Yardbarker: WNBA

The Revolution will be televised...Sylvia Fowles. Dunking.

Mon, 12 May 2008 22:00:08 -0500

I heard a rumor that my girl Big Syllllll may join us in the yard...until then? I got you! Here's to the first WNBA dunk reel lol (Ima let you off the hook Syl - I guess you're savin the left, two, hanging on the rim and the oops for chapter 2, 3....?)

Obama & Barkley 2008

Mon, 12 May 2008 16:00:33 -0500

Love Chuck. I think Obama's choice for VP is obvious. Chuck for Change! Just won the Russian Championship and headed home baybeeeeeeee! Open against LA on Saturday! It'll be nice to settle in at home for few months and get some sun...

SPARTAK TRIUMPH AT CSKA TO WIN RUSSIAN TITLE

Mon, 12 May 2008 05:21:40 -0500

Spartak Moscow Region underlined their status as the best club side in Europe by winning twice in the weekend at CSKA Moscow to clinch a 3-1 victory in the Russian Superleague Women play-off finals. Lauren Jackson, who led Spartak to a second consecutive crown in the EuroLeague Women in April, had 30 points on Sunday as Spartak mauled CSKA 101-63 in the championship-clinching Game Four triumph. With EuroBasket Women MVP Amaya Valdemoro unavailable for CSKA on Sunday, the home side was no match for a Spartak outfit that jumped out to a 24-15 lead by the end of the first quarter. By half-time, the lead had ballooned to 53-32 and any hopes of a comeback by CSKA were gone by the end of the third when they were outscored 27-14. Spartak split the first two games on their home floor in Vidnoje and then won Game Three away on Friday, 95-81. Fibaueope

MATCH: CSKA - SPARTAK

Fri, 09 May 2008 11:13:23 -0500

Match: CSKA Moscow - SPARTAK Moscow Match 3 in Moscow

MARTA FERNANDEZ SAD

Fri, 09 May 2008 03:37:19 -0500

Coach Evaristo Perez made a family sad this week when he decided not to include EuroLeague Women All Star and 2004 Olympian Marta Fernandez in his preliminary squad for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. Perez, who guided Spain to within a whisker of EuroBasket Women glory last year in Chieti, Italy, elected to bring back eight members of that group while also including a handful of youngsters like 2007 U20 European Championship MVP Silvia Dominguez. Fernandez, a 26-year-old shooting guard with Wisla Can-Pack Krakow and a starter with the WNBA's Los Angeles Sparks, missed last summer with an ankle injury she picked up while playing in the United States but had expected to return to the set-up. "What they have told me is what the coach has said in public, that there's a puzzle and I don't fit into it," a disappointed Fernandez said. "I have no problems with anyone. Last year, it was a mutual decision that I didn't go to the national team because of the injury." Fernandez came off the bench and helped the national team come back from a huge deficit against Poland in the bronze medal game of EuroBasket 2003 to win and qualify for the Athens Game in 2004. The competition for places in the Spanish men's and women's teams is as fierce as it gets, though. Her exclusion has certainly spoiled the party atmosphere in the Fernandez family. Rudy Fernandez of DKV Joventut has been elected ACB Player of the Year and will carry his excellent form into the Beijing Games with the men's team. Both Rudy and Marta Fernandez played at the Athens Games and he is stunned by Perez's decision. "That one of the best players in Spain is not included in the list surprises me and many people," he told Spanish media. Tamara Abalde, meanwhile, one of the youngsters called up by Perez for the 14-strong preliminary squad, is elated that she is being given a chance to go the Olympics. "This call brings me great happiness," said Abalde, who just finished her freshman year at Lamar University in Texas. "I am delighted because I didn't expect to be included. I thought it would be impossible that they would call me for the senior team. "I'm going to work as hard as possible and I hope I can remain because it would be beautiful."

EUROPEAN ROUND-UP: SPARTAK LEVELS, DE SOUZA SHINES

Wed, 07 May 2008 13:35:39 -0500

Lauren Jackson buried six of 12 shots from three-point range on her way to a game-high 34 points as EuroLeague Women champions Spartak Moscow Region beat CSKA Moscow 93-78 on Tuesday to level the Russian Superleague title showdown at 1-1. CSKA, who won the opening game 90-71 after limiting Jackson to just five points, took a 21-16 lead in the first quarter in Game Two and still led 45-39 at half-time. Spartak seized command in the third quarter, outscoring Gundars Vetra's team 22-9 and then cruised to victory in the final period. Diana Taurasi also had 23 points for Spartak. CSKA got 26 points from Becky Hammon, who drilled five of eight shots from three-point range, while Maria Stepanova weighed in with 14 and 10 rebounds. Game Three will be played at CSKA Moscow on Friday. Ros Face Avenida In Spain Final Ros Casares will play fellow EuroLeague Women side Perfumerias Avenida in the best-of-three Spanish Liga Femenina final, which tips off in Valencia on Thursday. And Ros will be leaning heavily on their in-form Brazil international center Erika de Souza, who averaged 18 points and 15 rebounds in the play-off semi-final win over CB San Jose de Leon. "I arrive to the final in the best form," said Erika, who missed the early part of the season through injury but has now fully recovered. "The months that I was out of action, I kept all that energy and now I hope to give the best to help my team win the title. "We knew that the opponent in the final would be Perfumerias Avenida and we are ready to compete against them. "The team is ready and we will fight with all our efforts to win the title. If it can be done in two games, all the better. "We depend on our fans to win the title and I am certain that on Thursday there will be many people at the Fonteta." dibaeurope.

The WNBA Now Giving Makeup & Fashion Tips To Players

Tue, 06 May 2008 17:56:30 -0500

In an effort to expand their fan base, WNBA rookies are receiving makeup and fashion tips. My question for you guys is… does this reinforce the old notion that a woman can fix her hair, put on makeup, and push out her breasts to get what she wants?

The New Dynamic Duo in LA

Fri, 02 May 2008 22:46:36 -0500

and I'm not talking about Kobe and Pau. So, who's Batman and who's Robin

Hoopers come and go. But true Baller's, become Icons....

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 16:35:30 -0500

I'm saying tho, Goody! Why LDub gotta be a "Diva"? Hahaha Anywhooo.. I was talking to Lynette during the NCAA tourney. I was telling her about Maya Moore and how after watching this kid. I'm calling her Lil' Wood. That's right! I know those are some really big shoe's for Maya to fill. But, that's who her game reminds me of and the bar is high. I totally understand why Pat would be pissed, if she thought she had a chance at Maya. (Personally after seeing "Precious Moment" I don't know how a girl could say no to UCONN) Some people just came along to early for the game, and Lynette is one of them. I recently had a chance to go through some of Lynette's highlight clips. Whoa!!! There's a lot of nice baller's out in the game now. But, LDUB was the iiiiiiisssssh! "BALLER ICON" indeed. I see a lot of LDUB in Maya's game. I'm looking forward to watching Lil' Wood, ball out.. Because, I came along too late to see and really appreciate the game of the legend they call "LDUB" Props to Adrienne Goodson and SLAM for the nice article

Can I just say....P!nk Rocks.

Mon, 28 Apr 2008 15:44:58 -0500

I love not only the woman who sings the song, but the song itself. It's heartfelt and brilliant. And I'd really like to know some of the answers myself. Now, on a basketball related note...I'd like to see P!nk write a song that is used as the theme song to the WNBA season. I think it can and should be done. Wouldn't that be a KICK-ASS song?? :)

Russia's Championship 1/2 Finals G1 webcast

Sat, 26 Apr 2008 07:32:19 -0500

At Vidnoje, Spartak Moscow faces Vologda Chevakata. Go Deeeeeeee !! And, as bonus, the return of champion! Russian TV reports Spartak players' arrival at Moscow Airport after their Euroleague title. Be careful it's fast!! :)

Precious Moments...VIOLATION!!!! !!!

Fri, 25 Apr 2008 19:43:18 -0500

For those of you who didn't know - Maya Moore watched this right before committing to UCONN. V I O L A T I O N Sweet. Maybe now Precious will get on the Ticker?

Broke Jumpers and Man Boobs

Thu, 24 Apr 2008 21:05:57 -0500

You know, between avoiding Kujo in the front yard (the wolf-bear-lion mix of a dog with .5 ears that prowls our property and belongs to Babushka) and winning Euroleague titles - I have found some time to browse the offerings of youtube. Not that this should come as a surprise to anybody who has spend time on my blog.... Anyways - I was directed at this video by several people...and I figure a lot of initial reaction was that I would fly into some sort of defensive bra burning feminist fury. Nah. This junk is funny. I think actually - I think I'm flattered? Yes. Name recognition is pretty sick when it comes from some scrubs with broke jumpers and man boobs. And who said the WNBA isn't marketable. We're reaching all sorts of demographics. I must give credit where its due though - clever stuff.

Kerr wears #9 for the Minnesota Lynx.

Tue, 22 Apr 2008 09:39:21 -0500

Bolingbrook, IL native Chloe Kerr is in WNBA camp with the Minnesota Lynx. Bolingbrook High School's first All-American and All-Stater in Basketball, got a chance to visit her parents Lloyd and Maggie Kerr before reporting to camp. The former Pride of the Pac and Marks Scholar at USC signed with the Lynx while playing in Greece for Aris Holargou of the A1 League. Kerr played her last game for Aris collecting a win with 30 points, 15 rebounds, 2 steals , and 1 block over Sporting. Kerr flew 11 hours back to the States as #3 ranked in Blocks, #6 ranked in rebounds, #13 ranked in 2 pointers scored in A1 League play. Great start to a great career. You can follow Kerr by logging on to the WNBA.com.

Bossy

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 19:55:21 -0500

Shabs can throw a party! Here's us and Kelis...

giv'em what u got

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 07:30:39 -0500

my favorite i wanna be just like them when i get older and play for the la sparks with lisa leslie, candace parker, shannon bobbitt, sidney spencer, and sharnee zoll.

Haven't we seen YOU before?????

Mon, 21 Apr 2008 01:18:22 -0500

Before I get started with the actual blog i just wanted to start saying congratulations to the LSU Lady Tigers this year. They had a wonderful run once again at the title unfortunately it didn't end with the title but at least u made it. And to all of the girls who got drafted, congrats as well enjoy this opportunity and make the best of it. I'm proud of you and all of your accomplishments. you have continued to bring pride to LSU and to Baton Rouge. Now on to the Lynx! I'm very excited about this year. we did a great job in the draft i know it was very tough to make those decisions with the draft being so deep. we were able to pick up candice wiggins a shooting guard how can definitely help with the scoring load and make other players just from her energy. nick anosike! nother hard nose player who gets the job done. im glad that i dont have to play against her anymore, but she just does whatever is needed for her team to get the victory glad to have her. Charde Houston another player that can come in and contribute and bring a different look to our roster…she can score she is very versatile - and in this league you need someone who can be versatile on both on and off the court. Now on to the blog! russia has been crazy the last couple of weeks but now im finally on the down side of things. almost time to come home. For everyone who answered my questions thank you i really appreciate it. let me tell you about the movies first well me, tan, tans sister, tay and Noelle all decided to go to the movies since we never really have off time. but we decided to go to a late movie – and you know how it is, you want to chill go eat have a good time then go. So, we get there the movie was BORING. i fell asleep. they just laughed bc sometimes i have a tendency to, when I'm getting some good sleep, my mouth is like WIDE open…so course they was trying to put things in my mouth. Popcorn, candy, playing with my lip stuff…So then, following their mistreatment of me, we're getting ready to leave. Now, normally when we leave the little russian lady is waitng to escort us out . Well, her butt wasnt there so we walked down the steps and they done chained the door cut the lights out and EVERYTHING. its bad enough all the american movies are in the back of the movie theatre and you have to walk outside and around the block to get in – and now they done locked us in! Oh Hell No! Me personally? i flip out when stuff like this happens so im going off wait on the first workers i see so i can give them a piece of my mind. Tan and her sister are being the calm ones and tay is claustrophobic so she in panic mode. noelle doesnt say much of anything and certainly is not one to panic- so she just there trying to comfort tay lol. tan, sister. Then of course, some other drunk guy starts to explore the movie theatre. Yeah, the theatre is connected to like this teen club LOL. Apparently,they done found away to go all in the kitchen (yes, there is a kitchen at the movies) and everything! kicking doors open but STILL couldnt find an exit so then every door they came across they just started kick them in lol. Haha, not Tan – the drunk guys lol. finally we found this door that was open (meaning, we didn't have to kick it in…I mean THEY didn't' have to kick it in) and led to another movie. So here we come, actually BEHIND their screen. Then, we walked all in front of the screen theatre full of people no one said a WORD about it! We were loud and noisy and everything standing up there like like we are doing a play LOL! so we walk to the back of the thearte and the door was locked so of course the drunk guys kicked the door in. then, once we thought we were home free, we looked back wonder…hey…Where are Tay and Noelle?????? They are still sitting in the locked part of the building, looking crazy. they thought we were going to come back and get them lol (which of course we did). They were pissed that we left them, but they quickly got over it when, as we're trying to find a cab, drumroll…here comes the beggars!!!! Now normally if i have some spare change i give it to them or either go in a store and buy whatever they ask for but it was freezing and i didnt have a dime, ruble, lint in my pocket. they followed us everywhere we went until we go to where the cabs are normally located of course – OF COURSE - there were no cabs so we had to wait …and here they go "RUBLES, RUBLES, RUBLES"…Tans like tell me what you want in english and ill give it to you. In response they reached for her popcorn and she was like oh ok – and gave it to her. The little girl was like HELL NO! then tan got pissed LOL. They're getting all riled up, Tan's pissed, I have no money so we asked noelle like do you have any spare change to give to these kids so they can leave us alone? See, Noey doesn't say much – but when she does she always makes sense…she made a great point she looked at them and says, she doesnt look like she is in need. They're not dirty or anything…got on some nice coats and everything! You know they must have pissed noelle off bc if you know Noelle, shes the sweetest person ever. Well fast forward a few more days and here's the punchline – why are tay and I eating at TGIF Friday's when we just caught the SAME little girl just staring like crazy at us!!!!! See, we are used to people staring at us now – that's normal here. But this was different! She wouldn't turn her head away! Normally, when this happens, Tay sticks her tounge out at people…but something made her pause…when the little girl saw us recognize her, she quickly turned her head and headed out of the restaurant, with her family a family!!!! A WELL OFF FAMILY. Apparently they had reserved a whole section for a party – or at least that's what the waitress told us! According to the waitress, this family was known for their ridiculous wealth which lead me to think about what noelle had said…hmmmm. wow this heifer got more money then me and she begging. GREEDY HEIFER! Now everyone has to suffer no more giving for me. IM SORRY to the people that actually may need it but this little bad apple may have spoiled it for everyone. on to other things thats been going on in Russia…I got to meet kelis in person at the euroleague allstar game. Of course, because Diana'a owner, Shabai ALWAYS does it extra big, she was our surprise performance. she was cool, she rocked the place and afterward we had a after party at Dee's house and Kelis came! it was wild. her DJ was cool too we got to here good R&B and Hip Hop for a change all the new stuff old stuff. He kept us on our feet dancing especially Becky Hammon she was killing it in Cowboy boots walking it out and everything LOL. Who said white girls cant dance LOL. (I LOVE U BEK I KNOW SHE GON KILL ME LOL). it was good hopefully she comes and does a show in minny but we will see. On the music tip, one of my favorite artists is coming to russia to perform right before my birthday. Erykah Badu!!!!!!! im really looking forward to that she peforms on april 19th…a week or so before my birthday. An early gift for me. We will definitely be headed to that concert! YAY! well that's about it time to go come home eat good and head to minny for a new season. Can you believe we're in our 10th season???? the new and improved team is going to be something to see…so this should be fun and exciting. Expect big things from us this year. To all my fans and friends i will try to keep you updated as the season goes along as well as the remainder of my time here but if its anything that you might want to know about feel free to leave it in the comments section. Oh before i forget congrats to Spartak 2008 Euroleague Champs! Time to party in russia!!!!!!!!!

A few words from Tina, LJ and Dee after their win in Euroleague final

Mon, 14 Apr 2008 13:42:50 -0500

Video - Jeff Taylor interviews Tina, Lauren and Diana after the conquest of their second ELW title in Brno (Czech Republic) Sunday. Congrats the girls!! Another European title…great!!!!! (Dee, are you all right?? Where was your bright smile this weekend my angel?!) To watch and watch again the F4 games -> www.fibaeurope.com/video.asp

SPARTAK MOSCOW, CHAMPIONS

Sun, 13 Apr 2008 15:15:02 -0500

Spartak Moscow Region survived a furious fight-back from hosts Gambrinus Brno on Sunday to capture the EuroLeague Women title for the second time in a row. Lauren Jackson scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds to lead Spartak to a 75-60 triumph. The Australia superstar, who had 35 in Spartak's semi-final success against Ekaterinburg, was named Final Four MVP. "We really wanted to win this so badly because I love the girls on the team," Jackson said. Spartak's Tina Thompson, who had 12 points and eight rebounds and was named to the all-tournament team with Jackson, said: "We're so excited, we've worked so hard all year for this. Spartak coach Natalia Hejkova also added to her already famous reputation as one of the best coaches of all time in the women's game by leading a team to back-to-back EuroLeague titles for the second time in her career. She also accomplished the feat in 1999 and 2000 as the boss of SCP Ruzomberok, and on that team was a young Slovakian named Zuzana Zirkova - the leading player of Gambrinus this season. Zirkova, who had 28 points in Friday's overtime win against Bourges, finished with a team-high 16. Spartak looked as if they were going to blow out Gambrinus when they stretched a 43-27 half-time advantage to 58-33 with four minutes remaining in the third quarter. Gambrinus, electing to go to full-court pressure, closed the quarter on a 9-2 run, though, to trim the gap to 60-42. Jan Bobrovsky's Brno then got the crowd excited by reducing the deficit even further. When Marina Karpunina fouled Zirkova while she was attempting a three-pointer, the point guard went to the line and sank all three free throws to cut the lead to 62-53. Gambrinus then twice got to within seven points at 65-58 and 67-60 after getting a three-ball from Zirkova and a basket down low from Timea Beres. They got no closer, though, and failed to score for the final two and a half minutes. Bobrovsky, who had called Spartak the best team in Europe ahead of the game, had mixed feelings after the defeat. "The atmosphere was fantastic," he said. "I've never experienced anything like this in my country. "I'm not disappointed with the result. I'm only disappointed with the way we played for a big part of the game. "We have definitely played better games in the past. The amazing press was great but we couldn't play that for 20 minutes." Sue Bird and Diana Taurasi, who like Thompson will represent the United States at the Olympics this summer when they face Jackson and Australia, had 14 points apiece. Spartak ended up out-rebounding Gambrinus 42-34. Jackson continued her outstanding shooting from long range. The best shooter from behind the arc in Europe this season at better than 54%, Jackson nailed two of three against Gambrinus. She was three of four on her three-ball attempts in Friday's 78-68 win over Ekaterinburg. "It's been a very long year and we have more basketball to come," Thompson said. Indeed they do. After the celebrations in Brno, Spartak will turn their attention to retaining the Russian Superleague title. "To get here and win it all is very fulfilling," said Thompson.

LAUREN JACKSON SHOW LEADS SPARTAK INTO FINAL

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 14:48:01 -0500

Lauren Jackson erupted for 35 points and Tina Thompson weighed in with 24 as Spartak Moscow Region beat fellow Russian heavyweights UMMC Ekaterinburg in the opening game of the EuroLeague Women Final Four on Friday in Brno. ackson, the Australia international superstar, also had 12 rebounds as the defending champions won 78-68 but she played the last several minutes in discomfort after injuring her foot. The player should be able to play in the final when Spartak face either Bourges or hosts Gambrinus Brno. Ekaterinburg, who are as deep and talented as any team on the continent, gave Spartak fits for nearly three quarters but saw the game get away from them over the last 10 minutes. Yelena Leuchanka, the Belarus international who joined Laurent Buffard's team from TEO Vilnius on the eve of the post-season, had 15 points and seven rebounds to lead a balanced Ekaterinburg attack. The team got very little production from All Stars Penny Taylor and Agnieszka Bibrzycka. Taylor, the MVP of Australia's world title win in Brazil two years ago, had three fouls in the first quarter and did not play the entire second period. She ended up with eight points and four rebounds for the game while Poland international Bibrzycka, a member of Spartak's all-conquering team one year ago, was limited to eight points as well. She spent the majority of the fourth quarter on the bench. Ekaterinburg got eight points in the opening frame from France star Sandrine Gruda and they were also sparked by Svetlana Abrosimova and Asjha Jones, who both scored baskets to help fire them to a 23-22 lead by the end of the period. A three-point play by the lively Jones gave Ekaterinburg their biggest lead of the game at 32-27 three minutes into the second quarter. That is when Jackson came to life. After Diana Taurasi buried a jumper, Jackson scored Spartak's next 13 points as Spartak moved into a 40-37 advantage. Natalia Hejkova's team took a 45-41 lead to half-time with Jackson's 19 leading all scorers. When play resumed, Ekaterinburg clawed their way back. They went on top at 54-53 after a three-ball from Kristi Harrower with 5:36 to go in the third quarter. Leuchanka scored down low to increase the advantage, but Spartak hit back and a Jackson three-pointer put the Moscow Region club back in front at 58-56. Taylor scored to tie the game at 58-58, but Jackson and Tatiana Shchegoleva scored on consecutive trips down the floor and Spartak took a 62-58 lead to the final quarter. When Jackson split a pair of free throws seven minutes from the end, Spartak had a 70-58 stranglehold on proceedings. Ekaterinburg stopped the 12-0 run with a Taylor basket, but got no closer than eight points the rest of the way. fiba europa

EUROLIGUE, FINAL FOUR

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 06:46:29 -0500

El gran día llegó, este fin de semana sabremos si el Spartak de Moscú revalida su título o por lo contrario habrá nuevo campeón de la Euroliga Femenina. Cuatro equipos lucharan por ello, Spartak de Moscú, UMMC Ekaterimburgo, Gambrinus Brno y Bourges Basket. La primera semifinal se enfrentaran los dos equipos rusos, posiblemente el partido con más atractivo de la jornada, equipos formados por estrellas WNBA, Campeonas de Europa,… De donde saldrá el primer finalista de la competición. En la otra semifinal la jugaran las Checas como anfitrionas, Gambrinus Brno, y el Bourges Basket francés. Partido no con menos interés, seguramente el más igualado y en el cual no se atreven a dar un favorito. En los tres últimos años, el club que organizaba la final 4 se proclamaba campeón, Samara en el 2005, Brno en el 2006, y el Spartak en el 2007, ¿Casualidad? En pocos días lo sabremos. 11 de Abril Semifinal. 15:00 horas. UMMC Ekaterinburgo vs Spartak Moscú 18:00 horas. Gambrinus Brno vs Bourges Basket 13 de Abril Final. 15:00 horas. 3/4 º Puesto 18:00 horas. Final ***Todos los partidos se podran ver por la pagina web de Fiba Europa

WNBA DRAFT CP3 FOR #1

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 16:25:59 -0500

YEEEESSS my Lady vols won the NCAAW championship last nite. MY GURL CP3 AKA CANDACE PARKER IS THE #1 PICK OF THE WNBA DRAFT YESSS. MINNESOTA LYNX'S GOT MY GURL CANDICE WIGGINS IM SOOOO HAPPY CUZ I LIVE IN MINNESOTA YEEEES THEY ALSO GOT TENNESSEE ALUMNI NIKI ANOSIKI YEEEESSS. MY GURL SHANNON BOBBIT WIL BE WITH HER GURL CP3 AT LA

DRAFT 08, CANDACE PARKER #1

Wed, 09 Apr 2008 14:39:44 -0500

1- Candace Parker 2- Sylvia Fowles 3- Candice Wiggins ...

WNBA 2008 Video

Mon, 07 Apr 2008 23:12:06 -0500

Has anyone seen this? It's a bunch of crap! Women's basketball is just as exciting as men's.

Spartak's Revenge !

Sun, 06 Apr 2008 11:51:46 -0500

Waooooooooww, the Spartak is ready for ELW Final Four !!! No time to blether today... for Webcast of Spartak Moscow v. CSKA Moscow, follow the link. Dee we miss you here... YB needs you! ;)

CBA is a Big Deal for the WNBA

Fri, 04 Apr 2008 18:40:15 -0500

The WNBA reached a new agreement on its CBA. Here are some of the new, key points.

Calendario de competición para el Torneo Preolímpico Femenino de la FIBA

Thu, 03 Apr 2008 14:02:25 -0500

FIBA y la Federación Española de Baloncesto han anunciado este miércoles el calendario de competición para el Torneo Preolímpico Femenino de la FIBA, que se disputará en el Telefónica Arena de Madrid, del 9 al 15 de junio de 2008. Siete selecciones ya tienen el pasaporte para disputar el Torneo Femenino de los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008: China (anfitriona), Australia (campeona del Mundo), Malí (campeona de África), EE.UU. (campeona de las Américas), República de Corea (campeona de Asia), Rusia (campeona de Europa) y Nueva Zelanda (campeona de Oceanía). Las otras cinco plazas para Beijing se pondrán en juego en el Torneo Preolímpico Femenino de la FIBA, que contará con las siguientes selecciones: Senegal y Angola (África), Cuba, Brasil y Argentina (Américas), Japón y China Taipei (Asia), España, Bielorrusia, Letonia y República Checa (Europa) y Fiji (Oceanía). A continuación se detalla la composición de los cuatro grupos, así como el calendario completo de la competición. 1. Grupos Grupo A: Japon, Letonia y Senegal Grupo B: Angola, Argentina y República Checa Grupo C: Brasil, Fiji y España Grupo D: Bielorrusia, China Taipei y Cuba 2. Ronda Preliminar: 9 Junio 2008: 12:45 horas: España vs. Fiji 14:45 horas: Ceremonia de apertura 15:30 horas: China Taipei vs. Cuba 17:45 horas: Letonia vs. Senegal 20:00 horas: República Checa vs. Argentina 10 Junio 2008: 12:45 horas: Cuba vs. Bielorrusia 15:00 horas: Senegal vs. Japan 17:15 horas: Fiji vs.Brasil 19:30 horas: Argentina vs. Angola 11 Junio 2008: 12:45 horas: Brasil vs. España 15:00 horas: Letonia vs. Japon 17:15 horas: Bielorrusia vs. China Taipei 19:30 horas: Angola vs. República Checa El primer y segundo equipo de cada grupo avanzará a los Cuartos de Final, mientras que los equipos que concluyan la fase en el tercer puesto quedarán eliminados y podrán regresar a su país. 12 Junio 2008: Día de descanso 3. Cuartos de Final 13 Junio 2008: Partido 13: A1 vs. B2 Partido 14: B1 vs. A2 Partido 15: C1 vs. D2 Partido 16: D1 vs. C2 Los partidos de cuartos de final se jugarán a las 12:45 horas, 15:00 horas, 17:15 horas y 19:30 horas. El orden de los partidos se confirmará al término de la ronda preliminar. Los cuatro equipos ganadores en cuartos de final se clasificarán para los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008 y podrán regresar a su país. Los cuatro perdedores jugarán las semifinales. 4. Semifinales: 14 Junio 2008: Partido 17: Perdedor 13 vs. Perdedor 15 Partido 18: Perdedor 14 vs. Perdedor 16 Los partidos de semifinales se jugarán a las 17:15 horas y a las 19:30 horas. El orden de partidos se confirmará al término de los cuartos de final. 5. Final: 15 Junio 2008: Partido 19 (19:30 horas): Ganador 17 vs. Ganador 18 El ganador se clasificará para los Juegos Olímpicos de Beijing 2008

WNBA Eyes Black College Basketball Prospects

Wed, 02 Apr 2008 11:26:59 -0500

Say what you will about the WNBA's appeal to a mainstream audience, but one thing you can't deny is the league's ability to find talent, something the NBA could learn a lot from. So it should come as no surprise that the WNBA has several black college basketball standouts on it's draft prospect list. The MEAC, SWAC, and CIAA are all represented by five standout players, each with game that can translate to the professional level.

Flash it back to...All Star 2008!

Tue, 01 Apr 2008 15:00:46 -0500

IM BACK!!!!!! This blog has been written for awhile, but its time to flash it back and get caught up... All Star break was fun but also a lot of work. I was glad I got to go to Louisiana, and get some home cooking or atleast some southern food. Day one: I got to work with my Lynx teammate Lindsey Harding. We went out and helped some New Orleans families paint and bulid there homes and community. My painting was probably the best, Lindsey had paint running everywhere. The head staff member over the organization that put all of this together had to keep coming up to lindsey, telling her to fix the paint. lol. He always gave me compliments. Once we left that site we went to another where we actually had to hammer and nail the wood to the side of the house, so we were actually putting the siding on the house. I didnt do to much nailing bc im not very accurate when using a hammer. So I let Lindsey be the star of that. I just held the wood in place and made sure i kept a close eye on Lindsey and her hammering techniques. lmao. Once that was over, I got to rest for a short period before my agent had me up and running. I was out and about meeting new people getting new connections. We hit up the 8 Ball Challenge celebrity pool tourney were Gabreille Union, Vivica Foxx, Chris Tucker and majority of the NBA players like Carmelo Anthony, Rudy Gay, Kevin Durant, Alonzo Mornuing and of course many more were, as well as a few hip hop and r&b artist like Yung Joc, Chamillionare, Micheal Bivins, Ludracris, Choppa and many more. They were all participating in this tournament. We mingled, stood around and watched them play pool. You could tell were the hottest celebrities was bc they would have a huge crowd around there table. So guess who had the biggest crowd? None other than Micheal Jordan. He came out and everybody just flocked over to his table. Cameras flashing and all eyes were on mike. He was cool smoking his cigar playing pool while everybody got a glimpse at him. I just stood from a distance in aww. Like this is the person most everybody grew up idolizing and he is here right in front of me. WOW! But moving right along...The night was fun besides my agent introducing me to a 1000 people. I have a lot of names to remember...and shoot, trying to get me to play pool! Swin Cash was playing in the tourney but got knocked out in the first round. shoot, thats why we rushed over to the event! I was straight from the plane from Russia...to give her some support! But by the time we got there she was cooling her heels. lol So of course I had to give her a hard time about it. She was a good sport though, she took her lashing like a pro. MAYBE next year I'll play with you Swin, you needed me on your team lol. SIKE! We probably would have been out iin the preliminaries. lol. Day Two: I got to rest most of this day until it was time for me to take pictures. I was kind of upset bc I didn't have a lot of clothes to wear mainly bc I only had sweats in russia so thats all I could bring with me...the NIKE fam hooked it up and LRG pitched in with some hoodies etc, so I managed and still looked SEEXXYY!!!!! The Lynx actually had a photo shoot for me set up to start some of the promotional things for this up and coming season. But it was fairly hard getting to the photo shoot. First we had to catch a cab then we didn't have an address so picture trying to tell a cab driver to follow someone complete mess. The cab driver starts getting aggravated bc he wants to go one way and the Lynx person we're following wants to go another...on top of that we get caught in a red light so it was confusion everywhere. It got to the point where the cab driver starts screaming and hollering about he should have never picked us up and when he stops again says, "we can just get out and find another cab." So my agent who is always nice, but has some smart ass tendencies says, "don't you get paid more the longer you drive around? We'll just go ahead and stay." Thats all I needed, I laughed until i had to pee. That photo shoot was very interesting I had to wear spandex and take picsI (yep, in spandex you guessed it. sexy.) never thought I would. I had my tattoos out, I hardly ever have my tattoos out! They had me roaring like a lion and doing all of these awkward type photos. I felt corny,but the pictures looked amazing. The catch was that it took about 6 hours. I had other things on my mind to do besides take pictures. I was going to meet up with some of my LSU teammates and hang out with them for a minute...Once I got to them, it was nice seeing them again. its been such a long time. I normally just watch their games on my computer. So it was nice to see them live in the flesh. My parents actually came down to new orleans this day and brought Tootsie (you have seen pics...my agent found out that the hotel was dog friendly so...along came Toots). i didnt get to spend much time with them bc of course I was working but they got to come to all the festivities. I didnt get to go to the celebrity game or to the rookie sophmore game, I attended the events on the night of the dunk contest. The dunk contest was the best, but of course I enjoyed cheering on the rest of the wnba players who participated in the events. Dwight Howard is a beast man, they had some amazing dunks but to see this happen in person WOW! Of course I had to cheer on Gerald Green of Minnesota but Dwight took the show. Even though Gerald dunking bare foot was amazing. Good Job Gerald and Best of Luck in Houston!! then it was on to...A night out on the town with my agent. Here we go...Micheal Jordan had a party and guess who was in there MEEEEEE! Everybody you could think of was there. Everyone who is on is jordan brand and celebs. Terry Crews the guy who plays Damon on Friday After Next was there. He was dancing his butt off! I thought he danced a lot in the that movie and in its deleted scenes and bloopers. But he really gets down when the right song comes on LOL. Chris Paul was cutting a rug too. He was actually smooth with his though. I was asked to dance but i didnt want to embrass anybody with my slick dancing moves.LOL. I have been recruited for many dance teams in my day LOL. SIKE! (i should be on dancing with the stars).lmao! The most exciting part about that night was (I have to say...though my agent was killin me with embarassment setting it up) when spoke to jordan. The night before I refused to talk to him, nervous energy! So here we go...she gets me to meet jordan. Though they definitely put me on blast revealing that I was afraid to met him, he walks over shakes my hand and starts talking. WOW! Im really talking to michael jordan. It wasn't long, short and sweet and straight to the point. But it was definitely a moment i will remember forever. I even got to see Doctor J that day! I went home and slept really good that night. Day3: On to the Guinnes book of records free throw contest- me, Becky Hammon, and Katie Smith all where trying to break the record. Becky ended up breaking the record with I believe 40 free throws in a minute. Not sure. All I know is my arm were killing me. We had to use speed and quickness my arm got tired at the end and I started missing shots. DANG! On to EA Sports XBOX Challenge, it was the easiest thing i had to do all weekend just sit back and play video games. I played against to little boys about 8 or 9. I really dont play XBOX much I'm a playstation person so of course I got whipped the first game but the second game i put up a good fight. I still lost but he had to put in some work to win. Next year ill be ready. Bc I'm buying an XBOX when I get to minny. lol. EA, holler at me. I'm ready for all comers. That bascially was the end of my all star experience...outside of for two more stops to NIKE basketball courts that they rebuilt, where kobe bryant and alonzo morning made appearances. I got to meet kobe, he told I had a sick game and I replied the same to him. Kobe doesn't play, he breaks people down on a nightly basis. Then it was on to footlocker with a little q and a. A lot of people knew who I was! mostly people from baton rouge - they were there asking questions they already knew the answers to, we just had fun for that 15 minutes that I was on stage acting silly and giving away prizes. I didn't go to the all-star game, I went to baton rouge to enjoy my last couple of hours in the states before heading back to russia. All in all, it was a great experience that I will definitely do again. Now all we have to do is get a WNBA team in New Orleans so we can have an all star there. LOL. Be good and be safe, Good Bless! PS: Anyway my next couple of blogs are going to be interesting so I want to put something on your minds just to get some input. So please answer with comments if you have time. Here we go! If you went to the movies with friends and and for some strange reason you got locked in...What Would you Do? A) give the first staff member you see a piece of your mind. B) Break down and start crying C) Sit in the theatre until some comes to get you D) None of the Above Also do you give money to the people standing outside of the bulidings or gas stations when you come out? Yes or No ( and if so Why and if not Why Not?)

WNBA Live '08... the parody

Wed, 26 Mar 2008 16:22:30 -0500

Ever wonder what a WNBA video game might look like? Me neither. But this parody got me thinking. Featuring a "cameo" by Diana Taurasi.