#WNBA 2021 Draft

[stormseattle]

Mentioned I was working on something, this isn't that. But here are some fun facts I found while digging through the WNBA website and doing far too much math!

Years of experience DO count years where a player played on hardship contracts, but NOT a year where a player played no minutes in the W.

The Wings have the most rookies of any current team with 5 (Jaelyn Brown, Lou Lopez Senechal, Jacy Sheldon, Stephanie Soares, and Sevgi Uzun)

To go along with that, the Wings have the least years of experience between all of their players---35 years between them. The Fever is second-last with 38.

The team with the MOST experience is the Sun with 71 years total (thanks to the vets that Alexis Morris wanted to 'hang it up')

The Sky have half of all 4th year players in the league currently

Alysha Clark is the only 12th year player, Courtney Vandersloot is the only 14th year player, DeWanna Bonner is the only 15th year player, and Diana Taurasi is of course the only 20th (!!) year player

Much more detailed info & stats (plus a couple of my observations) under the cut bc I don't need to be the WNBA color of the sky post

Most experienced player on each team:

Mercury: Diana Taurasi (19 years of experience)

Sun: DeWanna Bonner (14)

Liberty: Courtney Vandersloot (13)

Dream: Tina Charles (12)

Storm: Nneka Ogwumike (12)

Aces: Alysha Clark (11)

Lynx: Kayla McBride (10)

Sparks: Layshia Clarendon (10)

Mystics: Stefanie Dolson (10)

Wings: Natasha Howard (10)

Sky: Elizabeth Williams (9)

Fever: Damiras Dantas & Erica Wheeler (both 8)

Total Experience Years:

Storm: 56

Dream: 60

Sky : 46

Sun: 71

Fever: 38

Liberty: 52

Mystics: 48

Wings: 35

Aces: 65

Sparks: 46

Lynx: 45

Mercury: 65

Most of each experience group:

Most Rookies: Wings (5)

Most 2nd Year Players: Lynx (4)

Most 3rd Year Players: Dream, Fever, Mystics (3)

Most 4th Year Players: Sky (3)

Most 5th Year Players: Liberty, Wings (2)

Most 6th Year Players: Aces, Lynx (4)

Most 7th Year Players: Sky, Mystics, Sparks (2)

Most 8th Year Players: Dream, Sun, Liberty, Mystics (2)

Most 9th Year Players: Mercury (3)

Most 10th Year Players: Storm, Aces (2)

Number of players in each experience group:

Rooks: 20

2nd Year: 20

3rd Year: 16

4th Year: 6

5th Year: 8

6th Year: 18

7th Year: 12

8th Year: 9

9th Year: 12

10th Year: 7

11th Year: 6

12th Year: 1 (Alysha Clark)

13th Year: 2 (Nneka Ogwumike, Tina Charles)

14th Year: 1 (Courtney Vandersloot)

15th Year: 1 (DeWanna Bonner)

20th Year: 1 (Diana Taurasi)

I'm hypothesizing the drop for 4th year and 5th year players is because of COVID. It's interesting that there's the same number of 4th year players and 11th year players.

The Lucky Covid 4th Year WNBA Survivors:

Chennedy Carter (Sky)

Dana Evans (Sky)

Michaela Onyenwere (Sky)

DiJonai Carrington (Sun)

Temi Fagbenle* (Fever)

Aari McDonald (Sparks)

*Temi wasn't drafted in 2020 or 2021, but she does have 3 years of experience so she's part of this category. She was drafted 35th overall in the 2016 draft.

[homensbrancosnaosabemblogar]

De Montes Claros para o mundo! Kamilla Cardoso é bi-campeã do torneio (desta vez, invicta!), eleita melhor jogadora do final four, eleita defensora do ano pelos técnicos da liga e agora segue com toda sua dominância e carisma para a WNBA.

A técnica Dawn Staley informou depois da partida que a brasileira jogou lesionada, mas que ela tinha certeza que "Cardoso não deixaria nós perdermos sequer um jogo este ano". Foram 15 pontos, 17 rebotes (7 ofensivos), 3 tocos e uma nova legião de fãs brasileiros, que agora vão apoiá-la em sua carreira na WNBA, que - PASME - começa daqui a 40 DIAS! 🥵🤩🏆 BORAAAA @kamilla_cardoso.

O draft já é segunda-feira que vem (15 de abril) e Kamilla deve estar logo nas primeiras escolhas. A temporada começa dia 14 de maio, e os playoffs já começam dia 22 de setembro. ✨

Revanche completa! South Carolina perdeu para Iowa na semi-final do ano passado e reencontrou o algoz nas finais deste ano. Depois de um início alucinante de Caitlin Clark, que fez 18 pontos no primeiro quarto, a equipe de Dawn Staley buscou o placar, virou o jogo e se sagrou campeã: é o segundo título em três anos!

Não fosse Iowa ano passado, poderiam ter sido três títulos em três anos. O recorde da equipe nesse período (2021-2024) foi de 109 vitórias e três derrotas. Este ano, foram 38 vitórias e nenhuma derrota. Em 2022-23, o único jogo que perderam foi esse da semi-final. Que sequência de South Carolina e que trabalho de Dawn Staley! Especialmente porque todo o time titular se formou em 2023. A equipe perdeu as cinco titulares e voltou da reformulação invicta, vencendo o time que a havia derrotado no ano anterior. Emocionante.

Nesse sentido, a história mais marcante é a de Raven Johnson, armadora de South Carolina. No ano passado, no jogo contra Iowa, Johnson estava livre da linha dos três. Quem a devia estar defendendo era Caitlin Clark, mas Clark permaneceu bem distante, dentro da garrafão e abanou a mão na direção de Johnson, como quem diz: "essa aí, pode deixar que não tem chute."

Raven passou a bola. O vídeo viralizou e daí você deve imaginar o que rolou: caiu na rede social, bem vindo à selva. Barbárie. É gente zoando, humilhando, xingando, enfim… Johnson pensou em parar de jogar. Mas não parou.

Ontem, como defensora principal da Clark, forçou 4 turnovers e segurou Caitlin a um baixo aproveitamento: 3 de 11 acertados. Ao ser entrevistada durante a premiação, disse: "A turnê de vingança acabou."

[fiercynn]

When 6-foot-7 center Kamilla Cardoso enters the WNBA -- likely as a top five pick after Monday's draft -- she will face a new challenge, in coming up against the world's best players on a regular basis. Outside the college game with the South Carolina Gamecocks, Cardoso has proven her ability with the Brazil national team under José Neto - including against the college coach who would later help her become one of the most sought-after prospects in women's basketball. On June 19, 2021, Dawn Staley and Cardoso crossed paths as competitors on the court for the first time. A month and a half earlier, Cardoso had transferred to South Carolina from Syracuse, where she spent her freshman season. However, on this particular day, Staley and Cardoso were adversaries as Neto's Brazil looked to plot a path past Staley's USA in the FIBA AmeriCup semi-finals. Ultimately, the USA won 71-60, but Cardoso proved to be undaunted by the occasion - putting in a huge shift on defense. Of her 10 rebounds on the day, eight were defensive rebounds. According to Neto, it is no accident that Cardoso is entering the WNBA as a player considered ready for a seamless transition from college basketball to the professional game. Rather, her success is a result of young players deliberately being exposed to international camps with Brazil's established WNBA stars.

[98percentofthewnbaisgay]

what’s some stuff a brand new Stewie stan needs to know about her?

Great question! There’s not much you need to know if you just started following her, but here’s a little information.

- Stewie played basketball at UConn and won four national championships and final four MOPs. She is regarded as one of the greatest collegiate athletes of all time!

- She got drafted #1 overall to Seattle in 2016 and won ROY. In 2018 she won WNBA MVP and her first WNBA championship, along with finals MVP. Then, in 2020 she won her second WNBA championship and finals MVP.

- She is a 2x Olympic gold medalist and 3x FIBA WWC gold medalist!

- In 2021 she signed with PUMA. Then in 2022 her first signature shoe came out, the Stewie 1, and was released in multiple colorways. Just before the 2023 WNBA season started, she released her second signature shoe, the Stewie 2, which was also released in multiple colorways.

- During 2023 free agency, she signed with New York to be closer to family (she’s from Syracuse) and to be in a larger media market.

- In July 2021, she got married to her overseas teammate Marta Xargay. A month later, they welcomed their first child, Ruby. In May of 2023, Stewie and Marta announced that they were expecting their second child in October!

Hope this helped! And if you ever have any questions about #lore you can always ask them!

[female-buckets]

It’s Oct. 8, 2021, and the Phoenix Mercury are one possession away from an improbable return to the WNBA Finals. The Las Vegas Aces get the ball to A’ja Wilson going toward the hoop, and the reigning MVP is met by the long arms of Brittney Griner, who rejects the shot attempt and secures her team’s victory.

Five days later, Griner is on a roll to start Game 2 of the finals. She has scored six straight points, and then two more come in spectacular fashion with the first dunk in WNBA Finals history. It’s the 24th dunk of her career, but she’s always proud of any that come in the playoffs. As she would tell members of the Mercury, “If I still have the legs at the end of the season, watch out.”

Phoenix would go on to lose the finals, but Griner cemented her return as one of the league’s greats. A year after having to leave the WNBA bubble to address her mental health, Griner was a starter on the Olympic gold-medal team and an all-WNBA first-team selection — and as bouncy as ever. Turning 30 didn’t mean that Griner was past her prime, not in the slightest.

Griner has not returned to WNBA action since. She has been detained in Russia for 293 days — a detention the U.S. has deemed wrongful — and she’s currently working in a penal colony almost a year since being arrested on drug charges after Russian customs agents found hashish oil in her luggage in February. Still, no player mattered more to the WNBA in 2022 than she did. Griner’s absence was the biggest story of the year, making her The Athletic’s WNBA Person of the Year.

The exceptional outcry from the women’s basketball community on her behalf speaks to who Griner is as a person. The WNBA is a league of minorities, and Griner has proudly embodied several of those identities since she was drafted in 2013. A one-of-a-kind individual and player, it was easy for many to see parts of themselves in her and take pride in that representation.

“BG’s lived experience of being different and sounding different and looking different didn’t harden her. It made her more accessible. It made her more empathetic,” Mercury president Vince Kozar told The Athletic. “It made her more of all of the things that people respond to when they meet her or think about her. And so she came to understand herself as someone who provided this visibility and representation for other people that was so important to other people.

“Whether it was meeting people in person and having them tell her that, or so much of the fan mail she received or we received on her behalf, or the outpouring that she always felt on social media, where she was active, she came to understand that, like, just being herself, whether that was being 6-(foot-)8, whether that was presenting fairly androgynously, whether that was being an out and proud lesbian who not only wanted to speak out on behalf of LGBT rights and causes but also just live out loud with her wife. I think all of those things people responded to, and I think she did that and lived like that because that’s just who she is, but I think also she came to understand, like I said, that it was really important to so many people.”

Griner’s fate could have befallen any number of WNBA players. The majority of the league heads overseas during the offseason to supplement their income and have an opportunity to play year-round. Griner earns a supermax salary from Phoenix but has played in Russia for UMMC Ekaterinburg since 2014 for a contract rumored to be at least four times that number. That team specifically recruited her and her skill set to win EuroLeague titles and establish dominance as the best club in the world.

Her detention is a reflection of the worldwide nature of basketball, as well as the specific geopolitical circumstances of 2022. Her arrest took place as Russia was preparing to invade Ukraine, which has received billions of dollars in aid from the U.S. since that invasion began. Yet, while citizens of Russia faced punishment for speaking out against the government, Griner’s teammates and general manager advocated for her as character witnesses during her trial.

“The ironic thing that I tell people all the time is that she loves Russia. She loved going over there; she loved that and not being away,” Kozar said. “It has an expiration date, right? Because it’s a hard lifestyle being away from family. But that situation, that team, those accommodations, that salary, which demonstrates how much they value not only women athletes but her in particular … that team from this small, little oil city in the middle of Russia multiple times won EuroLeague.

“That organization, that city, those teammates love her, and she had a great deal of pride in, as her wife had said, when her career started playing overseas, the goal was to be one of those players who a Russian team wanted, right? And this Russian team wanted her. She not only became that player for herself, she became that player for that team.”

In June, Tina Charles requested a contract divorce from the Mercury. Phoenix attempted to construct a superteam in the offseason, reuniting the frontcourt of Charles and Griner, Olympic teammates for three gold medals. Instead, the team had a year from hell, falling to the No. 8 seed, and Charles asking for a buyout midway through the season. There was no reason to stay without the person she came to Phoenix to play with.

“At the very beginning of this, I was super hesitant to talk about BG in terms of basketball at all, because of the humanity of it and what she’s enduring. Basketball is, like, the very last thing on the list that matters,” Kozar said. “But the more time has passed, and frankly, the more letters I’ve gotten from her, I’ve been reminded she’s had a lot of things taken away from her — family, freedom, friends, all of that — but she’s had basketball taken away from her.

In July, Chicago played host to the 2022 All-Star Game. Griner, an eight-time All-Star who had been selected to the game every year of her career, was instead an honoree. The players wore her jersey number during the second half — and all Griner could do from Russia was later hold a photograph of the No. 42 All-Stars at a pre-trial hearing while in a cage.

Three months later, the U.S. defeated China in the championship of the 2022 FIBA World Cup. Griner had represented the United States at every major international competition from the moment she turned pro. In a letter she wrote to President Joe Biden on July 4, she said that her family traditionally spent the holiday honoring those who served the country to protect their freedom. Her opportunity to serve her country came in the form of USA Basketball, and this was her first absence from the national team.

Kelsey Plum, who was on Team USA in 2018 with Griner, said that Griner built community within that group when she and her wife Cherelle led card games with the American players and their families. Plum’s best memories of Griner come from playing Phase 10 and Uno those nights in Tenerife.

That’s the Griner that people around the WNBA talk about, the one who disarms with her kindness and her humor. She’s always looking out for others, even now, when she would have every reason not to.

“She spends her letters, just like she spent her time in Phoenix, and how she has spent her life, concerned about other people,” Kozar said. “Her letters ask me how I’m doing. Her letters ask me about her teammates. Her letters ask me to make sure we are all taking care of Cherelle. And her letter to President Biden was also about all of the other people in the same situation that she is in around the globe. That’s authentically BG.”

[prettyhennytea]

Dawn Staley, the esteemed head coach of the South Carolina Gamecock's women's basketball team, has left an indelible mark on the sport. Her journey from humble beginnings to becoming a prominent figure in the league is nothing short of inspiring. Let's take a closer look at her childhood years, high school experiences, how she entered the league, and her remarkable career.

Childhood Years Born on May 4, 1970, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Dawn Staley grew up in a challenging environment. Raised by her mother and grandmother in North Philadelphia's Raymond Rosen housing project - a neighborhood known for its economic hardships, Staley faced adversity from an early age. However, it was during these formative years that she developed resilience and determination that would shape her future success.

High School Years Staley attended Dobbins Technical High School where she quickly made a name for herself as an exceptional athlete. Excelling not only in basketball but also track and field and tennis, she showcased versatility and raw talent across multiple sports. As a standout point guard on the basketball court with unmatched skills and leadership qualities, Staley caught the attention of college recruiters nationwide.

Entering the League After graduating from high school in 1988 as one of Pennsylvania's most highly recruited players ever seen at that time. Dawn Staley faced numerous offers from top-tier universities across America. Ultimately choosing to attend the University of Virginia under legendary Coach Debbie Ryan was a physical decision that would set her on course for greatness.

Career in College Basketball During her time at Virginia (1998-1992), Staley became one of college basketball's most electrifying players. She led her team to three Final Four appearances (1990-1992) while earning All-American honors each year - an impressive feat indeed! Known for her exceptional ball-handling skills and court vision, Staley's ability to control the game and make her teammates better was unparalleled. Her leadership qualities were also recognized when she was named ACC Female Athlete of the Year in 1991 and 1992.

Professional Career Following her illustrious college career, Staley transitioned into professional basketball. In 1996, she joined the American Basketball League (ABL) as a member of the Richmond Rage. Her impact on the court continued to shine as she earned All-Star selections and led her team to an ABL Championship in 1997.

When the ABL folded in late 1998, Staley seamlessly transitioned to the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She was selected with the ninth overall pick by the Charlotte Sting in its inaugural draft. Throughout her WNBA career, which spanned from 1999-2006, Staley played for both Charlotte and Houston Comets. Known for her tenacity on defense and play-making abilities on offense, she left an indelible mark on each team she represented.

Coaching Career After retiring as a player in 2006, Dawn Staley embarked on a new chapter of her basketball journey, coaching. She began as an assistant coach at Temple University before taking over as head coach at South Carolina in April 2008. Under her guidance, South Carolina has experienced unprecedented success. Staley has transformed South Carolina into a powerhouse program that consistently competes at the highest level. The Gamecocks have won multiple Southeastern Conference (SEC) regular season championships and SEC Tournament titles under her leadership. Most notably, Staley guided South Carolina to their first-ever NCAA National Championship victory in women's basketball during the historic season of 2016-2017.

Beyond coaching at South Carolina, Dawn Staley has also made significant contributions internationally by serving as head coach for Team USA Women's Basketball since March 2017. Under her guidance, Team USA won gold medals at the 2018 FIBA World Cup and the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Dawn Staley's journey from a challenging childhood to becoming a revered figure in women's basketball is a testament to her unwavering determination, resilience, and exceptional skills. As she continues to inspire both on and off the court, Staley remains an influential force in shaping the future of women's basketball for generations to come.

[beardedmrbean]

Houston Rockets guard Kevin Porter Jr. was arrested in New York City on Monday for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend, former WNBA player Kysre Gondrezick, police sources told ABC News.

Porter, 23, was formally charged with assault and strangulation.

Porter returned early Monday morning from an evening out to the Millennium Hilton near U.N. Plaza, where he and Gondrezick were staying. Gondrezick was upset with the late hour of his return and locked the door, according to police sources. Once he entered with the help of hotel security, Porter beat up the woman, the sources said.

Gondrezick was treated for a cut on the right side of her face and neck pain.

The pair was in New York City for Fashion Week. Porter and Gondrezick were photographed at the Vogue Smart Tox NYFW Kickoff event on Sept. 7.

MORE: NBA star Ja Morant sidelined after showing off gun on social media

Porter was drafted with the No. 30 pick in the 2019 NBA draft out of the University of Southern California, but has developed into a star player for the Rockets. He had his best career season in 2022-23 with 19.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists per game.

Gondrezick, 26, played college basketball for Michigan and West Virginia, before being drafted No. 4 overall in the 2021 WNBA draft by Indiana. She played one season for the Fever before being waived. She has not played the last two WNBA seasons and is currently a free agent.

Porter was previously arrested in November 2020 in Ohio on a weapons charge, but a grand jury declined to indict him. However, the Cleveland Cavaliers made him inactive for the first half of the season and he was traded to Houston in January 2021.

[freenewsreport]

Caitlin Clark Net Worth: Career, Endorsements, and Financial Journey in Women’s Basketball

Caitlin Clark, a phenomenal athlete in women’s basketball, has become an icon both on and off the court. Known for her impressive skills, competitive drive, and engaging personality, Clark has also attracted significant financial success through contracts, endorsements, and a pioneering role in the sports endorsement landscape for women. As of 2024, Caitlin Clark’s net worth is estimated between $3.8 million to $4 million. This growth reflects not only her WNBA earnings but also her high-profile endorsements, solidifying her as one of the highest-paid women in sports today.

Early Life and College Success

Born on January 22, 2002, in Des Moines, Iowa, Caitlin Clark’s athletic talent was evident from an early age. Growing up in a sports-focused family, she began playing basketball at just five years old. Her high school career at Dowling Catholic High School saw her quickly rise to prominence as she earned multiple awards, including the Iowa Miss Basketball and McDonald’s All-American honors.

Upon joining the University of Iowa, Clark continued to make waves, shattering records and eventually becoming the NCAA Division I all-time leading scorer with 3,951 points. Her success at Iowa laid the foundation for her career in the WNBA and significantly contributed to her personal brand, making her an appealing choice for major endorsements.

WNBA Contract: A Lucrative Start with the Indiana Fever

Caitlin Clark entered the WNBA as the first overall draft pick, signing with the Indiana Fever for a four-year contract worth $338,056. This deal is structured to increase annually, providing a steady base income and aligning with WNBA policies to ensure fair compensation for top draft picks. Below is the yearly breakdown of her contract earnings:

Endorsement Deals: Driving Caitlin Clark’s Financial Success

Clark’s marketability and public appeal have attracted major brands, each eager to work with one of women’s sports’ most recognized faces. Her largest endorsement to date is an eight-year, $28 million contract with Nike, including her own signature shoe line. This groundbreaking deal positions her among the most financially successful female athletes globally and exemplifies the increased corporate support for women’s sports.

In addition to Nike, Clark has endorsement deals with:

Gatorade: Clark appears in high-profile advertisements, highlighting her dedication and talent.

State Farm: As the first woman athlete signed by State Farm, she’s breaking new ground in sponsorships.

Wilson Sporting Goods: She developed her own product line, emphasizing her influence in sports merchandising.

Bose: Partnering with Bose enhances her reach in lifestyle branding, attracting fans beyond the basketball court.

These partnerships bring Clark’s projected endorsement earnings to around $3 million per year. Her strong brand associations underscore her popularity and position as a top athlete, a figure whose influence extends well beyond the basketball court.

Financial Impact of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) Agreements

The Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) rule, implemented in July 2021, has transformed college sports by allowing athletes to profit from their personal brands. Caitlin Clark was an early beneficiary of this policy, securing deals with major companies while still in college. Notably, her agreements with Nike, Gatorade, and State Farm were some of the highest-profile NIL deals, bringing her an estimated $3 million before her WNBA career even began. Her NIL agreements have solidified her as a trailblazer for college athletes and enhanced her financial standing early on.

Marketability: Social Media and Brand Appeal

A vital factor in Caitlin Clark’s high net worth is her marketability. She has over 3 million followers across Instagram and TikTok, platforms that amplify her reach, connect her to a young fan base, and make her an attractive choice for brands. Her social media presence enables her to engage authentically with fans, boosting her appeal and adding substantial value to her brand partnerships.

Her collaboration with Prada for the WNBA draft is another example of her influence, bridging the gap between sports and high fashion. As women’s sports gain momentum, Caitlin Clark’s marketability stands as a symbol of this growth, opening doors for future athletes.

Conclusion

Caitlin Clark’s journey from a high school star to a WNBA leader reflects not only her athletic prowess but also her strategic approach to branding and endorsements. With an estimated net worth of $3.8 million to $4 million in 2024, Clark stands as a powerful figure in sports. Her innovative approach to NIL agreements, lucrative endorsements, and brand appeal make her one of the most marketable athletes of her generation, marking a new era in women’s sports. As Caitlin Clark’s career unfolds, her financial and personal achievements will undoubtedly inspire a new wave of athletes looking to redefine success both on and off the court.

[lboogie1906]

Kahleah Copper (August 28, 1994) is a basketball player for the Phoenix Mercury of the Women’s National Basketball Association. She was drafted with the seventh overall pick by the Washington Mystics in 2016, and was traded to the Chicago Sky the next year.

After three years as a bench player with the Sky, she was elevated to a starting role in 2020. She emerged as a star player in 2021, being named a WNBA All-Star for the first time. She led the Chicago Sky during the 2021 playoffs, being named WNBA Finals MVP as the team won their first title in franchise history.

She is a native of North Philadelphia. She attended and played for the Preparatory Charter High School in Philadelphia. She was named to the All-Public League team in Philadelphia, the All-State team in Pennsylvania, and the McDonald’s All-American team. She played for the Rutgers Scarlet Knights women’s basketball team in college from 2012 to 2016, finishing her college career with the third-most points all-time in team history (1,872).

In the 2021–2022 season, she played for Perfumerias Avenida in the Spanish League and the Euroleague. She was named the MVP of both leagues.

She was named to the USA international team ahead of the 2022 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup. The team went undefeated in the tournament and won the gold medal. She was invited to the Team USA camp in early 2023, as part of evaluations for the upcoming 2024 Summer Olympics. She won an Olympic Gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris.

Between the 2020 and 2021 WNBA seasons, she worked as an assistant coach for Purdue University Northwest’s women’s basketball team. #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence

[just4noth3r4ccount]

Oh no serà passive Paige, ella quiere ir a la WNBA y para eso necesita hacer relucir su fuerte

UConn tiene un equipo muy fuerte pese a las bajas de Edwards y Mühl, le sumas la vuelta de lesiones (me muero por volver a ver a Azzi) y apuntan como siempre muy fuerte al campeonato aunque no hay que infravalorar a otros equipazos

Paige aspira al top pick del draft, la lesión es cosa del pasado y sabe lo que hay que hacer. Pero sí, una camiseta o un mensaje previo a veces pueden rebotar...

Ej. And this is competitive (RIP Sam Kerr 16 Mayo 2021)

Claro, si quiere ganar ese nacional como dice esta es su última oportunidad y tiene que sacar todo lo que sabe. Igual el equipo que tiene para esta temporada es muy bueno si todas consiguen estar saludables, de lo poco que vi de Sarah S. en la AmeriCup me gustó.

Quedaron cerca de ganarlo en 2022 pero jugaron muy pasivas, igual por eso tiene tanto equipo ofensivo este año UConn, por si una no tiene su partido tiene otras opciones en banca.

Si esa playera con ese mensaje puede ser contraproducente a futuro, ojalá me cierre la boca con un anillo este año😅

El tuit de Sam fue de super motivación para el Barça, creo que Leila lo imprimió y pegó en el vestuario el día de la final contra el Chelsea 😭

[crowdvscritic]

round up // APRIL 24

Big ensembles, the queens of pop, rocky romances, and love-it-or-hate-it pop culture artifacts—they’re all here.

We're on the eve of summer blockbuster season, but we’ve already seen several strong releases, including one below I wouldn’t be surprised if I’m still thinking about in December. Keep scrolling through this Round Up for the top comedies, classics, and action thrillers I experienced April in the order I experienced them...

April Crowd-Pleasers

1. Monkey Man (2024)

Part John Wick, part Rocky, and part something all its own, Dev Patel’s feature directorial debut is a brutal revenge thriller action fans will love. Watch my full review for KMOV.  Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 7/10

2. SNL Round Up

Just last month I was low-key mourning an underwhelming season of Saturday Night Live, but then Kristen Wiig and Ryan Gosling came to revive my hopes with two of the best episodes in awhile. Start with “Beavis and Butt-Head” or just cue up both episodes and watch start-to-finish.

“Five-Timers Monologue” (4916 with Kristen Wiig) 

“Jumanji” (4916)

“Weekend Update: Aunt Linda on the Latest Hit Movies” (4916)

“La Maison Du Bang!” (4916)

“Monologue” (4917 with Ryan Gosling)

“The Engagement” (4917)

“Weekend Update: Resident Boyfriend Michael Longfellow on Weaponized Incompetence” (4917)

“Weekend Update: Caitlin Clark on the WNBA Draft” (4917)

“Beavis and Butt-Head” (4917)

“Erin Brockovich” (4917)

“Doctor” (4917)

“Papyrus 2” (4917)

3. Upgraded (2024)

This update of Working Girl set in the art world is, to put it bluntly, just super cute. Camila Mendes has the star power to lead movies bigger than Prime originals (including the winning charisma needed for the best rom-coms), and we could use Marisa Tomei in more of everything. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 6.5/10

4. The Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare (2024)

It’s not every day I get to mention The Guns of Navarone in a review. This movie is selling itself to you (and your dad) as an opportunity to watch Superman and Jack Reacher kill a bunch of Nazis, and with Guy Ritchie directing, this action-adventure is plenty fun. Read my full review at ZekeFilm. Crowd: 9/10 // Critic: 7.5/10

5. Brooklyn Nine-Nine (2013-21)

Thanks to Southwest Airlines, I've seen a smattering of the eight seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine, but with the first four seasons now on Netflix, April became the month to watch it all the way through. Like Mike Schur’s other sitcoms (The Good Place, The Office, Parks and Recreation), the joke rate is exceptionally high and the characters are lovable and idiosyncratic. If a sitcom filled with Halloween heists, umpteen references to Die Hard, and the silliest possible cases for police offers sounds like your jam, you won’t be disappointed, either. 

MORE APRIL CROWD-PLEASERS: If you can roll with the half-developed plotting (and a few cruder-than-necessary moments) in the stylish Lisa Frankenstein (2024), this ‘80s-set homage to Heathers is a lot of fun. // When I tried to watch High Fidelity (2000) as a teenager, I quit about 30 minutes in because John Cusack’s man-child protagonist was so unlikeable. I’m glad I gave it another chance as an adult so I could realize that’s the point. // Jake Johnson’s feature directorial debut Self Reliance (2023) is successful as both a comedy and a thriller. // How to Marry Keanu Reeves in 90 Days by K.M. Jackson (2021) is a frothy BFFs-to-true-loves rom-com filled with celebrity cameos. // Smokey and the Bandit (1977) is way more fun than a movie about greedy lawbreakers should be.

April Critic Picks

1. The Lost Weekend (1945)

The Best Picture Project continues with Billy Wilder’s first bout of Oscar glory. Read my Crowd and Critic reviews (or just keep scrolling to the previous post if you’re on the home page.) Crowd: 7/10 // Critic: 9/10

2. Cowboy Carter by Beyoncé (2024)

The problem of writing about Beyoncé is it’s boring to just keep finding new ways to say, “She’s really good at this!” I could write about the sincerity the coming-of-age heartbreak in “16 CARRIAGES,” the epic nature of the bookends “AMERICAN REQUIEM” and “AMEN,” the innovation on “JOLENE” and “BLACKBIIRD,” and the absolute banger that is “YA YA.” (The only real surprise is I’ve found a second Post Malone song I like.) Because I’m a film critic and not a music critic (or much of a country fan), I recommend checking out the Los Angeles Times review for more context on how this fits into her canon and the history of country music.

3. The Heartbreak Kid (1972)

Why is this rom-com from Elaine May so hard to find? Because my local library is awesome, I’ve now finally seen Charles Grodin get married and then think he may have met the real love of his life (Cybill Shepherd) on his honeymoon. More than five decades later, May’s hilarious and cringey film still has plenty of insight into men’s and women’s relationships (and sunburns), and (minor spoiler alert) its ending is a perfect companion to The Graduate. Crowd: 8.5/10 // Critic: 9.5/10

4. Civil War (2024) 

I saw someone on Letterboxd call this movie a Rorschach test, and boy, oh boy, that’s an undersell. Civil War is brilliant not because of the political statements it’s making if for no other reason than it makes very few of them. This photojournalist road trip is about the impossibility of complete objectivity, but more than that, it’s about the destructive nature of hostile disagreement. An alliance between California and Texas is writer/director Alex Garland deliberately telling us not to get hung up in our moment’s political issues—if we are so convinced of our own self-righteousness, we’ll lose everything we claim to be fighting for. The Jesse Plemons performance is my premature pick for Best Scene of 2024. Crowd: 8/10 // Critic: 9/10

5. The Tortured Poets Department by Taylor Swift (2024)

The prophet has come down from the mountain. Somewhere in my third listen, The Tortured Poets Department snuck up on me. I thought this would be another evermore: worthy of mad respect, but too lugubrious to be a frequent relisten outside of “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.” While that tragic bop is the current contender for the top spot in this year's Spotify 100, “The Tortured Poets Department,” “Clara Bow,” “Fortnight” (now only the third Post Malone song I’ve ever liked), and “My Boy Only Breaks His Favorite Toys” will also certainly be in my annual playlist—and that’s just Side A! On Side B, the Daedalian lyrics of “The Black Dog,” “imgonnagetyouback,” “So High School,” “I Hate It Here,” and “I Look in People’s Windows” elevate their sad stories into awe-inspiring strings of words. Whom she and her collaborators are writing about is beside the point; even at billionaire status, Swift’s heartbreak, regret, hope, and indignation are as relatable as ever, sp she can write about high school as long as she likes. Because I’m a film critic and not a music critic, I recommend checking out Variety’s review for more thoughtful (and perhaps more objective) prose about this collection of poetry.

MORE APRIL CRITIC PICKS: Unfaithfully Yours (1948) is an early entry in the Symphony Conductors Dealing With Marital Issues Cinematic Universe that paved the way for Tár and Maestro. // Frank Capra’s semi-forgotten early feature Platinum Blonde (1931) fits right in his legacy of class-conscious rom-coms. // The spectacle of Cleopatra (1963) still dazzles even now.

Also in April…

I checked out the new time travel romance on Hulu, The Greatest Hits, which definitely took inspiration from High Fidelity. Read my full review for Zekefilm.

Photo credits: Beyoncé. All others IMDb.com.

[garudabluffs]

What’s next for women’s basketball after this year’s March Madness April 10,2024

Millions of people have watched the NCAA women’s basketball tournament over the past few weeks, and the last three rounds of the tournament have sold out and set viewership records, especially games involving the Iowa Hawkeyes and their star point guard Caitlin Clark.

Iowa faced off against the South Carolina Gamecocks on Sunday, and South Carolina pulled ahead in the second half to win it all, 87-75.

We talk about how the women’s March Madness tournament got so big this year and the role Clark and other star players like Angel Reese of LSU played in turning out an unprecedented audience. What’s next for women’s basketball at the collegiate and professional levels after this year’s burst of enthusiasm and viewership?

GUESTS

Kavitha Davidson

sports writer and co-author, “Loving Sports When They Don't Love You Back: Dilemmas of the Modern Fan"

Lindsey Darvin, PhD

Assistant Professor of Sport Management, Syracuse University

LISTEN 46:22 https://the1a.org/segments/whats-next-for-womens-basketball-after-this-years-march-madness/

Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are headed to the WNBA. Are they also destined for a pay cut? April 4, 2024

" Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese have both decided to forgo their final year of college eligibility and enter the WNBA Draft, though there aren’t multimillion dollar WNBA rookie contracts awaiting them.

Clark, Iowa’s record-setting guard, is expected to be the No. 1 pick by the Indiana Fever, and rival from LSU should be selected later in the first round. The base salary for the first pick in the WNBA draft is $76,000, unlike the millions in rookie contracts for their NBA brethren.

Clark and Reese became millionaires during their college careers, and despite the WNBA salary range, going pro doesn’t doesn’t mean the collegiate standouts will take a dramatic pay cut — or any pay cut for that matter.

The pair had the top two name, image and likeness (NIL) valuations for women’s basketball players and those deals are expected to carry over into their pro careers."

READ MORE Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese are headed to the WNBA. Are they also destined for a pay cut? | AP News

Starting with USC’s JuJu Watkins, women’s college hoops remains in good hands APRIL 10,2024

The NCAA didn’t improve accommodations or extend March Madness branding for the women’s tournament until glaring discrepancies were uncovered in August 2021.

Now the women are kicking the men’s ass in popularity and TV ratings. 

Guys still won at the bank ($873 million to $6.5 million in TV rights), but the NCAA knows it must sweeten the deal for women’s teams. Unlike their counterparts in the men’s tournament, women’s teams get nothing, a shameful arrangement. “You look at what the 68 (men’s) teams are going to divide up, I think I saw $170 million between the 68 teams,” South Carolina coach Dawn Staley said Saturday during a news conference. “When you start bringing in revenue like that, it will move your campus in a different direction when it comes to women. So we’ve got to fight for that.”

"They certainly don’t have to fight for attention anymore. "

READ MORE Starting with USC’s JuJu Watkins, women’s college hoops remains in good hands (msn.com)

[aggold15hi01]

A highlight from Allisha's glittering career in 2023: How she had became an all star for the very first time in her WNBA.

To Dallas Wings: You need to do better & stop with "Get and hog all the draft picks-waive rookie/ draft pick player-add more rookies and draft pick players-waive- repeat this type of vicious; abusive and exhausting" type of vicious cycle you have. ✋ 🙅🏽‍♀️

Plus since Allisha had been feeling hurt from how you not only not prioritize Allisha as a franchise player for the Dallas Wings but what is worse is that you let Vicky Johnson get away with coaching for two years as a 'Former' head coach after she said something ill-fated and hurtful about how Lish didn't play well defensively and yet having to say she plays poorly during the game on Las Vegas Aces vs Dallas Wings back in June 2021 additionally having to prioritize a player who shown nothing but very bad and unacceptable behaviors which I "Highly" considered to be childish; immature and impractically awfully and truthfully unacceptable about how she had slammed the ball on the third game on Wings vs Aces back in 2021 followed by the slam on a half full water bottle to create a wet and a slippery surface on the basketball court additionally to add the insult into the wound; Arike did also kick a panel board on the sideline after a failed free throw shot plus **kicking the basketball into a stand in addition to not knowing there may be countless fans sitting at the area where sadly *she (*Arike) kicked the ball into that particular stand followed by an immediate ejection on a home game vs Seattle Storm(?). (**I don't know as I couldn't re call the game dejectedly)

And honestly, I do really think Allisha Gray deserves better in the Dallas Wings but too little too late unfortunately.

Plus I love the reunion between Satou and Lish in the 'All star' skill game where she had to play with Cheyenne and Satou have to play with Arike. (Again, I have nothing against either Cheyenne Parker or Arike but still . . . no 'true' offense to everybody in general but I am neither a 'huge' fan of Cheyenne Parker nor I am a fan of Arike as I do find her behavior extremely questionable and in some cases; truthfully and impractically childish and unacceptable: so 'No 'true' offense to any Arike fans out there but I didn't like Arike at all as she is one of my least favorite player in my very own opinion; sorry.)

Again, no "True" offense to everybody who is reading this post especially if you a "Die hard" Dallas Wings fan; Atlanta Dream fan or perhaps a fan whom you support Lish from her University of South Carolina days; sorry.

Also sorry again if the images are pretty blurry. (There is nothing I can do about that so sorry about that though.)

⚠️ Disclaimer: I don't own the images and none of them are mine. Also captions are entirely based and reflected on my own personal point views.

📷 Credits goes to YT, WNBA and Atlanta Dream (Via YT) for all of the respective images on Allisha's first time experience as an all star player in her WNBA Career.

[fiercynn]

Heading into the WNBA Draft, one general manager called Angel Reese “an enigma.” Regardless of her extensive college resume — national champion, three-time All-American, SEC player of the year — questions still existed about her fit in the WNBA. The Chicago Sky had no such uncertainty. The Sky telegraphed their intentions to select the LSU star more than 24 hours before the draft with a massive trade that compromised their future but allowed them to select the player they wanted at No. 7. As Chicago fully commits to its post-2021 title rebuild, Reese will be at the center of that process. “We are absolutely thrilled we were able to get Angel at seventh overall,” Sky general manager Jeff Pagliocca said in a press release. “That was our hope. We have another incredibly competitive player in Chicago who fits our identity and culture of the city. She is a relentless rebounder, she is a national champion and an SEC Player of the Year and we cannot wait to see her here in Chi Town.”

[dnaamericaapp]

Georgetown Women's Basketball Coach Tasha Butts Dies At 41 Two Years After Breast Cancer Diagnosis

Georgetown women’s basketball coach Tasha Butts, who was diagnosed with advanced stage breast cancer in 2021, died Monday, the school’s athletic director said.

She was 41 years old.

Butts stepped away from coaching Georgetown last month. Her diagnosis inspired the Tasha Tough campaign, which has brought awareness and raised money to bring quality care to women who can’t afford it through the Kay Yow Cancer Fund.

“I am heartbroken for Tasha’s family, friends, players, teammates and colleagues,” said Georgetown athletic director Lee Reed. “When I met Tasha, I knew she was a winner on the court, and an incredible person whose drive, passion and determination was second to none. She exhibited these qualities both as a leader and in her fight against breast cancer. This is a difficult time for the entire Georgetown community, and we will come together to honor her memory.”

She came to Georgetown from Georgia Tech this past April after a long coaching and professional WNBA career. She joined the Georgia Tech women’s basketball staff as an assistant coach in April 2019, and was promoted to associate head coach two years later. While at Georgia Tech in 2021, Butts announced she had been diagnosed with advanced stage metastatic breast cancer.

“Tasha’s passing is a devastating loss. She was extraordinary,” Georgetown president John J. DeGioia said. “Tasha was a person of character, determination, vision, and kindness. She will be deeply missed by our community and by so many people around the country who have been inspired by her life.”

She had a brief career in the WNBA after getting chosen 20th by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2004 draft. She played for Minnesota, Charlotte and Houston.

She is survived by her parents, Spencer Sr. and Evelyn, her brother, Spencer Jr., and her nephew, Marquis. -(source: ap)

DNA America

“It’s what we know, not what you want us to believe.”

#dna #dnaamerica #news #politics

[prettyhennytea]

In the world of women's basketball, there are few individuals who have made as significant an impact as Adia Barnes. As the head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team, Barnes has not only led her team to new heights but has also become a role model for aspiring athletes everywhere. Let's take a look at her inspiring journey from her childhood years to her remarkable career in the league.

Childhood Years and High School:

Adia Barnes was born on February 3, 1977, in San Diego, California. Growing up in a sports-loving family, she developed a passion for basketball at an early age. Her father played college football at Fresno State University and instilled in her a strong work ethic and determination. Barnes attended Mission by High School where she excelled both academically and athletically. She quickly became known for her exceptional skills on the basketball court and was named California Player of the Year during her senior year. Her outstanding performance caught the attention of college recruiters across the nation.

Entering the League:

After completing high school, Adia Barnes received numerous scholarship offers from top-tier universities but ultimately chose to attend the University of Arizona. During her time as a Wildcat from 1995 to 1998, she left an indelible mark on both the program and women's college basketball as a whole.

Barnes' collegiate career was nothing short of extraordinary. She became one of Arizona's all-time leading scorers with over 2,000 points throughout four seasons while also setting records for rebounds and steals. Her exceptional talent earned her multiple accolades including All-Pac-10 honors and recognition as an All-American player.

Career in the League

Following an illustrious college career, Adia Barnes set out to make waves at professional level by entering the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA) draft in 1998. She was selected as the second overall pick by the Sacramento Monarchs, marking a significant milestone in her career.

During her time in the WNBA, Barnes played for several teams including the Seattle Storm, Cleveland Rockers, and Minnesota Lynx. Although she faced challenges along the way, she remained resilient and continued to showcase her skills on both ends of the court. Her tenacity and determination made her a respected figure among her peers.

Transitioning to Coaching

After retiring from professional basketball in 2004, Adia Barnes decided to channel her passion for the game into coaching. She began honing her coaching skills as an assistant coach at various universities before returning to Arizona as an associate head coach under Niya Butts.

In 2016, Barnes took on one of her most significant roles yet when she was named head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team. Under her leadership, the program experienced a remarkable resurgence. In just a few years, Barnes transformed Arizona into a formidable force within their conference and led them to their first-ever NCAA Tournament Final Four appearance in 2021.

Adia Barnes' journey from childhood dreams to becoming an influential figure in women's basketball is nothing short of inspiring. From excelling on high school courts to leaving an indelible mark at college level and making waves in professional leagues, she has consistently demonstrated resilience and dedication throughout every stage of her career.

As head coach of the University of Arizona Wildcats women's basketball team today, Adia Barnes continues to inspire young athletes with not only her coaching prowess but also with unwavering determination that anything is possible with hard work and perseverance. Her impact extends far beyond wins and losses, it serves as a testament that barriers can be broken down through passion and commitment.