Connecticut Sun

Moving On

2006-08-30T18:15:00.000-04:00

It's hard to believe the WNBA Finals start tonight and the Sun won't be playing.
Another season of promise turned into one of disappointment, with players and coaches left scratching their heads over what it will take to get over this hurdle. The Sun actually backtracked this season after winning two straight conference titles.
As for a winner, I like Detroit over Sacramento. The physically-imposing Shock players are a tough match for any team.

Cool As A Cucumber

2006-08-27T16:03:00.000-04:00

Game 3. What Game 3?
That might have been the impression you received by the mood among the Sun's players after their Sunday morning shootaround. Connecticut, one day removed from staving off elimination, seeks its third consecutive trip to the WNBA Finals tonight at home against Detroit.
The players looked more than comfortable about eight hours before tonight's tip, chatting and laughing as their session came to a close.
"It's not rocket science," coach Mike Thibault said. "We've just got to go play basketball. We'll see what happens."
Although Thibault and some of his players tried to dismiss the notion of momentum after securing the Game 2 win, it certainly can't hurt the Sun with the turnaround to this decisive game coming with little rest for either side. Playing at home should also be an advantage, but early signs as of last night made it seem like the crowd's size was still below an acceptable number. It'll be something else to keep an eye on.

The Stuff of Legends?

2006-08-26T15:18:00.000-04:00

A matter of minutes after my last posting, Katie Douglas took the court at roughly 2:55 for some shooting.
She began similar to Thursday night only shooting with her hands and not jumping. The difference was, she was elevating on her toes as opposed to remaining flat-footed.
She then progress into short jumpers before playing some half-speed defense against teammate Jamie Carey. Mike Thibault watched intently and Douglas also did one half-sprint from sideline to sideline.
Douglas eventually returned to full shooting, which included waves of 3-pointers from different spots on the court. If I had to guess, I’d say she plays and possibly starts today.

Waiting for KT

2006-08-26T14:53:00.000-04:00

We're approaching an hour until game time and still no sign of Katie Douglas on the court for shooting. Her status is still unknown after a glimmer of hope came through when she shot pre-game Thursday in Detroit.
In other news, injured forward Brooke Queenan, who didn't even make the trip for Game 1, worked out beforehand. Suffering from a sprained right ankle, the rookie, who is on the playoff inactive list as a result of limited playing time during the season, said today was the first day she's been able to jump when shooting.

Try, Try ... And Try Some More

2006-08-25T19:04:00.000-04:00

Here's a tip for all you aspiring sports writers out there.
It's been my experience that making yourself available at all times is the only way to be assured of getting the desired interview and story. With that in mind, I never turn my cell phone off and tend to schedule interviews based around the subject's schedule and not mine.
The only time this philosophy becomes an issue is when I'm on a plane, where cell phones can't stay on.
That was the case today, as I got into a little game of phone tag with Indianapolis-based orthopedic surgeon Dr. David. A. Porter, who spent part of Thursday examining the Sun's Katie Douglas. Luckily, we finally got a hold of each other and he was very helpful in providing some new information in what seems like a story that takes a new turn every day.
I feel like I'm on KT watch and we're up to Day 6.
I don't want to give away the insight from Porter — you'll have to wait until the paper for that — but I promise it'll make for an interesting read.

The Unknown

2006-08-25T08:52:00.000-04:00

As I’m sitting here in Detroit Metro Airport waiting for my flight and getting some advance work done for articles set to run in Saturday’s paper, I’m left wondering what it’s going to take for the Sun to win a game in the Eastern Conference finals.
Connecticut looked to be missing Katie Douglas more than anyone might have expected last night, playing as if they were trying not to lose — the curse of death in sport’s circles — after building an early 14-point lead. In a game that felt tense from courtside, the Sun made things even more dramatic by turning many possessions into 24-second countdowns to destruction.
Outside of Erin Phillips and, at times, Lindsay Whalen, no one seemed willing to take big shots with the expectation of making them. The forwards each went through spells of being trigger-happy, but the attempts were so rushed they resulted in poor misses and fastbreak chances the other way. If that happens again, the next game won’t be until the 2007 preseason.
Add to that the uncertainty of whether Douglas might return for Game 2, which coach Mike Thibault had categorized as something “miraculous” on the eve of Game 1. Knowing KT, she won’t play unless she’s capable of truly contributing. My biggest concern would be the players being distracted by the possibility of her return and then playing through disappointment if Douglas isn’t able to go.

FAN SUPPORT
Only twice did the Sun sell out Mohegan Sun Arena for games during the regular season. If they don’t pack the house for Saturday’s win-or-the-season’s-over Game 2 — starting at a reasonable time for fans of all ages, 4 p.m. — I think the franchise should be very disappointed. Not only is the team playing the rival Detroit Shock and trying to reach its third straight WNBA Finals, knowing the game’s significance has to draw a crowd.
I’m going on record as saying there is no excuse for fans not to be there in person when the Sun return home.

Should I Feel Insulted?

2006-08-24T14:13:00.000-04:00

Bill Laimbeer will never be confused for a charmer. At the same time, as the old saying goes, you have to talk some of his words with a grain of salt.
Known in his playing days as someone capable of getting under the opponent's skin, he has transitioned that some with how he now deals with the media. Working on a story on Detroit's Cheryl Ford, I went to team shootaround this morning to talk to her and assistant coach Rick Mahorn. As I approached Mahorn, who was sitting on the scorer's table next to Laimbeer, I introduced myself and said what paper I was from. Laimbeer then says to Mahorn, 'That's one of those Podunk papers.'
Fully expecting that response since Laimbeer has said that to other reporters from smaller-sized papers before, I responded with, 'I had a feeling you might say that.'
Truth be told, I didn't mind the comment because I don't think it was meant to be personally insulting. I think it's his way of ribbing the media a little -— myself and another the writer were also told twice to leave and comeback during the shootaround because Laimbeer didn't want anyone watching until league rules make it mandatory to be open - which I'd like to see more often from all coaches. You spend so much time with these players and coaches over the course of a season that if you can't crack a joke here or there it just makes everything feel way too uptight.
Besides, with his history, Laimbeer could have said a lot less flattering things if he actually wanted to insult me.

Thankfully, we have Lindsay Whalen to keep things relaxed on the Sun side. Although she can appear shy at first glance, once you get know Lindsay she is as funny as they come. She's great to talk to when you're chatting about non-basketball related subjects and is usually good for a quirky line or two along the way.
But sometimes I can't even figure out some of the little jokes she's playing. One can only imagine what kind of pranks she's capable of in the locker room.

Travel Day

2006-08-24T00:35:00.001-04:00

Let me begin by saying, I am not a fan of flying. I know that's a problem in the profession I'm in, but I'll find a way to get over it.
(Although, it is funny to see people always look out the windows in unison as a plane approaches the ground.)
Sorry to be getting this update out so late, but the day became a bit longer than expected. By the way, I hope you check out my story and some of the others across the state tomorrow to get a take on what Bill Laimbeer was saying Wednesday at practice.
Who knows if what they said was really true, but the Shock could be in for something unexpected if they really think Katie Douglas is healthy enough to play.

As for some team updates, you can find more in my notebook running in the Friday paper - talk about planning ahead - Brooke Queenan did not travel with the team to Detroit and the ice on Asjha Jones' knee shouldn't be perceived as problematic.
More to come tomorrow, which begins early with team shootarounds and hopefully leads to some good notes to share with you guys.

'You're My Best Friend'

2006-08-22T21:21:00.000-04:00

At least Katie Douglas could laugh a little on an otherwise rough day. Meeting with reporters for the first time since learning her season is over, Douglas let her guard down when most of the media members walked away.
Apparently known for her love of movie quotes, Douglas showed off a few lines from a new favorite, Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby. As she waited for Lindsay Whalen to wrap things up and give her a ride home, Douglas referred to the team's point guard as, 'Cal,' the friend and racing teammate of Will Ferrell's character in the movie.
"You're my best friend," Douglas said in her impersonation of Ferrell's voice as Bobby.
For Douglas, aside from movie quotes, seeing some wins from the Sun will keep the star guard smiling.

Wrapping Things Up

2006-08-22T11:12:00.000-04:00

With the Eastern Conference finals now just two days away from starting, here are some final thoughts on the Sun's first-round win over Washington.
After watching Game 2, it's hard not the believe a rivalry was born. The second game took on a much more physical feel than the opener, in part, because the officials lost control. The game featured one flagrant foul — DeLisha Milton-Jones delivered a solid elbow to the head of Katie Douglas — and a pair of technical fouls. Washington coach Richie Adubato was whistled for excessive complaining and Nykesha Sales got a tech midway through the first quarter.
The feistiness was probably a good thing for the Sun, who can expect an even more physical series in the upcoming round against rival Detroit. Winning ugly could also prove key since the loss of Douglas will certainly slow or limit the offense.

More than a half hour after Game 2 was complete, Alana Beard of the Mystics made her way out of Mohegan Sun Arena through the tunnel and walked by the Connecticut locker room. She gave Lindsay Whalen a hug and delivered a quick message. "Get it done, man," Beard said. "Third time's a charm."
Time will tell.

Wait And See

2006-08-20T21:37:00.000-04:00

The news isn’t looking good on Katie Douglas, as some of the reporters have already began to speculate whatever her injury may be — a ruptured Achilles might not be a terrible guess, but who knows — will keep her out the remainder of this postseason.
She be examined examined and re-evaluated on Monday, but this seems to be another bit of bad luck in the playoffs after Lindsay Whalen went through knee and ankle problems last year leading up to the team’s second straight loss in the finals.
Seeing Douglas head into the tunnel putting no weight on her right foot was an unfortunate end to a very entertaining basketball game Sunday at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Trouble Brewing

2006-08-20T16:57:00.000-04:00

The Connecticut Sun may be going to their fourth straight Eastern Conference finals, but Katie Douglas could be forced to miss some time.
After leaving late in Sunday's game with an apparent injury just below her right calf — which she injured late in the year and forced her to miss the regular season's final two games — Douglas has what's being called an unknown right foot injury. She's scheduled for x-rays and an MRI Monday and we're currently awaiting a comment from her and/or the team doctors.

All-Defensive Snub

2006-08-18T18:47:00.000-04:00

Mike Thibault was asked a day later about Taj McWilliams-Franklin not being named to the WNBA’s All-Defensive Team and he still showed the same level of surprise.
Thibault, who was informed Thursday by a group of reporters of the picks, considers McWilliams-Franklin among his defenders, along with her role of being team captain. The Sun were represented by the selections of Katie Douglas to the first team for a second straight year and Margo Dydek on the second team after leading the league in blocks.
“I’m absolutely shocked because she’s the best post defensive player 1-on-1 in the league,” Thibault said of McWilliams-Franklin. “You’ve got Lisa (Leslie) and people like that, and Margo, who are shot blockers, but you’re talking about somebody who can guard somebody 1-on-1 and take them out of their rhythm.
“Especially when she made second team last year, I thought she had a chance at first team this year.”
It’ll be interesting to see if her snub inspires McWilliams-Franklin at all. A highly self-motivated player, she doesn’t tend to think too much of individual accomplishments, but did show some shyness about discussing her addition to the All-Star Game as an injury replacement.

Win Or That's The Season

2006-08-17T13:26:00.000-04:00

And now we play the waiting game.
Myself and two other members of the Connecticut media just completed our interview session with the Washington Mystics, but we won’t see the Sun until roughly 3:45. Normally, I wouldn’t mind the long gap since it gives me a chance to get a lot of my writing done, but after walking out the door at 5:25 a.m. to begin my drive to DC, I’d prefer to just be done and perhaps call it a night by 6.
Since that’s not going to happen, I’ll just search for a little food and get to the task at hand.
One observation from talking to a few Washington representatives was how aware this team is of the significance attached to Friday’s Game 1 in this best-of-3 series. The Mystics are basically in a must-win situation with the odds stacked against them to win twice at Connecticut.
But there is a quiet confidence among the home side, which treated the Sun to a loss at the Verizon Center during the regular season. It’ll be interesting to get a fresh take on that game from Connecticut’s players later in the day.

On The Road Again

2006-08-16T23:13:00.000-04:00

It’s that time of year again: the playoffs. Just like when I’m covering UConn, the postseason is my favorite time to be working because it means more roads trips and not knowing what city you might in the following week.
I’m closing in on a very early morning start to my drive down to Washington for practice Thursday and Game 1 of the Sun’s Eastern Conference semifinal Friday night.
I’ll check in at some point once I arrive in the nation’s capitol with a report on the happenings from the eve of the series opener.

Rewarding The Right Teams

2006-08-15T15:58:00.000-04:00

The WNBA held a teleconference today featuring all eight coaches of the playoff teams, along with ESPN on-air personalities Doris Burk and Linda Cohn.
One popular subject during my time on the call — thankfully, Mike Thibault was the first coach on, as these tend to take way too long — was the league’s playoff format. The subject deserved to be critiqued because it is a terrible system.
Having teams with better records starting on the road before returning for Games 2 and 3 of a best-of-3 series in the first two rounds in ridiculous. It’s a poor attempt to reward the stronger side and risks something the WNBA should always be fearful of: not putting its best product on display.
I understand the league can’t afford to go to five games for all three playoffs rounds — like in the finals — but if it must stick to only three games early on, give the better-seeded team home-court advantage throughout. With a relatively short schedule and more than half the league making the postseason, rewarding teams like Connecticut and Los Angeles with nothing but home games is a way to place more emphasis on the regular season.
It’s hard to think about the Sun or Sparks getting edged out on the road and then facing elimination throughout the rest of their first-round series. It just doesn’t seem fair.
Since alternating sites for each of the three games is never going to happen because of travel costs, giving one team all the home games seems like the next best option.

Preparing For The Playoffs

2006-08-13T16:49:00.000-04:00

The result shouldn’t matter, but you have to wonder if losing the regular season’s final two games will at all affect into how the Sun perform once the playoffs begin for them Friday.
Granted the team was playing depleted and obviously lacked some necessary emotion with nothing at stake, but it’s hard to turn the switch on after nothing mattered for a period of time. Consider the Indianapolis Colts last season going from a destructive bulldozer to losing in their first postseason game, albeit the death of coach Tony Dungy’s son was also a factor.
I watched most of Sunday’s Connecticut loss at Detroit as I did some other work and here are a few points I took from a mostly dominant performance from the Shock:

Nykesha Sales looked a little fatigued, which is to be expected after her extended layoff. She missed seven of 10 shots en route to eight points and many of those misses are shots we’re used to seeing her make. Nonetheless, I believe coach Mike Thibault made the right decision to play Sales, who is still in search of regaining the rhythm that makes her such a dominant player.

Say what you will about Erin Phillips playing fast at times, but I’m a big fan of her game. She finished with 12 points and three assists, showing her ability to hit outside shots and also get into the lane and cause trouble. My guess is she’ll return to the bench for the playoffs and Sales will again become a starter, but Phillips is a better player than she was a month ago and the Sun now have one of the league’s better backup point guards.

As for Katie Douglas and Lindsay Whalen, the jury is still out regarding how much the rest helped them. Douglas couldn’t play due to her calf and the time off was well-deserved after being an offensive and defensive focal point basically the entire season. Whalen has been banged up as of late, although that’s not unusual based on her aggressive play. I thought she was the best Connecticut player in the previous game against Indiana and felt keeping her in the lineup might have allowed her to retain that success. But you can’t argue with a better-safe-than-sorry approach from any coach when nothing is at stake.

Whalen Feeling OK

2006-08-12T17:38:00.000-04:00

The play looked worse than it was. At least that was the reasoning once Lindsay Whalen got off the Mohegan Sun Arena court.
Whalen took the better half of a collision Friday night with Indiana’s Tan White, and the Sun’s point guard remained on the floor, showing signs of pain after the encounter near the low block.
“That’s not a place you usually see screens so I wasn’t ready for it and it just completely knocked the wind out of me for like 10 seconds,” Whalen said. “And I had an instant bruise on my (right) knee.”
The brief scare prompted coach Mike Thibault to sub out Whalen with 5 minutes, 57 seconds left in the game and she never re-entered. Considering Katie Douglas was already out nursing her sore right calf and Nykesha Sales is just a week removed from a 12-game absence, there was no need to take any chances.
“Once Lindsay got knocked to the floor a couple of times, that was it,” Thibault said. “I couldn’t watch that anymore.”

Injury Watch

2006-08-11T11:44:00.000-04:00

While the Sun are dealing with a slight injury problem of their own in Katie Douglas battling a strained right calf, the team they could very well see in the Eastern Conference finals is in a similar situation.
Detroit Shock leading scorer and rebounder Cheryl Ford left her team’s blowout win Thursday night against Chicago with 3:59 remaining in the first quarter due to a sprained left hand. Ford, 14.4 points and 11.7 rebounds, told the Detroit News she’ll play tonight against Washington, but it’s something to keep an eye on.
In other news around the league, how about Diana Taurasi? She set a single-game WNBA record with 47 points in Phoenix’s triple-overtime win at Houston. The Mercury can still make the playoffs by winning their final two games coupled with a Houston loss in its season finale.
It would be a great perk for the league to get Phoenix into the postseason because the team is probably the WNBA’s most exciting team. And if the Mercury manage to sneak in, don’t be surprised if they go on a little run behind Taurasi and her high-scoring teammate Cappie Pondexter.
Earlier this year, Sun coach Mike Thibault said Phoenix was capable of making it to the finals. After long stretches in which that looked impossible — despite all the talent on the roster — Western Conference teams may have to prove Thibault wrong depending on how the weekend shakes out, and knocking off the Mercury won’t be an easy task.

Tougher Than Ever

2006-08-10T20:32:00.000-04:00

Although Nykesha Sales may return to the starting lineup in both or either of the regular season’s final two games, she could very well return to the bench once the playoffs begin. If it happens, Sales’ brief stay in the starting five will likely be the result of Katie Douglas, or perhaps another player, being rested before the postseason begins a week from Friday.
Sales as a reserve would be quite the luxury for Sun coach Mike Thibault, who already has the services of Asjha Jones as a sixth man.
The silver lining to Sales’ left Achilles trouble was Erin Phillips emerging as a very capable starter. Now someone comfortable playing both guard positions, Phillips, along with the return of Sales, gives the Sun seven legitimate starters. Add to that as good a third-string point guard leaguewide in Jamie Carey and solid role players in Le’Coe Willingham, Laura Summerton and Megan Mahoney, and the Sun have to be considered the favorite to win the WNBA title.
Already assured of home-court advantage throughout, the Sun are a better team than they were a week ago — and will probably be stronger a week from today. Although injuries might have prevented this team from winning it all a year ago, having some players miss part of this season makes Connecticut as deep as it’s ever been.

Sales ... Continued

2006-08-09T02:40:00.000-04:00

Sorry for getting back so late; it was a long night at the office.
So the final stats read eight points, one rebounds, three assists and two steals in 19 minutes for Nykesha Sales in her debut. It's a good start as she was able to contribute without being heavily relied upon.
Sales may play Wednesday night in Indiana, depending on how her body feels 24 hours after the return. The Sun then have one day off followed by two games over three days to end the regular season.
Connecticut and Sales caught a break with the playoff schedule, which was released Tuesday. The Sun start a week from Friday, but it could have been a a day earlier.

Sales Returns

2006-08-08T20:15:00.000-04:00

Nykesha Sales is back from the Connecticut Sun, already with four pints in five-plus minutes through a little more than a quarter, according to the WNBA Web site box score.
This is obviously a big boost to a team already playing the best basketball leaguewide. It’ll be interesting to see how many minutes she goes tonight and if she plays at all against Indiana on Wednesday.
More to follow if there's more to report tonight.

Sun Won't Shine on U.S.

2006-08-07T21:19:00.000-04:00

In an effort to respond to your comments— although, I’ll be honest, I’d like to see some more — let’s talk about the USA Basketball selection for the women’s World Championships.
One reader commented with some disappointment in not seeing any Sun players on the current roster. There is still one spot left to fill on the Senior National Team.
While on the surface I would agree that Connecticut players should get consideration, a closer look doesn’t indicate many surprises.
Nykesha Sales has never been a big part of national team talks — perhaps because she likes her time away from the game — and the Achilles injury obviously ruled out of any conversations.
Although having a career year, Taj McWilliams-Franklin is an older player, which the U.S. already has a few of. Except those other elder stateswoman are already much more entrenched in the national team than Taj, who is more than deserving by the numbers.
Lindsay Whalen’s talent makes her one to be mentioned. But her continued recovery from offseason ankle surgery has slowed her at times and she’s probably not playing up to her normal level as she works toward regaining full stamina.
The only one I could maybe getting that final spot is Katie Douglas. You can make a case for her to win the league MVP and her great defense would make a great national team addition.
Lastly, Asjha Jones is someone to keep an eye on for future years. As time goes on she will develop into a starter and that might be when the U.S. brass sets their sets on the UConn product.

It Looks Like The Nation's Capitol

2006-08-06T16:46:00.000-04:00

It’s official. Well kind of.
The Washington Mystics are now assured of the No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. They will likely be the first-round opponent of the Sun, who are closing in on the WNBA’s best record.
Washington was locked into its spot after Indiana’s Saturday win at San Antonio and the Mystics’ double-overtime loss to Sacramento later in the night. Connecticut took two of three in the season series against Washington, with both wins coming at Mohegan Sun Arena.
In other playoff news, behind another 30-plus point effort from Diana Taurasi, Phoenix maintained its slim playoff hopes by beating Los Angeles. But Seattle knocking off Charlotte means the Mercury are no better off than when they started Saturday and now have one fewer game remaining to make up ground.

Nykesha Still In Limbo

2006-08-05T21:19:00.000-04:00

Word out of Houston is Nykesha Sales was on the court a little during today’s practice, but she did not participate in any extensive drills.
This was likely to be the Sun’s only practice during this three-game road trip over four days, so don’t bet on Sales playing during the stretch. I guess there’s an outside chance of her suiting up for the home finale or final regular-season game a week from tomorrow in Detroit, but I’m still holding to the belief that she’s done until the playoffs.
But here’s something to consider. Let’s say Connecticut manages to run the table down the stretch, or even just clinch home-court advantage throughout, is there a risk as to how Sales is reintroduced into the lineup? The team has been working well with its current system, and that balance cannot be tinkered with too much.
My bold prediction? If Sales is to start at all from now until the end of the playoffs, don’t expect it until the WNBA Finals.
And even still, she might be only coming off the bench should the Sun make it that far, which wouldn’t be so bad. Sales and Asjha Jones make for a pretty good combination against an opposition’s tired and slightly worn down starting five.
But that’s just an opinion. One of many I’m sure circulating out there.

Cream Of The Crop

2006-08-04T13:37:00.000-04:00

Sparks coach Joe Bryant couldn’t sit still much of Thursday night. He even had to be restrained once by a Los Angeles player during the fourth quarter, since the coach was teetering toward a possible second technical foul and subsequent ejection after being whistled for arguing a non-call in the third.
The meeting of the league’s two best teams didn’t go the way of the Sparks, who will need help to catch Connecticut for home-court advantage throughout the playoffs. The likelihood of getting assistance isn’t very good considering the Sun look as if they’ll never lose again, riding a franchise-record and WNBA season-high winning streak of nine games.
Regardless, Bryant still feels a repeat matchup in the championship series would make for a crowd-pleasing scenario.
“I think this would be a super finals with these two teams,” Bryant said. “I think the league would really appreciate it if Connecticut and L.A. get into the finals. We have great fan bases and special players.”
The win improved Connecticut to 10-3 against the Western Conference with one game remaining Sunday against Houston. The Sun lost just once in 14 tries against the West last regular season.

A Showcase Event

2006-08-02T20:40:00.000-04:00

As far as I know, tickets were still available for Thursday’s showdown at Mohegan Sun Arena between the East-leading Sun and Los Angeles, the Western Conference’s top team. If I was a fan, I think it’d be worth shelling out a few bucks to these teams because there’s a good chance they’ll play again in a few weeks, although tickets will likely be a bit more expensive then.
Games like this make the schedule maker look smart, considering this pair could very well meet in the WNBA Finals. And what a series it would be.
Between the aging superstar Lisa Leslie, whose game indicates nothing has dropped off, and the Sun’s Katie Douglas, you’ve two of the league’s best MVP candidates. If there was a sixth man (person, if you prefer that title) award, the only real candidates would be Connecticut’s Asjha Jones and L.A.’s Chamique Holdsclaw. The list goes on and on.
It’s a shame the game isn’t being televised because this would be a great opportunity for the league to showcase itself.

Now The Race Really Begins

2006-07-31T15:10:00.000-04:00

The belief by many who follow the WNBA was the Eastern Conference playoff race would lack suspense this season. While the top four teams might be capable of battling each other for seeding, there was little doubt as to which clubs would advance to the postseason.
That notion held true as the conference’s final playoff spots were secured with Sunday’s results. Connecticut, Detroit, Indiana and Washington are in, and out are suddenly competitive Charlotte, suddenly surging New York and expansion Chicago.
What we do know of the top four is the Sun can finish no worse than third and could clinch at least the No. 2 seed by week’s end. Additionally, with the East’s top seed once considered a three-team race, the Fever now find the Mystics in position to possibly jump ahead to the third spot, thus avoiding the conference winner.
One interesting scenario that could come up is teams with lower playoff position out East may get to rest their players more than at the top. The second two are starting to separate a bit from the top two, and if that trend continues, they will have less at stake during the final games. While Connecticut and Detroit could go down to the final day for the top spot, Indiana and Washington could be sitting back with rested players and awaiting whichever team becomes a first-round opponent.

Creating Some Space

2006-07-30T22:44:00.000-04:00

The Connecticut Sun’s hot streak looks to be getting a little better.
About midway through the third quarter, Detroit is down by more than 20 points at Sacramento. A loss by the Shock would give them two more than the Sun, which means Connecticut would gain a huge advantage.
With only seven games left this season, the Sun are inching toward a third straight top seed in the Eastern Conference playoffs. But having a two-game lead in the loss column at this point is extremely important because Connecticut plays at Detroit in the regular-season finale. The Shock have already clinched the season series, meaning a one-game edge on the final day is essentially a tie in the standings.
Although avoiding a winless campaign against Detroit should be a priority for Connecticut since the two could meet with a spot in the WNBA Finals at stake, it would be nice to know that last regular season game has no impact on playoff position.
After tonight, Detroit will also have one game more than Connecticut left on its schedule. That’s just another bonus for the Sun, who have actually improved their lead in the East with Nykesha Sales out with injury.
Of course, none of this will be true if the Shock make a big comeback.

Carey Makes More Opportunities

2006-07-28T13:07:00.000-04:00

Looking back, it seems like a pretty dumb question considering Jamie Carey has played at least 11 minutes in six of the last seven games.
But in the last week before the All-Star break, I was talking with Carey before a game regarding Jen Derevjanik’s return to Connecticut as a member of the Phoenix Mercury. Carey and Derevjanik were perceived to be in a tight race for one of Mike Thibault’s final roster spots, with Carey making the cut and Derevjanik being waived.
I asked Carey if there were moments when maybe she thought about what it would be like to play for another team. Derevjanik wasn’t going to get much playing time by making the Sun but was getting her chances in Phoenix, a scenario Carey would have likely found herself in had she been the one cut and subsequently signed by another club.
As the Sun were preparing for their final game of the season’s first half on July 8, Carey had yet to play more than nine minutes in any game and eight times didn’t make an appearance.
“This is a championship caliber team and that is fun to be a part of ever day,” she said at the time. “In practice and games, Coach T’s one of the best coaches I’ve played for. And to be able to play under him is a privilege and it’s just a fantastic organization here. So really there’s nothing to complain about.”
The game with the Mercury ended up being Nykesha Sales’ first of now eight, including tonight, out with an injury and Carey promptly played 20 minutes. Including that first game, Carey’s scored 21 points during this stretch, compared to just seven over the first 18 games.
Carey figures to see more minutes as long as Erin Phillips continues to start alongside Lindsay Whalen. In this new lineup, Carey becomes the first guard option off the bench, an opportunity she’s making the most of.

Finding A Role

2006-07-26T17:49:00.000-04:00

Erin Phillips will never be considered for rookie of the year. She’ll probably never climb higher than her position as the Sun’s seventh-leading scorer this season.
But the 21-year-old point guard from Australia has a chance to get something those other first-years are likely a few seasons away from: a WNBA title. And to boot, she might be a large reason Connecticut gets over the hump this year after two straight losses in the Finals.
After watching Phillips score 10 and 19 points, respectively, the past two games, it’s hard to think of her as a rookie any more. Seimone Augustus and Cappie Pondexter have never looked like rookies this season, and Candice Dupree and Sophia Young have rarely shown their inexperience. But that quartet may have no representatives in the playoffs.
Phillips already helped Connecticut clinch its spot last weekend.
Although it took some time for Phillips to find her role — sometimes she’d take too many wild shots, other times she never wanted to shoot — the feisty blond is looking more comfortable than ever.
Most of the time she’s looked at ease when handling the ball — her nearly 2:1 assist to turnover ratio of 54 against 28 ranks 11th leaguewide — but shooting, especially from outside, has been hit or miss. Phillips is 6-for-10 on 3-pointers the past two games after missing 27 of the season’s first 38 attempts.
“It’s definitely something I’ve been working on for a while now,” she said after Tuesday’s win. “Probably my biggest devil in the past was thinking about shooting the ball too much.”
Her confidence has made teammates, and now opponents, take note. The next challenge will be making more shots against enhanced defenses, since opponents can no longer dare her to shoot. The past five games have seen Phillips miss just nine shots, shooting 63 percent with 15 makes.

MVP In The Making

2006-07-25T16:31:00.000-04:00

As further testament to Katie Douglas’ candidacy for MVP of the WNBA see Monday night’s Sun win at the Liberty.
Douglas, a top-10 scorer throughout this season, reached double figures for the 22nd time in 24 games with 16 points, but she passed up a few easy ones that could have gotten her to 20. Instead of taking some of the open shots that came her way, Douglas chose to pass when easier shots were there for teammates. She also dished off a few of her season-high six assists when New York’s defense collapsed on her.
“I’m the type of player,” Douglas said after the win, “if two people are going to come on me, you’re kind of in trouble because we have four potent weapons out there.”
Douglas was her usual defensive presence, which has helped the Sun remain consistent on that end during the absence of Nykesha Sales. The team, although wishing it could have its dominant small forward back, has barely slipped is this six games so far without Sales.
If the Sun win the East, the only obvious choice for MVP is Douglas.

McConnell Leaves Lynx

2006-07-24T13:48:00.000-04:00

Strange news out of Minnesota last night with Lynx coach Suzie McConnell Serio resigning.
McConnell, who had no professional coaching experience when she took the job in 2003, guided the Lynx to playoff appearances in ’03 and ’04, the latter of which saw her honored as the WNBA coach of the year. Speculation surrounding the move indicates the team’s last-pace position out West, but still only four games out of the top four with 11 to play, led to her decision.
The Minneapolis Star Tribune reported on its Web site late Sunday night that McConnell was of the belief management had other plans for next season, which contributed to her stepping down.
McConnell’s departure, assistant Carolyn Jenkins will serve as interim coach the duration of this year, is somewhat surprising since the Lynx were never a true playoff contender this season. Despite drafting the dynamic Seimone Augustus first overall in April’s draft, Minnesota was probably too young of a team, although filled with talent, to challenge for a top four finish in the deep Western Conference.
If in fact McConnell did feel pressure to step down it seems like an unfair result for a coach and team capable of many years of future success. McConnell’s departure leaves the WNBA with just two full-time female coaches in the 14-team league.

Brungo Is Back

2006-07-23T17:37:00.000-04:00

To Chris Sienko’s credit, he isn’t shy about seeking change and making even the slighted of alterations.
Yesterday, I blogged about the lack of movement among WNBA teams during this season’s trade deadline. Having spoken with Sienko, GM of the Sun, during the buildup to last Thursday’s deadline, he was quick to point out how talks with teams may have slowed, but that didn’t mean Connecticut wasn’t eager to do something.
The Sun made their move Sunday, signing Jessica Brungo for the remainder of this season. A second-round pick of Connecticut in 2004, Brungo, who played her college ball for Penn State, was a member of the Sun the past two seasons before being waived this spring in training camp. Her acquisition comes on the heels of rookie forward Brooke Queenan signing a second seven-day contract in as many weeks late last week.
Although not expected to become a 20-minute-a-night player, Brungo should bolster an already deep bench. A 6-foot-1 forward, Brungo shares similarities with Laura Summerton; both are athletic players capable of running the floor and hitting shots from the perimeter.
The Sun’s latest signing brings their roster to 13, the league max. Brungo’s addition could spell the end of Queenan’s run dressing for games. Nykesha Sales is already on the inactive list due to injury and don’t be surprised if Queenan joins her for the foreseeable future. Teams can dress only 11 per game according to league rules.
Despite being away for so long, it’s fair to assume Brungo has a better handle for the Sun’s system than Queenan, who has been a professional player less than two weeks.

Trading In Old Beliefs

2006-07-22T17:47:00.000-04:00

I know the WNBA isn’t known for trade-deadline deals, or too many big trades for that matter, but I still find Thursday’s events hard to believe.
The 8 p.m. trade deadline passed with no action and there’s been just one signing since then. It doesn’t make much sense.
There are few teams safe to make the playoffs at this point, and even those teams higher in the standings are struggling to create much separation. With that in mind, there have to be some players out there underachieving to some degree on their current team but capable of turning around with a change of scenery. That’s the case in most other sports, but WNBA teams apparently don’t utilize such beliefs.
As for the clubs still with outside playoff hopes and those trying to hold off the pack — that means virtually everyone out West — it’s even more inexcusable to remain with the status quo. If your current roster only got you to the position of being in a dogfight to make the postseason, why should that same lineup suddenly open a significant cushion?
Free agency and player movement is still relatively new in the world of women’s sports, as is the notion of women’s sports for that matter. But trades are a key part of any pro league, and are especially important to show fans that the team is never settling for the current situation.
The trade deadline in baseball is fast approaching and the big talk among analysts is which contender is going to make the move that puts them over the top. Perhaps WNBA execs should look at the happenings within baseball and take some advise for this time next year.

Getting Better

2006-07-21T14:59:00.000-04:00

Although there were a few mistakes sprinkled in, the Sun showed significant improvement in their ability to take care of the basketball against the Sky.
Connecticut had only 15 turnovers — the team totaled 25 assists on 33 made baskets — despite many of its first-team players getting plenty of rest in a lopsided win.
The limited number of giveaways follows a 12-tunrover performance Sunday at Seattle. The 27 these past two games is one fewer than a season-high last Saturday against Sacramento, which demonstrated one of the Sun’s problems all season. Traditionally a team protective of the ball under coach Mike Thibault, Connecticut has struggled through poor lapses of concentration, which directly resulted in the loss to the Monarchs.
Thibault said some of Thursday’s turnovers against Chicago didn’t bother him as much because they were made in an effort to get up quick in transition. Those mistakes were more of timing and not carelessness.
A coach can also live with some giveaways if they don’t lead to too many points at the other end. Chicago only had 11 points off Sun giveaways, compared to 20 for Sacramento and 16 for Seattle.

Don't Hold Your Breath For Nykesha

2006-07-18T21:44:00.000-04:00

Let me preface this entry by saying I have no evidence to support the following beliefs. These opinions are based on my interpretations made in the nearly two weeks since Nykesha Sales last played.
I don’t expect Sales to be back in uniform until August, and probably no earlier than a week or two before the playoffs begin, if then. The postseason starts Aug. 17.
The Sun’s veteran forward spent the end of practice Tuesday riding a stationary bike as her teammates raced back and forth in a full-court scrimmage. I sat down with Sales afterward to see how things were going and she sounded almost as uncertain about her return as coach Mike Thibault did some 15 minutes earlier.
This much we know: Sales is battling a variety of injuries, but her left Achilles is the root of many of the other problems. She’s been diligent about getting the necessary treatment, but as she told me today, the normal rest and recovery for an injury like hers is six to seven weeks.
She’ll be at six weeks when Connecticut opens the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Since she’s not running during rehab, Sales will likely need a practice or two to test the injury and gage the recovery process.
Starting with Thursday’s game against Chicago, which Sales will not play in, the Sun don’t practice again until the earliest next Wednesday. After playing four games in six nights, the team has a two-day break before playing four more games in seven days, concludi.ng Aug. 7 That stretch is followed by another two-day break before three road games in four nights and then a home game two days later.
The regular-season finale is two days later.
The end of the season comes quite fast, maybe even too fast for Sales. If I had a guess, maybe Sales plays in one of the games along the way, but is then scheduled to sit out the next couple regardless of how she performs. Since the Sun will have very few ‘true’ practices left this season, getting into a game with the doctors’ permission may be the only way for Sales to know if she’s capable of being the player she’s always been again this season.

One Final Hurdle

2006-07-17T18:03:00.000-04:00

Since Mike Thibault became head coach of the Connecticut Sun for the 2003 season, he has accomplished almost everything someone of his position could do.
Twice he’s guided the franchise to the Eastern Conference championship, twice he’s coached the East in the All-Star Game — leading the conference to its first victory a week ago — and he even led the Sun to last season’s top record. Aside from claiming a WNBA title, there is something that has eluded Thibault.
Dating back to the franchise’s 1999 inception as the Orlando Miracle, the club had never won at the Seattle Storm, its only such occurrence against league opponents. That streak, which included two losses in the 2004 WNBA Finals, came to an end Sunday night.
The Sun avoided losing back-to-back games for only the second time this year, and fourth since 2005, with a 92-83 win to complete the season sweep of Seattle.
“I was telling Lindsay Whalen after the game, ‘Lindsay, you know, I don’t think I’ve ever won in this building with Orlando or Connecticut,’” said Sun leading scorer Katie Douglas, who was drafted by the Miracle in 2001. “And then, coach came in like a parrot and said that we’ve never won here, either franchise. So that’s huge for us. Obviously, we have memories of losing here in the finals and it’s just a tough place to play.”
It was also Connecticut’s first win on the West Coast in four tries this season. The Sun, who still have road games at San Antonio and Houston this season, are 6-3 against the Western Conference.

Value The Ball

2006-07-16T13:39:00.000-04:00

The last time the Sun lost in disappointing fashion in the first of back-to-back games, they responded for arguably the season’s best win. Tonight brings another opportunity like that after Connecticut dropped its WNBA Finals rematch Saturday at Sacramento.
There are two ways to look at the loss. Considering the team had no Nykesha Sales and good defense along with some foul trouble resulted in one of Katie Douglas’ worst games this season, the Sun can take some satisfaction in being in the contest until the final seconds. But the turnovers are a better spot to point the blame, and 26 giveaways are probably why Connecticut lost more than anything else.
Those 26 turnovers were the most by the team since it relocated for the 2003 season and are one short of the Connecticut-Orlando franchise record. Carelessness with the basketball has plagued the Sun all season and was one issue coach Mike Thibault said his team needed to improve upon in the second half.
The first try didn’t go so well, but a win tonight for a 1-1 West Coast trip won’t look so bad if the Sun return still leading the East.

Dunk This

2006-07-13T17:57:00.000-04:00

OK. Enough is enough,
I’ve been reading it in different newspapers and seeing it on TV. I’m so tired of having to recount the final seconds of Wednesday’s All-Star Game, in which the teams turned things into an embarrassing slam dunk contest.
I understand that dunking is something that appeals to fans — and some players — but it is not part of the women’s game, at least right now. Watching the 6-foot-5 Michelle Snow dunk, something she did going back to her days at Tennessee, doesn’t make me any more eager to get writing on my game story, nor should it entice more fans to come out and watch.
(The New York Post did the women’s game a disservice with its game story in Thursday’s editions, although, let’s not forget it was the players who allowed for such an account to be produced.)
While I agree with Dawn Staley’s belief that dunking may one day be a part of the WNBA, we need to all slow down and wait for the moment to happen. I’m still waiting for the first dunk over a player or in traffic, something that comes in the game’s natural flow.
By the way, as for Diana Taurasi’s botched attempt, which started the whole circus, she gave the same excuse from a day earlier after posting a last-place result in the 3-Point Shootout. “The ball was sticky.”

A Pleasant Surprise

2006-07-13T17:46:00.000-04:00

Although it is part of my job to update the blog you see hear, between all the other things I do, I rarely find the time to re-read some of the entries. Since I hadn’t previously seen the paper’s new blog page, I decided to browse and then click on my link today.
The result was a nice surprise. I was glad to see some comments recently posted by you readers.
It may have taken a while, but I’m really happy that this blog is finally showing signs of interaction, which is the purpose of a forum such as this. I just want to remind all of you that your thoughts are always welcome and if we can get a decent enough response, please feel free to send in questions about the Sun that I can later respond to in an effort to keep everyone in the know.

Diana ... The Comedian

2006-07-12T13:18:00.000-04:00

Diana Taurasi was filled with jokes Tuesday at Day 1 of this year’s All-Star festivities.
Although her day started out somewhat serious — as a sign of her focus, Taurasi didn’t answer TV’s questions before the 3-Point Shootout, only to finish with a competition-worst seven points — Phoenix’s third-year sharpshooter let her hair down during the open media session.
The laughs first began was she needed numerous takes to tape a public service announcement thanking sponsors and supporters of the WNBA All-Star Game. Watching her struggle over and over again through her few lines reminded me of Charlie Sheen failing miserably in take after take of a deodorant commercial in ‘Major League II.’
But the laughs didn’t stop there because then it was time for Taurasi to explain her struggles from long-range.
“I have never froze up like that in my life,” she said, before delivering a different take. “Actually, the ball was sticky. The ball was sticky. The ball was sticky.”
There was a slightly more serious response to follow.
“It’s funny because you get out there and it looks easy, but it really is physical,” she said. “You’ve got to shoot 25 balls in a minute. I felt good, just didn’t have enough range on them. It was an ugly display of shooting.
“But you know what? I need a little defense and I’ll be good.”
It’s easy to see why fans have loved Taurasi since her days at UConn.

WHERE ARE ALL THE PEOPLE
Although some of the league’s most talented players were on display Tuesday for the skills competitions, most of the fans seemed to think twice about showing up. The Garden had 3,000 people if you were counting generously, and probably 90 percent of the crowd was campers getting a break from the brutal heat.
Considering the event was free, the draw left plenty to be desired. Furthermore, if the league is only going to televise the showcase on NBA TV — as opposed to ESPN or ESPN 2 — WNBA officials should have opted to put the show on during the evening, when a bigger crowd is more likely. Even though Major League Baseball had its All-Star Game Tuesday night, it’s not like NBA TV would have been giving up some great program to put on the WNBA at 6 or 7 instead of 1:30.
The weak crowd was obvious to anyone in the building.
“I noticed it but there’s nothing I could really do about,” Sun point guard Lindsay Whalen said. “That’s the way it was. That was the atmosphere.”
As for tonight, the league refused to give numbers on where ticket sales stood as of Tuesday, only stating that tickets were still available.

What A Win

2006-07-09T19:31:00.000-04:00

Even if you’re not a WNBA fan but just enjoy basketball, anyone who saw the Sun’s comeback Saturday had to appreciate how remarkable the achievement was. Playing a high-scoring team like Phoenix, I figured that was the worst scenario for trying to erase a 17-point halftime deficit.
During the intermission I even rifled through the team’s media guide to find the most lopsided loss in Connecticut history. One member of the Sun staff told me I should instead be searching for the biggest halftime comeback. Boy was she right.
Saturday provided the type of win that can change a season. There was so much excitement in the Sun’s locker room after the victory, which sent the team into the All-Star break feeling pretty good about a 14-5 record to date.
Not only was coming back a great accomplishment, but doing it with Nykesha Sales out due to injury only adds to the significance. Any team out there thinking the Sun are vulnerable with their second-leading scorer may need to change those beliefs.

All-Star Woes

2006-07-06T12:45:00.000-04:00

We have to wait two more days for the rest of the Eastern and Western Conference All-Star squads to be announced, but I’m going to tell you that Katie Douglas will be on the list. Her coach, Mike Thibault, certainly would agree. He was even disappointed the sixth-year guard wasn’t chosen to start by the fans.
Which brings me to my next point.
I’ve got some problems with fan voting, at least in terms of deciding starters. The right to be in the starting lineup of the All-Star Game should be more than a popularity contest. By taking the East aside, it’s clear the fans showed some smarts with certain choices, but there were others that threw me off.
Both guards, in my opinion, are suspect selections as starters, although both should probably be All-Stars. Becky Hammon of New York is a great player and has put up great numbers this year, but what does it mean if her best efforts still have the Liberty a long shot to make the playoffs. Even Connecticut’s Lindsay Whalen surprised me, since she’s had to battle a recovery from offseason surgery and there’s no denying that Douglas has been more important to the Sun’s success on a regular basis so far.
I’m not suggesting to get rid of fan voting, but the system should be tweaked. In baseball, there used to be a chance for fans to vote in one extra player per roster after all the names were announced. I get that the WNBA is an ultra-fan friendly league, so how about voting in three players after the other announcements. That way, the right players are assured of getting the honor they deserve and the fans still get to see the players they enjoy watching.

Big Game

2006-06-30T17:48:00.000-04:00

It’s nice to finally be back in my normal routine. After going to the Hall of Fame and NBA draft in between trying to do my regular work as a Sun beat writer, being here early on a game night with not too much other stuff on my mind is a good feeling.
As always, tonight should be a good one considering it’s Connecticut and Detroit. I’m looking to it since I missed the first meeting between these clubs earlier in the season.
Tonight would be an opportune time for the Sun to put together that elusive complete game Mike Thibault has been searching for. He’s also been seeking quality wins in a playoff-type atmosphere, something that should also exist tonight. The Sun pulled it off against Houston and tonight is another chance. With Indiana 24 hours from now, a win against Detroit in something the Sun need in this ultra-tight race for first in the East

My Big Return

2006-06-28T18:14:00.000-04:00

After two weeks out of the country at the World Cup, with a few days to recover before returning to work, I’m now back on the Sun beat.
My return has been anything but seamless, since the past two days have provided their fair share of curveballs. Tuesday saw me drive to Springfield, Mass., for the unveiling of a UConn basketball exhibit followed by a trip to Mohegan Sun Arena.
At least the Sun made my job a little easier with a 16-point win over Houston. They still didn’t look great at times – Houston managed to play terrible virtually the entire night – but the Sun are clearly among the WNBA’s elite.
After sending in my last of three stories Tuesday at around 10:30 p.m., my editor told me that a quick change in plans called for me to cover tonight’s NBA Draft in New York. I never mind a trip to the Big Apple, but I also had a UConn media day in the early afternoon for Geno’s incoming freshmen, meaning my work day will easy eclipse 12 hours.
But after all that, I’m here at the Garden with less than an hour before the Draft starts. I’ve spent some quality time doing my research on all of UConn’s draft eligible players – this required some real homework since I don’t cover the men – and I feel prepared for the night. Of course, you can’t feel too prepared at a draft since anything and everything is bound to happen.
We got our first bombshell a few hours back when reports started coming in of Sebastian Telfair’s trade from Portland to Boston in exchange for the No. 7 overall pick. So much for the belief that UConn’s Marcus Williams might be the next point guard of the Celtics.

Bad start to a tough week

2006-06-26T11:54:00.000-04:00

A tough loss for the Sun. I don't know if there is any other way to describe it. Last night's game was the start of a week where the Sun would face several playoff contenders.

What stands out to me is, at least on paper, the Sun are a far superior team to the Mystics. All it takes is one bad half and being a better team on paper is all you have.

-Joe

Mystified

2006-06-24T13:59:00.000-04:00

The Sun head to Washington today where they will face the Mystics on Sunday.

Things have changed since the last time we saw Washington. For starters, the Mystics have closed the gap in the standings. That was made possible in large part due to the two games Connecticut lost on their recent road trip.

One thing has stayed the same, though. That is Washington's lack of consistency. On day, they look ready to challenge the Sun for conference supremacy. The next, they drop games to teams like New York.

Washington is not a very good road team, so the fact Sunday's game is being played on the Mystics' home court should present a big challenge to the Sun, who are seemingly forever on the road.

-Joe

Close Call

2006-06-24T00:14:00.000-04:00

Whew!

The worst possible scenario nearly played out on the court in Chicago Friday night. The Eastern Conference Champion Sun found themselves trailing the expansion Sky with under a minute to play.

That's where Connecticut's experience and leadership comes into play. Taj McWilliams-Franklin scored a key bucket and the Sun nailed four free-throws to secure the win.

These are the games that really build additional character, especially for the players who haven't been in the league too long.

-Joe

Nice win

2006-06-23T13:54:00.000-04:00

It was great seeing the Sun put together another strong effort. Hopefully wins against lesser teams like Charlotte, Minnesota and hopefully tonight against Chicago, Connecticut can build some momentum for next week's games against tougher competition.

Lindsay Whalen provided a spark for the team in the first quarter when they were trailing 9-2 and looked flat. Ashja Jones' contributions cannot go unnoticed. She along with Taj McWilliams-Franklin were very active Thursday.

One thing that I found curious was Laura Summerton being the first one off the bench. Not that I have anything against her, because I don't. I think coach Mike Thibault in effect, rewarded Summerton for all of the hard work she is doing. She's really progressed in recent weeks.

Let's see what happens tonighthicago!

Until next time....
-Joe

Ending on a good note

2006-06-21T00:11:00.000-04:00

Whew! It was good to see the Sun pull off the win at Charlotte tonight. What I was most impressed about was the dominance of the Sun on the boards. Coach Mike Thibault got the team back to basics for the game and it paid off. Sometimes the best way to tackle adversity -- including a road trip that didn't look too warm and fuzzy, is keeping things as simple as possible.

The team gets Wednesday to rest and return to Connecticut. They will host the Minnesota Lynx at Mohegan Sun Arena on Thursday night. Don't forget to come out and support the Sun.

See you soon!

-Joe

Tough road

2006-06-17T13:30:00.000-04:00

Last night's loss at Phoenix is tough. Simply put, the Sun were outplayed in the second half. Let's not get this twisted: the Mercury are a good team despite their record.

After starting 0-4, they have won three of their last four, including a wins over Detroit and Minnesota, who comes to town Thursday. Phoenix is a young team with new faces still trying to adjust to each other. I expect them to see the playoffs this year in a very tough Western Conference.

Tonight's game against Los Angeles will be a bigger test on several fronts. First, it is the second game in two nights. But the Sparks' front line, especially Lisa Leslie and Chamique Holdsclaw, will test the Sun. A big defensive game from Margo Dydek is going to be needed.

-Joe

Ramblings

2006-06-14T02:20:00.000-04:00

Hi again...its Joe. Sorry to disappoint. LOL.

Anyhow, I was at the Sun's practice today at Conn College. Coach Mike Thibault had the team focusing on protecting the ball. When you think about, with the team on the verge of facing two teams that aren't short on firepower like Phoenix and Los Angeles, turnovers are more likely to haunt you.
What Thibault did towards the conclusion of practice was tell them the session wouldn't end until the team went five posessions without a turnover. Trust me, the Sun players were happy when the final whistle blew.

The league announced its All-Decade team. The format was different from what I expected. Instead of one team of five and maybe a sixth player or a first and second team, there was a team of 10 and an honorable mention.
There were surprises. First I figured Teresa Weatherspoon would have made the team of ten. Secondly, I was shocked that Diana Taurasi was named at all. Don't get me wrong, she's got game. But after two years? Two years? I just don't see how she can get honorable mention and players like Nykesha Sales and Natalie Williams (anyone remember her?) don't get a sniff. Thibault, in Wednesday's paper, says it best. Why should someone receive this honor based on what they did in college.

That's all for tonight.

See you soon!

-Joe

Filling in

2006-06-11T23:45:00.000-04:00

Hi, everyone! This isn't Arthur, but instead Joe Perez. Consider me Arthur-lite for the next two weeks or so.

Today's Sun game against the Washington Mystics was the second opportunity I've had to cover the Sun for the Bulletin. I'm sold. Even without Taj McWilliams-Franklin, the Sun found ways to pull past a decent Mystics team. Once again, Katie Douglas and Nykesha Sales had virtuoso performances. Plus, Douglas gave me a good chuckle when she described herself after the game as the "Energizer Bunny."

On another note, the WNBA should be releasing their All-Decade team pretty soon. I'm curious as to who you, the fans, think should be on the team. I'll give you my picks, by position. Let me know what you think.

F Sheryl Swoopes, Houston
F Yolanda Griffith, Sacramento
C Lisa Leslie, Los Angeles
G Cynthia Cooper, Houston
G Teresa Weatherspoon, New York

This was tough. There are a few people who I regretfully left off the list. Tina Thompson and Katie Smith are two names that are deserving, as is Dawn Staley.

Until next time...

-Joe

A Temporary Goodbye

2006-06-10T13:24:00.000-04:00

I’ll be absent from my blog and the Sun for about two weeks for my vacation, which will be spent attending the World Cup in Germany and traveling to some other European countries. The site will updated occasionally by reporters filling in for me, but I apologize.
In the meantime, please feel free to check out by blog for the Bulletin during my European journeys at bulletinworldcup.blogspot.com

Catching Up

2006-06-10T13:18:00.000-04:00

From a reporter’s standpoint, I think having Barbara Turner back in town Friday night only made me miss her more.
She’s still a pleasure to talk with and still a great quote. I say talk with opposed to interview because Barbara doesn’t make the process feel trying or one sided. She seems to enjoy the questions and answers — if she doesn’t, boy can she fake things well — and knows how to tell a story in the most engaging of ways.
Among the best excerpts from the interview not to make the paper — you could write til no end when talking with her — were how she’s still a jokester like in her days at UConn (coach Anne Donovan called her a ‘Nut’ in a recent birthday card, which Barbara took as a term of endearment) and the headband she wore opening night. It hasn’t reappeared after she got plenty of heat from all of UConn’s coaching staff, although she claims that was the point of the fashion statement.
Also, as a testament to her relationship with UConn players, Barbara told us before tip that all 12 members of the current team were coming to the game. I didn’t catch all of them, but on the way out, myself and two other reporters who also cover the UConn women and Sun bumped into six members of next year’s sophomore or junior class.

My Day At MSG

2006-06-07T20:54:00.000-04:00

For everything Madison Square Garden offers, the wireless Internet provided didn’t allow me to post on my blog. I had planned to update once before the game and once after.
So here are the two updates I wrote with the times they were supposed to go up.

10:12 a.m.
This is a first
Outside of conference tournaments in college basketball, it's rare to see sporting events starting at this early juncture. But that's what we get today at MSG, where the Sun take on the Liberty.
It felt a little strange waking up at 7:25 a.m. at my buddy's apartment so I could shower, pack and make the subway in time to be here for media access at 9 with time to spare. Considering I'm always the one out of my friends with the strange hours — but the perks are, generally, getting to wake up late — fastening my tie as my friend was just rolling out of bed was a new one for me.
After a slight snag getting my press pass, things are going pretty well here. I just caught up with Ashley Battle — the details of that interview will be divulged in my next Sunday notebook — and now it's off to check out the breakfast spread.
Still waiting to see how 4,000 kids in the crowd affects the atmosphere. Hopefully, I won't walk out this afternoon with a terrible headache.

1:48
Interviews are all through, although I found myself chasing people a bit more than usual. That’s pretty common when comparing road to home games because you’re out of your element a bit.
My halftime routine, which usually consists of grabbing a bottle of water and maybe having seconds of the provided meal, was altered so I could be the halftime guest of Sun radio play-by-play man Bob Huessler. The news came as a surprise to me less than an hour before tip, but I always enjoy doing radio interviews.

As for my other thought of the day — by the way, the kids in the crowd were terribly loud and now I hate the person who created thunder sticks — watching Erin Phillips and Sherill Baker of the Liberty match up made me think of what the future of this rivalry might someday be. They are both talented rookie guards who come off the bench and the pair went at each other constantly when they shared the floor.
When I told Phillips of my thought, she didn’t seem too adverse to the idea.
“Why not?” she said. And maybe we’ll both be correct in our views a few years down the road.

Something New

2006-06-07T10:03:00.001-04:00

This is a first.
Outside of conference tournaments in college basketball, it's rare to see sporting events starting at this early juncture. But that's what we get today at Madison Square Garden, where the Sun take on the Liberty.
It felt a little strange waking up at 7:25 a.m. at my buddy's apartment so I could shower, pack and make the subway in time to be here for media access at 9 with time to spare. Considering I'm always the one out of my friends with the strange hours — but the perks of, generally, getting to wake up late — fastening my tie as my friend was just trolling out of bed was a new one for me.
After a slight snag getting my press pass, things are going to pretty well here. I just caught up with Ashley Battle — the details of that interview will be divulged in my next Sunday notebook — and now it's off to check out the breakfast spread.
Still waiting to see how 4,000 kids in the crowds affects the atmosphere. Hopefully, I won't walk out this afternoon with a terrible headache.

Something New

2006-06-07T10:03:00.000-04:00

Big Day

2006-06-06T19:28:00.000-04:00

It's nice to back in New York, where I'm from. I have to admit, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's game more than most considering it will be my first time at Madison Square Garden as a member of the media.
Growing up on Long Island and being a sports fans, I always had an affinity for the Garden. I've been to numerous sporting events there -- even the circus -- but tomorrow should be special.
As for the 4,000-plus kids attending the morning game for School Day, I'll be sure to let you know how that experience goes.

Be A Fan

2006-06-03T23:46:00.000-04:00

The locker room was abuzz, but it had nothing to do the Sun’s fourth victory this season.
With a TV showing the end of New York’s dramatic home win over Los Angeles, Connecticut’s players were fixated on the screen as the final moments of regulation ticked away. When Catherine Kraayeveld hit the game-tying 3 with three seconds to play the locker room exploded with noise.
Katie Douglas jumped out of her seat to declare, ‘I feel like I’m at the Garden.’
It was a nice scene, a snap shot of what this league means to its players.
As she field questions about the Sun’s victory, Nykesha Sales was directing other media members out of the TV’s view to keep up with the game’s final moments. Always focused on her team, she was confused why teammates were cheering for the Liberty’s shot considering they are supposed to be a conference rival.
On a day the league’s 10th anniversary season was celebrated at Mohegan Sun Arena, the players of Connecticut found a perfect way to cap the day.

The Waiting Game

2006-05-31T15:46:00.000-04:00

When you’re father is a former star of Australian Rules Football, it’s fair to assume that having a threshold for pain is somewhat a birth right.
Erin Phillips probably fits into that category, evidenced by suffering a mild concussion last Saturday against the Detroit Shock and not becoming aware of the problem until after the game.
Her father, Greg, knows something about toughness after starring with the Aussie Rules team in Adelaide, Erin’s hometown.
“I rang him up and he knows how frustrated I am,” Phillips said Wednesday, after not practicing for the third time in as many team sessions, “because I don’t like missing out on anything.”
She is cleared for Thursday morning shootaround before the Sun play at the Charlotte Sting, but her status for the game is still unclear. One thing that is certain is Phillips’ desire to return to the court.
The nagging of team trainers and doctors signifies the 21-year-old’s eagerness to get in the mix.
“I must give them credit because I’ve been a pain in the butt because I just went to get out and train,” Phillips said. “And they’re pulling the reins so hard, pulling me up and stopping me. It’s very frustrating but I do understand why they do it.”

Phillips Fitting In

2006-05-25T14:14:00.000-04:00

Erin Phillips’ maturation appears to be in full swing.
With Lindsay Whalen still on the mend, Phillips was the only point guard for the Sun in their fourth-quarter comeback Tuesday against Minnesota. (Whalen probably could have played, but why mess with a good thing?)
After forcing shots and plays in the season opener, Phillips demonstrated more poise in her second professional game. The result was a time-effective 13 points in 19-plus minutes. She added four rebounds and two assists, against, perhaps most importantly, no turnovers.
Phillips should only improve as she grows more familiar with Connecticut’s system, but her presence is already adding to the backcourt’s firepower. After 28 points against the Lynx from Katie Douglas, teams might have more to fear out of the Sun’s guards than ever before.

Random Thoughts

2006-05-21T23:05:00.000-04:00

I’m taking in the Seattle Storm-Los Angeles Sparks game on NBA TV tonight — in between updates from the Mets and NHL playoffs — and it’s odd to see Barbara Turner in different colors.
I thought the same thing when watching Ann Strother and Phoenix during the preseason. I guess it takes some getting used to after watching these players in UConn colors.
Speaking of UConn, it appears the New York Liberty are going to rely heavily on Huskies products Kelly Schumacher and Ashley Battle. Both played better than 28 minutes in a season-opening loss to the Sun on Saturday.
The pair already has a good rapport after being college teammates in 2000-01 when Schumacher was a senior in Storrs and Battle a first-year player redshirting.
“We have the same kind of mentality coming from UConn and learning from Geno (Auriemma) and the whole organization there,” Schumacher said before Saturday’s tip of she and Battle. “There are certain things that we do automatic that maybe other players don’t. It’s nice to know I’ve got her and if I see her she’s going to read me.”
Schumacher came to the Big Apple after an offseason sign-and-trade following four years with Indiana. Battle signed as a free agent after appearing in just two games with Seattle last season as a rookie before getting cut.

The Clock Is Ticking

2006-05-18T02:09:00.000-04:00

If Sun coach Mike Thibault is up as late as I am currently, the thought of making the team’s final cuts has undoubtedly crossed his mind.
Friday’s deadline is steadily approaching and there are still two more players who must be waived. Trying to find the weak link at this point in training camp — the most competitive in Connecticut history — is nearly impossible.
I don’t envy the task.
“It’s so hard that I am agonizing,” Thibault said after Wednesday’s practice. “Pretty much what I think about when I’m not here, out on the court for practice. It’s just hard. It’s the worst part of the job. I don’t look forward to it.
“I’d love to have somebody else to for me but that’s my job. It’s not easy. I’m not looking forward to it.”
Adding to that difficulty is the recent signing of Ambrosia Anderson off waivers — you can read about her in Thursday’s Norwich Bulletin — who has looked comfortable and blended in during her brief stint.
If I had to guess, either Jamie Carey or Jen Derevjanik will not be retained. The effort to get Erin Phillips here and her abundant potential makes her a virtual lock to be the backup point guard to Lindsay Whalen for now. There isn’t likely to be pressing need for four point guards, regardless of how effective Carey and Derevjanik each have been.
The other final cut I see — Connecticut needs to get from 14 to 12 — comes from the trio of Anderson, Megan Mahoney and Le’Coe Willingham. Thibault has been public in his praise for both Laura Summerton and Donna Loffhagen, which give them the appearance of being safe.
Despite her effectiveness in practice, Anderson is still far from safe considering the timing of her arrival. Struggling through a series of injuries, Mahoney hasn’t been overly effective in any of the three preseason games, although Thibualt likes her versatility as either a guard or small forward.
Willingham has been effective in her shot making, but has also struggled through spells of turnovers during the exhibition season. If she doesn’t make the team, I see it as a result of having less versatility than some of the other players competing for a spot.
When asked if whoever gets cut is capable of being a WNBA player, Thibault’s answer was blunt.
“No question,” he said.

Wanting Sleep

2006-05-17T03:32:00.000-04:00

For everyone out there who wants to be a sports writer and only see the glory in it, let this be a lesson that our lives are about more than simply getting good seats at basketball games.
As you can tell by the time of this post, I am up quite late. That is the result of having to finish my stories in time for a special section we’ll be putting out on the Sun this Friday. I was hoping to have more done by now, but I got derailed with a couple of stories earlier in the day, including Willnett Crockett being cut somewhat unexpectedly by Los Angeles.
I still love what I do, but I figured it’s worth pointing out that us writers are also capable of having odd parts of our jobs.

A Reason to Stay Interested

2006-05-15T14:12:00.000-04:00

In preparation for the upcoming season, which kicks off this Saturday, I’ve been speaking with some season-ticket holders to find out why they initially became interested in the Sun and what keeps them coming back.
I had already heard stories of how great WNBA players are in the community and seen glimpses of it this training camp, but hearing it from you fans has reinforced things I was previously told. Talking to Diana Taurasi last week only furthered these thoughts.
There is no overwhelming reason why this league is about to celebrate its 10th anniversary. No magic, or reinventing-the-wheel business scheme. The players deserve most of the credit, and plenty of that has to do with what they do off the court.
Fans feel an attachment to the teams and players they follow with good reason. There are numerous opportunities to get up close and talk to these athletes, which in turn makes spectators feel a greater to reason to remain interested. The players understand their roles, and they embrace the league’s desire to consistently reach out to fans.
If you’re a fan, there are few leagues out there that offer similar benefits.

Thoughts From The Thruway

2006-05-12T20:35:00.000-04:00

Although I didn’t walk into my door until nearly 2 a.m., making the drive up to Albany and back for Thursday’s preseason game between Phoenix and Detroit proved worthwhile.
First off, it was nice to catch up with Ann Strother, and hopefully I’ll have more of those stories to come about Barbara Turner and Willnett Crockett. It also provided a chance to talk with Diana Taurasi, who I had never met because I didn’t cover the team when she played.
But perhaps the most enjoyable part of the experience was based on where my seat was in Pepsi Arena. I was placed almost directly behind the Shock bench, which meant I got to hear almost every word out of coach Bill Laimbeer’s mouth. It was great.
There was rarely a moment he didn’t have some type of comment for the officials. Often times I was left laughing to myself with some of his phrases, and there were plenty of times both he and the officials let out a few chuckles.

I'm Back

2006-05-11T01:26:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the delay since my last post. I’ve been doing a lot of writing for the paper, but I should have done a better job of giving this blog some updates.
So here are some random thoughts between then and now, and how they pertain to the Sun:

*How about Asjha Jones. She had 14 points and seven rebounds in the team’s second exhibition game the other night in New Mexico, furthering the belief of coach Mike Thibault that this could be a big year for the former UConn star.
She may not have produced similar numbers against Detroit in the preseason opener, but Jones showed the ability to create open shots, which will pay off more nights than not.
*As a journalist, you look forward to the beginning of each season because it creates new opportunities to find players you enjoy covering. A lot of times that means finding someone engaging and fun to talk to. We’ll call them go-to quotes, although there are plenty of other ways to describe them.
Erin Phillips, the fiery young point guard from Australia, might be that new face all the reporters will be spending time with. Aside from being a great quote — she’s very comfortable with media attention, and seems to enjoy it — this kid can play. It may take a little time, but Phillips could one day be a star in this league, just like she is back home.
*Cuts are approaching, and if you ask anyone involved in Sun training camp, they’ll tell you how close the competition is. The most interesting race seems to pit Jen Derevjanik against Jamie Carey in a fierce battle for the third, and likely final, point guard spot. (Phillips and starter-once-healthy Lindsay Whalen should be locks)
I can’t guess who’s staying or going, but I also can’t imagine both making the team. I’d bet plenty of WNBA teams are paying close attention to Thibault’s decision, because either of these players can be effective in the league. It’s a nice luxury for the Sun to have considering the tremendous depth of guards they possess.

Well, that’s all for now. It’s way too late, and I’ve got to drive to Albany, N.Y., tomorrow to catch up with Ann Strother and Diana Taurasi, who are in town with their Phoenix team to play Detroit. It will be the first time I’ve seen any of UConn’s three drafted players from this year, and I’m looking forward to hearing how Strother has progressed.

Til then …

Phillips In Camp

2006-05-07T00:01:00.000-04:00

So Erin Phillips is finally in the United States. Despite missing the first two weeks of training camp, she looked pretty good for someone stepping into practice for the first time on just a few hours sleep.
It will be interesting to how Phillips fairs in Sunday’s preseason opener.
If she has some success it would be indicative of the hype she carries over from Australia. Even if she’s not entirely effective, don’t take that as a negative. Looking good early on in practice is completely different than proving effective in a game with virtually no prep time.
Based on first judgments, Phillips did seem very relieved to finally be here. There was a great sense of frustration in her voice when discussing the delays in her visa.
But all of that is in the past and Sun fans should be pleased to see the arrival of Phillips. She has a chance to be very successful.

Mahoney Making Moves

2006-05-04T16:41:00.000-04:00

The race to secure the final spots on the Connecticut Sun’s roster is too close to call. But if there’s one player who has made the job of coach Mike Thibault a little bit more difficult, it is likely Megan Mahoney.
One day after missing the last stretch of practice because of a vicious fall to the ground — another player also fell on her back — Mahoney was back at it on Wednesday. Toughness, both mental and physical, is a phrase coaches often throw around, and Mahoney clearly has it.
She has looked very good so far in training camp. Mahoney possesses the ability to get to the basket and she also has an effective shot from outside. After seeing some time at point guard early on, it seems like more of her practice minutes are coming at shooting guard, a position she looks quite comfortable at.
Like Mahoney said the other day, staying healthy is the biggest concern right. If that takes places, don’t be surprised to see Mahoney earn a spot when the cuts are made May 19.

UConn Draftees Surviving

2006-05-04T16:28:00.000-04:00

It seems Barbara Turner continues to impress at Seattle Storm training camp, to the point that there is even talk of her cracking the starting lineup.
I can’t say I’m too surprised that Turner has made an impact. But to be earning such high praise this soon shows how far she’s come from being a player some thought wouldn’t get much draft consideration.
Regardless of her relative lack in height (5-foot-10 is probably more accurate than her common listing of 6-foot) and the fact that she is transitioning to a new position as a pro, when Turner wants to be, she can be the hardest worker on the floor. Put that attitude together with all the natural ability Turner possesses and you’ve got one formidable player.
It would appear that simply making the roster won’t be a problem for Turner.
As for UConn’s other two drafted players, Ann Strother and Willnett Crockett — each taken in the second round — remain on their respective rosters.
Strother has survived three cuts so far from the Phoenix Mercury, including a pair of players listed above 6-foot, like Strother. I’d have a hard time picturing Strother not making Phoenix’s roster for two reasons: She was traded for, which shows a serious interest; and Strother’s best years in college came alongside Diana Taurasi, who apparently lobbied for Strother’s acquisition.
As bad as this sounds, the fact that forward Shereka Wright has been lost for the season due to injury shouldn’t hurt Strothers cause, either.
Crockett is the oddball of this trio, although she has plenty of assets to support a decision to keep her on the Los Angeles Sparks’ roster. With a pair of forwards, who appeared like prime competition for Crockett, having already been cut, it seems like Crockett’s stock is rising.
And, considering her penchant for being a big-moment player, we know she has the ability to draw upon an extra level of confidence to pull her through.

Calling All Fans

2006-05-02T17:11:00.000-04:00

In case you already didn’t know, there will be a mention in Wednesday’s paper that the Sun are hosting an open practice for fans to attend from 6-8 Friday night at St. Joseph’s College in West Hartford.
The paper is hoping to take advantage of this opportunity by meeting some fans. If you’re from Eastern Connecticut and plan to attend this open practice, please send me an e-mail (asherman@norwichbulletin.com) so I can look for you.
We’re committed to keeping in touch with readers who are interested in the team, and I’m looking forward to hearing from all the Sun fans out there.

Cuts Add Up

2006-04-29T01:01:00.000-04:00

Sorry for the late posting. I was out covering boxing at Mohegan Sun, and by the way, I learned that seeing two guys exchange vicious blows in person is a lot different than on TV.
Anywho …
This may sound strange, but you have to chalk up the Sun’s early wave of cuts to good coaching and scouting in many ways.
Two of the three players waived from camp thus far were drafted this year. Since Connecticut didn’t have a first-round pick that means no one remains from the draft of less than a month ago.
How is that possible you ask? It is a credit to the homework done by Mike Thibault and his staff.
First off, this team is going to be good regardless of who fills in those final spots. At the same time, the players who survive the last batch of cuts could help be the difference between celebrating a third straight Eastern Conference title or the franchise’s first WNBA title.
Whether it be by scouting internationally, making the right free agent signings or scouring the ranks of lesser-known leagues for a hidden gem, the Sun have obviously established a system that works. The draft is a great tool — particularly if you’re not making you first pick with the second round’s last selection, which was the Sun’s case this year — but Connecticut is proving it’s not the only one.
As for Debbie Merrill, the most recent player to be released, no one can say this is a big surprise.
Teams are only allowed 11 active players when the season starts, plus one or two more on injured reserve. (With its payroll, the Sun will probably have a total of 12.) With that in mind, consider the group of players the 6-foot-1 Merrill, who can only play as a four or five, had to deal with.
Margo Dydek and Taj McWilliams-Franklin are virtual locks for the two starting post positions, while Donna Loffhagen was a free-agent signing after two years of effort by the Sun to bring in one of New Zealand’s top players. Add to that mix Laura Summerton, Le’Coe Willingham and Jessica Brungo, who were each reserves last season, and suddenly there isn’t much room for a first-year player out of school who wasn’t going to be a real difference maker.
If anything, it might prove to be a blessing for Merrill. Maybe Connecticut wasn’t the right fit, but that doesn’t mean someplace else won’t be. At least she might have a second chance by being cut now as compared to a week or so down the road.

Tough Choices

2006-04-26T19:29:00.000-04:00

The task is not an easy one for Sun coach Mike Thibault. And it’s the case for most coaches across the WNBA.
The reality of professional sports is that anyone worthy of being invited to a tryout or training camp possesses enough ability to make it in the league. That’s why it’s not surprising to struggle for anyone resembling a weak link at a typical Connecticut practice.
Of the 13 players currently at Sun camp — point guard Lindsay Whalen is not actually participating, but she is there everyday doing rehab work — each one looks very good on paper and shows that ability in some capacity on the court. Versatility will likely be the difference between who makes the roster and who gets cut, which shouldn’t start taking place until the team’s veterans begin trickling in sometime next week.
Thibault views the ability to be versatile as a means to expanding his roster. GM Chris Sienko echoes that belief, and stressed at team media day that the organization doesn’t aim to simply fill a specific hole.
“We want athletic kids that can really compete,” he said. “We don’t want to have just a particular position in mind.”

The Sun will hold a practice open to the public from 6-8 p.m. on May 1 at Rhode Island. If you’re a fan, I highly recommend taking advantage of this opportunity.
Plus, for you collectors out there, the players will be signing autographs afterward.
But getting to watch the team practice will not only give you a better appreciation for how competitive the tryout process is, it will also demonstrate the speed of the professional game in different way than simply watching a regular-season game.

If you’re interested in keeping up with news around the WNBA a good place for information is Matt Wurst’s league blog. Below is the link.
http://www.wnba.com/voices/blog.html

The Waiting Game

2006-04-25T17:08:00.000-04:00

It's a reality of professional sports, although the typical fan doesn't much about the subject.
Well now Eastern Connecticut residents are going to be introduced to the world of professional athletes from other countries seeking visas in order to compete in the U.S. There is plenty of hope for young Erin Phillips to have a successful career in the WNBA with the Sun, that is once she gets into the country. Don't worry too much, her paperwork is all in and she should be to training camp later this week or early next week.
This holdup isn't common for American athletes, at least the most prominent ones. Soccer players deal with this all the time - and aside from the fact its Premier League features some of the world's top players - many U.S. talents can't try their trade in England because the country has very strict rules on athletic work visas, which are normally reserved for some of the planet's highest-paid talents. That's why many Americans get their start is Holland, which has much more liberal rules, but I digress.
As for the WNBA, I think it's great that the league is taking on a more international look, just like the NBA. Entering year No. 10, it's fair to say that WNBA has proven its staying power. By recruiting the world's best - and remaining patient through the occasional hiccup - the fan base only stands to rise.

Fresh Start

2006-04-24T16:04:00.000-04:00

There is something special about any type of opening day in sports.
The moment is usually accompanied by renewed optimism, regardless of how the previous season turned out. For the Connecticut Sun, who today held their annual media day, a sense of excitement is well deserved.
With its core back from a last season, the two-time reigning Eastern Conference champions are hoping to take that final step by winning the WNBA title.
Opening day is also fun for the media, whether you’re covering the team for the first time, like me, or returning with multiple seasons of experience. For us, it’s a chance to see some new faces and learn some new stories that develop into what our readers see.
It was also my first chance to see the Mohegan Sun Arena, and I was very impressed. I’m looking forward to seeing the atmosphere on game, which I’ve been told is among the league’s best.