31 March 2011
Basketball for the Day
It's weird... The big local basketball news is that Isaiah Thomas, a junior at the University of Washington, is going to skip next season and enter the NBA draft. This is the sort of thing that just doesn't happen in women's basketball. Why? Because the WNBA requires graduation. The only will-she-won't-she story has been Australian Elizabeth Cambage. Anyway....
Remember that Swish Appeal article about point guards? They've published part two, which focuses on the current draft prospects. Just as Sue Bird was the obvious choice for best current WNBA point guard, Courtney Vandersloot is the obvious choice for best draft-eligible point guard.
I love this quote: "Who's the big globe all by itself to the far right of the upper right quadrant [of the graph]? In addition to rescaling the center of this graph, I had to extend it: the 10 PPR maximum on the WNBA graph left Vandersloot's PPR of 11.63 out of sight. And really, that will stand as the most fitting way (today) to describe Vandersloot. There is not currently a point guard in the league that has put up college senior numbers like Vandersloot. Brian Agler compared her to Sue Bird, Ticha Penicheiro is another solid comparison, and John Stockton said she has the savvy of Wayne Gretzky, but there isn't really a strong direct comparison - she is off in her own realm of point guard play and it's really difficult to read these numbers and make any sort of sane assessment of how good she'll be."
And this one: "In short, most video game player creators wouldn't even allow you to make a player that efficient [as Courtney Vandersloot] - to lead a team in scoring and assists for a night is one thing. To do both extremely efficiently is another. To do it for an entire season at about that same level is almost mind boggling."
Yesterday I was envisioning a Tulsa team with both Elizabeth Cambage and Courtney Vandersloot, and comparing it to the Storm's combo of Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird. Others have made similar connections. In the comments to Jayda Evans' blog post about the WNBA draft, "bcdawg04" wrote: It just occurred to me...thank goodness we didn't have to choose between a UConn superstar and a lesser known international kid with potential through the roof. If LJ had waited a year, that would have been our dilemma."
Agreed!
Remember that Swish Appeal article about point guards? They've published part two, which focuses on the current draft prospects. Just as Sue Bird was the obvious choice for best current WNBA point guard, Courtney Vandersloot is the obvious choice for best draft-eligible point guard.
I love this quote: "Who's the big globe all by itself to the far right of the upper right quadrant [of the graph]? In addition to rescaling the center of this graph, I had to extend it: the 10 PPR maximum on the WNBA graph left Vandersloot's PPR of 11.63 out of sight. And really, that will stand as the most fitting way (today) to describe Vandersloot. There is not currently a point guard in the league that has put up college senior numbers like Vandersloot. Brian Agler compared her to Sue Bird, Ticha Penicheiro is another solid comparison, and John Stockton said she has the savvy of Wayne Gretzky, but there isn't really a strong direct comparison - she is off in her own realm of point guard play and it's really difficult to read these numbers and make any sort of sane assessment of how good she'll be."
And this one: "In short, most video game player creators wouldn't even allow you to make a player that efficient [as Courtney Vandersloot] - to lead a team in scoring and assists for a night is one thing. To do both extremely efficiently is another. To do it for an entire season at about that same level is almost mind boggling."
Yesterday I was envisioning a Tulsa team with both Elizabeth Cambage and Courtney Vandersloot, and comparing it to the Storm's combo of Lauren Jackson and Sue Bird. Others have made similar connections. In the comments to Jayda Evans' blog post about the WNBA draft, "bcdawg04" wrote: It just occurred to me...thank goodness we didn't have to choose between a UConn superstar and a lesser known international kid with potential through the roof. If LJ had waited a year, that would have been our dilemma."
Agreed!
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
New Doctor Who Trailer!
For a detailed, spoiler-filled analysis, go here. I'm a spoiler-phobe, so I skipped it.
Labels: Doctor Who
Quote of the Day: Slings & Arrows
From "Madness In Great Ones" (1.3):
Anna: [holding Oliver's skull] It's not that heavy at all!
Geoffrey: It's much lighter without the ego.
Anna: [holding Oliver's skull] It's not that heavy at all!
Geoffrey: It's much lighter without the ego.
Labels: Slings and Arrows
30 March 2011
There's Just So Much Basketball To Talk About!
And it's good to have this blog to talk to....
Let's start with WNBA draft stuff.
Swish Appeal discusses Courtney Vandersloot's draft prospects.
The other day I was wondering why Jeanette Pohlen wasn't listed on the Storm's website as a potential point guard. Today I found out that it's because they consider her a shooting guard. (Even though she's been running the point for Stanford all year.) Whatevs.
A list of all the draft prospects from WNBA.com.
WNBA.com also has pictures of all the #1 draft pictures. Look how cute (and young!) Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson were! Awww....
And finally, an article about how Liz Cambage is excited to come play in the WNBA, but not about playing for Tulsa. I'm only including this because I love the picture of her at the top of the article. Gorgeous!
And finally, speaking of Liz Cambage (and Courtney Vandersloot), wouldn't it be a hoot if they ended up on the same team? Tulsa has the 2nd and 7th picks, so it's possible. Then they'd get a tall, young, gifted Australian and the best incoming point guard in the country. Just like Seattle did with their picks in 2001 and 2002...
And now for some more Final Four stuff:
In the UConn/Duke game, Maya Moore scored her 3000th point. She actually got injured two points shy of the milestone, and Coach Auriemma took her out of the game. Apparently his assistant coaches convinced him to put her back in so that she could get the 3000th point done before the Final Four next weekend.
Final Four previews from ESPN-W, Time, and Sports Illustrated.
Interesting bit in the SI article: In their discussion of Notre Dame sophomore point guard Skylar Diggins, they mention that "she made it to the Indiana state championship game all four years in high school." Note that she didn't win the state championship. You know who did? UConn sophomore guard Kelly Faris (who, by the way, is my favorite UConn player). I've heard it mentioned by several game commentators that she grew up in Indiana and won the state championship all four years of high school. Ha!
Let's start with WNBA draft stuff.
Swish Appeal discusses Courtney Vandersloot's draft prospects.
The other day I was wondering why Jeanette Pohlen wasn't listed on the Storm's website as a potential point guard. Today I found out that it's because they consider her a shooting guard. (Even though she's been running the point for Stanford all year.) Whatevs.
A list of all the draft prospects from WNBA.com.
WNBA.com also has pictures of all the #1 draft pictures. Look how cute (and young!) Sue Bird and Lauren Jackson were! Awww....
And finally, an article about how Liz Cambage is excited to come play in the WNBA, but not about playing for Tulsa. I'm only including this because I love the picture of her at the top of the article. Gorgeous!
And finally, speaking of Liz Cambage (and Courtney Vandersloot), wouldn't it be a hoot if they ended up on the same team? Tulsa has the 2nd and 7th picks, so it's possible. Then they'd get a tall, young, gifted Australian and the best incoming point guard in the country. Just like Seattle did with their picks in 2001 and 2002...
And now for some more Final Four stuff:
In the UConn/Duke game, Maya Moore scored her 3000th point. She actually got injured two points shy of the milestone, and Coach Auriemma took her out of the game. Apparently his assistant coaches convinced him to put her back in so that she could get the 3000th point done before the Final Four next weekend.
Final Four previews from ESPN-W, Time, and Sports Illustrated.
Interesting bit in the SI article: In their discussion of Notre Dame sophomore point guard Skylar Diggins, they mention that "she made it to the Indiana state championship game all four years in high school." Note that she didn't win the state championship. You know who did? UConn sophomore guard Kelly Faris (who, by the way, is my favorite UConn player). I've heard it mentioned by several game commentators that she grew up in Indiana and won the state championship all four years of high school. Ha!
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm, UConn basketball, WNBA
Non-Quote of the Day
I wanted to use something from this article for my quote of the day, but then I just would have used the whole thing.
So just go read it! Linda Holmes writes Dear Wonder Woman: YOU Will Get Arrested If You Fight Crime In That Top.
So just go read it! Linda Holmes writes Dear Wonder Woman: YOU Will Get Arrested If You Fight Crime In That Top.
Labels: Linda Holmes
Quote of the Day: John Altavilla
John Altavilla blogs about UConn women's basketball for the Hartford Courant:
"There is a possibility Miss Maya could lose more games in June with the Minnesota Lynx than she did in the last eight years of her career in high school and college. Just saying, Maya. Be ready."
Bonus quote! (From the same article):
"In case you've forgotten, once the freshmen class of 2012 gets here, UConn will have a Bria, Brianna, Breanna, Kiah, Kaleena. Kelly and Caroline. They will also have a Morgan and Michala. No Debbies or Janets."
"There is a possibility Miss Maya could lose more games in June with the Minnesota Lynx than she did in the last eight years of her career in high school and college. Just saying, Maya. Be ready."
Bonus quote! (From the same article):
"In case you've forgotten, once the freshmen class of 2012 gets here, UConn will have a Bria, Brianna, Breanna, Kiah, Kaleena. Kelly and Caroline. They will also have a Morgan and Michala. No Debbies or Janets."
Labels: UConn basketball, WNBA
29 March 2011
Other Basketball Stuff
Lauren Jackson's hometown is naming a stadium after her.
Jayda Evans (who blogs women's basketball for the Seattle Times) had a family emergency and hasn't been covering the NCAA tournament. But she's back! Yay! I really missed reading her commentary.
And, unfortunately, she agrees with me about the chances of Courtney Vandersloot joining the Storm:
"Don't look for Vandersloot in Seattle either, as the WNBA draft approaches."
Jayda Evans (who blogs women's basketball for the Seattle Times) had a family emergency and hasn't been covering the NCAA tournament. But she's back! Yay! I really missed reading her commentary.
And, unfortunately, she agrees with me about the chances of Courtney Vandersloot joining the Storm:
"Don't look for Vandersloot in Seattle either, as the WNBA draft approaches."
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
The Final Four Is Set
UConn (1), Notre Dame (2), Stanford (1), and Texas A&M (2).
For both UConn and Stanford, this is their fourth Final Four in a row (which means the seniors at both schools went every year).
Since the men's was set first, there's a tendency to say "the UConn women have joined the UConn men in the Final Four", but given each program's history (this the is the twelfth Final Four for the women), it almost seems like it should be the other way around! (By the way, in 2004 both UConn teams won the championship -- the only time a school has done that.)
The upcoming two games could not be more different. UConn and Notre Dame are in the same conference, and have already played three times this season. (UConn won all three games, most recently at the Big East Championship.) Stanford and Texas A&M are in different conferences and haven't played this season at all.
I'm a little nervous about the UConn/Notre Dame game. The first game Notre Dame game was down-to-the-wire, and the Big East Championship was pretty close, too. (The second was a blow-out.) And for Texas A&M to get to the Final Four, they beat Baylor, a team from their conference, that was the #1 seed, that had already beaten them three times this season. (Sound familiar?) So I'm a little nervous.
But I have hope! Apparently the UConn women will compete at anything...and that includes paddleball.
P.S. UConn beat Duke to get to the Final Four. The teams had played earlier in the season, when they were ranked #2 (UConn) and #3 (Duke). Duke was undefeated at the time, so a lot of people that their ranking should have been higher. UConn destroyed Duke in that game, eventually winning by 36. Duke was fired up for this game, determined not to get embarrassed again. They managed that in first half, and were only down 10 at halftime. But when the final buzzer sounded, UConn won by 35. Ouch.
For both UConn and Stanford, this is their fourth Final Four in a row (which means the seniors at both schools went every year).
Since the men's was set first, there's a tendency to say "the UConn women have joined the UConn men in the Final Four", but given each program's history (this the is the twelfth Final Four for the women), it almost seems like it should be the other way around! (By the way, in 2004 both UConn teams won the championship -- the only time a school has done that.)
The upcoming two games could not be more different. UConn and Notre Dame are in the same conference, and have already played three times this season. (UConn won all three games, most recently at the Big East Championship.) Stanford and Texas A&M are in different conferences and haven't played this season at all.
I'm a little nervous about the UConn/Notre Dame game. The first game Notre Dame game was down-to-the-wire, and the Big East Championship was pretty close, too. (The second was a blow-out.) And for Texas A&M to get to the Final Four, they beat Baylor, a team from their conference, that was the #1 seed, that had already beaten them three times this season. (Sound familiar?) So I'm a little nervous.
But I have hope! Apparently the UConn women will compete at anything...and that includes paddleball.
P.S. UConn beat Duke to get to the Final Four. The teams had played earlier in the season, when they were ranked #2 (UConn) and #3 (Duke). Duke was undefeated at the time, so a lot of people that their ranking should have been higher. UConn destroyed Duke in that game, eventually winning by 36. Duke was fired up for this game, determined not to get embarrassed again. They managed that in first half, and were only down 10 at halftime. But when the final buzzer sounded, UConn won by 35. Ouch.
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Black Adder
From "Duel and Duality" (episode 3.06):
[Baldrick has a cunning plan to save the Prince from Wellington: Blackadder will pretend to be the Prince!]
Baldrick: Well, I just thought: this Wellington bloke's been in Europe for years. You don't know what he looks like, he don't know what you look like, so why don't you get someone else to fight the duel instead of you?
The Prince Regent: But I'm the Prince Regent! My portrait hangs on every wall!
Blackadder: Answer that, Baldrick.
Baldrick: Well, my cousin Bert Baldrick, Mr. Gainsborough's butler's dogsbody, says that he's heard all portraits look the same these days, 'cause they're painted to a romantic ideal, rather than as a true depiction of the idiosyncratic facial qualities of the person in question.
[Blackadder and the Prince look astonished]
Blackadder: Your cousin Bert obviously has a larger vocabulary than you do.
[Baldrick has a cunning plan to save the Prince from Wellington: Blackadder will pretend to be the Prince!]
Baldrick: Well, I just thought: this Wellington bloke's been in Europe for years. You don't know what he looks like, he don't know what you look like, so why don't you get someone else to fight the duel instead of you?
The Prince Regent: But I'm the Prince Regent! My portrait hangs on every wall!
Blackadder: Answer that, Baldrick.
Baldrick: Well, my cousin Bert Baldrick, Mr. Gainsborough's butler's dogsbody, says that he's heard all portraits look the same these days, 'cause they're painted to a romantic ideal, rather than as a true depiction of the idiosyncratic facial qualities of the person in question.
[Blackadder and the Prince look astonished]
Blackadder: Your cousin Bert obviously has a larger vocabulary than you do.
Labels: Black Adder
28 March 2011
The End of the Season for Gonzaga
Stanford is a very good team, and they proved it tonight. Courtney Vandersloot is a very good player (at one point she scored eighteen points in a row for Gonzaga), but the rest of her team couldn't hit their shots, and Stanford could.
Still, it was very exciting, and I can't wait to see her play in the WNBA. According to the announcers, in the third grade she wrote a paper about how it was her dream to play in the WNBA. I think it's safe to say that she'll be a first-round draft pick on April 11.
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot's childhood, I was a little disappointed when the announcers said (during the Louisville game on Saturday) that her favorite player was Gary Payton. I was hoping for a Storm player! This article, however, does refer to Sue Bird being Courtney's "childhood hero": "Vandersloot’s childhood idol, Sue Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm, had 1,378 points and 585 assists at Connecticut [compared Courtney's 2,073 points and 1,118 assists]."
Apparently she's quite shy. In this article says that she "went to USA Basketball trials a few years ago and admitted she 'said 10 words the whole time'."
And speaking of the WNBA draft (which I was three paragraphs ago), here's the Storm's "Draft HQ". I'm actually more excited to see where Courtney Vandersloot ends up than I am to see who the Storm picks. Aside from Tanisha Wright (2005), no one they've drafted in the last few years has stuck around. On the other hand, they picked up Tanisha the season after they won their first championship, so maybe they'll get another good one this year.
As part of the Storm's Draft HQ, they have a breakdown of the top point guard draft prospects. Courtney Vandersloot's on the list, of course, but Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen isn't, which is a major omission, so I'm a little puzzled. Still, it's fun to see Storm coach Brian Agler say of Vandersloot, "I think she's got a very similar skill set to Sue Bird. Does she have the potential to be a Sue Bird? I think she does, but why Sue is so great is her poise and her composure and those things."
Still, it was very exciting, and I can't wait to see her play in the WNBA. According to the announcers, in the third grade she wrote a paper about how it was her dream to play in the WNBA. I think it's safe to say that she'll be a first-round draft pick on April 11.
Speaking of Courtney Vandersloot's childhood, I was a little disappointed when the announcers said (during the Louisville game on Saturday) that her favorite player was Gary Payton. I was hoping for a Storm player! This article, however, does refer to Sue Bird being Courtney's "childhood hero": "Vandersloot’s childhood idol, Sue Bird, who plays for the Seattle Storm, had 1,378 points and 585 assists at Connecticut [compared Courtney's 2,073 points and 1,118 assists]."
Apparently she's quite shy. In this article says that she "went to USA Basketball trials a few years ago and admitted she 'said 10 words the whole time'."
And speaking of the WNBA draft (which I was three paragraphs ago), here's the Storm's "Draft HQ". I'm actually more excited to see where Courtney Vandersloot ends up than I am to see who the Storm picks. Aside from Tanisha Wright (2005), no one they've drafted in the last few years has stuck around. On the other hand, they picked up Tanisha the season after they won their first championship, so maybe they'll get another good one this year.
As part of the Storm's Draft HQ, they have a breakdown of the top point guard draft prospects. Courtney Vandersloot's on the list, of course, but Stanford's Jeanette Pohlen isn't, which is a major omission, so I'm a little puzzled. Still, it's fun to see Storm coach Brian Agler say of Vandersloot, "I think she's got a very similar skill set to Sue Bird. Does she have the potential to be a Sue Bird? I think she does, but why Sue is so great is her poise and her composure and those things."
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From their review of the UConn/Georgetown game:
"This game can best be broken into segments. There was the segment when UConn looked lost. The segment when they looked terrified. And the final segment when the seniors decided it wasn’t their time to go home."
"This game can best be broken into segments. There was the segment when UConn looked lost. The segment when they looked terrified. And the final segment when the seniors decided it wasn’t their time to go home."
Labels: UConn basketball
27 March 2011
Well, I *Thought* I Was Done
But then I went looking for articles about Gonzaga and Courtney Vandersloot:
A pre-Louisville game article about Courtney Vandersloot, comparing her to Jackie Stiles.
About the Gonzaga/Louisville game.
Video interviews previewing the Gonzaga/Stanford game.
And Mechelle Voepel writes, "From Exciting to Excruciating".
A pre-Louisville game article about Courtney Vandersloot, comparing her to Jackie Stiles.
About the Gonzaga/Louisville game.
Video interviews previewing the Gonzaga/Stanford game.
And Mechelle Voepel writes, "From Exciting to Excruciating".
Labels: college basketball
Elite Eight Preview
From ESPN.
One of the three ESPN commentators predicts Gonzaga to beat Stanford; all three predict UConn will beat Duke.
In the discussion of the Baylor/Texas A&M game, commentator Graham Hays wrote: "It's a good rule of thumb in the NCAA tournament to pick the team that has the services of the best player on the court (see: Vandersloot, Courtney in the first three rounds)."
One of the three ESPN commentators predicts Gonzaga to beat Stanford; all three predict UConn will beat Duke.
In the discussion of the Baylor/Texas A&M game, commentator Graham Hays wrote: "It's a good rule of thumb in the NCAA tournament to pick the team that has the services of the best player on the court (see: Vandersloot, Courtney in the first three rounds)."
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
UConn Follows in Gonzaga's Footsteps...
...By trying to give me a heart attack en route to advancing to the Elite Eight.
Yesterday Gonzaga let a twenty-point lead get whittled down to three.
Today UConn (playing Georgetown) was behind for almost the entire game, but managed to get the lead with about five minutes to go, and held on to win.
Whew!
Gonzaga's next game is tomorrow (Monday) at 6pm PT on ESPN. They're playing Stanford, so, you know, the outlook is not good. But you never know! They played Stanford in the regular season (in November) and only lost by six.
Yesterday Gonzaga let a twenty-point lead get whittled down to three.
Today UConn (playing Georgetown) was behind for almost the entire game, but managed to get the lead with about five minutes to go, and held on to win.
Whew!
Gonzaga's next game is tomorrow (Monday) at 6pm PT on ESPN. They're playing Stanford, so, you know, the outlook is not good. But you never know! They played Stanford in the regular season (in November) and only lost by six.
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Red vs. Blue
From Season 4:
[Church drops off Donut and the unconscious Sarge and Grif]
Church: Okay, Donut, wait until we're gone, and then you can wake them up.
Donut: Well, what do I tell them?
Church: I don't care, tell them you busted in and rescued them. Get yourself a medal. You deserve it.
Donut: I always did wanna be a hero... And a liar.
Church: Well, then today's your lucky day.
[Church drops off Donut and the unconscious Sarge and Grif]
Church: Okay, Donut, wait until we're gone, and then you can wake them up.
Donut: Well, what do I tell them?
Church: I don't care, tell them you busted in and rescued them. Get yourself a medal. You deserve it.
Donut: I always did wanna be a hero... And a liar.
Church: Well, then today's your lucky day.
Labels: Red vs. Blue
26 March 2011
More Info
Articles about the Zags win.
And, from ESPN, a list of the NCAA women's single-season assist leaders:
#1 Courtney Vandersloot (Gonzaga, 2010-2011) 358 (SO FAR!!!)
#2 Suzie McConnell (PSU, 1986-1987) = 355
#3 Suzie McConnell (PSU, 1985-1986) = 338
#4 Courtney Vandersloot (Gonzaga, 2009-2010) = 321
It sort of reminds me of the NCAA basketball winning streaks:
#1 UConn women (2008-2010) = 90
#2 UCLA men (1971-1974) = 88
#3 UConn women (2001-2003) = 70
And, from ESPN, a list of the NCAA women's single-season assist leaders:
#1 Courtney Vandersloot (Gonzaga, 2010-2011) 358 (SO FAR!!!)
#2 Suzie McConnell (PSU, 1986-1987) = 355
#3 Suzie McConnell (PSU, 1985-1986) = 338
#4 Courtney Vandersloot (Gonzaga, 2009-2010) = 321
It sort of reminds me of the NCAA basketball winning streaks:
#1 UConn women (2008-2010) = 90
#2 UCLA men (1971-1974) = 88
#3 UConn women (2001-2003) = 70
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
The Zags Do It Again!
They're on to the Elite Eight. (Facing either Stanford (probably) or North Carolina (not-so-likely).)
Courtney Vandersloot had another crazy-good game. 29 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals. She also set the single-season assist record. (Which had been set in 1987, I believe.)
Gonzaga nearly gave me a heart attack, though. Five minutes into the 2nd half, they were ahead by 20. Louisville did their best Seattle Storm impression, though, and pulled to within three.
Gonzaga is the lowest seed in the Women's Tournament to make it to the Elite Eight.
Next game is Monday!!
Courtney Vandersloot had another crazy-good game. 29 points, 5 rebounds, 7 assists, and 7 steals. She also set the single-season assist record. (Which had been set in 1987, I believe.)
Gonzaga nearly gave me a heart attack, though. Five minutes into the 2nd half, they were ahead by 20. Louisville did their best Seattle Storm impression, though, and pulled to within three.
Gonzaga is the lowest seed in the Women's Tournament to make it to the Elite Eight.
Next game is Monday!!
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: Glee
From "Sexy" (episode 2.15):
[Brittany wants to clarify her relationship with Santana.]
Santana: Look, let's be clear here. I'm not interested in any labels, unless it's on something I shoplift.
Brittany: I don't know. Santana, I think we should talk to somebody, like an adult. This relationship is really confusing for me.
Santana: Breakfast is confusing for you.
Brittany: Well, sometimes it's sweet, sometime it's salty. Like, what if I have eggs for dinner? Then what is it?
[Brittany wants to clarify her relationship with Santana.]
Santana: Look, let's be clear here. I'm not interested in any labels, unless it's on something I shoplift.
Brittany: I don't know. Santana, I think we should talk to somebody, like an adult. This relationship is really confusing for me.
Santana: Breakfast is confusing for you.
Brittany: Well, sometimes it's sweet, sometime it's salty. Like, what if I have eggs for dinner? Then what is it?
Labels: Glee
25 March 2011
Oooh! Look at What I Found!
More basketball stories!
ESPN's Sweet Sixteen preview. Notable quote: "And if anyone can come up with at least a couple of ideas on how to slow Vandersloot, who has 351 assists and 105 steals and has become one of the tournament's sensations, it's [Louisville coach] Walz."
Gonzaga's Fairytale Tournament.
ESPN's Sweet Sixteen preview. Notable quote: "And if anyone can come up with at least a couple of ideas on how to slow Vandersloot, who has 351 assists and 105 steals and has become one of the tournament's sensations, it's [Louisville coach] Walz."
Gonzaga's Fairytale Tournament.
Labels: college basketball
Point Guard Rankings
Last summer Swish Appeal was going to do a discussion of the who the best WNBA point guard is. Then they decided not to bother, since the answer is so obviously Sue Bird.
In preparation for the 2011 draft, they resurrected the article. What's interesting is that (fellow Storm player) Tanisha Wright is listed as #10.
They plan to post a discussion of the 2011 point guard draft prospects soon. (I'll keep you posted, of course!)
But here's their listing of the top (general) draft prospects, posted last fall.
In preparation for the 2011 draft, they resurrected the article. What's interesting is that (fellow Storm player) Tanisha Wright is listed as #10.
They plan to post a discussion of the 2011 point guard draft prospects soon. (I'll keep you posted, of course!)
But here's their listing of the top (general) draft prospects, posted last fall.
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Geno Auriemma
As quoted by his daughter:
[Geno and his daughter were discussing the young man who won the National Wrestling Championship, despite only having one leg.]
"He can do an 8 minute mile on crutches. I can't even do an 8 minute mile on a bike."
[Geno and his daughter were discussing the young man who won the National Wrestling Championship, despite only having one leg.]
"He can do an 8 minute mile on crutches. I can't even do an 8 minute mile on a bike."
Labels: sports, UConn basketball
24 March 2011
One More Thing.....
...on the Sweet Sixteen.
For those that are interested:
Gonzaga plays on Saturday, 6pm PT, on ESPN.
(And UConn plays on Sunday, 9am PT, on ESPN.)
For those that are interested:
Gonzaga plays on Saturday, 6pm PT, on ESPN.
(And UConn plays on Sunday, 9am PT, on ESPN.)
Labels: college basketball, UConn basketball
Quote of the Day: Dark Angel
From the pilot (episode 1.01, of course):
Vogelsang: A nuclear airburst wipes out every record of every kind of computer east of the Rockies and you want me to find a woman that you met when you were nine whose last name you don't even know. Maybe you could give me something more on her... some detail... anything.
Max: She was nice.
Vogelsang: [sarcastically] Okay, that's big.
Vogelsang: A nuclear airburst wipes out every record of every kind of computer east of the Rockies and you want me to find a woman that you met when you were nine whose last name you don't even know. Maybe you could give me something more on her... some detail... anything.
Max: She was nice.
Vogelsang: [sarcastically] Okay, that's big.
Labels: Dark Angel
23 March 2011
What? More Basketball News?
I'm sure you're shocked.
But the whole "local girl Courtney Vandersloot on local team Gonzaga" making a (somewhat) improbable run to the Sweet Sixteen is Just. So. Cool!
Here's an article (with video) from Spokane.
Predictions for the Sweet Sixteen.
A review of the game that Louisville won to advance to the Sweet Sixteen (and to face Gonzaga). They beat Xavier, who beat Gonzaga last year in the Sweet Sixteen.
Another Sweet Sixteen preview.
Swish Appeal's article predicting that Gonzaga will beat Louisville to advance to the Elite Eight.
But the whole "local girl Courtney Vandersloot on local team Gonzaga" making a (somewhat) improbable run to the Sweet Sixteen is Just. So. Cool!
Here's an article (with video) from Spokane.
Predictions for the Sweet Sixteen.
A review of the game that Louisville won to advance to the Sweet Sixteen (and to face Gonzaga). They beat Xavier, who beat Gonzaga last year in the Sweet Sixteen.
Another Sweet Sixteen preview.
Swish Appeal's article predicting that Gonzaga will beat Louisville to advance to the Elite Eight.
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: Get Fuzzy
From Blueprint for Disaster by Darby Conley:
Satchel: [reading the newspaper] Oh my... It says here that nearly 5% of Americans live in hunger....
Bucky: Those people ought to just eat some spotted owls or sea turtles of something.
Rob: Bucky.... those animals are endangered.
Bucky: Exactly. Their species have a proven track record of being slow and/or stupid to the point where they really have to be considered an easy lunch.
Satchel: [reading the newspaper] Oh my... It says here that nearly 5% of Americans live in hunger....
Bucky: Those people ought to just eat some spotted owls or sea turtles of something.
Rob: Bucky.... those animals are endangered.
Bucky: Exactly. Their species have a proven track record of being slow and/or stupid to the point where they really have to be considered an easy lunch.
Labels: Get Fuzzy
22 March 2011
Lionel Richie on Helium
Quote of the Day: Burn Notice
I'm ready for Burn Notice to come back. Unfortunately, I still have to wait a couple more months. In the meantime:
From "Fearless Leader" (episode 3.04):
Fiona: So, Randall's off to party in Cancún with my client's money.
Michael: Look at the bright side, Fi: you weren't killed.
Fiona: Oh, please. If a nuisance like Randall can kill me, then I deserve it.
From "Fearless Leader" (episode 3.04):
Fiona: So, Randall's off to party in Cancún with my client's money.
Michael: Look at the bright side, Fi: you weren't killed.
Fiona: Oh, please. If a nuisance like Randall can kill me, then I deserve it.
Labels: Burn Notice
Correction
ESPN actually showed the last 15 minutes of the Gonzaga/UCLA game.
Unfortunately, my cable was wonky and only a few minutes were viewable.
But look! There are lots of articles about their win.
Unfortunately, my cable was wonky and only a few minutes were viewable.
But look! There are lots of articles about their win.
Labels: college basketball
21 March 2011
The Zags Win Again!
And again, oh-so-lovely ESPN only showed the last minute or so. But still! They made it to the Sweet Sixteen.
And Courtney Vandersloot is now the only player (male or female) in NCAA history to have more than 2000 points to go along with her more than 1000 assists. That's pretty cool.
And Courtney Vandersloot is now the only player (male or female) in NCAA history to have more than 2000 points to go along with her more than 1000 assists. That's pretty cool.
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: Doctor Who
From "The Impossible Planet" (episode 2.8):
The Doctor: I've trapped you here.
Rose: Oh, don't worry about me. [there is a rumble overhead] Okay... we're under a black hole... on a planet which shouldn't exist, with no way out. Right, I've changed my mind, start worrying about me.
The Doctor: I've trapped you here.
Rose: Oh, don't worry about me. [there is a rumble overhead] Okay... we're under a black hole... on a planet which shouldn't exist, with no way out. Right, I've changed my mind, start worrying about me.
Labels: Doctor Who
20 March 2011
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From this article, discussing Samarie Walker's decision to transfer from UConn to Kentucky:
"When you sign your letter of intent to come to Connecticut, you might as well just use your first name. Because as soon as you set foot on campus, you lose your last name. The players are Maya, Stef, Tiff, Caroline, Lorin, and so on. It’s not until you leave, in some cases you get it back. It depends on the circumstances. Asjha, Swin and Tina have not. Walker has. She put herself up for adoption; she got a last name."
"When you sign your letter of intent to come to Connecticut, you might as well just use your first name. Because as soon as you set foot on campus, you lose your last name. The players are Maya, Stef, Tiff, Caroline, Lorin, and so on. It’s not until you leave, in some cases you get it back. It depends on the circumstances. Asjha, Swin and Tina have not. Walker has. She put herself up for adoption; she got a last name."
Labels: UConn basketball
19 March 2011
New Doctor Who
Doctor Who often does mini-episodes for British charity. This year they made a two-parter:
Labels: Doctor Who
The Zags Won!
Not that I got to see it. ESPN showed four games at once, which means they showed one game (St. Johns vs. Texas Tech) and occasionally summarized the other three games. They did show the full ending of the Gonzaga/Iowa game... all 50 seconds of Iowa desperately fouling Gonzaga and Gonzaga making their foul shots. But, Gonzaga won.
Courtney Vandersloot scored 34 points (and got 7 assists and 7 rebounds). If she gets 10 more points against UCLA on Monday, she'll be the first player to have 2000 points and 1000 assists.
Courtney Vandersloot scored 34 points (and got 7 assists and 7 rebounds). If she gets 10 more points against UCLA on Monday, she'll be the first player to have 2000 points and 1000 assists.
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: White Collar
From "By the Book":
Peter: What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Gina?
Mozzie: Intellectual. Literal. On-going.
Peter: [to Neal] Is he stalking her?
Neal: I'd have to look up the legal definition.
Peter: What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Gina?
Mozzie: Intellectual. Literal. On-going.
Peter: [to Neal] Is he stalking her?
Neal: I'd have to look up the legal definition.
Labels: White Collar
18 March 2011
More Basketball Blah-Blah
A nice article about Courtney Vandersloot.
And a video about the beginnings of women's basketball (and, indeed, basketball in general):
[h/t AfterEllen]
And a video about the beginnings of women's basketball (and, indeed, basketball in general):
The New Woman: A New Game from Kate Lee on Vimeo.
[h/t AfterEllen]
Labels: college basketball
Quote of the Day: Farscape
From "We're So Screwed, part 1: Fetal Attraction" (episode 4.19):
Sikozu: What about Scorpius?
Chiana: What about him?
Sikozu: Well, he might have been captured!
Chiana: Or killed.
D’Argo: We can only wish.
Sikozu: What about Scorpius?
Chiana: What about him?
Sikozu: Well, he might have been captured!
Chiana: Or killed.
D’Argo: We can only wish.
Labels: Farscape
17 March 2011
Quote of the Day: Top Gear
[In the news, talking about how Australian authorities are going to get tough on drunk fans]
Jeremy: They say each fan is going to be limited to just twenty-four cans of lager each, per day.
Richard: [sarcastically] Just twenty-four?
Jeremy: Twenty-four a day, no more than that.
James: And Australians, don't think you can get round this by switching to wine, because that's limited as well... to four litres a day.
Jeremy: They say each fan is going to be limited to just twenty-four cans of lager each, per day.
Richard: [sarcastically] Just twenty-four?
Jeremy: Twenty-four a day, no more than that.
James: And Australians, don't think you can get round this by switching to wine, because that's limited as well... to four litres a day.
Labels: Top Gear
16 March 2011
Recut Mania!
You've got your classic recut movie trailers: scary Mary Poppins, heartwarming The Shining, etc.
Then you have the introspective Ferris Bueller's Day Off which, as Linda Holmes points out, actually just highlights a different aspect of the film.
And then there's these videos that use classic scifi to make 1950s educational videos.
Then you have the introspective Ferris Bueller's Day Off which, as Linda Holmes points out, actually just highlights a different aspect of the film.
And then there's these videos that use classic scifi to make 1950s educational videos.
Labels: movies, random silliness, TV
Quote of the Day: Linda Holmes
From this post:
It's a little nerve-racking to hear the word "Pixar" close to the words "direct to DVD," but "Movieline hears" that there may be a direct-to-DVD sequel to Cars, called Planes. This could be the beginning of kind of quite a franchise. Dirigibles! Carriages! Trolleys! Monorails!
It's a little nerve-racking to hear the word "Pixar" close to the words "direct to DVD," but "Movieline hears" that there may be a direct-to-DVD sequel to Cars, called Planes. This could be the beginning of kind of quite a franchise. Dirigibles! Carriages! Trolleys! Monorails!
Labels: Linda Holmes
15 March 2011
Basketball Tidbits
Lauren Jackson attended the WNBL (the Australian league) championship game:
Speaking of LJ, the dude at Slam Online that listed her as #3 wrote an article last year called "Could Lauren Jackson be the Best Ever?"
The Storm have re-signed Ashley Robinson. Yay? I think I agree with the first comment....
Swish Appeal lists several potential "bracket busters" in the NCAA tournament, and one of them is Gonzaga -- which is led by Kentwood High School graduate Courtney Vandersloot: "For those who haven't heard of Courtney Vandersloot, let me explain - if you were to write an inspirational sports story about a player who had 327 assists and only 98 turnovers, you would be told to burn your first draft. Those numbers don't exist in real life, but they exist for the greatest player in Gonzaga history." Gonzaga is the only Washington team in the tournament, and their first game is Saturday, March 19, 1:00 PT, on ESPN2.
Speaking of LJ, the dude at Slam Online that listed her as #3 wrote an article last year called "Could Lauren Jackson be the Best Ever?"
The Storm have re-signed Ashley Robinson. Yay? I think I agree with the first comment....
Swish Appeal lists several potential "bracket busters" in the NCAA tournament, and one of them is Gonzaga -- which is led by Kentwood High School graduate Courtney Vandersloot: "For those who haven't heard of Courtney Vandersloot, let me explain - if you were to write an inspirational sports story about a player who had 327 assists and only 98 turnovers, you would be told to burn your first draft. Those numbers don't exist in real life, but they exist for the greatest player in Gonzaga history." Gonzaga is the only Washington team in the tournament, and their first game is Saturday, March 19, 1:00 PT, on ESPN2.
Labels: college basketball, Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Daria
From "Pinch Sitter" (episode 1.08):
Mr. DeMartino: While we continue our discussion of cults, can anyone give me another example of a group using cohesive techniques such as peer pressure, chanting, and social isolation to achieve control over its members? Brittany?
Brittany: Cheerleading?
Mr. DeMartino: Ah Brittany, sometimes despite a complete lack of insight, you stumble upon an interesting answer.
Brittany: Wow, and I didn't even read the chapter.
Mr. DeMartino: While we continue our discussion of cults, can anyone give me another example of a group using cohesive techniques such as peer pressure, chanting, and social isolation to achieve control over its members? Brittany?
Brittany: Cheerleading?
Mr. DeMartino: Ah Brittany, sometimes despite a complete lack of insight, you stumble upon an interesting answer.
Brittany: Wow, and I didn't even read the chapter.
Labels: Daria
14 March 2011
Maui After the Recent Tsunami
Quote of the Day: Leverage
From "The Jailhouse Job" (episode 3.01):
[Nate's in jail; his team wants to bust him out.]
Nate: Guys, no. I committed a crime, I got caught, and now I'm gonna serve my time.
Sophie: Nate, what kind of world would it be if everybody that committed a silly little crime went to prison, huh? Complete madness.
[Nate's in jail; his team wants to bust him out.]
Nate: Guys, no. I committed a crime, I got caught, and now I'm gonna serve my time.
Sophie: Nate, what kind of world would it be if everybody that committed a silly little crime went to prison, huh? Complete madness.
Labels: Leverage
13 March 2011
I Finally Used AAA!
In 2009, my dad very nicely gave me a AAA membership for Christmas. In 2010 he renewed it for me. When I opened that present, he asked me, "Have you used it yet?"
I hadn't then, but I have now!
When I got in my car to drive to work today (for the first time since hurting my elbow!), I couldn't turn the key in my ignition. I ended up catching the bus to work, and I called AAA when I got home. They sent a locksmith, and he explained that Ford Focuses (Foci!) have a stupid lock, and that he gets called to replace one every two to three weeks. Anyway, he put in a new ignition-thingy, told me he guaranteed it for 10 years, I paid him his fee (minus the $50 that AAA contributes) and I have a car again.
I hadn't then, but I have now!
When I got in my car to drive to work today (for the first time since hurting my elbow!), I couldn't turn the key in my ignition. I ended up catching the bus to work, and I called AAA when I got home. They sent a locksmith, and he explained that Ford Focuses (Foci!) have a stupid lock, and that he gets called to replace one every two to three weeks. Anyway, he put in a new ignition-thingy, told me he guaranteed it for 10 years, I paid him his fee (minus the $50 that AAA contributes) and I have a car again.
Labels: driving
Quote of the Day: Stephen Fry
From The Fry Chronicles:
Some months later a student who had been educated at a comprehensive in south-east London told me that for weeks he had been unable to understand what "say gid" meant. He kept hearing it everywhere: "Say gid! That's jarst say gid!" Eventually he realized that it was how the upper middle-class pronounce "So good, that's just so good."
Some months later a student who had been educated at a comprehensive in south-east London told me that for weeks he had been unable to understand what "say gid" meant. He kept hearing it everywhere: "Say gid! That's jarst say gid!" Eventually he realized that it was how the upper middle-class pronounce "So good, that's just so good."
Labels: Stephen Fry
12 March 2011
Swin Cash Plays for Another Championship
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
Stanford wins the Pac-10:
[Is it a] surprise?
Stanford winning the Pac-10 will never be a surprise. Ever. If it is, then [Coach] Tara VanDerveer will not be happy with anyone involved.
[Is it a] surprise?
Stanford winning the Pac-10 will never be a surprise. Ever. If it is, then [Coach] Tara VanDerveer will not be happy with anyone involved.
Labels: college basketball
11 March 2011
Cuteness Alert!
Quote of the Day: Gina Torres
From this interview (h/t Dorothy Surrenders):
“I walk into a room, and for this industry, I’m impossibly tall. When they find it hard to pair you up with the opposite sex, then what’s left for a woman? Either you’re the ball-buster or the not-so-attractive girlfriend standing by the lead,” Torres said during a mid-December phone interview from the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband, actor Laurence Fishburne. “I mean, traditionally not so attractive. Because you have your starlets and then you have their best friends who are these character actresses. When you fall within the cracks, you thank God for sci-fi, because they’ll give you a gun, and they’ll say, ‘Go over there and conquer that world. You kick some ass, girl!’”
“I walk into a room, and for this industry, I’m impossibly tall. When they find it hard to pair you up with the opposite sex, then what’s left for a woman? Either you’re the ball-buster or the not-so-attractive girlfriend standing by the lead,” Torres said during a mid-December phone interview from the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband, actor Laurence Fishburne. “I mean, traditionally not so attractive. Because you have your starlets and then you have their best friends who are these character actresses. When you fall within the cracks, you thank God for sci-fi, because they’ll give you a gun, and they’ll say, ‘Go over there and conquer that world. You kick some ass, girl!’”
Labels: Firefly
10 March 2011
Old-Timey Clothes
I love me some old-timey clothes. I recently discovered Of Another Fashion, which posts old photographs of women of color. I've been having lots of fun looking at all the pretty pictures.
There's quite a few photographs of women in the Japanese-American internment camps. I'm astounded at how well dressed they were. Look at this nurse. She looks like a movie star. And this photo shows a fashion show (!) at one of the camps.
There's quite a few photographs of women in the Japanese-American internment camps. I'm astounded at how well dressed they were. Look at this nurse. She looks like a movie star. And this photo shows a fashion show (!) at one of the camps.
Quote of the Day: Steven Brust
From Iorich:
Vlad: Kiera, after you've been in battle with gods, you get to the point where the affairs of mere mortals--
Kiera: Can you be serious for two words?
Vlad: Not without effort.
Kiera: Apply yourself.
Vlad: Kiera, after you've been in battle with gods, you get to the point where the affairs of mere mortals--
Kiera: Can you be serious for two words?
Vlad: Not without effort.
Kiera: Apply yourself.
Labels: Vlad Taltos
09 March 2011
Cool!
It looks like the new season of Doctor Who will be airing here and in the U.K. at the same time!
Labels: Doctor Who
There's Just So Much I Didn't Know!
For example: If you win your conference championship, you're automatically entered into the NCAA National Championship Tournament.
UConn won the Big East, so they "got their ticket punched". Swish Appeal does a breakdown for each team invited to the tournament. Here's UConn's. It was surprisingly entertaining. (Samples: "[Is it a] surprise? No. Very much no. Whatever the polar opposite of a surprise is." and "Worst loss: Stanford (A)... I guess. Not that losing a close game to a top-3 team is a bad loss, but if it's their only one, it's worst by default.")
Another thing I've learned recently: In college (and by college, I mean women's college. I have no idea what the men's rules are) -- the game is divided into two 20-minutes halves. When the team foul total gets to seven, the other team starts shooting those weird one-and-one free throws. When the total gets to ten, the other team shoots two free throw. This took me a while to figure out, because the WNBA does it differently. (Four 10-minute quarters, two free throws when the other team gets to five fouls. Or is it six? I can't remember, and Google is surprisingly unhelpful. I keep getting links to lists of rules from the early days of the WNBA, when the rules were more NCAA and less NBA.)
Anyway, that's enough typing for one day!
UConn won the Big East, so they "got their ticket punched". Swish Appeal does a breakdown for each team invited to the tournament. Here's UConn's. It was surprisingly entertaining. (Samples: "[Is it a] surprise? No. Very much no. Whatever the polar opposite of a surprise is." and "Worst loss: Stanford (A)... I guess. Not that losing a close game to a top-3 team is a bad loss, but if it's their only one, it's worst by default.")
Another thing I've learned recently: In college (and by college, I mean women's college. I have no idea what the men's rules are) -- the game is divided into two 20-minutes halves. When the team foul total gets to seven, the other team starts shooting those weird one-and-one free throws. When the total gets to ten, the other team shoots two free throw. This took me a while to figure out, because the WNBA does it differently. (Four 10-minute quarters, two free throws when the other team gets to five fouls. Or is it six? I can't remember, and Google is surprisingly unhelpful. I keep getting links to lists of rules from the early days of the WNBA, when the rules were more NCAA and less NBA.)
Anyway, that's enough typing for one day!
Labels: UConn basketball, WNBA
Quote of the Day: Swish Appeal
From this article about the Big East Championship:
"Both semi-final games in the 2011 Women's Big East Tournament had the sense of a family reunion. There were the staples with Rutgers and Connecticut acting like your grandma and grandpa dancing on the lawn to the chagrin of their children. Always there when it counts and matters, the backbone of the family. Notre Dame stepped into the role of that cousin that just disappeared one day and magically shows up as if they had never left but invited their friend, Depaul, who just looked around wondering if this is what it always like at the big kids table, as they have never made it past the Big East semi-finals."
"Both semi-final games in the 2011 Women's Big East Tournament had the sense of a family reunion. There were the staples with Rutgers and Connecticut acting like your grandma and grandpa dancing on the lawn to the chagrin of their children. Always there when it counts and matters, the backbone of the family. Notre Dame stepped into the role of that cousin that just disappeared one day and magically shows up as if they had never left but invited their friend, Depaul, who just looked around wondering if this is what it always like at the big kids table, as they have never made it past the Big East semi-finals."
Labels: UConn basketball
08 March 2011
Hmmph
Slam Online has Lauren Jackson as #3 in their "Predicted Top 20 Players of 2011" list.
They spend the entire article justifying ranking her so low (in short: she'll probably be hampered by injury next year) rather than talking about how awesome she is.
Double hmmmph.
They spend the entire article justifying ranking her so low (in short: she'll probably be hampered by injury next year) rather than talking about how awesome she is.
Double hmmmph.
Labels: Seattle Storm
Quote of the Day: Being Human
From episode 2.8:
Lucy: I saw Amy McBride this morning.
Kemp: Amy McBride is dead.
Lucy: She spoke to me. She said, "It's coming."
Kemp: What is?
Lucy: Retribution, my stuff from Amazon... she didn't go into detail.
Lucy: I saw Amy McBride this morning.
Kemp: Amy McBride is dead.
Lucy: She spoke to me. She said, "It's coming."
Kemp: What is?
Lucy: Retribution, my stuff from Amazon... she didn't go into detail.
Labels: Being Human
07 March 2011
I Drove Today!
Not very far -- just to the library and back. But it was my first trip in the car since hurting my elbow. Changing gears wasn't too bad. Turning the wheel was more painful. I can do it fine if I scootch my hands along the wheel, rather than crossing them over each other.
I'm definitely not ready for any long drives, but it's nice to know I can get myself to the grocery store again.
I'm definitely not ready for any long drives, but it's nice to know I can get myself to the grocery store again.
Quote of the Day: The O.C.
From "The Links" (episode 1.16):
Ryan: I don't play golf.
Seth: Not true, buddy! You just don't play well.
Ryan: I don't play golf.
Seth: Not true, buddy! You just don't play well.
Labels: The O.C.
06 March 2011
Swin Cash Re-Signed!!!!
Quote of the Day: John Walters
From The Same River Twice:
After practice Geno pulls Sue [Bird] aside. The two of them sit in the bleachers, talking for five minutes. Today the Herde [the press], which is often allowed to watch the last hour of practice, must wait outside in the hallway. He takes advantage of a few private moments with his point guard.
Geno knows that they will ask Sue questions about her sub-par play in the first three games [of the season]. The Huskies are 3-0 and three of their key players -- All-Americans Shea [Ralph] and Sveta [Abrosimova] plus Tamika [Williams] -- are each shooting better than 70% from the field. Sue is the closest thing to a weak link that the stat sheet evinces. She has shot 33%, though nearly half of her shots have been three-pointers. But the Herde must be fed. Today's special is Bird.
Geno knows this, as does Sue. As he sends her off to answer their questions, he watches her walk across the court. Like a disproportionately high number of the Huskies, Sue exudes and enchanting quality that transcends her basketball skills. She is an avatar of UConn basketball, a hybrid of Geno's street-smart hoops savvy and Chris Dailey's feminine grace.
"She's the best," Geno says to no one in particular, loud enough to be heard clear across the court. "I always say, 'Sue Bird is the best. They don't come any better that.'"
Outside in the hallway, the writers surround her. The Herde genuinely like the players. Even the tough questions are laced with concern. "Does it bother you when you miss?" Sue is asked.
"Does it bother me?" she repeats. "Well of course I want to make my shots."
No more than ten feet away, Geno leans against the painted cinderblock wall and, as usual, speaks candidly about his floor leader. "Yeah, there's the leaky faucet," he says looking across at her. "Her freshman year we also started three-and-oh and Sue was shooting eighteen percent but nobody know what she could do then."
After practice Geno pulls Sue [Bird] aside. The two of them sit in the bleachers, talking for five minutes. Today the Herde [the press], which is often allowed to watch the last hour of practice, must wait outside in the hallway. He takes advantage of a few private moments with his point guard.
Geno knows that they will ask Sue questions about her sub-par play in the first three games [of the season]. The Huskies are 3-0 and three of their key players -- All-Americans Shea [Ralph] and Sveta [Abrosimova] plus Tamika [Williams] -- are each shooting better than 70% from the field. Sue is the closest thing to a weak link that the stat sheet evinces. She has shot 33%, though nearly half of her shots have been three-pointers. But the Herde must be fed. Today's special is Bird.
Geno knows this, as does Sue. As he sends her off to answer their questions, he watches her walk across the court. Like a disproportionately high number of the Huskies, Sue exudes and enchanting quality that transcends her basketball skills. She is an avatar of UConn basketball, a hybrid of Geno's street-smart hoops savvy and Chris Dailey's feminine grace.
"She's the best," Geno says to no one in particular, loud enough to be heard clear across the court. "I always say, 'Sue Bird is the best. They don't come any better that.'"
Outside in the hallway, the writers surround her. The Herde genuinely like the players. Even the tough questions are laced with concern. "Does it bother you when you miss?" Sue is asked.
"Does it bother me?" she repeats. "Well of course I want to make my shots."
No more than ten feet away, Geno leans against the painted cinderblock wall and, as usual, speaks candidly about his floor leader. "Yeah, there's the leaky faucet," he says looking across at her. "Her freshman year we also started three-and-oh and Sue was shooting eighteen percent but nobody know what she could do then."
Labels: Seattle Storm, UConn basketball
I'm Back! (....ish)
Still can't drive, can't type for too long, but I've managed to put my contacts in the last two days! It's the little victories, don't you know!
Here's a tip: Don't sprain your elbow. It hurts and it's very inconvenient.
Still better than rupturing a disk, though.
Here's a tip: Don't sprain your elbow. It hurts and it's very inconvenient.
Still better than rupturing a disk, though.
Labels: health
