Houston Roundball Review: Women's Hoops

Marla Brumfield joins Clemson Staff

2009-07-01T10:21:00.000-05:00

I know this news is late; so, don't kill me.

Congratulations to Marla Brumfield for being hired as a new assistant coach on the Clemson Tigers women's basketball coaching staff. Clemson announced the news on June 25. Marla began the job on June 22.

Brumfield played at Rice University from 1997 to 2000; and, she helped guide the Owls to trips to the WNIT as well as a trip to the NCAA Tournament in 2000.

Brumfield joins Cristy McKinney once again. McKinney was head coach at Rice for 12 seasons before being hired at Clemson in 2005. Brumfield was an assistant coach at Rice for two seasons; and, she was the first player from the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) to be drafted by the WNBA when the Minnesota Lynx chose her in the 2000 WNBA Draft with the 22nd pick overall.

Owls' Four Freshmen

2009-06-11T10:41:00.000-05:00

Wednesday afternoon, I took some time to stop by Rice University's Tudor Fieldhouse to get a glimpse of the newest Rice Owls: Jessica Goswitz, Lacey Neu, Zoe Rogers, and Opal Taskila in an "open gym" setting. These four young ladies will be freshmen on the 2009 - 2010 Rice women's basketball team.

"Open gym" is basically 5-on-5 scrimmages involving high school, current college and former college players. The games aren't very long nor are they very serious; but, they help the players get in shape; improve conditioning; develop team chemistry; etc.

Of the four freshmen, Jessica Goswitz is the only one who comes from outside of Texas. Jessica is from Knoxville, TN. She played ball at the Webb School in Knoxville; and, she was part of the 2007 team which won the Tennessee state championship.

Lacey Neu is from Granbury HS in Granbury, TX. Zoe Rogers attended Bellaire HS (Bellaire, TX); and Opal Taskila graduated from Winnsoboro HS in Winnsboro, TX.

All four of them are taking a few summer classes (Public Speaking and a Sports Management class) to help get acclimated to the Rice University way of life.

While talking with them I learned that all four of them chose Rice because of "the academics". In fact, each of them said, "Rice is the best education I'll get."

Goswitz, 5'5", chose Rice over East Carolina and Tulane. "I took a visit the weekend after my visit to Rice; and, after that visit, I knew Rice would be my future home and this would be the right place."

Neu, 6'0", chose Rice over "Iowa State, SMU a little bit, a few other schools up North; but, I couldn't go up North. SMU was a little too close to home; but, I didn't want to get out of Texas."

Rogers, 6'1", picked Rice over "West Virginia, Georgetown, Miami, and some other ones; but, I picked Rice."

Taskila, 6'2", picked Rice over "SMU. UTSA, and UNT a little bit; but, mainly SMU".

I'll try to catch a few more "open gym" sessions this summer; and, I'll post more comments from them in the future.

Big 12 Leads Nation in Attendance

2009-06-03T18:28:00.000-05:00

Big 12 women's basketball led the nation in attendace in 2008 - 2009 for the 10th straight season while reaching the one million mark for the fourth time in conference history. The Big 12 totaled an NCAA record 1,073,069 fans for an average of 5,312 fans per game.

Here's the NCAA press release and the attendance figures in more detail.

Tennessee led Division I women's basketball in attendance for the sixth straight season. National champs Connecticut ranked second. Iowa State and Oklahoma ranked third and fourth respectively.

For year-by-year women's basketball attendance, click here.

SASS Offer Exclusive Houston Package

2009-06-01T16:08:00.001-05:00

I've been asked by some people "Why should I support the WNBA? They took away my Comets!"

If you feel that way, I cannot change your mind; however, if you're a fan of the WNBA as a whole or you're a fan of the San Antonio Silver Stars and live in Houston, then allow me to pass on this information from the San Antonio Silver Stars. The SASS is offering an exclusive ticket package to Comets' fans.

Recently, the Stars sent an invitation to Comets' season ticket holders. I was forwarded the information and asked to share the information on my website.

Tuesday, June 9, representatives from the SASS will be in Houston at the Downtown Aquarium (410 Bagby Street) to discuss season ticket packages designed exclusively for Houstonians.

The deadline to RSVP has been extended to June 4.

The Silver Stars are hosting a Happy Hour at the Downtown Aquarium. Stop over and enjoy a complimentary drink with other Comets friends!

WHO: Comets' Fans, Silver Stars Front Office Staff
What: Galactic Happy Hour
When: Tuesday, June 9, 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.
Where: Downtown Aquarium, 410 Bagby St (Bagby @ Memorial)

DETAILS
Learn about Silver Stars Ticket Plans, designed exclusively for Houstonians.
Network with women's basketball fans.
Win Raffle prizes -- including a Becky Hammon autographed jersey and Sophia Young basketball.
Enjoy a complimentary beverage with a cash bar afterward.

RSVP (by June 4) to Ms. Alma Lara, Silver Stars sales representative: 1-210-444-5683.

Here's the flyer in .doc and .pdf.

Mercury, LifeLock Break New Ground

2009-06-01T12:40:00.000-05:00

The Women's National Basketball Association, the Phoenix Mercury, and LifeLock announced a groundbreaking arrangement today as the Mercury and LifeLock have launched a multi-year partnership to launch the first-ever branded jersey in WNBA or NBA history.

As CNBC's Darren Rovell writes in this article, corporate logos already adorn NASCAR suits and shirts in Major League Soccer (MLS). Plus, corporate logos are worn on team uniforms throughout international leagues for basketball and non-American football (re: soccer).

I'm sure some purists will have problems with the Mercury and the WNBA "selling out"; however, as a supporter of women's basketball, I'm glad to see the arrangement made.

Reportedly, LifeLock's sponsorship is in the "seven figures" which should definitely help the Merc and the bottom line. Sponsorships are vital to any team's success; and, of course, fan attendance is also important.

According to this New York Times article, during this past offseason, the WNBA "authorized its teams to let companies place their names on players' jerseys as part of broad sponsorship agreements".

If that is indeed the case, I have to ask once again, why aren't the Houston Comets playing ball in Houston in 2009? Last fall, I was told a few different groups were willing to buy the Comets; and, this idea of jersey branding seems like an idea which would have been very interesting (and beneficial) to a new ownership group.

But I digress...

Today's partnership announcement between the Mercury and LifeLock is a first in the WNBA. I wonder how many of the other 12 WNBA teams will follow suit.

Astros to Honor Comets August 4

2009-05-28T20:52:00.004-05:00

UPDATE, June 1, 10:00 a.m. -- Astros' sales ticket representative, Cody Arnold, confirmed the Astros are indeed holding a "Houston Comets Night" on August 4. Arnold said the Astros are "working on solidifying a few ex-players to attend; but, we haven't confirmed any of that, yet. We're trying to get everyone to come to the game and remember the Comets."

HOUSTON, TX -- According to this message board post, the Houston Astros (Major League Baseball team for those who may not know) will "be celebrating the Houston Comets and their four WNBA championships", August 4th, versus the San Francisco Giants, at Minute Maid Park.

The opening pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. (CDT).

For more information regarding your special night, please contact Cody Arnold at 713-259-8315 or Rob Acord 713-259-8337.

The Astros are currently in last place in the MLB's Central Division with a woeful 18-27 record; so, any Comets fans who wish to show their support of their favorite team may have an excellent chance to purchase tickets to the game.

Another Comets' Coach Sues WNBA

2009-05-27T20:40:00.000-05:00

Despite the fact the Houston Comets have been disbanded by the WNBA, that news does not mean the WNBA is done dealing with the coaches of the Comets.

Former Comets assistant coach Ryan Weisenberg has filed a suit with the Harris County District Court against the WNBA.

Weisenberg is suing for fraud, claiming that despite the WNBA's knowing the Comets would be shut down, they told the coaches differently.

Weisenberg's suit is the second suit against the W filed by a member of the Comets' coaching staff. Head coach Karleen Thompson filed a suit in New York federal court in February.

These two suits seem to indicate there's some "smoke" (and fire) to what I was told by numerous basksetball people months ago -- the Comets would be playing in Houston in 2009.

Houston's Curl Says UH has Scholarship Back

2009-05-26T13:46:00.000-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- I spoke with Houston Cougars women's head basketball coach Joe Curl this morning to get his comments on the recent Houston Chronicle blog post by Steve Campbell stating the UH's women's basketball program was losing a scholarship due to failing to meet the NCAA's mandated Academic Progress Report (APR) standards.

"We've regained our scholarship," said Coach Curl. "We're sitting above the APR quota right now. We haven't lost any players for any negative reasons or player handbook violations; so, we've got our full complement of scholarships back.

"Addressing the APR as direct as I can," Curl added. "I think, overall, it's a good, healthy rule. But, it doesn't explain the second half of the APR when it comes to explain why a coach or a university opts not to bring back a player because they had stolen something or they didn't go to class or they weren't representing the university in the right way or they had some other problems legally -- and so on and so forth."

Listen to the entire interview here.

Comets Find New Places to Play

2009-05-22T06:35:00.000-05:00

Not much to add to this Houston Chronicle article:

"After franchise's end, Comets find new places to play"

The 2009 WNBA season tips off June 6.

WNBA in HD

2009-05-20T20:42:00.000-05:00

Check out this news from the WNBA:

For the first time ever, every regular and postseason WNBA game will be televised in high definition on ESPN2 HD and ABC HD. The networks will combine to televise 13 regular-season WNBA games, the WNBA All-Star game, and up to 15 postseason telecasts, starting with the defending champion Detroit Shock at the Los Angeles Sparks on Saturday, June 6, at 1:30 pm (CDT) on ABC.

USA Basketball Trims Two Squads to 14

2009-05-17T16:13:00.000-05:00

COLORADO SPRINGS, CO -- USA Basketball today announced 14 finalists for two squads set to represent the USA in international competition this summer.

The 2009 USA Women's World University Games Team will compete in Belgrade, Serbia, in the 2009 World University Games which take place July 1 through July 11. The squad consists of eligible athletes who are currently enrolled in a college or a university and have remaining athletic eligibility. The roster will be trimmed to the final 12 before the team departs for Serbia following a training camp (June 18 - June 25).

The Big 12 Conference has three players among the 14: Whitney Hand and Danielle Robinson -- both from Oklahoma and Danielle McCray from Kansas.

Overall, the 14 players hail from Connecticut (3, Maya Moore, Tina Charles, and Tiffany Hayes); Stanford (3, Jayne Appel, Kayla Pedersen, and Jeanette Pohlen); 2 from OU (Hand and Robinson); and one each from California (Alexis Gray-Lawson), Florida State (Jacinta Monroe), Georgia (Ashley Houts), Kansas (McCray), Ohio State (Jantel Lavender) and Xavier (Ta'Shia Phillips).

The 2009 USA Women's U19 World Championship Team will compete in the 2009 U19 World Championship which take place in Bangkok, Thailand, from July 23 to August 2. The final 12-player roster will be named after a training camp session which will begin July 9 in Colorado Springs.

The 14 players feature eight players who just completed their freshman seasons at Division I basketball while the other six players finished their high school careers this year.

WNBA Expect Great

2009-05-16T11:02:00.001-05:00

Sunday, May 17, the WNBA will start airing two thirty-second ads during the NBA Playoffs to promote the upcoming 2009 WNBA season. The ads will air throughout the NBA Conference Finals; the NBA Finals; and the WNBA season.

Take a look.

2009 TV spot #1

2009 TV spot #2

How ironic these spots will begin airing during the Houston Rockets - LA Lakers game -- a game involving a team from Houston promoting the WNBA with no more Houston Comets.

W to Webcast More than 200 Games this Season

2009-05-13T21:22:00.001-05:00

The WNBA announced the launch of WNBA LiveAccess today. This is a new feature on WNBA.com which will provide fans with FREE access to more than 200 live game webcasts -- the league's most comprehensive offering -- throughout the 2009 WNBA season.

Some blackouts of live games will apply; but, all of the WNBA LiveAccess games will be archived for on-demand viewing.

Ticket App for 2010 Final Four Available

2009-04-28T20:36:00.002-05:00

INDIANAPOLIS, IN -- The NCAA sent a press release today announcing the application for tickets to the 2010 Women's NCAA Championship is now available online. (Actually, tickets have been available since March 15, 2009.)

Ticket applications for the 2010 Women’s Final Four in San Antonio are currently available online and being accepted through May 31, 2009.

The all-session ticket book price of $175 will admit the bearer to the national semifinals on Sunday, April 4 and the national championship game on Tuesday, April 6, with all games played at the Alamodome in San Antonio.

2010 Women’s Final Four ticket applications are available online, and subject to the rules and terms set forth therein. One properly submitted application per individual / household will be accepted for inclusion in the NCAA’s ticket selection process, with each such applicant eligible to request a maximum of six ticket books. Approximately 10,000 ticket books will be allocated to the general public for the 2010 Women’s Final Four, with 2,500 of these ticket books designated for the lower level in the Alamodome.

The NCAA will use a random, selection process to determine successful Women’s Final Four ticket recipients in July 2009. Those individuals selected to receive tickets will be notified by the end of August. Individuals not selected to receive tickets will receive a refund of the full application deposit amount by the end of August.

Women’s Final Four tickets may not be offered as a prize in a promotion, sweepstakes or contest, or auctioned for fundraising purposes unless authorized in advance by the NCAA.

The NCAA reminds fans that purchasing tickets from secondary unauthorized vendors may result in fraudulent purchases. Fans are encouraged to purchase tickets from NCAA member institutions and companies authorized by the NCAA to sell or resell championship tickets.

Good luck to everyone who applies!

WNBA in the Cards

2009-04-27T20:47:00.000-05:00

The Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) announced a multi-year renewal of its partnership with Rittenhouse Archives as the exclusive provider of WNBA trading cards.

The new set of WNBA trading cards will debut at the tip-off of the 2009 WNBA season on June 6.

The 2009 WNBA trading cards will be available for purchase at leading hobby shops across the country as well as the NBA Store on Fifth Avenue in New York City. The cards will retail at $99 per box.

Women don't Support Women's Sports

2009-04-25T10:15:00.000-05:00

Simply put: Why don't more women support women's sports?

It's a simple question with a tremendously complicated answer. If America's population consists of more women than men, then why don't more women's sports succeed -- with the support of the higher percentage of women.

Since my focus is basketball, my point of concern is why don't more women support women's basketball?

Female friends of mine have told me many women don't like to see other women succeed. Some friends have said it's a generational thing -- women were taught women should not compete in athletics (never let them see you sweat type thinking). I've noticed many women seem to support one specific team (Husky Nation or Lady Vols Nation, etc.) instead of support the sport of basketball as a whole.

The 2009 NCAA Men's Division I Championship set record crowds at Ford Field in Detroit, MI -- 72,456 fans for the semifinal games and 72,922 for the championship game. However, the 2009 Women's NCAA Division I Championship did not sell out either of its three games in St. Louis, MO, at the Scottrade Center (with capacity of less than 20,000) as 18,478 fans saw the Connecticut Huskies cap off a perfect 39-0 season with a 76 to 54 victory over the Louisville Cardinals.

The city of Detroit is experiencing extreme economic difficulties; yet, the attendance for the men's games overwhelmed the numbers for the women's games.

What needs to happen to change the mindset of women in this country and generate more interest in women's basketball? Can that mindset be changed?

It seems more women would rather watch men play basketball than watch the women's game.

Is the thrill of dunking so intoxicating more women don't watch the women's game? If so, perhaps Brittney Griner's presence at Baylor University will generate a huge influx of interest in women's hoops by women because Griner can definitely throw them down! However, it seems to me Griner's dunks will only generate more interest from men than women.

The WNBA will begin its 13th season in a few weeks; yet, despite the support of rabid fans on Internet message boards, the W is unable to generate support and interest beyond those fans.

I don't have an answer to the lack of support by women for women's basketball; and, instead of placing blame on anyone, I would like to see a solution because women's hoops is very entertaining to watch and cover.

What about Joe Curl?

2009-04-23T19:19:00.001-05:00

HOUSTON, TX -- On March 27 of this year, Dave Maggard was the Athletics Director for the University of Houston. That day, Maggard stated Tom Penders, head coach of the UH men's basketball team, would return for his sixth season.

No similar statement was made regarding Joe Curl - the head coach of the UH women's basketball team.

On April 22, Mr. Maggard announced his retirement as the Cougars' AD.

Nearly four weeks have passed and not a single word has been spoken regarding Coach Curl's future at UH. Joe Curl's contract expires after the 2009 - 2010 season compared to the 2011 - 2012 season for Coach Penders.

I know the economy is tough for everyone; however, if Houston wants to re-sign Coach Curl or extend his contract, why hasn't UH said anything similar to the pat on the back given to Penders?

In his 11 seasons as head coach at UH, Coach Curl has done something that Coach Penders (five seasons at UH) has not -- led his UH team to the NCAA Tournament. Not just once but twice. In case you're wondering, that's two more times than Coach Penders has accomplished leading the men's team.

Now that assistant AD John Robinson will be the Interim AD at UH, is an announcement regarding Coach Curl's future at UH forthcoming?

WATN: Octavia Blue, Asst. Coach

2009-04-14T23:17:00.003-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Though I interviewed Octavia Blue last Monday, April 6, in St. Louis, I was unable to upload the video until now.

I've known her for years; and, Octavia is currently an assistant coach at St. John's University in New York.

I'm pleased with the interview -- except for the final moments when people seemed oblivous to the two of us and started talking (very loudly).

Aggies' Gant Selected by Sky in 09 WNBA Draft

2009-04-10T11:33:00.000-05:00

COLLEGE STATION, TX -- Danielle Gant, 5'11 forward / guard, from the Texas A&M Aggies was chosen by the Chicago Sky with the 16th pick overall in the 2009 WNBA Draft Thursday afternoon.

Gant was one of five players from the Big 12 Conference chosen in the '09 WNBA Draft.

Courtney Paris (University of Oklahoma), was chosen by the Sacramento Monarchs with the 7th pick overall while sister Ashley Paris (OU) was selected by the Los Angeles Sparks with the 22nd overall pick. Shalee Lehning (Kansas State University) was drafted by the Atlanta Dream with the 25th pick and Jessica Morrow (Baylor University) was also selected by the Atlanta Dream (27th pick overall).

Britney Jordan (Texas A&M - Commerce) was selected by the LA Sparks with the 35th pick overall in the Draft.

UNT's Shanice Stephens' Video Interview w/ The HRR

2009-04-07T21:56:00.006-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- I've known Shanice Stephens for a few years now. I met her when she was an assistant coach at Rice University; then, a few years ago, she became an assistant coach at Clemson University.

This past season was her first season as head coach at the University of North Texas. I asked Coach Stephens if she'd have time to let me interview her during some of her down time here in St. Louis; and, she said "yes".

(Little did she know, I was going to video the interview.)

Videoing interviews may be something I do more frequently in the future.

There are probably a few kinks I'll need to iron out; but, check it out:

Huskie Nation Rides High Once Again

2009-04-07T21:45:00.005-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- For a 6th time, the University of Connecticut women's basketball team and coach Geno Auriemma can call themselves National Champions. A perfect 39-0 season with a winning margin of over 20 points a game. All you can do is shake your head and say, Wow!

There was very little Louisville could do in the title game. How could they expect to stop a team with 3 true scorers (Tina Charles - 25, Maya Moore - 18, and Renee Montgomery - 18) when they only had one (Angela McCoughtry - 23). It also doesn't help when you miss layup after layup. I commend Louisville for playing hard and doing everything they could to stay in the game. It just wasn't enough.

Congratulations to Tina Charles who had an outstanding game: 25 points, 19 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals and 1 block. That is what gets you named the Most Outstanding Player for the tournament.

Congratulations also go out to the other 4 members named to the All-Tournament team along with Tina Charles:

Maya Moore - Connecticut
Renee Montgomery - Connecticut
Angel McCoughtry - Louisville
Jayne Appel - Stanford

Coquese Talks Penn State, Comets and WNBA

2009-04-07T17:26:00.000-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- After today's Women's Basketball Coaches' Association (WBCA) players' luncheon, I had a chance to speak with Coquese Washington - current head coach at Penn State University and former point guard of the Houston Comets.

The entire interview can be heard at this link.

However, I want to wrap up my gathering comments about the disbanding of the Houston Comets; so, here is that part of the interview:

HRR: Give me your thoughts when you heard the Comets were disbanding.
Coquese: When I first read it in the paper, I was devastated because I have so many, so many fond memories. I spent the majority of my time in the WNBA playing for the Comets - obviously, winning the championship there. My family moved down there. I have a very warm spot in my heart for Houston.

It's definitely one of the pioneering teams in the WNBA. When you think about the WNBA, one of the teams that comes to your mind is the Houston Comets -- Cynthia Cooper, Sheryl Swoopes, the four championships, Kim Perrot - so much history there. So much of the WNBA is synonomous with the Houston Comets; so, I was really devastated and disappointed to find out that a large chunk of the league history was gone away. But, hopefully, somebody can rally and we can an ownership group or somebody can come back in another year or two and revive and resurrect the franchise.

HRR: Had you heard any rumblings at all that they might not exist anymore?
Coquese: I had heard a little bit; but, not much to get me worried. You kind of hear about that in the last few years with the WNBA that there a few teams that may not make it; move; or something like that. But, I never really thought that it was that serious. I thought that somebody would come and buy the franchise because it had such a strong legacy and history. So, I was a little surprised that all of a sudden the team was just gone.

HRR: What are your thoughts on the future of the WNBA?
Coquese: I think that given this economic climate, it's in a tough position; and, we definitely have to keep our eyes and ears open about whatever kind of changes that can be made in terms of the structure of the league; the ownership of the league; how the league is run.

When I was in the league and active with the Players' Association, that was something that we talked about year in and year out -- the health of the league; the financial health of the league. What things can we do collectively with the players and the ownership to make sure that the league is structurally and financially sound. I'm sure they're going to have that kind of dialogue. If there are changes that need to be made, hopefully for the good of the league, the right people will make those decisions.

2009 WBCA Awards Luncheons

2009-04-07T15:07:00.005-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Over the last few days, there have been a couple of WBCA Awards luncheons sponsored by companies Russell Athletic, Jostens and State Farm. Some of the award highlights of the luncheons were:

WBCA President's Award: Dr. Myles Brand, NCAA President
Maggie Dixon Division I Rookie Coach of the Year: Kelly Packard, Ball State
Recognition of Anne Donovan, 2008 Olympic Gold Medal-Winning Head Coach
Mel Greenberg Media Award: Chuck Schoffner, Associated Press
Jostens-Berenson Lifetime Achievement Award: Kay Yow, NC State (posthumously)

A full list of award recipients can be found on the WBCA website.

Nneka Sums up her Season and Looks Ahead

2009-04-06T19:49:00.006-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Nnemkadi "Nneka" Ogwumike and her Stanford Cardinal teammates lost 83 to 64 to the Connecticut Huskies Sunday night in a national semifinal game of the 2009 NCAA Women's Final Four. Though her team lost, Ogwumike (6'2", freshman forward) is very proud of her team's successful season. Stanford finished the season 33 and 5. Ogwumike played 26 minutes in the semifinal game and scored 13 points (6 for 12 from the field) and pulled down 12 rebounds (7 offensive rebounds).

(What are your thoughts on the game?)
"We came out with everything we had. UConn is a phenomenal team; and, they hit some great shots. Our goal was to keep on playing together and not lose our composure; and, I think we did a really good job of doing that."

(on defending Connecticut All-American Maya Moore)
"It's very difficult because she can get her shot off in any way. I practiced a lot trying to defend her. It wasn't easy. It definitely wasn't easy trying to guard the Wade Trophy winner / All-American; but, I definitely had to say she's a wonderful player and I tried my best guarding her."

(What did you learn from the Final Four experience and the game itself?)
"It's like no other experience. Definitely. It's absolutely one of the best experiences I will ever experience with this group of people. I couldn't have asked for more. I'm not looking anywhere else but ahead for our team; and, how much they've accomplished. I'm just really proud of everyone right now."

(What did Coach (Stanford head coach Tara VanDerveer say to the team after the game?)
"She said that she was very proud of us. She said that UConn, granted, is a very good team. They hit a lot of shots. Our shots weren't going in. She said that she knew that we tried our best and that we kept on staying together."

(What are you going to work on this summer?)
"Probably my outside shot. Definitely. I think that's what I'm going to work on. Maybe a little bit of ball handling. (laughing) I want to take it one step at a time. I don't want to try to work on too much at once; but, gradually, I things will come if I practice a lot and work really hard in the off-season."

(What are your summer plans?)
"I have to try out for the (USA Basketball) Under 19 Team; so, depending on that, I'll probably be practicing and getting better. If I make the team, I'll be in Colorado Springs then we'll go play in Bangkok, Thailand; but, if I don't make the team, I'm just going to keep on practicing. Then, I'll probably be at home."

(Describe your thoughts about being invited to try out for the U19 Team)
"That's definitely wonderful! I was astounded when I was accepted the first two times. I mean the first time was the Festival and the second time we won a gold medal. I am ecstatic that they picked me again. I get to play with people that I played against during the season and that's a lot of fun."

(Talk about playing in the PAC 10 this season)
"It was definitely an experience. The tempo of the game is just ridiculous in college; and, playing in the PAC 10, we have several different types of teams. We have different types of players to guard. You just learn a lot about other teams. I think playing in the PAC 10 really prepared us (for the NCAA Tournament)."

(Talk about the Houston area talent that participated in the WBCA High School All-America Game.)
"Oh! Kelsey Bone (Dulles High School); Brittney Griner (Aldine Nimitz HS). Number 1 and number 2, right?! I'm proud of them. I'm glad that they got to experience the All-Star Game; and, I know that they're going to do well at Baylor (Griner) and South Carolina (Bone)."

Huskie Nation

2009-04-05T22:30:00.003-05:00

ST. LOUIS, MO -- Once again, Connecticut has shown the nation how big a difference there is between their team and the rest of the nation. Even if Stanford played their best, it still would not have been good enough to beat UConn in the second semifinal game.

Stanford's Jayne Appel did her best (26 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists), but the rest of the Cardinal team looked timid for most of the game. Passing up good shots and making bad passes is not gonna get you a win over UConn. Many of Stanford's shots that were falling against Iowa State in the Berkeley Regional final, just would not fall tonight. As expected, the Huskies took a bite out of the Cardinal and never let go.

The Huskies are primed for a 6th National Championship.