That how much I loved the NBA. I played all through high school. I never played in college even though I was offered basketball scholarships.  But I was not good enough to play D1. I coached little league and AAU boys and girls for 20 years in the Houston,Tx area. I've had the pleasure of coaching against some of  the current NBA players such as Daniel Gibson, TJ Ford, Kendrick Perkins, Gerald Green, Rashard Lewis, Chris Bosh and  Darrell Arthur just to name a few. I appreciated how hard those kids worked to get where they are today.  But the same holds true for the ladies. I've watched Lindsey Hardin, Chandi Jones, Tiffany Jackson, Brittney Griner, Nnemkadi Ogwmike and Kelsey Bone work just as hard.

The NBA of today is not as good as the old NBA. Maybe it's the money. Maybe it's Hip Hop. Maybe it's guy's worrying  about how many tattoos they have. David Stern issued a dress code a few years back to prevent NBA players from looking like thugs when they are off the court. David please put a ban on tattoos. Now they look like thugs on the court. Some of  those NBA players look like they are straight out of prison and associated with drugs and gangs. My bad, some are!


So for me here are a few reason why I enjoy the WNBA more than the NBA.

 1. Passion
 2. Excitement
 3. Less Tattoos
 4. Play hard every night
 5. games are affordable
 6. Don't have the big ego as males (not yet)
 7. NBA news is worst than the 6 '0 clock news.
     (drugs, child support, fighting and busted with prostitutes)

The biggest difference is money. Of couse the girls would love to make the money the NBA players make. I don't think they every will. But it would be nice if they could make alittle more.  So if you enjoy basketball like I do. The least you can do is respect the hard work it takes to play at any professional level. Men or Women! So for me I love the WNBA for not being the NBA!

Sacramento Monarchs folds

Another sad day for us WNBA fans. The Maloof brothers are folding tent in Sacramento. I never saw this coming. I thought this team would be around forever. Just like I thought the Houston Comets would be around forever.

We as WNBA fans have to enjoy every moment of every WNBA season because we never know if it will be the last.

I'm not sure why it cost so much to run a WNBA team. They only play in the summer. The women are not making that much money. Donna needs to figure out a way the owners can survive and stay in business.  I love Donna but maybe we should start lobbying for a new WNBA President.

Here are a few replacement that come to mine.

Ann Meyers is a retired American basketball player and sportscaster. She is a distinguished figure in the history of women's basketball and sports journalism. A standout player in high school, college, the Olympic Games, international tournaments, and the professional levels, she is one of the most talented women to ever have played the game.

Meyers was the first player to be part of the U.S. national team while still in high school. She was the first woman to be signed to a four-year athletic scholarship for college, at UCLA. She was also the only woman to sign a contract with a National Basketball Association team, the Indiana Pacers (1979).

Sheila Johnson is the team president, managing partner, and governor of the WNBA's Washington Mystics, a position she gained before the 2005 season. On May 24, 2005, Washington Sports and Entertainment Chairman, Abe Pollin, sold the Mystics to Lincoln Holdings LLC, where Johnson served as president. She is the first African-American woman to be an owner or partner in three professional sports franchises: the Washington Capitals (NHL), the Washington Wizards (NBA), and the Washington Mystics (WNBA). Johnson currently serves as CEO of Salamander Hospitality, a company she founded in 2005. Salamander's portfolio includes: The Woodlands Resort & Inn, in Summerville, SC; The Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club, a 900 acre, 72 hole PGA tour golf course in Palm Harbor, FL; and The Salamander Resort & Spa in the Blue Ridge Mountains in Middleburg, VA. (opening date: Spring 2010).

Nancy Lieberman nicknamed Lady Magic, is a former professional basketball player who played and coached in the WNBA. Lieberman is regarded as one of the greatest figures in women's basketball. In 2000, she was inducted into the Nassau County Sports Hall of Fame. Lieberman is a member of the Basketball Hall of Fame, the Women's Basketball Hall of Fame and the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame.

Just to name a few.

The best time in my life was watching the Houston Comets win four WNBA championships. I had so much fun! Cynthia Cooper raising the roof. Tina Thompson giving Lisa Leslie the salute. Sherly Swoopes flashing to the basket like the speed of lightning. I will never forget the lovely Kim Perrot. Which I had the pleasure of meeting. She will always be remembered in my heart.

I know exactly how the fans of Detroit and Sacramento feels. Sad and angry all at the same time.

I want to know and I am sure other WNBA fans as well. How can we make sure the WNBA will be around for the next 50 years? Can someone please answer this question!

Who has the best Crossover?

Vote Below!

Ivory Latta breaking ankles!


Briann January behind the back!(Sweet)


Cappie Pondexter is the real deal!

Who has the best crossover?
	Briann January
	Seimone Augustus
	Cappie Pondexter
	Ivory Latta
Free polls from Pollhost.com

NCAA Women Basketball Prediction 2009 - 2010 - Part 2

Hello once again women basketball fans. I wanted to give my prediction to this year up and coming women basketball season. I've read everyone elses prediction. Here is minds. Just a recap.  My 1 - 5 are
1. Connecticut... UConn Huskies,
2. Notre Dame... Lady Fighting Irish,
3. Stanford... Lady Cardinal,
4. North Carolina... Lady TarHeel,
5. Ohio State... Lady Buckeyes.
Number # 6 is...

6. Michigan State... Lady Spartans

Why? you ask Loaded with seniors. I feel this team has worked hard in the offseason. The seniors want to go out on top.  Allyssa DeHaan is ready to take the next step to becoming a true big girl in women basketball. Worked really hard along with Lauren Aitch, Cetera Washington and  Lykendra Johnson. This team will make the elite 8.

7. Baylor... Lady Bears

Good but young. Brittney Griner will have a huge impact on not just Baylor but women basketball in general.  She will raise the level so high that people will say women basketball have finally arrived.  Melissa  Jones, Morghan Medlock and Kelli Griffin will have to play big for Baylor to be successful this year. But they do have Kim Mulkey and she will have them ready to play.

8. Duke... Lady Blue Devils

The lady Blue Devils should have revenge on there minds. Having to play an away game on Michigan State home court after being rewarded the number # 1 seed. Jasmine Thomas step up and played big last year. Junior Karima Christmas also played key minutes. They will need Krystal Thomas and Joy Cheek to have solid years for them to be successful.

9. LSU... Lady Tigers

Jump on the Van Wagon. One of LSU ticket promotion this year. I like it. Van is doing a great job at LSU. The team really turn the corner late in the season last year. Allison Hightower is turning out to be a great player. LaSondra Barrett is not a freshman anymore. She should have a great year. Van is picking up great recruits every year. I expect Van to keep up the school tradition. That's winning.

10. Xavier... Lady Musketeers

Xavier has a nice team. Ta'Shia Phillips is big and strong. The return of Amber Harris will make them an instant contender. They will need big play out of there guards, Special Jennings and Tyeasha Moss. I've heard that both Ta'Shia Phillips and Amber Harris both can dunk. So watch out Atlantic 10 conference. Look like you guys are going to have your hands full with those two in the middle.

NCAA Women Basketball Prediction 2009 - 2010

Hello women basketball fans.  I wanted to give my prediction to this year up and coming women basketball season.  I've read everyone elses prediction. Here is minds.  I've been following women basketball for a while now. I used to coach AAU boys and girls basketball. This year the anticipation for women basketball is at a all time high.  I am really enjoying women basketball right now.  These ladies are putting in alot of hard work in the offseason and it is really starting to show. So without further ado.  Number # 1 is ....

1. Connecticut... UConn Huskies... 

How can you pick against the best player in the country in Maya Moore. No one (Male or Female) works harder than Maya Moore. Now that Tina Charles played with the USA Women National Team her confident will be at a all time high. Beside the two of them they are lacking depth this year. This year they will definitely feel the effect of not having Elena Delle Donna. Renee Montgomery was a huge loss.  They will NOT go undefeated this year. But they do have a chance to repeat but it will be very hard.

2. Notre Dame... Lady Fighting Irish

 Notre Dame is ready for this season. There home games are selling out. The fans are excited. The love of basketball is in the air. The Irish got real lucky when a lady by the name of Skylar Diggins chose to stay home. This young lady is a mix between Cynthia Cooper and Diana Taurasi. Her skills are that good. She will raise the level of the whole team. She have the whole state of Indiana looking forward to women college basketball. They will be hard to beat.

3. Stanford... Lady Cardinal

You have to have 3 skills to play for Stanford. Smart, beautiful and can ball. (and there loaded). Jayne Appel is an all american. I've read that Nnemkadi Ogwumike is jumping out of the gym. They have all of their starters back from last year. For them to win a National Championship Kayla Pedersen and JJ Hones will have to have a big year.

4. North Carolina... Lady TarHeel

I wanted to rank this team number #2. But due to the unfortunate incident with Jessica Breland. (By the way I am praying for you. Forget about basketball for one year and concentrate on getting well. We love you!) I feel they are young but very good. North Carolina had the best recruiting class last year. Chay Shegog lost weight.  This team will score alot of points this year. Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, Waltiea Rolle and Krista Gross will have huge impacts this year.

5. Ohio State... Lady Buckeyes

Jantel Lavender and Samantha Prahalis will have to step up big. Samantha Prahalis is one of the best point guard in the country. She can handle the ball and can shoot lights out. Jantel Lavender is big and strong and can run the floor. They will need some  help if these ladies are expected to go far.


Here are my top 5. Please comment. I will have 6 - 10 next week.

Women Above The Rim

Women above the rim.  That day has finally arrived. Me personally I've been avercating that the women basketball rim be lowered to 9' 6". That will allow more girls to dunk and to dunk with ease.  But some who are still catering to the male ego, thinks that would give male more opportunity to bash the WNBA and women basketball even more. Saying thinks like the goal is not 10 feet, girls can't really dunk. Me personally I'm a male and I'm really sick of the male ego. I love it when Diana Taurasi (Phoenix Mercury) step out all most from half court and hits a long 3 pointer and the crowd goes crazy.



There is a new day on the horizon. Women will start playing above the rim. There is a girl by the name of Brittney Griner.
(Check out the article in Inside Women Basketball -  http://www.insidewomensbasketball.com/spring2009/)
Goto to page 38-39 and watch the video. Great job Inside Women Baskeball!

I've had the pleasure of watching her play in Houston, Texas.  The girl love to dunk. I think she will raise the level of competition. You will see more and more girls dunking.  Maya Moore made Play Of The Day on ESPN for her dunk when Connecuit University had their Midnight Madness. 

The women game is changing. Changing for the better.  Their playing at a younger age now. More AAU program for girls and speciality training.  Elena Delle Donne of Delaware had a trainer at the age of 5.  I feel this girl will be a pioneer of the game.  (6'5" guard) The game is truly on the move for the better. For all of the doubters who bash women basketball, saying they can't dunk, the game is slow, their not that athletic.  Those days are all gone!

Women college basketball season 2009-2010 and WNBA season 2010 will prove alot of people wrong.So mark my words. 

Women will be playing above the rim!!!!

Tips to save the WNBA!

I've been reading alot of blogs and articles. Everyone is giving their sugguests on how to save the WNBA. Well here is mine. 

The WNBA is great. I love the passion and the excitement in which the women play the game.  Any time you're willing to travel to Forbidden City, China. You truly love the game.

Forbidden City, China

1. Charge $5 per ticket for parking.  Get rid of so many parking attendents.  Sorry guys.

2. No more tickets.  Most people who attend a WNBA game are returning fans. They can purchase a WNBA Card for $20. This will have your tickets on it when you buy them at the gate or online. no more printed tickets. 

3. No more media guides. Available online only. You can print your own if you like.

  

4. Remove all of the credit card machine from the arena. Sorry Visa, can't afford the fee.  Cash only

5. Move to smaller arena. 

6. Start a Sponsorship Day per every WNBA city. We pick a day of the year.  And we buy and help sell what ever product that is sponsoring a WNBA team.   Such as Life Lock.  We set up tables in the Mall or grocery stores and we sell Life Lock. We will need voluntarys in every city.  Hopefully this will encourge more Sponsorship.

7. Lower the basket to 9 feet 6 inches.(not 9'0" to short)  This will increase dunking. This will help the girls who can already dunk but when they get tired during the game they will still be able to dunk. Here is what I don't understand.  The ball is smaller then the men game. The 3 point line is closer then the men game. So why are the baskets the same height?

Last but not least.  Start a non profit account. And allow people like business leaders, professional athletes people in the community that love the WNBA to donate money and split the money between each team to pay for traveling expenses, gym fees, workers etc...

Simlar to what Larry Bird did. We will call it the Larry Bird funds.   Maybe more would love to donate and use it as a tax write off. 

Love this video comparing the WNBA to the NBA. Great stuff.  Lisa Leslia said it best. She want the WNBA to be around for the next 50 years. If you love basketball, I don't understand why you don't love both.

Detriot Shock Folds

For the people who did not read the official letter from the Shock owners here is the letter.






Dear Shock Fans,
It is with much regret that Palace Sports & Entertainment is announcing the transfer of ownership of the Detroit Shock to the newest WNBA franchise in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

I would like to thank you for your support and dedication for our team. Over the past 12 years – from our days as a new franchise to the difficult initial years to seven straight playoff appearances to our three championships – the Shock and their fans have experienced the kind of relationship that few teams are able to enjoy.

Unfortunately, as with the majority of businesses in our area, the current state of the economy has presented us with incredible challenges. We, like many of you, have had to make some very difficult decisions – ones we hoped we never had to make – and sadly, this move to Tulsa is one of those decisions.

On behalf of our coaches, players and staff I would personally like to thank you for all that you’ve done to help make the Shock champions. We will never forget the support and love you showed us over the past 12 seasons. They were something very special. I hope you’ll join me in rooting for our team as they embark on a new journey in Tulsa.

Sincerely,



Tom Wilson
President
Palace Sports & Entertainment


My question is didn't the Shock have the largest crowd to every watch a WNBA game? How much money did they make on that game? And how much money did they lose on the Allen Iverson deal. I'm sure they lost a lot of money on that deal.

Donna needs to do a better job on helping the owners stay in business. We need the WNBA to
be around for another 50 years. I am still sad over the Houston Comets folding.
Donna please do something and fast!