Ally on the WNBA: "So far so good"

The following is an article written by Allison Hightower:

So far my transition from college to the WNBA has been a fun and different experience. I most definitely have enjoyed every part of it.

I have to say one of the biggest differences between playing basketball in college and the WNBA is the speed of the game. It's definitely a faster pace than it is from college, because in college you have a 30-second shot clock and now you have a 24-second shot clock.

We run the ball way more in the WNBA, and we also take quicker shots. In college you have all the time in the world to be patient and run your offense as many times as you may need to. I like the up tempo style of the WNBA because to me it's fun!

Of course, when you enter the next level everybody is just as good as, or even better than you are. Players are quick, strong, tough, and have an overall passion about the game that makes you love every minute of it.

Coming from LSU I had the privilege to play for ex-WNBA coach and four-time WNBA champion of the Houston Comets Van Chancellor. He is a great coach who bought his knowledge and competitiveness to LSU. He taught me a lot, and prepared me for the next level. He also told me some very important keys about making it in the WNBA because everybody in the league is so talented, and you have to make sure that you stay on top of your game at all times if you want to be successful. I was very lucky to have him as a coach because he has helped me get to this point of making my very first WNBA roster!

So far everything has been good. The transition was something I really thought I would struggle with, but with the help of my teammates and coaches, I am getting adjusted very well.

Connecticut is a great place to be, especially if you love women's basketball. I am truly blessed to be able to live my dream of playing professional basketball in the WNBA.

Hopefully, I'll be able to play as long as the Good Lord lets me. Until next time, go Sun!!!

Courtesy TheDay.com

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Filed under  //  WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Seimone talks about her latest injury, rehab and timetable for returning

Check out this lengthy video for some great inside information on Seimone's recovery and her thoughts on her rehab and her return to the WNBA.

http://wcco.com/video/?id=79565

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Filed under  //  Seimone Augustus   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Lady Tigers in the WNBA Weekly Update -- May 24, 2010

Every Monday, we will take a look at what former Lady Tigers did the past week in the WNBA.

Sylvia Fowles, Center
Chicago Sky

Sylvia Fowles is off to a hot start to the WNBA season. Even though her Chicago Sky are 0-4 to start the year, Fowles ranks eighth in the league in points per game (17.8), 10th in field goal percentage (.591) and seventh in rebounds per contest (9.0). Fowles posted a double-double with 22 points and 12 boards against Indiana on Saturday.

Last Week:
May 22 vs. Indiana (L, 69-82)  22 pts, 12 reb, 3 blk, 8-of-11 FG, 6-of-7 FT, 38 min.
May 23 at Indiana (L, 61-69)   10 pts, 9 reb., 1 blk, 2-of-4 FG, 6-of-6 FT, 30 min.

This Week:
Thursday, May 27 vs. Seattle
Saturday, May 29 at Minnesota

Allison Hightower, Guard
Connecticut Sun

Hightower, the newest LSU graduate, saw 10 minutes of action at Atlanta on Friday night. She came off the bench again on Sunday and scored a season-high seven points with two boards.

Last Week:
May 21 at Atlanta (L, 82-97)  2 pts, 2 reb, 2 steals, 0-of-3 FG, 2-of-2 FT, 10 min
May 23 vs. Washington (W, 80-65)  7 pts, 2 reb, 2-of-5 FG, 3-of-4 FT, 14 min

This Week:
Thursday, May 27 vs. Minnesota, 6:30 p.m. CT
Sunday, May 30 at Washington, 3 p.m. CT
 
Temeka Johnson, Point Guard
Phoenix Mercury

Johnson turned in a solid all-around game with 15 points, five assists and one steal as the defending champion Phoenix Mercury dropped its first game of the season by a score of 95-89. The Mercury will be on national television Tuesday night when they play at inaugural season member Tulsa at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2.

Last Week:
May 22 vs. Seattle (L, 89-95)  15 pts, 5 asst, 1 steal, 1 blk, 4 reb, 5-of-11 FG, 3-of-6 3FG, 2-of-2 FT, 30 min

This Week:

Tuesday, May 25 at Tulsa, 6 p.m. CT on ESPN2
Friday, May 28 vs. Atlanta, 9 p.m. CT

Scholanda Robinson, Guard
Tulsa Shock

Robinson posted back-to-back double-digit games with 10 points and 12 points, respectively, last week against San Antonio and Minnesota.

Last Week:
May 20 vs. San Antonio (L, 74-83)  10 pts, 1 reb, 3 asst, 2 stl, 4-of-8 FG, 1-of-2 3FG, 1-of-2 FT, 26 min
May 23 at Minnesota (W, 94-82)  12 pts, 3 reb, 1 asst, 1 stl, 2 blk, 4-of-12 FG, 4-of-5 FT, 21 min

This Week:
Tuesday, May 25 vs. Phoenix, 6 p.m. CT ESPN2
Saturday, May 29 vs. Indiana, 7 p.m.

Posted by Bill Martin  

Ashley receives her Masters in Business Administration

Tonight Ashley Thomas received her Masters Degree in Business Administration.  It was fitting that Ashley walk across the stage in the Pete Maravich Assembly Center where she helped guide the Lady Tigers to four consecutive Final Fours and grab two SEC Championships as a three-year captain.  Ashley is what being a Lady Tiger is all about.  She gives her maximum best in ever phase of her life which is why she has been so successful on the court and in the classroom.  In true fashion, Ashley closed out her academic career at LSU by taking five course and 13 hours of graduate classes and all A's and a 4.0 grade point average.  Of course things will not slow down for Ashley who already has a new job in Virginia and will be getting married in June.

Filed under  //  Alumni  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Lady Tiger newcomer prepares for USA Basketball experience

When Shanece McKinney unfurls her 6-foot-4 frame and trots onto the basketball court, everybody notices.

Yet, the LSU signee — and soon-to-be LeFlore graduate — has never grown accustomed to her leading role in the hoops hierarchy. She has consistently voiced surprise, even shock, over the last two seasons at being selected as the Press-Register player of the year.

She was all smiles, and bashful about hobnobbing with the state’s best, at the Miss Basketball banquet earlier this spring when she finished fifth in voting for the statewide award.

So when a letter addressed to her from USA Basketball arrived recently, she didn’t expect much when she ripped it open.

To hear her tell it, her jaw dropped to the floor cartoon-style as she read she had been invited to the under-18 national team tryouts in Colorado Springs, Colo.

“I read it and I said, ‘I think they’re kidding,’” McKinney said. “I was shocked.” 

She shouldn’t be.

McKinney emerged from the high school and AAU ranks as one of the most sought-after recruits in the country, thanks in large part to her 6-foot-4 frame and calm demeanor on the court. And it doesn’t hurt that she oozes humility.

She may not have the killer instinct of Baylor’s Brittney Griner, but McKinney possesses a quiet confidence that played a huge role in the Rattlers’ back-to-back appearances in the AHSAA state semifinals.

McKinney said she’s not heading to Colorado Springs expecting to secure a national team spot, not when 30 or so invitees will work for a dozen or so slots. In reality, she’s probably fighting for one of two or three spots at center.

“I’m not going up there thinking I’ve got this,” she said. “I’m going to do my best.”

From By Josh Bean of AL.com.  Read the entire article at:  http://bit.ly/bbVUxn

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Filed under  //  Team USA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Lady Tiger managers and their graduation thoughts

Today the LSU Lady Tiger basketball program had three of our managers to graduate.  Here are some thoughts that they shared:

Jerriel Bazile:  "I have enjoyed my time here at LSU and have built many lifelong relationships.  I can proudly say that I am a Lady Tiger fan for Life!"

 Ali Laughlin: "Thanks to everyone for making my last 4 years truly amazing!  I will never forget the people I have met or the experiences I have had, and can’t wait for what the future holds!

Ebonie Mathews: "I want to thank the LSU Lady Tiger Staff for granting me the opportunity to be a part of such a great program.  I have gained so much knowledge, life lessons, and built many relationships that will last me a lifetime.  I am truly blessed to have done it all 'The Lady Tiger Way'!"

Filed under  //  Alumni  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Allison Hightower To Conclude Remarkable LSU Career As A Graduate

It has been a banner year and career for Allison Hightower. From State Farm and Lowe’s Senior CLASS All-American to earning a spot on the Connecticut Sun’s WNBA roster, the Arlington, Texas, native has achieved nearly everything possible during her time at LSU.

On Friday, she will add another achievement to the list – LSU graduate. Hightower has earned her degree in Arts and Sciences and she is one of 36 student-athletes who are receiving their undergraduate degrees.

Hightower will not be able to participate in the commencement ceremony because she is currently with the Sun who play at the Atlanta Dream on Friday night. Hightower made the Sun’s roster as a rookie after being selected with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft.

“First of all, it speaks volumes about Allison Hightower and what she has achieved during her time at LSU,” said LSU head coach Van Chancellor. “She’s been an All-SEC player, an All-American and she is still going to graduate. She’s a great person away from basketball as well. It speaks well for the LSU program too. We are about educating our players, helping them reach their goals academically as well as winning on the floor. I am very proud of Allison.”

Hightower was LSU’s most valuable player the past two seasons, leading the Lady Tigers to back-to-back NCAA tournament second round appearances. She was a member of Final Four teams as a freshman and sophomore and she won 101 games during her career. She finished as the 13th all-time leading scorer in LSU history with 1,509 points.

Ashley Thomas, a member of four NCAA Final Four teams from 2005-08, is receiving her Master’s degree in business administration. Thomas started 92 games during her career and was a four-time Academic All-Southeastern Conference selection. She served as a graduate assistant on the 2009-10 Lady Tiger team.

Hightower continues an LSU women’s basketball legacy that has seen the program graduate its most prominent WNBA stars. Seimone Augustus, Temeka Johnson, Marie Ferdinand, Quianna and Elaine Powell have all walked away from LSU with academic degrees. Sylvia Fowles and Erica White most recently earned their degrees in May 2009. 

Posted by Bill Martin  

Big Syl eager to get through WNBA season injury-free

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Amos Morale of the Times-Picayune catches up with Big Syl as she enters another WNBA season:

Syliva Fowles is downright giddy about this upcoming WNBA season.

Fowles, the Chicago Sky's 6-foot-6 center and a former LSU All-American, finally feels healthy.

"Knock on wood, I hope to stay this way the whole season, " Fowles said.

After a knee injury ended her rookie season and an ankle injury derailed her second year, Fowles said she's pain-free and ready for the WNBA season, which begins today.

Despite her playfulness off the court, Fowles said this season she wants to be more of a force on offense. She has averaged 10.9 points and 7.7 rebounds with Chicago.

"I've always been known to be effective on defense but not necessarily as much on offense, " Fowles said. "So (I'm) just trying to be aggressive more around the rim and get more touches."

Like most WNBA players, Fowles spend her offseason playing overseas, for Spartak Moscow in Russia. She's had an opportunity to hone her game there and has had no complaints about spending half the year in a foreign country -- except one: "The winters there (stink). Being from Florida, it was kind of hard, but other than that, it was pretty good."

Fowles said the style of play in Russia allows for more aggressiveness, which she has to adjust to back in America. The lane also is wider in the Russian league, and three-second violations are rarer.

Fowles said the biggest adjustment is getting back into the routine of the WNBA. She had more leisure time overseas, but her off-court obligations in the States rarely allow for such freedom.

"Being here, you never know what you might have to do, " Fowles said. "You might have a community service, or an appearance, to sit down and watch film, meetings and thing like that."

She said she was looking forward to building chemistry with the Sky. "Once they get me going, everything else is going to flow like butter, I guess, " Fowles said. "I don't really have any preparations. I just go out there and play to the best of my abilities and win."

Read the entire article: http://bit.ly/aIxycQ

Filed under  //  Media   Sylvia Fowles   WNBA  
Posted by Bob Starkey 

Six Former LSU Lady Tigers On 2010 WNBA Opening Day Rosters, Second Most In The SEC

Temeka_johnson_4

A total of six former LSU women’s basketball players are on 2010 WNBA Opening Day rosters, including Connecticut Sun rookie Allison Hightower, the league announced on Friday.

LSU’s six players represent the second most among teams in the Southeastern Conference, trailing only Tennessee who put 10 former players on rosters. Georgia is third with four representatives. Dating back to the league’s inception in 1997, LSU has produced 15 players on WNBA active rosters.

The WNBA begins its 14th season at 1 p.m. CT Saturday when the defending champion Phoenix Mercury host the Los Angeles Sparks on ESPN2.

Hightower, a 2010 State Farm Honorable Mention All-American, was drafted by the Sun with the 15th overall pick in the 2010 WNBA Draft. After a solid preseason camp, the former All-SEC performer found a spot on the roster. Hightower makes her official debut at 2:30 p.m. CT Saturday when Connecticut hosts the Chicago Sky.

Former two-time State Farm All-American center Sylvia Fowles begins her third season with the Chicago Sky after becoming a first-time All-Star in 2009. Fowles was a member of the All-Rookie and All-Defensive Team in 2008. In two seasons, she has averaged 10.9 points and 7.7 rebounds per game.

Last season, the 6-foot-6 center led the league in field goal percentage (.599) and ranked second in defensive rebounds per game with 5.7. Fowles is poised for another all-star season as one of the WNBA’s premier players.

Temeka Johnson seeks to defend her 2009 WNBA championship as a member of the Phoenix Mercury. Johnson resigned with the Mercury last month and begins her sixth season in the league.

The 2005 Lieberman Award winner as the nation’s top collegiate point guard, Johnson became the second former Lady Tiger to win a WNBA championship when the Mercury bested Indiana in the best-of-seven finals, 4-2.

“This is the most secure I’ve felt since being in the WNBA,” Johnson said. “We never know what will happen in the future, but this has felt like home since last year. I love my teammates, the ownership, the coaches, the staff, the fans, everyone.”

Johnson started all 11 of Phoenix’s playoff games, posting 7.5 points and 3.1 assists per contest. She owns WNBA averages of 7.9 points, 2.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 134 career games.

Scholanda Robinson signed a free agent contract with the Tulsa Shock, a franchise that begins its inaugural season on Saturday. Robinson is playing in her fifth WNBA season after four successful years with the Sacramento Monarchs. She has averaged 6.1 points and 1.3 boards in 130 career games. Robinson pulled down a career-best 1.6 rebounds last season in her final season with Sacramento.

Marie Ferdinand-Harris is the veteran of the former Lady Tigers in the league. Ferdinand opens her ninth WNBA season and her third with the Los Angeles Sparks. She has averaged in double-figures during her entire career with 10.4 points in 241 games. Ferdinand has reached the WNBA playoffs in each of the past three seasons.

Seimone Augustus, the two-time National Player of the Year at LSU, is on the opening day roster with the Minnesota Lynx for the fifth consecutive year since she was drafted No. 1 overall in 2006. Augustus will be sidelined for at least the first month of the season.

She underwent surgery in her abdomen to remove three non-cancerous fibroids. Augustus, a two-time All-Star, could return to the floor in June. In four years, she has posted a league-best 21.2 points per game even though her 2009 season was cut short due to a knee injury. 

Roneeka Hodges, who played for LSU from 2001-03 but finished her career at Florida State, was named to the San Antonio Silver Stars roster. Hodges is in her sixth WNBA season after stints in Houston and Minnesota.

2010 WNBA Lady Tigers On Opening Day Rosters
Seimone Augustus, Minnesota Lynx, Fifth Season
Marie Ferdinand-Harris, Los Angeles Sparks, Ninth Season
Sylvia Fowles, Chicago Sky, Center, Third Season
Allison Hightower, Connecticut Sun, Rookie Season 
Temeka Johnson, Phoenix Mercury, Sixth Season 
Scholanda Robinson, Tulsa Shock, Fifth Season

SEC Players on 2010 WNBA Opening Day Rosters

Tennessee 10
LSU 6
Georgia 4
Auburn 2
Alabama 1
Arkansas 1
Florida 1
Ole Miss 1
Mississippi State 1


 

Filed under  //  WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin  

Temeka Johnson Radio Interview

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Click on this link to hear a great interview by David Siegel of Dish n' Swish with Temeka Johnson talking about everything including LSU, Coach Gunter, Hurricane Katrina, the WNBA, the HOPE Foundation and much more.

Filed under  //  Media   WNBA  
Posted by Bill Martin